#I???? i have no words the fact that yiu even THOUGHt of making me a little gift amkes me so 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥WAAAAAAAAAAHHHHGHGHHGG

[daughterthethird]

Hey. Fuck you. Early Christmas present

I really wanted to try and draw eberwolf for you, I really tried but god. I could just Not draw him right- so here's an old classic lol :) tell me if you wanna vers without the sketch layer

Whuh

HUOAGOYUAGHOUAOHUVVXUOGSOUGVWVOJWUVHHOVSVHVUHSYUOVYVXVYIOVWHHOVUAOBHUBXBUXIHBBHBOABYOAYWIVIOWOVIHVOHWOHIBBHPSPHXBOJXIHWOUHBOAJHBJOHABOBGWGHIWVGYWVYFIACFYAVHGIAVIUGAVIHGSVOUGXVVJKGVSOHGVAOJHBOAOI(HWIHGVWUHOBOIHSHIHSGUOWVUHBSOJHSBOUGVSUIGVSUKGVUGI#UYIGYU2YUGUYWGUGIABOUYSVOUYVAOJHBA⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️⁉️

[year2000electronics]

just wanted to say i absolutely adore ad astra per aspera! do you have any tips or advice for writing stone and robotnik in character?

THANK YIU... tee bee eich a lot of my robotnik characterization comes from Projection SHDKSJDHA but i will try to give some insight into like. how I Personally write them

stone:

- he’s an admirer but NOT a pushover!! stone questions robotnik a lot whether that be nonverbally in his expressions or to his face like him commenting on his disdain for knuckles and saying that he thought he should check on robotnik first, he’s a lot more willing in general to put up with robotnik’s robotnik-isms and weird physical moments but he’s not frothing at the mouth going OHHH DOCTOR I LOVE IT WHEN YOU PIN ME TO THE WALL OOH. he sighs before he does it which to me reads as stone admiring robotnik’s intellect and capability and accepting his other parts as just Things That’ll Happen In Robotnik Land. he didn’t sign up for it but he’s not gonna let it get in the way

- i try to write his style of speaking as like. formal. to the point. he contrasts w robotnik a lot by being the frigid shorthand to robotnik’s bombardment of words. robotnik is a metaphor machine while stone prefers to get to the point i find. he’s robotnik’s Normal Man Translator which already makes his responses snappier but he tends to not skirt around words like robotnik does

- he operates on a similar level to robotnik, Relatively Speaking, as seen in the prequill and novelization he may be one of the only people who would follow robotnik’s order to just prepare for his return, he seems somewhat disdainful of people below him but doesn’t really express it to them in Words (ie letting his coworkers push him around in the prequel, trying to get info out of the guy in movie 1 with the somewhat defeated ‘did he say where he was going’, in movie 2 when he’s entertaining wades charades), but there are some parts of robotnik he doesn’t get (robotnik’s disregard for his own safety with the fingers in his mouth scene, the fact that he thinks ‘wow this guy seems stressed maybe if i make him a latte it’ll all be okay’) they’re similar but not The Same. if that makes sense

- very capable! (obviously) we see him take out an entire coffee shop and possibly even run it on his own, while also building robotnik’s lair, he manages to read robotnik’s manual in no time flat, he’s a very skilled guy but he rarely draws attention to it (though that’s not to say he isn’t prideful, you do see some of that pride in the prequill and the manual scene) he just doesn’t state his genius like robotnik does

- more willing to express his feelings than robotnik, he seems to show some level of restraint from totally gushing over him like we see in the robotnik entering the mean bean scene when he goes from First I Lol’ed but Then I Serious’d but he still loves making him his coffee and TAKE ME WITH YOU and he has like five or six different moments where he calls robotnik and his work brilliant extraordinary etc etc etc

robotnik:

- what i find a common mistake with robotnik is like. his walls come down Too Soon. to me it feels like he doesn’t keep them up because he wants to, it’s because it’s baked into him at this point. every time he expresses something genuine he seems to do it with difficulty or adding a snide remark at the end as his cushion (ie thanks... for nothing, him raising his voice during I LOVE THE WAY YOU MAKE THEM). he struggles with open positive communication because to compliment is, in itself, this DEEPLY vulnerable act that a lot of people tend to take for granted

- robotnik loves getting fancy with his words. the more words and the more unique the better, his vocabulary is rich with metaphors and similes and anecdotes. it’s never JUST “you’re dumb and i’m smart”, it’s “i bet you’re HELLA popular with the jebs and merles and billy bobs here, bet you go way back to the days of TIPPIN’ COWS and PLAYIN’ ON A JUG BAND!!” or “it says i’m the top banana in a world of hungry little monkeys”. robotnik is always searching for new and inventive ways to absolutely tear people to bits so get WEIRD with the metaphors

- this is a bit of a recent one since i noticed it’s more a movie-2-robotnik trait, but robotnik also has a habit of referring to people with kind of off-color nicknames? that are metaphors in itself (my little stalagmites for a cave encounter with sonic and tails, implying they’re in a cave and they’re prone to falling, my trusty barnacle to stone, implying he’s something that grows on and is Stuck To Robotnik, my massively metacarpaled friend to knuckles, officer brainfart for wade)

- in general robotnik’s style of speech is also very word-heavy not just in the metaphor sense but he’s always fighting for the most control he can possibly get in that interaction (as we see in his introductory i’m in charge scene) so he tends to run his mouth on and on and baffle whoever’s with him into silence, and he’ll interrupt them until they go quiet he’s very prone to interrupting

- other quirks include splicing robot things into his way of life (his little ‘zzt! zzzt!’ noises which do Return for movie 2. yay.) and seemingly having a father-son relationship with his badniks as he refers to himself as daddy and papa multiple times and calls them his babies (he will never hesitate to compliment unfeeling machines that can’t possibly respond... however if they fail him he holds back no mercy. see MOVE YOU HUNK OF JUNK!)

- spite. oh my god, spite. robotnik is prideful but he’s also spiteful. if there’s anything that touches a nerve (family, being well liked, etc), he is JEALOUS. and it shows by him getting angry or more hostile in his words (look at the happy little family, rub that in my orphan face). he makes a lot of stuff about his own personal trauma

- he uses a million words when one could work. he uses two words in place of one. he uses a thesaurus for everything. instead of going “i think this is an alien” he goes “no. what’s incredible is that i can’t find a match for it ANYWHERE. in EARTHS ANIMAL KINGDOM. this blackout was not a terrorist attack, and that’s no baby bigfoot.” he says “truculent space bumpkin” like NOTHING

- hes multilingual! knows some spanish and japanese

- another thing i see people often fall into the pitfall of is that they can write a very good Serious Angry Spiteful Robotnik but that’s only ONE of his two Modes. when robotnik’s not insulting people or making everything about him personally, he’s having FUN. robotnik is written incredibly campy and he likes to snark on situations giddily. (ie “ever wonder where your tax dollars are going?” , “thay was an illegal left, by the way!” “good one! i’m sure that wasn’t important!” he’s SILLY he’s GOOFY when he’s not being a bitch he’s being an ANNOYING bitch!! he did a funky spin!!!!

- he’s not dumb when it comes to his feelings for stone. he knows why he made that rock. he would just rather die than admit it. he’s so in denial that he’s managed to push that revelation to the pit of his soul. he likes having stone around and on some level he thinks stone is the smartest person on planet earth besides him, and will take him with him on evil plans, but he refuses to examine why and wants to just continue as they are as this weirdly personal boss assistant relationship

one last thing for the both of them i do not see ‘doctor’ and ‘stone’ (how they address eachother) as some derogatory thing they must eventually Graduate from. to me their relationship reads as something that only they could make professional names sound like pet names. like that’s just the way they are

[icarusthefoolish]

Okokokok so i saw that requests were open so weird thought time! Ok, so your username is icarus, so i bet you like Greek mythology. and so does techno! So, technos sibling reader, but make them adventurous like icarus! So when techno was trying to teach reader about greek mythology, reader got caught up on icarus. So techno took to calling them little icarus! this is basically just some sibling fluff writing idk. Feel free to ignore if you want! also go to sleep! -🍄

First actual request damn also no i will not go to sleep i have to write this now.

Mushroom ahhhh this made my night honest to fucking god! I love love love the idea and I'm literally starting this right now you can't stop me!

Technoblade x Sibling reader

My little Icarus

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

Ever since you had been a little child you had always clung onto Techno the most out of any of your bothers. No one could really explain why but you just did. He wasn't too happy about it at first saying that you clinging onto him was Anoying even if he in actuality found it very endearing.

And so because you stuck by Techno most of the time you took on a lot of his likes, you loved reading since he used to always read to you when you were younger. But if there was one thing you enjoyed more then reading then that was Techno telling you about greek mythology. You found it interesting how the gods would fight or how Zeus never seemed to be able to stay away from Human girls. But the myth that drew you in the most had to have been the Myth about Icarus and Daedalus.

You could probably tell the tail without even having to look at the actual myth because you had forced Techno to tell it to you again and again, you just thought that Icarus was like you. Or more the other way around, you were just as adventurous and foolish as Icarus if not even more and so at some point Techno just started calling you Little Icarus. You didn't mind it in fact you actually quite liked it.

Him calling you by that Nickname made you feel as if you were Icarus himself even if that wasn't actually the case. So once yiu were finally able to visit Phil and Techno again you were happy, you not only got to see your father again but also your Brother and seeing your bother meant that you could get him to tell you the Myth of Icarus again.

And that is exactly what you did, in the early hours of the evening you sat down next to Techno who had his nose in a Book. "Tech? I have a question..." He let out a low rumble not lifting his eyes from the Book, "would you maybe tell me the Story of Icarus and Daedalus again?" The Piglin hybrid looked over to you before letting out a quiet scoff. "And here i thought that maybe just maybe you had gotten over you Obsession with that myth" he chuckled and shook his head before putting a bookmark into his book and laying it onto the table "Sometimes i think you actually live of of that myth Little Icarus."

You let out a quiet chuckle before sinking further into the couch looking at him "Well? Will you?" He rolled his eyes "how are you not bored of the Myth by now? But fine I'll tell it again, but only because you always were my favorite sibling." He patted the seat next to him and waited for you to sit down before clearing his throat and beginning the myth you were all to familiar with, you mouthed the words he spoke while listening but before long you grew tired and leaned against him still listening to him.

You didn't even notice that you fell asleep, Techno only noticed after he asked you what the moral of the story was, you usually gave the same answer every time so when no answer came he looked over to see you peacefully asleep. He carefully stood up before picking you up and carrying you up to your room, were he ticked you in. On his way outside he stopped at the door and looked back "Good night my little Icarus... sleep tight" he smiled one last time before shutting the door and leaving the room completely dark.

A/N: This is definitely one of my shorter oneshots but that's probably because im tired and because I've been stuck in a Writers block for a while. I Still hope this is what you wanted 🍄 anon, thank you very much for the request it was a lot of fun to work on!

[witchofinterest]

It’s my birthday! well, i’m making this post in advance, but i’m gonna post it on my birthday! i haven’t liked my birthday in years, but i love you all, so let’s talk about it!!! okays, it’s today! god, i love you all so much, and you’ve all given me a real sense of belonging and i wanna say thank you again! and if i somehow missed you, know i love you too, i just have a bad memory.

@foxesandmagic hey birthday twin!! yiu have lovely and you are so so nice i love any chance to converse with you!

@twinmasks you were the first person i was really friends with on here, and a big part of me feeling welcome in the community and i think you should know that! also, you are just so cool and talented, and i am always in awe of everything you say and make!

@nolanhollogay water sign besties! i adore you, it feels like we’ve been friends for 20 years allready! i hope we are friends for a lot longer, also you are one of the best people i know, and i want you to know that!!!!

@luucypevensie grace you are the sweetest girl ever!!!!!! ever!!!! you are sunshine in human form!! i love you so much!!! 💛💛💛

@whindsor hey nich!!!! i love you so much, you’re an excellent and amazing friend, and i adore you beyond words!!! god, i love you so much and i am so so proud of you, from your consistent updates to finishing your story!!!!! you put so much into life, and yiu deserve nothing but the best back!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

@kazinejghafa keke my beloved!!!! you are like, a real life disney princess! i mean, birds should follow you around if they allready don’t! i love you! you always make me feel like: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💛💚❤️💛💙💛❤️🧡💛💚💚🧡🧡🧡🧡❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

@ocfairygodmother you absolutely live up to your name! you are the backbone of this community and i couldn’t be more grateful to have you as a friend!!!

@anotherunreadblog you are the mutual!!! you are so nice, sweet, cool, talented, cultured, and i could keep going on forever! love you!! 💙

@darknightfrombeyond you are the cool, slightly intimidating because their so good, mutual!!! you are also one of my sweetest mutuals, with the coolest updates! you’ve got it all! love you! ^ _ ^

@water-writings hey mel!!!!! you are so sweet and supportive to everyone and your are so talented too and i love you!! and i am so happy your at a better job now!!!!! 💙

@elenapetrova hey tessa!!! god, we’ve been friends for so long now! this is the second birthday i’ve been your friend and i hope many more to come!!! you are so strong and so good and so so amazing!!! i love you a lot and i hope you know that!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

@taylorswiftrulestheworld heather! we just started talking, but your really sweet and talented and i had to include you!!

@perhapspearl pearl!! hello friend!!! i love whenever you rb things, and wow your writing is so good, regardless of whether it’s for your wonderful ocs or canon! and you have a gift for gifs too!! you are wonderful and talented!!

@richitozier hey mara!!!! you are so cool and you have such good taste in like, everything, and you are so fun to interact with!!!! love you!! ❤️

@lizziesxltzmxn hey Ali!!!!! you are a beloved mutual and i love talking to you and i love when you update about the things your watching/reading/etc, bc i always love to hear your thoughts on things!!!!

@starcrossedjedis hey sara!!!!!!! you are one of my favorite people ever, and even if your going through a rough time right now, your still the best, and ill always believe in you! love you a lot!!

@aceyanaheim hey acey!!!! you have the coolest ideas and i am so excited whenever i see you in my notifications and on my dash!!!! i love you!!!

@wokenhardies hey Siobhan!!! taking with you is a treasure!!!!! in fact, your a treasure!!!! i love you a lot!!!

@squirrelstone Squirrel!!! my cherished friend!!! i love you and all of your creations so so much!!!!!!! also, you are just the best!!!!!! this site wouldn’t be the same without you in it and i am so glad your here!!!

@alghulnyssa hello Flop! you probably didn’t know many others on this list, but we’re buddies and i wanted to put you here! you have the best taste in so many things! and the prettiest edits!!! your last nyssa one lives rent free in my head! and you are part of the reason i made this blog! also, i am gonna to try to be on instagram more, im sorry.

@randomestfandoms-ocs hey maddie!!! ah, you are such a good friend and i love you so much!!!!!!!!!!! you are the sweetest and super talented!!! ❤️❤️💖💖💖💜💜💜💜💜

@iron-parkr hey Rory!!!!! i am super proud of you and how you handle all your responsibilities!!! all of your stories you have out are so good and i love them all! and even more, i love you!!!!

@myoc-eansmind hey sof!!!!!!!! we haven’t been friends for too long, but you are such a good one and i love you!!!! also, you are just the sweetest!

@nightwingshero hey jodeci!!!!! your writing is so so good!!!! and i love your ocs, they have such cool and unique storylines!!! also, you are so nice and cool!!!!!!! :)

@ceruleanmusings mack!!!!! hello friend!!!!! i swear, reading anything you write is an absolute privilege i’m glad you allow!!! also, talking to yiu is always a highlight of my day!!! 💙💙💙

@raging-violets hey Ri!! Hey Rhu!!! god i love you both so so much!!!!!! from bonding over to shared interests to learning about things like narnia! being your friend is so so good!!! riley i admire your confidence in life! rhuben i admire your ability to never give up! and i love both of you so much!!!

@ben-bcrnes hey becca!!! you are so passionate about so many things and i love seeing you on my dash!!! ❤️❤️❤️

@stanshollaand hey!!! your blog and your ocs are so so cool, and even there only half as cool as you are!!! i hope to interact more in the future bc your awesome!!!

@cecesxwickedxocs hey cece!!! you are one of the most creative people i know!!!!!!! also, i love hearing about how your days going and your interests!!!

@fiercefray rachel my beloved!!!! i love you so so much!!!!!! you always come up with the coolest stuff for your ocs, and you have so many awesome interests!!!! and behind that, i just really love you a lot!!!!

@inkoutsidethelines ink!!!! hey buddy!!!!!!!!!!! you are so so amazing!!!! i love learning about you and your ocs and i hope to more!!!!

@padmeisqueen aaron!!!!!! we don’t talk a lot and i hope to change that, but from what i know you are super sweet and nice and make the prettiest aesthetics!!!!!

@the-october-reviewer hey ash!!! it’s been a minute, but if course you’d be on this post!!!! we’ve been friends for about 2 years now, if i’ve done my math correctly, and it’s been amazing!!!!! i love you so much, and i always love hearing about what’s caught your eye!

@pock-galliard sairaid!!! you are so cool and i love seeing all your posts on my dash!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@codenamekryptonite V!!!!! hey, love. it’s been a minute since we’ve talked, but i love you so so much, so i had to our you in this post!!!!!! you are such a good person and i love you and your ideas so so much!!!!! 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

@superspookyjanelle hey janelle!!! you put out so much quality content and i admire you so much for it!!!!

@ofbadcharacters hey gabbie!! idk if you still check your blog, but i love and miss you, and you made me feel so welcome last year, i had to include you in this post!! you are such a good friend and i really miss you! love you! ❤️

@phoebestarks hey phia!!!!!! you have the best, super intricate plots and i am constantly in awe!!!! also, you are so nice to converse with!!!

@whctsherncme-archive hey madi! you de-activated, bir i love you and you belong on this list!!!! you were such a good friend with the best ideas and i miss talking to you, and you, so much!

@mystic-scripture gwen!!!! it’s been a minute since we’ve talked, but we’re friends!!!!! i love you and your ocs so much! you always knock it out of the park from the mcgrath clan to alex!!!!! your so good!!!!

@avengiers hey ari!!!!!!!! you are so so cool, and everything you make is so so pretty, and i just wanted to tell you that!

@shanaoharas hey dylan! you stopped using this account, but i wanted to include this bc we were good friends! and i have been meaning to catch up on your excellent stories! love you a lot!!!!

