#LIKE I KNOW IT MIGHT NOT BE THE PINNACLE OF ROMANCE

[misc-obeyme]

How many relationships (or hook-ups) do you think the Demon brothers (+ side characters) had before meeting MC?

All of them are very old and seeing how they live long lives surely they had some experiences, some more than the others.

I'm thinking out of everyone Asmo definitely had the most experience with others. But with Asmo most of his experience are from hookups since he's the most beautiful in all Devildom, so everyone would want to have their way with him. He probably tried going into serious relationships but that didn't go anywhere.

Lucifer's pride might have gotten in the way for him to form a serious relationship in the past (and he was still traumatised being cast out of heaven), but he definitely had hookups here and there. I can see Mammon trying in the past to enter a serious relationship, he was madly in love, but he got taken advantage of :(( Maybe he had hookups for money??

I'm sorry, but Leviathan is an Ancient Virgin. The only experience he had was his right hand. Again it's difficult to say with Satan. He tried relationships and hookups but he wasn't into it and sticks with romance/smut books instead??

I doubt Beelzebub had anything serious going on with someone but maybe he had a few hookups? Belphegor's the same with beelzebub, my guy is too lazy haha.

It's difficult to place Diavolo seeing how he's the next Demon king. This may sound dumb but maybe he had a lot of Physical experience (The best Succubus/incubus for the king! The best Orgies for the King!) but no romantic relationships seeing how easily everyone would want the crown for themselves and how much of a scandal that could be. This could also be said for Mephistopheles since he's a noble too.

Then there's my precious sexy ass Barbatos. It's hard to say but i low-key think he had a few flings here and there when he was still young and not a butler yet. He won't be seeking out any relationships/hookups anymore since he probably tried everything already and that could possibly distract him from his butler duties.

Raphael/Simeon are Angels so i doubt they had any experience in the past when it comes to Relationship/hookups. Solomon DEFINITELY had quite a lot of Relationships/hookups! This guy had a ton of Succubi and wives! As for Thirteen i assume she's not into Relationships/hookups until she meets Mc.

What are your thoughts on this?!

Now this is an interesting topic, anon. I've thought about it a lot, but I don't think I've managed to settle on a solid idea that I like best.

The rest is below a read more because I wrote A LOT, so this way people won't have to scroll as much.

Also NSFW below the read more due to the discussion of sex, but nothing explicit.

I think how experienced the characters are is going to depend on how sex is viewed in their respective realms.

We know how it is in the human world. I personally have a huge issue with the way sex is taboo in our world. It bothers me that there's so much suppression of it and that people are so concerned about stuff that really isn't that big of a deal. It feels manipulative and I've always felt the conservative view of it is the predominant one in our society, which only exists to control people. At least, this is my view of how I've seen it handled around me. So I feel it's important to note that I am a USAmerican. I also happened to grow up in a place that was ultra conservative while not being conservative myself so my opinion may be skewed.

Anyway, the only reason I'm talking about this is that it means I tend to prefer thinking of both the Devildom and the Celestial Realm as more free with this kind of stuff.

Especially the Devildom, but the idea that just because angels are angels means they've never experienced sex or relationships bothers me. I think it's because the CR touts itself as being the pinnacle of all things good and pure and in my opinion, sex is good and pure. I don't like thinking of it as a "sin." (PLEASE NOTE I'm discussing consensual sex between adults, obviously this is not the case for abusive situations.)

That being said, I'm also aware that this is my personal take on it, so it might not really make any sense. Like I just want the CR to be chill about it because that's what I would prefer, not because it necessarily makes sense for them to be chill about it lol.

In the context of the game, it makes more sense for the CR to not be chill about it.

But their stance necessarily alters how much experience I believe characters like the brothers and angels to have.

Because the brothers were obviously angels for a big chunk of their lives.

I also have a personal preference for characters who do have some experience. I think a first love/first sexual encounter is always extremely intense and can be toxic or problematic in ways that the inexperienced person is blind to. (Not necessarily of course, but you kind of move past that all encompassing devotion that you tend to have for your first.)

So for me, it's more appealing for the characters to have moved past that first experience and to have some knowledge of how love and relationships work. It isn't necessarily about the sex part, but sex is often entangled in love and it certainly complicates things.

Which means that in my own personal thoughts about it, Levi is the only one who could even manage to stay a virgin that long.

The reason for that is because he makes it pretty clear that he rarely leaves his room, especially after they fall.

Now if the CR is chill about sex, I think it's possible that Levi had some desperate sort of encounters while he was fighting as the Grand Admiral you know what I'm saying? But if we're going with the idea that they aren't chill, then yeah, he's probably still a virgin.

I do think it's possible that Levi isn't a virgin, though. I honestly think you could easily come up with a situation in which he actually did have the opportunity come up. Maybe he even fell in love with someone over an online message board before meeting them in person. I just think there are options, you know? And in the end, it depends on what you prefer.

In fact, I would say I kinda feel this way about all the characters. I think you could say all of them are virgins if you wanted to. Lucifer, for instance. CR isn't chill, so he never did anything as angel. After he fell, too dedicated to his work and Diavolo to even bother pursuing anybody and always immediately shutting down anyone who came onto him so as not to get distracted.

That's just an example, I'm saying you can change these details to fit with your preference for any of them, though I think Asmo would be the hardest lol.

So here are my ideas on all of the characters, based on the concept that the CR is not stupid and instead chill about sex:

Lucifer is experienced, but not by a ton. In the CR, he's too busy being a seraph and keeping all his lil siblings in line. Maybe there are a couple of people who catch his eye and while he might indulge, I don't think he'd have had a relationship. After they fall, he retreats into himself. At this point, if you're into DiaLuci, that could start to become a thing. But I also think you could say that maybe he had a little bit of time where he kind of went crazy, going out and doing all the things he maybe didn't have time to before, more as a bad way of coping with the reality of the fall and the loss of his sister. After time, when they all get settled, I think it's an every once in a while kinda thing. He just doesn't strike me as the guy who'd have time for relationships unless it was with someone like Diavolo or MC (or Solomon... yes I'm still on the solulu train just you wait). He doesn't have any reason to let someone that close to him, you know?

Mammon, I agree with you on. I think he probably wanted to be in a relationship and likely fell hard for someone, only to have his heart broken. Thus his tsundere attitude now. It's a defense mechanism. I think that could have happened in the CR and then once he fell, he would just do the hookup thing, especially when he's out partying or gambling or something. It doesn't mean anything. He's still protecting his heart until MC comes along.

Levi we've discussed, but I do think he's either a virgin or maybe had some fumbling moments in war time, you know. Pluuuus I kinda think he was probably admired by a lot of angels during that time. So you know.

Satan has a whole stretch of time where he's just trying to figure himself out. I think he'd be cautious about a relationship due to his wrath. I always think of Satan as being super romantic, but he's also concerned about his own anger. He's afraid to hurt people because of it. So I kinda think he'd hold off. He likely had some hookups and such, but I don't think he'd have a full blown relationship until he felt it was someone who truly understood him.

Asmo I agree with you on, but I also think he could have had a serious relationship at some point. I kinda see it both ways. He might not because he doesn't want to tie himself down to any one person, but I think he can also fall in love passionately. So I think he could've had one really intense relationship that inevitably fell apart.

Beel is such a sweetheart, I can imagine someone else falling in love with him easily or other people kinda throwing themselves at him. I don't think Beel would've refused them, either. But I don't think he had a serious relationship, maybe just short ones here and there, probably some hookups, but nothing more.

Belphie I think could go a lot of ways, but I kinda see him being mostly uninterested. He might have had a couple hookups over the years, just because there are so many years and there's no way the opportunity didn't arise at some point. But I don't think he ever cared about anyone enough to pursue a legit relationship.

Okay, now bear with me here, but I kinda like the idea that Diavolo and Mephistopheles hooked up lol. I mean, they were childhood friends, right? Maybe when they got older and started having those thoughts and such, they were like hey... why not? I think it's really cute when bffs decide to be each other's first, even if they never intend to have a serious relationship, you know? Just another reason for Mephisto to hate Lucifer lol. Otherwise I would say Mephisto is probably pretty picky. I think he's more likely to only have been in a serious relationship, considering hookups kinda beneath him.

But aside from that, it's going to depend on what's expected of royalty in the Devildom. I can't imagine they'd have a rule about it, though. It's the Devildom, you know? So I think Diavolo has likely had hookups, but I do think it's a rare occurrence now that he's focused on running the Devildom and united the worlds and all that.

Barbatos, my true love. I like the idea that he was a bit promiscuous in his younger days, traveling through space and time and doing whatever pleased him. He might have been more passionate, more likely to fall in love, a little more free with himself physically. But ever since becoming a butler, I think he clamps down on that quite a bit, just like he does with everything else. He's certainly experienced and I don't think he's like not ever doing anything since becoming a butler, just that he doesn't do it as often as he once did. He's had a few relationships in the past, I think, but not since he started working for Diavolo. He's too dedicated and spends all his time in the castle.

Simeon and Raphael are going to depend on the CR again, but if we're still in my preference of the CR being cool about it, then I think Simeon at least is no virgin. He's too pretty and there is no way a million angels have not come on to him. And like I don't think he'd just fall into the bed of any angel that batted their eyelashes at him, I do think that he's secretly very passionate. Under that cool exterior, he loves hotly and I think he'd have fallen for someone at some point, giving them all of himself. Now he's older and more calm and collected and carrying the grief of losing Lucifer and his brothers.

Raphael I'm not so sure about. Because on the one hand, he's clearly quite passionate too in a "here are the spears" sort of way. But he was also super dedicated to his goal of becoming a seraph, so I don't know if he even had the room for any kind of relationship. Might still be a virgin. But I think you could go either way with him.

Solomon is a human and he's been around for ages there's no way he's still a virgin. I know I said you could make it work, but wow, that'd be tough to do with him, I think. He's like nah, the 700 wives and 300 concubines (or whatever the numbers were lol) are just for show, I didn't actually do anything with them! Wait, no but he had kids. Well you could say that Biblical lore doesn't apply to your story adsklfjdf

However. Solomon is known for being incredibly lonely. Even if he had relationships, he likely had them with other humans who inevitably died and left him alone again. So I think after his normal human lifespan ended and he had to start moving around more and kind of dedicated himself to magic, he likely stopped having relationships of any kind (love or friendship or anything) because it hurt too much. I think he could have hookups or one night stands with people he never saw again. But not so much a relationship.

Thirteen I dunno. That woman is hot af. I could see her having to turn down a lot of advances. I think she might have had some hookups, maybe even a relationship, but nothing too serious. She strikes me as a little more lighthearted about this kind of stuff. Like you know life is fleeting and in the end I'll just have to reap you anyway lol. I don't think she would get serious until MC.

ANYWAY. Sorry for this absolute NOVEL of a response. I didn't realize just how much I had to say until I started... and then I couldn't stop. I hope that somewhat answered the question, anyway??? In the end, I think it's possible to have all the characters as experienced or inexperienced as you like!

[bitchiswild]

Winter Ball

Kim Minjeong x F! Reader

Warnings: fluff

Word Count: 3.5k

A/n: ❄️🎻🪩

₊˚✧𑁍.ೃ࿔*:･

The Winter Ball, an event steeped in opulence and prestige, stands as the pinnacle of the year's social calendar. Within its glittering halls, destinies intertwine, where chance encounters spark romances and hearts both unite and fracture. This illustrious affair owes its existence to the esteemed Kim Seok, a titan among elites, who christened the gala in honor of his beloved daughter, Kim Minjeong, affectionately known as Winter.

