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shijiujun · 4 years

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[END 2020] My Top 9 Danmei Novel Picks of the Year

As a part of my Round Up post for the year, here’s my pick of favourite danmei novels, that I’ve read! This is sort of an accompaniment to my previous danmei rec list over HERE, so there may be one or two overlaps, but I’ve read WAY MORE after that and am prepared to like give more options here

Note: There should be English translations for all via novel updates if you do a search of the English name, but I don’t think most of them are completed.

If you wanna see my full reading and queue list (it’s all in Chinese tho, for my own records), it’s here.

I’m leaving out the usual MXTX and Priest ones, because they’re already good and we all know that and there’re many carrds and posts dedicated to them.

I am also a sucker for fainting but smart men, and not too overly angsty/complicated storylines, just putting it out there first, which is why I haven’t read a lot of some of the ones on my queue list.

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1. 一剑霜寒 | A Sword of Frost by 语笑阑珊

Summary: Jing Yan Ran is the Emperor’s brother and wields military power in the novel, and it starts with an object being stolen from the palace. Jing Yan Ran has to retrieve the item secretly, and so enlists the help of Feng Yu Sect’s Sect Master, Yun Yi Feng, who heads the martial arts world’s one and only information trading post. Yun Yi Feng does not deal in business that involves any royalty, but Jing Yan Ran offers him something he cannot refuse - the Blood Red Lingzhi, a rare and mystical herb that is rumoured to be able to treat his life-threatening condition.

Yun Yi Feng was used by his shifu when he was younger to test out all kinds of poisons and cures, and since then, his body flushes dangerously hot and cold frequently, with bouts of severe coughing fits in between. Throughout the first mission where he spends time with Jing Yan Ran searching for the stolen object, he allows Jing Yan Ran to take care of him, and they fall in LURVE pretty much like 10 chapters in.

Of course, they have to uncover a plot and conspiracy against their enemies who are plotting to dethrone the Emperor, and also reveal the secrets of Yun Yi Feng’s birth.

My Thoughts: AN ABSOLUTE FAVE AND GEM, I��d say this is my favourite danmei novel ever. This is both hilarious and tears-inducing, to be honest, because for most of the novel YYF knows he doesn’t have long to live and so in the beginning he knows of his own feelings for JYR and JYR also shows him that he loves him, but he is unable to officially reciprocate because he knows his body is like weakening day by day. Halfway through the fear that he’s literally about to die as they are JUST about to find the cure is real, and damn I cried so much at that. Some highlights:

YYF falls asleep very easily in baths and everywhere actually, and pretty much within the first 10 chapters he gets used to JYR carrying him around (even naked from the bath, he’s like oh well, okay cool) and taking care of him, and JYR ALWAYS makes sure he is warm and toasty under his cape

YYF LOVESSSS RICHES, PLAYING THE ZITHER AND COOKING - He’s good at gathering the first one, but he FUCKING SUCKS AS THE LAST TWO - It’s so funny because he’s so beautiful and handsome right, and when he sits down at the zither everyone is like OH DAMN WHAT A DREAM- and then he plays, and everyone’s fantasies is shattered, he’s ABYSMAL at it, and the same goes for cooking

JYR doesn’t actually have the Blood Red Lingzhi, and throughout the first arc, he feels SO DAMN GUILTY because YYF even carved out a pendant that looks like what he thinks the herb looks like, and like carries it with him everywhere LMAO

Available: Novel Online and Manhua on Bilibili

2. 高能二维码 | High Energy QR Code by 青色羽翼

Summary: CEO Xing Ye’s brother Xing Shuo has just passed away at the age of 24, and nothing will make him believe that Xing Shuo died of natural causes despite autopsies and experts telling him that he really died simply of a heart failure. Xing Ye, who has impeccable memory, suddenly recalls the last time he saw Xing Shuo. His brother called out to him just before Xing Ye left for a business trip, and looked as if he had something to say, but ended up just wishing him a safe trip.

At that moment, there was a QR code on Xing Shuo’s phone, and the phone screen was strangely turned out towards Xing Ye, and Xing Ye, with his incredibly high IQ and memory, realizes that Xing Shuo wanted him to see the QR code. Quickly, he reproduces the QR code by pen and then scans it, and finds himself in a game world.

There he meets a narcissistic but also cute mirror which can speak, and finds out later that his name is Lu Ming Ze. Xing Ye’s mission is to clear the game missions in each round that is set by the black and white cubic game system, a system that continuously tempts its players into giving in to committing sins such as killing someone else, stealing and other things. He soon realizes that if he cannot stay on a path clear of these sins, he will never be able to triumph over the game system and return Lu Ming Ze back to his body in the real world.

At the same time, he gains new teammates and friends for life, and also finds out what role his brother played in this game.

My Thoughts: MY GOD I LOVE THIS. I LITERALLY JUST FINISHED READING THIS YESTERDAY, and honestly it’s one of my faves. I don’t like game systems very often (I’ve read three others so far, and this, and KOD are the only ones I’ve liked) but this one is *chef’s kiss*. So LMZ was born like with a really handsome face, like SUPER HANDSOME, and that’s why he’s like a harmless narcissist that cannot bear to look at ugly things LMAO, but he’s not spoilt, he makes sure that Xing Ye stays true to himself, and help him keep his head clear.

THE ONLY THING ABOUT THIS FRICKIN NOVEL IS THAT LU MING ZE STAYS A MIRROR, LIKE DIFFERENT KINDS OF MIRRORS, in the first TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY CHAPTERS. I KID YOU NOT. I FRICKIN KID YOU NOT. I swear I was sooo touched starved at the end of the novel, because they couldn’t even kiss?!! Like Xing Ye kisses the mirror, and then uses his thumbs to like hi-five mini LMZ in the mirror back, they can’t even hug. Do you know how empty my arms felt when I read this book?!! And my arms have never been filled!!!!!!

I really like this one because each game world is set up in such a brilliant way, but it’s not so unnecessarily complex that you literally don’t know what the fuck is going on. Xing Ye’s intelligence as he outmanoeuvres every single one of his enemies and convinces his would-be loyal teammates to trust him is so satisfying, world after world, victory after victory.

Humour is also absolutely ON POINT. A lot of it is centred on Xing Ye getting caught in the real world kissing his handheld mirror (LMZ) by LMZ’s parents (who cannot see him in the mirror) and LMZ’s parents going like ???!!!!!!!!

Available: Novel Online | Physical Novel is coming out on 10 Dec (freebies are, you guessed it, a mirror)

3. 妻为上 | The Wife is First by 绿野千鹤

Summary: This is set in a historical setting where men can marry other men, but it’s usually reserved for sons who were not borne by the official main first wife of the patriarch of the family, i.e. a son born by a concubine in a family may be forced to marry a man to keep him from being able to become the next family’s patriarch for example. This is because any family’s next leader needs to be able to have children with a wife who married in as a zheng shi (lawful wife), and not a ce shi (second wife) or any other concubines/mistresses etc. Most of these men who marry other men have to take them as their zheng shi and lawful spouse in a sense, and the same goes for the royal family.

The story starts with third prince Jing Shao, who was forced to marry Mu Han Zhang, a Marquis’ second son, by the Empress and Emperor, thereby officially and effectively cutting him out of the race for the throne. He’s mocked by the public as everyone knows what this means, and for the next 10 years, he neglects Mu Han Zhang, blaming him for his predicament, and deliberately showers his three other concubines with affection in front of him, but 10 years later, when Jing Shao is accused of treason, everyone leaves him except for Mu Han Zhang. They are chased to the edge of the cliff by soldiers, and Mu Han Zhang dies in his arms having taken an arrow meant for him earlier, and Jing Shao jumps off the cliff with his dead body, and promises that if there’s a next life, he will do everything Han Zhang says, and love him.

He wakes up immediately on the night of his marriage with Han Zhang, and realizes that he’s been given a second chance to make everything right. Han Zhang is definitely afraid of him, humiliated and angry when he first wakes up after how rough Jing Shao was with him earlier on their wedding night, and he has no memories of their past life. Jing Shao then sets to SHOWER HAN ZHANG with affection, love and basically everything, because he realized that this is the only person who stayed by his side until the end, and then he falls in love with Han Zhang properly this time, and also deals with every single person who maligned and schemed against him in his previous life, with Han Zhang by his side.

My Thoughts: OKAY BEFORE YALL GO INTO THE ‘WIFE’ terminology discourse and everything, in this case they do use the term ‘wife’ literally, and it’s a position, that while men frequently fall into (there are a lot of male ‘wives’ in this story), is also used to cut off like sons from inheriting the family and the fortune, and even titles. Male ‘wives’ aren’t looked down upon in this setting, in fact, Han Zhang gets a lot of leeway as one, and in his case he was also able to rise up the ranks to be an actual official later on, but the sad thing comes from sons who are most of the time forced to marry a male ‘wife’ for whatever reason, and then they are neglected as the son goes and find concubines, women he actually wants to sleep with - this is sad af yall. I don’t know, on one hand, yay for equality in marriage in this setting, but on the other hand like, damn, must you use same-sex marriage like that argh.

ANYWAY THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVES TOO?!!! I mean, especially when Jing Shao literally just goes into doting mode 200% and Han Zhang is totally like wtf why is he so nice to me is he scheming or something? And then he realizes that Jing Shao is really, really gentle towards him despite his reputation as a cruel, dark military commander, and Jing Shao always smiles at him. In any situation, especially in the beginning, when Han Zhang thought Jing Shao would not stand with him, Jing Shao literally just protects him no matter what, gives him everything, and cries, I love it.

Especially because Han Zhang is the son of a concubine and he was bullied a lot in the Mu family, and the official Lady Mu married him off to Jing Shao in hopes that he would be unhappy for the rest of his life, and I suppose that came true in the first life, but in the second, Han Zhang gets all the love, respect and support he never got before in this family with Jing Shao and that makes me WEEP.

Available: Novel Online and Manhua on Kuaikan

4. 死亡万花筒 Kaleidoscope of Death by 西子绪

OOOH I intro-ed KOD here in my previous rec list. Still one of my faves and all-time re-reads, especially under the covers in the dark hehehe.

5. 你的距离 | Your Distance by 公子优

Summary: Ting Shuang is a student at a German university, and has this handsome professor Bai Chang Yi who he swears kind of hates him. He’s just broken up with his longtime boyfriend, and then goes on this dating app that matches a profile with him based on distance. The app can also show the matched profile’s distance from him once they enter the same area, and Ting Shuang starts chatting with this Chinese guy on the app, who he finds out later, is 36 years old, 187cm in height and wears glasses.

The guy is a little aloof and cool, very mature in his replies on the app, and somehow Bai Chang Yi finds out who he is later, as Ting Shuang starts complaining to him about his professor to Bai Chang Yi. Instead of getting angry and offended, BCY is pretty much amused and finds Ting Shuang cute. A few days later Ting Shuang finally realizes who it is he’s been texting, and after getting past the initial embarrassment and fear, they start dating for real, and they really fall in love!!!!!

My Thoughts: This is sweet and also hilarious af, if you need to like satisfy your sweet tooth, this is definitely one for you. It’s really funny because Bai Chang Yi runs in the same circles as Ting Shuang’s dad, who he’s estranged from because the dad doesn’t want to recognize a son who is gay, and then BCY convinces him later in the funniest of ways, and there’s a small subplot at the end in which Ting Shuang is pretty cool, and yep, short and sweet! BCY in the manhua is handsome af too guys ;-;

Available: Novel Online, Audio Drama on Maoer FM and Manhua on Bilibili,

6. 神木挠不尽 The White Cat’s Divine Scratching Post by 绿野千鹤

Summary: Mo Tian Liao, a weapons forger and master who ruled the Demon Tribe, was hunted down and killed by other righteous sects in the region when he managed to forge an incredibly destructive weapon that could end the world. Before he died, he placed the only thing he loved, a white cat, into a hole in the tree behind him to protect it. The only thing he was grateful for was that he did not create a blood pact with the cat, Xiao Mao, because if he had done so, when he died, Xiao Mao would have died along with him as well.

Right before he dies, unbeknownst to him, Xiao Mao who is no simple demonic cat, wraps part of his consciousness around Mo Tian Liao, and MTL’s spirit ends up floating about for 300 years, until he finds a suitable time to return with a body made out of a special tree and its wood. The first thing he does, of course, is to find his white cat, but he’s poor, and the body he has isn’t powerful, so he joins Wo Yun Sect, the only sect that did not hunt him down that day hundreds of years ago.

There, he is chosen by Qing Tong shizun to be his direct disciple, much to the astonishment of other shizuns in the sect, and Qing Tong’s shixiongs. MTL has never seen a person as beautiful and gorgeous as his shizun, and if only he could find that cat (who’s actually his shizun, who recognizes him and protects him, even if MTL doesn’t actually need much protection).

My Thoughts: This was hilarious as well, and so romantic?!!! Qing Tong/Xiao Mao waited for MTL to come back, and the moment he came back, Qing Tong was there ready to grab him, and then before he went to sleep that night, Qing Tong thought to himself, “I’ve gotten my person back, I can sleep well now” and AHHHHH at this point they weren’t even like a couple yet? MTL ‘kidnapped’ Qing Tong when he was a young demon cat by accident because he likes pretty things (like his shizun lmao) and Qing Tong is attached to him because MTL never forced a blood pact on him, and gave him everything he wanted as a younger cat before MTL died. Gosh, a mirror in #2 and then a cat now with this one. XD

Available: Novel Online

7. 破云 | Breaking the Clouds by 淮上

Summary: Three years ago, Captain Jiang Ting and his team of the Narcotics division perished in an explosion due to a wrong call of his, and he returns three years later under a new identity ready to deal with the people who set him and his team up. He’s caught in what seems to be a simple murder case almost immediately and meets Yan Xie, who’s Vice Captain and in charge of this case. Yan Xie realizes who Jiang Ting is shortly after, and begins to unravel the huge mystery surrounding the events of three years ago, and falls in love with Jiang Ting along the way as well.

My Thoughts: Okay out of the FOUR crime/detective/thriller danmei novels I’ve read, the poyun and tunhai (below) series is the one that MIRRORS actual narcotics division and undercovers the best. It has the complexity and depth of the drugs/narcotics world, and both this one and its sequel focuses a lot on the position of an undercover and mole. I liked this one a lot because there are SOOOO many twists especially in the last arc, like you honestly won’t see any of them coming until it hits you? And Yan Xie is such a confident, rich-ass narcissist, and he keeps asking Jiang Ting if he can “just touch” him ONCE lmao, he’s thick-skinned af, but that’s why he and Jiang Ting are so compatible ;-;.

Available: Novel Online, Novel Print, Audio Drama and Manhua on Bilibili

8. 吞海 | Swallowing the Sea by 淮上

Summary: Sequel to Po Yun. Yu Wu is a young-looking new detective under Captain Bu Chong Hua’s narcotics team. Bu Chong Hua is Yan Xie’s cousin by actual relation, but brother in relationship because BCH’s parents died early and Yan Xie’s parents have been taking care of him mostly. He cannot stand Yu Wu, who seems to want to coast through at work and keep to a 9-5 work schedule.

It’s only after an altercation and Yu Wu dumping his nonchalant facade to snarl at BCH that he realizes that YW is actually more interesting and mysterious than he thought, and he begins to try to get close to him, understand him. It turns out that Yu Wu is a famous undercover who nearly died a year ago during an operation, and due to various reasons, he was assigned to BCH’s team by higher ups so he can peacefully live the rest of his life out there. However, his past catches up with him quickly, and his enemies turning up forces him to rely on BCH.

With BCH, Yu Wu’s resentment of having to be an undercover in the past and being so easily discarded by his team’s leaders, and of him being forced to be in the shadows while others can announce their achievements to the world, is slowly erased, because BCH sees him, knows him, and understands him more than anyone else.

My Thoughts: I actually liked this one better than the first one - Yu Wu is such a pouty, angry little thing?! And for good reason (there’s a bit of cannibalism in the book, not by choice when he was younger and in a poor village in Cambodia, where some militants forced survivors in the village to eat the meat of boiled corpses of other villagers, so YW is a vegetarian, like if he eats meat he gets really sick) and the twists here are even more amazing?! BCH really, really, devotes himself to YW the moment he realizes how much he likes him, doing a 180 degree turn. Instead of Yan Xie’s flamboyance, BCH is much steadier, grouchy, like an old uncle, but also looks at things even more clearly than Yan Xie does sometimes. Yu Wu is understandably bitter about what he had to go through, and BCH is the ONLY person who can calm him down, whom he listens to, which I LOVE. Some highlights:

Yu Wu grew up in a poor village and thus loves money, and he fights in underground betting rings to earn more money - The stash of hidden money he collects I think is half for his escape money, but if he happens to never need it, his dream is to donate the money to his village so they can open up a school there - ANYWAY because Yan Xie’s parents, and technically BCH’s ‘parents’ are soooooo rich right, Yan Xie’s mom shows her approval to her son-in-laws (Jiang Ting first, then Yu Wu), by giving them winter pants. It’s kind of like inside warmers, and usually meant for older ladies to wear LOLOL so Yu Wu was like staring at the pants when he finally got them and looked soooo reluctant until Jiang Ting told him it costs $6,000 AND HE WAS LIKE :333333 okie

He acts a lot like a kid?!! He likes eating like some snack but it’s really unhealthy for him, and BCH the mother hen keeps catching him in weird places like the toilet, where he’s hiding from BCH so he can eat his fave snack?! And the whole police station knows not to give YW what he wants in terms of snacks and smokes because once BCH finds out, he makes life very difficult for them HAHAHAHA

9. 穿成反派如何活命 | How to Survive as A Villain by 伊依以翼

Summary: Rich and handsome CEO Xiao Yu An finds out he has a terminal illness (cancer), and dies while he’s reading this online novel, where a king mistreats the crown prince from a neighbouring state which sent him over as hostage after losing a war, and ends up being killed by the crown prince years later (SVSSS much?!). He wakes up AS THE KING, and afraid of dying, he immediately goes about befriending the prince, Yan He Qing. Yan He Qing falls in love with Xiao Yu An while being his friend/hostage/bodyguard, and Xiao Yu An tries to avoid all the deaths he read in the book, while making sure Yan He Qing manages to find his three/four wives, including Xiao Yu An’s sister.

Of course, because Xiao Yu An showed him warmth and kindness, Yan He Qing ends up falling for him instead, and Xiao Yu An is an absolute oblivious idiot because he REALLY doesn’t realize until much later. Yan He Qing ends up declaring war on Xiao Yu An’s kingdom because he is duty bound to do so, but doesn’t hurt Xiao Yu An, wanting to keep him by his side, but YHQ’s scheming uncle drives a wedge between them, and XYA leaves, breaking YHQ’s heart.

