#actually she watched it in her twenties she just doesn't seem to age and she IS nostalgic because she never saw TVs growing up

[stainlesssteellocust]

The romantic leads of my fic are watching television in this draft of the latest chapter, and there's a few little jokes in there, for instance:

The channel shows re-runs of old shows but is currently between episodes, clogging the screen with insipid ads. A glance at the TV guide causes Jack to curse good-naturedly over the one that’s just ended: “Damn it, I like that episode.”

Agnes glances over, having sat at the far end of the sofa to avoid any more ‘static electricity’; an episode of M*A*S*H has just ended. The finale to the third season. “So do I.”

She could have grown a second head and Jack wouldn’t have been as surprised. “You do?” This might be the first time she’s hinted at even owning a television.

Which she doesn’t, of course. But she caught some episodes when it first came out, in passing, and on stolen TVs. “The one where the Lieutenant leaves them.”

Jack nods, happy at this sudden connection. “Yeah, and then…Yeah. When I was a kid it made me cry.” He admits with a laugh.

Agnes blinks, surprised.  Personally, she’d always thought it was hilarious.

If you don't know who Agnes is, she's the reluctant, indoctrinated-from-birth supernatural 'messiah' of a cult which worships an embodiment of sadism: They delight in ruining lives so the pain created can feed their god, they kill, not for the sake of killing, but for the grief it causes in those left behind and the delight in destroying what could have been.

As for why she might find that particular episode of that particular comedy hilarious, well:

M*A*S*H spoilers below:

"The final scene, in which Radar informs the 4077th of the death of Henry Blake, was unprecedented: it was the first time in American television history that a main character departing a comedy series was killed off in a tragic way."

Everything's played straight until the last minute. They didn't even tell the actors. It caused lasting upset to the guy who played the dead man IRL

[eufezco]

"ask her out." sarah said leaning into the kitchen counter. looking at her dad with funny eyes. joel was busy chopping the veggies for dinner so he didn't really listen what sarah said nor he noticed the devilish smirk on her face.

"what?"

"y/n. ask h-"

"sarah." joel tried to stop her from continuing to talk. he knew where this was going.

"come on! ask her out! it's so obvious that she's dying for you to do it."

"sarah, stop this-"

"she likes you!"

"sarah, i can't ask her out! she's half my age, she could be your sister!"

sarah rolled her eyes. "she's an adult. she can make her own decisions."

"and she's your babysitter." joel added, making sarah huff. she hated that word because she was not a baby anymore. you made lunch for her, you drove her to school and to her soccer practice, you helped her with her homework, you hugged her when you two watched a movie, and you made sure that she was well tucked in before you left.

"are you sure she's like a sister? because it's giving me mother fig-"

"she's really helpful, you know?" joel immediately interrupted sarah before she could finish. actually not wanting her to finish. that would mean finally saying out loud what sarah, tommy and he thought. "the only one we've found that doesn't wanna strangle you after the first week."

"hey! that's not true! it's just- it didn't work with the other girls, okay?"

joel stopped chopping the veggies to look at his daughter with his eyebrows raised. she had been very picky about choosing a babysitter. he had been looking for someone to take care of sarah while he was out for a really long time when he found you. some of them he rejected because joel didn't think they would be good for sarah, others because he didn't trust them enough to stay almost twenty-four hours with his daughter. some rejected him when they discovered that he had a daughter, other ones because of the wages that his salary allowed him to pay. and those that were okay with those previous things sarah didn't like them.

joel thought about it and sarah smiled.

"no. it's not happening." he determined, shaking his head and making sarah huff. "she's like the best thing that happened to us! we can't risk losing her over a date. i mean, where are we going to find someone like her?"

sarah nodded. "exactly."

joel shook his head again.

"if you have not asked her out by the end of the week, i'll do it for you!" she added before leaving to her room.