Beyond its facade of elegance and grandeur, the Winter Ball is a nexus of strategic alliances and lucrative sponsorships, where business dealings are as commonplace as swirling waltzes and whispered confessions. Yet, amid the clinking glasses and shimmering gowns, there exists an unwritten expectation, one fervently held by Kim Seok himself. With each meticulously planned Winter Ball, he harbors a silent hope—a hope that his daughter, Winter, might find love amidst the enchanting splendor.

Winter, however, is a vision of independence and conviction. Echoing her father's unyielding spirit, she rebuffs the allure of romantic entanglements with a steadfast declaration: "I have no need for such entrapments. Love is a fallacy." Yet, despite her protestations, Kim Seok discerns a familiar skepticism in her words, a reflection of his own past reservations before fate introduced him to the love of his life—Winter's mother.

In the depths of his heart, Kim Seok yearns for Winter to experience the transformative power of love, much as he did. With an ardent wish that transcends the gilded confines of the Winter Ball, he quietly prays for the serendipitous arrival of the one who will awaken his daughter's belief in love, just as it was once awakened within him.

As the anticipation mounts and the chandeliers cast their ethereal glow upon the revelers, Kim Seok watches over the festivities, his paternal gaze holding a silent plea to the stars: that Winter, his cherished daughter, may find within this glittering celebration the key to unlock the guarded chambers of her heart.

~~~

Winters POV

I let out a resigned sigh, my eyes scanning the elegantly adorned room filled with twirling couples lost in their own romantic reverie. Amidst the enchanting melodies and graceful waltzes, I stood on the periphery, a silent observer of a spectacle that failed to captivate my convictions. Love, in my view, was a frivolous pursuit—an enigmatic dance of emotions I had no desire to partake in. Love at first sight? Ridiculous.

"Minjeong!" Jimin's voice interrupted my musings, drawing my attention to my ever-optimistic best friend. She flashed a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with a certainty that often accompanied her unwavering faith in matters of the heart.

"You're always so dismissive about love, but mark my words, one day you'll see. It'll all make sense," she remarked, her tone laced with a playful certainty that mirrored her perpetual optimism.

I couldn't help but scoff. "You say that as if it's some inevitable epiphany waiting to happen."

Jimin chuckled, her laughter carrying a hint of affectionate exasperation. "Trust me, Minjeong. Once you experience it, your perspective will shift entirely. Love won't seem like a waste of time anymore."

Her words lingered in the air as she sauntered away, disappearing into the crowd with her partner, leaving me to ponder her unwavering belief in the inexplicable magic of love.

Despite my protestations, I couldn't shake off the echo of her words. Was there a kernel of truth in her confident assertions? Could love truly transform one's outlook, turning what I deemed as frivolous into something profound and meaningful?

As the music swelled and the enchantment of the Winter Ball continued to weave its spell around the room, I found myself caught in a fleeting moment of contemplation. Perhaps, just perhaps, amidst the sea of skeptics, cynics, and believers alike, there existed a truth waiting to reveal itself—a truth about love that I had yet to uncover.

As I made my way towards the refreshments, a subtle shift in the atmosphere caught my attention. A figure, graceful and poised, mirrored my steps toward the drink table. Her presence, almost magnetic, tugged at my senses, and for a fleeting moment, the room seemed to shrink, centering around this enigmatic stranger.

"Sorry, am I in your way?" Her gentle voice broke the spell, drawing me from my reverie. I shook my head, startled by the sudden rush of emotions that stirred within me. "N-No, you're not. It's okay," I managed to stutter out, my heart thundering in my chest.

She giggled, her laughter a melody that resonated through the air, and in that moment, it felt like I was enveloped in pure bliss. Was this the inexplicable sensation Jimin spoke of—the rush of emotions, the rapid heartbeat, all in the presence of a stranger? Could this be the much-dismissed notion of love at first sight?

Summoning an ounce of courage I hadn't known I possessed, I extended my hand towards her. "My name's Minjeong. What's yours?" The words stumbled out, coated in a mix of nerves and excitement.

The girl turned toward me, her eyes sparkling with an unspoken allure. "Y/n," she replied, taking my hand in hers. "Nice to meet you, Minjeong. But I've got to get going; my friends are waiting for me. I'll see you on the dance floor?" Her words lingered in the air, a question tinged with a hint of anticipation.

I could only nod dumbly, lost momentarily in the radiance of her smile. As she giggled and gracefully departed, I felt a rush of relief flood through me. It was as if the weight of the moment lifted as she left my vicinity. Gathering my composure, I hurriedly made my way through the crowd, seeking out Jimin amidst the throng of revelers.

"Jimin!" I called out, scanning the crowd for my ever-supportive best friend. Spotting her animatedly conversing with a group nearby, I navigated through the sea of dancers and socialites, eager to share the whirlwind of emotions coursing through me.

"Minjeong, there you are!" Jimin's eyes lit up as she noticed me approaching, her expression expectant. "Did you find yourself a drink?"

I chuckled, trying to compose myself after the unexpected encounter. "Yeah, but more importantly, Jimin, I just had the most...unexpected moment."

Jimin arched an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Oh? Do tell!"

I recounted the brief yet intense interaction with Y/n, the rush of emotions, and the lingering sensation of having stumbled upon something inexplicably enchanting.

Jimin's grin widened with each word, a silent acknowledgment dancing in her eyes. "Minjeong, could it be? Love at first sight?"

I hesitated, grappling with the idea I'd dismissed moments before. "I don't know, Jimin. It sounds so cliché, doesn't it? But there was something about her... It was different."

Jimin's laughter bubbled forth. "Welcome to the club, Minjeong! Looks like someone's heart might be softening after all."

I rolled my eyes playfully but couldn't deny the fluttering feeling in my chest, a strange mix of nervousness and excitement at the thought of seeing Y/n again.

"Will you go dance with her?" Jimin nudged, her gaze filled with encouragement.

"I-I think so," I stammered, surprised by my own resolve. "I hope I see her there."

With Jimin's teasing encouragement and the memory of Y/n's smile lingering in my mind, I found myself swaying to the music, unable to shake off the lingering anticipation of a potential reunion.

As the night progressed and the melodies intertwined with laughter and whispers, I couldn't help but steal glances around the room, hoping for another glimpse of Y/n amidst the swirling crowd.

Time had passed, and there was no sight of Y/n. Faint disappointment settled in as I made my way back to the bar, hoping to find solace in another drink. Yet, to my surprise, there she was, standing next to a guy who seemed to be making her visibly uncomfortable.

My steps faltered as I approached the bar, the familiar sight of Y/n amidst an uncomfortable interaction stopping me in my tracks. A knot formed in my stomach, an instinctive urge to intervene surging within me.

Y/n stood there, her expression strained, a polite yet uneasy smile plastered on her face. Beside her loomed a guy, his demeanor exuding an unsettling sense of entitlement. His persistent attempts at conversation were met with Y/n's subtle but visible discomfort.

"I'm sorry, am I interrupting something?" I questioned, my voice poised but carrying an underlying concern.

Y/n's eyes widened in surprise, a hint of relief flickering across her face. "Minjeong! I'm so glad you're here," she responded, her voice tinged with gratitude.

I turned my attention to the guy beside her, offering a friendly yet assertive smile. "Hi there! I'm Minjeong. Sorry to interrupt, but Y/n and I have some catching up to do, right?"

The guy glanced between us, seemingly taken aback but sensing the shift in the atmosphere, he excused himself with a half-hearted smile and sauntered away.

Y/n exhaled a breath she seemed to have been holding, offering me a grateful smile. "Thank you, Minjeong. That was...unexpected."

I shrugged, trying to downplay the gravity of the situation. "No problem. Looked like you needed a rescue."

As the tension dissipated, Y/n's gaze met mine, a silent understanding passing between us. The brief yet charged moment solidified something unspoken, a connection forming in the wake of an unexpected rescue.

"Hey, let's grab that drink together," I suggested, hoping to offer some reprieve from the uncomfortable encounter.

Y/n's smile widened, a genuine spark returning to her eyes. "I'd like that."

As we moved towards the bar, the weight of the encounter fading into the background, a newfound sense of camaraderie and intrigue filled the space between us.

The ambient glow of the Winter Ball seemed to dim in the wake of the burgeoning connection between Y/n and me. We settled at a quieter corner of the bustling venue, cocooned in our own world, amid the gentle hum of conversations and the occasional tinkling of glasses.

"So, Minjeong," Y/n began, her voice a melodic invitation to unravel the layers of our mutual acquaintance. "What brings you to the Winter Ball?"

I shared anecdotes about attending with Karina, my father's insistence on finding love for me at these events, and my own skepticism about the enchantment of love.

"And what about you, Y/n?" I inquired, eager to reciprocate the sharing. "How did you end up here?"

She laughed softly, the sound like a symphony in the midst of the ball's elegance. "Honestly, I was dragged here by a friend. Not much of a fan of these extravagant affairs myself."

As we conversed, the conversation flowed effortlessly, each exchange peeling away the layers of initial awkwardness. We discovered shared interests, from music preferences to our views on the complexities of life. There was a comfortable rhythm to our interaction, a natural chemistry that seemed to bridge any gap between us.

Time ceased to exist as we exchanged stories, laughter, and thoughts. The once-imposing Winter Ball now felt like an intimate setting, our dialogue weaving an invisible thread between us, binding our newfound connection.

The night wore on, the music shifting from lively tunes to mellower melodies, yet our conversation continued, unhurried and unreserved. Amidst the glamour and opulence of the ball, a genuine connection had blossomed—a serendipitous encounter that defied the confines of the grand event.

As the evening drew to a close and the final strains of music echoed through the hall, I realized that amidst the sea of faces and fleeting encounters, I had found an unexpected and cherished connection in Y/n.

Our exchange continued, weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and aspirations. As the night unfolded its secrets, we found ourselves drawn to the idea that chance encounters often held the most unforeseen treasures.

Eventually, the allure of the wintry night beckoned, and Y/n suggested we step outside to catch a breath of fresh air. The grand doors opened, leading us to the quiet serenity of the winter landscape outside.

A hushed blanket of snow had begun to descend, painting the night in a soft, ethereal glow. The air was crisp, and the gentle flakes danced around us, adding a touch of enchantment to the already magical evening.

Y/n and I stood side by side, gazing at the mesmerizing sight before us. The snowflakes twirled in the air, creating a tranquil scene that felt straight out of a storybook.

"It's beautiful," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper, not wanting to disturb the tranquility of the moment.

Y/n nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting the soft glimmer of the falling snow. "It really is. There's something so serene about snowfall, isn't there?"

We stood there, amidst the quiet elegance of the wintry night, sharing a moment that transcended the grandeur of the Winter Ball. The snowflakes continued their graceful descent, enveloping us in a cocoon of tranquility and wonder.

In that peaceful solitude, our conversation took on a more introspective tone. We spoke of dreams, aspirations, and the inexplicable beauty found in the simplest of moments—a shared understanding that seemed to deepen the connection between us.

As the snow continued to cascade from the heavens, we exchanged quiet smiles, a silent acknowledgment of the rare beauty of this shared moment. For in the delicate dance of snowflakes and the whispers of our conversation, something special had bloomed between us.

As the delicate snowflakes continued their graceful descent, an unspoken warmth enveloped us in a cocoon of shared moments and unspoken sentiments. I turned to Y/n, a genuine sincerity coloring my words.

"I really enjoy your company, Y/n," I expressed, my voice carrying the weight of truth and vulnerability.

Her eyes sparkled with a reflective radiance, mirroring the sentiment. "I enjoy your company too, Minjeong," she replied, her smile a testament to the comfort found in our connection.

We stood there, side by side, witnessing the tranquil spectacle of the first snowfall. The silence between us was filled with unspoken words, an uncharted territory of emotions and possibilities.

"You know what they say about the first snow," I remarked, breaking the tranquil silence between us.

Y/n turned to me, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "No, what is it?" she asked, her voice soft and attentive.

"It's where you make a wish, and they say it might just come true," I explained, a tinge of wistfulness in my tone.