They meet again a few years later, where XYA is training to be a physician in a small village and chances upon a severely injured YHQ. There, he realizes that it was all a misunderstanding, and that YHQ actually LIKES, LIKES him, but before they can enjoy this short period of happiness, disaster strikes again.

My Thoughts: THIS WAS really enjoyable, and with the manhua visuals, it is *chef’s kiss*. I think this transmigration version actually delved into the part where XYA is unable to change everything, and if he saves one person, someone else is destined to die, and that moral dilemma devastates him a lot. In this novel he actually transmigrates TWICE, once into the king’s body, and the second time into a neighbouring state’s prince/king’s body, who looks exactly like his modern self after. YHQ is real sweet to him istg, and I like that the epilogues are SUPER EXTENSIVE, including an arc where YHQ and XYA transmigrate back to the real world and everyone who died is alive and close to them, and gets their happy ending ;-;

Available: Novel Online and Manhua on Bilibili

#danmei rec list #stebeee recs #a sword of frost #your distance #swallowing the sea #breaking the clouds #kaleidoscope of death #High Energy QR Code #How to Survive as A Villain #The White Cat’s Divine Scratching Post

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the-bat-collector · 4 years

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SUPERBAT Rec List!! AU NO POWERS ish PART 1

I love NO POWERS NO CAPES AUs but its been so hard to find them!! so decided to make this list to help y’all in your search :D

The length varies, but I prefer long fics so most of these are 10-20k up to 200k

Heart and Soul by Pandamomochan

E - 150,044

Clark Kent used to be a renowned composer who was said to be able to write masterpieces that were designed uniquely for each individual player. Famous musicians around the world would flock to him in hopes that he would write for them because his pieces were always said to bring out any player's crowning performance. That is, until one day Clark loses his wife in a tragic accident and decides never to write again.

Years later, Clark's son, Jon, gets admitted to the famous "Gotham School of Performing Arts". It is there that Clark meets Bruce Wayne, a strict, uptight, by the book piano instructor who is said to be able to craft the best musicians around the world.

this is one of my favorites. I'm not really into Hurt/Comfort but this is so beautiful!! highly recommended I'm biased cause I play the piano

Seeing Bruce Wayne by Evilpixie

E - 15,089

Clark Kent is the only male midwife working in Metropolis General. Bruce Wayne the residential pediatric surgeon.

I'm so into medicine/doctor AUs this is also one of my favorite fics!if you have to pick one from this list, pick this one!!!

On The Cusp by vesper_house

E - 47,378

Clark's life isn't going so well. He's in his thirties, he works at a coffee shop run by his old crush, his journalism career is going nowhere, and he's broke. It takes only one tall, dark and handsome stranger to change everything.

COFFE SHOP AU COFFESHOP AU!! We need more of these, the dynamic between Bruce and Clark is Great!!!!

A Game You Can't Win by NightFoliage

T - 78,328

Injustice is the hottest MMORPGs available to play! Set in a world where superpowers exist, players can become civilians, heroes, villains, and anybody in-between. Designed by Hiro “Toyman” Okamura, and Timothy Drake-Wayne, Injustice was created with the best Wayne Industries technology available and has the most human NPCs. The game is beyond it's time and is planned to be at the top of the charts for a while.

By accident, Clark finds himself pushed into the spotlight and new found fame. To him, Let’s Plays are a means to stay in touch with friends and to make money. He never got into LPing to become famous.

Bruce, who funded the game after Jason’s accident, is irritated (not jealous) that a video game player is such a big topic among the kids. After the nth time they mention him, Bruce decides to take matters into his own hands and see what all the fuss is about.

link to art

ONE OF MY FAVORITE SUPERBAT FICS OUT THERE!!!!!! this is great and fun and Clark is the best!

As We Grow by butterflyslinky

E - 23,451

Clark Kent is a farmer deep in debt to Lex Luthor.

Bruce Wayne is a billionaire with seven children and no luck in love.

But their families have a scheme to get them together and hopefully make life a little bit better.

Modern Medicine by BuckinghamAlice

G - 5,208

Pediatrician Dr. Clark Kent becomes beloved to his patients, the Wayne boys... as well as to their doting father Bruce.

ABSOLUTELY lovely and adorable, you get the feels!

Hellooooo, nurse! by weirdraccoon INCOMPLETE WIP

T - ?????

Clark enjoys his job at the Free Clinic. He loves helping people and tending injuries. Saving lives. But this man... Bruce Wayne is going to kill him if he doesn't get killed first.

Bruce is still Batman on this one but HERE ME OUT, Clark is a nurse! is incomplete but looking forward to the following chapters!!

Two Cities by EllenD

E - 96,152

Clark Kent, is simply Clark Kent, junior reporter for the Daily Planet who moved to Metropolis from Smallville with big dreams. Bruce Wayne is a billionaire playboy from Gotham, who also happens to be Batman. They meet, date, and fall in love, though not without hurdles because mild-mannered Clark is also socially awkward as heck. But when the most dangerous criminals in Gotham are gunning for Batman, Clark gets caught in the middle of it all. (He's basically Batman's Lois Lane) Meant to be set in the Dawn of Justice movie universe, but also draws inspiration from video games, comics, and those awesome Batman cartoons.

This is part of a series, but this is the main fic of it. Love this trope of Clark is just a civilian and Bruce is Batman. Warning this fic does contain disturbing topics so read the tags.

Here Comes the Sun by batsy_rocks

T - 18,815

Clark Kent is a kind-hearted reporter working in the big city. Bruce Wayne is a stressed dad of four with no idea of what he's doing.

Then they meet.

Seasons of Love by littlechinesedoll

G - 4,603

Clark Kent took over that farm at the edge of the Town of Smallville. He likes Smallville's resident doctor, Bruce Wayne.

The best gifts for Bruce are ginger ale, salad, coffee, and any kind of flowers. He hates gems, and bars of copper, silver, and gold.

Petals and Ink by drunkraiinbow

T - 12,976

With a new kid joining the family, Bruce tries a new tattoo artist to continue the tradition of adding them to his sleeve, but he won't trust just any artist. Clark manages to win him over with his incredible talent and his farm-boy friendly demeanor, and he may even have begun to win Bruce's heart. However, Clark might have a few things to learn first.

FLOWER SHOP TATTOO PARLOUR AU! what else is there to say, this is extremely cute and a fast read! :D

Faceless Killer by Batsymomma11

E - 51,519

Detective Bruce Wayne from the GCPD and detective Clark Kent from the MPD have been asked to create a joint task force in an effort to catch the John Doe Killer that has been ravaging their sister-cities. Aside from their long-standing animosity towards one another, it should be a breeze to work together. Besides, lives depend on them getting along.

They never expected they'd trip headlong into a romantic entanglement that feels a lot more serious than even the killer they're chasing.

The Tailor by maderi

E - 16,026

When Clark is assigned to cover the Wayne gala, he finds himself in need of a professionally tailored suit. His tailor though is drop dead gorgeous, which brings up a lot of awkward situations during their appointments.

Heroes of the Squared Circle by Mithen

M - 226,687

They've gone by many names: Billionaire Brucie, Country Clark, the Kryptonian, the Dark Knight. But no matter what their stage names are, one thing has always been true: Clark Kent and Bruce Wayne are the world's finest wrestlers.

Six's a crowd by Untoward INCOMPLETE/ABANDONED

G - 10,133

When Alfred has to make an emergency trip back to England, Bruce soon finds out he can't manage running a business and taking care of six kids all alone.

He turns to a nanny agency for help, and is astonished when he finds Clark Kent, who seems like he can handle anything.

Clark not only can take care of the kids incredibly well but seems to be breaking Bruce's walls down rather well too.

After Hours by ????

E - 3,175

At the end of a long semester Clark can't hide his attraction to Professor Wayne any longer. Grad School AU.

This is practically a one-shot, not really my type of fic but worth adding!! Haven't come across this professor trope in Superbat so if you got any recs, send them my way!

Wings and Fangs by DanielleN3

E - 17,224

Clark thought he could never fall in love with anyone, especially not after being alone for such a long time… but all of that changes when he encounters a sexy vampire in Gotham.

TECHNICALLY they both have powers in this one but there are soooo different from cannon that I think this fic still qualifies for this list

thirteen by CapnWinghead

T - 22,890

Drowning in student loans, Clark Kent takes a summer job as the Wayne family nanny.

OKAY. so this is not entirely NO POWERS, but I mean Clark is a NANNY so this is great! TRUST ME

Kiss me, take my breath away by J_Jubilee

E - 37,934

There were legends about Gotham Reef. Legends that said it was haunted by a beast of foul temper. Stories told of a ravenous sea beast that feasted on the flesh of men, and was said to be more hideous than Satan himself. Others told of a woman with eyes that glowed like gold to lead sailors to their death. Some even spoke of a witch that cursed men and wreck their ships, taking all their treasures with it. When Clark’s catamaran is wrecked by a terrible storm, he learns that the stories were oh so far from true.

Baby Bats by AlmondRose

G - 4,003

this is a short series of adorable and simple domestic fluff

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Haven't read this one but heeey the art is sooo pretty soo decided to add it anyways

Dragon Heart by Hells Angel 921

T - 27,660

Kal wants to make up for his past.

Bruce tries to move on with his future.

They eventually meet in the middle.

link to art

I didn't know that Dragon/DragonSlayer was a thing but hey... apparently it is, so here it is.

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hehe and so my rant ends here! let me know if you know fics that fit any of these tropes! I’m all ears

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haikyuu-appreciation-club · 4 years

Text

•Closer to You•

Sugawara x Reader

warnings: like one curse word

genre: fluff

word count: 1.8k

Just an fyi, this oneshot was written for one of my friends and modified so that anyone could enjoy sooo if there are some parts that you don’t relate with i apologize, lets just try and use our imaginations pls + ty. anywhooo enjoy lovelies <3

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

You and Sugawara had been dating for a little while now but hadn’t really gotten the opportunity to have a proper first date. Both of you were busy with school and extracurricular activities so your schedules didn't really allow any room for spending time with one another. You knew Suga felt bad so you constantly tried to reassure him that you were content with the current flow of your relationship. However, you’d be lying if you said you didn’t miss his company. You supported him whole heartedly. Always showing up to all of his games no matter their importance and cheering for him no matter how much time he spent on the court. Even so, despite the swelling pride you felt in your heart as you watched him pursue the sport he loved so dearly, you couldn't help but wish you could steal more of his time.

Despite you painting that pretty smile on your face and telling Suga that you were fine, he knew better. To be completely honest he missed you too. He loved volleyball but he loved you so much more. He had been in love with you for years now but only recently had he been able to muster up the courage to confess. Never in a million years did he expect you to accept his confession so when you did he was stunned to say the least. None the less, he was over the moon that you reciprocated his feelings, but it seemed that ever since you two made it official, time was not on your side. This is why he proposed that this weekend you would have your first official date. You two weren’t big on things like dinner dates and long walks on the beach so you decided to have a little movie night at Sugawara’s house. You both were very excited that you would finally have the opportunity to just be in each other’s company without the stress of messing up anyone’s schedule.

Saturday rolled around and you walked up to the door of Suga’s home. His parents had gone away on a business trip so you two had the house to yourselves for the weekend. You knocked on the door and eagerly waited for an answer, bouncing from one foot to the other. The door was pulled open, letting out a small creak in the process, allowing your eyes to meet the beautiful hazel ones you were so familiar with. You didn’t allow him time to properly greet you, already wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him into your embrace. He wrapped his arms around your waist and chuckled. While still holding onto him you allowed yourself to address him, a smile evident in your voice,

“Hi Kōshi!”

“Hey Y/N, you ready to get this movie marathon started?”

You pulled away from him as you smiled and nodded your head. He grinned and intertwined your fingers with his, pulling you inside and towards the couch. You sat down on the plush sofa, moving yourself into a position that was comfortable for you while still leaving room for Suga to get cozy as well. Suga threw you the remote as he walked to the kitchen. You cocked your head at the now empty door frame and began to project your voice to be heard from where he stood,

“What do you wanna watch?”

“Your pick tonight, sweetheart”

“You sure?”

“Positive Y/N, now hurry up and pick something before I start scrolling through the horror section.”

You shuttered. You could not tolerate horror movies. Last time you watched a horror movie was when you got invited to a sleepover at Daichi’s house with the team. You had known the boys for quite a while so hanging out all together was nothing new. However, on that particular occasion Noya and Tanaka had gotten word of your hatred for the specific genre and decided that it would be a good idea to scare the shit out of you. This resulted in you huddled up in Suga’s arms for the rest of the night, not allowing yourself a wink of sleep in fear the memories of the film would fill your dreams. Safe to say, you were not too keen on interacting with the two the morning after.

Quickly sifting through the different titles, you decided on a Disney movie. You didn't really know what type of movies Suga was interested in so you thought settling on something that was enjoyed by a wide variety of people would be the best choice. Setting the remote down, you took in the atmosphere of the room. It was very serene, as was the rest of his home. There weren’t many pieces of furniture littering the room but the pictures on the wall made up for any feelings of vacancy. Your eyes scanned each frame, smiling to yourself as you took in the happy memories that were on display. However, there was one picture in particular that caught your eye. Suga couldn’t have been any older than three as he stood in his bathtub, butt naked might you add, hugging his mother around her neck and soaking her in the process. You let out an audible laugh as the boy in question reentered the room.

“What are you laughing about?”

Suga set down the bowls of popcorn and candy as he turned to look at the picture you were pointing at. His gaze settled on the frame and his cheeks heated up, a hue of red now painting them out of embarrassment. He sunk into the space beside you as he buried his face in his hands and mumbled,

“I knew I should’ve taken some of those down.”

Your laughter filled the room once more as you pried his hands away from his face,

“Don’t worry about it Kō, I think it’s cute.”

He looks up at you and melts. The way your soft eyes meet his, slightly crinkled at the corners due to the beautiful smile tugging at your lips. You body was slightly turned, facing him, giving him a perfect view of his wonderful lover. In that moment, he fell in love with you all over again. Cupping you’re cheek and planting a kiss in the middle of your forehead, he picked up the remote to start the movie.

He leaned back and wrapped his arm around your shoulder as you snuggle into him. You two stayed like this for a few movies. Occasionally letting out a laugh or humming the tune to a familiar song. However as you peered up, you noticed that Suga’s facial expression seemed bored. You could tell that he had grown tired of the childhood films and if you were being honest, you were growing tired of them yourself.

You wiggled out of his grasp and reached for the remote. Suga was watching you with a slightly confused expression as you paused the movie and stood up.

“Bathroom break? Need me to refill the snacks?”

You smiled at his motherly antics as you reached your arms to the ceiling,

“No babe, just stretching. I am getting a little bored of the Disney movies though, can we watch something else?”

He hummed and grabbed the remote, exiting out of the movie and returning the the main menu,

“Sure my love, what do you got in mind?”

You sat back down and returned to your original position, leaning up against him once more,

“I heard that volleyball game was on tonight, wanna watch that?”

You watched as his eye lit up, the boredom that was stitched into his face had been replaced by pure excitement that you could tell he was trying to contain. After a minute though, his expression faltered slightly as he looked up at you,

“Are you sure that’s something you wanna watch Y/N? It’s a little different then seeing my games in person. I don’t want you to be confused or get bored.”

You sighed and poked the middle of his forehead, trying to relax the concerned expression that he held as you smiled at him.

“Yes Kōshi, i’m sure. Besides, i’m sure you could tell me a thing or two about what’s going on anyways, i’d like to learn more about volleyball.”

His excited expression returned as he nodded and grabbed the remote, quickly switching to the channel that the game was airing on.

You sat there in his embrace and listened as he talked to you about the game. Truth be told, you knew what was going on. You’ve played volleyball before and even though you were definitely not the most skilled player you didn’t exactly need Sugawara explaining it to you. However, you couldn’t break that news to him. He looked so overjoyed to be talking about something he loved most with the person he loved most that you couldn’t bring yourself to interrupt. So, you sat there with your head rested on his shoulder as he spoke. Slowly but surely, his soft voice pulled you deeper and deeper into sleep. The events of the night had tired you out and although you tried to stay away until the game concluded, you ended up drifting off.

Suga didn’t realize you fell asleep until he noticed you were no longer responding to his commentary with nods or soft hums. He peered down at you, watching the rise and fall of your chest as breath flowed in and out of your slightly parted lips. He smiled at your sleeping figure as he slowly got up, being careful not to wake you with his movements. He slid one of his arms behind your back and the other underneath your knees as he picked you up, bridal style. He carried your silent form to his bedroom, carefully pulling back the blankets before placing you down softly. Suga discarded his shirt, placing it into a hamper as he turned off the bedroom light. He slowly climbed into bed with you and wrapped one of his arms around your waist, the other resting underneath his head. He buried his face in your neck, breathing in the scent of your shampoo.

All felt right in that moment, the world stopped and all that he knew was you. As he drifted off to sleep he thought about how lucky he was to have you in his life, he wanted to get to lay down next to you every night for the rest of his life. So before he was pulled into his dream land, he had to let you know,

“I love you Y/N.”

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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anarmorofwords · 3 years

Note

I think I’m only protective against people against platonic fairstairs (romantic fairstairs can like not) because…I get the feeling that idk; sometimes Matthew is the only merry thief the fandom at large doesn’t want to grow beyond their small circle of friendship, like he’s friends with Anna but like him and Cordelia being friends is good for him, I think? Good for Cordelia too. I think, at least. They like a lot of the same stuff, they have been nothing but warm to each other, and they honestly enjoy each other’s company? I really don’t think Matthew had any ulterior motives in befriending her other than he thought she was nice (him expressing “love” for her in the romantic sense feels like the biggest comphet “I feel a way for you and I am a guy and you are a girl, I should feel romantic for you” and “I want to emotionally hurt myself” which aren’t really actual romantic feelings), they spent time together (the road trip was cute and one of the rare moments that I felt “oh these two are actually allowing themselves to enjoy something good for them” before Lilith ruined it), he came out to her! Something he seemed actually very scared to do! I even think him telling her what he did isn’t even that bad because he spilled it to try and make her feel better (even if it’s not I would have done in the slightest) because he honestly does value her as a friend, and wants her to feel better even if the only way he can think to do that is “you can’t be a monster, I know a monsters and I am one.” Matthew doesn’t have to put on an act for Cordelia because Cordelia DOENST know him as well and know what he used to be like, Matthew doesn’t put Cordelia’s hero complex on edge because he’s also a natural care taker mom friend so he also doesn’t give off “I need to save him energy, or I need to do this myself, because he’s ready to give her his everything already and without conditions so like it’s complementary.

Oh and I think there is a another reason they bonded: Grace.

