#WAYYY nicer than mine

[xamag-draws]

BBR thoughts 2024

Since I mentioned that I finally dusted off an old project of mine and was ruminating on how I'd remake it, I thought I'd elaborate a little, now that I've solidified some concepts. For funsies

This is gonna be a bit of a long and unfocused one, but I don't share my personal thoughts here often, especially the stuff about my projects I always marinate in. And for once it's something that people have existing context for, so hey why not

So for anyone who hasn't been following me for a gajillion years, The Black Brick Road of OZ was a webcomic that I posted around 2013-2015, back when I was in highschool going on college (which is kinda crazy to think about). It was sort of a darker twist on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, although I definitely leaned a lot more into dark humor more than anything in those first few chapters

I don't think it's available to read anywhere anymore, and I know people have been asking me about it. So here's the full proper archive of BBR, as full as it can be with deceased Flash

I totally used it as an excuse to shamelessly and self-indulgently experiment. It had interactive pages and GIFs and was wayyy too overproduced for what I could handle or what was necessary, but I did have great fun making it while it lasted

Unfortunately, that excess and the fact that I've changed too much as a person by the time I was in college is what ultimately killed it. The direction I wanted to go in was practically unrecognizable from the original idea started back in 2011, so there were many old hold-ups that I felt ruined it

At the time I kinda wished I could start/rewrite it all over, but considering that I pretty much had the entire script done at that point, it felt like a pointless sisyphean task. So I just put it on a shelf and didn't look back for about 8 years, because I didn't know what else to do

Now to be fair, the nature of my art has always been iterative and cyclical; when I feel like my creative juices have run dry I prefer to leave a project to marinate and move on to something else; cycle through other old things and bring in new skills and perspectives into the mix when I'm ready again. Not very productive, but it is what makes me happy to work on my OCs; I'm doomed to hit a wall with them eventually and I need some time to be able to find a new direction

So that said, I'm glad that BBR was left to marinate for that long. I don't think I was prepared, emotionally or intellectually, to tackle it again until now. The Wizard of Oz book (and the entire series of them, really) has always been near and dear to my heart, but there's a lot of context around it that I'm only unpacking now that I'm older

I think I always inherently feel negatively about the stuff I've made in the past, like its faults always jump out to me more than the positives, especially the more time passes. I've never liked that, and I do really appreciate the kind things people have to say about BBR to this day. The fact that it still can be recognized and remembered is very sweet

When I left it, I already found it "kinda cringe", and that feeling only deepened with years. When I took my first look back at it, asking the question "how would I rewrite it now?", at first I took a very cynical approach, as in "everything would have to be torn down"

But the more I sat on it, the more I found that I still see some merit and charm in the ideas I was putting out; I just didn't know how to execute them at the time (not to pretend that I know what I'm doing now, but I certainly know more at least). Turns out a lot of my old concepts could be changed substantially with just a few small tweaks. So I'd say that's a nicer way to think about my previous work

If you haven't seen yet, I posted a first draft of my new designs for some of the characters (the main group, the Goods and the Wickeds). Definitely subject to change, but more or less how I see them now

I'm just playing with these concepts; by no means would I attempt to remake BBR right this moment. Call it a pipe dream among my other ones. But just for fun, this is the direction I'd like to take:

Nowadays I'd probably make it a visual novel, with more emphasis on the visual part than the novel because I'm no English prose writer by any means. It'd still let me play a little with the interactivity while helping cut some corners on the drawing part (only some, I imagine I'd go hog wild anyway)

I've always intended for some events inspired by the sequel books to take place in BBR's past. Stuff like Jinjur's revolt or Ozma's rule preceeds the main events here. So I think it would be fun to follow the past of a few key characters alongside the main story. One chapter focusing on the present quest to see the Wizard, then one focusing on the past events (that are maybe reflective thematically); rinse and repeat

I'm also sticking a little closer to the original text in some regards. Not everything that I enjoy from the books would be translated here, it's still just a very loose fantasy on the material; but I'd like to be closer in spirit at least

I like mature, wise and powerful Glinda, I like kind and vulnerable Tin Man, I like the Wizard being a pathetic yet loveable liar, so I'm sprinkling in more of that for example

I'd like to keep some whimsy, but make it more grounded and a bit more serious to be coherent in tone. I think the original TWWOOZ book was a more realistic fantasy in some ways, even for the standards of the time; I like its simple but vivid tactile descriptions and details like bringing attention that Dorothy needed to eat and sleep

I find it funny that Baum specifically was averse to making his books scary or unpleasant, finding that unnecessary for telling a compelling kids story, but they still can get pretty dark and disturbing, at least for our modern sensibilities. Let's just say that I intend to use the Evoldo and Chopfyt storylines for my purposes. In that way, I feel like a "darker" Wizard of Oz retelling can still mostly be tonally in line with the original and balance it with enough heart and occasional humor

I slowly grew to appreciate the quaint old-timey quality of the original series, as well. The first book is both timeless and very much a product of the 1900s. Originally I tried to give it a little modern or at least anachronistic spin, but it was moreso because it's what I knew best, so these days I'd rather intentionally lean into the time period. Still not fully historically accurate by any means, but at least directly acknowledging the influence

The events of the story span across 40 years of these characters' lives, so I'm drawing inspiration from the entire so-called La Belle Epoque: the time period around 1880s-1920s. Basically I'm cooking, and my soup is old Victorian fashion morphing into Edwardian fashion and slowly inching towards flappers

Some new Dolly outfits

Lots of crazy things, political changes and innovations were happening at the turn of the century, which I think is noted and reflected by Baum in the books as well; the character of Tik-Tok might not blow any minds now, but he was one of the first robot characters in literature at that point; and don't even get me started on Jinjur, etc. Plenty of really interesting stuff one could lightly ponder in an Oz adaptation these days

Aesthetically, art nouveau has always been a big artistic influence for me, and it'd definitely be its time to shine here. John R. Neill's illustrations of the Oz books often keep me company as well. Nouveau architecture in particular fits that fairytale whimsy extremely well imo

I'd allow myself a little bit of art deco here and there, but ultimately its intimidating geometrical splendor is an antithetical to the flowery nature of nouveau and I associate it with a completely different era. Definitely fitting some characters like my Wicked Witch of the West, but shouldn't be overused

One of my main problems with the original BBR was that eventually I lost track of what it was even about; and the original ending felt too mean and unfulfilling to be worth it. Now I'd like to stick to the theme of home and family as my main theme, but in a different, more bittersweet way than in the book

An interesting connection I made is that a lot of my aforementioned older key characters (the Witches, Jinjur, the Nome King, etc) all came from the same reformatory as kids, that's how they know each other. In my recent research I learned that in those reformatories it was usually frowned upon to release the children back to the families, which were seen as the original corrupting influence regardless of the circumstance. The reformatory did everything in its power to cut that connection and make itself the only family those wayward kids were supposed to know and love. That's an unexpected tie into the theme of home that I'd like to explore as well

So yeah that's the current state of it. I have a bunch of outfit concepts I'm slowly cooking, although I'm now sure whether I'd post them... But I do miss these funny guys, and I'm glad some people still do as well :)

[folatefangirl]

Haven't seen one of these floating around for the recent MTAP tag but here's some gameplay tips I've picked up as a newbie who picked this up while it was 80% off on steam. I was mega stressed early on due to not knowing things and would be happy to pass on advice to save others the stress:

1. Reddit is good for advice and tumblr is penalizing me for links so yeah. Use the reddit community and/or wiki when stuck. Link to a decent set of advice is in the replies to this post.

2. Repair your workshop as soon as possible bc you'll wake up with low stamina daily until that gets done. Doesn't take more than like 30ish or so pieces of wood.

3. Yep the advice to make more than one machine is correct. Even for the blender. Maybe not the cooking setup or basic skiver per se. Yes, this will use up resources and space. Use the For Sale sign to expand space (or be like me and try to cram a level 2 house into a space too small for it 😅).

4. In the small planter boxes, grow lettuce, cotton, and wheat as much as possible if you can. You can also grow other things, but these seem to be the most helpful for feeding mounts and skiver crafting. Large boxes are for the special giant seeds and you can get the box from the church store and seeds from the Mysterious Man. Fertilize often to have the best shot at winning the Autumn Festival!

5. No, you can't have a rival romance with Higgins, tragically. But you can spar and body block him and chat to him until 9 AM to prevent him from taking commissions, especially the fancy valuable ones. I'm currently chill with being at rank 2 in my first year so I don't bother yet. I still think we should be allowed to woo him. As a treat. And mechanic to make him nicer 😅. Btw once he scams you (you'll know when) talk to him as soon as possible after and you can at least guilt him into giving you money.

6. No seriously do use Gust's shop in A&G to swap for 999 wood and keep furnaces running. You'll get wayyy too much stone from mining and the first quarry only gives so much marble for stone tables to sell en masse when the market is up. Other quarries are annoying to get to in the early game. Use the excess for wood first, then making stone bricks or stone tools etc to sell or whatever. Go wild. I make excess glass to sell since it's more profitable than raw resource selling, yep even with the wood cost. Still haven't figured out how to make excess soil more profitable besides planter boxes.

7. If you don't wanna feel like a monster for killing llamas for their worn fur, you can totally kill panbats. I like all the critters so I feel like a monster regardless 🥴. Kinda has to be done for certain quests and quest items tho.

8. Make allll the Dee-Dee Stops you can for the spots marked on the map. You can also have your mount follow you to the next stop.

9. Bring or make stamina repletion food when mining, esp if you have the game speed slowed down and don't run to the Round Table to replete (you have a limited number of things you can eat and can only eat once daily... Or you could try sitting for an hour if you aren't like me and it won't drive you crazy to sit and do nothing).

10. Annoying timed storyline quest needed items that you can collect earlier while the main story has no time limit for progression per se: pretty much all ores/ore products and special mining items like valves and engines, wild cocoons, ironwood (more than you think), bat wings, bamboo papaya, information discs (I keep the extra beyond the ones I give Petra for research in general for the storyline quest diagrams; I can complete the relics later), knight badges from the Round Table (minimum 250 of them), old parts, crystal necklace x1, dog food x1, soap x1, wildflower bouquet from Alice x1, tempering fluid, copper and steel wire, steel planks, welding rods. Can't think of the other ones that were super urgent and non-commission board rn as of Winter 1st (my latest stopping point) but yeah this is totally a hoarding game.

11. P.S. To get into the hazardous ruins area as a lower level, literally just dodge and run for 60 seconds. Do a hit if you feel brave. Yes, it's cowardly but it totally works and unlocks neat stuff you really need for certain quests. You can kick their asses later.

12. The worst that can happen if you die is that you get warped back home. Same for passing out at 3 AM but without the health depletion. Use that knowledge for what you will. I've noticed in boss battles it just bumps me back to the start of the battle with full health and stamina so I only get warped back further in other situations.

That's all I have for now but I may add more as I play. Hope this helps!

[feeblescholarmyass]

what would chuuyas guitar look like...

ok so this actually sent me on a guitar finding rampage and I went and found a ton and also came up with a whole scenario on how he ended up buying said guitar so *ahem* let me set the scene. (note- I haven't read stormbringer yet and some details based on when are a little iffy)

Chuuya has recently joined the mafia and has started making more money than he knows what to do with. He's driving himself crazy trying to find something to distract himself with.

He's walking around and finds a guitar store and wanders in, not really planning on buying anything yk? And then he realizes, damn these look cool! (not sure what age, but def still young, late teens maybe? but he suddenly REALLY wants one)

some of the things I focused on were price and look. As amazing sounding as Epiphones (my personal favorite in both look and sound, which is why I have one) are, they're not as popular a brand and only ever a couple hundred USD (another reason I liked them)

another thing is, he is 100% no doubt about it an electric guy. He'd glance at some of the acoustics, but electrics come in so much more variation, and you can make them sound so many different ways than you can with an acoustic. (also, speaking as a small person here, it can be really hard for shorter people to play acoustics because of the huge bodies. Unless you've got perfect posture and a whole lot of patience, they really dig into your skin. not to mention electrics are typically way easier to handle/play, and he has no clue how to play these things, he just knows he wants it to sound and look cool)

I personally think he would be bored with the classical fender shape, and would just walk right past any of them to cooler and more interesting guitars. here's a list of the ones I found (including model and price) that are pretty big guitar brands: (Fender, Gibson, etc)

I think the colors and patterns on the fenders might intrigue him, but the shapes on the Gibsons are wayyy more interesting.