"Make a wish, Minjeong," she encouraged gently, her eyes filled with a gentle encouragement that urged me to embrace the moment.

I let out a sigh, the weight of my wish settling in my chest. "I wish to take you out on a date," I confessed, the words slipping out, carrying the earnestness of my feelings.

In the tranquil serenity of the wintry night, with snowflakes twirling around us like silent witnesses, I dared to voice a longing that had quietly blossomed within me.

Y/n's gaze held mine, her eyes reflecting a myriad of emotions. Her soft smile echoed the silent understanding that had grown between us, a shared connection woven in the magical embrace of the first snow.

As the snowfall continued its gentle descent, a subtle chill began to permeate the air. I noticed Y/n subtly shivering, the cold seeping through the elegant attire she wore for the ball.

"You're getting cold, aren't you?" I asked, concern lacing my words as I observed her discomfort.

Y/n nodded, a faint blush gracing her cheeks. "A little, yes."

Without hesitation, I slipped off my own warm sweater, a comforting shield against the wintry chill, and offered it to her. "Here, take this. It's warmer," I insisted, my voice carrying both concern and a hint of bashfulness.

Y/n's eyes widened in surprise at the gesture, her gaze meeting mine in a mix of gratitude and astonishment. "Minjeong, I couldn't—"

"Please," I urged gently, my smile attempting to ease any reservations she might have. "I want you to be warm."

After a brief moment of hesitation, Y/n accepted the sweater, wrapping it around herself with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Minjeong. You're too kind."

The exchange brought an unexpected warmth to the wintry night—not just from the shared gesture but from the growing connection and the unspoken promise that hung between us.

With Y/n now shielded from the biting cold, our shared moment continued, the snowflakes descending around us in a silent ballet. The act of offering my sweater felt like a bridge between us, forging an unspoken closeness that transcended the physical warmth it provided.

As we stood there, enveloped in the beauty of the snowfall and the quiet understanding that bound us, the promise of a forthcoming date lingered in the air, an anticipation that added an extra layer of magic to the Winter Ball's enchanting allure.

The clock struck midnight, signaling the end of the enchanting evening. Reluctantly, I walked Y/n to her car, the weight of impending separation casting a shadow over our otherwise uplifting interaction.

"Here's my number. Text me about the date plan; I'm looking forward to it," Y/n said, her smile radiant with anticipation, as she handed me a slip of paper bearing her contact information.

My bashfulness emerged, rendering me momentarily speechless. "I'm excited too. I'll be sure to text you. Just get home safe, alright?" I replied softly, hoping to mask the fluttering nerves within me.

Y/n's smile widened, and in that moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. Her gentle kiss on my cheek felt like a jolt of electricity, sending my heart into a frenzy. For an instant, I felt as though I might lose my footing, caught in the unexpected rush of emotions.

"Good night, Minjeong," she whispered, her words carrying a softness that reverberated through me.

I stood there, watching her car depart, a whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. Placing a hand over my heart, I attempted to steady the rapid beating within my chest, the lingering sensation of her kiss lingering like an echo.

Before I could collect my thoughts, Karina came bounding towards me, brimming with excitement. "Oh my gosh, I saw everything! Minjeong is head over heels, everyone!" she exclaimed with uncontainable enthusiasm.

I stood there, Karina's excited proclamation ringing in my ears, a mix of bewilderment and anticipation coursing through me. Her words echoed a truth I had vehemently denied for so long—love had never held a place in my beliefs.

But as I stood there, my hand unconsciously lingering on the spot where Y/n's kiss had landed, a revelation dawned upon me. I had once deemed love a frivolous notion, dismissing it as a mere illusion. Yet, in this whirlwind encounter, I found myself yearning for something I never thought I'd desire.

The Winter Ball had unveiled a world of possibilities I had stubbornly ignored, and in the lingering warmth of Y/n's presence, my heart had stirred with unfamiliar emotions. What had begun as skepticism had morphed into an eager anticipation for what lay ahead—a date that held the promise of something genuine and heartfelt.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, I found myself eagerly awaiting the prospect of love—a concept I once rejected but now, with each flutter of my heart, embraced with open arms.

Years cascaded by in a beautiful tapestry woven with shared moments, laughter, and a love that surpassed every doubt. Y/n and I stood side by side, a testament to the transformative power of love, as we returned to the Winter Ball each year.

My father's beaming smile was a reflection of his joy as he witnessed the love that had bloomed between Y/n and me. The Winter Ball, once a place of skepticism and uncertainty for me, now held a cherished significance—a testament to our enduring bond and the promise of a love that had weathered the test of time.

With each passing holiday season, Y/n and I found ourselves wrapped in the warmth of each other's presence. The Winter Ball had become more than just an extravagant event; it was a celebration of our love story—a reminder of the serendipity that had brought us together and the countless memories we continued to create.

The twinkling lights, the elegant dances, and the festive atmosphere held a deeper meaning now—a symbol of our shared journey, a testament to the enduring love that had blossomed amidst the enchantment of that first Winter Ball.

As we danced under the glittering lights, surrounded by the echoes of laughter and the whispers of timeless promises, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the unexpected turns that had led me to find the love of my life.

Every holiday season was now a cherished opportunity—a chance to revel in the love that had transformed my beliefs, turning skepticism into an unwavering certainty that love, indeed, was the most powerful magic of all.

₊˚✧𑁍.ೃ࿔*:･

[mymainwastoocluttered]

Malleus and his Divorce (Malleus)

Honestly, just some silly to cheer up this sick girl. I don't even know how to write a summary for this one. Literally just blurting out the first words that come to mind.

NOTE: I only write for female reader but everyone is welcome to read it!

— (⁠ ⁠´⁠◡⁠‿⁠ゝ⁠◡⁠`⁠)

"Malleus, I want a divorce."

The feather pen almost drops from Malleus' hand.

He looks up from the paper he's been trying to read for the past ten minutes, not sure if the sudden dizziness comes from being snapped out of his thoughts of Yuu, or from hearing such outlandish words come from his wife's lips. He blinks a few times, questions stuck in his throat, while (Y/N) waits patiently for him to gather his wits, sipping her tea as if she just asked about the weather. Once he does, only one word leaves him.

“Why?”

“Because you are in love, and I have no interest in becoming your romance's villain.”

“... What?”

(Y/N) gives him a small, smug and playful smile, one very few have the privilege to see. (Y/N) Draconia, the Crown Princess of Briar Valley by marriage, is known for being the pinnacle of what Briar Valley nobility should be: A solemn, noble lady that remains calm and composed no matter the situation, like a beautiful and eternal statue. So very few people have ever seen her break the behavior and be playful or angry, with her husband of centuries being one of them.

That doesn't mean he's any good at reading her, though, as proven by the confusion that floods his mind right now.

“I was told by Lord Vanrouge and your attendants of the human you cherish, the human named Yuu.”

“Yuu is just a friend.”

“I am not accusing you of anything, Your Highness,” the sudden sharpness in her voice and the formal addressing makes him wince. “I am noting a fact. You are in love with that human, and I wish you were free to pursue them. After all… your time together is fleeting.”

Malleus feels like a searing needle just stabbed his heart. Right, who could ever forget the tragic romance between her father and his human lover? Who could forget Count (L/N)'s fall from grace as he cheated on his wife with a human that stole his heart? The Countess who then divorced him after finding out—the tale of their explosive fight is still brought up over tea—, only for him to come back one year later with a half-fae, half-human baby in arms, lover gone thanks to illness. (Y/N) had long forgiven her father, and her brother is a beloved young man, but that deeply ingrained in her two things: the terrible fear of being betrayed and sympathy for doomed romances between lovers with different lifespans.

And now Malleus is practically walking the same path as her father.

“I…” he's not sure what to say. That he is sorry for loving another? That he's sorry it is a human? Neither sounds good.

He might not love (Y/N) romantically, but he holds a considerable amount of affection for her, who grew up with him and went through thick and thin by his side, who accepted his selfish request and became the Crown Princess because he couldn't accept the idea of marrying some random noble. To say something like that, to put her through this heartbreak, it hurts tremendously.

“Can… Can this wait?”

“I have all the time in the world, Malleus, so don't think of me,” she warns, placing the cup down on the table and getting up. “Please give me an answer before you regret it.”

She offers him a last smile before leaving him alone in his office.

The rest of his winter break is spent in contemplation. Malleus doesn't tell anyone of her request, other than his mentor and his aides. Lilia's expression takes that melancholic hue; being the one who helped officiate the Countess' divorce and the best man of Malleus' wedding, it's understandable he's not happy with the situation. Silver looks conflicted, his loyalty to Malleus keeps him quiet, but his years of friendship with (Y/N), who never once treated him as nothing but an equal, make his unhappiness clear. And Sebek—Sebek for once is quiet, not one word comes from him as he thinks things through; he's yet another who (Y/N) had befriended to the point of openness, and he holds a special respect for her that goes beyond her married status.

Talking of her, (Y/N) acts like nothing happened, except she starts to distance herself more and more. Before, they'd sit almost glued together, but slowly she began sitting farther and farther away, and now they sit on opposing seats. Before, they'd walk arm in arm, her head many times finding his shoulder and his finding hers, but now there's enough space between them to fit about two of her maids. Before, she'd go spend time with him in his office while he did paperwork with a soft smile and a quip, but now he seldom sees her outside meals. 

The bed feels incredibly empty once she gets her own room.

Malleus knew of the word “miserable” before, but now he knows it intimately, like a host knows a parasite eating away their life.

(Y/N) is not there to see them off when they return to Night Raven College after winter break. Despite Malleus being the one facing a possible divorce, all four of them look like they ate an entire lime, even Lilia who usually keeps his boyish smile.

The first night he visits Yuu in Ramshackle is cold and sharp like the blade of a sword.

Even the Prefect notices his gloom, placing that gentle hand of theirs on his arm and asking what's wrong with their soft voice. Before, it had felt exhilarating; someone who's not afraid of him, and a human at that! Someone who treats him like just another man, finally!

But he has always had that, didn't he?

“I have a wife,” he blurts out, not knowing how to start but not wanting to go all the way back to the very beginning.

He prepares himself for the reaction, not even knowing what exactly he's expecting, but all they do is laugh kindly and look at him with amused eyes.

“I know, you talk about her all the time.”

“I… do…?”

“Did you not notice?” they furrow their brows. “Almost every time you talk about your life in Briar Valley, you find a way to talk about your wife. It's pretty cute, actually. You're so loving despite the usually regal and distant air you have.”

“She wants a divorce.”

“What?”

Hard to tell whose eyes are wider as they look at each other. Yuu's face goes through a few changes, but the confusion remains the same, and if Malleus were a bit more expressive, he'd probably be mimicking them. A few seconds of that pass before the fae swallows the lump in his throat and tell his friend the conversation he had with his wife.

“So she's divorcing you… because you have feelings for me?"

“... Yes. Apologies that this is how you learn of said feelings, by the way.”

“No, no, it's fine, I'm just… me? You like me?” Malleus nods and Yuu frowns even harder. “But you're agonizing over losing your wife.”

And Yuu, brilliant, simple and lovely Yuu, brings clarity to his mind in one phrase. He says he's interested in Yuu, but his heart hurts at the idea of losing his wife. And when he thinks back at all the fleeting times he thought to himself he had an interest in Yuu, he sees they all happened whenever Yuu treated him as his wife does: as a friend, a companion, someone special not for his pedigree or his abilities, but for the relationship they share, the person he is.

“... I think I like what you share with my wife.”

“No Sense Thursday, huh? Ok, I can do that.”

“No, it does make sense, Child of Man. I miss my wife terribly and you treat me like her.”

“... Ok, now I'm offended, I'm not a replacement for your wife.”

“Of course, I'm not going to divorce my wife for you.”

Yuu blinks and it hits Malleus that he was terribly rude just now, but before he can apologize and correct himself, Yuu throws their head back and laughs. Laughs, laughs and laughs, until tears threaten to fall. The fae isn't sure what they're laughing about, but he's glad at least one of them is having a good time.