Grace basically is the driving force in at least the main plot of the books so far that’s moved Cordelia and Matthew from their main friendships, with Lucie and James, in a way. Lucie because she’s helping Grace, Cordelia’s assumed love rival, which must sting even if Cordelia doesn’t have the full story to why she’s helping grace but from Cordelia’s side she’s seeing her best friend and the man she loves pick grace over her and that sucks, then you have Matthew who is trying to slowly bring UO to James that Grace isn’t worth it and getting screamed at over it. Basically, both of them are kind of “left behind” and they formed a friendship from that general state of just being the only ones left to pair up like the two kids without partners for a school project who end up liking each other and staying friends but wouldn’t have become friends if they hadn’t had this series of events leading them together.

They are fine as friends, love triangle bullshit is dumb, should have just been the tlh version of Emma and Cristina is my ending point sorry for annoying you with a thesis called “platonic fairstairs made total sense, cc is just too romance minded to not fuck it up and I don’t blame people for rejecting romantic fairstairs but to say their friendship is fake or came out of nowhere is a little bit of a stretch for me personally.”

hi anon!!

i feel you and I'm with you!! I hate romantic Fairstairs, but platonic?! I love that relationship.

That's frustrating, true, but it's as simple as people hate Matthew and therefore don't want him associated with the characters they like, or even worse, accept that he could be an important part of their lives, and will do all sorts of mental gymnastics to discredit their friendship.

Anna and Matthew are a whole other topic, but from what I remember, it's only said that they're close, and we barely see that relationship. Plus I personally don't like Anna, so I like him being friends with someone else. I love TMT - hope they can work out their issues ofc - but they all can and should have friends outside of that.

Oh absolutely! I think their relationship is awesome! They have great banter and are comfortable around each other, and caring and they pay attention to each other. Matthew never took advantage of her, genuinely cares about her as a friend, and did that even before he was "in love", and he was nothing but respectful and clear about his feelings. He said he'd respect her boundaries in Paris, too.

I know some people will try their best to ignore the good things about him and that relationship, but Matthew was the only one that was there for her throughout all the mess with James and other things. (just so we're clear, it's on no way am attempt at shitting on Alastair; he was there for her all their lives and he's trying his best and I love him; also, Cordelia herself didn't give him a chance to help in this case; but I'm just stating a fact)

He was a steady friend who supported her all the time - made her laugh, cheered her up. Remember how free she felt during their little trip? Matthew gave her a chance to feel carefree and reckless for a moment, something her golden child syndrome and lonely upbringing with Elias didn't allow much of. James (tho it's not his fault) only stressed her out and she was suffocating in that relationship, while Matthew let her breathe more freely. Overlooking that just because you hate him is,,,, a choice.

Even the scene after Elias's death - it wasn't Matthew's intention to be insensitive about it (was he, actually? it did make her feel better, so I'm not sure what to think) He attempted to cheer her up, and then the monster thing was also supposed to do that. And perhaps it wasn't the best way of doing so, but that's not his fault. He didn't make it about him - he just tried to help the way he thought would be best. I saw people say that trying to relate to someone else's problems is a thing many ND people do as means of showing support, and Matthew is sometimes suggested to be ADHD, sooo

You're right, they seem to work well together and not make their respective "fatal flaws" worse.

And Matthew is more relaxed around her, but also more open and vulnerable - as you say, he doesn't need to pretend so much, doesn't need to put on a show.

That's a very interesting point about Grace, and you're totally right! I think Matthew is even aware of that - he kinda feels like both him and Cordelia were abandoned by James and wants to somehow make up for it to her, but also is looking for a friend himself, for someone to support and see him. They're both losing James to Grace, and can bond over that.

The little kids in a group metaphor is beautiful, thanks dear.

yes yes yes

yes

i still remember how my heart raced when Matthew told her that their group was missing something - and it was her. It seemed like a start of such a beautiful friendship, and I'm starving for m/f friendships. But alas, CC can't write those :'))

so yes, thank you, I agree, and you don't annoy me at all!! feel free to send whatever thesis you wanna share <3

#the last hours #tlh #matthew fairchild #cordelia carstairs #q #ask answered #spilling the tea

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ga-yuu · 3 years

Text

Akihito~1st Birthday Story~'A Blessing On A Cursed Day'~

Akihito's POV-----

The meeting with a court official with ties to the Imperial Court ended earlier than planned.

Akihito had returned to the Abe family residence earlier that day.

(It's been a while since I have invited Yasuchika and Ibuki to go out on the town.)

After crossing a long corridor, I came in front of Yasuchika's room...

Yasuchika: "----I will not. I won't celebrate Akihito-sama's birthday."

Ibuki: "You said the same thing last year and then gave up."

(Hm?)

Nodding his head at the mention of his name, he gently opened the sliding doors and looked into the room.

Ibuki: "If you're so worried about it, why don't you just have a quick party or two and give some random gifts?"

Yasuchika: "That's not easy."

Apparently, they are talking about Akihito's birthday, which is coming up in a few days.

Yasuchika: "....Before he was even born, he was cursed, and there was no one to congratulate him on his birth. That's what birthdays are for him."

(.....Indeed.)

But I don't feel sad about that now.

I am sure there will never be a day when I feel happy about my birthday.

Ibuki: "What's all the this? What do you want to do after all?"

Yasuchika: ".....I would like Akihito-sama to forget about that cursed day. That's all."

Ibuki: "You should just celebrate and not think about it anymore, because it's human nature to rewrite bad memories with good ones."

Yasuchika: "......................"

Yasuchika raises his shapely eyebrow and falls silent.

Yasuchika: "It's a birthday. Is there a right way to celebrate it?"

Ibuki: "Ah?"

Yasuchika: “You know what? I can’t celebrate his birthday with a straight face.”

(.....Yeah, Yasuchika is Yasuchika and he’s broken.)

A genius born with the greatest power of all time in the Abe family.

His childhood was undermined by adults who wanted to take advantage of his talent.

Ibuki: “We demons don’t have such celebrating customs like these.”

Yasuchika: “Useless.”

Ibuki: “What?”

I was in a somber mood, but their childish banter almost made me laugh.

(I know Yasuchika would be upset when I say this, but....that boy is so cute when he fights with Ibuki.)

(You can say and do whatever you want like this in front of me, too.)

With this in mind, I walked into the room with an unconcerned look on my face.

Akihito: “I’m sorry to bother you.”

Yasuchika: “...! Akihito-sama.”

Ibuki: “What’s with the early return?”

Akihito: “Yeah. Sort of. By the way, there’s something I wanted to let you both know....I’ve got my work done, so I’m going on a trip for the next few days to take my mind off things.”

Yasuchika: “A....trip?”

Yasuchika and Ibuki looked at each other when Akihito told them the date of his return, a few days after his birthday.

Akihito: “I’m sure people have their own agendas, so don’t worry about me.”

(I’ve noticed that every year, Yasuchika looked troubled on my birthday.)

(I thought I was giving you a hard time, but I didn’t realize I was giving you such a last-minute headache.)

However, there are no words in Akihito’s mind to resolve this conflict.

So I thought it would probably be easier for Yasuchika if I spend my birthday in a different place.

Yasuchika: “There are still many enemies targeting you from the court, Akihito-sama. I’m not sure if traveling alone would be safe....”

Ibuki waves his hand at the reluctant Yasuchika.

Ibuki: “Akihito is the King of curses. He also has my powers. What’s there to worry about?”

Yasuchika: “.....”

With a complicated look on his face, Yasuchika stares at Akihito.

Yasuchika: “At the very least, take my subordinate with you. .....I don’t want anything to happen to you.”

Akihito: “-----I know, Yasuchika.”

.....................................

On the day of his birthday----

(I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a “visit to the enemy”, ......but I wanted to take a closer look at Kamakura.)

(I see. It’s not like the capital of Kyoto, which was built by court nobles, it was built by the warrior class.)

I walked along the main street, which was crowded with people.

The escort that Yasuchika gave me quickly dispersed before we reached Kamakura.

Akihito: “It’s a good thing, that I’m having more fun than I thought but....”

(------They’ve been following me for a while now. It's just as Yasuchika said.)

I felt a presence behind the stream of people, and I ponder without relaxing my legs.

Even if they are not as good as warriors who fight for a living, the headmen who have been threatened for a long time are sensitive to the desire to kill.

(There seems to be quite a lot of them, and it might have been a good idea to spread out the guards when this happens.)

(Well. I wonder if I’ll get away with it. ......or..)

I casually ask for a cloak in the passing by shop.

----And when the opportunity arose, I quickly blended in with the crowd.

...................

(Hmm. Looks like I have got it covered for now.)

(Should I just leave the town? or------)

As I walked along in the afternoon sun, which was beginning to ease towards dusk, wearing the cloak I had bought-----

The moment I turned the corner, I bumped into someone.

Akihito: “----Oh. Please forgive me.”

Yoshino: “No, actually, I’m sorry!”

(.......!)

I was holding the fox-possessed princess in my arms----the trump card of Shogunate.

Akihito: “.....You are.”

Yoshino’s clear eyes look up at Akihito in surprise.

(A bit of a coincidence. But it’s a good opportunity.)

(There’s no better time than now in knowing Yoshino’s charm, who has the power to change the course of a battlefield.)

Akihito smiles softly and picks up the luggage that Yoshino dropped.

Akihito: “Yes, here you go. Sorry, I hope it didn’t get dirty.”

Yoshino: “It’s all right, I had it wrapped. It was more my fault for being so careless...You’re not hurt, right?”

Akihito: “I am alright. My name is Akihito. I have only just arrived in town. .....What about you?”

Yoshino: “I’m Yoshino. It’s been a while since I came to live in Kamakura.”

Yoshino, who had told her name, continued the conversation without feeling suspicious.

Yoshino: “Akihito-san.....are you a traveler or a merchant? Do you have any business here?”

Akihito: “Yes, I do. I ran away from home.”

Yoshino: “Pardon?”

(Well, that’s the common reaction anyone would give.)

Yoshino: “Sooo....why did you run away?”

Akihito: “It’s not really a big deal, though.”

I could say all the truth or make up a lie.

I’ll try telling the truth in a whimsical and blurred way.

Akihito: “Actually, today is my birthday.”

Yoshino: “Really? Congratulations!”

Akihito: “Thank you.”

I replied with a smile to the formal answer she gave in no time.

Yoshino: ‘If it’s your birthday, why did you run away?”

Akihito: “I felt sorry for the boy who lives with us. He gets a bit uncomfortable every time, this year. We’re not used to each other celebrating birthdays and being celebrated.”

Yoshino, who is listening intently, would never dream that this is a conversation about Yasuchika.

(If I didn’t explain anything to her, she might think that I ran away from home to meet my lover.)

I continued my story while giggling inwardly.

Akihito: “There’s also another guy, who lives with us. He just finds it amusing that we’re so tense.... I realized it wouldn’t do any good if I stay at the mansion on this day.”

As expected, Yoshino gives a confused look as I increased the number of characters in my story.

Yoshino: “So, you three live together. Are you like a family?”

Akihito: “No, we’re not. I don’t know how to describe it. We are too close to be an acquaintance but too bleak to be friends. I think there are too many things missing for all of us to be a family.”

Yoshino: “Missing?”

Akihito: “Mm. Too many.”

The relationship between Akihito and the other two was complicated.

Affection, expectations, spellbinding----a tangled web of emotions that will fall apart no matter which way you cut it.

Akihito: “Well, anyway, the one I’m mentioning to you is the owner of the house, the boy.... I and the other guy lives in his mansion and go back and forth to other bases.”

Yoshino: “There must be a strong bond between the three of you to live together when you have other bases.”

Akihito: “-----I agree.”

(Sometimes I wish that this brief period of peace would last forever.)

But Akihito’s path and his wish to destroy everything are very contradictory.

Yoshino looks into Akihito’s face as if to say something, and asks boldly.

Yoshino: “Um, is there a reason, as to why neither of you wants to celebrate birthdays?”

Akihito: “Hmm, well...”

I looked at Yoshino, who was staring at me with all her heart.

An impulse arose, a faint tingle in my chest.

(Such pure eyes. They must have been loved and nurtured.)

(I wonder how she would react if I told her the situation a little more in-depth, as she would not understand me.)

Akihito: “----For a man who was not loved by the world, the day he was born was also the day he was made to suffer. I think the more we know about the situation, the more hesitant we are to celebrate.”

Yoshino: “Is there no one in the world who loves you....?”

Akihito: “Mm. If, for example, your father hates you, your mother shuns you and the nursery of countless vices...”

Yoshino clenched her fingertips together as if she were in a state of discomfort.

(Now, how are you going to answer this? Fox princess.)

Hesitantly, Yoshino opens her mouth and answers in an unexpectedly firm tone.

Yoshino: ".....----It's more awkward for people who live together. Because you wanted to do something for that boy, didn't you, Akihito-san? Isn't that compassion, love?"

(I see.)

(Not imposing your common sense of love, but also not shunning what is far from my understanding....)

(It's a simple but honestly desirable answer.)

However, having a favorable impression is not same thing as being right or wrong about it.

Akihito: "Who knows...."

(I wish I had, but....)

Akihito: "If you don't love, you may never essentially understand love. Me and the boy."

(I am sure, it's me who made Yasuchika more twisted.)

(I wanted to save that kind child from the darkness.)

But now, I am the one who is left in the darkness.

Akihito: “We have no way of proving the rightness of our feelings towards each other.”

Yoshino chokes on her words in a confused way.

But then-----

Akihito: “...............”

(.....this line of sight.)

Akihito frowns as he felt a cold murderous sensation.

Akihito: “----Did they find me?”

Yoshino: “Hm?”

Yoshino, who didn’t catch the murmured words, asked back, but----

(They must have been the assassins from earlier. Oh dear, I haven’t had the time to enjoy a chat .)

Akihito: “Okay then, I remembered something. So I will take my leave. Sorry, to mislead you with such a vague story.”

Yoshino: “Ah, no.....goodbye.”

Yoshino who was confused by Akihito’s sudden parting words, but told him goodbye, anyway.

(It’s impossibly kind of you to say goodbye to me with that look on your face when I told you I was a tourist, you know)

Akihito: “Yoshino.”

I reached out and gently stroked her soft hair.

Akihito: “I want you to be healthy. Always.”

Yoshino(blushing): “Akihito-san.....?”

Yoshino’s cheeks turns red.

I remembered it as a beautiful scene and turned my back to Yoshino, after releasing my hand.

It would be a mistake to wish her well when I am the one who will eventually bring her down.

Yoshino: “Ah......”

As I moved away, I could feel a coldness rising up inside me.

.........................

By the time Yoshino and Akihito, parted their ways in the back alley, the sky already turned red.

Akihito: “Now, what do you want from me?”

Men: “...............”

(.....Hmmm, this type of errand is obvious.)

Three men surrounds Akihito and pulled out their swords.

Man 1: “You’re the head, Sutokuin Akihito. We are here to take your life-----”

Akihito: “So, this is how it’s supposed to be, for me...”

Put my hand on my sleeve and gently took off my cloak with one hand.

(I didn’t buy this just for a disguise, but I needed something to hide my golden hair, in case of emergency.)

I removed the bracelet from my wrist....

(We are all bad guys anyway.)

Man 2: "Ngh....."

Akihito: "....'All Stop.'"

Man 3: "Mm..my body is,...."

The men stiffen as they are bombarded with unseen words.

The striations on the arm that holds the sword are raised, showing that he is exerting maximum effort, but he is not moving a single fingertip.

(......! Ah......)

-----A small bird which was just flying overhead lost control and crashed noiselessly into the wall of the building.

Akihito: ".............."

He acknowledges it out of the corner of his eyes and quietly bats his eyelashes.

(----Forgive me.)

A dull ache in my heart, like an old wound from a rainy day, and an unpleasant feeling rising in my throat.

Akihito: "....Oh dear. I've been in a bad mood. Thanks to Yoshino, I feel good now."

Man 1: "D-Don't come....near...."

Man 2: "Aghh."

Akihito: "....'Fall down.' "

The men fell to the ground as if they had been forcefully crushed by a huge weight.

The sword falls to the ground beside him, separated from his hand by the impact.

(Such a boring sight.)

After looking at them for a while, I slowly made my way to the fallen men.

Akihito: "Hey, are you prepared to be cursed.....for killing someone?"

(I won't tell this to Yasuchika. I don't want to him to worry.)

I crouched down and stretched my hand towards the man's chest...

Man 1: "Uwa..."

(If I were to kill someone on my birthday, it would be a fitting act for the King of curses.)

----But then.

Yoshino: "Akihito-san!"

(.....!)

Akihito: "----Yoshino."

I look back to see Yoshino standing there with a desperate look on her face.

(Why are you here?)

(.....I really wanted you to be healthy and I didn't want to involve you.)

She shook her head, signaling her rejection.

Akihito: "It's dangerous. Run away."

I know you don't understand what's going on.

Yoshino's face is pale as the air swirls with curses.

Yoshino: "I won't...run away."

Akihito: "......!"

(Why)

Yoshino breathes in and shouts at the top of her lungs.

Yoshino: "HELP! SOMEONE, PLEASE HELP!"

Akihito(shocked): "......"

Then, from the other side of the alley, I heard footsteps and voices---

Merchant 1: "Oi. What's going on here!?"

Merchant 2: "Just now, I heard Yoshino-san's voice..."

(Do they know Yoshino?)

Just as they were rushing in, dressed as merchants, the effect Kotodama wears off.

The men who had fallen to the ground began to groan and writhe.

Man 2: "Ah...kr..."

(....There too many people. I can't do anything bad anymore.)

I put my spell-binding bracelet back on my wrist and hid it under my sleeve.

(My hair, which has been dyed golden by the spell, should be back to normal in a little while from the way I feel.)

Merchant 1: "Yoshino-san, what happened?"

Merchant 2: "Who are these men?"

Yoshino: "Well...."

The merchants looks at each other, unsure of what to make of the disturbing situation.

Akihito: "..............."

In the meantime, the men staggered to their feet, looked at us in horror and put their swords in their hips.

Men 2: "....Let's get out of here."

Men 3: "Hey..Hey!"

The men ran away pushing the merchants aside.

(No way, I didn't think it would be possible to come out of that situation peacefully.)

It's obvious that it's going to be a weasel fight anyway, and I don't want to catch the one that got away.

Yoshino: "Um, Akihito-san?"

I exhaled faintly and looked at Yoshino.

Akihito(smiling): "----Thank you, Yoshino."

(This child who I thought would be helpless, changed the ending just by shouting.)

Merchant 1: "Yoshino-san, do you know him?"

Yoshino: "Eh, yeah."

The merchants are clearly suspicious of Akihito, who was hiding his face under the cloak.

Merchant 2: "Mister. Do you want us to report those men to the Shogunate soldiers?"

Merchant 3: "He even drew his sword."

Akihito: "We had a bit of an argument and I just upset him. I'm sorry for the trouble I caused you."

Yoshino: "Are you really sure? Akihito-san."

Akihito: "Yeah."

Yoshino asked in a reserved tone,

Perhaps, she understood the circumstances, so she didn't want to step too deep into it.