@cassercole hey lizzie, you are no longer with us, but i didn’t manage to make this post when you were like i meant to, so I wanted to add you. you were the first oc creator i followed (first account, actually) and you always made me so welcome in everything! you introduced me to so many things i love and i really miss you.

[the-sympathetic-villain]

New Labels

AO3

Pairings: QPR Lociet

Warnings: Light insecurity/Anxiety

Word count: 3,989

Description: Logan and Janus rescue a kitten on their first date :)

[Reposting this for better formatting on my writing masterpost]

gosh part of me wants to revisit this AU lol

-

    “Well…I guess I'll see you later.”

    “I would assume so. You do tend to frequent my place of employment rather consistently.”

    Ouch.

    Janus tried to hide his hurt as he smiled crookedly up at the cute barista that he'd only recently managed to work up the courage to ask out on a date. A crack of thunder rolled across the sky above them, and Janus watched as Logan pulled down the hood of his raincoat.

    Crappy weather for a date.

    Despite Logan's constant reassurances that he enjoyed the rain, Janus couldn’t help but feel that their date had been doomed from the start. He sighed and smiled. If he was being honest with himself, things could have gone worse. He knew he'd loved every minute of their afternoon together and he only hoped Logan felt the same. They’d had lunch at a quiet little bistro downtown that Logan had recommended and after they’d ran through the pouring rain down the block to one of Logan's favorite bookstores. A warm smile spread across Janus' at the fresh memory of following Logan through the aisles listening to him talk endlessly about all of his favorite authors. Logan could go on for hours and Janus was all too eager to listen.  The way his face lit up when he was excited was too pure and perfect. He was perfect. Logan had even inquired about Janus’ reading preferences and picked out some novels for him to read so they could discuss them later.

    Guess that doesn’t mean much though, if there's not going to be a second date.

    Janus swallowed sadly. The date really had been perfect.

    Why did I have to get invested?

    He'd been debating about asking for him for months. Janus knew his schedule at the coffee shop by heart at this point. They’d been taking for nearly a year and his best friend had talked him into at least asking him out.

    I'm going to kill Ro—

    “I have some concerns about your caffeine intake. Continued reliance on stimulants can affect your mood and sleep patterns.” Logan absentmindedly pulled his keys from his pocket and worked through the keys to find the right one. Janus felt his heart skip a beat as Logan tilted his head up to smirk at him. “Then again, if it weren't for your dependence on caffeine, I would see you much less and that would be truly disappointing."

    Janus stifled a squeak of surprise as flash of lightning illuminated Logan's porch. He played it cool, hoping the lightning had  distracted Logan from the almost certainly undignified face he'd made at Logan's words. With a devilish smile, he took a step closer to Logan as thunder rumbled around them. “I definitely would never put my heath at risk in order to see you more often.”

    This time it was Logan's turn to blush and Janus couldn't help the smile that quirked on his lips at the sight.

    Logan cleared his throat, and fumbled with his keys. Janus raised an eyebrow. He seemed to be stalling, even as he moved to leave. “Well, umm. Yes. I suppose we should part ways for the night.”

    Oh god. He wants me to kiss him.

    A slight shiver ran up Janus' spine at the thought and his smile faltered for a moment. It wasn’t that Logan was an unattractive person. Quite the opposite actually. Janus often caught himself staring at Logan whenever he wasn't careful. Janus swallowed nervously. Logan wasn’t the problem. Aesthetically, he was very attractive. Janus just didn't wasn't the type for romantic attraction, or sexual really, but he'd always been more repulsed by romantic gestures than anything.

    The hand-holding, sappy, over-the-top displays of affection that everyone in the world seemed to enjoy made his stomach turn. Kissing most of all confounded him. Why people seemed to enjoy trying to swallow each other’s tongues, he'd never know.

    But they do and I don't. I guess it’s better to rip off the band-aid now and tell him I'm aromantic. It's better to see if he can live with that before this goes too far.

    Janus swallowed nervously. Rejection was never easy, and he wasn't sure he could handle it coming from the barista who he'd seen nearly every day for the last year.

    God, I'm never going to be able to get a decent cup of coffee again.

    “Listen, Logan—” He started nervously.

    Mew.

    Janus stopped, seeing the confused expression on Logan's face. “Do you have a cat?”

    Logan shook his head, glancing around the porch. “I do not.”

    “It's pouring rain right now.” Janus glanced around at the puddles of water pooling in the shallow dips in Logan's yard.

    Mewww.

    The cat's call was longer this time and was almost shrill with fear.

    “Perhaps, we should locate this cat. It appears to be distressed and combination of rain and wind could pose potential danger for a small animal.” Janus could see the worry growing in Logan’s eyes, and he nodded, following behind Logan as he stepped off the porch to follow the noise.

    Mewwww.

    The calls were getting louder and more insistent as they approached the far side of the deck and peered through the cross hatch underneath.

    Mewwww.

    Janus eyes adjusted quickly to the darkness under the deck and he could just make out a small, black kitten cowering in the shadows.

    “It's young,” Logan looked over at Janus with a serious expression. “Barely old enough to be weaned. It must have squeezed through the gaps in the wood and gotten stuck.”

   Janus nodded. “Well, since I'm definitely slender enough to slip through that gap, do you have a drill?”

    Logan raised an eyebrow at him. “Are you going to take it apart?”

    “What?” Janus smiled teasingly at him. “I don’t seem trustworthy?”

    His coyness seemed to fall on deaf ears as nervous settled across Logan’s face. “Are you licensed?”

    “No, but I know what I'm doing, and if we waste time trying to find someone with the proper qualifications, that kitten is going to be iintrouble.” Logan still looked wary, but Janus was quick to reassure him. “Trust me. I've done this several times before. It's just a couple of screws holding it in place. It'll pop right back on when I'm done.”

    Logan nodded and Janus blushed at the subtle smile that appeared on his face. “Okay, I'll be right back.”

    Logan stood up and went inside, leaving Janus squatting in the drizzling rain as he looked down at the little kitten shivering near one of the supporting posts.

    “Hey there, little one.” He made a clicking noise with his tongue, trying to coax it closer. “It’s a little cold out here, huh?”

    Mew.

    “I know. We're going to get you out of there and find some place warm for yiu to stay. Okay?”

    Mew.

    Too his surprise, the kitten stood up, approaching him cautiously. Janus reached out a hand rubbing his fingers together and clicking. “Come on, buddy. Make this easier on us and just come out of there.”

    Mew.

    “How about you do me a solid and help me impress this cute boy I'm on a date with?”

    Mew.

    The kitten stopped just behind the crisscrossing wood and sat on the ground. Janus sighed and smiled. “Just like a cat to make things difficult.”

    Mew.

    “No? Nature itself would like me to fail?” Janus rolled his eyes. “That hardly what I ever would have expected."

    Janus reached his fingers through the wood, but stopped as the kitten backed away cautiously. He waited patiently as the kitten relaxed. Janus could feel the rain dripping down his face as the cat sniffed his hand. Janus smiled as the whiskers tickled his hand. The cat rubbed its face on Janus' hand and allowed him to reach up to scratch it's chin. “See? I’m not a bad guy, right?”

    Meewwww.

    The cat whined as Janus pulled his hand out from the gap. “Well, come out then if you want more.”

    Mew.

    The kitten trailed behind his fingers and reluctantly pushed it head through the door. Janus picked it up, cuddling it close in his arms. The little, cat purred happily in his hands as he scratched his chin. He slowly stood up, just as Logan came around the corner, with a drill in one hand and a towel in the other. His shoulders dropped in surprise as he noticed the purring kitten in Janus' arms.

    A subtle smirk appeared on Logan's face as the worry disappeared “I see you didn't actually require my assistance at all.”

    Janus' heart fluttered with pride at the smile on Logan’s lips, but he forced himself to play it off nonchalantly. “I only needed a moment alone to work my magic powers.”

    Logan smirked back at him. “Well, I will admit I am impressed.”

    “Yes,  it’s definitely that, and not at all the fact that you’re relieved that I don't have to take your deck apart.” Janus smiled smugly.

    “I won’t deny that is preferential to the alternative, but I am impressed you seem to have all the have all the beauty and power of a Disney princess.” Logan narrowed his eyes playfully at him.

    Great. At least I know Roman would approve.

    Janus rolled his eyes. “Are we going inside then?”

    Logan hesitated, suddenly nervous again. When he finally spoke, hos voice was friendly, but cautious. “I must admit I don't usually allow the men I date into my home on the first date."

    “Yes, because I often plan to rescue a scared kitten in order to gain access to my date’s homes.” Janus immediately regretted his sarcasm as a look of discomfort crossed Logan’s face. “You know what? That wasn't fair, Logan. If you're uncomfortable, I’ll go. Do you want to take—"

    Logan’s face softened quickly and he held up a hand to stop him. “You’re not going anywhere, Janus.”

    Janus froze in confusion. “But you just said—”

    “I know,” Logan smiled sweetly at him. “but these are hardly normal circumstance. You are helping me, and you’re soaking wet for your efforts. I think I can bend the rules for you. After all, you're hardly a stranger at this point.”

    The corner of Janus' lips twitched into a smile and nodded as Logan led him around the front of his house. Stepping inside, he couldn't help but notice that the walls of the room were lined with unpacked boxes.

    “Did you just move in?”

    “Yesterday.” Logan slipped off his raincoat to reveal the dark blue button up and tie he'd come to expect with him.

    “It's a nice place.” Janus glanced around. His home was small, maybe two bedrooms, but it was nicely painted and the dark leather sofa and end tables in the room were definitely high quality. The cloud cover outside dampened the natural light in the room, but a small lamp in the corner illuminated the room in a warm light. “Do you live alone?”

    Logan raised an eyebrow at him.

    Janus flushed, holding the sleeping kitten close to his chest. “Sorry. I suppose I it would have been wise to start with a less serial-killer-type question.”

    Logan laughed and Janus couldn't help but grin stupidly at the smile on Logan’s face.

  “I think I can find it in myself to overlook your red flags.” Logan opened one of the boxes and began to unload it's contents in neat piles on the floor. “I had a previous house mate, but he recently moved in with his boyfriend and I moved here.”

    “That's rough. I suppose money's a bit tight then? I can't imagine you make enough as a barista to easily afford a place like this.”

    Logan lifted the empty box with him as he stood up, giving Janus a strange look. “You are aware I own the coffee shop I work in, correct?”

    “What?” Janus mouth dropped open as he nearly shouted in surprise. The kitten mewed irritably, and Janus dropped his voice. “Since when?”

    “Since it's inception.” Logan shrugged as he put the shallow box on the sofa. “The previous roommate I mentioned and I actually own a few of them throughout town.”

    Janus looked at him dumbfounded.  “Is that why you won't let me tip you?”

    Logan smiled at Janus’ shock and shrugged as he pulled a blanket off the back of the couch.  He tucked the blanket into the box to make a makeshift bed for the kitten in Janus' arms. “It’s not customary to tip the proprietor of an establishment.”

    “But you never said that was why.” Janus spat out. “You just played coy with me.”

    Logan smirked at him and laughed. “I was… I believe the correct phrase is, ‘being a tease.’”

    “Do you mean to tell me you've been flirting with me this entire time?”

    “Clearly.” He stated plainly, but Janus could see the subtle smile tugging at his lips. His smile grew as he reached his hands out. “Now, give her to me.”

    “Her?” Janus asked as he passed the kitten to Logan

    “I'm fairly certain judging by her size and physical traits but…” The cat chirped in protest of being lifted out of the warm towel and he lifted her up to examine her. “She is female. Although I suppose the pronouns are arbitrary, considering cats are not familiar with human social construct of gender—”

    “You’re trying to distract me from the fact that you flirted with me for a year, and as you can see, it's working flawlessly.” Janus crossed his arms and tried to look disappointed.

    Logan merely rolled his eyes and tucked the kitten under his arm as he reached into an open box to grab a small towel. He gently massaged the dampness off the purring kitten in his hand as he continued speaking. “I think that I enjoy having the figurative tables turned. Usually it is I who is considered the oblivious party.”

    “You mean to tell me I could have been dating you this whole time?” Janus put his hand on his forehead in dramatic, mock frustration. “Tragedy does strike at me yet again.”

    “You have been quite the conversation at the coffee shop. If I'm not mistaken,  there were even betting pools about when you were finally going to ask me out.” Janus blushed and Logan chuckled as the kitten started to climb his shirt. He carefully unhooked the kitten’s claws from his shirt and set her down in the box, and for a moment, they watched as the kitten began to knead the blankets, apparently enthralled by the soft material. Logan drew his eyes away and glanced up at him with a soft smile. “Personally, I'm glad you waited a while though. I prefer to know someone for some time before I consider them as a romantic partner.”

    Logan’s voice was carefree as he reached down to stroke the kitten, but Janus heart sank as he was reminded of the potential deal breaker hanging over his head. “Logan…”

    Logan's head shot back up at his serious tone.

    “Come sit.” He gestured for Logan to join him on the couch. Janus sat on one side of the box and Logan slowly dropped onto to other side. He hung his head and was quiet for a while, hesitant to break their easy chemistry.

    “Janus, if I have offended you in some way, I’m sorry—” Logan looked over at him with concern in his eyes.

    “You didn't offend me.” Janus hung his head, anxiety building in his chest. He watched kitten twirl around in the box between them and drop into the blanket, laying her head on her tail as she settled in comfortably.  “I just would prefer to have this discussion before either if us get too invested.”

    Logan stared at him for a while, but nodded and waited patiently as Janus gathered his thoughts.

    “Logan, I'm aromantic.” Janus looked up at him expecting disappointment, but was met with a confused expression.

    “Well, yes. You smell very pleasant. I don't know what that has to do—”

    “What?” Janus paused for a moment before the realization his him. “No. Not aromatic, Logan. Aromantic.”

    Logan paused. “I'm sorry. I'm not familiar with the term.”

    “Oh, right.” Janus hadn't considered that he may have to explain the concept. “Have you heard of the split attraction model?”

    Logan looked at him curiously. “No.”

    Janus smiled patiently at him. “It’s based on the idea that there are multiple types of attraction. Many people experience sexual and romantic attraction simultaneously  so they consider them to be the same thing, but there's a spectrum of people who experience attraction differently or not at all., and I'm one of those people.”

    Logan nodded contemplatively. “Okay.”

    “I'm still questioning some of my identity. I assume I'm demisexual, which means I only find people attractive with whom I've formed a significant attachment. To be honest though, I've never been in a situation where I've put that theory into practice so to speak,” Janus sighed and hung his head. “But I know I'm aromantic.”

    “Which means what exactly?” Logan inquired seriously, stroking the kitten between them.

    “I don't experience romantic attraction.” Janus watched Logan's neutral expression as he explained. “I’m not drawn to people, because I want to be romantic or lovey with them. I don't like holding hands or sappy romantic gestures. The idea of kissing is repulsive to me. I just don't enjoy being part of that kind of relationship, because that kind of affection makes me uncomfortable.”

    “So, you are just interested in the potential for sex?”

    “No,” Janus’ face scrunched in disgust. “I'm not looking for that at all.”

    “I’m sorry. I'm trying not to assume anything.” Logan paused and Janus could see the struggle to understand in Logan's face. “I'm just trying to figure out what your intentions for asking me out were, if they weren't due to some degree of attraction.”

    Janus looked up at him, desperation in his eyes. “I am attracted to you in my own way. I enjoyed spending time with you and talking today. I like listening to you laugh or listening to tall excitedly about books. My attraction for you is real. It's just not romantic.”

    Logan watched him carefully. “And you’re not just trying to tell me you just want to be friends?”

    “No.” Janus said tiredly. His anxiety gave way to exhaustion. “I am interested in a committed relationship with you. I just don't want the type of relationship you see in a rom-com. I want to spend time with you rescuing cats and drinking coffee.”

    Logan was quiet for a long time and Janus heart sank further and further with each passing second. He tried to swallow the lump in his throat, but he felt his heart shattering.

     “So,” Logan spoke slowly. “You want to spend time with me. You want to be in a relationship, but you don't want to kiss me hold hands or be affectionate?”

     Janus couldn't bring himself to look up at Logan’s face. “I'd be affectionate. It just manifests differently. Something like the thought of listening to you talk excitedly about the stars is more appealing to me that the thought of kissing you.”

     Logan was silent, and Janus finally looked up at him. His hand had stopped moving on the kitten's back. Janus heart shattered at the downcast look on Logan’s face. He felt tears in his eyes.

    Damn it. Why'd I get invested?

    Rejection sucks.

   He choked back a sob, and stood to leave. “I'm sorry. This is stupid—”

    “Janus—”

    “I'm sorry I wasted your time.” Janus turned to go, but Logan caught his wrist.

    “Janus, stop.”

    “Logan, if you don't want this, it's fi—” Janus’ words failed him as he turned to see tears in Logan’s eyes.

    Logan looked down at where he held Janus' wrist before moving his gaze up to his eyes. “I’m sorry. I needed a moment to process what you were saying, I think… I think I may be aromantic too. I just lacked a word to define my feelings.”

    Janus froze for a moment, but as Logan dropped his wrist, Janus turned to kneel in front of Logan. “Shit, I didn’t see that coming. I'm sorry. Are you doing okay?”

    “I'm not the only one." Logan’s voice was breathless.

    Janus' lip curled into a smile. “You're not alone, Logan.”

    Logan sighed and he chuckled softly as he wiped the tears from his eyes. “I'm sorry. I’m not usually prone to being this dramatic.”

    “You aren't being dramatic.”

    “Is that one of your blatant falsehoods that you hide under the guise of sarcasm?” Logan sniffed, but Janus could see a smile twitch on his lips.

    “No, I've never been so truthful about anything in my life.” Janus reached a hand out and rested it on Logan's forearm. “Society puts pressure on us to live a certain way. The release of knowing there are other options can be a lot to handle.”

    “I never even considered there may be alternatives.” Logan ran a hand through his hair and Janus couldn't resist smiling as Logan mussed his own hair. Seeing Logan let his guard down made his heart flutter. “I simply accepted that I would be slightly uncomfortable in my relationships.”

    “You don't have to do that,” Janus smiled up at the him nervously. “especially if I get a part in your journey.”

    “Janus?”

    “Yes, Logan?” Janus gently squeezed his wrist.

    “May I hug you?”

    “Yes. I’m certainly not dying for you to do just  that.”

    Janus stretched his arms out and a warm feeling flooded his chest as Logan pulled him close.

    “Thank you, Jan."