“Right, right, no divorces for you, mister.” Yuu sniffles, fanning their face with their hands, small giggles still bursting every now and then. “So, what are you gonna do about it?"

“I'll go talk to her!”

“Go get'em, tiger!”

Malleus pays no attention to the odd encouragement, probably another of those odd human sayings, storming away from Ramshackle. Convincing Crowley is easy, it's not everyday that the Briar Valley Crown Prince barges into his office in the middle of the night and demands he opens the portal. Malleus could just use his own magic to go there, but with Headmage Crowley as a witness and the Dark Mirror as a medium, any sort of bureaucracy trouble that otherwise could be born is annulled. Lilia will take care of it.

He finds her in her room, sitting by the window in her sleeping robes. Fae are naturally considered ethereal, but (Y/N) was made to represent the word.

And she is his wife.

And he almost lost her.

“My wife.”

“Malleus!”

Before she can ask him what he's doing in her room in the middle of the night, Malleus lunges at her, not caring about the closed window they bump on with the impact, or her startled shriek. No, all he cares about is pressing their lips together in a passionate kiss, a passionate kiss that he trills when he feels it being answered in the same intensity. Dragon fae vocalization is not something he indulges much, specially not when mingling with humans, but if there's ever a night for him to throw away everything but his truest, then it is tonight.

The kiss only ends when he feels his lungs burn, and he can tell she's the same by the greedy breaths she takes. He can tell she’s about to question him and following his unusual impulsiveness, he kisses her again before she can utter a word. The second kiss is shorter, but still just as passionate, and he trills again when he sees a rosy blush rise to her cheeks.

“You’re wrong, and so was I,” he blurts out—he’s been breaking all records tonight, huh?—, brushing a strand of her hair away from her face. “I do not love Yuu, I was taken by them because they reminded me of you.”

“... that’s so rude! You shouldn’t see them as a replacement for me!”

Malleus can’t help but laugh out loud, hugging her to his chest and telling her between his laughter that Yuu said the exact same thing. He’s not the only one acting uncharacteristically, for (Y/N) manages to show him a pout he hasn’t seen since they were much, much younger. A pout he kisses away.

“Come to school with me.”

“Malleus, there are so many reasons why I can’t–”

“I can change them, all of them.”

“What if one of them is my will?”

“... I can change that too, if you allow me, wife.”

She shivers in his embrace and he grins. To think he came so close to losing this forever. He’s determined to make up for that terrible slip up, by any means necessary. By all means necessary. Their honeymoon did happen quite a long time ago, it’d be a shame to miss a chance to relive it.

With luck, Lilia will actually knock on the door when he comes to fetch Malleus the next day.

[goingxmissing]

2023 fic reader highlights

thanks to mostlymaudlin for putting together this template. i'm going to enjoy rereading all of these over the next few days and using the floating ao3 comment box, which has significantly improved my life, and increased the unhinged nature of my comments.

Fic that made me laugh

Cool Things to Say to Your Soulmate by @powerful-owl & @love-leah • daniel ricciardo/max verstappen • a collection of soulmate AUs (everything em writes is hilarious, and this is full of heartache, miscommunication, and so many fun takes on the soulmate trope. delightful. haven't looked at geese the same way since.)

2. Fic that made me cry

one step closer and i'm real by @officialmood • daniel ricciardo/max verstappen • time travel, alternate universes (this fic is exquisite, every version of daniel that max meets is distinctly different and broke my heart in a multitude of ways. made my heart twist in the best way.)

3. Fic that gave me a story hangover

all this happened, more or less by multi21 • charles leclerc/max verstappen • social media, canon divergence (so much fun and so inspired! charles is a secret singer-songwriter, told through social media posts and devastating lyrics, le castellet is in my head at any given moment. went with this for story hangover because i thought about it for Days afterwards and then charles literally put his music on spotify. drop the escalier des fleurs content charles!!)

4. Fic I want to discuss book club style

playboy in the grotto by @freeuselandonorris • lando norris/oscar piastri • watersports (the pinnacle of horny romance: gross, filthy, desperate, fond. had to pause reading several times to rant about my favourite bits. need a book club to discuss the wider cinematic universe where they explore more kinks in the most tender way.)

5. Fic that got me a lil flustered

the fire is slowly dying by @strawberry-daiquiris • oscar piastri/mark webber • age difference, mentor/protégé (this is one of the most unhinged fics i've ever had the pleasure of enjoying. oscar is a total menace. scenes in this fic will stay with me Forever. i urge anyone to take a chance on the pairing if you're intrigued and FEAST.)

6. Fic by one of my favourite authors

jump right in by @strawberry-daiquiris • lando norris/oscar piastri • rule 63 (imagine your fiancée muses, 'what if lando was a girl and she'd never had an orgasm?' one day and then a couple of months later she's still working on a 100k+ masterpiece following the 2023 season where a third of the grid are women? i'm the luckiest. this fic is everything and i'm going to be LOST without it when it's finished.)

7. Fic I reread more than once

screen glows in a dark room by @hollywoodsargeant • oscar piastri/logan sargeant • phone sex, sex toys (steaming hot phone sex, not a single word wasted. the first fic i read for this pairing and i keep coming back to it and also the whole apex predator series. HIGHLY recommend checking these out for the Dynamics.)

8. Fic I sent to everyone I know

side by side in orbit by @glasscushion • lando norris/oscar piastri, max fewtrell/lando norris • cuckolding, voyeurism, open relationships (the concept is rancid and the vibes are UNMATCHED. this was delicious. as i said in my comment: when max feels spit pool beneath his tongue, when he forgets to breathe because he's so into what's happening in front of him. i felt that!!!!! immediate rec.)

9. Fic that made me fall in love with an author

i'll kiss you first by venerat • lando norris/oscar piastri • a/b/o (my first fic for this pairing, i read it on a Very Early train and my brain never recovered. you might be able to tell from my tumblr. me reading this fic over and over like: 😅. still can't see the word 'ripe' and not think about lando being a grotty omega. every fic by venerat is an absolute BANGER. hit that subscribe button, my friends!!)

thank you to all of the wonderful authors and creators who have shared their work in fandom this year. 2023 has been a feast <3

[wandasgf]

SPELLBOUND. mdni.

pairings: natasha romanoff x reader

synopsis: natasha can't get you off her mind and she's determined to make you hers

content warnings: slightly suggestive but no actual smut, college/band!au, lead singer!natasha, college student!reader, jealousy

a/n: this may end up being the beginning chapter of a series, but i haven't decided yet !

wc: 1.5k~

'Y/n, Y/n, Y/n' were the only coherent thoughts currently going through Natasha’s head. You'd been the only thing she could think of for, well, she'd lost track of that. She didn't know why, it's not like you'd ever spoken to her for longer than 15 seconds, but even so, your interactions with her felt different. 

At least, they felt different to her. So they must have felt different to you as well. 

You seemed to have a boyfriend, always hanging around some boy named Peter. Natasha cringed, the thought leaving a bad taste in her mouth. Like acid, it almost burned. 

"Nat, come on, hurry up." Kate’s voice brought her back to earth.

Shaking her head, Natasha finished tying up her boots. They, as in her, Kate, Yelena, Wanda and Maria, had a set booked at your university's annual music festival. It seemed like more of a burden to her now, knowing you would be there and not bat a single eyelash at her. It was fine, she thought, she had a sure-fire way to get your attention, she was the lead singer after all. 

She smirked and caught up with the rest of the band, suddenly feeling more confident in herself. Their band called themselves Spellbound. It was Wanda’s idea, of course, being so into witchcraft. And no one else had any better ideas, so Spellbound they became. The band consisted of Natasha as the lead singer, Yelena as the drummer, Kate as the bassist, Maria as the guitarist and Wanda as the other guitarist and vocalist. 

While Natasha wasn't the best at romance, she was sure this new song would catch your attention, especially since she might have made sure you would be in the front row. She knows it's cliche, singing directly to you, but she's not sure how else to get her point across. She’s sure your boyfriend will be there, but at this point, she doesn't care whether or not you're single. It’s bad, she knows, but she wants you. And she knows—hopes —that you want her too. 

"Are you sure this is how you want to get Y/n's attention? this song isn't exactly... the pinnacle of romance, Nat..." Kate speaks up, glancing over at Natasha and making sure she wasn't spacing out again. She’d been doing that a lot lately, thinking of you, no doubt. "Hm? Well, if this isn't romance then what is?" Natasha replies, shoving her hands into her pockets.

"It's about rough sex, Natasha," Kate replies, eyebrow cocked. Natasha clicks her tongue. So what if it was? it would get your attention, wouldn't it? "And you're telling me the way you and Yelena got together is any better? I still can’t even think about that night without wanting to vomit." That shut Kate up. "That's what I thought." Natasha hummed to herself as they walked to the venue. Peter was a problem she'd have to deal with later, assuming he was your boyfriend.

It didn't take long for them to arrive at the venue and set up. Natasha had a little more pep in her step after all. And the girls knew better than to sour Natasha’s mood when she’s like this, their bandmate isn’t usually this happy and they’d rather not have her grumpy for the rest of the day. Rehearsal went by smoothly and before they knew it it was their turn to perform. Natasha wasn't nervous exactly, but she wasn't 100% confident in herself either. You were in the front row and, of course, Peter was there with you. Natasha rolled her shoulders and took a breath before walking out onto the stage.

The stage lights flicked on and Natasha looked out into the sea of people, eyes glancing towards you. Not that you were paying any more attention to the red head than everyone else, but you could’ve sworn she smiled at you in a way that was too quick to catch. But when the first guitar chord was played it was like a switch flipped in Natasha’s head and a wolfish grin spread across her lips before she started to sing. The cheering she received was almost instant.

Got a big plan, this mindset maybe it’s right

At the right place and right time, maybe tonight

And the whisper or handshake sending a sign

Wanna make out and kiss hard, wait never mind

Heat rushes to your cheeks when you realize Natasha is staring directly at you and you immediately avert your eyes, focusing on one of the other girls instead. That must have just been a coincidence, right? Natasha smirks, who said this wasn't romance? 

Late night, and passing, mention it flipped her

Best friend, who knows saying maybe it slipped

But the slip turns to terror and a crush to light

When she walked in, he froze up, believe it’s the fright

But it’s hard to focus on anything besides Natasha, her captivating voice and her piercing green eyes. The way her presence takes up the stage and suddenly you feel light headed just thinking about her. Had you always thought about Natasha this way? You think so, but it was always so hard for you to get a read on her, you’d been more focused on how she was feeling about you than how you felt about her. 

It’s cute in a way, till you cannot speak

And you leave to have a cigarette, your knees get weak

An escape is just a nod and a casual wave

Obsessed about it, heavy for the next two days.

When you finally get the courage to look at her again you make direct eye contact and you can feel the air leave your lungs with the way she’s looking at you. Natasha takes this opportunity to wink at you. You think you might faint.

The rest of the set runs smoothly and Natasha feels more confident than before, enough that she finds herself heading out from backstage to seek you out. It wasn't hard to find you, she just had to find Peter. She rolls her eyes at the thought and makes her way over to you. Peter says something and you giggle, Natasha clenches her jaw. You push Peter and he says one last thing before walking away, laughing. you turn around and your eyes widen a little bit, not expecting to see Natasha right there. 

"Hey!" You try not to sound too excited, but for some reason you just can’t help it, "you guys were really good up there..." you trail off, not too sure what else to say. You'd only spoken to Natasha a handful of times and it wasn't like you hadn't noticed the way she seemed to stare holes into the back of your head or glare at Peter. You had just assumed it was because she had something against you, but now… Now, you also noticed how that song seemed to be about you... and her? 

"You think so? It was our first time performing ‘tear you apart,’ I was a little nervous." Natasha admits, sheepishly rubbing the back of her neck. It was one thing to flirt with you up on a stage while you were out of reach, but this… This was new territory and as much as she hates to admit it, the nervousness she was talking about wasn’t about performing the new song. It was about talking to you. 