(Pure, but perceptive and close to people's hearts.)

Merchant 3: "Well, if he's Yoshino-san's acquaintance, then...”

Merchant 1: "Yeah, if anything happens, don't hesitate to call us for help."

Yoshino: "Yes. Thank you everyone."

(It's no wonder the townspeople love you like this.)

.............

After all the merchants left, Yoshino turns to Akihito, once again.

Yoshino: "Are sure you're not hurt?"

After confirming that, my hair returned to normal, I took off my cloak.

Akihito: "I am fine. Sorry, if I made you worry. You've been very attentive to me for a while now. You're a sweet child."

Yoshino: "It's not like that...."

The way she shakes her head vigorously is endearing.

Akihito: "I think that must be how you earned the trust of everyone..."

Yoshino: "Eh?"

Akihito: "All the merchants just rushed to help you when you called for help. You seem to be very well known in this town though you haven't lived in Kamakura all your life."

Yoshino: "I'm just lucky to have people by my side. It's true that I often go out to town because of my work and the money I live in now. I'm getting to know people reasonably well these days, though."

Akihito: "I see."

(You can be kind to people because you believe in their goodness. It's a dazzlingly beautiful way to live.)

(.....But.)

----After a pause for breath and I looked at her to seek the answer to a mystery that has yet to solve.

Akihito: "Yoshino, why did you come after me?"

Then, as if Yoshino had remembered, she unwrapped the package she was holding.

Yoshino: "Um, will you take this, if you don't mind?"

Akihito: "Eh?"

She presented me with a brand new hanging scroll.

Yoshino: "It's not for celebrating your birthday, but to celebrate our first meeting."

Akihito(surprised): "............."

(----How should I answer that?)

The offer of a warm unsparing favor left me unusually choked up.

Yoshino: "In my personal opinion... no one should be sad on their birthday. Even if you're not used to being celebrated, at least you can smile. That's what I want."

Akihito: ".....Why are you talking to me like that when we've just met? What if you don't know me, what will you do if I am a villain who's ruining the world?"

(Will you despair when you eventually learn of my malice?)

Yoshino: "......I thought you looked lonely. I'm sorry if I was wrong."

Akihito: "I...."

---I had long ago locked up the feelings like 'loneliness' and 'pain' deep inside my body.

(Or so I thought.)

(Curses are sensitive to negative emotions, so I tried not to feel anything painful.)

As I did so, I became less and less sure of my own mind.

Yoshino: "Also, Akihito-san's voice was gentle when he told me about the people he live with.”

Yoshino’s clear voice gently warms my heart.

(Yoshino’s light is too strong for me.)

Hesitantly, I carefully unfolded the scroll.

Akihito: “It’s painting of a little bird.”

I gently traced the little bird in the painting with my fingertips.

......Thinking of the little bird that I killed with my curse.

Akihito(smiling): “It’s cute. Did you bought it because you liked it?”

Yoshino(smiling): “Yes. That’s why I can give it to people with confidence.”

Akihito(smiling): “----It’s a sign of your purity that you can give what you want without hesitation.”

Yoshino’s eyes flickered faintly with heat.

Akihito: “Thank you. I am glad that I got to met you today.”

I conveyed that from the bottom of my heart.

Just when Yoshino was about to open her mouth in hesitation....

I heard a faint flapping of wings.

(....Ah)

The small bird, which I thought was dead from my curse, flapped its wings and flew back up into the sky.

Yoshino: “Phew! I’m glad she’s alive.”

(.....So, it was just unconscious.)

Akihito(chuckles): “....Fu.”

Yoshino: “Akihito-san?”

Akihito: “Haha....Yeah, you’re right. I’m glad.”

As I watch the birds soar, I laugh out loud, feeling irresistibly happy.

(It was good day, indeed.)

(I never thought I’d feel that way on my birthday.)

----When I get back to Kyoto, I’ll tell Yasuchika and Ibuki that ‘something good had happened’.

(Ibuki would snicker and Yasuchika....he would surely be surprised.)

Yoshino’s eyes blinked in wonder as I walked over to her....

As much as I wanted to, I scooped up Yoshino’s chin with my fingertips.

Akihito: “Hey. Thanks to you, my heart feels so warm.”

I could feel Yoshino’s body heating up from my touch.

The honesty of it made me smile again.

Yoshino(blushing): “.....I haven’t done anything.”

Akihito: “You don’t need to know anything. At least, not now.”

(I was able to touch a piece of your brilliance today and I’m the only one who should remember it.)

Akihito: “Goodbye, Yoshino. Next time we meet, ......tell me more about yourself.”

(Even if the battlefield is darker than darkness.)

From beyond the sky that surrounds them, a huge darkness of night is about to slowly descend

Celebration with Ibuki

I loved it. The person who wrote this story, I love you, for write something heartwarming as this. It was seriously sad but at the very end Yoshino was able to make Akihito smile. That’s enough! As long as he smiles, I can live with that.

I actually only bought the bigger set thinking that it will have story both in Yoshino’s and Akihito’s POV. But turns out that it doesn’t. But I still think it wasn’t a disappointment because this story looks much better in Akihito’s POV than Yoshino’s.

After reading this story, I’m so impatient for Akihito’s route. I’m excited to see how it will be, also Ibuki, too. I hope we get their main routes soon!!!

#ikemen series #ikemen genjiden #ikemen genjiden akihito #ikemen series story set #ikemen series birthday story #akihito's birthday story

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shoutoismybaby · 4 years

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WereDragons

Can I get a Fantasy AU scenario with Half dragon Kirishima where he’s just sent to find some food by bakugou and during the trip he sees a group of dragon shapeshifters around a half dragon girl who looks terribly hurt (like arrows and just sword wounds) and he sees the group just leave her there sad flushing away and he rescues her and from then on they fall for each other?

***

This is a repost bc tumblr ate the old one

This is sooo cute! Sorry its so long, Warnings of Blood, injuries, mention of Bakuraka

***

Kirishima didn’t usually mind being sent out for food by bakugou. He actually enjoyed getting his alone time to enjoy nature or walk through towns without the blonde yelling at him. Of course there was a reason Bakugou would often yell at him, especially in towns. The reason being that it could be dangerous for him to enter, no matter how much he loved talking to the new people he would meet, it was not a good time to be a weredragon. Dragons were known to be evil, greedy creatures who destroyed homes. So even being part dragon got you stuck with that reputation, and the horns, wings, and sharp teeth that remained even in human form made it hard to hide what he was. Kirishima knew that humans often attacked unprovoked because they were scared, but that didn’t make the wounds any less painful. He would fly away from every attack if he could, but weredragons had an extremely long transforming time due to the large size difference between their forms. Not to mention how helpless they were during the transformation, it often left them unable to fight as their body shifted, making Kirishima never transform without Bakugou around to keep a lookout.

Kirishima considered himself lucky that he had never been the target of an attack, most likely due to the fact that he found Bakugou when they were both young. The feral boy growing into a possibly more feral man whe chose Kirishima for a best friend. They would both defend one another to death, even though a certain person would never admit to such.

Being friends with Bakugou, however, meant being away on a constant adventure. Not that Kirishima really minded, he really never found a village he truly fit in at, even those that were peaceful. Plus, he loved exploring and could never turn away helping whatever village they came across. Which is why he often walked instead of flying when in search of food. It was harder to come across villages, yes. But he often found people in need of assistance. He liked to think he was changing the world's perception of dragons little by little, but Bakugou just thought he was gullible and too selfless for his own good.

But there was nothing the horned boy loved more than being someone’s hero.

So of course, when he heard panicked voices on his search for food he jogged towards the commotion right away. Quickly coming across a small clearing not too far away from the main path, littered with what looked to be other weredragons. Despite how his heart jumped in excitement at seeing some of his own kind, he remained hidden behind a tree. It was well known that some tribes of his species were, for lack of a better word, savages who attacked outsiders. It was while he was trying to see through the sea of about 10 bodies while also remaining in hiding that he began to hear soft whimpers and cries. From in between their legs, he spotted you. Laying on the ground as though you had collapsed, well you probably had. Your body was covered in blood and various arrows stuck out all over. Your face was contorted in pain, eyes squeezed shut. Kirishima's heart began to beat rapidly, why weren’t they helping you?

“how could you be so stupid?” Kirishima’s ears finally caught bits on the conversation.

“You weren’t raised to be so weak!” A males voice seemed to overpower the rest, he looked to be the leader, standing closest to you but showing no motive to tend to your wounds. “You know we can’t help you.”

Kirishima's eyes furrowed, what was this guy talking about?! You had fatal wounds that required treatment immediately.

“Please,” Your soft voice cut through, cutting off all other conversations. “I didn’t see them coming and there were so many.”

“That's your fault, and now you’ve probably led them to us!” The leader of the group spoke once again, and you visibly flinched. It was then that Kirishima's hunch about coming across a tribe was confirmed. Tribes had a hierarchy and, due to the current hunt on dragons in certain kingdoms, they valued strength above all else. And you getting attacked and so badly injured would do serious harm on your reputation. But from what it seemed, it was earning you excommunication.

“I’m sorry,” A sob racked your body and Kirishima couldn't tell if it was because of the pain or what was happening.

“Let's go.” The leader demanded. Kiri wished that he could jump into action right then. Convince them to stay and help you, but revealing himself would only put the both of you in more danger. Especially if they were right about the human that attacked you heading towards the group. The group seemed hesitant until the leader spread his wings, beckoning for the others to follow his example. A few looked sympathetic, but took off as the man did. Once they had finally taken off, shapeshifting into dragons once in the are, Kirishima made his way over to you. You had now curled into a ball as much as you could manage without inflicting even more pain to yourself. Your wings laid over your body, in a way that was hiding your face and that revealed how broken it was to Kirishima.

Upon hearing his footsteps you only curled into yourself more, releasing a pained hiss as the arrows were moved.

“I don't want to hurt you,” Kiri said, holding up his arms as though you could see them, “I just want to help. Your injuries look really bad. They could get infected... Or worse, if you don't let me help you.”

At this, you moved your wing from your face with a wince, and Kirishima's breath caught in his throat. He didn't think you’d be so beautiful up close.

“They’re probably not far behind, it would be smarter of you if you just left me.” You muttered, refusing to look him in the eye.

“Maybe, but I couldn't call myself a man if I did that either. Let me help, please.” He begged, getting increasingly worried as he noticed the blood pooling on the ground.

“What do you plan on doing then?” You asked,

“Well, I have a mage friend named Uraraka that lives in a small village a day or two from here called Tokyo. She’s taught me and my friend some healing remedies I could use in the meantime.” Kirishima explained, kneeling down next to you.

“You're planning on taking me to a village over a day away?” You asked, “Why?”

Kirishima looked up at you and sighed,

‘I don't know if you can feel it yet, you might still be in shock. But all these wounds, their fatal and-”

“And why do you care!?” You yelled, the people in your tribe had never done anything that didn’t benefit them. So what did he think he was going to get from this situation? A girlfriend? Because if so he could think again. “You don't know me, or anything about what happened to me. Why does it matter to you if I live or not if it's only going to inconvenience you?” Kirishima was taken back at your outburst. No one had really ever yelled at him when he was just trying to help them before. Well, other than bakugou, who ended up being his best friend. Which is probably why he didn't let your outburst faze him for too long.

“I don't know why I care, but I do and I want to help you. It wouldn't feel right to leave you here to die. What happened doesn't really matter to me. Now can I check your wounds?” He asked. You hesitated before accepting that he was your only chance at survival and nodded. You're adrenalin was wearing off and you could feel it. You knew the lack of blood was beginning to hit you, you began to feel drained and so, so sleepy. But each time he moved you to count your injuries a sharp pain from all over your body reminded you that you were very much alive. And you wanted to stay that way. It was a couple minutes before he spoke again, and you felt a lot calmer for some reason. “I’m going to pick you up and put you on my back okay? Its gonna hurt a lot but I need to get you to where my friend and I are staying.”

“A different friend, how many do you have?” You chuckled, “What are they like?”

“He can be aggressive and temperamental. And he doesn't really like other people.”

‘He sounds like an ass.” You yawned, but Kirishima just shook his head.

“He comes off that way, but he’s really not. Plus, he’s much better attending to wounds than I am.” Kirishima explained, and you had meant to respond. You really did. But it was at that moment you gave Kirishima a mini heart attack because you had blacked out.

The poor dragon boy had thought for a minute he had already been too late to save you. But in the end, he was glad you had passed out because it ended up making the travel to the cave he and bakugou had claimed much easier.

Sadly, it didn’t help with convincing Bakugou to help him.

“Bakugou please,” Kirishima pouted,

“Your pet, your problem.”

“She’s not a pet.” Kirishima frowned, laying you on the ground. “Please, her wounds are fatal.”

This is what made Bakugou look down from his spot on top of the cave.

“What happened?” He asked, making his way down to the ground.

“I think she got attacked by humans,” Kirishima explained,

“Wait, you don't know for sure!?” Bakugou asked, “How do you know she's not some sort of villain?” “Well, I watched her get kicked out of her tribe-”

“She’s from a tribe?!” “And it seems that she got attacked by humans. Please, Bakugou!” Kirishima begged once more, Bakugou took his sweet time thinking it over and glanced at your limp form. “Fine, but if she ends up trying to kill us. It's your fault.” He made his way down from the cave and growled as he got a better look at your condition. “Start cleaning her wounds, she’s going to end up needing a healing spell, but the potions I know how to make should help until we can get her to Uraraka. Also, you owe me for this”

Bakugou kept watch over you as the feeling of wind gliding through your hair brought you back to consciousness. Eyes opening to reveal the night sky, and you suddenly knew you were being carried on a dragons back. The tough scales under your fingers a familiar feeling, and the warmth that radiated from them was comforting. But you knew that no one in your tribe would ever carry you like this, and thus you began to remember what had last happened to you. You attempted to shift, being able to sit up once you got a hang of how the bandages around your body were wrapped. You went to pick at them only to jump when you heard a gruff voice sound from behind you.

“Go back to sleep, we’ll be there in a couple hours.” You turned your head to see the grumpy man who had finally decided to grab your attention. It didn't take you long to figure out that this must be the friend the boy had mentioned.

“Where?” Bakugou already decided he was annoyed with you, but he didn’t want to deal with Kirishima's whining if he ever caught wind Bakugou was anything but”pleasant” towards you.

“Tokyo, where the mage lives. He said he told you already” His red eyes rolled and he leaned back against the base of the dragon's neck, closing them. It was then that you realized you could probably get answers to the questions that had been brushed off before.

“When I asked him, he didn't really give me a clear answer but, why are you guys helping me out?” You asked, watching as he seemed to get more annoyed that you weren’t going back to sleep like he told you.

“Kirishima has a heart too big for his body, he’s always liked helping people even if it puts him in danger. Like an idiot.” You nodded your head and looked back out at the clouds and stars you were passing. “Since I answered your question. Answer mine. What kind of tribe were you a part of?”

“Well, it was,” You paused and thought for a moment. “The emphasis was on being the strongest. The stronger you were, and the better you were at hunting, the higher status you had. Which is part of the reason I got, you know, after being attacked.”

“You’re not strong?” The blonde cocked his brows,

“Not compared to the tribe, no. But I also wasn’t born there so I was always at a disadvantage to start with.” You explained,

“You weren't born to the tribe?” The boy began to look even more questionable of you. Tribes didn’t take anyone in. What made you so special?

“No, umm. My village got destroyed when I was little, leaving me alone and afraid in the woods. Where they found me and agreed to take me in. If that clears up anything for you.” You didn’t end up receiving a verbal response, but he seemed to be thinking it through. “What’s your name?”

“Bakugou. Don’t wear it out,” He demanded, “Yours?” He asked,

“(F/n).” He didn’t respond, and eventually, the exhaustion caught up with you once more and you laid back down. Letting the stars lure you back to sleep.

***

It didn’t feel like long before you were awake again, it was warm and you could feel the blankets piled on top of you. Your eyes found the detailed ceiling of a cabin. You sat up, realizing that the only thing left from your wounds was a dull ache. The room was empty, save for a small table holding various books and beakers filled with colorful fluids. You assumed you had made it to the mages, and the window near your bed informed you that it was almost dusk. You gently pulled yourself out from beneath the covers and walked over to the window, you seemed to be on the second floor, giving you a good view of what you remembered was called Tokyo. It was a busy village, you could many see shops and people bustling around below. The shops to close before dark, and the people to buy before the stores closed. Looking directly below you could see the blond from last night, Bakugou, who was talking to a short brunette in front of the cabin. She was handing him a piece of paper and he looked strangely calm, it didn't fit his face well. You would have continued watching, but you heard the door open from behind you. You jumped and turned towards the noise. But the impact of your knees back on the floor caused your knees buckle. Before you could hit the floor, however, you felt strong arms around you.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.” You looked up to see the face of Kirishima, his sharp teeth appearing through his smile.

“I-its okay.” You blushed, allowing him to help you up and sit you back on the bed. “Thanks for saving me, again.”

“Oh,” he scratched the back of his head, “It’s not a problem.”

“How long has it been? Since we met.” He paused and thought, sitting down next to you.

“About three days.”

“Three days! I’ve been with you guys for three days?” You asked,

“Did you have anywhere else to be?” He looked concerned,

“No, I don’t really have anywhere to go now. Can’t go back home.” You looked at your hands as you said this, the reality setting in. You were alone, you had no one and no place to call home anymore. The scars that littered your fingers seemed to mock you, you had worked so hard for so long. Now it just didn’t matter.

“Why don’t you join us, we’re always going on adventures and doing quests for money. And even though Bakugou says its dumb I think we can really help change how people see dragons. Really make a difference, you know?” You could tell there was a hidden meaning behind his words,

“Get humans to stop trying to kill us like they did to me.” You muttered, clenching your fist. Sure, you didnt have anywhere to go. But try to help humans to change their minds?

Humans didn’t seem the type to ever realise they were wrong.

“Yeah,” He sighed, “I know you probably don’t like them much but, they’re just like us! They get scared and-” “They almost killed me!” You turned to him, wide eyed and teeth bared.

“And two of them helped save you.” He pointed out. “If we want humans to stop assuming all dragons are bad, maybe we have to put faith in them. Even if they dont deserve it. Plus, you can leave whenever you want. It’s not like I’m trying to force you. Just, give it a try?”

His large hand was held out to you, big red eyes sparkling, and you couldn’t bring yourself to refuse him.

And just like that those three days turned into a year. A year that you spent traveling, going on adventures, completeing quests, and what had become your favorite of all. Helping people, and maybe the rewards that came with it. You couldn’t deny your inner want of a shiny hoard no matter how hard you tried. Especially when the group that had become your best friends also seemed to indulge in the occasional collection of jewels. It had been just you, the mage, Bakugou, and kirishima for the past 12 months, and it was the best time of your life. You had never been more free, but as the winter drew near, there was still something you wished for.