    Janus' heart fluttered at the nickname and he smiled. “For what?”

    “For giving me a word to explain what I've been feeling.”

    “I'm glad I could help you.” Janus pulled back as Logan released him. His breath caught in his throat at the sight of Logan’s warm smile and the wet streaks of happy tears glistening on his face. “Can I assume you’re still interested in continuing to see me then?”

    “God, yes.” Logan's face flushed and he nervously backtracked. “I mean, if that would be favorable to you.”

    “God, yes please.” Janus laughed. His face was almost sore from how wide he was smiling as he wiped away the tears that were now falling freely down his face. Logan laughed and Janus would have sworn that sound to be the most beautiful thing he’s ever heard.

    Mew.

    Janus tore his eyes away from Logan to look down the tiny, black cat crawling to the edge of the box. Realizing she was close to edge, he reached out to stop her, but his reaction was a moment too slow. With a tumble, the kitten fell over the edge of the box and landed softly in Logan’s lap. Janus leaned back on his ankles, watching Logan smile as he stroked the kitten in his lap. She purred loudly, bumping her head insistently against Logan’s hands in demand for more attention.

    “What are you going to do with her?”

    Logan looked up at Janus with a sad smile. “She is well taken care of a shows indications of prior human socialization, so I expect I should attempt to find her owner.”

    Janus smirked, seeing the growing fondness in Logan's eyes as he looked down at the satisfied kitten. “And if you can't find her owner?”

    “I have always desired the companionship of a cat. They're exceptionally clever creatures, but I never had the opportunity because my previous housemate was allergic.” Logan looked up at Janus with a sparkle in his eye. “So, if attempts to find her owner are unsuccessful, you may have just given me the perfect house-warming gift.”

    “Good, because I want to give you everything.” Janus smiled happily and his heart felt light in his chest as he stared into Logan’s eyes.

[spooky-ghost-boi]

Vacation

Words: 1892

Tom Nook x Reader

Warnings: Feederism, feeder/feedee dynamic, mentions of smut, fatass Tanuki, bad writing because I’m tired and too annoyed to edit this properly.

Description: Tom thinks he has to lose weight but his job doesn’t really do him well so he chooses to take a vacation but ends up coming back fatter and you love it.

A/N: what this shit, tumblr could you possibly be any slower? Mentally I am beyond Spain without an S, so if any Twitter bitches see this. Fight me.

_

Tom sighed as he sat at his desk at the resident services.

He had been trying out various diets that Isabelle had recommended to him, after trying low-carb and Keto he was trying intermittent fasting and he lost about 5 pounds so far but it was making him extremely hangry most of the time. Considering that Isabelle snacked and ate lunch while being in the same room as him.

It was all alright until that damned Kitsune had the guts to appear at the Island and try to sell some faux painting to the Resident Representative, aka you.

Tom was furious and of course, kicked Redd off the Island but in the heat of his fury he tried to calm himself down but it didn’t work especially since the fucking kitsune teased Tom for his weight, which would’ve been fine, if they were alone but you had to witness that.

As soon as Tom came home he.. Well, let his anger out by binging until he couldn’t move.

He actually liked the feeling of being stuffed but he choose to ignore it although it was quite hard and he realized it was better if he took a break from work to focus on his weight loss.

The reason for his weight loss idea was quite simple; he wanted to impress you, the resident representative, he had a crush on you and told Isabelle who suggested that losing weight could help him in winning your heart.

She couldn’t have been more wrong, but it wasn’t like they both knew your kinks.. Although it was obvious. Haha idiots.

Of course Tom had told Isabelle about his plan and she agreed to do the resident services stuff.

Tom had two months of, well, vacation.

He stayed at his house and the first two days it all went great before he started binging. Constantly. To his dismay he actually enjoyed it. He didn’t know w h y or h o w but he actually disliked that he liked feeling stuffed to the brim.

So the thicc Tanuki visited another island in hopes that it would motivate him to lose weight.

(Spoiler: it didn’t HAHAHA FAT TANUKI)

During his stay at another Island he ended up discovering lots of different foods that made him feel better about the whole Redd situation and since his coping mechanism had always been stress eating he piled on a lot of weight. He was in denial, but that didn’t stop him from trying to rationalize as to why he needed bigger clothes.

Of course you were part of his racing thoughts most of the time and he liked to fantasize about you in several different ways.

So he soon returned home.

His vacation seemed to have ended too fast for him but he also wanted to get back to work so he could see you.

He stepped on the scale the evening before he had to return to work again and was surprised when it had said that he gained 30 pounds in two months, including the 5 pounds he had lost. But that couldn’t be, could it? After pondering about as to why or how he could have gained that much weight over mindlessly eating a box of half a dozen doughnuts and two cheeseburgers. He had come to the conclusion that he was too tired and that the scale must be broken.

After dumping the wrappers into the trash, he held his stuffed gut and walked to his bedroom and got onto his bed which creaked under the weight of the tubby Tanuki. Tom eyed tge stash of mini cakes that he had beside his bed, despite feeling full and heavy he decided to have a few since ‘they couldn’t do much damage, hm?’

He didn’t notice that he dozed off and woke up in the morning, surrounded by wrappers.

Tom sat up and grunted, rubbing his still rather bloated belly that sat in his lap whenever he attempted sitting up. It wasn’t really like he noticed or minded, he didn’t even notice how snug his work shirt was. He noticed the bit of rain and put on his jacket and zipped it up, completely obvious to the belly poking out from under the rain coat.

He just sighed softly, before walking downstairs into the kitchen and having some pancakes with lots of syrup for breakfast. For some reason he felt like this wasn’t exactly enough for him and looked at the clock just to see that it was still early as shit and he had t i m e.

As you can imagine the phat Tanuki had binged to the point of being exhausted by breathing but he did have places to be at so he got up anyway and walked to the resident services.

You were there with the Nooklings and Isabelle, you were excited to see Tom again after the two of you didn’t talk for so long. However nobody told you why he was gone.

Eventually Tom entered the Resident Services and Isabelle was quite surprised.

Timmy and Tommy also were surprised.

You were surprised and horny.

Tom could see the surprise in the faces of everyone. But it also made him horny. Not to mention he was a little surprised and shy to see you there and he was blushing a little.

“Ehm, good morning.” Tom responded, he needed a cigarette or some cake.

Isabelle stayed quiet and you smiled at the Tanuki.

You decided to break the awkward moment and walked towards Tom to give him a hug, because yiu had missed him and you wanted to feel all that chonk pressed against you.

Tom hugged you back instinctively, his big belly did push the two of you a bit apart but it was hot regardless.

“I made you some cake! I thought you would like it.” You said shyly as Tom nodded.

“The thing is, I forgot it at home so if you’d like to come by after work.. You could take it home? I mean.. We could have dinner at my place.” You blurted out the last part, keeping your voice so low you weren’t sure whether he had heard you.

“That’d be splendid, hm.” Tom said, then gently let go of you.

You nodded and the two of you returned to both your respective j o b s.

Tom tried to ignore Isabelle’s comments about his weight, he was sure he lost weight. Which probably was due to his lack of physical awareness.

He had spent his time snacking during work and he comfortably filed out papers and drank his coffee. Some Animals teased him but Tom didn’t really mind, in fact it was almost kinda arousing to him and he didn’t understand why.

Eventually he closed off the shop and got into his car and made his way to your house, he was a little tired and actually quite hungry.

He knocked on your door and you opened it, smiling softly at him as he was a little out of breath.

“Come in! I already made dinner.” You said, then led him to your kitchen.

“You have an eye for interior design, hm?” Tom remarked as he sat on a chair which creaked a little under his weight. He blushed, “oh- uh.”

You noted this and smiled sheepishly at him. “It’s fine! Make yourself comfortable, it’s just you and I afterall..” You said. Maybe it wasn’t the most reassuring thing to say, if you took it out of context it could have been maybe a little weird to say that. Almost sounded like you were trying to fatten up the Tanuki and eat him.. Maybe you were but more like in a sexual way.

(A/N: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°))

However Tom looked a little more relaxed after you said that.

“Well, how was your day, hm?” Tom asked, as you put some food on his plate.

“It was fine, just the usual things.. I went fishing and helped out some villagers. How about you?” You asked, you had put quite a lot of food onto his plate.

“I’ve had some annoying customers, but that’s just normal.” Tom said, as he ate some of the food you had prepared, “this is really good.” He said.

_

After a few hours of talking the two of you warmed up to each other and you eventually told him how you felt about him and as a surprise, he felt the same way.

At that point Tom had packed away quite a few plates and snacks, the two of you sat on the couch and you straddled his lap.

He cupped your face and kissed you gently, before you fed him a tray of cupcakes. He obediently ate.

A couple snacks ago his shirt button seemed to have popped off and his sweater vest had exposed around half of his pretty chubby belly.

“You’re fat, I mean this in the most loving way possible.” You said and pinched his love handles.

“I’m just bloated-“ he said, jokingly.

“Sure.” You laughed.

“Alright, maybe I am. Happy? Hm?” Tom said as he unbuttoned his too tight pants and pinned you underneath him.

“You’re definitely fatter than before.” You remarked as you patted his overstuffed belly.

“Mhm.. You like it as much as I like it. Am I right?” He smirked.

_

Anyways it was a very delightful evening for the both of you and I ain’t gonna write smut because that’d be awkward as shit so just imagine it, aight?

_

Two ‘fucking’ months later.

You woke up next to Tom, who was still asleep and snoring quite loudly.

He had been eating quite well the past two months making him look pretty chubby, he was waddling now most of the time and his belly was s o f t^2.

You walked downstairs and made him some breakfast.

It didn’t take long for him to wake up because he smelled delicious food, he sighed and waddled his way downstairs and sat on a chair. “Good morning.” He said, smiling a little despite looking still pretty tired.

“Good morning! How’d you sleep?” You asked.

“Pretty well.. Well, until I woke up because I’m starving. I wouldn’t know what I’d do without you, dear.” He said.

“Starve.” You said jokingly. “You have quite the big appetite, I give you that.” You said as you placed a stack of waffles.

“Mhm..” He yawned and ate his breakfast, “I’m still.. So tired, feed it to me? Hm?”

You couldn’t tell whether this was a suggestion or order from him, but you wouldn’t be Y/N if you turned down feeding the lazy Tanuki.

You nodded and fed him, you would straddle his lap.. If you could. Tom’s belly was taking up most of it and he didn’t mind.

He ate all of it and sighed when he felt your hands rub his bloated big belly.

Eventually the two of you got ready for work and he waddled to his car, tried to wiggle into the drivers seat which didn’t work out as his tummy was in the way of the wheel.

“Need help?” You asked.

“I would appreciate it, yes yes!” He blushed as he moved to the passenger seat and you drove the car to the Resident Services.

You had gone to work for the day.

[zuffer-weird-girl]

Prison break, another chance

You followed the guard with a stoic face plastered on your features, feeling the slight movement of your overcoat almost floating behind you as you walked through the cells of tartarus...

"Have to say miss, have no idea how ya can keep coming in here after what he done so far." The only answer you gave it to the guard was a shrug before readjusting the beak mask on your face with a cough.

Honestly, how Kai could breath and hold this thing...?

You stopped just when the guard did, bowing his head in respect and showing it with his palm at the place where you should enter.

You thanked him and closed the door, seating down on a chair, waiting for the man himself to appear.

Chisaki was brought by a guard, physical form easing up a bit at seing your presence on the room. The guard who brought him dismissed himself and told you two that you had only half a hour before abruptly closing the cell.

"You didn't showed up for the past weeks." He whispered, dissapointment and hurt present on it as he pushed his chair to sit on with his new robotic arms. "And your eyebags grew..." he pointed our coldly, feeling like he was shotted at the fact that you weren't looking at him... more interested on your hands placed on your lap.

"Of course they grew, think having the love of your entire fucking life imprissioned in tartarus is the best thing that let me sleep at peace?" You said angrily as you controlled the burning feeling of your eyes before breathing in slowly to look up at him... numbly.

He opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out... now his owm head hanging low. Metalic hands now interviewed together ass he rested his forehead on them.

".. you found my mask and now you're using it. Intriguing." He winced mentally at hearing your scoff, glancing back at you to found you had crossed your arms over your chest. "What's the deal? Why such attitude?"

You let out a bitter chuckle, averting your eyes from him for a bit before looking onto his eyes again.

"What was that thing again you said once to me? Our relationship is based on 'trust'?" You leaned up a bit to look at him deep on his eyes "How longer did you hide the girl and experiments from me Chisaki?"

He gagged... he freaking gagged.

Hearing his surname falling from your lips in such a... hurt and betrayed tone of voice made him feel... worse than he was already.

Not only he ruined the whole yakusa, left his father figurine on a coma, but also left his lover... his angel whose he so desperately didn't want it involved.

"Angel, it was-"

"For a better cause? Keep your words, please." You leaned back on your chair with a huff, checking the time on your wristwatch, boucing your leg a bit.

"(Y/n)..." he breathed out, not knowing anymore what he could do to ease your feelings since he was mentally panicking...

He couldn't lost you too... please don't do this. Just listen to him.

You looked at him, raising one of your eyebrows up.

"It was to retribuite his kindness, it was to return this sick world back to normal, bring the yakusa back from the shadows, you got to-!"

You lift yourself from your chair, starung him down, his mask covering half of your face made difficult to him to see how you were feeling...

Although he did saw your eyes... which pierced his chest by the way you looked at him.

"You lied to me Chisaki. You hided this from me and also got arrested, most of the yakusa was... have any idea how hurt I am and how difficult this is for me?" He widened his eyes at seing one silent tear drop from your eye.

"I-" he got interrupted by some beeps coming from your wristwatch, you widened your eyes a bit and returned the chair to the inicial place.

"Angel, it didn't reached half a hou-"

"I have some things to do." You walked towards him and looked at the camera apprehensively.

"(Y/N)... please." He almost begged while reaching his metal hand to grip on your clothing, refusing to accept that his lover was getting out of here before the time stabilized... getting away from him with absolutely hatred.

"Good bye. Chisaki." Just before he could even get up you whispered onto his ear before grabbing onto his hand.

'Run as fast as you can'

He arched one eyebrow, golden eyes puffy red but yet refusing to let go of any tear before he almost jumped at the sound of explosion.

"NOW!" you shouted while dragging him out of the cell.

While running, your free hand came up to your ear, pressing onto some device that only now he had noticed.

"KURONO AND IRINAKA JUST GET IN POSITION! GET RIKIYA TO RETREAT FROM THE ATTACK!" you shouted.

Kurono? Irinaka?

What?

He tried to formulate words before the same guard that had lead him to the chat room vlicked you two from the way.

"BITCH YOU'RE COMING WITH ME!" You let go of Chisaki's hand to dodge and pushed Chisaki out of his attack while in one quick and gracious movement you crouched down to give the man a sweep and then spin again in the air to kick the poor security guard's jagular, making the poor guy unhurt, but completely knocked out.

You quickly stole his gun and hold it close to you.

Chisaki was absolutely out of words... his angel just did that? THAT?

You heard shouts from guards and Nemoto and Tengai's, cursing under the mask yiu got up again and looked around to see if any guards were coming up.

"Kai come on!" You shouted as you mentioned for him to follow you.

His metal hand grabbed onto your shoulder and spun you around, disbelied and confused golden eyes staring you down.

"Kai we have to go!" You almost shouted while letting out ome or two tears.

"What did you do?" He asked hushed, not caring about the loud sirens and shouts coming from everwhere.

"Dumbass we're taking you out of here!" You almost cried, gripping onto his metal wrist.

"Why? You ruined your life with this! HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT ARE YOU RISKING?!" he shouted, feeling his own eyes watered as he shook your shoulders slightly.

"YES I FUCKING AM! IM SAVING THE ASS OF THE MAN I LIVE FOR AND LOVE! WHAT ABOUT IT?! I AM THE BOSS OF THE YAKUSA FOR NOW SO LISTEN TO ME FOR ONCE KAI CHISAKI!"

"I WON'T LET YOU RUIN YOUR WHOLE LIFE FOR HAVING ME BACK IDIOT!" you two turned your heads at heating the amount of sounds of guards running, you two intestantly going up for the fire exit.

"You ruined my life already Chisaki Kai!" You said between muffled breaths, Chisaki widening his eyes and feeling a hreat griff and sorrow corrupt his soul... until you looked from your shoulder to him, with teary but he could tell that how your cheek bones had raised up that you were... smilling. Smilling for him.

"You ruined my life for getting out of it... so I am getting my devil back." You kicked the door open, smilling widely behind that mask at seing the helicopter.

"KURONO! IRINAKA!" You shouted at the top of your lungs, shortly after seing the ladder that Hari throwed from up above.

"HoP On FuCkInG IdiOTs!" Mimic yelled as he down at you both, both him and Hari smirking.

"How the hell did you got these two idiots out of prison?" Chisaki asked in disbelief as he stared up with wide eyes.

Tengai and Nemoto passed through you two and quickly climbed up to the machine, Tengai saying something about 'be quick boss' to you as he pushed himself up.

You placed your feet up before notocing that Chisaki didn't make any movements to follow you.

"Kai?" You asked before yelping at feeling you were being pushed away from the building "WHAT THE HELL IRINAKA?! KAI IS STILL HERE! KURONO TELL HIM TO STOP!"

"WE HAVE TO GO! THE COPS ARE GETTING CLOSER!" Hari shouted back.

"TiCK FUcKInG ToC BettEr HOp FucKinG On!" Mimic yelled while he curswd loudly at seing the cops getting closer....he had to lift up.

You widened your eyes in horror, before looking at Chisaki with pleadind and esperate expression.

"Please! KAI!"

"I don't deserve this..." he murmured as he hearded the shouts of the cops coming to him... "My angel got into this... I ruined everything, lost everything..."

"KAAAAIII!" You shouted at the top of your lungs, extending your hand desperately at him... waking him up from his self deprecating thought as he widened his eyes at the scene above him.

His angel crying out and extending her hand to him... for him to grab it.

He swallowed the air stuck on his throat...

~

"I bet he only needs time for him to understand that whatever it is your method will work, Kai... be a little pacient." You cooed sympathetically, hesitantly placing a hand on his shoulder and carresing it sweetly.

His gloved hand came to grip on yours as his head still lung low as he stared at the outside.

"Maybe if I talk-"

"No." He breathed out, slowly pushing your hand away from his shoulder to bring you to a close hug "I told you. Its business stuff... you don't need to worry about it... I just..."