"sarah! you can't do that!"

and sarah always keeps her word. by the end of the week joel tried to ask you to dinner several times always failing to do so. what if you thought he was a creep? he would be very embarrassed. so, on friday night she told you go get pizza at the perfect time for you to coincide with joel at the front door.

"oh, hi joel." you said when you saw him getting out of his car. "you are on time for dinner."

"it seems like it, yeah." he walked to where you were, pulling the keys out of his pocket and ready to open the door for you. most of the nights when he arrived you had already had dinner and sarah was in bed. joel told you every time that you didn't have to do it, but you couldn't help but prepare him something to eat. "how was it? she's been good?"

you giggled. "yeah, she's the best."

when joel finally opened the door the lights of the house were off, only the kitchen table remained lit thanks to the candles. joel closed the door behind you with his eyes closed and one of his hands massaging his temples. you went to put the pizza boxes on the kitchen counter while you looked at sarah proudly standing next to the table.

"what is all this?" you asked smiling. joel swallowed nervously.

"a date." bill answered, appearing behind sarah and placing his hands on both of the girl's shoulders. joel wanted to beat his brother's ass.

"a date?"

sarah nodded. her eyes moved to an embarassed joel, still standing on the door frame and then to you again. you noticed that the table was only set for two people. "oh. sarah-" your heart flipped inside your chest. this week she had asked you many questions, especially about your love life. if you were seeing someone, if you were interested in someone, if you had any plans on friday night...

"look, y/n, i'm sorry about all of this. you can lea-"

"no, it's fine. i mean, it could be nice. don't you think so?"you interrupted him. he raised his eyebrows, slowly nodded and he put his hands inside of his pockets, trying to hide how nervous he truly was.

"i mean, yeah. why not?"

sarah did a little excited jumping before going to hug you and prepare your dinner, which basically consisted of bringing the pizza you had brought to the table. tommy said to both of you that he was going to take sarah out to dinner and that you would have as much time as you wanted. when they both left you found joel and you alone in a really dark house. "should we turn on the lights or...?"

"yes, that would be great. i can't see shit." he added making you laugh.

during the dinner you asked about how his day went and joel was so interested in everything that you told him about you. and when you realized, both of his hands were holding your face up, his thumbs were caressing your cheeks and your body was trapped between joel's and the kitchen counter. his hot lips were moving so perfectly with yours and you thought you could melt under his touch. your hands made their way under his t-shirt, helping him to pull it over his head.

"wait, wait. are you okay with this?"

after verbally saying yes to him, the next thing you knew one of his hands was around your neck, his mouth really close to your ear muttering through gritted teeth the dirtiest things and he was thrusting from behind trying to get more of those angelic sounds you were making.

[l13]

I just saw someone ask if you write for MHA. And girlie. Holy fuck. All Might, like the man is built as fuck but also kind of a loser. If you get my drift? Like yeah he’s this awesome hero, but the man is old, alone and kinda a dork.

I wanna be the young thing that saunters into his life and rides him until he’s begging me to stop. Wanna take lunch to him at work, all cute and lovey and wifey, then lean in to let him know I’m not wearing panties but I do have a vibrator. That man would explode, in more ways than one, and be a constant blushing awkward mess.

Thoughts?

this is exactly how i picture all might as well! we can share him and then he could have 2 controversial young gfs<33

so sorry that this doesn't contain any actual smut tho:(

CW: NSFW 18+, MDNI!!!, f!reader, age gap, lazy ass writing, not proofread

He's a dilf but he's the touch-starved kind, the 'i haven't fucked someone in a long time' type, the one that you'll make a pussy enthusiast in just a couple of weeks, type<3

'cause at first he'd be reluctant y'know. Not only were you younger, but you were soooo out of his league (or so he thought). The prettiest thing he'd ever seen, really. And when you bluntly told him that you're interested in getting to know him better, he'd frowned a bit. He wanted to outright laugh at your words, but he didn't want to seem rude.