“(Y/n)?” You turned to look back into the cave your group had claimed for hte night,seeing Kirishima make his way over to you. “What are you doing up?”

“Can’t sleep.” You answered simply, shivering as a cool breeze moved through the opening where you sat. You looked behind the half-dragon to see Bakugou and Uraraka cuddled up near the fire, you were happy for them. Yet bitter. You turned back to admire the stars as Kirishima sat down next to you.

“Not a comfortable enough cave?” He attempted to joke, but you just shrugged.

“No, it’s just,” You shifted, “cold.”

There was a sudden warmth through your body as he set his arm around your shoulder, and pulled you close.

“You could have just said so,” You let yourself relax into his hold, “but I dont think being so far away from the fire is helping any.”

“Probably not,” You chuckled, “but I needed some time to think.”

“About what?” Your eyes widened at the question, if he really knew what you were thinking about he wouldn’t have asked. Day dreaming about an impossible future you had with him was stupid. Bakugou would have mocked you for being as airheaded as Kirishima, but you couldn’t help it. Not when he smiled like that. “You can tell me anything, you know that.”

You sighed, turning your face towards his own. You were so close. His nose almost touching yours and you could feel his breath fan over your face. It made your brain scramble.

“My lips are cold, too.” You blurted out, face immediately turning red once you realized what you said. But you weren’t going to back out now, you weren’t that kind of person.. “If you want to, you can warm the-”

You didn’t get to finish your sentence before his lips were on yours. They were hot, almost burning, but you loved it. Too soon when he pulled away, a dorky smile on his face.

“I want to warm your lips up for the rest of my life.” his voice was breathless and you couldn’t help but giggle at him,

“I won’t stop you.”

***

#kirishima x reader #bnha x reader #mha x reader #kirishima eijirou x reader #dragon kirishima

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messiisgodibeliveinhim · 4 years

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Just Another Rant

Okay, so why do NCTzens have a hate boner for Taeyong??? It's so f*cking weird, it doesn't make sense.

Taeyong has been under NCTzens' microscope since his debut. Everything he does is dissected and twisted into something its not. No other member of NCT or any group (except maybe Jennie from Blackpink) is treated this way by the group's fans. NCTzens want Taeyong to be the villain so bad, that they're willing to stoop as low as dehumanizing, body shaming and wishing d3ath on him. NCTzens dislike him, some even hate him and they're not very subtle about it.

Now, I'm not saying all NCTzens are TY antis. I have moots on Twitter who dont stan him, but are incredibly respectful towards him and acknowledge his talents and hardwork. If you're one of them, then this rant is not about you. But i will say this, if it isnt all NCTzens who anti Taeyong, it's most of them.

It started with Lines and Screentime distribution for NCT songs and mvs. Now, i agree that Taeyong used to get a little more lines and screentime than the others at first. But instead of calling out SM, most of you targeted Taeyong saying he deliberately stole the said lines and screentime from his members so that he'd get to shine more..... Really???

Next, when he was announced as a member of SuperM, NCTzens were clearly upset it wasn't Johhny or Jaehyun. Do you wanna know why??? No, they didnt talk about talent. Instead, they wanted Jaehyun/Johhny instead of Taeyong because SuperM is a group targeted at the western audience and Jn & Jh knew to speak English better than TY..... Okay.

And it keeps getting worse.

-NCTzens saying that TY goes into the recording studio to record his solo songs, by LOCKING OUT the rest of NCT, so that they wont get to record their solo stuff.

-That TY is SM's Golden Boy cuz he 'gETs a LoT of SoLO pRoMos anD cENter TiMe', completely refusing to understand what 'SOLO PROMO' means or see how overworked and mistreated he is by his own company.

-When TyongFs praise TY about anything, NCTzens always, ALWAYS insert their faves in the post. Like, go make your own post maybe???

/Trigger Content

-NCTzens saying that TY dances like he has a sq*irrel in his pants, raps like d*g, looks like a skeleton etc etc. And these are just mild stuff i mentioned here. NCTzens are so much worse when it comes to body shaming and dehumanizing him. And when we call them out for it, thay have the audacity to say that its a JOKE and we're STUPID for not having 'A Sense of Humor'....

/End of Trigger Content

-NCTzens saying that TY's main dancer/main rapper/main visual/leader/center positions should go to their faves cuz their fave 'iS So mUcH beTTeR aT TheSe pOsiTIOns'. Yeah.... sure..... NCTzens rarely talk about the positions other members have , but are really obsessed with Taeyong's.

-NCTzens still denying that Taeyong is NCT's leader and that he's really good at it. Just yesterday, a Wayzennie (also a TY anti) started spewing sh*t about Taeyong's leadership. And their arguement??? That they have 'lEAdeRsHiP eXpEriEncE iN UnI, WoRk aND ouTsIDe wOrK' and that makes them an expert about leading a 23 member global kpop group, who had a rough start what with their controversial 'unlimited' concept and experimental songs. Sure, Jan.

(Also, the thing where some Wayzennies are still not accepting that TY is the leader of whole of NCT, cuz Kun is WayV's leader..... Seriously, though its not that hard to understand. Kun IS and WILL remain the leader of WayV, a 7 member group. That's a fact. But when the subunits (127, Dream and WayV) come together for projects (ex: NCT 2018 and NCT 2020), Taeyong becomes the overall leader. But since these Wayzennies are still on their WayV not being part of NCT agenda, they're simply ignore this. Go figure.)

- Oh, but when some other member in NCT messes up, it suddenly becomes Taeyong's responsibility cuz 'HE'S THE LEADER'. Funny, how NCTzens change narratives quickly. Also, weird how, according to NCTzens, NCT members suddenly can't think for themselves even though they're grown adults and need Taeyong to take the blame for them. Haha.....

-Also, NCTzens guilt tripping TyongFs from canceling NCT Beyond Live tickets when they got to know that he was injured and wont be participating in the concert a little too late, cuz "Taeyong, as a leader, would be sooo upseeet that his group wont be getting TyongFs' money and he'd feel sooo guiltyyy that y'all are getting refunds of your OWN money that YOU CHOSE to spent and its not my business at all. But damn, y'all are sooo selfish!!!!"

-NCTzens posting about how overjoyed they are that TY is injured cuz that means their faves get to shine..... "Look how MY FAVE killed TY's part" "MY FAVE ate Taeyong up" "Should've put MY FAVE in the OG line up instead of Taeyong" "MY FAVE made TY's part as his own" "Thank god, MY FAVE got to show off his talents, now that Taeyong isnt here". God, if i were one of the Neos whose fans say sh*t like this, it would've felt like a slap to my face. Honestly, tell me, do y'all really think so low of your faves? Do you really think they cant shine even with TY being on stage? They absolutely can, but you're focus is not on them, is it? Way to embarrass yourself.

-NCTzens blaming Taeyong for NCT's slow rise to fame because of the false rumors/allegations pinned on him by nasty people. They say Taeyong was the sole reason for NCT not being liked by many, not because of their confusing/complicated concept or the music. Yeah, you heard me. NCTzens are not above victim blaming and pointing fingers, cuz they are not ready to accept the fact that Taeyong was the one who carried the group on his back all the way.

-And how they can't stand the fact that TY gets praised by proffesionals or non-fans or locals. A dance analyzer analyzed 127's Kick It and at the end stated that Taeyong was the best dancer in 127. And what did NCTzens do. They bullied the analyzer to the point that they deleted the video, just cuz their fave was not named the best. A reactor reacts to Taeyong's Long Flight and the comments on the videos are along the lines of 'Hey, MY FAVE'S also has a solo song too. You should definitely react to that' or when they're tryna be subtle (but not really), they go 'Taeyong is soo good but you should also check out MY FAVE'S blah blah blah'

Hell, even when TyongFs say 'Taeyong is very so creative, by coming up with BDLI Jungle Gym concept and the MAW chandelier thing. He's literally an Idea Bank', and NCTzens go 'All the Neos are idea banks' in the same post.

When TyongFs say 'Taeyong is the really so handsome. NCT's main visual', they go 'All the Neos are main visuals'

Lmao, just 3 days ago, someone commented 'Taeyong is cute' under a tiktok video and an NCTzen just couldn't help but fume about it and went 'All Neos are cute'🙄

Like seriously, this is sooo annoying. Make your own goddamn post about the rest of NCT, ffs! Why do you to insert anyone else in a Taeyong tweet? Literally, can't let Taeyong have a moment for himself.

-Recently, Taeyong released 2 solo demo tracks on SoundCloud- Dark Clouds and Dark Clouds Remix (check it out here: https://soundcloud.com/eh_ovo_taeyong). And NCTzens being NCTzens started those who never even promoted Kun's SoundCloud before started promoting it under every TY tweet on the same day. Now, i don't have a problem with them promoting Kun's SC. But they could've done it any other day or made their own tweet about it. But doing it under every TY promo tweet and on the very same day? Really??? And some of them had the audacity to say that TY was getting free clout from Kun cuz Kun followed him on SC.....😑😑😑

-NCTzens have this weird belief that TY is getting solo promos and is being pushed by SM. What on earth are they talking about? Taeyong being center, main rapper and main dancer of the group is not solo promo. Him being in SuperM is not solo promo. Him opening Instagram and SoundCloud is not solo promo, but self promo- which means HE'S promoting himself, not SM. Solo promo is usually provided to the artist by the company in the form of photoshoots, accepting brand deals, releasing the artist's solo music etc and SM isnt doing sh*t for Taeyong. All they're doing is overworking him and milking him for money. That's it. And i want NCTzens to understand that.

And the list goes on and on and on. This weird hate boner NCTzens have for Taeyong is so bizarre to me. All Taeyong does is sing, rap, dance, talk cutely, take care of his fishes and play games with Baekhyun. And this somehow gets NCTzens mad. They constantly discredit him, try to make him seem less than what he actually is, insert everyone else when someone is talking just about him, make him seem like a villain by twisting his words or actions and making it into a big deal.... *sigh* Its so unbelievable how low NCTzens can stoop. And it gets tiring real quick.

N E Ways, this is everything i wanted to rant about and damn, this turned out to be too lengthy. Now, if you havent followed Taeyong on his Instagram, please do @eh_evo_nct. Stream Long Flight, his one and only solo station. And please look forward to BaekhyunxTaeyong collab on Taeyong's SoundCloud.

Ciao!

#lee taeyong #taeyong #nct 127 #nct

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chidoroki · 4 years

Text

Head empty, pre-TPN season 2 thoughts only.

Normally I don’t even bother with hiding spoilers but since the new season is so close I’ll put everything below a cut (if tumblr cooperates) because I do want anime-onlys to enjoy the season with as little knowledge to what madness is about to happen as possible. This is just a bunch of notes that filled my head over the past couple days.. weeks? A long time.. and if I didn’t write them all down somewhere I wouldn’t stop thinking about them.. so if you understand this whole mess, then kudos to you.

So, here’s your post-season 1/ch37+ spoiler warning.

Demon language:

With Mujika and Sonju making their grand first appearances, I hope actually implement the demon language this time?

The only word spoken in the language in season 1 was the demon god’s name, which was just changed to “Him” (sub) or “The One” (dub), so ignoring it there was fine.

Granted, our demon friends don’t say much in their language during the upcoming arc, aside from this moment in ch48, but I can see the anime passing it off as a mere whisper between the two of them just so they don’t have to worry about it.

I don’t recall any of the GP poachers using the language though.. right? Pretty sure they don’t..

Anyways, all I’m saying is that they better figure something out by the Ayshe shows up way later in future seasons.

Episode count? 24?

Short answer: I don’t think so? Did once, but stuff happened. Anyways..

Season 1 ended in March 2019, which is also when we learned we were getting a second season and once we found later on that S2 was originally going to air in October 2020, I immediately thought we were getting about 24 eps.

I thought with all that time between seasons, 24 eps would be reasonable and that S2 would end at ch101. S1 managed to adapt 37 chapters, so 64 chapters in a season twice as long sound decent enough, right?

By the time we reach ch101, it would give us the demon forest, shelter B06-32, Goldy Pond and the short trip to Cuvitidala. (all of which would make this long wait for s2 sooo worth it btw.)

By this point we learn a bunch about the outside world, Norman being alive, what happened to Phil, and the demon bastard himself.

I bring up ch101 as a stopping point because it’s the last chapter before the two year time skip and.. I honestly can’t see them doing a time skip mid-season?

I mean, they could if they wanted to, I guess? Having everyone age up suddenly between episodes via a montage, a quick summary or even flashbacks of what we missed.. but maybe at the start of a season? Not in the middle.

Right now we know anime original scenes are going to be included into season 2 so I’m kinda hoping that once we do eventually reach the time skip we learn more about the search Emma’s group went on for T7W/golden water/temples.

I counted. If S2 does indeed get this many episodes, ep23 (or 22, if there’s a break in between somewhere or whatever) will land on my birthday and you can bet I’ll be beyond happy

HOWEVER! all the hope I once had about a 24ep season vanished due to the clusterfuck that was 2020. Thanks to the worldwide pandemic, many anime were put on hold and pushed back several months, with TPN airing this month rather than the original October date.

It was a bummer hearing about the delay at first but I never complained about it. I much rather have the studios prioritize their employee’s health over production.

Even if S2 did reach ch101, or even Goldy Pond, they would need to find a ton of new voice actors, and with how the world is working now.. eh, I have some doubts.

Cloverworks also has two other series airing this month aside from TPN so needless to say they’ll be a bit busy, especially if employees are still working from home, social distancing, or however they’re managing to produce these anime.

So, episode count.. 12?

The main reason I have a hard time grasping the idea of another 12ep season at all is because.. I don’t know where it’ll be a decent place for it to stop?

S1 ending at ch37 with the kids escaping? Perfect. You can’t question that decision. But now? When a whole bunch of craziness is about happen? How do you choose another perfect moment to end a season with?

No matter how many anime original scenes they have planned for the demon forest, I believe we’ll at least reach B06-32, which will get us to ch52.

Could they go farther? Sure. Perhaps ending at ch59-60? It would leave us off with Emma & Ray leaving the comfort of the shelter to follow Yuugo into yet another demon infested forest, much like how S1 left off, as the escapees left their once safe, comfortable life into the unknown world.

Or end at ch64? After Emma gets snatched by the poachers? It could work. It would certainly leave everyone wanting more, especially us manga readers because goddamn the GP arc would be SO close!

Perhaps ch74 after seeing Norman alive? Just so it’s not a big darn secret anymore to those who are going into this season blind? (how do people manage to stay anime only? i’m not trying to make anyone feel bad.. i’m just impressed? i caught up to the manga right after s1 because i didn’t have the self control to wait!)

Ending on that chapter would be so bittersweet to me.. because you know what appears in ch75 and it’s literally one of the only things I care about.

S2 preview trailers already teased some of the demon forest scenes I’m most excited about, so the only things left that will truly excite me are Yuugo and that darn outfit. (seriously, whenever we do get to see emma in her gp outfit for the first time, someone better scream at me so i can die from happiness.)

Okay, and all the GP kids too.. especially their trio!

Could they fit the Goldy Pond arc into a 12 episode season along with every other event that came before it? I.. seriously hope not?

Compared to s1, which was very dialogue heavy, GP is about as action packed as we’re gonna get in the near future, and those scenes are going to fly by once they get put into motion.

Quick example (because it was recent and i can’t think of something else atm): the Overhaul arc from My Hero Academia. Off the top my head it was about 40 total ch? That arc took up half of the show’s S4, which was a total 25 eps.

So with the GP ending at ch96, it’ll give us about 20-30 chapters (depending on where you personally see the start of this arc I guess? once yuugo leads the duo through the forest, when emma gets snatched or when the battle actually starts)

If GP were to happen in s2 where there’s 12 episodes.. literally everything would be so fast paced and I don’t want them to rush anything or leave stuff out?

Other options?

It’s very wishful thinking and I would be getting my hopes up for nothing, because I know it won’t happen, but I could possibly see them fitting GP arc if S2 was made up of 18eps?

6 eps for the demon forest, 6 for Goldy pPond, the remaining 6 to accommodate B06-32, Cuvitidala and any other anime original scenes as they wish.

Although fitting about 64 chapters into 12-18 episodes sounds a bit much.. but not really? I seriously have no idea at this point how much story we’re going to cover this season.

Could I perhaps place all my hopes towards a second cour later this year? Like for the summer.. or would I be expecting too much?

This all could’ve been avoided if they just tell us! Seriously, I’ve been thinking about episode count since last year.. and now you have to deal with this mindless chatter of mine.

I’d honestly be okay with another 12ep season though. We waited this long that I’ll just be excited to see all the children again.

Anime-only scenes:

Those 3 days the children spent learning from our demon friends? Yes please! Did you know Emma not only learned how to use a bow and arrow but a freakin’ harpoon as well? Like.. hello?? I must see this!

Perhaps they’ll even adopt some of the extra pages from some of the chapters, like they did in S1 with the flashback of Norman being sick in ep10.

I know this will be such a high hope, but I remember in ch177 how Emma claims that after they escaped, they all remembered how kind Isabella really was, so if they decide to adapt the extras from ch41-42 & ch45, I’ll cry.

And these pages? Cloverworks, please..

I’m literally begging here..

Especially these two! Even though I still doubt we’ll reach Goldy Pond if we get 12eps.. but in the future! Please!

Other random nonsense:

I may or may not get emotional upon seeing Isabella at the very start when she goes to confront Grandma Sarah. If her hair is kept down as it was at the end of S1 then I’ll give the anime staff my sincere thanks.

We only heard 15 seconds of “Identity” and yet it has been living in my head rent free ever since that trailer dropped. I need to hear the full song sooo damn badly, y’all have no idea.

Here’s hoping they don’t cut out the inner monologues again. At this moment I don’t remember any specific ones from the demon forest I want to see but I’m sure they’re present.

I’m ready to die at every cute Chris moment they give us.. and this entire scene where the kids scold Ray.

Literally every scene with Emma & Ray. They’re my top 2 favorites from this series okay? Of course I’m going to fangirl over them. (they already showed the hug in one of the trailers and i damn near cried)

If we see him, (which i’m sure we will, but i still have tiny some doubts) I hope they give Yuugo a fantastic voice actor.

Also, his nicknames for everyone!! Literally everything about that man I’m hyped for.

Again, very doubtful we’ll get GP in a 12ep season, but whenever that arc decides to grace us with its presence, “63194” better play on full blast when ch92-93 gets animated.

Speaking of music, while I’m completely excited to hear the new OST that Obata has in store for us (thank god he’s doing this season again btw!), I hope we hear some of those unused tracks from the first season, specifically “Their Own Thoughts.”

Every time Emma mentions their future, their goals or how her family will always be together, I’ll cry. (thanks demon god and your stupid reward)

Yes I’ll be doing those reaction posts (if you follow me i’m sure you’ve seen them by now) after every new episode as I do with other series I watch.. once I survive the usual long day at work, avoiding anything TPN related so I can watch in peace and quiet when I finally get home.. damn it, im already so anxious, help.