"You want to repay him for taking you in." You smiled as he squeezed you to him tighter "Kai, even if you don't want to tell me becaus eyou worry about my mental health or something..." you pushed his chest a bit far away to look up at him with a sweet smile.

The way the city and the shiny sky lights reflect on your beautiful eyes were just... fascinating to him.

"I'm always by your side. Chisaki Kai. Even if the whole world burns down."

~

While your words echoed in his mind his legs moved onto their own, running at the end of the building.

Grab on her hand. Granb it-!

Just as he took one last step he jumped as high as he could, clenching his jaw and extending his right metalic arm in your direction.

GRAB IT AND NEVER LET GO AGAIN-! NEVER MAKE HER FEEL THIS WAY YOU DID IT ONCE-!

Your hands connected, you cried out loud a happy and relieved sound.

"Thank God!" You cried as he stared you up, golden wide yet relieved eyes piercing your soul.

Chrono shouted in glee before pushing you two up along with Rikiya. Just as you two got in you let go of his hand to grab onto a device, a small box with a button that you had pressed onto it and gave it to Rikiya.

"You know what to do big guy." He nodded in agreement and threw it just above Tartarus, exploding into a wide and huge puff of purple smoke.

"Wha-"

"It will erased their minds of the current event... I placed a hologram on your cell that's exactly a replic..." you said while taking off the mask with a relieved sigh.

You guys were in the ground in minutes, everyone jumping off with victorious shouts at the fa t they just broked into Tartarus.

"ThE YaKUSa Is BaCK AgAIn BiTChEs!" Mimic yelled witha fist on the air.

"HELL FUCKING YEAH!" Kurono shouted along just when Kai had jumped out of the helicopter and offered his hand to help you down.

"You brought not only them, but all the precepts of death back." He mumbled in disbelief.

"Almost. Bitch Rappa stayed fucking behind." You mumbled before you giggled.

Tengai bowed along with Nemoto.

"Thanks to miss (Y/n) sama we got the honor of getting you back master Overhaul."

Setsuno smirked alomg with his three commurates nodding in agreement.

"Be proud dude. Your girlfriend was the one who took us out of our prison and brought the yakusa back up again." Chrono commented while wiping the sweat on his forehead.

Chisaki almost let out a sob as he looked at your smilling self, offering him his plague mask.

"I cleaned Kai... sorry! Ovedhaul."

He looked at the mask before shoving it away to brought you to a crushing hug. Not only surprising you but the whole gang as well.

"The greatest blessing that I will have on my whole life is having you..." he parted from your hug to wiped one tear away from your eye "my dear angel as my partner..."

"Cheesy shit." Mimic got punched from Chrono for that.

You touched foreheads together for one last time, before Chisaki darkened his eyes and looked at mens.

"The Shie Hassaikai is back from the shadows." He said numbly.

"And thank god im not the leader anymore..." you sighed with a giggle, smilling widely at the brighest look you saw from your boyfriend.

He had hope again.Chisaki Kai was back. Not Overhaul.

Kai. Your Kai Chisaki was back.

[flyswhumpcenter]

Bad Things Happen Bingo! The event where you may have sent me requests according to this marvelous card!

We've always been fucked up because nature is, in fact, a dirty little bitch who enjoys itself with abnormalities. She gets amused by giving birth to men in women's bodies or does the opposite, sometimes.

This story absolutely isn't for the faint of heart. It openly and severely deals with gender dysphoria. It may be phrased with my usual dose of purple prose bullshit sparkles, but that's kind of it. It's still raw. Needless to say it's based on personal experience. Also, hahaha, guess who got stuck with his stupid ideas. I don't even remember why I picked "Forced Out of the Closet" back in August. I think I was planning on making this an original work thing, but it ended up never panning because I switched fully into fandom mood shortly thereafter. I'm pretty sure I was saying that about my first card back in April for "Panic Attack", no? Well, it ended up becoming this thing. I don’t know what to make of it yet.

It's a really weird note to end my 2nd BTHB card on. Until now, compared to the first card, I've been much more focused on physical pain. This has none of it and only 2nd POV narration and angst. I originally started it in a 3rd person POV, but it didn't work out and I thought it'd be worse if I wrote it in a 2nd person POV. It is. It's vivid and it's painful. I love it. Again, thanks to my Writing Crew for the support despite me being an edgy-ass bitch. I guess yiu can also call us the Derek Suffering Crew?

The title of this was what I wanted to give to the sixth chapter of Earth Never Stops, but it ended up not really ringing right with that chapter in particular. I feel like it fits here much better. And of course we gotta go with a rewritten Angie because, y'know. Canon Angie is canon Angie...

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

Like Honey in a Cup of Acid

Summary: You may have explanations to give to your assistant now that she's discovered something wasn't exactly normal, Derek. (You may also like not to do so because you want to forget).

Fandom: Trauma Center Relationship: Pre-rel DerAng

Wordcount: 2K words

Event hosted by @badthingshappenbingo​ (Thank you so much for having me for a second time!)

AO3 version available here.

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

A sort of weight immediately hits you when Angie asks you if you can have a little talk now that your thoughts aren’t just a painkiller-induced mishmash of words and incoherent thoughts with neither head nor tail. She looks concerned and perplexed, puzzled even, her eyes never truly looking into yours. Almost as if, for once, the fierce and daring Angie is intimidated by something about you. Sounds farfetched, right?

Well, there could be a number of reasons. You did almost just die on her a couple days ago and surely you can’t look much better than your own patients at the moment. You know, the usual: pale face, dark rings under the eyes that look like trenches, reddened eyes… She could just be very concerned for you like Kimishima has told you before when checking if you were still amongst the living.

 When you finally have the “little talk”, it’s in your hospital room, with you still bedridden and her on a chair to your left, next to the IV drip still inserted into your wrist, her hands pinching her skirt or clutching a notepad against her chest when she holds it. You’re not sure if there’s something even written on the thing, wondering if it isn’t just her way to cope with stress and whatever is making her anxious. Her fingers are shaking and the hair on her exposed forearms is risen. How come she’s so terrified? Do you really look this awful?

“What did you want to tell me about, Angie?” You ask, in a gentle tone, making sure you aren’t forcing on your throat so you don’t worry her even more. The tense silence in the room and the lack of noise in the later hours of the evening helps your low voice to be heard.

“I… Huh… Well, it’s just that… I was curious!”

“Curious? About what?”

 Angie looks away, red creeping on her cheeks, breath hitching in her throat. She gulps, shakes her head, takes a deep breath in, another out, and finally, looking at the ground, starts speaking again.

“When Dr Kimishima started the operation I…” She hides her face in her hands, her notepad and pen clicking against the ground. “I’m sorry, this is so embarrassing, but I haven’t stopped thinking about it since your operation!” Well, this sure is going to be a dirty secret, as Tyler would have said. “But, when she started the operation, I noticed something on your chest, and…”

Your heart skips a beat. You forgot about that, haven’t you? You forgot she’d notice such a thing, didn’t you? Alas, it’s a bit too late to pretend like she didn’t see what she must have seen. Kyriaki nor Paraskevi are known to leave stains on one’s skin, they aren’t Tetarti.

“What did you see?” You ask, feigning ignorance.

“Ah… I don’t know how to describe them well… But they were two weirdly shaped scars around your pectoral muscles. They kind of looked like –”

“—crescents, right?”

“Yeah!”

 Angie picks her notepad back into her hands, avoiding eye contact, much to his satisfaction. You really, really don’t want to have this conversation, this awful, rotten conversation you’ve had a couple times already. If it’s never ended too badly, even with your own mother, you still don’t want to live through it again. Alas, did you really think you’d escape it forever, especially with someone you hold so close to your heart (and in more ways than one too)? You’d have had to tell her one day anyway, so better get on with it, right?

Wrong. Your hands are trembling and your throat is tied into a knot. You don’t want to utter these forsaken words. You want that part of you to remain a secret from the entire world. But, alas, you also don’t want to lie to your trusted nurse, to your best friend during surgery procedures. In any case, she’d eventually guessed you lied to her, so popping the bubble off now or later is kind of the same. But, even with that knowledge in mind…  It doesn’t make what’s about to happen any less dreadful.

 Derek?

What if she isn’t as accepting as she seems? What if she stares at you right in the eyes like a freak, like a circus monster, like a broken doll that was badly stringed back together, like something that shouldn’t be, like, like…

Huh… Derek?

And, hey, what if she thinks you’re not fit for you job because of this? You’re technically experiencing a state of distressed triggered by the littlest things. It’s about faraway childhood memories, whenever you see a father with his biological child, when someone mentions a monthly event you’d have rather never known… Hey, what if that happened during an operation?

Dereeeeek? Are you still here?

You can’t ignore the existential dread coursing through your veins. You know, the one that happens when you remember that your father never called you by your right name, what was written on your birth certificate, what they called you in high school, how you look on all the pictures your mom won’t set fire to like you wish you could do… Yeah, that dread. That toxic, lava-like dread.

Hey, Derek, what’s wrong?!

 Her urgent tone makes you snap back to reality. She’s staring at you with big, full of concern eyes, her hands on your shoulder, gently shaking it.

“Ah, sorry, I… must have zoned out. Sorry for worrying you, Angie…?”

“Are you alright? You’ve got tears in your eyes…”

You realize you have to look dumb and weird, so you take your glasses off and rub the water away.

“What were you saying, then?”

“Ah, huh… I was talking about the scars you had on your chest… I’ve never seen such specific shapes before. So…” Her hands tangle together. “I was curious, that’s it. Feel free not to reply, if it throws you in such a state of distress…”

“No, it’s… It’s fine. It’s just… difficult to explain.”

 Your voice breaks when you try to push the words out of your tangled throat. You aren’t ready for this. You’ve not found your way out of there yet. You’ve been pushed into a corner and the only way out is to find the right words at the right time while not knowing how she’ll react. Maybe she’ll really think you’re the error of nature you are, you whose brain and body weren’t able to match, you whose chromosomes and spirit never agreed before your birth, you who has had to fight your way out of the mess your own biology threw you into before you were even born.

Her fingers are cold against your feverish skin, against the goose-bumps that your medical gown doesn’t hide well. You’ve made it this far only for your world to perhaps crumble again and the existential dread appears again. What if she never accepts you again? What if she calls you “Mr Stiles” again, starts staring at you with an amused glare? What if this supportive glance she gives you and the kind words she’s offered since you got over your differences disappeared as soon as she knew? Why is it that you always have to throw a shot in the dark when the truth of your story comes back to bite you?

You need to trust in Angie, don’t you? She’s been kind of your guardian angel until now, would she give up on you for this? Do you believe so little in her for that to happen? Aren’t you too harsh on her, aren’t you getting too caught up in your own web?

 “I… got them from a surgery I had in med school. As far as I know, only Tyler and a couple other people are aware I have them.”

“From what kind of surgery?”

Here it comes. The nausea’s already here, twisting your stomach, squeezing your heart as it increases in pulse, choking your throat shut. If you weren’t in this bed, surely your head would spin.

“…Top surgery.”

Angie seems fairly confused, until her eyes snap open, glimmering in realization.

“You mean, like a mammectomy?”

“…Yes.”

Your voice almost fails you again. You feel tears you want to dry again burning your retinae, blurring your vision and the candid face of the nurse who’s just realized what you really were. You fucking liar.

“For…”

“Part of gender dysphoria treatment,” you reply trying to pretend to be an encyclopaedia, to be the internet pages you read in your teenage years when puberty got confusing and warped into a lucid nightmare.

“Oh my God…”

 Angie’s face distorts in what you can only qualify as distress, horror or disgust. She tries looking at you, fixating on your bandaged chest, her gaze struggling to even meet with your face. You wish you could pat her head, tell her it’s fine, that she didn’t know, that you’re sorry for being that and not telling her before, that she’s right to feel betrayed if that’s the case; but your hands are numb and dirty, covered in acid and black mud, and you can’t dirty her like that because you, yourself, are a special kind of a biological and anatomical failure. She’s a collection doll, you’re a broken toy.

“I’m sorry, Derek, I’m… I… I shouldn’t be like that!” She stumbles on her own words. “You’ve just told me such an important thing and I… I…”

“It’s fine…” You try to sound reassuring, but the truth is that you’re still shaking, terrified and apprehensive.

“I should’ve known! It’s such a sensitive topic, I… God, Angie, you need to pull yourself together and stop being so noisy!”

He clutches her hand at last.

“It’s fine, really. I’m… at least glad I could tell you by myself…”

That’s not entirely wrong. You just wish you didn’t feel backed into such an uncomfortable corner. It’s not her fault, of course, she was just concerned for an abnormal thing about you… A lot of you is abnormal, after all.

 “I’m still me, though.” He wants to assert that with that shaky voice of his. “It’s just something I don’t like… talking about, per say.

Angie takes a deep breath and focuses back into a state of stability.

“Of course you’re still you, Derek. You’re still the surgeon who saved the world from GUILT. I would never stop thinking that. You’ve always been Derek to me, why would that change now?”

The warm smile he gives her make the hair on his skin calm down, little by little. It’ll be okay, eventually.

“I’m just… so sorry I forced you to confess like that.”

“I’d have had to tell you anyway, one day, I suppose…”

“You didn’t have to. At least, not this early…”

“It’s fine anyway. I forgive you.”

“Thanks…”

 For the first time since she’s entered the room, you can exhale with a relieved heart and a normal pulse, profit from the rainbow that shows up after the rain. The dread is still there, hiding like a snake in your stomach, ready to bite into your throat at any moment of vulnerability you show in front of it; but, now, you have a new ally to help through the storms.

“Just promise me you’ll never tell anyone, okay?”

“I never planned on having that secret exit this room. Not even the walls of Caduceus will know about it!”

You chuckle.

“I like your spirit.”

 You want to thank her again, but it feels like overkill, and you want to have the snake finally resting, asleep in the pit of your abdomen. For now, a serene silence is enough. It’s more than enough after all this trouble, all the turmoil and all of the acid rain that drenched the both of you…

There’s no need to worry anymore when you have nothing left to hide and no one but a guardian next to you; so relax, now. It’ll all be fine, from now on, now that the lead prison around your chest is gone…

[thegingertrekkie]

Lost in a Dream World

Part three: a rocky start

Trigger warning: mild sexual content, cursing

Everyone agreed it would be best to head for the edge of the kingdom at sunrise. The four of you stayed in a small inn for the night. Midoriya had gotten you some plain clothes and some leather armor. He had also gotten you two small daggers and a study bag to carry your hero costume. You looked at yourself in the mirror, Midoriya had done a good job guessing what would fit. He had admitted that trying to find something you would like wearing was the reason he was gone for 3 and a half hours. You really did look like you belonged in this world now.

"Trouble sleeping?"

You squeaked and turned around to see Midoriya in the doorway holding a plate of food in his hands. You hadn't heard him come in. "Well I did take a really long nap..." You mumbled looking back to the mirror.

"H-hey, can I ask you something?"

You heard him set the plate down on a little table in the corner and walk towards you. "Sure" you shrugged, running your fingers through your hair.

"Are you and me... Are we l-lovers in your world?" You could see his red face in the mirror.

Your face become bright red and you turned around quickly, not realizing how close Midoriya had gotten. You never noticed how muscular Midoriya was until now. He placed his hands on the mirror on either side of your head, caging you in. 'No way' you thought, heart racing so fast in your chest that you thought it was going to burst. Midoriya was looking at you through his eyelashes and you were mesmerized by his green eyes, you had never seen him this close before. You felt like your head was about it explode, and there were so many other confusing feelings too. It was like your brain short circuited.

"N-no..." You mumbled, unable to look away from those eyes. You gently put a hand on his chest and you saw embarrassment flash on his face.

"Oh... OH! I'm sorry! I just... The way you were talking about that other me... I thought..." he stepped back quickly, and slapped a hand over his mouth. He furrowed his brow and tried to take another step back but the hand you had on his chest gripped his shirt tightly. Midoriya dropped his hand from his mouth and looked at you, surprised and confused.

"Wait... I meant 'no' we aren't dating... Not 'no' I'm not interested" you breathed and you watched Midoriya's eyes dilate.

He licked his lips and pushed you back against the mirror, his lips rough and forced against yours. Your head was spinning as you melted into his embrace. His tongue passed over your lips asking permission to enter and you allowed it. You've never seen Midoriya be so assertive, it was like you were in a dream. Maybe you were dreaming. He pulled back, breathing heavily and pressed his mouth against your neck. Teeth dug into your soft skin and you moaned loudly as pleasure washed over yiu. Midoriya push his thigh in between your leg, rubbing against your groin.

"Wait!" You gasped "Wait, wait... Midoriya I can't" You grabbed his biceps, your body contradicting your words, but Midoriya pulled away from you and removed his leg.

"Y-yeah you're right..." He rubbed the back of his neck. You couldn't stop yourself from glaring down at his tented pants. 'Holy shit'

Midoriya took a few steps back and sighed, shoving his hands into his pockets. He looked like he wanted to say something but instead he bit his lip and left the room. You let out a long breath and leaned against the mirror. Now you were super conflicted. Your Midoriya never acted like before. You'd be lying if you said you didn't think he was attractive. You were certain that you shouldn't be doing sexual things with this Midoriya, you needed to focus on getting home.

You woke up to a knock on your door. You were sitting on the floor, your back still against the mirror. With a groan you stood up, your back was sore and your behind was numb from sitting on the hard floor. Midoriya's smudged hand prints were still on the mirror. There was another knock on the door and you yelled for them to come in. The door cracked open.

"(Y/n), it's time to go. Make haste." Iida's slightly mechanical voice said through the door.

You grunted in response, grabbing what little you had and followed the knight outside where Midoriya was chatting with Uraraka. You greeted them ans Midoriya blushed, avoiding eye contact. Iida pointed down the road and dramatically called "Onwards!" And your group began the long trek toward the edge of the kingdom.

You stayed at the back of the line, watching the rest of your party walk in front of you. It was so strange, it was like a role play that everyone was taking too seriously. A part of you still couldn't wrap your head around the fact that this was real. The walking seemed endless and your feet hurt with every step, but you pressed on. Uraraka fell back behind you, groaning about her feet. Midoriya had been quiet the entire trip, glancing back at you every once and awhile. Iida kept saying words of encouragement, but you could tell on his face that he was worn down.