"Hey, listen, the girls and I are hosting a bit of an… after party at ours if you'd like to come?" She offered, then she curses internally at what she knows should come next, "Oh, and your boyfriend, Peter, can come too I suppose." She adds, and not even she can convince herself it sounds sincere. 

Your eyebrows furrow at that, “What? Peter’s not my boyfriend.” You’re genuinely confused about where she got that idea. “Oh, I just- you guys are always together. I assumed you were dating...” Natasha does her best to sound as if this new information isn’t exactly what she wanted to hear. 

“So, what do you think about coming to the party?” Natasha tries again. "Oh, yes, I’d love to! I'll get Peter to drive us over.” You smile and Natasha feels her tummy flutter, new territory indeed, but she doesn’t hate it. “I'll give you my number and you can text me the address?" You suggest, glancing around, wondering where Peter even went. He was an essential part of you getting home after all. Though you wish you had an excuse to ask if you could just tag along with Natasha. 

"Of course, it's not too far from here." Natasha hands you her phone and you type in your number before handing it back to her. "Perfect. I’ll see you later, princess." Natasha smiles, noting the flustered look on your face before turning and walking away. She smirks to herself as she walks back to his group of friends. She laughs, and Kate said it wouldn't work.

I want to hold you close

Soft breasts, beating heart

As I whisper in your ear

I want to fucking tear you apart

[zabiume]

ichihime is my otp but i wish kubo did more to show ichigo developing feelings as the manga progressed

that's reasonable, but i can't necessarily claim to understand it, mainly because of how i perceive romance IRL and in fiction as an aroace person.

i'm not even going to pretend to understand romantic love in real life, but in fiction at least, romance has a purpose because everything in fiction is purposeful, no choice is accidental etc etc. mainstream media, in that regard, has usually pushed the idea that romance is the pinnacle of all human relationships, and i guess the reason i liked bleach or found it particularly subversive for the year it was written in was because it notably...didn't do that.

there is romance in bleach, but it is not the highlight or focus, and is only supplementary. adding that to the fact that this is a typically romance-averse genre, i doubt kubo ever intended to display romance in a way we're conventionally used to seeing it—confessions, kisses, hugs, proposals, dates, etc. even with married couples like isshin and masaki/kaien and miyako/byakuya and hisana, we don't really see the actual marriages—just the important "milestones" of the relationship (how they met, the sacrifices they might have made for each other, and even then, these relationships are used to drive the plot forward). i've been reading kubo's answers on klub outside lately, and they're very illuminating in terms of how he approaches romance and/or writing in general. see: the answer where he talks about how he considered including a scene where isshin and masaki (mainly masaki) name ichigo together, but eventually decided against writing it because it would be "too lovey dovey and that's gross" (lol).

the bizarre thing about kubo, though, is that this should technically make him extremely bad at romance in general. and i know people who would and do argue that he is, but i personally enjoyed all the canon romances over the course of the story, and i could feel the passion/tenderness/affection that the couples in the story have for each other, simply because kubo is good at body language and portraying relationships of ALL kinds between the characters. whether it's the love between nakama and nakama, parent and child, student and mentor, you do feel that these characters really feel for each other, so the romances aren't any different (to me).

and this is a pattern with kubo's writing in general! he constantly see-saws between extremely bizarre and bad takes on writing (AKA his boob fixation that shows up repeatedly both in the series and in his answers on klub when asked about female characters) and surprisingly good ones (like him saying writers often complain that female characters are hard to draw/write because they can't understand women's feelings, but women's feelings, like men's feelings, are difficult because feelings are difficult in general. very apt for a series that's all about people dealing with their own complicated feelings and relationships! i know it isn't radical or revolutionary to say women and men both have the same feelings and that writing a Female Character isn't any different from writing a male character, but considering his contemporaries (shonen male mangakas aged 40+), he is practically Enlightened in his response here lmao.

my point is that, reluctant as he is, he doesn't do a bad job with romance as a whole. compared to many ships and marriages in the same genre bracket, i would say ichihime is doing far better. even though it's the notorious girl-has-a-crush-on-the-boy trope, you don't ever feel like orihime gets too punished for it the way a lot of girls do in this genre, just giving and giving and giving but receiving very little in turn. ichigo is generally very attentive to her, they're friends who only get closer over the course of the series, they're...friends (which is funnily a lot more than a lot of other couples get sadly), they have a variety of fluffy/angsty/silly/hurt-comfort-y scenes spread out pretty evenly across all arcs, and ichigo does often return orihime's care for him in his own, magnanimous way.

if we're looking for explicit signs, then i guess we don't really get ichigo spelling out that he has a crush on her. and if that makes ichihime less plausible or likeable to people, that's fine. but to me, ichihime has always been about subtlety, about this tentative, nervous way two people might reach out to each other, hoping the other understands them. ichigo softens up around orihime, and i joke that he's always got one ear on her because of the way he pays attention to even the slightest changes in her mood. i don't want to spend too much time "proving" what ichigo feels or doesn't feel because that's a journey we get to take and interpret as individual readers, but we can't deny that their relationship is very tender because of...ichigo and not orihime. orihime is soft with everyone. ichigo is, usually, 90% of the time, prickly with everyone. so him softening up around her, to me, was one of the many things about their dynamic that "proved" to me they'd be a good romance. just. the way ichigo was around her. also, between plot-important developments (like ichigo and orihime going from struggling to stand on the battlefield together, to fighting, however briefly, as partners; or ichigo learning to lean on the people in his life), and feelings stuff (maybe ichigo reflecting on his romantic feelings for orihime), i would definitely prefer to get the former and interpret the latter. it was important to me to know how exactly ichigo and orihime were going to navigate the fact that ichigo was too overprotective and orihime was too weak, but it wasn't important to me to see them dating or proposing or whatever. it would have clashed rather horribly with the narrative/thematic/genre concerns of the series as a whole, cute as it might have been to see, and i might not have ever been as hard of an ichihime shipper as i am now if the series ended after lust, and not after horn of salvation. the development of their dynamic (and orihime getting the recognition she deserves from him as an equal) was more important to me personally. most of the times, when i'm writing fic, i draw from the actual manga panels of them before they were dating anyway, so i don't think they'd be too different AFTER.

LASTLY, i do want to point out that ichigo catching feelings for orihime later does not at all diminish the weight of those feelings. maybe he had a mild crush in the soul society arc (if that's how you want to interpret it), or maybe he developed one later on during the HM arc/FB arc, but maybe he didn't realize he could have crushes at all until after yhwach was gone and he got to have more than a few weeks of peace at a stretch. this is the same boy who, at 15, thought kissing a classmate was a "big deal" and none of his friends were ever dating either, so it completely makes sense to me that these things weren't on his mind. it doesn't diminish orihime's importance to him, or his feelings for her, it just makes him a typical teenager who is going through...a lot in the already-turbulent stages of growing up. his feelings could just be a thing in the background, simmering, unconscious, not really evident until he grows up and starts thinking about things like who he likes spending time with, who he might want to spend his life with. the important thing is that we get all the build-up laid down (which we did get, considering how long the ichihime subplot is). the resolution is up to us!

that's not to say i'm diminishing your feelings or whatever, but this is just how i see it! i never understand when people say something is romantic "enough" because i think romance is an elusive concept that is defined based on extremely personal criteria for proof. is ichigo's love for orihime "enough"? i don't know! for me, the various moments between ichigo and orihime were enough to solidify their potential romantic relationship in my head. someone else might need to see it to believe it. we're both valid, as long as we're just enjoying ourselves and not being mean to someone else who perceives things differently! :D

[pastanest]

Danny x gn!reader

Dating Danny Atlas Would Include

- first of all, you’re either his assistant or his assistant is viewed as a piece of furniture bc he has no interest in them if they aren’t you, period

- he’s the PINNACLE of asshole-to-everyone-except-you, but he’s still cocky as hell and we love him for it next question

- has a soft spot for you that he’ll only acknowledge in front of others in the form of soft smiles in response to things you say that he’d usually quip at someone else for

- this man will not hesitate to wake you at 3am to show you a new trick

- like a kid on Christmas morning except neurodivergent

- is very affectionate in private, but in front of others he restricts himself to gestures of affection that solely show you’re his (hand on the small of your back, your thigh, holding yours, etc)

- possessive with a capital P

- prone to jealousy but not in a fragile way, more like “oh this guy really thinks he can take you from me? watch me make him disappear” bc as soon as Danny gets a deck of cards out, you’re basically on all fours sorry, too much?

- LOVES showing off to you more than anyone else

- bc you’re his but also bc you give him the best reactions of pure glee every time

- has to learn how to show interest in your favorite things that aren’t already his, like shows he wouldn’t usually watch

- it’s funny actually bc if any of the Horsemen are like “hey Danny do you wanna watch-“ he’ll just look at them like 🤨 but if YOU ask?? he’s got a list of questions and he’s already agreed. what actors do you know are in it. why do you want to watch it. what about it appeals to you. where can we stream it. what’s the runtime. how soon can we watch it.

- you are his exception to every occasion on which he’d usually prioritize himself over anything else

- LOVES surprising you

- oh something new is coming out and you can’t wait to buy it?? preordered.

- oh a new movie is- he’s already bought two tickets.

- and your birthday??? omg. extravagant is actually his middle name so if you think Danny wont pull out EVERY mf trick in the book for you, you’re sorely mistaken

- it’d be perfectly tailored to your tastes too - if you don’t like parties, there won’t be one bc he’ll find another elaborate means of celebrating you like a super fancy restaurant or being serenaded by a band on a riverboat or some bs, but if you do like parties you can expect the biggest one and it only gets bigger every year

- LOVES trying to teach you card tricks and finds it so endearing when you just can’t hack it and get frustrated with yourself, he’s so patient when it comes to you, all like “not quite, baby, try it like this”

- which reminds me, he talks you through it

- sorry

- obviously knows your body like the back of his hand I mean have you seen him?? man THRIVES on mastering things but he’ll only objectify you if you want him to iykyk

- to the surprise of many, he’s an old-school gentleman with incredible manners in actual romance

- opening doors for you, standing up whenever you enter a room, asks for consent half a million times until you eventually tell him he doesn’t need to ask every time he wants to kiss you and he’s like thank god bc if these fools heard me-

- worships the ground you walk on

- adores everything you say and do

- will just look at you and give this sighing smile or smirk sometimes and you’re like “???” and he just says some cheesy bs that only his arrogant ass could pull off like “I think you just might be the magic I’ve been searching for”

[girl-next-door-writes]

There You Are: Burns

Characters: George Weasley x reader

Summary: Soulmates are supposed to be a magical and exciting prospect. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Surely if George had met his soulmate, he would know, right? Or was having a soulmate just wishful thinking?

Word Count: 1087 words

A/N: Okay, so @regulusblackswhorecrux sent me a request about a soulmate AU and the idea just kinda grew and now it’s a 5 part mini-series. So… I hope you enjoy it.

Soulmates. That one word held so much within it, not surprisingly really given what it truly meant. People spoke about it in hushed tones, as if even uttering your desire to know there was one person out there in the universe who was your perfect match would somehow snatch it away from you. It was heralded as the pinnacle of romance, something you were lucky if you got to experience. Songs were sung about it. Stories told. Girls would dream about the day they got their first sign and celebrate with their friends when it finally happened to them. The angst of the uncertainty, not being sure you would be lucky enough to have that connection, was also the subject of many poems and tearful confessions.