#the promised neverland #chidoroki used chatter

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loveylangdon · 5 years

Text

New Beginnings

Timothée x reader

Word count: 6.5k+

summary: Timmy & y/n are at the Oscars, y/n ex-boyfriend Shawn Mendes is also present looking for a second chance causing Timmy to get jealous

a/n: the lack of Timothée fics on this app hurts me so here's something I've been thinking about with the newest white boy in my life. no shade to shawn I adore that idiot but for the sake of the story sorry shawnie.

masterlist

*not my gif credit to owner*

Y/N p.o.v

“Hey look at me” grabbing onto both sides of his neck, thumb rubbing across his jaw so he can look you in the eyes after dragging him away from the prying eyes of photographers on the main carpet. Granted you guys barely made it past the threshold and are still in view of the red carpet but this spot will have to work for right now. Rubbing across his jaw once more lightly “Hey look at me please” you let out in a small whisper knowing he’ll cave

He turns his head to look towards you, but he glances across your face for a quick second before his eyes trail behind you with fire in them. If anyone could burst into flames with a glance Shawn would be a dead man walking.

Grabbing the side of his head and moving into his direct line of sight “Timmy look at me” he turns to you jaw tightened and his arms move around your waist to hold you close seemingly not caring that the photographers could and would have a field day with the headlined story of ‘Jealous Timothée Chalmet spotted on the red carpet at the Oscars’ Starring into your eyes again for a quick second before he once again trails the body of Shawn assumingly behind you.

“What is he doing here” He lets out in a breath you’re not sure you were supposed to hear since he’s not even glancing at you

In your best French accent you go again, “Timothée Hal” he breaks eye contact from behind you and his eyes widen slightly before pink dust his cheeks, and he’s turned serious again. Knowing when you fully pronounce his name accent and all you’re not playing games.

He melts into your hold nuzzling his face into your hand, groaning he goes to move his head into your neck. Attempting to be cute knowing he got caught death staring your ex-boyfriend. Fluffing up his curls behind his head you pull on them lightly and feel him leave kisses on your exposed collar bone. You feel his curls brush your jaw knowing he’s peaking out from his little hiding spot to glance behind you yet again. You roll your eyes and smack the back of his head playfully.

“Hey what was that for” he whines. Moving to step back he stops you, grabbing your chin with his ring clad fingers and wrapping his other arm around your waist pulling you closer, with his hand on your ass. He pulls you into a kiss you melt into. Sucking your bottom lip into his mouth asking for entrance you can’t help but want to let out a little groan. Remembering you are still in view of those on the carpet you pull away slowly.

Looking at him he has a dopey smile on his face as he pecks your lips once more before biting his. His hand still resting on your ass he leans into you after moving to your side.

“You look magnificent mon amour” He looks you up and down checking you out for what seems to be the 100th time that night with nothing but love and adoration in his eyes.

A long black slim gown graces your figure. Hugging you in all the right places held in place by tiny little straps. All held together with a pretty delicate bow Timmy tied to fasten the dress from both sides behind your exposed low cut back. Dipping low and stopping just above your butt, the front dips low enough to make a beautiful cowl neckline above your breasts. The dress not the type of fabric for a bra and Timmy protested any type of coverage, with a slit in the side just stopping just at your thighs. You felt elegant and gorgeous and so proud of Timmy words could not even begin to describe. He stood next to you in an all-pink suit with black Chelsea boots a look that you could not take your eyes off of.

Kissing your temple he guided you across the end of the carpet into the building to find your seats for the awards. Just as you were about to enter you heard someone yell your name, turning around you spotted Tom Holland on the carpet waving to you and Timmy. Timmy putting up a peace sign and pointing in the building letting him know you guys would catch up away from prying eyes. They both threw up their hands in a mini-reunion making you laugh and drag your boyfriend inside.

“Why haven’t we had dinner with Tom recently,” Timmy asks looking down at you waiting in line to find the seat arrangements

Shrugging “He’s been filming in Ohio but he just got back from wrapping in Morocco, maybe we can have him over for dinner next weekend, isn’t Z going to be in town too?” You ask about both of your guys’ mutual friends. Excited that Timmy is so fond of Tom who has found his way as one of your best friends.

His eyes light up, shaking his arms in front of him as if a little victory “Yes party at our place”

You’re about to reply when Armie comes over wrapping his arms around both of you “My children” he laughs out “Timmy here is drawing way too many eyes to you two” he glances at both of you raising his eyebrow in accusation while Elizabeth looks at you and Timmy adoringly.

“Armie leave them alone they’re in love” she rolls her eyes at him slapping his arm “You both look very lovely my heart can’t take it” she gushes towards you guys holding her clutch to her chest.

Blush rising to both of your guys’ cheeks you both simultaneously let out “Thank you Liz” looking towards each other and laughing while Armie pretends to throw up

“No but seriously Timmy we’re in public keep your tongue in your mouth and out of hers got it, I wasn’t even halfway down the carpet and all of a sudden cameras were off of me and down to you guys, gosh way to upstage me,” he says suddenly becoming serious and letting out a laugh when Timmy’s eyes go wide and blush flushes your cheeks. thankful for the makeup suddenly.

“Armie stop embarrassing them, Timmy was jealous” she leans in closer to you guys “I find it adorable” she squeaks out

Timmy grabs you by your waist making grabby hands and pulling you closer kissing your temple as Armie continues the conversation about going back to Italy and how we should all vacation together on their old stomping grounds.

“SWEET TEA” you hear and everyone in your little group busts out laughing, turning around you see Tom with open arms laughing towards Timothée. Letting go of your waist he makes his way over to Tom to embrace him in a bro hug which resulted in them jumping all over each other. Once they calmed down they walked over together, Timothée’s arm around Tom.

Walking over towards you Tom speaks up “Hello love, you look dashing” he smiles down at you kissing your cheek and giving you a hug, shaking Armie’s and Elizabeth’s hand.

“Nice to see you all, what a party we have going on here, do you guys know where you’re sitting yet,” Tom asks

“Honestly no, but I will pay good money to sit next to these two just so I can record their sex tape and sell it after tonight” Armie jokes while Elizabeth holds her head in her hand shaking it

“Are we talking about Sweet Teas little jealousy moment, over we know who” Tom gives a pointed look towards Timmy as he leans down and places his face in your neck.

“SEE” Armie shouts, “I told you I wasn’t the only one who was enthralled with that little tongue action going on,” Armie says pretending to fan his face “It’s hot in here” he jokes while Tom and Armie burst into laughter along with Liz

“Alright alright, we get it” Timothée starts using his hands to calm them down “Why is he here anyway” he grumbles reaching for your hand and playing with the rings on your fingers

“He got nominated for something regarding a soundtrack for some film no one can remember the name of” you hear someone say behind you after feeling a hand on your back, turning around is Adam Driver.

Your version of Armie without all the Elio and Oliver stuff. Working with Adam and his wife for their charity Arts in the Armed forces you guys had a close bond. His dislike for kids and you being the youngest in the charity made for interesting interactions. Joanne took you under her wing with New York dinners, family dinners, award shows, girls trips and you were around a lot through her pregnancy, replacing her work with yours making you and Adam spend a lot of time together. Joanne’s favorite perk was giving Adam a test trial so to say with raising a child. Not that you were a child but you were younger and the interactions were hilarious. Knowing the couple for 4 years he really was a father figure when you first moved to New York knowing no one.

“Quite the party you guys have going on over here” he chuckles while shaking hands with Armie, Tom, and Elizabeth. “You look lovely” he smiles down at you leaning down for a hug and pressing a kiss to your cheek and hugging Timothée.

“SEE” Armie emphasizes again “everyone knows exactly what we’re talking about.” he shoots a look to Timmy “Timothée if you didn’t shove your tongue down y/n throat” he’s cut off by Adam shouting “AH my ears” going to cover his ears with his hands Armie continues “maybe we could have some privacy over here” Armie points a look towards Timmy.

“I’m the only one not complaining about his tongue in my mouth sooo” you trail off smirking. Beaming up at Timmy while he shoots you a wink. While Tom chokes out a laugh, and Armie looks horrified. Adam glares down at you shaking his head a small smile breaking onto his face when he takes his hands off his ears.

All the commotion is halted when the Canadian walks by your group, Timothée seemingly having Shawn sensors tightens an arm around your waist glaring in his direction causing Armie to turn around and smirk.

“He’s not going to come over here Tim he’s a-” Armie is cut off by Tom coughing and pointing his drink behind Armie silencing him.

Shawn makes his way over and it’s like the world is in slow motion, Adam nudges your arm and makes a drink motion with his hand and walks away leaving you, Timmy, Tom, and Armie with Liz.

Shawn smiles at the group while walking over, noticing Adam walked away you can see Shawns smile falter knowing how much Adam means to the both of you, but he quickly regains it. “Hey everyone” he smiles “I’m Shawn” He gives his signature smile towards Armie’s wife “I don’t believe we’ve met” turning to Armie with an outreached hand ready for a handshake.

Armie smiles tight-lipped down at him grabbing his hand in a firm handshake that has Liz holding her head in her hand again. Knowing that the firm grip was a warning, “Armie,” he lets out a tight-lipped smile “this is my wife Elizabeth” he says gesturing towards Liz

“Nice to meet you both” he takes Elizabeth’s hand in both of his as a sign of endearment. Making you roll your eyes while Timothée groans in your ear making you chuckle while he puts on a fake smile.

“I just wanted to come over and say Hi, these things are intense I don’t know how you do them” he tries to joke looking over at you and to Tom “Tom, good to finally meet you man” he smiles again and leans down for a sort of bro-hug that Tom awkwardly accepts

“Yeah, you too mate, Your first movie awards?” Tom asks trying to make conversation

Shawns intently staring at you “Yeah something like that I didn’t know the soundtrack was nominated and I’ve never been, I thought I would experience it at least once you know” he says eyes still on you

“Yah sure bud, sure you’re not here for y/n” Armie states jokingly but coldly, no falter in his voice as he stands straighter, he has a good three inches on the Canadian. Making Timothée chuckle and shake his head. Shawn looks like a dear in headlights.

You wonder how Liz can handle this feeling all the time, knowing Armie has no filter, this can go two ways and with Shawn not acknowledging Timothée you know how this is gonna go. Armie is very family-oriented and very much so a papa bear he takes no shit. I literally can’t believe this is how the night is going we haven’t even sat down yet and so much has happened.

Timothée senses your distress he squeezes your hand playing with your fingers and brushes your hair behind your ear “je t'aime tellement, ma reine” he whispers kissing the shell of your ear nuzzling his nose into your cheek placing a kiss there as well. Looking into his eyes you melt, he grabs your chin again placing a peck on your lips emphasizing the kissing noise before looking towards Shawn and Armie again standing straighter.

You notice Timmy’s stance and how he looked so serious, it reminds you of his King Henry performance all business no room for child play. You squeeze his hand missing the playful man you fell for. Knowing this is his jealous side, you shouldn’t be putting up with it but it’s a good look on him. He looks hot.

Noticing Shawn watched the whole interaction he’s stuttering trying to respond back to Armie “I - uh no- I-“ Shawn starts but Armie cuts him off

“Let me stop you, Shawn, you’ve been staring at my lovely friends girlfriend all red carpet, you come over here don’t acknowledge the two of them, don’t acknowledge the fact that Timmy is up for an award or Tom here,” pointing to Tom who raises his glass slightly, Armie continues “you didn’t comment on how stunning y/n looks like wow” Armie dramatically gasps causing everyone to chuckle.

Shawn took Armie’s temporary pause as a cue “I’m sorry we seemed to have gotten off on the wrong foot, I’m Shawn it’s nice to meet you guys, I hope you don’t take my interruption to offense its just my first acting award show and its hard to find familiar faces” He glances towards you, his breathe hitches as he takes you in causing Timothée to hold you tighter shooting Shawn daggers which he seems to ignore “y/n you look amazing truly, you two are a beautiful couple” he turns to Timothée “Congrats Timmy on your nomination, I know Call Me by Your Name was wonderful but Beautiful boy was a phenomenal film, y/n couldn’t stop raving about how she wanted to watch it after reading the book.”

You feel Timmy smile cheekily at you. When Beautiful Boy came out you were still with Shawn and Timothée was simply one of your favorite actors little did you know you would end up here with him almost a year later.

Shawn looked over at Armie a small smile on his face with pink cheeks “His name’s Timothée but yah that's good so far keep going” Armie encouraged Shawn to continue talking making his wife hit his arm.

“You seem very sweet Shawn but I’m going to have to excuse us both we need to go make our rounds” Elizabeth smiled up at Shawn waving at him and Tom and hugging me and Timmy goodbye “Don’t forget kids dinner at yours next weekend we don’t have the kids so we’re partying” Liz beams at you two causing Timmy’s eyes to light up

“Wait what, a party can I come” Tom smiles suddenly getting excited “I have reshoots in Cleveland I can come out for the weekend, you got a new apartment right I want to see it,” he says excitedly

Chuckling at his excitement “yes Tommy you can come”

Forgetting of Shawns presence until you hear him “You got a new apartment” Shawn says softly, pain evident in his voice and you noticed how he stepped back a bit to let the goodbyes ensue.

You stared at him sadly, living in New York while Shawn lived in Toronto was never a problem your work was in New York and his home base was in Toronto when he was home and not on tour. The flight was no more than an hour and vice versa. Equally spending the same amounts of time in each other's apartments you guys made so many memories. Shawn helped you pick out the apartment, helped decorate it and stayed with you for a few weeks until you got settled. After you and Shawn broke up you kept the apartment for about five months and was seeing Timothée for about three of those.

When it came down to it Timmy and you decided to move into a new apartment together since both New York Mid City Manhattan apartments were so small. The two of you combined couldn’t fit two people's things into one apartment. The decision was without question he wanted to ask you to move in with him, and since you both knew two wouldn’t fit you guys compromised and found a beautiful apartment a block from his old one that fits both you, all your stuff and was also a two-bedroom you guys planned to turn into a library/guest room.

Timothée turned to Shawn hearing him too, it was his turn to brag “Yeah man we got an apartment together” he smiles wide, kissing your cheek.

Shawn goes white “Congratulations that’s exciting” Shawn lets out and suddenly you feel horrible, Shawn offered to move to New York since you were New York based, but you wouldn’t let him. He was 100% family oriented and you loved that about him. You weren’t going to make him move just for you, it felt selfish. He was home two months of the year if that and you weren’t going to take that away from Karen and Aaliyah. You guys spent two years together doing the whole back and forth thing, never finding the right time to fully commit to Toronto and leave New York behind. Now here you were with Timothée for less than a year and you guys already bought a place to live together.

“Shawn-” you start but Adam comes over from where he left you guys to the group cutting you off.

Adam was around when you first met Shawn, the entire dating process of Shawn and the breakup including the aftermath of Shawn. Many double dates and New York City outings were spent with Adam and his wife. Shawn knew how special Adam and Joanne were to you so he made it a point to make them special to him to. It meant a lot but now it also means Adam chose his side, yours obviously and he was going to protect you despite the bond he and Shawn had grown. Shawn always knew you held Adams's opinion of anyone in high regard with that in mind he was always conscious to be his best self around the Actor.

With Adam now coming to the rescue purely based on body language you didn’t know if it was good or not. Adam was his one chance for Shawn to win this group over.

“Hey, Shawn how are you doing” Adam starts hand on the small of your back. Other reaching out for a handshake. Adam knowing both of you well enough that the conversation that’s about to ensue is for private ears only.

“I’m doing okay, Congratulations on the nomination, it is well deserved Adam truly you deserve everything” Shawn lets out a smile using prayer hands as an emphasis.

“Thank you” he smiles sincerely towards him putting a hand on Timmy’s shoulder and Toms he pats their backs “Boys why don’t we go get drinks for ourselves and one for the lovey y/n and let y/n and Shawn talk before we have to go sit yeah” He questions but more as a statement pushing the boys shoulders towards the bar, giving Shawn a nod while he returns it gratefully.

Not before Timmy squeezes your hand pushing your hair behind your ear again. He’s planting a gentle kiss to the crown of your forehead, closing your eyes at the feeling smiling up at him you hear “Je serai là mon amour si tu as besoin de moi” he states while squeezing your hand once more reassuring you he would be right there if you needed anything. He steals one more kiss smiling goofily at you “je t'aime ma reine” he says while kissing his fingers and pointing them towards you walking away slowly

You can’t help but laugh at the dork “aller timothée” giggling then you realize Shawns now staring at you and you two are now alone. You sigh deeply when you hear Timothée again “je t’aime” he yells a bit until he pouts “dis-le en retour” wanting you to say it back to him

Rolling your eyes at your childish boyfriend “je t’aime Timothée” you say back to him blowing a kiss when Tom wraps his arm around Timmy's neck dragging him to the bar to get drinks.

“So” Shawn starts off “Didn’t know you could speak French” he chuckles looking towards your boyfriend and back at you

“I don’t” you sigh “I know love in french, he only speaks to me in French when he can’t get out how much he loves me in English, plus it sounds prettier in French more genuine but I’m learning” you take a dig at him subtly.

How he always said he loved you and Camila differently, how you repeatedly told him that saying the world love in two different contexts didn’t change the meaning or the way you felt towards someone especially when his actions were louder than the words that were being spoken.

He runs his hands through his curls, his biceps flexing unintentionally while moving his hand through his hair “Do we have to bring her up” he sighs

“Is this not what that’s about” you spit out quickly “Why are you here Shawn?” you say coldly crossing your arms over your chest

“I’m nominated y/n” he chuckles looking away, staring at him harder he looks back at you “Okay fine, yes I came only because I knew you’re gonna be here, what did you expect me to do huh. We planned our future together and you left I-” you cut him off

“we’re not talking about this here” Grabbing his arm you drag him to a secluded hallway already feeling your eyes start to well up at his words. Your back is facing the end of the hallway and he’s standing in the middle of the hallway close to you, staring down at you.

Looking around he noticed the hallway was empty and continues “I heard you had a new boyfriend, I didn’t believe it. Aaliyah told me it was Timothée, again I didn’t believe it so I came to see for myself. You guys aren’t usually as PDA happy in public as you were tonight” he tries to joke

“So you’re keeping tabs on me?” You suggest towards him

He groans “of fucking course I am y/n” his eyes soften “I wanted to make sure you were happy, that you were okay, kind of hoping you were as torn up about our split as I am. You seem perfectly fine though. You are the love of my life, we planned a future together, we talked about marriage, kids, a house, another Christmas” he sighs “We had a ring picked out” he looks at you with soft eyes

Chewing the inside of your cheek you didn’t know what to say “Hows Camila” you ask looking down at your hands

“Are you joking right now?” he asks letting out a breath “for fuck’s sake y/n come on”

You shoot him a look “what do you want from me Shawn” your voice raised a bit

“Tell me you love me” he lets out voice raised just like yours “tell me this is a sick dream and watching his tongue in your mouth is a nightmare and I’m dreaming, tell me we’re going to be okay again.” He starts his eyes watering “tell me that there is a version of us that makes it to another Christmas, another birthday. Tell me you love me and I move here no questions asked” he chokes out “please”

He looks beaten, for the first time, you can see how tired he looks even under his makeup, how much weight he’s lost in the 8 months since you’re guys split. How broken he is. Shaking your head not feeling sorry for him. He did this to himself. You will not make your relationship small not for him or for anyone.