You were about to suggest everyone stop and rest for awhile when an arrow wizzed past your head and stuck into a tree a few feet in front of you. You cried out and turned in the direction it had come from, but you couldn't see anything through the trees. Everyone else had their hands on their weapons, Iida clenched his jaw as sweat dripped down his face. "Stay close" he commanded, his intense eyes scanning through the trees.

Then arrows were coming from every direction. Uraraka screamed as an arrow dug into her leg. Midoriya scooped her up and yelled "Run!" Pushing your exhaustion down you ran as fast as you could down the path. You did your best to dodge the barrage of arrows. You could hear them fly past your ears and some of them hitting Iida's armor. Midoriya grunted as an arrow buried deep into his shoulder. Uraraka countered with her magical staff causing a group of small green creatures to get trapped in bubbles and start floating.

That's when you noticed what was attacking you and your friends; dozens and dozens in green creatures all armed with different weapons. They had bright yellow eyes and jagged sharp teeth. Your heart jumped into your throat. "What the hell???" You screamed

One lunged at you and you thrust your fist into it's creepy face. It's jagged teeth cut your knuckles, but your punch seemed to knock the creature out. "What are these things?"

"Goblins" Uraraka called out, her voice laced with pain "They eat humans! We have to get away!"

There were so many of them, they outnumbered your party 6 to 1. You grabbed the daggers Midoriya gave you and held them with shaky hands. Your lungs burned and your feet ached. You didn't feel confident in your fighting ability now that your quirk stopped working. You were out of your element. Something tangled around your ankles and you yelped as you fell. "Guys! Help!"

"(Y/n)!" Midoriya yelled look back with a wild look on his face, like a cornered animal. He was panicking

"Midoriya I've got them! Get Uraraka to safety!" Iida commanded, skidding to a halt and rushing back toward you.

Even with all his armor he was fast, but he was too far away. You used your dagger to cut the bolas that waa tangled around your legs, but goblins were already on top of you. You swung your daggers wildly, but it was no use. The goblins quickly overwhelmed you and all you could do was cover your head as they bit and scratched you. Your arms were forced behind your back back and tied with thick rope. Then you were being dragged into the forest. You craned your neck trying to keep it from being hit by the rocks and tree roots that stuck up from the ground.

"Iida!" You screamed right before a large heavy object struck the back of your head. Black kept in the corners of your vision and you bit your tongue hard. A copper taste filled your mouth as the world faded around you.

"(Y/n)!!!" Iida's voice seemed so far away.

Everything went black.

[recentanimenews]

Anime in America Podcast: Full Episode 2 Transcript

  Hello, and welcome to another fine transcript of Crunchyroll's new Anime in America podcast! Those in need of a different way to access and enjoy the podcast, as well as those looking to research further or simply take note of some interesting facts that were mentioned, we've got you covered on an episode by episode basis. Following up on the episode 1 transcript, we've got one for the second, so enjoy it in full below!

  The Anime in America podcast, hosted by Yedoye Travis, is available on crunchyroll.com, animeinamerica.com, and wherever you listen to podcasts.

  Episode 1 Transcript: In the Beginning There Was Fansubs

    Disclaimer: The following program contains language not suitable for all ages. Discretion advised.

  [Lofi Music]

  As I made very clear in the last episode, it was once a massive undertaking just physically getting anime from Japan to the US. Just imagine if I told you in 2019 that you had to go anywhere but your own couch just to watch anime. You would call the police. 

  Once anime was here physically, it still involved an insane time commitment from fans just to make it intelligible to American viewers. Whether it was painstaking hours encoding text onto video, or being tricked into live translating for your friends; in short, it was impossible, and yet people did it, so we have them to thank, at least partially, for the huge presence of anime in the modern zeitgeist.

  But there’s a lot more to localizing than just taking Japanese words and turning them into English words. In practice, localization means making whatever changes are necessary to make a show marketable to the local audience. Using the language of that audience is a good start, but it doesn’t encapsulate the full scope of the practice from a marketing standpoint.

  Of course, over the years, people have severely misunderstood the extent to which changes actually need to be made, and so there are good examples of localization and then there are times when the producers decided Americans can’t grasp the concept of a rice ball and Pokemon ends up full of unnecessary jelly donuts.

  This is Anime in America, brought to you by Crunchyroll and hosted by me, Yedoye Travis. 

  [Lofi Music]

  If you're still not sure what I'm talking about, there are plenty of things in the American lexicon that you would have never guessed were from Japan. In fact, the 60s gave us a lot of anime that wasn’t recognizably Japanese, and this was because both Japanese creators and American distributors thought that maybe Japanese IP wouldn’t be the easiest sell immediately after World War II. So they just made it not Japanese. Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy began a lasting trend in anime of heavily anglicized characters that minimally reflected the culture they came from, and were therefore believed to be more marketable to western audiences. 

  [Music from Astro Boy plays]

  By the 80s though, as we inched further away from wartime tensions, anime became more acceptable in its unedited state, attracting American distributors who wanted to capitalize on the space opera craze following the release of Star Wars. In fact, by this time, the cultural exchange between Japan and the US was already starting to blossom, with an agreement between Marvel and Toei that brought a successful tokusatsu adaptation of an American series to Japan in 1978. That series was Spiderman. 

  [Japanese Spider-Man opening plays]

  And for reference, tokusatsu is a Japanese word that literally means “special effects,” so tokusatsu in its simplest form is just that--a live action show where some of the stuff is not real. For specific examples, think Ultraman, Kamen Rider, the Super Sentai series, which I’ll get to in a second, or something we’re all familiar with--the classic foam rubber Godzilla that came long before the tiny headed Bryan Cranston version.

  [Godzilla roar from GODZILLA VS MECHAGODZILLA]

  Marvel and Toei’s deal was made before Dragonball Z became Toei’s crowning achievement, and long before Marvel joined the Disney family and fell into constant conflict with Sony over the very same property. The deal gave each party rights to use the other’s characters in any way they saw fit, and in fact, Toei originally planned to make Spiderman a secondary character to mythological Japanese prince Yamato Takeru. They eventually backtracked and left Spiderman in his primary role, but then they did all this other weird shit with it. They threw out Peter Parker entirely, and so Spiderman’s alter ego became Takuya Yamashiro, a motorcycle racer who gets injected willingly with blood from the spider alien Garia, giving him spider powers and allowing him to carry on Garia’s fight against the evil Professor Monster.

  [Japanese Spider-Man opening continues]

  I’m sorry, what? They also gave him an arguably unnecessary giant robot named Leopardon, a concept Toei would later incorporate into their Super Sentai series, which you may not know by name, but is actually one of the most popular American series of all time, with literally billions of dollars in toy sales in its first 8 years.

  [Opening theme of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers begins to play]

  And if you’re thinking “Hey what if I’m too dumb to Google that?” Well that is what podcasts are for. Even though I guess you had to Google… this podcast to find it.

  Not knowing Super Sentai doesn’t make you dumb, it just makes you American, and THAT makes you dumb.

  [Power Rangers theme continues]

  But only for systemic reasons that can be broken down in one of many other podcasts. But In this one, I’ll just accept your manufactured ignorance and move on.

  [Power Rangers theme continues to “Go go, Power Rangers!”]

  You might know Super Sentai by its American name, Power Rangers, who you might know by the aforementioned giant robots--known as Zords--or by the first iteration’s problematic color coding of its main characters: blue for boy, pink for girl, yellow for Asian girl, black for black boy, and red for lead boy. Later colors would include white for Native American played by white guy, and green for all the money they made in spite of this. 

  Power Rangers is an American localization of Super Sentai originally adapted by Saban Entertainment in 1993 using entirely new footage and storylines interwoven with battle scenes from the original series, and I don’t know if it’s better or worse that the American cast was decided after the costumes were made, but I do know that it’s not surprising. 

  The Power Rangers are undoubtedly the most popular Saban property, having sold over $6 billion in toys for Bandai in its first decade on the air, and Saban have continued to adapt Super Sentai series beginning with Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger in 1993, all the way up to Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters in 2019.

  The rights have changed hands a couple times, with a brief stint at Disney, before returning to Saban in 2010, and ultimately to Hasbro in 2018, in case you thought the series was created to do anything other than sell toys. Power Rangers has since been distributed internationally and chaotically redistributed in Japan using the original voice cast, and I can’t begin to explain to you how that works legally, but as an actor, all I can say is take the two checks and run before they figure it out. 

  I bring all this up as an example of what can happen when international properties are used to their full potential. It gets confusing at times, when you get into the weeds regarding licenses and producers or the fact that Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was banned in Malaysia for supposedly promoting mighty morphine to kids--real fact, look it up--but ultimately, in the grand scheme of things, all parties involved, at least on the corporate level, made money and built up pretty rock solid brand recognition.  

In contrast, let’s talk about Harmony Gold. 

  [Lofi Music]

  Harmony Gold is an American television production company and real estate developer lol whose founder, Frank Agrama, narrowly escaped prison just a few years ago, and whose Wikipedia page contains an alarming number of references to famously corrupt Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. And I don’t mean in passing. I mean in 1976 Frank Agrama sold broadcasting rights from Paramount pictures to Berlusconi’s Mediaset company, which at the time was just starting, but years later was found in a study by the American Economic Association to have made young Italians more vulnerable to populist rhetoric and therefore more likely to vote for Berlusconi who, for reference, would later be convicted of soliciting sex with minors, for which he would later be acquitted because why wouldn’t you be able to do that? And I’m not saying Frank Agrama is responsible for, or in any way directly involved in any of the +20 legal battles Berlusconi has been through, I’m just that he definitely was and in fact his home was raided in 2006 in connection with an Italian investigation claiming that he had inflated prices of the rights he originally sold to Mediaset so that, through means I do not understand, Mediaset could pay huge dividends to its top executives. And Frank only avoided jail time due to a technicality based on his age. 

  Of course, all this info is better suited for a way more in depth political conspiracy, and maybe famous pedophile podcast? But the fact that Harmony Gold is so deeply rooted in the dealings of a massive propaganda empire run by an egomaniac really sets the stage for why everyone seems to hate them so much. 

  So what is Harmony Gold as it pertains to this story? Well, as I said, it began in 1983, four years after Frank took a trip to France, where he met and agreed to partner in distributing international film rights with Paddy Chan Mei-Yiu and Katherine Hsu May-Chun, two businesswomen from Hong Kong, the former of whom is the owner of the Wiltshire Group of Companies. And I’d like to think the two of them held some significance before the events in this episode, but if they did, they’re SEO game is trash, cause all searches yield results after the year 1979 when Chan founded the Hong Kong-based Harmony Gold and Frank founded Agrama Film Enterprises in LA, only establishing Harmony Gold USA a few years later. 

  Harmony Gold USA’s first project was a miniseries depicting the life of Shaka Zulu--chief of the Zulu people from 1816 to 1828--which a 1986 piece in the LA Times said reduced Shaka and the Zulu people to violent barbarians, noting that the story was mostly told through the perspective of an Irish doctor and not Shaka Zulu himself and basically challenged its audience to ask what would have come of South Africa if it weren’t for the intervention of white settlers.

  So if the series can be summed up in a word, I guess that word would be “controversial,” only because Frank himself staunchly denied that the film was racist at the time, despite claims from South African literature professor Mazisi Kunene that it was “like Hitler doing the history of the Jews.” 

  And long story short, these are the people that made Robotech. 

  As is the case with Power Rangers and most other series brought to the US, the main hurdle in localizing for an American audience is the content itself, whether that means it violates some perceived standard of acceptability, or more simply that Americans misinterpret the intended audience and end up repackaging a show with very adult themes to be marketed to kids, which may explain why I’ve seen Endless Waltz about a dozen times and couldn’t tell you a single detail of the story. 

  [Mobile Suit Gundam Wing - Endless Waltz theme plays]

  In the case of Robotech, however, the biggest hurdle was American syndication laws. When Carl Macek was hired to adapt anime for Harmony Gold in the mid-80s, he immediately settled on Super Dimension Fortress Macross, as I mentioned in the previous episode--and had they followed their original plan, it would have been the first legal anime home video release in the US. But they abandoned that plan and decided to air it on TV, and American rules required that a syndicated show be able to run at a minimum of five episodes a week for 13 weeks, because as we all know artists are at their most creative when they have strict production minimums, like an 8 episode anime podcast, to give a non-specific example.

  So, in similar fashion to Japanese Spiderman and Power Rangers, Carl Macek took the rights he had and did whatever the fuck he wanted. Macross had aired weekly in Japan for only 36 episodes, so Carl took two unrelated giant robot series--Genesis Climber MOSPEADA and Southern Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross, the longest title I’ve ever heard--and he just tossed them in with Macross like an undergrad student using 15-point periods in a 12-point essay. And he made a hit. Robotech was hugely popular at the time and plenty of people will tell you it was their first window into the world of anime as a whole. But beyond that, Harmony Gold didn’t really have a lot of success. 

  There were spinoffs, including the aforementioned Robotech: The Movie, which was shown in 1987 at the Animation Celebration Festival, where Jerry Beck worked with a man named Terry Thoren, who refused Jerry’s requests to pick it up for further distribution, yet another person who viewed it as a “Saturday morning cartoon,” and first of all, I have to stress that you can watch cartoons on any other day. Yu-Gi-Oh! played on Sundays, I don’t know what this Saturday morning shit is. I don’t know where it comes from. But I digress.

  In probably one of the most significant events in early anime history, Jerry Beck and Carl Macek met during the screening of Robotech when they both snuck off to watch the crowd’s reaction, and realizing how excited the audience was, they immediately decided to team up and establish Streamline Pictures, where they were committed to producing anime dubs that were true to their source material, preserving all the original music and sound effects, and producing more faithful translations, and I can’t stress enough how insane it is that that was revolutionary, but it was at the time and they, along with contemporaries like RightStuf, set a precedent that anime was most valuable when it got to just be anime. I can’t say with 100% certainty that Jerry’s boss would have been more receptive to anime if he had seen Macross in its original form, but I am also dumb, so take everything I say with a big grain of salt.

  Regardless, looking back at Harmony Gold’s reputation in comparison to Carl Macek the man, all signs suggest he left at about the right time. Carl only lasted long enough to produce 85 episodes of the original Robotech, along with the way way way lesser known Captain Harlock and the Queen of a Thousand Years, also adapted from unrelated series Captain Harlock and Queen Millennia, both by Leiji Matsumoto, both of which were comprised of 42 episodes, which I probably would have confirmed in advance if I had already gone through the trouble of combining three whole series into one, but that’s just me, a person whose experience informs his actions. Of course, given the success of Robotech, I’m sure Carl was very optimistic about his ability to crank out another successful chopped and screwed anime, so I can’t really blame him for overlooking that, but Harlock ultimately didn’t perform nearly as well as its predecessor.

  Carl also attempted a Robotech sequel, Robotech II: The Sentinels, of which only three episodes were produced before it was canceled. And that’s kinda where Harmony Gold as a legitimate institution went out the window. Carl left to start Streamline, and you can so clearly picture the alternate timelines branching out from that point in history. Streamline was the antithesis to Harmony Gold in just about every way. Its first projects were theater screenings of Laputa: Castle in the Sky and Twilight of the Cockroaches, and it’s unclear whether they were officially a company at that time, but that’s kinda where Streamline’s illegitimacy ends. They opened the first Streamline Pictures office in 1989 and took off from there, while Harmony Gold was offloading employees to none other than Saban Entertainment, which may explain that company’s almost identical production strategies in Power Rangers. 

  I think taking a quick look at Harmony Gold’s website can give you a lot of perspective on the direction they’ve gone in since Carl left. And I encourage you to pull it up and follow along as I break this down, cause it’s hilarious. First of all, it looks like it was designed by Frank Agrama himself. From the soft 90s fonts to the basic flash animation, if you asked someone who had never heard of Harmony Gold to describe this website, I’m confident they would peg this as the work of an African immigrant trying to convince his parents he’s doing well in Hollywood. From left to right, the home menu lists “Theater,” a good enough start, considering they do own and operate the Harmony Gold Preview House in Hollywood. It then moves on to “Entertainment,” a category under which the word “theater” might fall under some circumstances, but I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt on this one, considering it is a specific space after all.

  Dead center, directly under their logo where you’d never expect it, is “Robotech” which, again falls under “entertainment,” the most entertaining thing about it being that if you click on it, it just redirects you to a better website, Robotech.com, where you can find all the merchandise and modern web design that frankly just wouldn’t make sense on Harmony Gold’s main page. Just to the right of that is, quite ironically, a hard left turn to “Real Estate,” which redirects to HarmonyGoldProperties.com, and I’ll admit perspective is key here because the phrase “Harmony Gold kinda fell off and started doing real estate” sounds way worse than “Yo my landlord produced the Shaka Zulu mini-series, that’s crazy!” But that’s neither here nor there. Finally, one more space to the right, you’ll see “About Us,” and your impulse might be to say “No I think I’ve seen enough,” but there’s so much useful information in there like the fact that Tobey Macguire is attached as a producer on the live action Robotech, which I’m only adding in hopes that you’ll respect the deep commitment required to bookend this long setup with Spiderman-related content. 

  [Japanese Spider-Man theme returns]

  So all that might seem very unfair to Harmony Gold and Robotech, especially considering they served such a key role in introducing so many American fans to anime. Why should you care what their website looks like if they’re responsible for one of the greatest anime adaptations of all time? Well it’s not really about what they did at the time that fans are uptight about. It’s all about how they’ve conducted themselves since. The key difference between Streamline Pictures and Harmony Gold really comes down to their emphasis on money.

  [Lofi Music]

  Jerry Beck told us repeatedly that he and Carl’s work was something they did because they wanted to see anime in American movie theaters. They did that and they were defunct by 2002 which, if you look at a rough timeline of how anime got to where it is today, is the perfect amount of time to help set the industry in motion and then just let inertia take over. Streamline produced dubs to get them out and then relinquished the rights to those properties, most notably handing the rights to Studio Ghibli distribution over to Disney in 1996. 

  Harmony Gold on the other hand have notoriously kept a vise grip on the rights to Robotech and its underlying IP and clearly have no plans of letting go any time soon. If you Google “Harmony Gold,” the search results are not kind. A lot of them come from Reddit, which should give you all the information you need, but the SparkNotes version is that Harmony Gold has used their rights to Macross and adjacent titles to box out any lookalikes, copy cats, or most notably, the original Macross itself, from setting up shop comfortably in the US, and knowing their relationship with Berlusconi’s Mediaset in Italy, it’s not really surprising that their actions would mirror those of a European propaganda machine, the only difference being that Robotech was popular, but certainly not the only thing you could watch in the 80s. So they really only managed to corner the market on what they *sort of* owned. 