Poor man thought you were making fun of him so he tried to let you down gently, saying smth like “If it weren't for the age gap..” “You'll find someone younger, someone better, I'm sure.” and you'd faltered, apologizing for bothering him and scurrying off, embarrassed that you'd misjudged the situation

but then you kept running into him at your favorite coffee shop, politely engaging in small talk every time, and one day you didn't fail to notice how his gaze on you, lingered. How his eyes flickered from your eyes to your lips, down to your cleavage, and back up again. It was so quick that you thought your mind was playing tricks on you but then he cleared his throat hurriedly, his adam's apple bobbing with the movement, and you knew.

“Say.. y'wanna sit with me for a bit?" second time's the charm right?

You watched as his eyes widened slightly, “Well, I was- I'm actually busy right now-”

“Just twenty minutes, I promise,”

And Yagi quickly realized that he couldn't say no to you. So he gave a small nod, his eyes crinkling as he smiled softly, “Twenty minutes,”

He never in his life thought he was going to be put in this situation, and looking back at it, he'd never be able to prevent it anyway. Because just after 10 minutes of you sitting and laughing at his stupid jokes, he'd felt a nudge just under his knee, and he'd pulled his leg back instinctively, not being able to drag his gaze from the way your eyebrows furrowed prettily, “What's wrong?”

He shook his head, chuckling at his pathetic behavior “It's-” but then as he glanced under the table he saw your bare foot, save for the white stockings you wore, inching closer to his shin, and he snapped his eyes to yours, a shiver running down his back when he saw the look in your eyes- the mock concern masking the devilish glint quite well. “..nothing. Nothing's wrong I-” he trailed off as he felt your foot trailing up higher and Jesus Christ- when did you even take off your shoes?

Yagi let out another strained chuckle, looking around the small cafe, when he felt your foot on his plush thigh, making him jump. His hand shot down to grasp your foot reflexively, his jaw clenching as he locked eyes with you again. “What do you think you're doing?” he'd leaned a bit over the table to whisper to you, and you did the same, your head lazily resting on the palm of your hand as you pouted, “Let go of me, Yagi.”

He did as he was told immediately, and a part of him felt guilty, even when he'd done nothing wrong. “I'm sorry- but I just-”

Of course you shouldn't have let her go, you idiot. Did you think she was just gonna stop? He chides himself in his head because he can't do anything else. Because the foot that's pressing against his hard cock is clouding his judgement and he can't think of something to do.

A grunt escapes him when you rub him slightly over his dress pants, his hand coming up to cover his mouth, eyes still locked on yours. “You planned this didn't you?” you smile at that, your pretty lips closing around the straw of your drink as you take a sip, your foot pressing against his bulge harder.

Your gaze was trained on his hand, the one that was clutching the table with all its might (haha, get it), and you followed along the veins of his hand, up his forearms, to the point where they got lost under his shirt, the sleeves rolled up at his elbows. You licked your lips as you ran your eyes over his arms next, eyes hooded at the way the material of his shirt hugged his taut muscles. Finally, you looked up at him, enjoying the droplet of sweat falling down his temple, “I don't know what you mean,”

And Yagi knew he was fucked.

 ‹𝟹

Months later, you saunter over to Yagi’s office, pretty summer dress swirling as you walk, Yagi's lunch packed with a cute little bow on top, in hand. You knock on his door, not waiting for him to answer before you’re pulling the door open, walking in and pushing it closed behind you. Yagi’s eyes snap to your figure, one eyebrow raised, his gaze immediately softening once he realizes who you are, “Princess? What are you doing here?” 

You grin at him giddily, walking closer to his desk as he takes off his glasses running a hand down his face before he’s looking up at you with tired eyes- the corner of his lips quirking up despite his exhaustion.

“Brought you lunch-” his heart swells in his chest, pushing his chair back as he stands and walks around the table to stand in front of you, bending down to give your lips the softest kiss, his hand caressing your cheek. “You didn’t have to, pretty.”