“No” you let out voice small

he lets out a breath “Princess” reaching out to you

“Don’t” you glare at him “You do not get to show up here at an award ceremony for actors none the less, plead your wishes and hope the jury grants them. You played your cards and you slept with Camila, this is your consequence watching an amazing amazing man love me the way you love her but lied to yourself about it to make yourself feel better. You slept with her and she used you now she’s back with her ex right?” You question raising your eyebrows at him daring him to lie to you now

“y/n”

“Answer the question Shawn”

He stayed silent

“You cheated on me with her and she used you to boost her album sales and she left you just like you left me. You two are perfect for each other I swear. So consumed by your egos and reputations you don’t think realistically about the consequences your actions have.” You sigh fuming “Me and Timothée bought an apartment together, we fly out to Italy often and go to film festivals together, we have dinner with his parents together every Friday night” emphasizing how Timothée always wanted you involved in his career opposed to Shawn who made his own schedule and expected you to drop everything to be by him, expected you to go to family dinners in his place instead of making the effort when he was in the studio or in LA with Camila. “We have dinner with Adam and Joanne every Tuesday night, we see Armie and the kids once a month or more, we go to award shows together. We are together and I love him so much it scares me how quickly I fell, but I’m not scared of it because I know he loves me with every fiber in his body there’s no confusion of love when it comes to him and his girl-friends.” You feel tears threatening to spill and you don’t know if it’s because of how much love and admiration you hold for Timothée or because you realize your love for Shawn was never real and those two years were wasted.

Shawns eyes are brimmed with tears “y/n” he reaches out towards you grabbing your wrist

“Let go of me Shawn” you look down and pull your wrist away but he doesn’t let go, you look up at him “Let go Shawn”

“You’re not listening to me” he speaks lowly shaking his head

“Shawn let go” you speak out through gritted teeth but he’s not listening stuck in his head “Shawn please” you whisper out trying to break the hold realizing it’s just you two in the hallway and he’s hovering over you in the corner

“Let her go Shawn” You hear Armie speak out walking into the hallway towards you two Adam trailing behind him. You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding in and a sigh of relief. Shawn lets go and you scurry around him to Adam who grabs your wrist delicately looking to make sure it’s not bruised.

Shawn seems to snap out of it, worry etched all over his pretty face and his eyes bloodshot when he turns to you in Adam’s arms “y/n I-” he lets out when a tear falls down his face “I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to I-” he reaches out for you and you flinch, Armie stops him

“Don’t you dare touch her” Armie glares down at Shawn “Who the hell do you think you are coming in here-” Adam speaks up cutting him off

“Shawn I think its best if you go, your manager is in the lobby looking for you I told him you and y/n were talking but clearly that was a mistake on my end. One that I will have to live with.” He glances down at you squished into his side.

“Adam I- you know me I wouldn’t do this, I am not that person” Shawn speaks out shaking his head as if the events are finally processing through his head

“You still need to leave, you’re no longer welcome here and if you don’t go soon Armie here will see that you leave,” he says steadily

“I don’t know where you think our loyalty lies Shawn, but it damn well does not lie with you. Adam here is being generous if it was just me here you would’ve gotten told off and your ass kicked. I highly suggest you leave before I escort you out myself and see to it that no one in this industry so much as glances at your name for any film work.” He lets out arms crossed over his chest shielding you from Shawn’s view.

You hear Shawn clear his throat and see Armie move to the side Adam following Armie’s lead, Shawn stops to look at you “I am so sorry y/n you don’t deserve this, I’ll never forgive myself” he glances at you longingly one last time takes a deep breath plants a kiss on your forehead before he walks away.

You let out a breath and fan yourself with your hands “Holy shit you giants are scary” you let out a laugh and deep breaths. They both look at you with those fatherly eyes with love and concern, you give them a small smile “I’m okay just give me a minute”

“We’re not scary, you’re just small” Adam lets out a chuckle pulling you into a headlock

“I was so ready to beat his ass” Armie jokes throwing punches in the air

“Imagine a pre-show before the awards even start Jesus Christ” Adam huffs rubbing his beard

“Way to go Lone Ranger and Supreme Leader” you joke and Armie busts out laughing

“That’s it,” Adam says lowering himself to your legs grabbing you to throw you over his shoulder, carrying you out of the hallway, his hand on your back and his other wrapped securely around your legs so you don’t fall leaving you and Armie a laughing mess. “Thank god you wore a long gown this could have been so embarrassing” Adam jokes as he walks you into the main lobby with a smile on his face

Setting you down carefully with Armie’s help so you don’t flash anyone you’re finally on your feet. Laughing along with Armie and Adam you pull Adam into a hug “Thank you” you let out as he holds your head in his chest

“Don’t sweat it kid” he lets out a chuckle ruffling your hair

“What no thank you for me, I was ready to kick ass y/n” Armie starts a punch kicking the air

Chuckling “Thank you to Armie you guys are psycho” you give him a hug as he places a kiss in your hair as Timmy and Tom walk over

“Woah hands off my girlfriend Armie geez, your wife is around here somewhere” he whispers the last part looking around for dramatic effect and grabs you away from Armie pulling you into his chest and kissing your nose

“I’ve slept with you Timothée” he deadpans, “I think I can kiss your girlfriend okay god” rolling his eyes at the two of you causing you all to laugh

“Okay” Adam trails off, “I think that’s my cue to leave” Adam states “I’m going to go find my seat with my luck ill be seated next to some kid” he huffs

“You’re seated by us,” Timmy says matter of factly

“Fucking great” he grunts sneaking a wink towards you “I’ll see you in there, stay out of trouble kid find me if you need anything” he hugs you one more time kissing your cheek before saying goodbye to everyone else

“All hail the Supreme Leader” you call out towards him and when he turns around you salute him jokingly

“Fucks sake,” he says and flips you off turning around again to go find his seat

“Well he’s a ray of sunshine” Tom chuckles

“It's his humor” you shrug

“I am going to go find my wife,” Armie says “If you need me come and find me, I expect to see you both” pointing to you and Timothée “at the hotel later, later kids”

“Later” you and Timmy call after him

“Arrogant twat” Tom lets out causing you three to burst into laughter in reference to call me by your name

Timmy pulls you closer to him his forehead resting on yours

“Okey guess that’s my cue to leave you lovebirds alone,” Tom says waves at you both heading into the room “I’ll see you guys at the after-party”

Looking around you notice the lobby has cleared out immensely since the shows going to start soon. Timothée nuzzles his nose against yours lovingly grabbing both your hands and intertwining them together.

“je t'aime chéri” he breathes out against your lips

Humming in delight you whisper “say it again”

He looks into your eyes, his green ones lighting up with gold specks making you melt into him more if even possible. He hums looking directly into your eyes “je t'aimerai pour toujours et toujours” he plants a kiss on your lips, your cheek and then on the shell of your ear and he whispers again “I will love you forever and always mon amour”

taking him by surprise you crash your lips into his, communicating all the feelings and words you can’t express right now but he gets it. He pulls away in a daze and out of breath. Humming in delight he rubs his hands down your arms and to your wrists reaching your hands, he looks at you with furrowed eyebrows hand grazing your wrist again. He looks down at the wrist Shawn grabbed now a little discolored and puffy.

He steps back in anger “Did he do that” he looks into your eyes, his glossed over with worry and anger

Your silence is his answer. You're not even going to try and defend shawns actions he had no excuse

“That son of a bitch” he spits out as if the words physically hurt him. “Where is he” he turns to look around the room that dwindled down to actors who didn’t want to be here, the main hall is beyond filled, only the stragglers left in the lobby waiting for the final ten-minute call. “I’m going to kick his ass” he steps away from you ready to raise hell

You chuckle at him reaching out for his arm, wrapping your own around his “I love you” feeling him soften against you he lets out a small smile but shakes his head

“This is serious” he looks at you

“I am serious, I love you” you stare at him lovingly

He rolls his eyes at you “Stop I want to kiss you” he says but you know he’s feeling the same butterflies that never go away

“kiss me” you shrug as he groans leaning in to kiss you

“You’re going to kill me” he wraps his arm around your waist grabbing your ass cheekily

“There’s my beautiful boyfriend” you chuckle as his dorky behavior

“Mine,” he says as he bites your ear lobe “all mine” you feel his hand touch the slit in your dress “That asshole is gonna get what’s coming to him I swear to god, no one looks at my girl like that, let alone touches her” he states more to himself than anything but your heart flutters at how much he cares. Kissing your pulse point on your neck he sucks your skin a little bit, not enough to leave a mark but enough to leave you let a moan slip out

“You’re giving off King Henry vibes right now and you don’t understand how fucking hot it is” you groan and close your eyes as you say it. Opening them just as his face gets serious, shaking his head so his curls frame his face imitating his King Henry role. “You look hot as hell in this suit did I tell you” you groan grabbing his chain that was around his neck in your hands, letting your hands graze down his chest as his breath hitches. “I like this,” He’s looking at you hooded eyes, lips ajar as your hands go to his waist linking your fingers on the loops in his pink trousers. You lean in to whisper in his ear “green looks good on you your highness” stepping back and biting your lip looking up at him through your lashes

“Jesus Christ” he lets out rubbing his hand across his face “okay bathroom NOW” he breathes out grabbing your hand and dragging you behind him just as you hear the announcer call 5 over the intercom system.

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

a/n : this has been stuck in my head so please be nice, its finally written (unedited) but its here, AND no shade to anyone I love everyone in this all these actors are amazing but for the sake of this story its how it has to be. please leave comments and reblogs it means a lot and really motivates to write more. So leave a like or reblog or tell me how horrible it was and all that fun stuff thank y’all Xxx

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artificialqueens · 4 years

Text

You Know You Love Me, Chapter 4 (Branjie) - Kiki

A/N: Not me thinking i could upload every three days lol sorry there was a bit of a wait for this chapter but college is attempting to kill me off on a daily basis. Regardless, hope you enjoy and chapter 5 should be up in a couple of days!

Summary: Brooke Lynn Hytes returns to New York City after being shipped off to boarding school and her ex best friend, Vanessa Mateo, isn’t too happy about it…which would be bad enough, but add in the fact that they’re lowkey in love with each other. (Gossip Girl AU)

1 year ago

The dim lights of Brooke’s dorm room reflected her mood almost perfectly. She was alive, yes. But she didn’t feel as alive as she used to. She didn’t feel the joy she used to feel when she was with Vanessa or the annoyance she used to feel when she’d fight with her mother. She just felt…numb.

Boarding school had not been what Brooke had expected. She thought it would be full of boring people from small towns in the middle of nowhere that she would have nothing in common with. So when she had actually made some pretty cool friends on her first day, she was surprised.

The girl she had become closest to was named Kameron. She was from Nashville and although Brooke had thought she was nothing but an extremely shy girl who never spoke the first few times they met, she had soon learned that once you got to know her, Kameron had an amazing personality. It also didn’t help that she was extremely hot, too.

They were lying on Brooke’s double bed passing a bottle of Don Julio tequila back and forth. Brooke Lynn had been shocked when Kameron had produced the large bottle from her bag, mostly because that particular brand was known to be very expensive, but also because she didn’t think Kameron was that kind of girl.

She had promised her mom that she would stay away from alcohol while she was there. That was one of the main reasons she was here, anyways. Her mom was concerned with her drinking habits. But one night couldn’t hurt, right?

Brooke Lynn knew she was a pretty girl and never really cared too much when guys hit on her (which happened often). But when girls hit on her, she was always shocked. Also confused. But mainly shocked. She had been picking up on Kameron’s little flirty comments every now and then. But she had been embarrassed by mistaking too many straight girls’ compliments for flirting in the past so she had learned to stop reciprocating anything until she knew for sure that the other girl was interested…and when she saw how Kameron was looking at her after a few shots, she knew for sure. Kameron was definitely interested.

Usually, something like this would excite Brooke. A hot girl liking her back? She had hit the ultimate lesbian jackpot. So why was she currently drunk crying about Vanessa?

“I just don’t know why I didn’t tell her I’m in love with her, Kam. I love her sooo much. Like, more than I’ve ever loved anything,” Brooke rambled on and on for a long time, not noticing how Kameron was frequently rolling her eyes whenever Brooke wasn’t looking. “And like, I know it wouldn’t work out because she’s so far in the closet and she probably won’t ever come out but Kam, I wanna be with her so bad.”

“Yeah, you’ve mentioned…” Kameron sounded annoyed as she took a large sip from the bottle. She had come here to seduce Brooke Lynn Hytes and so far, all she had got was Brooke whining about some girl she never even dated.

“And she’s so beautiful too. She’s got these gorgeous big brown eyes that could make you do whatever she wanted. And her hair is always so shiny and soft and it always smells like coconut and vanilla. And her skin is golden brown and so smooth and perfect. I miss her so much, Kameron.” Brooke started to sob uncontrollably, her face buried in her pillow.

Kameron patted her back awkwardly in an attempt to comfort the blonde but it was unsuccessful. She took another sip of the tequila and tried breathing deeply in an effort to calm herself down. She came here for one thing and one thing only…and if there’s one thing everyone should know about Kameron Michaels: she always gets what she wants.

A few moments had passed and Brooke stopped crying. She looked in the mirror in front of her and wiped the tears from her face, already seeming a lot more sober than she had just a few minutes ago. A blush crept up on her cheeks as she realised how stupid she must look in front of her new friend, but Kameron was just smiling innocently at her.

“I know it must be hard, B, but now that you’ve let it all out, you can try and move on.” Kameron said, touching Brooke’s forearm lightly.

Brooke narrowed her eyes in confusion at Kameron’s words. Move on? Why would she want to move on? She was in love with someone who might love her, or at the very least, like her back…shouldn’t that be something worth hanging onto?

“Sorry for ruining the night, Kam. I totally understand if you wanna leave—”

Kameron interrupted Brooke by crawling towards her and leaned in, invading Brooke’s personal space.

“The night isn’t over yet, Brooke,” she said with a devilish smirk on her face. “You need to focus on what’s right in front of you instead of being so worked up about someone who’s not even here.” Her hands went up to Brooke’s cheek and she lightly stroked her thumb across it.

“Kameron, I can’t do this with you…” Brooke said half-heartedly.

“Sure you can. You need a rebound and I’m happy to sacrifice myself to make you happy.” Brooke knew deep down that nobody, not even Kameron, would compare to Vanessa…but she felt so empty. Was it so bad for her to do something that could potentially make her feel something again? She knew it was most likely the tequila that was clouding her judgement. She knew she would never think of accepting Kameron’s offer if she was sober. But she did it anyway. Brooke placed her hand over Kameron’s and pulled her in slowly.

“If we do this, it’s a one-time thing.” Brooke whispered. Kameron nodded, seemingly not listening to her, and wrapped her arms around Brooke’s neck, pulling their bodies together as close as humanly possible. Their lips met and Brooke instantly noted that her lips weren’t as soft as Vanessa’s. The kiss was messy. It felt rushed and out of sync and Brooke wasn’t even sure if she wanted to keep going, but something deep down in her reminded her that this was the first time she’s felt anything in a long time. She could at least try and pretend that Kameron was Vanessa.

Kameron pushed Brooke down so she was lying on her back and straddled her waist. They continued making out at a fast pace while Kameron’s hands roamed Brooke’s body at a very quickly. As Kameron began to suck on her neck, Brooke knew that this would never happen with Kameron again.

The only thing that she felt was that she missed Vanessa even more. Trying to get over her was a stupid move. She didn’t think she would ever get over Vanessa, let alone have another chance to be with her…and nothing made her feel as sad as that realisation.

—

Now:

Spotted: Vanessa and Brooke having a day out on the town. These two trendsetters were seen in almost every boutique on the Upper East Side. Is there a special event coming up or were these two besties just reconnecting? Keep me updated. XOXO, Gossip Girl.

Brooke’s bedroom was filled with her two favourite things: Vanessa and shopping bags. It was their first day hanging out since Brooke Lynn had been back from boarding school. They were finally talking to each other again, they had kissed and made up and everything seemed to be going very well.

They had spent the day doing things that they used to do all the time. They got coffee and walked around in Central Park, they went shopping and spent a ton of their parent’s money and Brooke even surprised Vanessa with a trip to her favourite French restaurant since Brooke Lynn knew that Vanessa loved anything related to France.

There was a bit of an awkward energy between them but neither of them brought it up. Ever since they had kissed a couple of days ago, they hadn’t kissed again. It was all both of the girls had thought about since they went home that night and they both wanted to do it again, but the right moment hadn’t presented itself.

Sure, Brooke had thought about doing it when Vanessa brought her favourite coffee order (an iced americano with hazelnut syrup and oat milk). She had also contemplated doing it when they were in one of Vanessa’s favourite accessory stores and she was overwhelmed with how cute Vanessa was when she was visibly excited about the new headbands they had in stock.

Vanessa seemed to be having more trouble than Brooke was with physically restraining herself. All she wanted to do was make out with Brooke at any given moment throughout the day but she didn’t want to risk anyone seeing. The thought of people finding out she was gay terrified her…and she knew she would never forgive herself if the reason that people found out was because she was impulsive and couldn’t control herself around Brooke Lynn. She ended up having to calm herself down and settle for lingering touches and flirty looks thrown in Brooke’s direction, and they ended up having a lovely day that on the outside, made them look like any other normal teenage best friends.

Brooke was hanging some of the new clothing items she had just bought up in her closet while Vanessa was sitting on Brooke’s bed, making herself comfortable by laying back on the fluffy pillows and kicking her heels off.

“I forgot how damn comfy your bed is.” Vanessa said while removing her headband and snuggling up under the covers.

“And I forgot how often you used to fall asleep in my bed even though you claim to never be tired.” Brooke replied and Vanessa’s eyes shot open immediately.

“I’m not gonna fall asleep, I was just resting my eyes…” Vanessa said non-committedly while Brooke took her shoes off and got in the bed beside her.

“Sure you’re not, V…” Some of Vanessa’s hair had spread onto Brooke’s side of the bed so she began to stroke it. Vanessa sighed a deep sigh of contentment and tried to not let her eyes close. She hadn’t felt this relaxed in a very long time.

“I missed this.” Vanessa whispered as Brooke began to stroke her cheek.