  For context: Harmony Gold were given rights to SDF Macross, Southern Dimension Cavalry Cross, and Genesis Climber Mospeada from Tatsunoko Production in 1984 and, as we now know, Carl Macek was charged with editing and scripting these series into the 85 episode arc of Robotech. Simple enough so far, but of course it gets worse. Robotech was first released in 1985 and it’s since been declared that Harmony Gold maintains the rights to the Robotech brand in perpetuity, to do with whatever they so choose, and yet they’ve also held onto the rights for all its constituent properties for the past 34 years, renewing them once in 1998 and again in 2002, which pushed the expiration date to March 2021, and in all my research, I haven’t seen a single viable reason for why they need to last that long. In short, they ain’t doing shit with them, and yet, at Anime Expo 2019, they announced once again, that their rights would be extended indefinitely. 

  As I said before, Harmony Gold started production on Robotech II: The Sentinels, which was canceled, ending Carl Macek’s tenure, and they did later produce Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles in 2006, which according to their own website, is incredible. But other than that, what do they really need those rights for? At first glance, it looks like they’re whole MO is just to litigate competitors out of existence, which thankfully they haven’t always had the power to do. But if you take a closer look, that doesn’t have any affect on their approach. It really seems like they’re just holding onto their one successful property for the sake of brand recognition and money. I mean if you Google the words “Harmony Gold lawsuit,” the number of results are very telling. 

  Really, outside of almost certainly tossing out my rental application when I lived in LA, it seems like Harmony Gold does nothing but litigate. And to be honest, I can’t say that I really understand all the details of their legal troubles, of which there are so so many, but let’s see if I can sum it up without staring at my notes for an hour. 

  Basically, I want to say around 2003, it was determined by a Japanese court that Tatsunoko Production may have never had the power to hand the rights to Macross over to Harmony Gold in the first place, because they apparently didn’t have the approval of their co-producers Studio Nue and Big West in Japan, and technically the rights to 41 of the original character designs still belong to Big West. But because we are America and our word is law, and because we renew our anger about Pearl Harbor only when it is convenient, a different judge said “fuck everything Japan stands for” and I guess that ruling was ignored in the US and a judge determined that Harmony Gold has the rights to use Macross for some period of time just short of forever. A 2016 case between HG and Tatsunoko, in which the latter claimed Harmony Gold was sublicensing Macross without paying royalties, was ruled in favor of Harmony Gold but also dialed back the whole perpetuity thing and upheld the 2021 expiration date on their Macross license, and that date held until July of this year, when Harmony Gold’s deal with Tatsunoko was extended for another, as of yet undisclosed amount of time, that is presumed to be another 35 fucking years.

  To sum up all the implications of this very confusing, three-headed dog of a case, basically Harmony Gold’s rights to Macross have a very shaky foundation, but they objectively own Robotech at least and can do with that whatever they want, as long as any sequels they produce use original designs outside of the original 41 that were dubiously given to them without Big West’s permission. Also Harmony Gold was somehow given all distribution rights for original Macross footage outside of Japan, but they still need permission from Tatsunoko to actually exercise those rights, which Tatsunoko seem unwilling to do for a company that sued them as recently as three years ago. I wonder what that’s all about. Also, because the grounds by which Big West actually owns those characters is so confusing internationally, Tatsunoko will probably just keep renewing Harmony Gold’s license just to say “fuck you” to Big West, while still never letting Macross see the light of day aside from Blu-Rays shipped directly from Japan, which conveniently have English subtitles because they know exactly what they’re doing. 

  This whole mess, paired with the fact that fighting an American ruling from overseas is prohibitively expensive and not in your favor, means that Studio Nue and Big West are heavily discouraged from pursuing their rights to a show they don’t really believe has an audience in the US anyway, so even if they could win, the likelihood of them trying is very slim. But because Harmony Gold has nothing to coast on aside from their production from 1985, they’ve been reduced to filing suits against anyone who even looks at an original Robotech design, which so far includes Hasbro, who incorporated an also shakily acquired Macross design into their Transformers line because they had no Robotech licenses and Macross didn’t exist here at the time, and also Piranha Games, a Canadian video game designer who believed they had legally acquired the designs from Big West for their Battletech game series. Unfortunately, Harmony Gold disagreed and another confusing lawsuit began. 

  The weirdest thing about all this is that, as important as Robotech is, a lot has happened in the anime world since then, and Harmony Gold don’t seem interested in branching out into any of those other ventures. They’ve been acquiring IP throughout the years but haven’t produced anything of note since around 2006, although a live action Robotech has been licensed to Warner Brothers, but even that feels weird since Pacific Rim already happened, but I guess another lawsuit can settle that. I don’t know.

  Watching the steps Harmony Gold have made since canceling The Sentinels really adds a lot of perspective to just how big a bullet Carl Macek dodged by leaving, and granted he had since gone back and was working with them again when he passed away, but the potential damage to his reputation had come and gone by that time. Of course, he is still a controversial figure considering his creation is still at the root of this whole conflict. But he is also responsible for introducing a whole generation of viewers to anime for the first time, and his work at Streamline Pictures, where he helped bring so much untouched anime into the mainstream, more than makes up for keeping one, albeit very important, series out of the public eye. 

  The legacy of Akira and its Studio Ghibli dubs, in my opinion, makes Streamline a much stronger contender for valued contributors to anime history, and the fact that they only made money by putting out a quality product makes it that much better, not to mention the fact that they were so content to pass on licenses when their time was up. In fact, according to most fans, knowing when to pack it up is really the one thing Harmony Gold could have done to save their reputation. That said, Streamline has thrown a lot of fuel on one very divisive fire over the years, whether intentionally or not. 

  That fire, of course, is the sub vs. dub debate, which has driven a wedge in anime fandom for years. There are the people who believe there is never a reason to watch dubbed anime and there are the people who work from home, writing anime podcasts, and don’t have time to learn Japanese just to feel superior to casual fans.

  For anyone unfamiliar, there’s been a debate raging for as long as anime fandom has existed over whether real fans should watch anime with subtitles or with English voice actors. I would personally like to plant my flag in the ground and say that if you don’t speak Japanese, it doesn’t matter. The argument I hear most often is that the Japanese voice acting is just better, and to that I say: how the fuck do you know? If you don’t speak the language, there’s no way you can discern good Japanese voice acting from bad English. If you can, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you speak Japanese. So good luck with your new job at the UN, I guess. Congratulations.

  Also, just consider a point Roland Kelts made to me: that the Japanese artists themselves, in many cases, prefer fans to watch the show in their own language so they're not focused on reading while the art they worked so hard on is just passing by. Also, consider a point made by me: that subtitling eliminates the need for voice acting and editing jobs and, and as we learned in the previous episode, subtitles can be done with a very quick turnaround and a small team. So what I'm saying, is that dubs create jobs and stimulate the economy in the countries where they're produced, so regardless of how you feel, they are a necessary evil. 

  Also, back to a legitimate point by Jerry Beck: people who don't already watch anime aren't really interested in reading subtitles. To return to the argument on what goes into localizing anime, the whole point of the process is to sell it to a new audience, and part of that process is presenting it to them in their own language, which is exactly why Streamline Pictures only produced dubbed anime--to attract new fans to something that doesn’t feel threatening or antagonistic, which anime fandom often does. So sure, you can individually decide that you prefer to watch anime with subtitles. Maybe you have a lot of free time, I don’t know. But maybe take into consideration that when you have an elitist attitude about who’s a “real” anime fan, you’re not only being a weirdo edgelord, but you’re also keeping anime away from fans who are just as deserving as you are which, I would argue, makes you the Harmony Gold of people. 

  Harmony Gold itself has maintained its loose grip on the anime industry by exploiting people’s interest in a single franchise, knowing that a lack of access to the original Macross and related merchandise will inevitably drive people to their Frankenstein version of the original product. Meanwhile, Big West and Studio Nue have effectively given up fighting for it because the legal fees would be prohibitively expensive to reclaim a franchise that has technically never had an audience outside of Japan anyway. And the fact that companies like this survive because of legal confusion, while the Streamlines of the world come and go, is a travesty and ultimately only hurts the anime industry. And my point is that if you force subtitles on new fans, you are as bad as that. 

  This has been another episode of Anime in America. Come back next week, when we’ll be diving into the first anime conventions to hit the United States. 

  [Lofi Music]

  Thank you for listening to Anime In America, presented by Crunchyroll. If you enjoyed this, please check out Crunchyroll.com/animeinamerica for free anime, with ads, or get a 14-day free trial of Premium. 

  You’ve heard it before, but please leave us a review and rate us so more people can discover the show, or just share it with a friend.

  This episode is written and hosted by me, Yedoye Travis, and you can find me on Instagram at ProfessorDoye or Twitter @YedoyeOT. This episode is edited by Chris Lightbody and produced by me, Braith Miller, Peter Fobian, and Jesse Gouldsbury.

  By: news+feed@crunchyroll.com

[txnystarkimagines]

Sex On The Beach

Words: 3000

Pairings: Tony Stark X Reader

Warnings: SMUT! NO GLOVE NO LOVE! REMEMBER GUYS!

Request:  Can I request something smutty yet fluffy where tony and his gf are celebrating their one year anniversary? He takes her to his beach house for a week and they end up having sex in the hot tub.

Requested By: anonymous

Permanent Tags: @sybil-howlett @palaiasaurus64 @sherlockholmesisbae @redroomproperty@alwaysoutoftheordinary @withouthannah @metaphysicalmisha@andybubblebath @secretninjachild @whatshernamemaria @pou-noikiazeis-to-oneiro @alwaysenjoythelifeyoulive@niallandsebastianaremylife @raindancer2004  @v-esperteen   

Author’s Note: This is very long ik! I kind of got carried away with this but hey! There is never too much Tony. 

MASTERLIST

TAGLIST IS OPEN

REQUEST HERE

The island,house,bathroom,and outfit.

"Ladies and gentlemen,please clip on your seat belts and get ready for the time of your lifes. The safety precautions are as follows on the screen.  Thank you for flying with Stark Industries,where every journey is as exciting as Captain America's love life. " FRIDAY'S voice echoed throughout the airplane.

After clipping on your seat belt,for the landing to god knows where Tony was taking you, you turned towards him. "You seriously want me to believe you didn't program her to say that. "

"Yup!"He stated, popping the P.  

"As if."You scoffed. "You seem awfully happy today."

"Obviously,you have put up with me for one year and you are still here. "He smiled softly up at you. "Plus..There's the fact that I am about to get some."

"Who said that? What makes you sure you are going to get some? " You unclipped the belt and got up taking hold of your handbag next to you.

"What?! Seriously Y/N?"He followed you out of the plane.  

What you saw in the open air,took your breath away.  All around you was a lush green forest,sounds of sea gulls and the waves crashing entered your ears. Somewhere far you could,here water flowing downhill,and very fast. It was probably a river or a spring you thought.  You turned around to face Tony, only to bump into his chest. His firm arms wrapped around you stable.

"Took your breath away,didn't it?"He questioned.  "Happened to me to, just like the very first time I saw you, in that black skirt and sky high heels of your." He smiled down at you.  

"Its-it's beautiful Tony.  I don't have words to explain, but it really is. " You stated.  

"I know.  And that is why as of right now you are the fifty percent owner of this Island along with me. "He smugly stated.  "Happy Anniversary Honey. "He wished you.

"God! Tony, don't know what to say. You really didn't have to do this."

"You could express your gratitude by giving me a Thank you kiss for one! "He smirked.

So thats what you did.  You kissed him with all the emotions inside you.  At that moment it was just you two, two lovers kissing without any care,as their lips tangoed perfectly together.  As of right now both of you weren't avengers, but just Tony and Y/N.

"You want to spend all you weekend here on the steps of the plane or actually go down to the beach house?"He pulled away. "Its a few minute walk from here."  

"Lets go!"You exclaimed excitedly and then dragged him down the stairs and to the pathway, half cemented and half not.  You marvelled at the beauty of this island.  It was very pretty.  The birds chirped,and the wind blew perfectly, not at all how you thought it was like on Islands with rainforests.  You always thought that it would be humid.

A few minutes into the walk, you realized that your luggage wasn't with you. "Ton?" You stopped in your tracks. "Where are the suitcases?"

"Red Snapper is bringing them."

"You promised there would no technology involved in this getaway."

"If you are thinking that I am going to carry  four heavy bags,over this long path and then  proceed to place them in the room. Then you are sadly mistaken."He replied snarkily.  

You just rolled your eyes in response."Just promise me no more bots of your till we have to move back the luggage, when we are leaving." You made him promise.  

"Deal."

"Good."

He clasped his hand into yours,his were perfectly warm and yours perfectly cold. According to Tony both of you were the perfect thermodynamic equilibrium. As you both neared the main doors of the house, the genius suddenly stopped and turned to you, only to pick you up by the knees and the shoulder, bridal style. You sqeualed in surprise."What in the heavens are you doing Anthony?"You threw your headback in laughter.  

"Carrying you over the threshold, what else?" And then he spun around,with you in his arms.  

"Tonyyy!"You squealed again.  

"Keep practicing baby girl,you are going to need it tonight. " This caused you to blush. As he pushed open the main door with his foot,your eyes slilpped onto the glass wall on the opposite side, which gave you a perfect view of the ocean.  

"You know only married couples do this?" You questioned as you walked over to the wall.   You heard him shuffling but paid no heed, you were far more invested in the view.

"That is exactly what I am hoping we could be the next time we visit this place."

Confused you turned to face him.  The sighg that you met,made you gasp.  There Tony was,on his knees holding out a ring, that gleamed perfectly with the setting sun's rays on it. Tony waited for you to walk over to him, which you did awfully slowly.  

"Y/N L/N,my girlfried, my love, and my heart. I know I am not the most deserving man on this planet. I have made my fair share of mistakes. I am reckless and I am impulsive. But you have changed that. You have been a source of light in one of the darkest periods of my life, so today I am asking you will you let me be your light? Will you do me the honour of becoming your husband?"

By the time his speech ended, tears were streaming down your face.

"Yes! Yes!  A thousand times yes."You nodded.  

Tony got up from his position, grabbing your hand and slipping on the diamond on your finger. "You have made me the happiest man alive on this planet Y/N."He stated.  

"I love you Mr Stark. "

"And I you, Mrs Stark."

Tony pulled you towards himself,by the waist, attaching his lips against yours ina frenzy.  They moved in a perfectly practiced tangoe as his hands rubbed against the material of your dress on your hips, causing heat to pool in your core.

"Jump."He ordered.

So you did wrapping your calves around his muscular torso. Both of you didn't break the kiss till you reached the room.  He dropped you onto the bed,causing you to bounce.You raised up on your elbows as he looked dowm upon you with his predatory eyes. You didn't say anythinb and just watched as he took his suit jacket.and dress shirt, stripping him bare above his legs.

He crawled up towards you, only to press his mouth against yours as he fondled your breasts over the material of your dress. He trailed kisses down your jaw line, leaving fire behind his wake. And then in a flash, his hands moved to your side where he unzipped your dress sliding it down yiur shoulders till your waist, where you sliooed off by moving around. In that way your covered core rubbed against his very prominent bulge,to which he sucked in a breath.

As he caught sight of your lace covered breasts he immediately paid attention to them and unclasped the clip, luckily in front. The fabric freed your breasts and the nipples hardened even more due to the cool air.

"The things you do to me Y/N."

Abd then he latched onto your nipple, sucking on it as he twisted the other one with his hands.  

"Tony!"You moaned. You could already feel your completely soaked panties and desperately needed him to pay attention dowb there.    

"Please!" You whimpered.

Not wasting any time he did exactly what yiu asked for and moved down, rubbing your belly as he did so. He took of your panyies, sliding them down your legs.

"Hmmm. So wet and ready babygirl. All for whom?"

"You."You answered,as he impatiently arched yoyr back waiting for him to do anything.  

"You who?"

"Tony."

"Full name."He growled.

"Yoy Anthony! Anthony please!"You begged.  

"That's my girl."

He then parted your lower lips with his fingers, blowing air into one of the most sensitive parts of the female body. You moaned at the sensation.  And then he did it. He entered one finger into your core,making a sloppy wet sound.  

"Alwaya tight and ready, like a good girl."

"Please."You begged him to move his fingers So he did. He moved it in you curling it to hit that one spot.  

"Anthony!"You moaned..

While doing so he again latched onto your nipples.Kissing and sucking around them, no doubt leaving behind a few dozen hickies. You were sure. Meanwhile he added another finger,causing you to scream his name.  Usually it took you three fingers of his to loose control,but right now? You hadn't been intimate with him since weeks, so every sensation was heightened much more.

Tony's pace fastened and you could feel the pressure building in your womb. "Oh god! Jesus!" You threw back your head.

"You can call me Tony."He smirked.

"I am gonnq come, Anthony."You statee as you arched your back, pushing in his fingers deeper.  At the same time he curled them to hit your g-spot.

"No-one is stopping you. "

"Tony!" You screamed his name. Shakes took over yoyr body, as your eyes rolled back into your head. For a few seconds everything was numb as he fingered through your orgasm.  

As you came back into your sesnes, he pulled them out with a plop his fingers glistening with your juices.There right infront of you he sucked them clean.

"Hmm. Delicious. "He winked at you.

"Tony. "You whimpered,as he layed down next to you.  

"Not now honey.Both of us are tired and jet lagged. What we do need however is a bath.  Together."He stated.

"Yeah."You mumbled. He kissed you before making his way to the bathroom to run the bath.

Meanwhile he came back into the room with a warm and wet towel,and started cleaning in between your legs.You smiled at the sweet gestrure. Given his past history with women, you always thought, he wouldn't really be the one for aftercare, but he was. Or maybe it was with the ones he was emotionally invested in but still. You loved him for who he was and not what.  

"Comeon the bath is ready. " He pulled you with his arms, and then carried you to the bathroom.

"You know I can walk right?"

"If it was for me, I would literally program the world in a way that you didn't even have to lift a finger."

"But then I'll get fat sitting around all day. "

"I would love you either way."He bumped his nose against yours.

Tony put you down onto the cold marble,when you reached the bathroom. No doubt,the bathroom contained utmost standards of luxury. It was interiored with wooden and industrial touches,with the bath and the shower,and the other corner had the ceramic sink oppositte which was the flush. In the middle there was more than enough space for one to dance.