Gibsons also have a history of being easier to care for, at least initially after buying (learned this in a conversation with a guitar mechanic when I bought mine, where he showed me some guitar care stuff and how to set it up/restring it) and have a nicer sound imo.

I was also interested in a Japanese brand called Killer. I'm not sure the full story, but I think a guy from a band made his own line of guitars and is selling them, and they looked pretty decent. Price was also getting higher up there, too. (listed in ¥, I converted them to USD)

("Fascist Fascinator" model, $2,353 USD)

(Galaxy model, $3,676 USD)

Before I get into the final option I had in mind, I'd like to talk about why no "flying v" shaped guitars are on this list. For one, I personally find them unappealing. They didn't call out to me the way these other ones did, and also can be difficult to manage. He still needs to learn to play, so I thought it would be best to get him a manageable guitar first before he goes for something flasher like a flying v if he wants. There are plenty of other interesting shapes and sounds out there, so I chose to look for those instead.

Now for the final guitar I found that I like for Chuuya. It's also a Japanese brand, that seems to be preferred by rock/metal bands (not sure on specific genres). As I was scrolling through the models, I found this one. It's sleek, with a really cool shape. Ibanez are apparently pretty high quality. The specific model was "originally developed with metal and nothing but metal in mind" (from the webpage on the model here)

(Ibanez "Iceman" model, listed at $1,299 USD from what I've found)

[clumsyclifford]

i love your tag recs though 🙈 please don't stop sneaking in recs i will miss them (i did add 100 bad days to the recs playlist btw) so with i'm on fire i just feel like the lyrics don't fit deep breath but soundwise it'd fit the vibes so your call tbh bc i'm torn now 😅 and okay so actually recommending things is kinda terrifying no clue how you do it but my go to calming springsteen songs are the river (pretty sad), downbound train (also sad and technically not even that calm) (1/4)

(2/4) if i should fall behind & tougher than the rest (love songs) & hello sunshine (i was wary of it at the beginning but it has a kinda hopeful undertone that i like a lot) thing is they might only be calming to me bc i grew up with his music and thus even born in the usa has a calming effect on me 😅 so idk moving on. you know i used to be like i don't get people that stay up so long when they have to be up early but i haven't slept before 2am for months now so i feel this a little too well

(3/4) but i want to kindly ask you to maybe consider going to sleep earlier to get some rest especially if you have to do uni stuff 🙊 how are you feeling about that Big Decision by now? really hope you're still feeling relieved. honestly i've been doing real bad but it's cool it's not really new just lots of anxiety atm. onto answering your tags: loved the new fic even though it was cashton, can't wait to read fluff from you (or anything really but fluff is just sth else)

(4/4) and to give you a good representation of my mind: i read that you had to make a phone call and send emails and i got stressed about it. about things that i don't even have to do (i hope these went well btw) i'm in awe of the fact that you can play please by noah kahan. and that you can play guitar just in general. very very impressive to me 😅 -fiancee

well i dont think theres any hope for me stopping with the tag recs or recs in general now that i have a willing and eager audience for my fucking music taste kdfagjakfg so thank you <3 

okay well!! i have added all of these songs to my to listen playlist specifically so that i don’t forget which ones you said but hopefully i can get around to listening to them sooner or later and i will let you know what i think !! thank you <3 i am excited i really havent actively listened to that much springsteen my dad doesnt love him because he thinks born in the usa is such a dumb song lmao

oh man..........id love to be able to get to sleep earlier but it just wont be happening im sure of it. as for the Big Decision i am still feeling relieved! i called starbucks and said hey thanks but i dont wanna work for you (left a message cos the lady didnt pick up, thank GOD) and then i set a time with reslife to move in, and so now it actually feels like a real concrete plan, which is always a lot more reassuring to me than just an idea. so. yeah. im aight.

im sorry you’re not doing well :(( i really am, that really sucks and if you ever wanna talk about it you know i’m here and i’ll listen and if there’s anything i can do i will do it !!! i’m not just saying that i really mean it.

yay im glad you liked the fic EVEN THOUGH IT WAS CASHTON ALKFGJDKFGJDG look someone needed to write a post you blues fic okay ????? it had to be done. there is fluff on the horizon though i promise god when was the last time i posted fluff djgkdafgmkj guess how I’M doing

that is FAIR ENOUGH well if it makes you feel better the phone call went well cos as previously mentioned the lady didnt pick up lmao and the email also went very well so. worry not !!! all is well

ahhhhhhhhhhhhh thank you OH THAT REMINDS ME i just got a new guitar !!!!! she is sooooo pretty i literally got her yesterday she was so expensive but ive been saving up and like ???? MY FIRST REAL GUITAR??? like the first guitar ive ever purchased!!!!! cos the one i have now was like, a hand me down or from a yard sale that my mom got it like. probably ten years ago or somethin. but this is the first guitar that is well and truly mine, bought with my own money. AND IT’S AN ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC SO IT PLUGS INNNN not that i have an amp but it’s still good to HAVE and just. oh god im so excited i need to think of a name for her

[thenigotthisfamily]

Better

Summary: When Yelena begins to hang out with Kate a lot more, Natasha realizes that her sister is missing out on a better life. Away from all the chaos and danger of being an Avenger. Away from the reminders of their past. Away from Natasha. 

Notes: I got this request on ao3 a while ago for a jealous Natasha. It was supposed to be more fluffy but it kind of turned out angsty. Oops.

Word Count: 5,270

Natasha sighs as she enters her apartment. She just had an awful meeting with the other Avengers leaders which ended in screaming and almost physical fighting if Natasha hadn’t threatened both Steve and Tony to cut it out before she lost it. All she wanted to do now was read quietly while holding her sister like they often did as their morning routine.

However, when Natasha enters, she frowns, seeing the bed empty. Worry immediately floods her. “Friday, where is my sister?”

“She is downstairs eating breakfast with Ms. Bishop.”

Natasha raises an eyebrow at that, the two sisters usually ate breakfast together when Natasha would get back from her meetings. She sighs and climbs into bed. She missed her sister, but figures it was good that Yelena was spending time with others. Kate and Yelena made quite the chaotic duo, Natasha had to admit. Sometimes it made Natasha slightly jealous, but she’d like to think she was mature enough to not care that much. Besides, she had the original Avengers which were often a mess, but were her mess, and Yelena needed other friends too.

The redhead reads for a bit, eventually falling asleep. When she wakes up, she’s surprised she fell asleep, she doesn’t usually take naps, but the day had been off to a bad start. She rubs tiredness from her eyes and looks around hopefully for a certain blonde, but deflates a bit when she doesn’t find her.

The spy gets up and begins to grab some food, sitting down to watch the news. A few minutes later the bubbly blonde bursts into their apartment. Natasha immediately lights up at the sight of her sister.

“Hey poser.” Yelena grins at Natasha and the redhead melts.

“Hi little one.” Natasha is about to ask Yelena if she wanted to do something outside of the compound that day when Kate barges into the apartment, taking Yelena’s attention.

“Woah, your apartment is wayyy nicer than Clint’s.”

“That’s because he spends most of his time at his farm.” Natasha says, greeting Kate with a smile. The archer grins back and Natasha had to admit she liked Kate a lot. Especially how much she hassled Clint and kept him on his toes.

“And because he’s less important than my sister.” Yelena says smugly. Natasha rolls her eyes but smiles fondly at the blonde.

“I’ll tell him you said that, Belova.” Kate threatens, but she’s smiling herself.

Yelena scoffs, “Whatever, he already knows it. Besides what is he gonna do, beat me up? That didn’t go well last time he tried.”

Natasha watches the interaction between the two carefully, realizing how comfortable Yelena had gotten with Kate in such a short amount of time. She fights off a twinge in her chest that she swears is not jealousy, and puts on a smile, genuinely happy to see her sister with a friend, even if it meant Yelena spent less time with Natasha.

“Ready to go Belova?”

“You know, calling me by my last name doesn’t have the same effect as me calling you Kate Bishop.”

“I…know that.” Kate says, trying to still act cool about it.

Yelena rolls her eyes as Natasha smiles and shakes her head at the teasing. “Where are you guys going?”

“Yelena wants to go shopping. She says my sense of style isn’t cool enough.”

“I said it wasn’t as cool as mine, but it never will be so maybe this is a lost cause.” Yelena snarks back.

Kate glares a bit, “Natasha’s is still better than yours.”

Natasha smirks at the offended look on her sister’s face, but feels sadness in her chest. She was going to ask Yelena if she wanted to do something with her today but clearly the blonde had other plans which was fine. But it still made her a bit sad.

“Let’s go Kate Bishop. Before I change my mind and leave you all alone.”

“Can we take your bike?”

“No!”

“Fine then I’m driving.”

“I’m not letting a child drive us there.”

“I’m 22!”

The two continue to bicker as they begin to exit the apartment, Natasha shaking her head as they leave. Yelena pauses when she gets to the doorway, looking back at Natasha. The blonde looks like she’s about to say something when Natasha cuts her off.

“Have fun little one. I’ve got to go meet with Steve.”

Yelena’s eyebrows furrow at that, she didn’t think Natasha had any more meetings that day and was just about to ask her sister to come along. The blonde looks at Natasha hard, feeling like her sister was holding something back, but not being able to figure out what. But Natasha just gives her a smile and Yelena accepts it, nodding her head slightly.

“Love you poser.”

Natasha’s heart clenches a bit but she nods. “I love you too.” Yelena gives her one last suspicious glance but hears Kate calling her and heads off.

As soon as her sister is gone, Natasha sighs deeply. She didn’t have any meetings with Steve. Well, no scheduled ones. Steve always had official business to talk about, but the Avengers had strictly limited him to one meeting a day. But she didn’t want Yelena to feel bad or obligated to invite Natasha on their outing.

The spy grabs her gear and heads down to the training room, figuring she may as well do some training if she couldn’t be out with her sister. It was a few hours before the others usually came down for training and it would be nice to have some alone time anyway. Natasha could be as charismatic and charming as ever when needed, but she was a natural introvert, so the idea of peace and silence was actually nice to her. Though she’ll admit, ever since she was reunited with Yelena, Natasha always wanted to be around her sister. It was the first time in her life Natasha constantly preferred the presence of someone else compared to solitude.

She’s doing a boxing workout with a punching bag when Steve walks in. “Pretending that’s my face or Tony’s?”

Natasha rolls her eyes at the mention of the earlier fight they all had that day. “Why pretend when I can just punch the real thing?”

Steve raises an eyebrow as Natasha smirks at him in challenge. “Careful Romanoff. I’ve been practicing more against your moves lately.”

Natasha scoffs, “So you’ve said the last decade and yet the score still sits largely in my favor.”

Steve shrugs, “Well, we haven’t sparred lately, usually you’re with Yelena.” Steve pauses as he realizes the blonde that is almost always with Natasha is not in fact there. “Where is she anyway?”

Natasha bites back the frown on her face and tries to act casual, “Out with Kate.”

Steve tilts his head and studies Natasha as she purposefully avoids his gaze and puts away her boxing gloves. Steve was the closest to Natasha aside from Clint and Yelena, and he knew the spy enough to know that she was hiding a bit of sadness right now.

“Well, gives me time to beat you up instead.” Steve claims, trying to lighten the mood. He doesn’t think Natasha would appreciate it if he asked her about her feelings.

Natasha just scoffs and steps into the ring, “Let’s see you try Rogers.”

The two engage in their spar and Natasha thinks about how fighting with Steve is different than fighting with others. Steve was one of three people that Natasha knew so well that the fights were more personal, each blow having a lot more history and meaning behind it. With Steve, they were like brother and sister, constantly trying to one up each other, knowing they could push the other to the limits and not be worried.

It was different than when she fought Clint, where they would never fully go all out. Sure, they had fought on numerous occasions as Avengers, the last time culminating in Natasha’s death. But when they sparred, neither of them could really bring themselves to harm the other. Besides, Natasha was objectively better than Clint and didn’t really want to send him back to his family beat up, even if Laura would forgive her.