You often wondered if that might be easier. To have that uncertainty rather than knowing there was only one person for you. Knowing there was only one ‘option’, that was stifling. Not that you could actually say that to anyone, no, they would assume you had lost your mind. Perhaps you had.

You knew you had a soulmate from your first day at Hogwarts. The soulmate connection became active when your path crossed with your match, but it was never as easy as it seemed in the movies. There was no blinding light, no making eye contact and just knowing. No. That would be too simple. Instead, this connection allowed your body to feel the injuries of your soulmate, and that was where your problems lay.

For the past few years you had found various bruises and scrapes littering your skin, leaving you uncertain as to whether the injury was your own or not. It was a little like waking up with a hangover and several unidentified bruises which you had no explanation for.

At first, you had tried to figure out who your soulmate was. After all, they were right here in the castle. The search proved rather fruitless. For a while you had suspected Oliver Wood, but then he broke his arm and you found yourself a little disappointed that you didn’t share in that pain. It was then when you realised that if your soulmate had been searching for you too, then you would have found each other by now. Perhaps they didn’t want to be found. Perhaps they knew you were their soulmate and were disappointed. That was when you stopped looking. You ensured you covered as much of your skin as you could, to hide any tell-tale signs, and resigned yourself to a life alone. Better to be on your own than be rejected by your soulmate.

“George!” Fred’s voice cut through his brothers thoughts and a clump of grass landed on his face.

“What?” George asked with a frown as he sat up, brushing the blades of grass from his eyes with a huff.

“You haven’t been listening to a bloody word, have you? Honestly, how are we going to pull this off if you spend all your time staring up at the clouds?”

“I’ve been listening, though it’s not anything you’ve not already told me fifty times before.” George shrugged, laying back down and watching another cloud drift by.

“Seriously, what’s got into you lately? Such a sulky git.” Fred kicked the bottom of his brother’s shoe, earning him an eyeroll.

“Maybe he’s in lourve.” Lee teased with a wide grin. It was well known between the trio that George was the hopeless romantic of the group and usually he took their teasing with good humor.

“I wish.” George sighed softly, his eyes still focused on the sky.

“Oh, come on, mate. I know you were gutted about me finding out I’ve got a soulmate that’s not you, but that doesn’t mean you’ve not got one.” Fred shifted a little, giving his brother a sympathetic smile.

“Yeah, you don’t see me sulking because I’ve not got weird bruises or scars. It’ll happen when it happens. Until then, we can have some fun. Besides, if Fred’s soulmate hadn’t twisted their ankle then he’d never know. Maybe your better half just hasn’t hurt themselves.” Lee reasoned.

“You don’t get it.” George mumbled, closing his eyes and trying to drown out their words.

“Maybe they aren’t at this school. Come on mate, this isn’t the only place in the world.” Fred shook his brother’s leg, trying to cheer him up at least enough for him to agree to their latest prank.

“Fred, if I do have a soulmate, and they ARE here, well, I get injured enough for them to know I exist. Just because they haven’t been injured doesn’t mean they couldn’t have found me. What if they know exactly who I am and have decided I’m not worth it?” George sat up, hugging his knees to his chest. He hated these moments of insecurity, but it had shaken him when Fred found out he had a match.

“You’re an idiot.” Fred scoffed, “I know I’m the better looking twin but you’re not bad Georgie boy. Like anyone would decide you’re not worth it. You don’t half talk bollocks. Now come on, we’re going to scare the shit out of Filch with those new fireworks we’ve been testing.”

George got to his feet and rubbed the back of his neck. “You sure they’re ready?”

“So little faith! Come on.”

Twenty minutes later and the three of them were hiding in the cloisters, Fred sheepishly apologizing to his brother as he examined the crescent moon shaped burn on his right forearm.

“Look, it wasn’t exactly my fault that it sparked so much. I didn’t know it was going to veer off and hit you like that.”

“I said they weren’t ready.”

“We’re so close though! They are nearly there.” Fred shrugged, handing his brother some more healing cream.

“So close to my arm nearly being on fire.” Huffed George, concentrating on healing his injury before Filch could find them and use it as proof they had been up to no good.

If any of the boys had really been paying attention then they would have seen you in the courtyard, clutching your right forearm, your face pinched in pain as you cursed your stupidly clumsy soulmate. You had no idea what the hell they had been up to, but looking at the burn on your arm, you could only hope they weren’t being tortured somewhere. One burn was more than enough for you to be dealing with today. That was something you and George definitely agreed on.

[alargehunkofdebris]

the necessary unnecessary kiss

I think the thing that makes this couple stick so hard for me is that they didn’t even need The Kiss™. I wasn’t expecting it. In fact, I wasn’t even rooting for it.

Not because I don’t like smooches! I do indeed! My heart did a big ol’ backflip when it happened, and stayed lodged in my throat for 24 solid hours.

However, this show and book have shown, time and time again, that Aziraphale and Crowley’s relationship goes so far beyond the typical romantic “human” relationship that a kiss isn’t even necessary. They’re more than romance, because they existed before romance was even a thing. Their bond proceeds the very concept of a kiss.

And so, I was worried that, in putting so much emphasis on that particular human act, it might imply that the strength of their relationship depends on whether or not they smooch. That it’s the pinnacle of expressions of love. But I’m such a fan of the queerplatonic/aroace reading of their relationship that, while a kiss would be lovely, it shouldn’t overtake the other gestures of love that have happened/will happen in the show. I was a touch worried about there being a kiss, because I still wanted that nuance to remain. The strongest bond does not have to be sealed with a kiss. And a bond isn’t any less strong because they don’t kiss. It’s not that they can’t be read as romantic—it’s that they shouldn’t be read as simply romantic. It’s more than that.

It's absolutely more than that. Because their initial meeting was seconds before the stars were born. One held the blueprints whilst the other created. Their love started before the universe was fully formed.

Because I think that’s the crux—they didn’t fall in love. Love—true love—didn’t exist until that moment.

Love—remarkable, all-encompassing, and as new as the forming stars—fell into them.

It never did start with Adam and Eve.

However, when they did end up kissing, I was immediately sold. Because that nuance wasn’t taken away—it was still there. Crowley didn’t do it because it was a given—he did it because, in their 6000 years on Earth, the humans have used the kiss as a shortcut to show their feelings. Even if he’s always wanted to plant one on Aziraphale regardless—they both love humans, and every cute, fascinating ritual they do—Crowley absolutely needed that shortcut. He needed it because quality time, acts of service, delightful conversation—their normal dance—simply wasn’t working fast enough.

They are the blueprint of love—all love, inclusive. The kiss is simply a megaphone, because despite knowing every language ever spoken (barring French) they’re absolutely atrocious at using their words.

[olderthannetfic]

what is the name of the chinese genre with pentagrams and dragons/serpents and stuff

--

*cackling*

Okay, other people are welcome to weigh in here, but to the best of my knowledge, the three big fantasy genres from China that we tend to be exposed to are Xianxia, Wuxia, and Xuanhuan.

Here are the definitions from one of my favorite glossaries:

Novel Categories

Wuxia (武俠 wǔxiá) – literally means “Martial Heroes”. Fictional stories about regular humans who can achieve supernatural fighting ability through Chinese martial arts training and internal energy cultivation. Themes of chivalry, tragedy, revenge & romance are common.

Xianxia (仙侠 xiānxiá) – literally means “Immortal Heroes”. Fictional stories featuring magic, demons, ghosts, immortals, and a great deal of Chinese folklore/mythology. Protagonists (usually) attempt to cultivate to Immortality, seeking eternal life and the pinnacle of strength. Heavily inspired by Daoism.Comparison: If Wuxia is “low fantasy”, then Xianxia is “high fantasy”.

Xuanhuan (玄幻 xuánhuàn) – literally means “Mysterious Fantasy”. A broad genre of fictional stories which remixes Chinese folklore/mythology with foreign elements & settings.Xuanhuan and Xianxia novels may sometimes seem similar on the surface. Look for the presence of Daoist elements (the Dao, Yin and Yang, Immortals, etc…) in the novel to easily distinguish the two – if they aren’t present, then it’s probably a Xuanhuan novel.

...

However, as far as I know, none of these is typified by pentagrams. I guess you might see something like this when people are discussing the five phases/elements, but as far as I know, it isn't specifically a symbol of the genres:

--

You know who does have pentagrams? Abe no Seimei.

Anon, have you perchance been watching any of the Yin-Yang Master adaptations lately? Because the latest two adaptations may have been made in China, but the stories are still set in Japan, and the genre is...

... whatever the fuck onmyouji canons are.

Is there even a name for this? They're all things with Abe no Seimei at the bottom of them, largely derived from Yumemakura Baku's novel series.

[thesherrinfordfacility]

I love Aziraphale but I DO kind of feel like he was objectively more wrong than Crowley was, bc Aziraphale's plot for most of S2 comes straight out of Terry Pratchett books: he shuts down Crowley and focuses on setting up this storybook romance for them, while ignoring everyone else's distress. Like we see from the start of the season that Crowley is depressed and clearly upset, and it gets worse as it progresses, but Aziraphale doesn't even clock that something is wrong, even when Crowley is outright telling him. Of course this is going to create and nurture a situation where Crowley doesn't communicate. Aziraphale's not listening to him anyway. One of Terry's books features a witch who uses her magic to force fairy tale plots onto the people around her. It's the pinnacle of toxic positivity.

hi anon!!!✨ oooooh i have a feeling that this is going to be a long one, my apologies in advance!!! also, please forgive my ignorance on pratchett's works, im not deliberately ignoring it, but definitely not familiar with it enough to draw on any narrative similarities unfortunately!!!

so on the point of aziraphale not recognising that crowley is depressed, i do think that there are some indicators that if aziraphale paid more attention, he would pick up on it. that being said, i do think that the depth of crowley's not-okayness is largely masked from aziraphale, and is mostly shown only to other characters and obviously to the audience; the scene on the park bench with shax, for example, or any scenes between crowley in/around the bentley. one example that aziraphale could have picked up on:

c: "what i need is for him to be nowhere near me, and the precious, peaceful, fragile existence ive carved out for myself here..."

a: "i thought we carved it out for ourselves?"

c: "so did i!"

so, obviously crowley started in on the fact that gabriel threatened aziraphale in ep6, and quite rightly uses this as a reason to leave well enough alone, get rid of gabriel, and go back to their life as it was before. and crowley's language and delivery is absolutely indicative of how desperate he is to keep the status quo, that he's hanging on practically by a thread. shax and hell are keeping tabs on him, he's living in his car (which i'll come onto later), and he doesn't have much of a Purpose anymore than just existing.

aziraphale should be reading into this, 110%. but, crowley ends up underplaying his own struggle by talking about 'i' and 'me'. that doesn't mean its less true or valid, but to aziraphale's mind, he appears to be thinking only about how gabriel's presence would affect him. it immediately undermines how crowley first went in to trying to convince aziraphale to turn out gabriel, because it reads like crowley is revealing his true issue with the situation. we know that it's because, to crowley, aziraphale is ignoring him and his warning (which he absolutely is).

but crowley hasn't told aziraphale the full story of what happened; what gabriel said. aziraphale doesn't have the context to understand the full scope of crowley's fear and anger. i don't think knowing it would have necessarily changed the ultimate outcome/decision - i do think aziraphale is still kind and forgiving ("it's one of my favourite things!") to a fault - but it might have stopped aziraphale completely closing off and shutting down the continuance of what could have been a communicative and honest discussion. that, despite all of it, crowley is stepping away from aziraphale and planting himself on His (crowley's) Side, not Their Side.