The baths was big enough to fit atleast four people,so it wasn't as if the both of you would be in constricted premises. It even had strobe lights underneath it,which flashed a different color ever few seconds,along with some rose petals. It even had a window next to it giving you the view of the forest and the beach ahead.

"Come on now,its perfect."Tony stated,getting into it before you. You followed him soon.

Instead of taking your place besides him,you leaned on him,between his legs. Tony's back was resting against the bath wall and your against his firm chest.

"You are so fucking extra I love it." You refferred to the lights and the petals and kissed the tip of his chin,which was all you could reach considering your position.

A few minutes of silence passed,before a thought arose in your head."Now that I think about it,was the the proposal pre planned?"

"Six months and counting baby girl."

"Really? Why wait so long?"

"I thought you might run,with what it being so soon and all."

"Never."

"Never say never."Tony replied."I have a long list of people who did just that.Well whatever,we are here to celebrate and I intend on doing just that,with lots of drinks and lots of food to eat." He wiggled his eyebrows at you,causing you to blush.

Silence engulfed you both once again. Tony's hands moved upto your shoulder,massaging one as he pressed a kiss on the other. You sucked in as his warm breath caused you to shiver,even in the warm water. He pushed away the strands of baby hair hanging down the nape of your neck,slowly travelling to the front,leaving behind tingles wherever he touched.  He firther trached the shape of your collar bones with his fingers,as you rested your head against his shoulder,allowing him more access. His hand travelled down the valley of your breasts,down your stomach to cup your mound.  You let out a moan,at the sensation,the feeling of his calloused hands against your womanhood. He did this all the while his other hands remained on your shoulder.

Quiet timidly his hand moved back up to your breasts,you whined,dissapointed he didn't pay attnetion where it was needed the most."Tony!" He rolled your nipple in his hands,twisting and pulling at it,as you layed on him.

"Fuck this."You mumbled.

Immediately you turned around,now sitting on his lap with your bare body rubbing against his erection. Your movements  splashed water everywhere,but nobody cared. Your soft lips smashed againts it,moving in passion and extreme needs. Your hands placed on his chest,thrumbs brushing against the metal of the arc reactor. You leaned up,and with your hand under the water took hold of his shaft,rubbing it against your lower lips.

"On top huh?" He smirked up at you.

"Why,you scared it will be too much? Old man."

He growled,but before he could say anything you pushed down his dick,easily lubed by the water and your wetness.

"Urgh!"You groaned at the tightness.

"Fuck Y/N!" Tony moaned. "Give the guy a warning."

Instead of replying,you just rolled your hips around his manhood.In this position his cock reached places deeper than ever before,causing the feelings to intensify. Slowly you started moving up and down. You moaned out at the friction this caused. As your movements fastened,his hands latched onto your hips tightly to thrust up. Something which would surely leave bruises for the morning after.But you didn't care. These moments of ecstasy with the love of your life were worth everything. With you pushing down on him and him thrusting into you from below,water splashed with every thrust. While you rode him,he leaned up to press kisses to your throat,sucking and biting at the base.

"Fuck Tony! I am gonna cum soon!"  You screamed in pleasure.

"That's it baby. Come for me." He fastened his pace against yours and in a few minutes, you were disheveling above him as you let the shakes take over,falling down on him. As if feeling you release around him was all it took,he too released deep inside you. His eyes maintained eye contact with you as he too shivered in pleasure,biting his lips.

"I love you." Both of you mumbled to each other.

[callmebcby]

Ghost!AU | Lee Minhyuk

Summary: After getting kicked out of your dorm, you find a cheap and amazing apartment not too far. The catch: a ghost supposedly haunts the room. But ghosts aren’t scary, right?

Genre: fluff, slight angst Word Count: 1,843

• sophomore year of college you get kicked out of the dorm you were living in along with 6 other people • no one ever really knew why: people assumed it was for freshman • that was when you decided you'd give no more money to the school and decided to live off campus • so, you start your mission on apartment hunting within the area • you stayed at your best friends dorm for the time being • with much help you decided on an apartment not to far away • it was like, maybe 2 minutes fast walking, 4 minutes normal walking • and it was cheap!¡ • the catch: all the other tenants reported that the place was haunted • you, being a college sophomore, weren't scared of minor ghost stories or so you thought   • you scheduled a walk though with the renter, asking to go the following week which she happily agreed to • skip to the walk though • the apartment complex alone was in a really nice area • now the room you had looked IMMACULATE • you didn't understand why a messily little ghost would make anyone leave • it looked well kept and very polished • "and this only costs $350 a month, right? furnished and everything?" • even after you signed the papers, moved in, and put everything you owned in it, you still couldn't believe what a score you got • two (2) months in and no signs of ghosts yet • it wasn't until the 4th month you started noticing things • it'd be as simple as a moved hair bush, or water left on • you'd thought you were just mistaken, you've always been a forgetful child • but when it kept happening for a month, you knew something was up • bigger things started to happen • pots on the stove that you didn't even pull out of packaging yet • blankets laid across the whole couch when you only sat in one spot, which became your spot • making your bed in the morning and coming home to it all messed up • but you pushed through • everything was fine and manageable until • you started hearing voices • more specifically, a boys voice • whenever you had music playing, which was quit a lot given you were a dancing major, you'd hear him it singing along • of course it freaked you out, how could there just be voices? • maybe the neighbors were singing along • nope. all your neighbors were either female or listened to completely different music • you did get info on the past people here • they reported the same things that happened to you, no one stayed for more than a year • "okay, you got this, maybe he just needs love, he's lonely" • nothing new happened for awhile • you surpassed a year!! • all was going good until you saw him • "OH MY GOD" • he tried to calm you done • when he pressed his hand to your mouth to stop the screaming, it did nothing • "YOU JUST WENT THROUGH ME, OH MY GOD THIS IS REAL" • in denial, even with him right there • you had questions, oh boy did you have questions • you left for a week, staying at your best friends dorm, gathering your thoughts • "okay, hi hello hey there, you're a freaking ghost" • he's bust out laughing, he was overjoyed you could see him • wait. you could see him. • no ones ever saw him • "YOU CAN SEE ME, AND HEAR ME. AAHHHHH" • boy was he a screamer • he never shut up • until you banged pots together, shutting him up quickly • "I need answers, I need background, I just need, of my god YOURE A GHOST, I'm talking to a dang ghost." • you still couldn't believe it • turns out he was just a small, 22 year old who died unexpectedly, named Lee Minhyuk • he used to own this apartment, hence why he "haunted" it • accepting this was your life, you decided to accept him • you two were quick to hit it off after getting through the whole ghost part • you honestly loved him being with you, it was like a personal friend always ready for you • he woke you up in time, helped you with homework, choreo, you name it • along the way, you guess you just sorta happened to maybe fall in love with the ghost boy • how could you not? it was like he was your boyfriend anyway • you guys did everything together • the way looked at you made you swoon, you wanted to help him not be sad that he was trapped in a transparent form • although you wanted to help him, he also wanted to help you • he'd get so upset and frustrated at the fact that he couldn't touch anything and actually help • he felt incompetent and thought you deserved to go out and live instead of dealing with a loud ghost that couldn't do anything • so he lowkey got you to go out with the boy across the hall • he's sneakily put packages or pieces of jewelry in his room, making you talk to him • he was cute, you admitted • you later found out his name was kihyun and went to the same college as you • you started to eat lunch with him, given the fact you always ate alone and so did he • soon you went out on a date and you thought things were going well • that was until you took him home • "we can watch a movie, I have the best ones" you beamed • so, taking the date home, you let him go home to change his clothes • you changed as well and made popcorn • while you made popcorn you gushed to Minhyuk on how you scored with this apartment • three knocks at your door made you jump a little bit and head towards the door • just as you were going to open the door, you stopped, a thought in mind • "wait, minhyuk! will he be able to see you or am I special?" • "I think you're special. No, I know you're special," he giggled, wiggling his eyebrows, making you throw your slipper at him, watching it pass through him • throwing open the door, you were met with Kihyun in a lose tee and sweat pants • man did he look fine • letting him in, you pointed him to the direction of your couch, telling him to "make yourself at home" • gathering the popcorn and retrieving your slipper, you looked down the hall and into you bedroom • you saw Minhyuk laying face down on the bed • before you had the chance to call him a kid, Kihyun asked if you were okay • shaking your head, you walked into the living room with a smile saying you were fine • finally you sit down next to him, popcorn in hit lap, movie playing • halfway through the movie, Minhyuk walked through the hallway to the kitchen • repulsively you said hey, which made Kihyuj look at you confused • "Uh...Isn't it weird how the main character-" you made up some lame excuse • feeling your eyes grow tired, you laid your head on Kihyun's shoulder • soon after you put your head down, you heard all the flames ok your stove go off • you jumped off the couch and ran into the kitchen, Kihyuj in tow • switching all the switches off, you sighed, spotting Minhyuk • fists balled, gazed locked on Kihyun, a scowl on his face • you had to remind yourself Kihyun was here, and yiu couldn't just talk to the air • mouthing, "what's wrong?" to Minhyuk, he stormed off towards the bed • you felt your heart crack, like something in him just switched • turning your attention back to Kihyun, you saw him putting his shoes on • "I like you and all, but I've heard the rumors about ghosts here. I just can't live with ghosts, I don't know how you do. See you around." was all he said before dashing across the hall • snorting, you locked your door before preceding to clean up everything • you were hesitant to talk to Minhyuk, and not cause you were scared that'd he'd curse you, but scared to hurt him, somehow • slowly, you walked towards the shard bedroom before knocking • you heard no response so you decided to go in • peaking in, you saw Minhyuk's body laying down, turned away from you, lighting shaking • "Minhyuk~ What's wrong?" sitting next to him and rubbing his shoulder, her brushed you off • "Nothing. Go back to your lover boy." • you were taken aback you just had to stare at his back • "is someone...jealous?" you piped up, making Minhyuk whip around and sit up • "no ones jealous. leave," • "then what's wrong, Minhyuk just tell me," • "fine. yes, it pisses me off to see you snuggled up with him on the couch, in our spot. I know I'm the one who set you up with him, but if I knew it'd hurt like hell I wouldn't have." • "wait...YOU SET ME UP WITH KIHYUN," you basically screamed out, getting closer to him • inching back, he looked sorry and scared • "s-sorry, I just thought you should go out and live, not be inside with a little gh-" • you kissed him. • you finally did it and boy did it feel good • his lips were so soft and felt am- • WAIT • YOU COULD FEEL HIS LIPS • before you could pull back to scream, his hand wrapped itself to the back of your neck, pulling you closer • seeing as his eyes were closed, you decided to freak out later and go along with it • so, you wrapped your own arms behind his head, fingers playing with the bottom fringe of his hair • kissing back, you couldn't help but almost go weak • moving his arms down to your waist, he firmly held you in spot • it was him who pulled back first, leaning his forehead on yours • "Minhyuk-" • "Shh, I don't know either, just,  just live in the moment" • turns out Minhyuk was in the middle of a curse, a literal representation of begging in the wrong place at the wrong time • the curse made him a ghost until he found love • since many thought you couldn't find love while you were dead but boy they were wrong • and that's how you met your ghost boyfriend • end.

[seriously-siri]

How would you describe megsies and roddy's relationship? As deep as yiu could make it would be appreciated ^^ thank you! - s

I ran a 10K today and basically spent the entire time thinking about this question. It’s… complicated.

Complicated at the very least. 

For me, it feels like watching a Shishi-odoshi fountain (those Japanese bamboo fountains that fill up and then tilt to the other side, empty, and repeat). There’s all this great stuff that happens; good words and actions and thoughts and decisions. Things that make it look like Megs is actually turning a new leaf and things that make it look like Rodimus won’t fuck up royally again.

And then it all shatters and flips and all that goodness is let loose like a flash flood streaming off the top of a cliff face. The aftermath is a sharp clank, a tidal splash of regrets, and a ripple of second guesses about each other. Then it all starts over again. 

The fall comes from both ends too. Megatron has a lot to “make up for”- really it’ll be impossible. He knows that; Rodimus knows that. Everyone does, but still, Rodimus watched and he yelled when Megatron was wrong and praised him when he was right. On the flip side, Megatron sees Rodimus and sees the outcomes of his snap rash decision and he does the same. Chastises him when he’s about to make a mistake and bows his head when he knows Rodimus is right. 

Let’s look at it from both sides:

Rodimus isn’t “young” and he’s not “inexperienced”, but that’s the way he is most often portrayed and seen by other characters and even the readers. He’s been around since before the war- never forget Nyon. He’s had more than his fair share of dark times, learning moments, and falls. He’s fucked up probably more times than anyone should, but he still goes forward and he still has his friends and supporters. You can chuck that up to his charisma or whatever, but I think it’s because of a number of other things.

Rodimus was a servant to society before he got super involved in the war. He is said to have helped the homeless and lost in Nyon. Nyon was the place to go to “get away from the war”. It was probably overcrowded, underfed, dirty, sick, depressing and full of death and despair. Basically any refugee camp you see on the news nowadays. Hot Rod took it upon himself to do whatever he could to make it a little better. Any better. He learned to persevere and push through no matter what, because if he didn’t no one there would. This sort of mentality, this sort of dedication to work back when he was young I think made him grow up too fast. He didn’t have that “learning stage” in his life. He just sort of looked out his window and decided that it wasn’t the time.

Then the war happened. You don’t get to learn in war. You either grow up and survive or you don’t and die. So now? Welp, he’s learning things he didn’t even know he still had to learn and it looks childish and immature (and don’t get me wrong he has his purposeful moments, but it’s all part of his charm) but more often than not I think Rodimus is more surprised at how far he’s got to go to become something akin to a normal ‘adult’. Even though that is impossible for him and he knows it and most importantly:

Megatron knows of all this.  

Never forget Megatron knows pretty much everything about Rodimus. He had his eye on Hot Rod back in Nyon. He sent Starscream to recruit him. He knew what Rodimus was capable of. He got intel throughout the entire war on Hot Rod and what he did and who he killed and his crazy stunts. Hot Rod wasn’t just some punk who was good with a gun. He was practically high command. He carried the matrix.  To me, it seems like Megatron lets him mess up sometimes. Steps in when the consequences will be bad and gets disappointed when it happens again.

But also? I have no doubt in my mind that Megatron sits back at least once a day, looks at Rodimus, and wonders what would have happened if he had said yes to Starscream and put on a purple badge (I mean, we know purple doesn’t look bad on Rodimus now). Can you imagine? The prospect, the regret, and everything else whirling around as what ifs and could have beens and just how different everything would? That was then and this is now and Megatron dwells in the past too much and he knows it so I’m a firm believer that he’s using this as an opportunity to work with him- like he could have then. Just under different circumstances.  

Rodimus was also a Wrecker. This is so incredibly important. The Wreckers were there to do what no else wanted to- more often than not it was cleaning up someone else’s epic fuck up. He’s good at cleaning up mistakes. He can clean up his own.

He looked up to and learned from bots like Springer, Impactor, and Kup. Kup is so important. Kup’s mantra in life is about giving second (or third or fifth) chances. It’s about seeing the potential in someone and letting it blossom like a flower after the season has supposedly passed. With a mentor like this, Rodimus A. probably knows that learning through trial by fire isn’t always a bad thing (and most of the time the best way), but B. that he should also give second chances to everyone. They can prove themselves or not, but Rodimus always lets them try. There’s Drift, who he became good friends with and then there was… let’s say Optimus who disappointed him again and again and again.

The ex-Decepticon became a better example than his leader.

Megatron’s not so different, ya? Except unlike Optimus, Megatron hasn’t given up. He didn’t leave his people stranded on a hostile planet and turn himself in. He didn’t throw out his name and take off in a spaceship to do whatever he wanted. He didn’t disappoint a whole lot once he joined the Lost Light. Not until that moment on Censere’s world that Megatron fully and entirely made up for.

Starting out the second time with Megatron on board Rodimus, very obviously, wasn’t happy, but it didn’t last long. There were some pissing contests along the way, but Rodimus, I think, learned a lot more about Megatron than he probably wanted, but that surprised him more. Rodimus probably knew about as much as everyone else did about Megatron (except Prime). He’s read Towards Peace and he’s heard the stories and talked to those who knew him pretty well.

Then he went to that other dimension and saw it all. He saw it and realized what Megatron was, who he became, why he became, and who he has now become. Rodimus is a really good judge of character (most of the time) and he clearly sees something that others don’t. And something that some of the others also see.

The only bot that wasn’t exiled from the Lost Light that went to the Functionalist Universe was Riptide and we don’t know why he stayed behind because he’s been glaringly silent. Rodimus is in the company of bots who see the changes Megatron’s made and it probably makes him more comfortable with his choice to trust Megs- even though I think he’d make the decision regardless.

As far as forgiveness goes I don’t think Rodimus has that in him right now. Especially in light of recent events. I do think that Rodimus wants to be able to forgive Megatron. Because of that, he lets a lot slide.

Terminus taught Megatron not to get attached to anything, and that worked really well considering Meg’s attachment to him basically cause the war after his disappearance, so Megatron isn’t going to get overly attached to anyone again Rodimus included. He knows what he might do. What he has done. In a way, I think he’s trying to be what Terminus was to him; just from a different angle.

Rodimus treats Megatron the way he wants to be treated. He gives him all the chances he needs to make up for his mistakes- cause Rodimus knows what it is like to fuck up time and time again and have people turn away. He also knows what it’s like to make up for his mistakes and have people embrace him for it. Because if he can’t learn to forgive Megatron he won’t be able to forgive himself.

They really aren’t so different. Both stubborn and rash and full of both fantastic and abysmal ideas. They see it in each other and both respect and hate that fact.

Yeah, it’s complicated.

[dont-sneeze]

JackCrutchie where Crutchie breaks his right arm and complications that follow. Or whatever. Just hurt/comfort. Maybe angst.

This was supposed to have more angst but for some reason that didn’t happen. But I’m planning other stories that are in the works with lots more angst so hopefully that will make up for it. This one is just cute fluff and somehow it did an Evan Hansen and I’m not sure why (maybe because I was listening to for forever on repeat while writing this? …nah.

Anyway, here you go! Thanks for the prompt!

–––––———

“Hey, what’s going on?” Jack asked his foster mom, Medda. He was hardly ever called him out of class during school, unless he had gotten in trouble which was pretty likely. What could he say? Jack Kelly was a rebellious middle schooler.