And then of course there was Yelena. Sparring with Yelena was special to the redhead, just as everything she did with her sister was special. Steve and Natasha went all out while Clint and Natasha held back, but when the sisters sparred it was more like a synchronized dance. Each moving perfectly in time with the other until one of them eventually made a mistake. It was interesting how the fighting patterns really reflected their actual relationship, but as Natasha fights Steve now, she can’t help but wish it was Yelena she was sparring with. Yelena was by far her favorite sparring partner, just as the blonde was Natasha’s favorite person in the whole world.

“Give it up Rogers.” Natasha says from her point above Steve as she has him in a chokehold.

Steve grumbles and taps out. They had gone for three rounds and Natasha had won two.

“Good fight Romanoff.” Steve nods at her and Nat rolls her eyes at Steve’s chivalry. Whenever Yelena lost she’d just pout and tackle Natasha until the sisters ended up rolling around the ring in a tickle fight. Natasha’s stomach clenches at the thought, she missed her sister.

Soon others begin to filter in and Natasha and Steve both take up their roles as training mentors. Natasha keeps her eye on the door, hoping her sister will walk in at any moment, but she never does. Natasha sighs when they’re done, she doesn’t know what she expected, Kate and Yelena would probably be at the mall all day.

The spy showers and heads back to their apartment, frowning when she feels the darkness and silence of place. She quickly grabs cereal for dinner, not having the interest to try to make anything better, and climbs into bed, flipping on the TV. She knows she can go hang out with the others, but even though she had lived at the compound for years, she could only handle so much of her fellow Avengers in a day. She really just wants to snuggle with her sister right now, but darkness has already fallen with no sign of Yelena.

“Friday, is my sister okay?”

“Location says she is at the movies right now. Vital signs from her watch are normal.”

Natasha nods, feeling relieved that Yelena was okay, but also sad she was out without her and would likely be back late if she was at a movie.

Natasha doesn’t know when she falls asleep, but she’s jerked awake by Yelena stumbling into the apartment. She looks at the clock. 1am.

“Get out of here Kate Bishop!” Yelena laughs as Kate heads off to her own quarters.

Natasha resists the urge to groan at all the noise and subtly buries her face further into the pillows. A few minutes later Natasha feels her sister climb into bed and throw an arm around her.

“Night Natashka.” Yelena mumbles. And despite being annoyed at the blonde, Natasha softens a bit, leaning in slightly toward her sister and falling back asleep.

The next day Natasha wakes up at her normal 6am time. She glances over at her sister and can’t resist her smile as the blonde is completely out, mouth wide open. She places a quick kiss on Yelena’s forehead and gets up to go to her meetings.

When the spy gets back, she’s happy to find Yelena is at the apartment, but when she rounds the corner she sees Kate there as well, eating breakfast with her sister.

Yelena looks up with a quick smile, “Hey poser.”

Natasha nods, “Hey guys.” Yelena frowns at her sister’s distant response but Kate interrupts her thoughts.

“So you still never saw the Statue of Liberty, Yelena?”

The blonde frowns, “No, it was still under construction when I was in New York and then had to be rebuilt after spiderboy destroyed it.”

“We should go see it!”

Natasha’s heart sinks at that, she had hoped she’d be able to take Yelena there soon on one of her days off.

Meanwhile, Yelena hesitates slightly, not really knowing how to tell Kate she wanted to see it with Natasha and not her.

“You guys should go today.” Yelena’s eyes snap to Natasha’s, studying her sister with confusion. She thought she saw hints of sadness in those perfect green eyes, but the older sister just nods her head in encouragement.

“Could we really??” Kate asks excitedly.

“You guys could take a jet.” Natasha says mechanically, trying not to let her feelings show.

“Seriously? You know how to fly a jet, Yelena?”

Yelena rolls her eyes. “Trained assassin for 21 years.” Natasha’s heart clenches at the mention of the Red Room to Kate, and she purposefully avoids Yelena’s gaze, even though the comment was said as a joke.

“Right…sorry.”

Kate gets up with excitement. “I’ll go get my stuff and we can head out!”

Yelena nods, just staring at her sister whose back is turned to her as Natasha washes the dishes. Natasha feels Yelena’s gaze on her as Kate leaves but doesn’t turn around.

“Natashka?” Yelena walks hesitantly behind her sister.

“Ms. Romanoff, Mr. Stark is requesting your presence immediately.” Friday cuts in.

Natasha almost sighs in relief, not really wanting to face her sister at that moment. She felt stupid for being jealous and wanting all her sister’s time. It wasn’t fair, especially considering when tons of people wanted Natasha’s time, including Tony at that moment apparently.

The spy steels her features and turns around. “Have a nice time little one.” She brushes a quick kiss against her sister’s forehead before heading off, leaving Yelena frowning deeply. But then Kate is back and dragging Yelena off to the city before the blonde can think about it more.

Natasha doesn’t get back to the apartment until late that night, collapsing on the bed in exhaustion. Tony had made a mess of things on a business trip in Russia of all places and had called Natasha in as emergency backup. Normally she would have told Tony to handle his own problems but since Yelena was gone, she didn’t really have anything else to do and Tony had made a huge mess. So she spent the next 12 hours on the phone and in conference meetings to help smooth things over.

Natasha frowns deeply at the empty apartment. She knew Yelena wouldn’t be back yet, but all she wanted right now was to snuggle with her sister and complain about the billionaire. Yelena was a surprisingly great listener, at least with Natasha. And probably Kate, Nat thinks bitterly. She rubs at her temples and tries to chase the jealousy away, grabbing cereal for dinner again since Yelena was the one that made sure Natasha ate decently and Yelena wasn’t there.

Natasha falls asleep alone again and wakes up at 3am, panicking when she realizes Yelena hasn’t come back yet. She grabs her phone and sees a voicemail from her sister.

“Hey poser, don’t worry, I’m okay. Я обещаю это реально[1].” Yelena starts with their code phrase to make sure Natasha knows she is okay.

“We’re staying at Kate’s mom’s house for the night. We saw Rogers the Musical and it ran late. It was awful.” Yelena chuckles and pauses for a moment, and Natasha almost feels as if her sister is right there telling her about her day. But then the moment is shattered.

“Kate wants to show me Times Square tomorrow. I know you have a big meeting with the cool kids so will be busy. But if you want me to come back, just tell me.” Yelena pauses again as if she thinks her sister will respond over the voicemail. Natasha wipes at her eyes, slightly shocked to realize she was crying. “Anyway, I love you.”

The line clicks.

Natasha throws her phone in frustration, wiping at her eyes. She’s never felt like this before. Jealously, anger, annoyance at herself, her sister, and Kate.

She gets up and paces around the room as she really begins to analyze the situation. Kate could give Yelena so much of what Natasha couldn’t. An experience of wonder and innocence that widows from the Red Room would never have. Insight into being a normal young person that Natasha didn’t have. Actual time. Natasha was always busy with Avengers business that the Avengers leaders were determined to handle themselves so that others like Kate and Yelena wouldn’t have to take on the responsibilities. So it really was probably better that Yelena spend time with Kate than her.

She clenches her jaw and forces down her emotion, typing out a quick reply to Yelena saying that she would be fine and to have fun at Times Square. She then crawls back into bed but doesn’t sleep at all the rest of the night without her sister.

The next day is pretty awful for the spy, but no one would ever know. Well, Yelena would, but she wasn’t there. Tony had a bunch of political high-ups at the compound and the Avengers spent the day negotiating and charming them. Natasha was at the forefront of it all. She was the best at the task, but it exhausted her. Too many men had tried to make a pass at her, and she couldn’t tell them off like she normally would, knowing they needed the meetings to go smoothly. She desperately wished Yelena was there, knowing her sister would silently beat up the guys behind the scenes to protect her, but she wasn’t there.

Yelena also wasn’t there when Natasha gets back to the apartment well past midnight. Natasha only feels slight worry, feeling more angry and sad than anything else. Maybe Yelena would just stay in New York City with Kate, away from all this. That would be a better life for the blonde anyway.

Natasha collapses in bed, dazing in and out of consciousness, not able to sleep well without Yelena. It’s nearly morning by the time Natasha feels the bed shift, indicating Yelena was home. The blonde reaches out to put her arm around her sister but as soon as she makes contact she feels the redhead tense and almost jerk away from her. Yelena frowns, pulling back to look at her sister, but Natasha just continues to pretend to be asleep and Yelena sighs and pulls her arm back.

Natasha wakes up early the next day, leaving the apartment before she knows Yelena would wake up. She spends the entire day at her work, not even going down to the gym or common rooms. She sees Yelena walk by the office she and Tony are working in and the blonde’s eyes widen. Yelena stops to say something to Natasha, but they hear Kate calling to Yelena in the distance and Natasha looks away, purposefully talking to Tony. When she looks back, Yelena is gone.

This goes on for the next week or more. Natasha distancing herself from Yelena and pouring herself into work. Though they still slept in the same bed out of habit, Natasha would leave before Yelena woke up, and pretend to be asleep whenever Yelena was around. She thought it could make the pain hurt less, but it never did. But she knew if she had to let Yelena go, she had to get used to not having the blonde in her life. Besides, every time she saw Yelena, Kate was with her, so she didn’t think the blonde missed her that much.

One night Natasha gets back even later than normal, feeling so exhausted she wouldn’t be surprised if she woke up sick the next day. She hadn’t even seen Yelena that morning, the blonde had been gone when she woke up. Friday had told her that Yelena had gone to the shooting range with Kate for the day.

When she walks into the apartment, she sees Yelena sitting alone at the kitchen table, a half drunken bottle of vodka next to her.

The sisters’ eyes lock for what feels like the first time in years, even though it’s only been a few weeks. Natasha thinks about making a run for it, but knows this confrontation was bound to happen. She clenches her jaw slightly to resist crying, feeling like her sister was a thousand miles away even though she was right there. They had never gone through something like this since they were reunited. But Natasha wonders that given all her baggage, maybe they always had an expiration date. Yelena deserved a normal life that Natasha and the Avengers could never give her.

“You’re avoiding me.”

Natasha just stares harder at the blonde and Yelena internally cringes. She hadn’t really meant to start off that harsh, even if she was annoyed at Natasha. Honestly Yelena had been trying to spend time with her sister the past week but every time she had, Natasha had been busy with work or brushed her off. She didn’t understand it, Natasha was always busy, but also always made time for Yelena.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Natasha says in an evenly measured voice, grabbing the bottle of vodka and taking a big sip.

Yelena growls in frustration at the words. Natasha could be cool and avoidant with anyone else, but she had always been upfront with Yelena, even when the two were angry at each other. So to hear her cold and calculating now was like a slap in the face.

Yelena stands up so they’re face to face, both with challenge in their eyes. But Yelena softens when also sees deep sadness in her sister’s eyes, buried beneath waves of anger and annoyance.

“What’s wrong Natasha? Did I do something wrong? If I did, I’m sorry. Let me fix it.” Yelena pleads it, she just wanted her sister back.

Yelena sees pain flicker across Natasha’s face before she can hide it. “No, you did nothing wrong Yelena.”

It was the truth. Yelena hadn’t done anything wrong. Natasha’s own insecurities were just getting in the way. Yelena had every right to live the life she wanted, and Natasha was determined to not hold her back from that anymore.

Natasha looks away and Yelena cringes as Natasha says her full name. It was something Natasha only did when she was angry at the blonde or having a really bad day. And from the looks of it, both were true right now.

“Then why have you been avoiding me?”

“I haven’t been avoiding you!” Natasha snaps. The spy instantly bites her cheek, cursing herself at letting her emotion out. She knew it would lead nowhere good, but the last few weeks had been so frustrating and painful.

“Really? Because I’ve seen you like 5 times in the last 2 weeks for like a minute each time!”

“And whose fault is that!?” Natasha spits out.

“You’re the one working all the time!” Yelena yells it without really thinking about what Natasha said. If she had, she’d have seen the truth.

Natasha just stares at Yelena, fighting back tears. The redhead nods quietly. She digs into her pocket and pulls out a key, putting it on the table.