“I wanted to. Besides, I missed you so much Toshi,” he coos down at your words and plants another kiss on your forehead, “I know sweetie, ‘m gonna be home in a few hours, yeah? Then I’ll be all yours,”

“But I need you, now.” you pout, hands coming up to rest on his pecs, fingers sliding under the collar of his shirt to play with his blond chest hairs, and you bite back a smile at the tiniest shiver he gives. “Sweetheart..” before he can say anything else you’re clutching his hand and pulling him with you, pushing him back to sit on his office chair again, and he’s looking up at you, bewildered.

Then you’re trailing a hand from your thigh up to your belly, only you’re slowly lifting your dress as you go. His jaw goes slack once his eyes are met with your bare, glistening pussy, his neck turning red. You whimper, circling your hips around nothing, dropping your other hand to rub two fingers aaall over your folds, gathering up your slick on your fingers. “See? Told you I need you,”

And Yagi can't complain when you push your wet fingers in his mouth, his moan getting muffled as he stares at you with half lidded eyes, his already hard cock twitching at the sight of you, all pretty and ready for him<3

2023 © l13 | Do not steal, copy, edit, translate or re-post any of my works.

[darknight3904]

Waiting For You

𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪: ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀᴛᴄʜ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴛʜᴇ ɴᴇxᴛ ɢᴇɴᴇʀᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴡɪᴛʜ ꜱᴀᴛᴏʀᴜ ᴀɴᴅ ɴᴀɴᴀᴍɪ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʀʏ ᴛᴏ ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ᴀʟʟ ꜱᴀꜰᴇ.

𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤: ᴍᴀᴊᴏʀ ᴊᴊᴋ ꜱᴇᴀꜱᴏɴ 2 ꜱᴘᴏɪʟᴇʀꜱ. ᴄᴜʀꜱɪɴɢ. ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴꜱ ᴏꜰ ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ/ᴋɪʟʟɪɴɢ. ɴᴀᴏʙɪᴛᴏ ᴢᴇɴɪɴ. ꜰᴀᴛ ꜱʜᴀᴍɪɴɢ. ᴏᴜᴛᴅᴀᴛᴇᴅ ᴢᴇɴɪɴ ᴄʟᴀɴ ɪᴅᴇᴀʟꜱ

ɪᴛꜱ ꜱʜɪʙᴜʏᴀ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ;)

ɢᴏᴊᴏ x ᴢᴇɴɪɴ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 8.4ᴋ (ɪ'ᴍ ʟᴏᴏꜱɪɴɢ ᴍʏ ᴍᴀʀʙʟᴇꜱ)

ᴀʟꜱᴏ, ꜱᴏʀʀʏ ᴛᴏ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴏɴᴇ ɪɴ ᴀᴅᴠᴀɴᴄᴇ. ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴏɴᴇ'ꜱ ꜱᴀᴅ ʜᴇʜᴇ.

ᴘʀᴇᴠɪᴏᴜꜱ ᴘᴀʀᴛ / ꜱᴇʀɪᴇꜱ ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀʟ��ꜱᴛ /ᴍʏ ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀʟɪꜱᴛ

2018

June

"You have to be kidding me." You sigh as you let your boys into the house.

"I'd never. I'm always serious when it comes to you. Megumi, call Shoko. She can patch you up." Gojo smiles waving the boy off

"Are you okay? I can call her. Satoru's overpowered self doesn't know what real pain feels like." You glare at your boyfriend

"I'm fine. Just watch over Itadori." Megumi says slowly walking off in the direction of his room he hasn't been inside for months since moving into the dorms at Jujutsu High

"So this... pink-haired, normal kid ate Sukuna's finger?" You ask in disbelief as you watch Megumi walk off.

"Yup. I think he's even got potential as a vessel." Gojo says motioning to the unconscious child he's holding like a sack of potatoes.