When he got to the office, seeing Medda standing there, he knew something was wrong. They never called Medda in before. The principal would just give him a warning and send him back to class.

“Crutchie is in the hospital, we need get down there.” Was all she said. Before Jack could ask any other questions, the two were in the car on the way. Jack was playing with his fingers, anxious, fearing the worst. For some reason, he couldn’t get words out to ask what happened, to ask why Crutchie was in the hospital, how bad it was, if they would loose him-

All thoughts flooded away when Jack burst through the door to Crutchie’s room, and saw Crutchie lying on the bed. Jack gave him a once over, and realized the only damage done was a broken arm and a couple of bruises.

“Crutch…” Jack walked over to the kid who was smiling up at him. It hurt him more than helped though, because Jack could tell it was a fake smile. “What happened?” He quickly sat down and took the hand that wasn’t plastered in a cast that was reaching out for him to hold. Crutchie hated being in hospitals, and being alone in them was even worse.

“It’s not a big deal.” Was Crutchie’s answer. The look on Crutchie’s face said otherwise.

A broken arm shouldn’t be a big deal but Jack couldn’t figure out what had him bothered so badly. Crutchie may have disliked hospitals, but he’s been in them a bunch before because of his leg. Why would this one be any different?

Suddenly, Jack’s eyes focused on the Crutch leaning against the wall, and his brain clicked as to which hand he was holding, and what arm was broken.

How was he supposed to use his crutch with his right arm broken?

Jack made a sound that resembled hurt and fear and worry and any other emotions one could think of combined.

A gentle hand was placed on his back and he stiffened until he realized it was Medda. “I’m gonna go full out some paperwork. I’ll be back in a bit alright?”

Jack could only nod, keeping his attention on Crutchie.

Once she left, Jack moved from the chair and sat down on the bed next to Crutchie. “You gonna tell me what happened?” He asked gently.

“It’s fine, Jack. It’s- it’s not a big deal.” But now, Crutchie couldn’t even muster a smile. He looked so upset. “Don’t worry about me.”

“I’m gonna worry about you because that’s the only thing I’m good at.” He replied with deterzmination. “Now please, just tell me what happened?”

“I just…” Crutchie knew he couldn’t avoid it forever, Jack would find out some how. “It’s dumb… you’re gonna get really mad at me.”

“Crutch.”

“You’re gonna call me stupid-”

“Crutchie.”

“-and tell me I deserve it and that I shouldn’t have been such an idiot and that you told me so and that-”

Crutchie was cut off by Jack’s hand being placed over his mouth. “I dunno where you came up with all that, but kid, you know for a fact I would never say any of those things.” He half scolded. Slowly Jack removed his hand from Crutchie’s mouth, and gave him a disappointed look that made Crutchie want to hide and never come back out.

Jack was right, Crutchie did know. But he also knew that Jack had told him not to for a reason.

“I’m sorry.” Crutchie shut his eyes. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you… I just- I just wanted to know what it felt like and no one was around to stop me and it was calling out to me. I’m so sorry, Jack!” Crutchie almost had tears in his eyes.

“Crutch… what did you do that I told you not to do?” Jack kept his voice smooth and gentle.

“I- I climbed the tree behind the school, Jack. And I got up really high, too and I was so… it felt so good Jack, the sun hitting my face… but… I lost my footing and then the branch broke… and… I was lying on the ground… at first my arm was numb but then it started screaming in pain… I… was lying there for so long till some kid found me and called 911…” Crutchie looked back down in shame. “I’m sorry. I always cause problems.”

“Crutch…” Jack pulled Crutchie into his lap, mindful of the arm in a cast. “Listen, I’m not mad, alright? I’m disappointed that you didn’t listen to me, but I’m not mad. I could never be mad at you. If I would have known you wanted to climb the tree so bad, I would have let you, and I woulda been there to help you… So this is really my fault. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have told you that you couldn’t. I’m not the boss of you, I just wanted to keep you safe.”

“You were right though.” Crutchie said through his tears. “I can’t even climb trees without breaking myself. I can’t do anything right, I wish I would have listened to you…”

“Crutchie, course yiu cab do things right.” Jack rubbed his back. “When did you climb it? Did you skip class?”

“No. I… left lunch early.”

“You said you were going to go to the drama room to help organize the costumes.” Jack replied quietly, confused.

“I… I lied to you.”

“Crutchie.” Jack was basically in shock. He couldn’t remember a time that Crutchie had ever purposely lied to him. It hurt, and hurt a lot. If he lied to him then, how often did Crutchie lie to Jack without him knowing?

“I’m sorry. If I woulda told the truth we wouldn’t even be in this mess. It’s my fault I deserve it. Jack, I’m sorry for everything. I’m so sorry.”

Jack sighed, deciding he would bring up being lied to later. Right now Crutchie already felt horrible and he didn’t want to make it worse. “You know why I didn’t want you climbing that tree?” Jack said softly after a moment if thinking.

“Because you didn’t want me busting my other leg too.” Crutchie said, repeating what Jack had said earlier that week. “You were right about me busting an important limb.”

“Well, yeah, but I was mostly concerned that you would be so good at climbing trees, you would get even faster than Spot, and he would soak ya because you’re faster than him, even with only three working limbs.

Crutchie had to giggle. Spot was always found in trees, and no one knew why. But when there was a tree that he could climb, he would be up there before anyone could even blink. When one of the boys brought it up, he came back to class with a black eye.

No one had dared say anything of the matter ever again.

“You really think I could be faster than Spot?” Crutchie’s heart melting smile came back across his features.

“I know so, kid.” Jack grinned back and kissed the top of his head.

A few minutes later, Medda came back in, a doctor trailing behind. Jack placed Crutchie back on the bed and let the doctor do whatever else he had to do before releasing Crutchie. “We could get you a wheel chair.” The friendly looking doctor said.

At the mention of a wheel chair, Crutchie shook his head quickly. “I won’t use a wheel chair! Those are for old people! I’m only thirteen! I wanna use my Crutch. I can do that.”

The doctor chuckled and retrieved the Crutch from the wall, handing it to Crutchie. “You might be able to work with it under your left arm.”

It felt weird, made him a lot slower, and Jack constantly had to be making sure Crutchie wouldn’t slip, but when he did, he was right there to catch him. Eventually, Crutchie could walk his way out of the hospital, even with a broken arm and a messed up leg.

Jack chuckled and ruffled his hair. “With your stubborn determination, you could beat Spot Conlon at anything.” He praised, making Crutchie beam.

[princezukohere]

I want to be there for you *Shawn Mendes*

Do you accept requests? If you do, could you maybe do a Shawn imagine where the reader has parents who argue a lot, and one night she goes onto the roof of her house to hide and she's crying, and he calls her and she tries pretending like everything's fine but he hears her voice shaking and insists on coming over, and so he comes over and goes onto the roof with her and comforts her? Requested by awesomedaisyisd.tumblr.com/

Here it is and I hope you like it!

1065 words

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Everything was fine, that morning, that afternoon but like normal it went downhill. Hiding in your room had been something you always did but eventually, it became too much. Everything was too much. Yiu had a choice, call your boyfriend or take one for the team and act like it didn't affect you, though at this point it didn't. You went through this four times a week, Shawn knew this and he always wanted to be there to help you and to make you smile but his tour could be pretty stressful as is and you didn't want to be the one to bring more stress to his life.

He had been on a break for two weeks and every time he was over your parents were nice and caring but when he was gone they bickered and clawed and each word they said was full of hate and disgust though he knew this. He had witnessed it many times when he came over through your window.

"Then leave you son of a bitch!" Your mom yelled it was silent, you could hear crying from her. A glass broke before he started back up.

"The only bitch here is you! You complain but you never lift your own damn weight around here!" He screamed. "I bust my ass for you and our daughter and what do you do? Sleep around!" He continued, as if it was rehearsed you said what was coming next at the same time as him. "You Slut." He did this every time, he called her out though you all knew she wasn't cheating. 

You couldn't take it anymore. Pushing open the window you carefully climbed out. You were lucky enough to have a large and sturdy trellis by your room. It's how you got out and up to the roof everything and how Shawn would sneak in. You felt your phone vibrating in your back pocket but you didn't make a move to answer it. You didn't want to, you wanted peace and silence. You wanted a perfect paradise where you could smile and still be happy. Shawn, his voice even if you were saying it in your head still sounded like a song, a song that brought you joy and happiness. A song that kept you up all night because you didn't ever want it to stop.

The silent tears that escaped your eyes came from the feeling of loneliness. You had everything but you still felt empty, maybe because your parents were screaming about divorce every other day or the fact the idea of leaping off the roof was better than living a life without both of you parents in it, even though you'd never consider suicide. You always had someone there to help you but this time, you had pushed that person away.

Your phone vibrated again the slight pattern annoying you enough to take it out and see who was calling you. Shawn, you wiped your face answering the phone. "Hello?" You spoke quietly hoping he wouldn't hear how shaky you were but he did, of course, he did.

"Hey, so it's ten and I wanted to know if you wanted to go get milkshakes as I'll be leaving again soon and I want to spend as much time with you." He spoke, you knew he has a smile on his face by the way he sounded, it made you smile a little.

"Y-yeah, that sounds great." You said clearing your throat. "Tonight or tomorrow?" You asked it was silent, you went to call his name but his breathing was a little tough.

"What's wrong?" He asked you were silent. You moved the phone away from your mouth, feeling the tears run down your face once more. 

"I'm fine." You finally spoke, he knew you better than that. He knew you so well that it scared you.

"I'll be over there soon." He told you before the line went dead. To say that you didn't feel bad would be a lie, he was there for you in every way but you felt as if you couldn't give back. The award shows, the concerts, you couldn't be there to support him. Though he said he understood and that school was important, that he would never ask you to drop out of school for him but that didn't stop you from worrying. 

The thoughts got the better of you and you hadn't even realized that he had got there. He climbed up the trellis a smile on his face.

"There you are." He spoke, his voice gave you chills. It was soft when he talked to you. He carefully walked towards you sitting down beside you. "Want to talk about it?"

"What's there to say? My parents are probably going to divorce and I don't know how to deal with that. I get that I'll be eighteen soon and I'm almost done with school, I'll probably move to America, but the idea of them not being together." You stopped yourself, laying your head on his shoulder.

"Hey, look at me." He said pulling you towards him a bit. "Sometimes it's better for people to love each other from a distance. Even if your parent's divorce you know that they'll still love each other." He told you wiping your tears. 

"I always thought that my parent's love was like a fairytale, they were always happy and everything always went right for them. I remember wanting to have and relationship like there's but now I see that even they had their flaws." You told him, finally looking up at him.

"I'll always be here, even when I'm somewhere else I'm here." He told you, leaning down placing a kiss on your lips. 

Just like that, he made you feel safe, he made you feel loved and wanted. For that and so many other reasons, you knew that you'd never let Shawn go.

[elvesofnoldor]

Last year, the uni LGBT+ pride board I’m part of tried to organize a series of screenings that feature LGBT films with poc protagonists, and only 2-3 people showed up to each of them. We advertised the screenings as much as we could, and for as long as I could, but people just didnt come to the screenings, even though all of the films are quite critically acclaimed and reasonably popular. Tonight, I just came back from a screening of “Moonlight” and I was pleasantly surprised that roughly 20 people came to the screening, and quite a few of them are people of colour. Someone (a fellow poc acquaintance) actually told me that there is a international students’ formal tonight and they worried that not a lot of people are going to turn up, so I prepared for the worst. We put up a facebook page for the screening for only two days, literally, and 20 might not sound like much but it was way more than i or any of my board members expected. 

Honestly a major reason behind the good turn out has to do with good timing. “Moonlight” just won the best picture it damn well deserved and a lot of people didn’t hear about it before its oscar win. Now that it did win, people actually wanna watch it, and the local theatre that used to show it only started to show the film again on next Monday. I watched “Moonlight” for the first time right before it was nominated for Oscar, mainly because a Chinese film critic said that watching the film made him feel like watching a Wong Kar Wai picture. At first I thought he was just imagining things, but turns out European and Asian art cinemas did in fact influence Barry Jenkins’s directing, and it’s just not that one critic that see Wong Kar Wai in “Moonlight”. That’s how i got interested, but that’s not exactly why I loved the film so much i’d say it’s my favourite LGBT film thus far. “Moonlight” bears reminiscences of Wong Kar Wai’s pictures, but it’s not a Wong Kar Wai picture and that’s a good thing. 

Watching "Moonlight” with 20 something people in a campus lecture hall tonight was the 2nd time viewing the film for me. Interestingly enough, I reacted to this film similar to who I reacted to Wong Kar Wai’s films that feature Leslie Cheung. The first time I watched them, I usually thought, “it was a good film. I liked it. I think?”. The second time I watched them--that’s the time when all the details came together and the emotions hit me, raw and hard. I couldn’t stop crying the 2nd time I watched “Moonlight”, and it was weird that the movie emotionally impacted me this hard since the subject matter really isn’t something I can relate to as a non black person. Whatever the reasons are, I know that they were different reasons why I cried watching some of the Wong Kar Wai pictures the second time. 

The poetic and lyrical style Wong had does not give moviegoers the kind of instant gratifications they are usually looking for, and I could see a bit of disappointment in some of the audience members because of it (they did smile politely and said they liked the film though). Before I was a film student, I was just a regular moviegoer too, and I looked for that kind of fast food instant gratification as well when I went to watch a movie. So, really, I don’t have some sort of moral high ground when it comes to appreciating art films, in fact, I haven’t watched some French new wave artists’ films till this year. 

The first time I watched “Happy Together”, a pretty iconic gay film (I actually screened the film last year, but really, I should have done that this year because of “Moonlight”), I almost didn’t make it through because how much I hated the dysfunctional and fucked up relationship between Leslie Cheung’s character Ho Po Wing and Tony Leung’s character Lai Yiu Fai. I didn’t really like “Days of Being Wild” because how much I could not get past my dislike for the volatile and self-destructive dandy Leslie Cheung plays in the movie. But the 2nd time I heard his character’s theme music from “Days of Being Wild” in “2046″, I couldn’t stop crying. Watching Leslie Cheung and hearing Leslie Cheung in these two movies, feel like watching and hearing his ghost on screen. And let me tell you, feeling a dead person’s emotions can really fuck you up. I can see his ghost, hear his ghost and feel his ghost--forever preserved in films. The emotions that’s inaccessible to me in the first screening and the sense of lost and despair that I couldn’t feel all suddenly hit me during the 2nd viewing. It’s been almost 14 years since he jumped down from a hotel’s balcony, it had only been 12 years when I watched Wong Kar Wai’s movies for the first times. I only started to miss him over a year ago, but I know that I will continue to miss him years into the future.  

Obviously I dug Wong Kar Wai’s overall style, but the feeling and emotions in his films only made such an impact in me because they were the emotions and feelings of a family member that never existed. Not to get mushy here (well, I already am pretty mushy and emo am i), but the memories Leslie Cheung left on and off screen makes him seem like a family member to me. He was queer, he was bisexual (maybe gay tbh), and he was Chinese. I grew up to love woman as a woman, and before I was that, I was Chinese--I am Chinese and I will always be Chinese. I really could have used someone like him to look up to. However, Leslie wasn’t just a family member, he was a unreachable and untouchable family member. You don’t romanticize family members, but you do that if you never get to know them or see them. Wong’s films can be deeply personal to me, but his films’ subject matters are never socially or culturally or politically radical (although they can be interpreted to something of that effect). Oftentimes Wong Kar Wai’s films felt devoid of substance because of that. On the other hand, Barry’s “Moonlight” doesn’t have that problem. In fact, the substance enriched the film and made the film oscar worthy. 

I didn’t talk about this before, since I was searching in moonlight tag for a post that says similar things. If any of you saw a black folk talked about similar thing, I’d like to reblog that post because It’s better that commentaries about “Moonlight” comes from black folks, more importantly, black gay folks. After all, the movie was about them and made for them. I see a lot of people talking about how beautiful the “you are the only man who ever touched me” line is, but I don’t see people talking about just how important the line that say something like “black boys look blue under moonlight” is, or how important the imagery of a young chiron standing at the beach and under the moon is. That line combined with that important imagery, almost...romanticize black skin and dark skins. Now, art cinemas don’t do that shit. Art cinemas feature white people and light skin people, and it always romanticize whiter and paler skins. Art cinemas is blond hair white woman with blue veins in Godard’s films, art cinemas is Maggie Cheung’s paper white skin in Wong Kar Wai’s “Ashes of Time”, art cinemas is women that look like porcelain dolls in “Neon Demon”. Art cinemas is never for and about black people, black men or dark skin people, and it sure as hell never portrayed dark skin as beautiful the way it portrayed white skins. White skin is beautiful and humanized, while dark skin is consumable at best, dirty and sinful at worst. But with that line, with the movie’s beautiful cinematography that features dark skin colours, “Moonlight” subverts that harmful norm of portraying skin colours in films. And it’s so SO important. I talked about how important that it features black gay sexuality, black identity and black subjectivity before, but I didn’t talk about this before. 

I still can’t really explain why “Moonlight” impacted me so much. I mean, I could pull some shenanigans about how universal the pain and loss Chiron felt are, but I hate the word “universal” and how problematic it is. When it’s applied to films that features white subjects, labelling white subjects’ feelings and emotions as “universal” only perpetuate the harmful notion that white experiences are the default and are supposed to be ALWAYS relatable to everyone. However, when you label a black subject’s feelings and emotions as universal--especially when a lot of these emotions stemmed from experiences and struggles unique to black people--you eradicate the blackness that’s inherent to the subjects the films feature. Chiron is black before he was introduced to have a gay/queer sexuality. To me, Chiron’s father figure Juan’s speech about how black folks are everywhere and the first ones on earth as well as his recounting about how a black woman says black boys look blue under moonlight are establishing Chiron’s identity as a black person. Mind you, that process happened before we even suspected he was a young gay boy trying to figure out his sexuality. 

I guess what i could say is that I could better appreciate what Barry was trying to do the 2nd time watching his film. He was humanizing his subjects, making them sympathetic and relatable in an art cinema language, and that effort finally made the full impact on me when I watched “Moonlight” the 2nd time. I don’t think it made the same kind of impact on the 20 people i watched the movie with today. it will take time, and hopefully they get to watch the film 2nd time, 3rd time or even 4th time, and then maybe they will truly understand what Barry Jenkins was trying to accomplished.