aziraphale attempts to pull the conversation back; he tells crowley he would love for him to help, and that aziraphale is actively asking for help (which, verbally and with full intent, i don't recall aziraphale having done anywhere before this point in canon; he's intimated it, made very strong suggestions that he wants crowley to help/do something for him). this is a big show of vulnerability on aziraphale's part ("i need you!"), to literally put those words into the space between them... and crowley is silent. crowley is absolutely justified in not helping gabriel, but i think aziraphale's reaction is just as understandable.

but then moving on through to ep2, i think the next bit where aziraphale probably should have seen that crowley is Not Okay is the bentley/bookshop discussion, and crowley's reluctance to share it. from crowley's point of view, this car is literally the only tie he has left (will still get to the Sleeping In His Car debacle later) to anything permanent. this car that is literally an extension of him, comforts and shelters him, his complete Ride or Die - even to the end of the world. it is completely understandable that crowley would be jealous of it, want to keep a portion of his world for himself.

from aziraphale's point of view, as suggestive as it can be interpreted, he's opened his doors literally to crowley since at least 1941 - even earlier, if we count the 1800 scene that was cut (where, if gabriel and sandalphon hadn't turned up, i have no doubts that crowley would have been welcomed in straight away). it's definitely believable that crowley, between at least 1800 - 1827, might have been welcome in the shop... possibly even between 1827 - 1862 depending whether or not crowley spent "quite some time" in the pits of hell after edinburgh.

and this is likely to have been an exponential occurrence between 2008 - 2023, possibly even between 1967 - 2008 (depending on whether they had or had not been in continued contact follow the holy water incident). either way, again from aziraphale's perspective, the tie he has to earth and his life on it has been steadily then repeatedly shared with crowley. that's where he feels safe, and is himself, and is an extension of him. it's where they both feel like that in 2023. aziraphale has, presumably, shared that without quibble, has even been - judging by the s2 scene - something he has actively encouraged. it's definitely presumptuous, and possibly even entitled, but i think aziraphale has seen this as crowley being willing to share his life with aziraphale; why wouldn't he share the bentley? he's driven aziraphale everywhere he's wanted to go in it - doesn't crowley trust him enough to let aziraphale drive himself, for once?

ep3 sees a continuation of the above; that aziraphale changes the car, and does so without permission. whilst cute and adorable, and with the best of intentions, there is a major degree of this that is absolutely a violation on crowley, even if he logically would know that it's reversible. potentially, this is even foreshadowing of how he feels in the Final Fifteen with the angel restoration offer (im sure someone else has drawn this parallel somewhere...?).

but i do think it is absolutely a declaration from aziraphale of how wonderful he sees crowley just as he is now (his mf eyes), and how actually he doesn't want to change crowley to something better, but instead to paint the whole world in crowley's image. and its all the more powerful because a) crowley isn't there to see it, and b) he doesn't know that crowley can so viscerally detect changes made to the car.

the fact that crowley doesn't make this connection is surely a reflection of how he sees himself (see: he doesn't), and aziraphale should pick up on that... but if to aziraphale's mind crowley already knows how aziraphale feels about him through other gestures, in aziraphale's mind maybe crowley's just being coy or a bit possessive of his beloved bentley - that's fair, it's practically married behaviour! aziraphale wouldn't necessarily think to infer crowley's objections as anything different.

then we move on to ep4 (and finally talking about crowley living like a nomad), with the last scene of aziraphale helping him take out the plants to the bentley. you know - im still not 100% sure what to make of the whole situation of aziraphale not knowing that crowley is living out of his car. my main two schools of thought are that:

crowley has been spending enough time in the shop that him going out at random intervals is just normal to aziraphale - he's off doing Demon Things! he's just out on a jolly, having some time to himself! but it's okay, he always comes back! that would be possible, but we don't have any narrative to actively support this, and is practically a hc at this point. but there must be something that keeps aziraphale from digging any deeper - he is by all accounts a smart guy, and clocking that crowley has his plants in his car must get him thinking even if only for a moment... (unless he literally just chalks it up to Crowley Being Crowley, which is also feasible lbr)

the alternative thought (and not saying this is right - as i said, i literally do not have a scooby as to why aziraphale doesn't seem, on some level, to realise it) is that aziraphale does realise it, but doesn't want to face the implications of why crowley might have kept it from him, and so he buries it. i parsed this thought out more in a LWA response, full post here, but snippet screenshotted below:

i'll probably leave that bit there, but absolutely; aziraphale should be realising that something is wrong... but equally - as the king of cognitive dissonance, frankly - i don't think he wants to look deeper into something that, to him, would suggest any reason for there to be distrust between them, or a lack of openness. of course, we can see as the audience that this is a very small drop in the ocean where that's concerned, but to aziraphale - there's surely no possibility that crowley would keep something from him, not something this important.

when it comes to the Loving Gaze in ep6 (i'll come back to ep5 in a sec) that he gives when crowley admits that he's been living in his car, again - not entirely sure what to make of it. obviously it is just pure 'i utterly love/adore him', 'yes, it's you i want to be with, yes', but also maybe a measure of 'oh, you silly demon, why didn't you tell me? not that it's a problem now though, because in time we'll be together properly and you'll never have to be without a home again because your home can be with me'. he does gloss over the fact that crowley didn't tell him, and was obviously not in an okay place - but possibly in a, 'we'll talk about it later sometime, but for now - im just happy about what future we could start having from here on out. everything else is immaterial'. it's dismissive, but i also think potentially an indication that aziraphale does see, but they'll have the rest of their existence now to talk about it and heal.

anyway, back to ep5. the ball. oh lord - i honestly don't know if i have the mental acuity to even go into depth on the ball, rn. it's a Problem, and 100% on aziraphale's part. he's overcome with love, god bless him, isn't he? just so hellbent on showing crowley - it's not even about the girls, anymore, not if aziraphale really admitted it to himself - that he loves him. i think the magic spell that aziraphale creates bewitches even him, slightly - maybe not so literally, but this is a moment that has at least been decades in the making. and crowley is running around telling him there's an issue? well, they're safe in the shop (which, in a way, is absolutely true)! don't spoil this, please just hear me, hear what im trying to tell you unequivocally!

i think in aziraphale's mind, crowley tends to have a habit of overreacting (gabriel as a case in point), which is not true - but understandable when you potentially consider that aziraphale never really has all the facts. he's definitely overprotective, a point that is shown in s1 (imo, aziraphale never actively encourages the damsel-in-distress thing, but crowley just happens to show up at the slightest hint of trouble, and instead aziraphale takes this to mean that saving him, when he doesn't need saving, truly does make crowley happy). this is something crowley through his actions has encouraged - i think to assume that crowley is overreacting in this context is understandable, but yet; no, aziraphale should be listening to him. he should. and it once again feeds into the thought process that aziraphale cannot save himself - on and on it goes.

i don't think there is much to discuss in ep6 (im not going to get into the Final Fifteen - it's been analysed so much better by other people and by me too), this answer is already long enough, and i think for the most part it's fairly obvious. i do however have a dedicated FF tag in my masterpost if you do wish to peruse the various ponderings on the subject.

the only thing i guess that's really left for me to parse out is s1; aziraphale does lie to crowley. a lot. most egregious is lying about finding the antichrist but, i will say, in his defence - crowley has repeatedly asserted that they should straight-up murder a child. aziraphale drew his boundary, and crowley kept pushing, even going so far as to try tempting (and then practically demanding) that aziraphale be the one to do it. i don't think it's unjustified in that respect that aziraphale would keep that knowledge, therefore, from him - and instead turn to heaven. obviously that doesn't work out, in that respect crowley is proven right, and aziraphale immediately takes action to remedy it (calls crowley after the 9-1-metatron call).

but, it's an interesting mirror to what goes on in s2 in the theme of mutual trust and openness between them. crowley doesn't trust aziraphale not to dismiss him and run back to heaven when the going gets tough, nor does he trust him to have any sense of self-preservation (despite, yk, being a literal miracle worker and being the one to actual save their bacon in the 40s s2 minisode). but aziraphale similarly doesn't trust crowley not to try making him do something he has expressly said he will not do, and would betray a core tenet of who he is - temptation, which they both know works on aziraphale, and crowley could arguably exploit as he sees fit if aziraphale were to let him be completely vulnerable to crowley. in this respect, the foundations of their relationship, such as it is, is quite demonstrably built on sand of the quick variety.

so in essence, anon (honestly - gold star for you if you've made it to here), i don't disagree with you at all. but i think it's slightly reductive to not see that they are just as bad as each other. each have their trauma and unreconciled issues that directly inform on the action or inaction they take, and both are completely justified in that. i think it's more than possible to be empathetic to both of their perspectives, because ultimately, imo, their relationship as it was where we left it at the end of s2 was practically doomed right from where we first - in 2008 - properly join their story. im all for a huge, screaming row, and the promise of quieter, more delicate conversations thereafter, in s3; boy, do they need it!✨

[96percentdone]

Top 5 Narumitsu moments!

Ooo mmm okay okay okay good question good question let's do this.

Okay i think "all of farewell my turnabout" exceeds the bounds of "moment" so uhhhhhh. The inherent reciprocity of its conclusion. Phoenix saved Miles from his nightmare of 15 years in Turnabout Goodbyes, and Miles came back to save him from Matt Engarde's heinous bullshit. Nick shows Miles the errors of his ways in how he's approached prosecuting by convicting anyone who crossed his path without fail, a byproduct of his own guilt an internal torment, and Miles showed Nick HIS error that his role as a defense attorney is not to save people and that his savior complex is untenable and unhealthy, a complex born from his childhood and motivations for becoming a lawyer. It's peak romance. The pinnacle of writing. I LOVE Justice for All.

I can't put the entirety of turnabout goodbyes either so uhhhhh...."If I was a defense attorney, I knew he's have to meet me whether he wanted to or not. In court. … Edgeworth believed in me, and I believe in him. He's in pain… And no one's on his side. I'm the only one who knows the real Edgeworth. I'm the only one who can help him." Unhinged fucking behavior Phoenix. What a fucking moment. 10/10 scene of all time. He calls him Miles earlier in the scene it literally. It's perfect. Chef's kiss no notes.

The first conversation you have with Iris as Miles in the detention center in Bridge to the turnabout. I mean it's the whole thing but shout out in particular to uh. "Mr. Edgeworth...what is Mr. Wright to you?" "He is a very dear and indispensable friend."

The bit in Bridge to the Turnabout where Miles is going through it because of the earthquake and not only is Nick ready to hug it out with him but if you present your badge to him he actually tells Miles he became a defense attorney because of him and Miles gets so SHY. Obsessed with that.

Miles Edgeworth flying halfway across the world because of an incoherent phone call from Larry Butz that implied something nebulously bad happened to Nick and then agreeing to be a defense attorney for a day in his stead. Very normal. Pinnacle of romance. Dark Ace Attorney show me the forbidden hospital scene.

You might be thinking I put a lot of bridge here despite despite Farewell My Turnabout and Turnabout Goodbyes being like. The pinnacle of narumitsu content. And that's because Bridge has nice narumitsu moments but isn't a narumitsu case and Goodbyes and Farewell are just narumitsu cases and putting the whole case in would just be cheating.

[babsvibes]

002 : mudflap and critter?? 💞💕💓💓💞💘💘💖💞💓💗💓💝💘💘💘💞💓💝💝💘💘

(do you know how much restraint it’s taking to not ask for tinimmy??? i might die)

Guess what? I'm going to answer for tinimmy anyway because there's no need to explain why I think the two hottest people in this show (Mudflap and Critter) should bone

When I started shipping it: DT posted art of Jimmy Jr. playing with Tina's hair and from then on I was like..... now wait a minute. That and the jealousy moment in The Land Ship!