Yelena frowns, picking up the key. “What is this?”

“A key.”

“No shit.”

Natasha glares at her sister before continuing, “For an apartment in New York City.”

Yelena stiffens at that, starting to panic. Did Natasha want to move out? Had things gotten that bad between them?

Natasha gulps, “It’s for you.”

Yelena’s eyes widen. Natasha wanted her to move out. That was far worse.

“Natasha…” Yelena begs, crying at this point.

Natasha just turns, not able to look at her sister. “You deserve a normal life Yelena. Away from all this. I’m sorry I held you back from it for so long.”

Yelena wipes at her eyes as she looks at her sister in confusion. “What?”

Natasha isn’t really listening though, “It’s okay. I can’t escape this life at this point. But you can. You should. I checked the place myself. It’s completely secure and close to Kate’s house. We can visit each other fairly easily.” Natasha’s lip trembles at the last part and she bites it hard enough to taste blood in her mouth.

Yelena isn’t really listening though, caught up on the previous sentence. Kate’s house. Yelena finally understands what’s going on and curses herself.

Kate had been at the compound the last few weeks for a visit and Yelena had felt obligated to hang out with her. Well, not obligated, she did enjoy Kate’s company and considered her a friend, but it was only because Kate was visiting for a short period of time that she felt the need to spend extra time with the archer. Yelena never meant for them to constantly be hanging out together, but she was still new to the whole friendship thing and didn’t want to hurt Kate’s feelings by telling Kate she wanted to spend more time with Natasha, especially when she could see Natasha anytime.

When Kate had recommended going to the Statue of Liberty, Yelena had been disappointed, wanting to go with Natasha. But then Natasha told them to go and Yelena had just assumed her sister really wanted that. And then Kate had been so insistent to show her other things like musicals and Times Square that she felt the need to say yes. Now she’s deeply regretting those decisions, or at least how she handled them. She’s sure Kate would have been fine with Yelena postponing some of their outings.

It then occurs to her that in the last few weeks, Natasha had rarely seen her without Kate by her side. Now she understands why Natasha had implied earlier that it had been her fault the sisters hadn’t seen each other much. Because it was. And now Natasha was thinking that it was a sign that Yelena wanted a life away from the Avengers, away from Natasha. Yelena couldn’t think of something she wanted less.

“Natasha…” Yelena picks up the key, wanting to hurl it out the window. She goes to stand in front of her sister who is turned away. Her heart clenches as she sees tears running down the spy’s face.

Yelena tucks the key back in Natasha’s pocket. “I don’t want this.” Yelena mumbles.

Natasha just scoffs and wipes at her eyes. “Yelena, you should take it-“

“Shut up.” Yelena presses her forehead to Natasha’s, tears in her own eyes. “I don’t want to leave. Don’t make me leave you.”

Natasha’s eyes flicker as if she’s surprised at Yelena’s words. The blonde’s heart clenches as she realizes that Natasha was used to people leaving. Even the Avengers had left her at one point. So the idea of someone wanting to stay was surprising to the spy.

“Lena…” Natasha shakes her head and pulls away, still trying to convince her sister to go.

Yelena pulls the redhead back harshly, “No. I’m not leaving you. You can’t make me!”

“I’m not making you.” Natasha whispers. All I want is for you to stay.

Yelena sniffles and wipes at her tears. “I’m sorry.” Yelena whispers back. Natasha’s heart melts a bit, despite the pain she felt. There was no need for Yelena to apologize.

“I didn’t mean to spend all my time with Bishop.” Yelena murmurs. “She just kept dragging me places and I didn’t know how to say no without hurting her feelings.” Yelena eyebrows furrow then, “Wow I just realized, is that how you feel when I drag you places?”

Natasha gives her sister a confused look, but her lips twitch upward slightly for the first time in weeks. “Probably not.” Natasha mutters, “I’ll happily follow you anywhere Lena.”

Yelena chuckles a bit through her tears and brings her hand to Natasha’s neck, pulling them back together so their foreheads were touching again. “Bishop’s back home in the city.” Yelena glances down purposefully at the key in Natasha’s pocket. “And I’m not following her there. She’s a good friend, but she’s no poser.”

Natasha rolls her eyes but can’t resist the smile on face as she feels relief start to wash over her that Yelena actually wanted to stay.

“Are you sure little one? It would be a lot better life. Away from all these meetings and political debates and dangerous missions.”

Yelena just scoffs, “Are you kidding? A life without those things sounds awful.” Natasha raises an eyebrow at that. Yelena shrugs, “Okay, I mean the meetings and political debates don’t sound fun, but dangerous missions do.”

“Besides,” Yelena fiddles with the baby hairs on Natasha’s neck absently as she presses against Natasha’s forehead harder, “A life away from you isn’t a life I want to live.” Yelena whispers quietly.

Natasha sniffles and pulls Yelena into a tight hug, the sisters finally embracing for the first time in weeks. “I don’t want you to leave little one.” Natasha half sobs in Yelena’s ear.

“I’m not going to.” Yelena mutters, clinging to her sister tightly. “If I had to choose between seeing only you or seeing everyone else in the world for the rest of my life, I’d choose you.”

Natasha tightens her grip on her sister at that and cries harder. The two stand there for a long time embracing each other, both feeling relief from the fear they both had the past few weeks that they were losing the other.

“Mmm I missed your smell.” Yelena mumbles absently against Natasha’s neck after a while.

Natasha lets out a watery laugh, “You’re cute little one.”

Yelena pokes her sister in the ribs. “Shut up poser!” Nat just laughs. “You’re the one that was all jealous of stupid Kate Bishop.” Yelena grumbles, feigning annoyance.

Natasha’s eyes narrow at that but Yelena just grins. “It’s not my fault you’re so likeable.” Natasha mumbles.

Yelena grins and grabs the vodka, heading into the living room. “You’re right, I can’t help but be this charming.”

Natasha rolls her eyes, smiling with joy at how easily they had fallen back into their normal relationship. She follows Yelena into the living room and sits on the couch. The blonde immediately snuggles up to her sister and Natasha feels peace for the first time in weeks.

“Besides, you’re the one that the entire world wants attention from.” Yelena pouts, looking up at her sister.

Natasha chuckles, “Yeah, it kind of sucks.”

“Yep it does.” Yelena agrees.

Natasha grips her sister tighter, running her hands through Yelena’s hair and making the blonde hum in contentment. “You’re the only one that ever gets my real attention though little one.”

Yelena grins smugly, “I know.”

Natasha laughs and kisses Yelena’s brow.

“я тебя люблю[2].”

“я тоже тебя люблю[3].” Yelena easily responds.

“And Natasha?” The redhead tilts her head to look at her sister curiously.

“Incinerate that key. I never want to see it again.”

Natasha chuckles, biting back the tears in her eyes. It was silly of her to think Yelena wanted a different life, no matter how much better Natasha thought it could be. It was a stupid Red Room insecurity that led Natasha to think that. Natasha was used to people letting her down, it was part of the job. But Yelena had never let her down before, and she should’ve known Yelena would never leave her either. She nuzzles her nose against Yelena’s.

“As you wish Rooskaya.”

Translations [1] I promise this is real [2] I love you [3] I love you too

[sakuatsutingz]

hi can you possibly do osamu, atsumu and tsukishima when they see someone hitting on their crush (not s/o,yet)? thank youu!!

ofc !! i love this req tho omg,, enjoy !! — jamie

osamu, atsumu & tsukishima when their crush is being hit on

masterlist here

request here

osamu

so osamu has been your best friend since you guys were basically in diapers gn

and you were always attending his games in inarizaki, cheering him on !!

little did you know, samu has had a crush on you for the longest time

his heart would always go ➡️↘️↙️⬅️↗️⬇️⬆️⬇️↖️↙️ whenever you attend his games and cheer the loudest for him

well ure not just a big ass crush to him

youre his best friend and he doesnt wanna ruin your precious friendship <//3

cue years of mutual pining between u two because of that sighs

even aTSUMUS growing impatient

the line between being friends and something more is coming more to a blur every time you guys see each other

like people would think you guys are a couple already because of how close you two act towards each other <//3

but on one fateful day before his vball match started u were already in the hallways, making ur way to the gym where osamus game takes place

and it just so happened a man, who is only slightly taller than you, walked up to u and rested his arm around ur sHOULDER.

u were basically panicking bc u didnt know what to do

“heya doll, what are you doing looking all pretty here ? i say i should take you out.”

your eyebrows furrowed as soon as you heard him, and before you could shove him away from u, you were already caged between the wall

and the lord rlly said ‘let osamu witness all of this’ and boom osamu was there making his way to the water fountain with atsumu and he basically just dropped his water bottle at the sight of you uncomfortably between a wall and a stranger

as soon as he locked eyes with your quivering ones he speedwalked towards the two of u and pushed the guy away from you

“you should know, ya’ shouldn’t mess with what’s not yours.”

said osamu, bringing you closer to his chest with his left arm wrapped around your waist AAAA A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A

the man took the hint and awkwardly walked away as soon as he heard those words

the two of you then made ur way back to the gym, his hand never leaving ur side

well, maybe when you started teasing him

“‘what’s not yours’ ? are you implying that someone owns me, ‘samu-samu ?”

he stopped walking, making you flinch a little at the sudden halt of movement

he cupped your cheeks and gave it a kiss NABEBWJABIAHWIEGWISBJSBFJEBDJHXJSBSJD IM DYING

“you were always mine, got it ?”

atsumu

you've known him since the beginning of high school

and you've always stood out to him !!

you always took his flirting just as a joke

friendly thing to say </3

even though he was being dead serious the whole time

but at the same time he would literally shy away from every opportunity in asking u out

u knew him well and so does he !!

just like osamu, u attended every one of atsumus vball games, cheering him on in his passion !!

honestly he would always do his best to impress u whenever you watch him practice with the inarizaki vbc

heck he would even use 1OO% of his power just !! for u !! to notice !!

whenever he flirts w u the entire team just leaves the two of u alone

bc atsumu has probably spilled about his ever growing crush on u to them

by accident

or maybe osamu was the one to spill the tea

ANYWAYS 

before a match started you visited him on the bench just to check up on him real quick

but someone from the opposite team ran up to you before atsumu noticed your presence

“i’d never thought i’d meet someone so gorgeous like you here, why not you go sit there and cheer for me, yeah?”

meanwhile osamu notices the player go dangerously close to your face, and your eyes plead for help to his own

osamu points it out to his brother and iMMEDIATELY ATSUMU SPIKES A BALL TO THE GUY’S FACE

his aura is TERRIFYING

like do you know that weird yellow smoke thing that shows when the twins did their quick attack

THAT IS WHATS LITERALLY HAPPENING RN

but like you go bby <33

the guy runs back to his own team with a bruised face as tsumu spRINTS TOWARDS YOU

and LITERALLY kisses u JNSJNJKDNJNFFJ

911 i need an emergency my heart stopped beating

“sorry, just had to. i wanted to let ev’rybody know that miss y/n is mine and mine only, ‘kay?”

tsukishima

you, him, and yams have been a trio since elementary school

it was always you three in your own little world

he doesn't remember when he first started to form a crush on you

just like ?? since forever ??

but he's rlly good at hiding his feels sOBS

basically only yamaguchi knows

aND HE ACTUALLY TOLD ALL OF KARASUNO GN

but it's not too hard to figure out he has some sort of feels for you <33

he's a lot nicer to you then he is to most people oops

also is always offering to help you !!

like if your struggling with a class

mans is there to tutor you IM DYING

you don't often go to their games

and if you do it's usually cause yams invited you

bUT ONE DAY

he invited you to a game !!

and you knew it was important if he invited you so you agreed to it <33

you ended up going on the bus with karasuno to get to the arena cause you didn't have a way to get there

and as your loading the bus or wtv ,,

someone from karasuno comes up to you

wayyy too close tho </3

it was clear your uncomfortable with their advances

but they didn't seem to care

and just kEPT FLIRTING WITH YOU

clearly it was getting tsukki pissed gn

yamaguchi was trying to calm him down

it wasn't working SJSJDJ

he ended up basically glaring at the person flirting with you

before walking behind you

and pulling you into a back hug !!