“I missed you.” Brooke replied, earning a massive smile from Vanessa in return.

“So when are you gonna tell me all about boarding school?” Vanessa asked, leaning up on her elbow so that she was looking down at Brooke with an eyebrow raised. Brooke lay flat on her back and sighed.

“There’s not much to tell, really. I went to class, studied so they didn’t call my mom and tell her I was failing and the weather was awful. You would’ve hated it.”

“Hold up, am I hearing this right? You studied?” Vanessa asked with her mouth open in shock, which caused both of the girls to giggle.

“I had to, my mom made it super clear that if I didn’t get good grades, I wouldn’t be able to come back to New York so that was my motivation. Trust me, I hated every minute of it.”

“That’s the main reason she sent you there, right? Because of your grades?” Vanessa asked with a sad tone to her voice. Even though she had Brooke back in her life, she still hadn’t gotten over her leaving. She knew it would take time to fully heal, but she wished she could focus on enjoying her time with Brooke instead of focusing on when she wasn’t there.

“Yeah…that and the drinking. I also think she just wanted to live by herself for a bit and not have to worry about looking after a kid so she just shipped me off. I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner, to be honest.” Brooke was surprised with herself for revealing so much information without being asked. She hadn’t had a conversation with Vanessa for so long that she forgot how easy it was for them to open up to each other.

“I’m sure that’s not true, B…your mom loves you a lot.” Vanessa replied as she took Brooke’s hand in hers and stroked her thumb gently.

“I know…but sometimes her ways of dealing with things are a little bit shitty. Like, if I didn’t know any better I’d say she was a robot because of how emotionless she is.”

“You can say that again, my mom just jets off to Paris to avoid dealing with her shit here. And when things get bad over there, she comes back or goes to another European city. How did we end up with more emotional maturity than our parents?” Vanessa asked and Brooke laughed in response.

“You think that the two girls who didn’t talk to each other for an entire year due to stubbornness are emotionally mature?” Brooke continued to laugh and Vanessa rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, but at least we knew that was wrong. They don’t see any problems with what they’re doing.” She replied with a smug look on her face, knowing she was right.

“I guess you have a point there,” Brooke said as she pulled Vanessa closer to her so they could cuddle. “Have you seen your dad recently?”

“No…he said he was only going to France for a few months but…I don’t think he’s coming back anytime soon.”

“I’m sorry, V.” Brooke said as Vanessa’s head rested on her shoulder.

“It’s okay…I’m used to it,” Vanessa said quietly. She moved her head slightly up so that she was looking directly into Brooke’s eyes. Vanessa noticed how Brooke’s entire facial expression immediately softened as soon as they locked eyes and she started to feel overcome with emotion. “Just promise me you’ll never leave me again…” Vanessa whispered, still keeping eye contact with Brooke. Brooke let out a large exhale and cupped Vanessa’s cheek with her hand.

“I’ll never leave you, Ness. I promise.” Brooke said it with so much conviction that Vanessa was almost sure she would start crying, but she was unable to finish that thought as Brooke had leaned in to kiss her. The kiss was all consuming and managed to take Vanessa’s mind off of everything she had previously been worrying about. She allowed herself to focus solely on kissing Brooke Lynn, and she did it like her life depended on it.

—

2 years ago:

It was the fourteenth of December, one of Vanessa’s favourite nights of the winter season; the night of her infamous sleepover.

Teenage girls on the Upper East Side would make it their goal in life to get an invite to Vanessa Mateo’s sleepover. Even if they hadn’t been before, the stories they would have heard from other girls who had previously been had made the desire build in them and all they wanted was a chance to experience it for themselves.

Of course, getting an invite wasn’t that easy. Vanessa had extremely high standards and was very picky with who she let into her home. The only three people who had always managed to make the list every year were Brooke Lynn, Silky and Akeria. Other than that, the invite list changed drastically every year.

This year, there were ten girls in attendance, including Vanessa herself. They had just finished eating their three-course dinner and had prank called a ton of girls from school who had tried to get an invite but were unsuccessful. While Vanessa would have been happy to just sit around and gossip for a bit, Akeria had another idea that got all of the girls excited.

“Let’s play spin the bottle!” Akeria announced, already searching for something they could use as a makeshift bottle to play with. Vanessa noticed how her heart started to beat just a tiny bit faster, but she couldn’t let anyone know she was nervous. Not at her own party.

Akeria grabbed Vanessa’s reusable water bottle and instructed everyone to form a circle. Vanessa sat down on the floor beside Silky and Brooke Lynn grabbed a pillow from the couch and sat beside her.

Akeria started the first round of the game by spinning the bottle and it landed on Scarlet Envy, a very popular older student from their school. Scarlet seemed to not care about the game at all and leaned into the circle, grabbed Akeria’s face and kissed her forcefully and quickly. The girls all laughed and then it was Scarlet’s turn to spin.

It landed on Yvie, her best friend, and they had a quick make out session which ended up with Scarlet’s notorious red lipstick smudging down her face. It was Yvie’s turn next and as the bottle was spinning around in a circle, Vanessa saw it start to slow down as it made its way towards her. She held her breath as it moved slowly and started to mentally prepare herself with the awkwardness of kissing Yvie but to her surprise, the bottle landed on Brooke Lynn. Vanessa squeezed her first’s together in anger and tried to compose herself. On the outside, she looked fine. But on the inside, she was insanely jealous.

Yvie leaned in and gave Brooke a quick peck on the lips which made both Scarlet and Vanessa happy. It seemed as though the kiss was over before it began. Brooke sat up and grabbed the bottle, spinning it gracefully and sitting back down to wait to see who it landed on. Vanessa mentally cursed the bottle each time it passed her. She didn’t want to throw a tantrum at her own party but she really didn’t want to see Brooke kissing other girls. She just didn’t need that mental image in her mind.

It had been a few weeks since they had first kissed while studying at Brooke’s house and ever since then, they had been making out every chance they got when no one else was around. Brooke Lynn had even arrived earlier than all of the other girls just so they could make out before everyone else got there. Vanessa had somehow become addicted to Brooke and they had been spending way more time together than usual. While Vanessa was slightly scared about how much closer they had gotten in just a couple of weeks, it excited her way more.

Vanessa was suddenly brought back to reality when she heard Akeria and Silky screaming excitedly. She looked up from her daydreaming and saw that the bottle was pointing directly at her. She looked at Brooke who was sitting beside her with a devilish grin on her face. She raised her eyebrow and nodded at the bottle on the floor.

“Shall we?” Brooke asked and Vanessa nodded dumbfoundedly. She was about to kiss Brooke in front of people. What if people could tell that she was enjoying it? She wasn’t ready for people to know that she liked girls yet. She didn’t know if she would ever be ready.

Suddenly all of her thoughts were shut down because Brooke Lynn had leaned in, grabbed her face with both hands and started to kiss her. It wasn’t a particularly long kiss, Scarlet and Yvie’s had probably lasted longer, but it was enough for Vanessa to be left with a deep red blush on her cheeks.

As Vanessa tried to regain her composure, Brooke shared a knowing look with her and winked.

“I think Vanessa’s a little bit shook after her first lesbian kiss, everyone!” Silky said loudly which made everyone laugh, including Brooke, although she was laughing for a whole other reason. This did nothing to help Vanessa’s red cheeks which somehow got even redder. She felt extremely embarrassed, but was also on a bit of a high from the kiss.

She rolled her eyes at Silky’s comment and tried to get her control of the room back. She wouldn’t let herself be outdone or look like a loser in her own home. She took a small breath in and immediately her false sense of confidence was back and her bitch face was on.

“Shut up, Silky. It wasn’t even that good anyway.” She added with a wink thrown back in Brooke’s direction. Brooke seemed genuinely shocked at Vanessa’s comment but just narrowed her eyes and kept eye contact with Vanessa who had a guilty smile on her face.

The game went on for a few more rounds. Vanessa ended up being pecked on the cheek by Akeria and much to her own satisfaction, Brooke didn’t have to kiss anyone else. Once the game was all finished up, Vanessa made her way up to her bedroom to sit down for a minute. She needed to recharge her social battery so she could continue playing the role of the perfect hostess. What she didn’t anticipate was that Brooke had followed her upstairs.

Vanessa sat down on the armchair in the corner of her room when Brooke walked in. Brooke immediately walked over to where Vanessa was sitting and knelt on the floor in front of her. She had her hands placed on Vanessa’s thighs and stared at her, not saying a word.

“Hey, B…” Vanessa said quietly, squirming under Brooke’s intense stare. Brooke took a lock of Vanessa’s hair in her hand and began to twirl it around as she leaned in even closer.

“Not that good, huh?” Brooke asked.

“What?..” Vanessa didn’t know what she was talking about. Brooke was invading her space so much that she couldn’t focus on anything other than the blonde’s presence.

“The kiss. You said it wasn’t that good,” Brooke stated simply as she pulled back completely to look directly into Vanessa’s eyes. Vanessa was disappointed at the lack of contact and looked back at Brooke with needy eyes. She tried her best to form a sentence but her brain wasn’t functioning properly. “No words, huh?”

“I…didn’t mean it?” Vanessa tried her best to sound confident as she spoke but ended up not being able to say her words with conviction. Brooke leaned her arm in and stroked Vanessa’s cheek and smiled.

“That’s what I thought. I seem to remember us kissing like twenty times earlier and I didn’t hear any complaints.” Brooke said confidently, raising her eyebrow at Vanessa, who seemed to shrink under her gaze.

“I’m not complaining, B, I promise…” Vanessa whispered back, placing her own hand over the hand that was on her face. Brooke leaned in extremely close to Vanessa’s face but didn’t kiss her, their mouths were less than an inch apart but Brooke Lynn didn’t move. As soon as Vanessa tried to lean in and kiss her, Brooke pulled back.

“I don’t think so, babe. You can kiss me again when you’ve earned my forgiveness.” Brooke said with a grin as she slowly walked out of the room and joined the other girls’ downstairs, leaving Vanessa sitting by herself in her armchair, turned on and disappointed.

—

Now:

After they had made out for a while, the two girls fell asleep in Brooke’s bed. Brooke was laying on her back while Vanessa had her arm wrapped around Brooke’s waist, her leg thrown over her body and her head was resting on Brooke’s chest.

Brooke was the first to wake up. She started to stroke Vanessa’s back softly and placed small, gentle kisses on her forehead. Vanessa’s eyes began to flutter as she woke up and immediately made eye contact with Brooke. The two of them had massive smiles on their faces as they woke up together.

“Hey.” Brooke said, her voice raspy from just waking up.

“Hi.” Vanessa whispered softly as she wrapped her arm tighter around Brooke’s waist. They continued cuddling in silence for a bit before Brooke got up, with a lot of protests from Vanessa, and opened up the curtains. It was only six o’clock in the evening so it was still a bit bright out, the sun was only beginning to set. She got back into bed and her arms immediately found themselves wrapping around Vanessa’s body.

“We should go to the park tomorrow. Spend the whole day together.” Brooke suggested and Vanessa’s face lit up in delight.

“Can we have a picnic?” Vanessa asked excitedly. Brooke nodded in agreement and Vanessa sat up, mentally preparing which outfit she was going to wear.

“Can we feed the ducks?” Vanessa asked again. Brooke laughed at Vanessa’s excitement and sat up alongside her.

“You really haven’t changed since you were ten, have you? You still love doing the same things,” Brooke smiled as she spoke and Vanessa laughed softly in response. “But yes, we can feed the ducks.” Vanessa grinned and laid back down on the bed. She felt happy and content for the first time in a long time. Brooke’s arms embraced her yet again and she couldn’t help but feel that maybe, just maybe, everything would be okay.

#rpdr fanfiction #brooke lynn hytes #vanessa vanjie mateo #branjie #lesbian au #gossip girl au #rich girl au #high school au #you know you love me #kiki #submission

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quicktelling-blog · 5 years

Text

Amira’s Vanished Hustle, Perceptions of Missed Opportunities, and What Everyone Should Consider About the Story So Far

[deep dive under the cut]

Some messages I got over the weekend were along the lines of: “No Damira again on Friday whew you must be heartbroken huh?” But, y’all, I wasn’t surprised. And to be completely honest, my reaction on Friday was very different from the ones I saw in the tag. Yeah, I was super happy for the adorable Amira and I was also side-eying the glaring absence of Carlos’s besties at his own housewarming -- but my main thought after the clip was: “LOL OH SHIT HERE WE GO.” Because in my mind Friday was an ENORMOUS RED FLAG that the only substantial thing left to do in Amira’s story arc is the cute Bon Voyage party to send her off on her dream trip. Even before this big POV shift happened, Druck hadn’t given us any reason to expect much more than that in her remaining plot, and I’ll elaborate on that here.

I don’t wanna jump to the conclusion that Druck can’t possibly stick the landing, because hey, they might! We have no clear idea what will happen between now and the final goodbye party, so maybe good things are coming that will subvert all of our worst imaginings! But I feel like this is a hinge point in the season to do a little reassessing of expectations... and to come clean about one big reason why I’ve mostly spoken superficially about this season up until now.

The very first red flag, for me, was when I realized Druck was planning to basically pretend Amira never had a job. That oversight might not seem like a big deal to most, and it’s not like her job was the first thing Druck ever made disappear unceremoniously (remember when Leonie and Sara had other close girl friends? lol) but to me it was a signal that my expectations for Amira’s story (based on her previous strong characterization) had maybe been too high. And I immediately felt a bit cheated.

Amira was already so fleshed out coming into her season. She was demanding, quick-witted, and nurturing. She was fiercely protective of her friends, and even more fiercely ambitious, with a willingness to work harder than anyone to get ahead in life. She was sunny but tough-shelled, with a well-established resistance to trusting any men. And, loving her as much as I do, I felt strongly that she deserved to have plenty of brand new story elements that reflected all those things. To have her own story shaped around her, rather than she herself being reshaped to fit Sana’s story.

But then it was finally her turn to shine, in a Summer season, when it would make perfect sense for her to be on a job grind to earn cash for her trip, and... she’s not working? Huh? She managed to work all through a tough school year, but not her free summer vacation? Why? Because of Druck’s low budget? Because they lacked cohesion in the writing process? Some combination of the two? Yikes. Who knows. But suddenly, nonsensically, they had flushed away the perfect framing to showcase her work ethic, her daily perseverance, and her varied interactions (good and bad) with lots of strange customers around Berlin.

It felt like a bad omen to me somehow. Which wasn’t a great mindset to start the season with. And that was the beginning of me trying very, very hard not to be confused and salty about every little thing I began to perceive as missed opportunities to give Amira a new kind of substance in her story.

For example: While David, Matteo, and Sam began having fun off-screen, working on an bold alien movie, Amira inexplicably had no involvement. She kinda scoffed at the idea when it came up on-screen, then immediately lost interest in the conversation because her man was texting. Fair enough, right? That scene was moving her story forward while generously giving a little shoutout to the meta insta storyline, right? The problem is: the off-screen story ended up seeming much more interesting than watching Amira chilling on her own texting a bunch, and we weren’t even given a reason for her to not be part of it after the whole crew was invited to join in. Imagine if we had followed her onto a shitty little makeshift movie set and seen her reacting to the chaos and strangeness of it. Imagine her finding a resourceful solution to a production hiccup or mediating a creative disagreement while trying to hide her own inner turmoil from her friends. And imagine her having an extremely important conversation with David (and/or Matteo and/or Sam) about the film’s deeper themes of alienation and otherness that they can both sadly relate to.

That’s just one weirdly specific scenario, but there are sooo many other ways I fantasized about Amira bonding with her friends (particularly the ones who aren’t cishet white kids or brand new characters). Talking with one or more of them about what it means to be dangerously marginalized, or to be afraid of letting someone get close to you, or to feel torn in two different directions in life. Maybe something like that could still happen before the season ends, but I’m not counting on it. And I think the time has passed for it to have the biggest impact. It could’ve been amazing (and really narratively useful!) if it happened before the resolution of Amira’s brief conflicts with Kiki, Erva, and Mohammed. We saw a lot of scenes with her looking angry and sad, but we weren’t really privy to much of her thought process during all that reflection, so it felt uncomfortably unearned when problems she once saw as insurmountable were shortly waved aside. I would’ve really appreciated even a short conversation with some good change-of-heart exposition.

And while other people were cheering about all the controversial Sana season conflicts being blessedly truncated or completely stripped away, the whole time I couldn’t stop thinking: “Okay, awesome, but what are they gonna replace that storyline with? Nothing?” And, for the most part, that seemed to be true.

But the problem clearly wasn’t limited to a shortage of well-integrated story threads with Amira at their center. It was arguably also a failure to capitalize on the stories they did use. Instead of getting to watch the emotional fight with her mother about punching someone, and witnessing Amira faced with the threat of losing Australia, we only heard about the drama afterward. Just like we only heard about her family’s religious holiday together. Just like we only got a few texts between Amira and Jonas about the refugee event. And just like how, as I sat typing this, Amira’s mother re-blessed the trip off-screen. On and on goes the list of examples of this unfortunate tell-don’t-show approach, and I’m sure a lot of it can be attributed to low budget and tricky cast scheduling, but the time limit excuse probably doesn’t apply if Amira’s main plot really has been efficiently pared down to 7 episodes.

Don’t get me wrong, I want to reserve final judgment on the season until the credits roll, and there are plenty of good things to say about it in the meantime. Yes, it’s been lovely to see so many gorgeous shots of Tua praying, and boxing, and expressing everything from attraction to anguish to helpless rage. Yes, she and Hassan both did some really strong work selling the magnetic pull between their characters, even in the face of (what I consider to be) an underdeveloped narrative that didn’t totally sell me on the relationship overall. Yes, it was wonderful to have some aesthetically pleasing scenes of the girl squad loving and supporting each other, even if they mostly talked about boys the way Amira hoped they wouldn’t. And obviously just having a story about a strong, kind, devoted hijabi girl is vitally important visibility. So I really haven’t wanted to say anything negative in the face of all that...

... but now I have to say: if you’re feeling cheated and mad about the POV shift, then take some time to consider what else specifically you think should’ve happened to Amira before we entered this resolution phase of her story. It seemed like most people were perfectly happy for her to not face any complex conflict, and not have any lingering hardship to dramatically and triumphantly overcome. Every obstacle getting a relatively swift and easy solution felt underbaked to me, but it was a big relief and source of praise for most people in the tags right up until Amira disappeared from clips. So: in hindsight, how would you have added not just length, but also more compelling drama and greater social impact to her story, so that the extra length felt well-used? It’s really worth thinking and talking about that, even if you’re hesitant to voice any criticism of Amira’s part of the story (even after the season ends, and even if it’s totally constructive) -- because thinking and talking about it is how we’ll get that kind of richer, fuller story in the future.

#druck #amira thalia mahmood #representation #storytelling #amira baby i love you and you deserve the world okay #that's been at the core of my issues all season

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