My thoughts: They really are the pinnacle of teen romance. Like making mistakes, crossing boundaries, pretending they're adults, and feeling so so much that they can't express. It's all about growing, and I think there's something beautiful about learning with each other. Plus, a function of romance is that you build your life together so what does it say that they grew around each other?

What makes me happy about them: They're dumb, next question

What makes me sad about them: I guess that no matter what happens with them on screen, someone is going to complain and it's like... shhh it's okay

Things done in fanfic that annoy me: I can't say that I remember ever being annoyed about a fanfic I've read of these two? To be clear, "of these two" as in made for this ship, not spite fic

Things I look for in fanfic: I was going to say a happy ending, but Caroline wrote that knock-out angst piece that made me crave more. I do love the sweet moments though, the moments that happen offscreen

My kinks: They hit allll of my favorite jealousy kink notes

Who I'd be comfortable with them ending up with: Probably Zeke for either one, but Tina and someone she meets in the future is good with me too. I'm pretty flexible on my Tina ships

My happily ever after for them: I just want them to dance together and everything goes right for one night, is that so much to ask?

[vanrouchu]

😳 can we get some mary/reader crumbs..... maybe a scenario at a formal soirée, both of them are spellbound under a budding romance but stifle their yearning to keep up appearances in front of all the nobles... or at least, they try hehe. thenk you basil MWAHS

behind closed doors

i almosf oassed out twice writinf this i lllooev mary

There was an unwritten rule in high society that all nobles adhere to. 'Keep your feelings hidden lest you want it to be used against you,' as they said. The higher the status you had, the more you stick to that rule as one weakness shown can be the reason for your downfall. Much to her misfortune, Mary was the pinnacle of high society while your standing was somewhere below here; falling in love with her was nothing unusual but having those feelings reciprocated was a different story.

You were always fabricating excuses during parties after Mary shoots you a subtle glance as she heads into an empty parlor—"come and see me," it wasn't difficult to tell what she wanted to convey and it didn't take you much to follow after her as you tried to avoid prying eyes. Behind closed doors, it was simply you and Mary drowning in intimacy that would get them into a huge scandal if someone ever found out but perhaps that made it more exciting and Mary liked the thrill.

Your hands were on her waist, pulling her closer as she planted her lips on yours while her hands cupped your cheeks. You were careful enough to avoid the numerous accessories on her, you knew that it would raise questions if she went out looking even slightly disheveled. Mary was quite the opposite—she cared little for such things especially when you're both behind closed doors. It was easy to fix herself after this but for now she wanted to savor the moment while it lasted.

"Why are you holding yourself back, my darling?" She whispered against your lips, her gaze on you made your heartbeat quicken as she traced the outline of your jaw. "We're alone. There's no one who can see us."

"I'm just worried that people will notice when you come out." You admitted, sighing dreamily as you felt her finger trace your skin—each touch she left on you made your breath hitch. "I don't want to be the cause of rumors that might mark you as their target."

"Darling." Her voice was firm as she pulled back to face you properly. She furrowed her eyebrows as she wrapped her fingers around your jaw and forced you to look at her directly. There was a slight frown on her face and it didn't take you long to realize that she was agitated.

"You know I'm quite fond of you but that does not mean I'll tolerate such impertinence." Her tone slowly turned commanding, "I want you to give yourself to me without reservations about causing trouble for me. Let me worry about that. Unless… You think I'm incapable of handling such trivial matters, do you?"

"No! Of course not." You replied hurriedly as you let out a heavy sigh. "I know you can handle it but I can't help but worry either way." You leaned in closer and tucked her loose hair behind her ear, not noticing the way her cheeks turned a little rosy. "You're important to me, after all, my lady."

"You fool," she sneered. "Just shut your mouth and kiss me again. I've been waiting for far too long to meet you again—surely you won't deprive me of that, at least, correct?"

You couldn't help but chuckle when she leaned in and pressed her lips against yours once more as you buried your fingers into her hair. "My lady is so demanding… but yes, I'll do what you wish."

[seal-berry]

sooo

-jay and little destiny left behind bonnie and jays siblings right after their father possibly died

-golbetty couldve eaten simon and he wouldve thanked her and had his wish to be with her forever granted but nope he gets to be PATHOLOGIZED! dont worry simon, your problem has a NAME and its CODEPENDENCY. phew, sure am glad that thorny, complicated topic gets wrapped up nice and neat! be sure to pick up a copy of "the body keeps the score" on the way out, simon. (no shame against that book but the things people assume after reading it are wild and labelling a relationship that has some small flaws as toxically codependent to the point of breakup is one of them)

-fionna gets to get told WHATS WHAT about how STUPID she is for wishing magic was real. just picket and play roller derby like a normal girl, its not like the world needs to REALLY change... changing it might risk what you have! and you APPRECIATE what you have, right fionna? need to watch your friends die some more so that you accept wage slavery america as the pinnacle of existence? you should be sorry for thinking it was so boring, thats not very self care of you fionna

-oh but cake gets to stay. because uhhh. idk. it would be fucked up to have a detransition narrative, i guess? and shes not a 20-something who needs to grow up. i guess we cant accidentally teach our audience to become stretchy cats, so its fine, its not teaching them anything bad! but fionna being magical, now THAT would send the wrong message

- every other couple gets to have romantic/imperfect/codependent moments-- gary sacrifices his WHOLE DREAM for marshall. but the writers know its not very 2023 of them to make the gays more problematic than just. having some psychosexual violence thrown in there for spice. but simon and betty? sorry you werent perfect and she dont want you no more

-any romance that ends with "i am willingly breaking it off with you even though we could be together" needs to work HARD for that to satisfy. golbetty couldve eaten simon and he wouldve thanked her. blowing him off into the world IS DISREGARDING HIS WISHES! it just feels like they imposed Recovery Aesthetic onto simon and fionna and were like see :) Happee Ending! dont look at all the loose threads, simon went to THERAPY! zoomers love when old men go to therapy, right?? simon and betty's issues werent wrestled hard, long, and to the ground enough on-screen to sell that she doesnt want him anymore and that that truly is the best ending she can bring with her ultimate power, it reads that golbetty truly did override betty's self and changed her into an unrecognizeable figure. its so stupid that adding a little bit of pathologizing therapy talk can make people say this was good.

and codependency IS pathologizing. how much dependency is healthy, at what point does it tip into being too toxic to save? that depends on which therapist youre talking to. humans are wired for connection, no amount of CBT and DBT will make you not mourn losing a connection, and the pain of that loss shouldnt be used as evidence that you should just be less attached. simon isnt a mind reader, and betty made her choices. you can call it a "fawn response" but that still implies that you think she was unfit for autonomy. if she really doesnt regret those choices, why doesnt she want to be with simon? that question is not answered well enough to leave it not feeling like a swerve for audience members who arent projecting their own codependent experiences onto betty. the text alone doesnt support it enough for that to ring true, not when they only actually delved into the topic for about 5-10 onscreen minutes. Not to mention the fact that the ending ends with a fucking montage where it looks like simon just turned happy and is living his dream of cheers sitcom life. is that really better than becoming one with your beloved crazy wife forever? is that actually more realistic, in the visceral emotional language that stories speak? is it a more satisfying ending, getting 80% there and then saying "actually this dramatic cool story has some Problematic Elements, I'm going home"?

i wish they gave her more lines. they couldve given her more lines, made simon talking at the audience into a real conversation, and they didnt. there were so many things they couldve done and it ended up at something just as toxic as whatever codependency they were railing against, the idea that the relationship we were shown was too toxic and flawed and that betty was clearly fawning for simon and not capable of making her own decisions while simon shouldve stepped up and fixed that for her. they want to play it like "we must go our separate ways" but there's no must. this is still a choice betty is making, to break up with simon for good, and that choice was always gonna be a hard sell but not even letting betty have more than a few lines about it? how do you expect to sell such a big emotional shift? therapy speak, apparently.

and they seriously played the "simon goes back to his life" card WITHOUT a marcy scene??? lazy heroes journey shit.

[aniron48]

Love Letters - Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of Love Letters, a 00q Choose Your Own Adventure! If you missed the first day and would like to catch up, you can read Day 1 here. As a reminder, there will be a post around this time (9pmish EST) every night through 2/14.

From this point on, the consequences of how you choose will be more pronounced--some options may pop up again down the road, but some will be foreclosed for the rest of the story! Choose wisely, and thank you so much for joining in! 😁 Day 2 begins below.

After a moment, he typed, “The one with Mr. Darcy and the governess and the wife in the attic?”

The truth was that while he’d never seen the film, he’d read the book, after finding an abandoned copy in the seat pocket on a flight to Tokyo. It might not have been his usual choice of reading material, but once he’d read the summary on the back and seen that the hero was a navy man, he gave it a go, and ended up finishing it in one sitting.

Not that Q needed to know that, of course.

Q responded with a series of keyboard smashes, an incomprehensible set of gifs, and, finally, “I’m sorry, but I cannot have a boyfriend that confuses Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice, and Jane Eyre.”

This was, admittedly, an even better reaction than Bond had hoped to provoke. They had yet to define their relationship, and Bond had assumed it was better to let it slip quietly into monogamous very-nearly-cohabitation without comment, rather than raise it and risk scaring Q away. But now that Q had opened the door….

“Boyfriend, eh?”

“It was autocorrect. Obviously I was trying to type ‘bastard,’ but my fingers slipped.”

“Naturally. Still, would my boyfriend like to propose a time to watch the film?”

“You’re insufferable,” Q sent back. Followed by, “And we’re watching it on Saturday.”

*💕*💕*💕**💕*💕*💕*

Q sighed, turning down the volume as the end credits for Persuasion played on the screen. “Nothing will ever hold a candle to Wentworth’s letter, for me. It’s the pinnacle of romance. ‘You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope.’ Imagine getting a letter like that. It would do me in.”

“You must have gotten a slew of them over the years, surely,” Bond said, resting his head on Q’s stomach.

“A slew of what?” Q asked, carding his fingers through Bond’s hair.

“Love letters.”

Q’s hands stilled. “You’re joking.”

“Why would I be joking?”

Q sat up, peering down at James. “Have you met me?”

James rolled over, bemused. “I have. Which is in no small part why I assume you’ve received a lot of love letters.”

“Flatterer,” Q looked away, flustered, and tried to cover it up by hitting Bond with a pillow. “Look, it’s just—it’s not a self-esteem issue, or anything. I’m exceedingly good at any number of things. But I also know that I’m—a bit cerebral, I suppose, and I work too many hours, and I’m very particular about some things—“

“You don’t say.”

“—and I don’t think I really tend to inspire that sort of passion in people.”

Bond opened his mouth to protest, but Q clamped a hand over it. “Let’s not, please. I’m just woolgathering. I’d much rather talk about how it’s a national tragedy that men don’t wear silk stockings like that anymore.”

“You’d have to have the calves for it,” Bond mused.

“Ciarán Hinds does, certainly.”

“Noticed that, did you?”

“Well, let’s put it this way, I’d let him—“

“You’d let him what? Put the wind in your sails? Climb your rigging?” Bond rolled on top of Q, tickling his ribs. “What does he have that I haven’t got?”

“I think the question is, what do you have that he doesn’t?” Q said breathlessly. “Maybe you should remind me.”

“With pleasure,” Bond said. But as he leaned down for a kiss, an idea began to take shape. He’d let Q change the subject, before. He’d learned that it paid to let their harder conversations breathe a bit, to give Q space to sort things out in his wickedly clever, eminently generous mind. But Q deserved the world, and Bond would give him whatever pieces of it were within his power. And he could give him this, at least. He could give him a love letter.

Although it was possible he might need a bit of help.

You chose chaos the last time, mis amores! But your votes unlocked the 'boyfriend' text exchange that opens this part, so it appears I've rewarded your behavior. 😂

What will you do this time? I can't wait to see!