SJSJS WHY CANT THIS BE ME

kinda just looks at the other guy then to you

"is there a problem here babe? this person annoying you?"

THIS GUY IS TERRIFIED

grumpy dino can be v intimidating and this was one of those moments </3

the other guy backs off and ya'll get on the bus

and the only open seats happen to be next to each other for you and tsukki COUGH COUGH

"so, babe huh?"

he just lowkey rolls his eyes and is like

"don't act like you didn't already know, you're mine, okay?"

and the otp of y/n x tsukki came true

[volleyball-dontknowher]

Money Troubles

Kuroo x reader, Bokuto x reader

Words: 1,8k 

Warnings: none

Summary: Reader has money troubles and the boys are so sweet about it 

A/n: Y’all this hits so close to home like I grew up really poor for a long time and if that is where you are right now, please know that things do get better and it is all going to be okay :) 

Kuroo

You and Kuroo had been friends forever and just recently made the jump from best friends to lovers and it honestly didn’t change much, except how often the two of you went out. Kuroo was always taking you out places and spoiling you rotten but you knew that you couldn’t do the same. There was no way that you could afford half of the things that he can but you have no idea how to tell him that. Every time he spends money on you you feel super guilty and bad because you can’t spend the same amount back on him and you had got him a nice gift for Christmas but that is just because you saved every last dollar to spoil him as best you could. He was your best friend and you didn't want him to have to worry about any of this but you also didn’t want him to think that you were cheap or taking advantage of him.

   The issue dwelled in your mind for weeks, you were unsure of what to say or do because you both had never gone out this often before. Tonight was your turn to choose what your date would be and you had made the easy decision, the only decision.

“So what will it be, princess?” Kuroo smirked at you from across the kitchen as he made himself a glass of water.

“Can we stay in and watch the show, Bridgerton, I’ve heard the most amazing things about it,” you smile at him trying to be convincing.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go out?” He questions as he refills his glass. It was almost a week before your next payday and you had $6 left so you really couldn’t afford to go out.

“I think staying home sounds like fun,” you lie, it’s been a stressful week and you knew he could see right through you so you avoided his curious gaze.

“Y/n, love, what is it?” He questions, unsure of your reasoning, “it was your pick and if that’s what you want to do we can go to the store and get snacks and make it a hell of a date night” he reasons with himself.

“No Kuroo that’s really okay,” you barely whisper.

“Hey, what is it?” He now is right by your side giving you the biggest puppy dog eyes.

“It’s nothing Tetsuro,” you shy away.

“If it was nothing you’d be looking at me and told me that you wanted to go try that new Indian restaurant down the street, please y/n,” he says in a calm, loving way.

“You’re right, I would like to try it, but I can’t afford it Kuroo.”

“Why would you think that you’re paying?” He asks, smiling at you.

“Because you always pay, and I always feel bad because I don’t ever pay, and it’s not fair,” you huff at him.

“Y/n Y/l/n I pay because I can pay and because I want to pay and because I know you would never treat yourself to a nice meal even if you did have the money, which by the way is not something you should be embarrassed of. I spent the first two years of our friendship absolutely broke at all times, I slept on Bo’s couch for god sake and you have to be really desperate to do that. Trust me when I tell you that it’s okay, it gets better and once it does then you can bet your ass that I’m still paying for our dates because I have been waiting years to date you and now that I am I am going to spoil the shit out of you, okay? Okay. So get your ass dress we’re getting indian, end of discussion.”

You had no idea what to say or do, he really just said to hell with it and left the room to get ready so you were stuck sitting there alone with your thoughts. ‘How the hell did he know?’ You panicked, worried that this was why he decided to ask you out and date you and that he was going to get sick of you and sick of paying and want to leave.

“I am ordering two meals with or without you so get your ass ready or I’m gonna eat them both” Kuroo mumbles as he brushes his teeth.

You get ready and go out to dinner with him and have an amazing time laughing and eating together. A couple weeks after Kuroo gives you a little wrapped box with your name on it. It was a key to his house with your initials engraved on it.

“Y’know if you ever want to come over, or even” he is blushing a deep red, “or even, I know it’s early, but I’ve known you forever and I can’t see us ever I don’t know, breaking up, so unless you do, I mean, it would be kinda cool if we lived together.”

You sat there in complete shock, did Kuroo just ask if you wanted to move in with him?! You gave him the biggest smile ever as you nodded at him completely speechless.

“But you have to bring your furniture, it’s wayyy nicer than mine and we had our first kiss on that couch so it has to come too.”

And little did you know not only did you move in now mean that you live with your best friend 24/7 but you also don’t grocery shop and your rent is way cheaper because he’s lived there forever. He never once judged or made you feel bad for not being able to pay for things and if he was ever strapped for cash as well you had the best stay in movie nights ever.

Bokuto

Bokuto was a smart guy, sometimes. He may have his dumb moments but he always knew how much he spent and kept a good and accurate budget so he got to live a pretty care free life (it also doesn’t help that he got a volleyball scholarship that paid for his college and you have $500 a month payments) , you on the other hand weren’t as fortunate. It seemed as though all of your money was gone before you even got your check, between food, rent, phone bill, loans, and everything else that came with being alive your little paychecks seemed to dwindle down to nothing. It was something you wanted to change, and luckily you only had a couple months left on your loans because you chose to aggressively pay them off but you wish you didn’t sometimes so you could have a little bit more to spend on life and on Bokuto, you’re adorably loving boyfriend.

It was a day like every other, the two of you out and about doing dumb things around town when you decided to go to Starbucks together. You were extra excited to get apeppermint mocha and Bo was practically vibrating with excitement-and that’s before you give him caffeine. You get up to the counter and order before inserting your card… ‘decline’ the screen reads. You have no idea what to do and your face blushes a bright red.

Without hesitation Bo steps in front of you, orders his drink and pays for your drinks before you can even process anything. He turns and smiles at you and gives you a little kiss and wraps his arms around your shoulders as you go to wait for your drink to be done.

“Bo, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize-“

“Shhh look she’s adding the whip to your drink,” he bounces excitedly hoping that means his drink is next.

You get your drinks and go sit in those giant brown chairs that are the best and most comfortable spot in the entire place and you once again try and thank him for paying for your drink and explain but he stops you again.

“Y/n, lovey, it happens to all of us, okay? Don’t worry about it, seriously. I know you overthink things like this and I don’t want or need you to. We all do it sometimes and it is okay, hell I did it last week at the store, it happens, I’ve got you now and always, so don’t stress yourself out about it. You have a lot to pay for and a lot going on so I don’t want you worrying about the small things when there are lots of bigger things that need your attention, like me. I need your attention  and so having you focus on other things is bad for me and my ego, okay?” He smiles at you after one of the most uncharacteristic moments from him ever.

You just stare at him completely in shock that he just said all of those things to you.

“Ummm helllo earth to y/n,” he repeats two or three times as he waves his hand in front of your face.

“Sorry bo.”

“Can I pleaseee have a sip of your drink? I asked like four times but you were in outer space thinking about the stars or something, but that’s okay, you’re back on earth now, please can I have a sip, it looks so good,” he smiles at you, knowing that you were worrying about it and doing the perfect job of pulling you out of whatever trance you were in.

You let him have a sip of your drink and you get a sip of his (which was even more delicious than anything you’d ever had there). Bokuto continued the conversation and pretty much held up the whole thing and made you laugh the whole time.

The following couple of weeks you noticed that Bo was super helpful and sweet about everything financial and when you finally paid off your student loans he threw you the biggest “college is too expensive” party and celebrated life with you so much. Even after things got better for you he still was happy to pay for a lot of things and even admitted to you that he has been super duper broke too and it is just what happens in life, it happens to all of us and if he finds out that you have been worrying about it than he is going to come and cuddle you to death because he can’t stand the idea of you getting upset over nothing. (Even though he does it all the time, you are different because he wants you to always be happy)

[myopicmeerkat]

Nice, understanding but kinda introverted.

Like the person with glasses who sits in the back but like is the quietest but like also eats lunch in the math period after the lunch period because fuck I'm good at math, but I'm hungry so ye *cue crunching and munching noises*

I feel like you don't sass people out a lot. You just kinda ignore the idiots irl. Like oh I see an idiot pfft cannot be bothered to waste my time sassing you out.

I feel like you probably have like at least 5 close friends. You're friendly, you're awesome *muah* mayo

I also feel like if one of your besties ever need to go to the medical room, you're the one who accompanies them.

Oh and also, you're probably like super nice and like all girls, including me lol, visit the school bathroom in flocks of at least 3.

Yes, it is true. I am kinda introverted IRL.

Glasses. Check. Person who sits in the back. Check. Quietest kid. Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. Depends on my mood. Eats lunch in the math period after the lunch break. Check. In fact, I was once punished because of this. LOL. (Seriously though, how did you figure out this habit of mine?)

This is 1000% true. I generally don't tend to waste my time or energy dealing with idiots.

Yeah, I have around 5 or 6 close friends but they aren't close enough to be called my best friends YK. You too are super-duper awesome, Soror!!!! *muah*

Yes. This is true.

First of all, you are wayyy nicer than me. And second of all, yes. I visit the school bathroom in flocks of 3 or 4 always.

OMG Soror!!!! How the heck could you be so damn accurate!? Do you, by any chance, know me IRL???

[atopearth]

Collar X Malice: Unlimited Part 6 - Side Stories

ONWARD (Kazuki SS)

Awww, I love how Akito and Kazuki first met. I think it's really cool that it was Kazuki who chased after him and was interested in him because he saw him doing music related stuff. I guess I'm so used to Kazuki being so harsh and whatever with Ichika that having him actively befriend someone is refreshing haha. I thought it was so cute how Kazuki so genuinely thought Akito's music was amazing, that probably really touched him. On the other hand, it's kinda sad to hear that people only talk to Akito to make fun of him, that's so sad. I wonder if Akito just allows it too because of what happened to his sister, so he wants to know how she might have felt? Anyway, I really love how Akito didn't listen to Kazuki, and told him straight the first time he went over to his place and met Ichika that she was just worried about Akito being here considering how late it was, and that he should greet her since he's in their home, and that it wasn't wrong for Ichika to be worried about him, which I'm very glad for. Kazuki is wayyy too blinded into thinking of Ichika as "the enemy" that it gets really frustrating a lot of the time. Anyway, seeing Ichika in third person perspective is interesting, she's so cute~ It's really cool how much Akito expanded Kazuki's world in music, like not only did he introduce him to bands and other people who play guitar that can give him better advice on his playing, but Akito also tried his best to contribute a lot to helping Kazuki mend his relationship with Ichika. LMAO at Kazuki's imagination of what Isshiki was going to be like and then called him ordinary😂😂

I really enjoyed seeing much more insight into Isshiki's feelings to his pro debut being cancelled. I think what hit me the most was when he talked about starting solo again, and people came to see the "tragic vocalist that got mistakenly arrested" instead of listening to his music as a musician, and I think that probably broke his heart quite a bit. I can see why he would have wanted to quit. Isshiki is really admirable though, but I guess hearing about Fujii's death pushed him to putting everything he could into his music, since it made him realise that your daily life can shatter in an instant, so he wants to appreciate every opportunity and chance he has to sing, and share his music and feelings to as many people as he can. Hearing Akito shout at Kazuki saying he doesn't have the right to continue composing music, especially as a pro made me really sad. The whole time from when Akito met Kazuki to them having fun tweaking their music and everything, Akito was suffering. He was happy that he could compose music and find it fun again, but he also felt really guilty for "having fun" because this was something he felt that he took away from his sister. It was because of this "fun" that he chose to ignore her and signs of her plight because it was too annoying to deal with, and that regret torments him to this day. And then now on top of that, the guilt and pain of all those bullies' lives are weighing on him because he told Zero that the whole class was a part of it and practically deserved to die, and then they did... It's understandable why Akito would think that he doesn't deserve anything "happy" since all he's been doing is taking away lives and the happiness of others.

Honestly, I love Akito and Kazuki's relationship, so seeing them make up and have Akito admit he really enjoys composing music etc was really nice. I also loved how Akito gave Kazuki his own guitar pick, it was so pretty! I'm so glad Akito got them to all take a photo before Kazuki's debut concert with Isshiki and officially formed a band with him. I'm glad Akito wanted to keep such a precious memory. And yep, I really loved this side story. I honestly didn't think there was much to add to Kazuki, Akito's and Isshiki's story anymore but I'm glad I was wrong haha! I think the emotions, their thoughts and their feelings throughout the story were portrayed really well to kinda show how much of a journey Kazuki was on whilst all the X-Day stuff were happening. It was like a whole different life compared to Ichika. But anyway, I really liked how we got to see more of the friendship between the three of them and how they all worked hard because of their passion for music, and how they felt connected to each other through listening to each other's music. I think that's really sweet and I can see better why Akito and Isshiki were always so protective of Kazuki and really understood him, and wanted Ichika to acknowledge him and his hard work. Still doesn't change the fact that I didn't like his attitude to her in the main story, but I liked seeing Kazuki try his best to grow in music and as a person with Akito's and Isshiki's support and acknowledgment.

Pride (Minegishi SS)

I guess it's interesting to see that aside from civilians in Shinjuku having to try and get used to normal life again, Minegishi is also trying to get used to dealing with "normal cases" and prioritising those rather than just X-Day incidents. I guess it's to expected since the Investigations HQ is disbanding. Considering how much SCRPO gets looked down upon, I'm really happy that Ichika and her diligence in telling civilians to report anything suspicious helped Minegishi and them solve a case with a kidnapper. LOL when Minegishi said he wants to be closer with all his subordinates and then he told Ichika she can call him "Mine-chan"😂😂😂 Imagine calling him that at the police station😂😂 Anyway, I've always really liked how sincere Minegishi is, so I was really happy when he personally went to thank Ichika for helping out with the case, praised her, and then even took her out to lunch. Anyway, even though the incidents are over, people like Saeki and other Adonis members haven't been captured, so it's understandable for Minegishi to still "care" about the X-Day stuff.

I know Minegishi is mainly interested in Ichika because of how crucial she was to solving the X-Day incidents and he wants to know more about her to see why they targeted her but awww, it would be so cool to have a Minegishi route! Lmaoo at Minegishi's joke saying he came to the station just to see Ichika and receive chocolates from her😂 It was so cuteee when Ichika ran after him and actually gave him chocolates she prepared~🥰 It's so cute how Minegishi loves teasing Ichika because of her funny and honest reactions🥲 I loved the chat Minegishi had with Sasazuka and Okazaki at the cafe hahaha, they're all interested in Ichika in their own way, it's so adorable lol. It's nice to see that Minegishi was in a sense frustrated that he believed he could lead the way to solve the X-Day incidents but in the end relied on one of the many subordinates he didn't take notice of alongside a group of police dropouts. I guess that would be difficult to face when you're so capable. I'm glad Minegishi was a bit more honest with her about his intentions and thoughts. Awww, I loved how Ichika teased Minegishi back in the car ride home! I totally dig their relationship and would have super loved an actual route with Minegishi, so cuteee!

Overall, definitely more of a fluff story than anything else. Makes you wish that Minegishi had a route, but also gives a bit more insight into the idea of the X-Day incidents "ending" and missing it. It makes me miss the main plot of the original game haha, and I guess that was the aim of this route, but at the same time, gotta move forward to accept other things~

Crossroad (Yoshinari SS)

Honestly, I've always loved Yoshinari because he's obviously capable considering he's in the SP, but he's so silly it's hilarious. Lmaooo at his drawings and notes on all the guys, I loved Enomoto's and Sasazuka's ones, totally shows their personalities😂😂 Yoshinari's sound effects are so funny, especially when he's sad🤣 Hahahahah, Shiraishi calls Yoshinari Inari-kun😂 I actually like inari sushi hahaha. Anyway, considering Shiraishi's nicknames for Sasazuka and Enomoto, him naming Yoshinari anything is actually friendly lol. It was so cute how happy Yoshinari was when he got Ichika to laugh, he's so adorable for trying so hard to talk to her so she won't feel so tense and guarded around him. Considering all the "exotic" things Okazaki likes to try, I'm surprised the durian shake is the one that made Yoshinari nearly vomit hahaha, but maybe that's just because I'm used to the people around me liking durian.

LMAO when Yoshinari collapsed from hunger and even made Kazuki be nicer (since he was initially quite prickly with Yoshinari) and carry him to their apartment to feed him lol. It's actually kinda cute how that encounter ended up making Kazuki feel like it was easier to approach Yoshinari and chat with him lol. Omg, I didn't expect Yoshinari's past and his relationship with his parents to actually be so...sad. I mean, I can understand to an extent why his parents might feel "resentment" or whatever towards Yoshinari since he never came home, was in a gang etc whilst they were probably working their asses off just to make ends meet, but I honestly don't think I can really empathise with them if they can say something to him like just die somewhere that won't trouble them or whatever, like really??? That's just such a cruel thing to say to your child. It's depressing to think that Yoshinari wanted to make up with them and tried to be an upstanding guy and worked hard to be an SP and stuff to show them that he's changed, but they didn't even want to give him a chance and literally just disowned him, that's really terrible.

I love how Yoshinari would willingly "make fun" of himself just to defuse and ease a situation (when Kazuki and Ichika clashed after she followed him to his band practice place), but I really love his sincerity. He's not great with his words, but seeing his sincerity and consideration for Kazuki made Ichika understand that she could trust him and wait for Kazuki because someone like Yoshinari asked her to, and that gives her confidence since she isn't aware what Kazuki is always up to. I think it's sweet to see Ichika appreciated that and told him that she trusts him, and I think that really helped Yoshinari too, since he always feels like he's "trouble" because of his past, but hearing someone appreciate him for doing what he did must make him happy. Lmao at everyone in the office being mean to Yoshinari for planning on going on a date with Ichika hahah. Aww, Yoshinari in work mode is pretty cool~ 

Aww, Ichika crying and hugging Kazuki feeling relieved that he's okay and not in danger anymore was so cute. Gotta feel sorry for Kazuki, he's always targeted lmao. Anyway, seeing the scene with Ichika and Kazuki being able to be more honest with each other and care for each other openly made me really happy. It also made me think, this is probably one of the reasons why I always found it "sad" in Sasazuka's route that they made it like Kazuki needed to "grow up" and live by himself so she could be with Sasazuka properly, when I feel like it's so sad that Kazuki and Ichika have finally made up and can be a "proper" family now, but they didn't even get to spend much time together yet. But it's okay lol, since we get to see her bond with Kazuki in moments like these in other routes.

I can understand why Yoshinari is so insistent on detaching himself from Ichika and them though. As an emotional person myself, when I get attached to people, it would definitely affect my feelings, my thoughts and how I handle things regardless of how much I want to stay logical, so I usually adopt something similar to Yoshinari's way of doing things. But I'm so glad that Yoshinari just went screw that after Ichika gave him a scarf for Christmas haha. In the end, as he said, people aren't machines, and life is too short to hesitate and give up on things like that when it's so difficult to find someone you actually like! Too bad the world wants to bully Yoshinari too, so even though he was able to talk back to Okazaki and tell him he seriously wanted to tell Ichika his feelings, the writers didn't want him to lol. Oh, and I loved how all the guys treated Yoshinari like an abandoned puppy outside in the cold and kept giving him food and stuff so he would keep warm whilst on the job, that was so cute hahaha.

Overall, I quite liked Yoshinari's story, I think it was really cute to see how even though Yoshinari is kinda like the "joke" character that gets bullied, he also has a past that allowed him to connect with Kazuki on a deeper level and help mend Kazuki and Ichika's relationship in his own way. I really liked how sincere Yoshinari was to everyone, and I think it's with such a personality that everyone is able to do the same with him. I think a romance with Yoshinari and Ichika would be so adorable with how they are, and I also really like his friendship with Kazuki so I think they would be a really warm family hahahah. If only we got proper routes for all these side characters🥲🥲🥲 Definitely enjoyed all the side stories and in a sense, they were probably much more fun than the actual routes haha!

[renaxwrites]

Eleven

.08 - No Control

synopsis: the number Eleven had always appeared in milestones of your life. it was a constant, and you didn’t know why. but you would soon find out when you study abroad in japan and meet Him.

pairing: tsukishima x fem!reader

warnings: none!

masterlist: here :)

a/n: it’s been a quick minute! also I’m not entirely sure how taxis and such work in Japan, so for the sake of the story, we’re using uber! no smelly taxis for you ma’am >:) also I picked bops I felt fit with the groups lol don’t fight me on the vibes I got :) also here’s a TikTok that inspired the Suga scene: <3 !

previous || next

I can’t contain this anymore. I’m all yours, I’ve got no control.

“Are you sure this looks okay? I feel a little more breeze than usual...”

“Y/n, it’s fine! You look stunning. And if you don’t believe me, ask Mizuki. MIZUKI-SAN!! We need some confirmation over here!!” Suga bellowed.

You, Suga, and Mizuki were all centered in the main room. Even Akiteru was home for the night. Tonight was the volleyball “get-together” downtown, with not only Karasuno, but with other schools as well.

Everyone was expected to dress a little nicer, since it was a night out in the town. Tsukki and Yamaguchi has already left, getting ready within 10 minutes. He walked out the door as soon as he heard, “I’ll be ready in 2 hours...minimum” come out of your mouth. And you’re glad he did. For now.

Your fashion choice was mutually decided that past weekend between Suga and Yachi, who were both in on your “karaoke confession” plan. Their dress choice for you made you feel like a dream. You had eyebrows fleekd, the lashes on, the eyeliner pointed, the heels strapped, the whole she-bang! However, you were worried about actually going out in it. Right now it looks good in your room, but how does it look outside of it?

“Y/n dear, you look ever-so lovely. And might I say, I’m sure it’ll turn the head of even a more emotionally unaware, six foot tall, blonde player,” Mizuki truthfully reassures.

Wait. WHAT?

Your reaction was like an open book, causing the room to chuckle.

“Yes, y/n, as emotionally constipated as my brother is, it’s a little obvious there’s a little chemistry between you two. And itd be ludicrous if he didn’t see you in that dress like we do. If he doesn’t, I’ll teach him a lesson myself,” Akiteru punches his empty hand.

“Well...if you say so...”

“But before you go, let me take a picture! You all look adorable!” Mizuki exclaimed.

A few minutes of photo-snapping later, you were off! Since the event was farther, the two of you shared an uber for convenience. You were already struggling with breaking in your new heels, there was no way you were going to make it! Thank goodness for Suga’s common sense.

  ─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Soon, you arrived in front a low-lighted club, with neon lights accenting it’s features. The only detail setting apart from a real club was that it was being rented out to you, majority minors, so no alcohol would be seen in any of your hands. Not all of you were minors, but none of you were at the country’s drinking age yet.

The bass from the music amplified the atmosphere, which suddenly closed in on you, making you nervous. Suga noticed right away, and was quick to put a rub your shoulder and let you know “everything is fine, don’t worry.”

He leads you to where the main mingling was happening. Immediately, you see players who you recognized, but don’t quite know. You stride up to a group seated on a leather couch, seating Daichi, Hinata, and Yamaguchi. Beside them were a bed-headed individual, a pudding-haired boy talking only to Shoyo, an owl-looking dude, and a very dashing raven-haired boy. Oh, and Tsukishima. Can’t forget him.

“Oy! You guys made it!” Daichi announced. “Now everyone is here! Before we start, let me introduce these guys. This here is Kuroo and Kenma, captain and setter for Nekoma. Bokuto, and Akaashi, captain and setter for Fukurodani.”

Formalities were exchanged, but Tsukishima hasn’t uttered a word yet. He was too occupied with how Suga’s hand was on your back when you first walked in. Why’d you come with him? And that one second of silence before Daichi’s greeting. Within that split moment, he noticed all 8 of the boys on the couch had drank in your appearance. Including himself. How could he help it, when you looked as angelic as the way you did?

Only Kuroo was cheeky enough to comment on it. “Daichi, you never told me you had such cute managers! Hope you don’t mind me transferring to Karasuno,” he said with a wink sent your way.

“Keep flirting like a creep and I’ll sit you on the bench for the whole season if you do transfer,” Daichi half-jokingly replied. Kuroo only cackled in response.

“But you do look very pretty, y/n-san. I almost didn’t recognize you for a second! Very pretty!” Hinata innocently piped up. If Tsukishima was ever thankful for Hinata, it was now, as his comment made you blush.

“Let’s get this started! Captains, up to the front please!” Daichi announced, leading the captains present to the front of the room.

You and Suga replace the spot where Daichi and Bokuto were. It was then that Tsukishima decided to acknowledge your presence. With a shoulder tap.

“So. It took you two hours to pull something together like that? Looks like it only took 20 minutes to me,” was the first thing that he said.

You turn to look at him. Raising a brow, you ask, “Tsukishima. On average it takes me 12 minutes to get ready for school. And on the few months we’ve known each other, have you seen me with makeup on? Or in heels? Didn’t think so sir. So sue me if I want to slap some eyeliner on.”

You cross your arms and turn the other way. In doing so, your dress hiked up your thighs, leaving your legs a little more exposed. The sight causes Tsukishima to blush and distract himself with something else.

“Alright everyone, thank you for joining us tonight! Before we get started, we want to wish all the teams a ‘good luck’ in advance!” Daichi goes on to explain the theme for the night: TikTok. Some people were confused, but most, including yourself, were super hyped for the theme.

The teams drew numbers, picking the order. First was Nekoma, Fukurodani next, followed by Karasuno.

The Nekoma third years started it off strong, dancing and singing shamelessly to Savage from the TikTok challenge. The nerves you were nursing began to dissipate as you watch how much fun the boys were having trying to ‘throw it back’. You were still holding your stomach by the time Kuroo came back to his seat, trying to comfort the aches you had from laughing so hard.

“Enjoy the show, princess?” The captain teased as he tried to keep his own laughter at bay.

You wipe a tear, not wanting to ruin your makeup. “My gosh, who knew the players of Nekoma could thow a volleyball and throw it back? Immaculate performance, a definite ten out of ten from me.”

“There’s more where that came from, if you want. I’m excited to see your attempt, though,” he countered with a wink.

Before you could retaliate, Bokuto thunderously intervened. “Hey! If you thought that was good, just wait for mine. I’ve been told I have more...what was it Akaashi?....No, one those girls said that one time....OH! I’ve got wayyy more ‘cake’ than that bed-head rooster does!” He triumphantly crossed his arms.

“Shut up owl-face! Y/N can be the judge, winner gets bragging rights.” “You’re on flat-ass!”

Nekoma had since finished their turn (in which Kenma conveniently showed up from hiding), giving Bokuto the opportunity to sprint up the karaoke stage. He had a plan set into motion. With a mini emo-episode and several attempts of bribing, the ace-captain was followed by his reluctant teammates.

They all gathered in some formation, leaving you curious. You and your seat mates ponder as to what song they would choose to try and top Nekoma’s third years.

You hear a familiar “Hold on...” burst from the speakers, and you immediately gasp aloud. Those sitting around turn to you. However, Bokuto’s next line in the mic instantly stole the attention of the whole room.

“Did you hear what the fuck I SAID??? SHAKE!! SOME ASSS!!!”

Everyone bursts in hysterics as Bokuto started enthusiastically started twerking to the beat, his teammates following his lead, much to their dismay. However, what finally killed you was when Akaashi stood silently as he began to toss one-dollar bills in his captain’s direction.

Suga handed you some tissues for you to prevent your tears from staining your makeup. Bokuto took his boastful stride back to the couch, taking his seat.

“So? Better than flat-ass over here? Guess volleyball isn’t the only thing I’m better at, Kuroo.”

The two captains await your answer, to which you silently pull out a few dollar bills.

“Kuroo, I do believe you gave your best shake, but Bokuto is the taker. Please sir, take this token and buy yourself a drink, as the winner with the best cake,” you bow your head, trying to stifle your laughter.

Bokuto finalizes your decision with a boastful “Hey Hey Heyyy!”, and goes to buy the group some water with your generous donation.

“Alright, so who from Karasuno wants to go first?” Ah, the question you secretly dreaded.

Suga gives you a look. You return a look to him, silently praying that you don’t want to go first. But Suga being Suga volunteered you both, hastily dragging you along. As the two of you ready yourselves on the mics, a conversation sparked up back where you once sat.

“Thanks for the water, Bokuto-san, I have a feeling I’m going to need it in a minute,” the Nekoma captain stated in a nonchalant tone.

“Huh? Why?” Everyone else inquires, suddenly curious. He simply leans back. Arms behind his head, eyes on you. “She’s kinda cute, dont’cha think?”

Tsukishima follows his gaze, then proceeds to glare back at his friend. Kuroo notices, then feigns innocence. “What? She’s pretty, can’t blame a guy for noticing...why? You have your eye on her too or something, Tsukishima-kun?”

The blonde then breaks his stare, scowling. “Or something.”

The expression Tsukki wore when watching you told Kuroo otherwise.

Back onstage, you silently pray that Suga’s mystery song choice was a decent one. You trusted the man, but then again, some choices of his were questionable.

“Okay y/n, you ready? And don’t say no because we’re doing it no matter what you say!” he flashes you a blinding smile. You just nod in response and try not to sweat.

The song begin, and everyone instantly is hit with the familiar sound. You turn to Suga and lightly slap his arm playfully. “You really picked this one? I haven’t heard this in so long!” To which he responds, “Can’t blame me!” You couldn’t come up with a response before he began to sing his heart out, releasing all he needed to say within the words of the song.

“Can’t count the years on one hand that we’ve been together...I need the other one to hold you, make you feel, make you feel better...”

The sound was sucked out of the room, with Suga being the only one to fulfill it. You were so mesmerized by his voice you found yourself swaying to the music, your body having a mind of its own.

“I should be over all the butterflies, but I’m into you, I’m into you. And baby even on our worst nights, I’m into you...”

Before your part arose, he picks up your hand and spins you around in time with the melody. This was enough to bring you to your senses. Suga gives your fingers a squeeze as you began your part.

“Recount the night that I first met your mother, and on the drive back to my house I told you that, told you that I loved ya...”

The way the stage lights presented you had your friends captivated. There was something different about you as you sang your lullaby. The movement of your hips was captivating to a certain boy you once linked pinkies with. The reflection of your dress in tune with your movements left him breathless. Tsukishima swore thw way you looked into his eyes while mustering out “I’m still into you...” was for him. Even if it was a figment of his imagination, he was fine with just pretending for a mere moment.

You attack Suga with a hug after finishing Paramore’s famous song, flustered at the amount of applause you both faced. hand-in-hand, the two of you retreated back to your rightful seat, and were once again bombarded with praise.

“Y/N!! SUGA-SAN!! That was amazing!!” “The way you two harmonized...immaculate” “I didn’t know you were so good!”

“Thanks, it wasn’t much,” you play with your hair, still slightly embarrassed. You looked up into a pair of golden eyes, waiting for the only opinion you cared about tonight.

Tsukishima returns your stare, quickly glances at your clasped hands with Suga, then reverts his gaze just as quickly. “Well you didn’t mess up so...good job.”

You roll your eyes so hard you felt the tips of your false lashes touch your brows. “Thanks, Tsukishima.” You’re go of Suga’s hand and plop down to to your seat with a huff.

“Y/n-chan, don’t worry about him. Pretty sure that’s his way of saying he loved your voice. I know I did,” Kuroo reassures, patting on your head.

You failed to notice the way Tsukki’s cheeks tinted with pink as he threw a hard glare at his friend. What you did see was Suga headed outside with none other than Daichi. Alone.

You send him a tex expecting details later, not expecting him to reply anytime soon.

You’re thrown out of your curious train of thought when Nishinoya and Tanaka began to rave to “Hot wings” from the Rio movie. The underrated bop served them well, as everyone migrated to the dance floor to rejoice to their song of choice.

Silently bobbing in your seat, you’re granted an offer. “Want to join me?” The hand outstretched belonging to Kuroo, of course.

With consent, he pulls you up and starts guiding you to the middle, a hand on your back.

You look back sweetly at Tsukishima. “You coming?”

In the .5 seconds of coming up with a response, the blonde rapidly weighed out his decisions. Ultimately, he shook his head, keeping on the same deadpan expression as before.

It was obvious you tried not to look deflated as you plater a smile on your face. “Okay then! I’ll be over here!”

He watched you walk away. He watched you dance as if it was your last night on earth. He watched the way your dress hugged your figure, magnifying your endless dips and curves of your body as you moved to the atmosphere. He watched the way you glowed under the endless rainbow of stage lights, bestowing you with an alluring aura.

The way he watched you so intently sent his thoughts spiraling. He found his brain in a dilemma with his heart, which was thumping wildly in his chest.

Tsukishima decided it was best to escape his own confrontation. He exchanged some words with Yamaguchi, then strides out the door.

Not before he took a last look at you.

Practically drenched in a layer of sweat, you lug yourself off to the side and catch a breath. “I’m going to go get some water!” You shout to your friend in order to be heard over the music.

You check the time on your phone, then look to the couch you once sat on.

It was Eleven’o clock. And Tsukishima was gone.

Powerless, and I don’t care it’s obvious. I just can’t get enough of you.

Tag list: @jiminslonglostjams @fantasymirror @shewastheriot @lukes-princess @iamthepenguinwhosearseisonfire @its-bnha-babe @desi-studys @shootooooo @noya-senpai-imagines @animefan7420 @anpancari @tsukkx @cadabby @thoebe-fly @it-was-just-a-ship @imconfusedanditsok @alexa360b34st @delicious-peaches-blog @shinguchi @creammy0 @fandoms-on-main @smellybananaz @keikink @tsukiak4ri @skyguy-peach @chicalmeida @obsessedwhxre @anhphunnnn @200th-piece-of-glass @sana-li

[sweet-xoxo-thatcares]

Is it weird that I watch gay porn with straight guys fucking each other and gay transmen getting fucked too?

It's like when I watch a guy with a big, plump white or black ass, with some oil and hair on top of it....

I lowkey start thinking about fucking his ass too?

I lowkey find it strange, but then again I'm pan...

Asses look good on anyone. Even though I would never admit some objectifying shit like that in person.

It's like I immerse my clit as the dick that's getting sucked and fucked on.

Then I cancel out after I cum 🤣😇🥲

Lol like wtfff is wrong with me guys? I mean there are guys who like to get pegged, so I wonder do these women who strap on guys, think about the same thing that I do....

I feel really guilty because I keep saying idk if I'm ready to try dating another bisexual guy or another transman because of me getting heart broken by one.

But I still miss em' despite everything. It's just on and off, I hate you, I miss you....just like our relationship....

It was hot and cold with those 2 toxic mfs.😕

I just wanna have my chance to dominate a guy and get fucked rough and deep. Man or Woman and everyone else under the rainbow too.

I know most pansexuals will say that they don't have a gender preference, but I'm slowly starting to see where my eye keeps getting drawn to the most. And I think it has something to do with the people I messed with already.

I still miss them and maybe I shouldn't overthink it.

But it is disturbing how I keep swiping right on white guys and girls or even mixed chicks that look like Jay either as their nonbinary stage with light brown curly hair Upton, or their pre-trans stage with long curly hair or straight hair. It's the big cat nose, the eyes, the Eyebrows, the glasses, and of course the jawline and the lips, and the strong lip Bridge, all with a soft face, chubby, and the soft white skin and ass.

It's not that many out there that remind me of them, but I've talked to a few smart asses, just like them, that was a pretty close call for me. Cause Jay was pretty. I just want to keep all the good qualities about them, and take out all the bad, the mental trauma, the abusive behavior, and just have a nicer, quiet, less selfish version of Jay who actually smiles and not mean and cranky all the time.

I did match with one who's name was Ryan. And he had the soft round face, light brown curly hair, and the nose, and the lips. I was so freaking close we just clicked right off the bat and had sexted each other on snap. We were so freaking horny and excited. He was really enamored with my boobs in my bikini pic so I sent him those and he kept sending me his luscious pink dick. I haven't had real dick in a longgggg time like not since 2020, it was my ex, and I gave him head.

I still like strap.on too. Don't get me wrong.

But anywho Ryan's Canadian kept saying he wanted to come to America once the border opened back up to take me out to dinner and I said yeaaa I would so be into.fucking you in the bathroom, cause I love public sex. And this was before we started. I made sure to ask are you really coming or is this an online setting thing?

He said no, I really wanna give you this white dick in your mouth.

So I was even more turned on. We kept going snapping pictures. He wanted ass and titty pics. And then he sends me stuff of his dick getting harder and harder which I liked. He said he was 7 in....holy fuck. Wayyyy bigger than my ex Terrell.

But then when I sent ooh I want it on my clit, he stops answering after his last message was oh you want me to rub your clit. And then he goes I came so hard.

He left, yall....while I was still masturbating to this Wigga wtffff?

I even sent a question mark ❓like hellooo selfish ass what about me????

I check back on my phone and the snap I sent was still on delivered and it was 2hrs ago...

I see he posted a story...

I OPEN IT TO SEE HIM POST A VIDEO OF HIS FREAKING CAT JUST POSING ON HIS BED

AND THIS WAS ONE HOUR AFTER I SENT HIM MINE SHIT...

LIKE WOWWWW I HATE BEING PLAYED AND I HATE BEING IGNORED ESPECIALLY WHEN IM BUTTASS NAKED WAITING ON YOU TO TELL ME TO POKE IT OUT FOR DADDY MORE WTFFFFFFFFFFF

Rude ass, inconsiderate bitch.

So you know what, I checked to see when the Canadian border opens back up, it said August 8th.

BITCH THEY ALREADY OPENNN WITH YO LYING ASS!!! WHY EVEN LIE TO SAY YOU COMING???

WE COULD HAVE JUST HAD PHONE SEXXXX

Last message he got from me before I unfriended him on snap right after I saw red flag 1, ignoring me to post a cat video....#2 Canada border actually is open..

I said "Fine, I understand. I'll unadd you."

That's so.fucking selfish, I helped you cum, so help me finish idiot! That's exactly the shit I won't tolerate no more. Waiting on bitches to text me back when it's obvious they don't care, trying to be ms. Nice girl and give him 3 days....nooooooo

I ain't falling for that shit no more. I'm glad I unmatched his ass too right after.

Pissed me the fuck off, I started having flashbacks of when Jay and Terrell did that shit to me, ignoring texts and pushing me away, not giving a fuck about plans we both already agreed to. Blowing me off like I'm the idiot, I'm the sweet child that will always love them no matter how rude, impulsive, and impossibly disrespectful they were.

The 1st time I had phone sex with Jay, Jay cums and then I said what about me? Jay goes "just take a cold shower. I don't care if you cum"

I was so mortified at how cold, rude, selfish and disrespectful Jay was. Jay said the only person they care about Cumming is Ayunna. And this was wayyy earlier on before they actually did start caring if I came or not...but still that's shitty and poor etiquette.

Just like the real shitty version of Jay. That frugal McDooggle used me and lied to me.

He didn't give a fuck just like they didn't. It made me cry a little cause I was really looking forward to some dick with somebody that at least was chubby, white, and soft like Jay. And he had blue light eyes. I still like Jay's sandy brown eyes tho.

It just sucked....and yea you really shouldn't expect respect from an internet hoe like Ryan.

Kiss my ass Ryan, you'll never taste this ass and titties.

These H's are mine I tell you! Fuck yoooooouuuu.

I will admit, there was this girl by the name of KC, she doesn't seem as interested, but we talked on snap after matching on okc. She likes to read Stephen King books. So I asked her what are you reading now, cause I like smart girls like that. She said it's called The Stand. Talking about a virus that infects the world. It was nice to read that 1st chapter and connect with the character, Stu, who dealt with grief from his wife and mom who both had cancer. I started thinking about Grandma alot tho 😔 in not the most happy sense. The scene felt dark like as if more is to come.

I wonder did Stephen King lose somebody to cancer or was he feeling sick himself. It's got 56 chapters and I did say I would try reading it more. Thank God they had the 1st part of the book on Google preview.

I'm the type to dive in when I meet someone new. I like figuring them out. But so far, I noticed she hasn't texted me back with questions and stuff as much so she's really dry and probably still not sure what she wants rn...she said she's just going with the flow but I think it's a sign she's lonely but wants to see what's outside 1st before she leaves the safety of her world.

She works in retail too at a grocery store. So we connected a bit on that too. It's weird when I'm the more talkative one asking all the questions....thats not a good sign. Ppl who are interested in you, ask you stuff they wanna know too. And I did step back to give her chances to step in....so yea imma keep looking on tinder and okc.

[veedramon-beanie]

Ignore the empty shelf at the bottom left and the (long since disassembled and now partial) Digimon collection on the top right shelf, but here’s the result of my late night sorting yesterday!  It’s so cool to see all my Pokemon plush set up together like this, aaa....!  I’ll go through them shelf by shelf so you guys can get a better look at everything!  I’m not gonna bother naming everything, though, like I normally do with my Digimon - because that’s too much work!  I’ll mention notable things, though.  Also assume most of my non-jakks pacific plush are bootlegs lmao, I know some that probably aren’t (bought on ebay, purposefully avoided bootlegs bc the officials/a certain style of official looked nicer, or bought off of a probably reputable site) and some that 100% aren’t (bought from the store, ie english-released Tomys and Pokedolls I bought straight from a Pokemon Center in Washington)

First shelf!  Just a shelf for special plush, or more accurately, plush I didn’t have room for anywhere else by the time I remembered to put them in.  Mimikyu is probably real since I was avoiding the bootlegs (so many cheap bootlegs...!  They looked soft, but I just loved the accessories on the official one too much to go with a bootleg...because the bootleg’s look so poorly made in comparison) and the Substitute plushie is.  Well.  I honestly don’t know.  I’ll be putting all my future plush up here too even if they have a place to go because haha, whoops, those shelves are p a c k e d in case you can’t tell.

Second shelf!  Here I have my normal types and electric types.  Fun fact: that Jakks Pacific Pikachu is my first ever Pokemon plush ever!  Cliche, I know.  But I picked him out from the only other option (bonsly) and he was the only non-bonsly plush in the store.  Also I like Pikachu, he’s cute.

Water type and Ice type shelf!  Aka best starter type shelf, even if my preferences vary over the generations.  That Keldeo secret sword form (at least I think it’s that form?) was bought from an irl Pokemon Center!  I go there every time we go on vacation to Washington (my dad has work up there every so often and we used to have family up there, but we haven’t gone for a few years...)  I wish I got that Amaura, Greninja, and Popplio from the Pokemon Center, tho, haha.  Also fun fact - the glaceon behind the popplio is probably a bootleg (it came with the same kind of tag as the vaporeon) but I actually bought it from a real store.  I felt like it had to be real if a real store was selling it for $10 and it had an alarm on it and everything, right?  I feel jipped.  Give me back my money, Universal Studios, I bought it in that Hollywood walk or w/e the fuck near your park.  Nah I’m kidding; I like getting plushies as souvenirs from places when I go on trips, and it was cool to get a Pokemon one!

Fire, fighting, rock, and ground type shelf!  That Tyrunt was also bought from the same Pokemon center (at a later date, though).  Also, that Jakks Pacific monferno in the back is the second ever Pokemon plush I bought!

Sorry for the light change on the next two, but:

Grass types and (er, some) dragon and flying types~!  The black thing in the back is a mega shiny rayquaza, but he’s actually way more massive than he appears in the picture!  Also, the smaller snivy is something I got from the Pokemon Center as well!  I actually didn’t mean to buy it, but I got it for free with one (that’s in the next picture - meloetta) and hey, I can’t complain if the machine gives me a free Pokemon!  The bigger snivy I got wayyy back when Black and White hadn’t released over here in the US yet (ah, the dark days when you had to wait for english translations of Pokemon games...) and I actually recently found his long-since-detached tag that I for some reason kept...cool!  (God I want the shiny version of this plush soooo badly though, shiny snivy was the first legit/non-event/ect shiny I ever got in the games and not to mention I have an emotional attachment to that specific plush anyways...totally a holy grail of mine!  Maybe some day I can get it....[unlikely, lmao, especially since I have cheaper holy grails I want like the porygon2 pokedoll and any Digimon beanie ever- but I can still dream...])

And the last shelf - my dark, ghost, psychic, fairy, and dragon types that I accidentally forgot to account for when doing the other shelves and then was like “well, shit” so I had to stick them here!  Yes I know tyrunt is on another shelf and noibat and noivern are flying/dragon and 100% should be on other shelves but by the time I remembered to put them + the shiny tyrantrum anywhere, I didn’t have enough room...all three of the plush are pretty big (especially noivern and tyrantrum tho) and as you can see, the flying Pokemon (and dragon too, but it’s harder to tell) and Tyrunt are some of the closest to the front and thus some of the last ones to be put on the shelf - and given that the bigger ones need to go to the back, I didn’t have a lot of options here.  PS - there’s a shadow lugia (99% likely to be a bootleg) pokedoll between umbreon and togekiss/next to the bigger shadow lugia and the purloin/absol and a Jakks Pacific lugia (100% legit, bought it from target at the same time I bought pichu a few pictures back) behind the meloetta (also 100% legit, got from the Pokemon center with the snivy) and the shiny Tyrantrum (100% fake, but it’s fuckin fantastically well-made)

Tbh though, I’d really recommend those bigger bootlegs, esp for Pokemon that are near impossible if not 100% impossible (like shiny mons that dont have actual shiny plush, or legitimately un-plushified mons) to get your hands on.  They have Digimon ones too (one of which I own - a Dracomon!) that are equally as varied and that’s pretty fantastic considering how selective Digimon is with its merchandise compared to Pokemon.  I know bootlegs are bad but they’re soooo nice, plus you can’t claim they’re stealing nintendo’s profits when nintendo (or bandai) hasn’t even made plush of those characters yet and likely has no plans to...so especially if you’re buying second-hand I’d go for it!  But of course, that’s really a matter of personal preference; you do what you’re most comfortable with ^^ but if you feel lowkey bad but still wanna buy one, just buy ones that don’t have legit counterparts, or something like that.  Or buy legitimate ones alongside the fake ones; that way you have a giant cuddle buddy that isn’t worth much collecting-wise AND a rarer, legit plush that you can put on display!

Anyways feel free to let me know if you would like to see any plushies more closely!  Always happy to do that~

[ecoamerica]

Watch the American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 now: https://youtu.be/bWiW4Rp8vF0?feature=shared

The American Climate Leadership Awards 2024 broadcast recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by active climate leaders. Watch to find out which finalist received the $50,000 grand prize! Hosted by Vanessa Hauc and featuring Bill McKibben and Katharine Hayhoe!

[gabenchik]

i rarely check my followers but i just did a few mins ago and holyhell some of you guys have REALLY nice blogs....

wayyy nicer blogs than mine. what the hell are you following me for???.

[calmfairy]

hi! wanted to say i luv ur ig ac and i get so much fashion inspo from it ! maybe u know any similar acs ? ❤️ thank u !

darling you are just the sweetest! the loveliest! the KINDEST! thank u so much! can’t link rn i’ll try to fix that later but : @karolinevfischer is the loml and also my personal fashion icon everything she wears i’d wear too! some of my other beautiful friends w rly nice ig accounts wld be @estherjeppesen @klarariemann n @albertehoejvang ! they’re wayyy nicer than mine but same vibes .. almost . wish i could ig’s like @mariamollerdk @frederikke_legaard @thankyou_ok n @lineamaria ! and maaaany more... but hope this was some kind of help!

[misterblindside]

For a second I thought that cactus picture was your bicep! I'm disappointed it wasn't :(

Their biceps are wayyy nicer than mine. Mine are like gross and pale af hahaha. But I do like the tattoo a lot! It's a vibe.

[ecoamerica]

Watch the 2024 American Climate Leadership Awards for High School Students now: https://youtu.be/5C-bb9PoRLc

The recording is now available on ecoAmerica's YouTube channel for viewers to be inspired by student climate leaders! Join Aishah-Nyeta Brown & Jerome Foster II and be inspired by student climate leaders as we recognize the High School Student finalists. Watch now to find out which student received the $25,000 grand prize and top recognition!