"Satoru, a finger is one thing. Twenty is a whole different story." You warn

"Did I mention he can swap with Sukuna at will?" Gojo asks

"What?" You stop in your tracks

"Cool, right? I asked him to give me ten seconds with the King of Curses and ten seconds later, Itadori here was back in control of his body." Gojo explains

"And Sukuna is okay with this?" You ask

"Oh, I doubt it. There's something special about this kid for sure though. Plus he seems like he'd be a great friend to Megumi. Seriously, that kid's so quiet sometimes I swear he's a statue or something." Gojo points out

"I'll ignore what you just said about Megumi for now. But, you realize what the higher-ups will say about your master plan to get Megumi a new best friend." You remind Gojo.

"Yeah, yeah...according to regulations he should be executed. Didn't know you were such a fan of theirs." Gojo teases

"I'm not and I know you're not either. Which is what makes your decisions so dangerous. Running around doing whatever you please will get someone hurt." You remind him

"Damn, you're a buzzkill. Too much time with Nanamin will do that to you though. We'll have to have a date night soon so I can remind you how cool I am." Gojo smiles

"Right, super cool, that's definitely why we're together." You roll your eyes, "Has it ever occurred to you that I genuinely like spending time with Nanami?"

"Well, that's just a bonus. The real reason is obviously my good looks." Gojo grins, pulling at his blindfold to wink at you.

"Wuzz happinin?" A gurgled voice sounds as Itadori struggles out of Gojo's grip and lands on the soft living room rug you had picked out with Tsumiki years ago.

"Oppsie...can't have you waking up yet." Gojo laughs before flicking Itadori's head and watching him fall asleep again

"Well, I'm off to talk to the higher-ups about him. Make sure Megumi actually calls Shoko. He tried going toe to toe with Sukuna before I got there." Gojo smiles

"I can't believe you let Megumi of all people get beat up by Sukuna." You groan walking towards the steps.

"Getting beat up builds character." Gojo reasons as he scoops Itadori back up

"Says the man who has Infinity and can teleport."

"Having him around won't be that bad." You assure the dark-haired boy beside you.

"You're kidding, right? We are talking about the same person right? Because last I checked you just said Itadori would be coming to school here." Megumi asks

"Of course we are. Besides you need friends your own age." You push

"I do have friends," Megumi said sitting down on his bed beside you

"I don't count." You smile "Also, why are you acting so cool all of a sudden? Satoru told me that you didn't want Itadori to die." You smile

"Yeah, I didn't want him to die. I didn't say I wanted him to join the school I went to." He clarifies

"Well, too bad. Satoru got what he wanted and now Itadori is officially a vessel. Of course, his threatening of the higher-ups probably influenced their decision. After all, no one's ever going to be able to beat him so arguing immediately becomes pointless." You say

"Aww talking about me with such fondness in your voice? My heart is warmed." Gojo suddenly cuts in, slowly opening Megumi's dorm door

"What do you want?" Megumi asked

"I'm here to drop off your new best friend." Gojo grins, pushing the door open fully to reveal Itadori, this time conscious.

"Hey, Fushiguro." He smiles with a save

"You had to put his room right next to mine?" Megumi asked

"Of course." You laugh standing up and crossing the room to Gojo and the newest student of Jujutsu High.

"Oh, hello, Zenin-san." Itadori greets

"Hello, Itadori. I hope Satoru has told you everything you need to know about this school." You smile

"Yeah, he was great at explaining everything." Itadori nodded

He definitely missed a bunch of stuff.

"That's great. We'll leave you two to talk. Megumi you should help Itadori unpack his stuff, you'll get to know each other better." You suggest, linking your arm around Gojo's.

"Wow a girl's close to me! I think I'm blushing!" Gojo declares stupidly beside you as he lets you pull him out Megumi's room and down the hallway.

"Is there something wrong with you? Seriously, the more I spend time with you the more I think you were dropped on your head as a baby or something." You groan in annoyance

Itadori watches his new teacher and the good-looking woman disappear down the hall, bickering like an old couple the further away they get. He swears he even hears one of them mention toenails.

"Hey, Fushiguro, they're kinda strange together don't you think?" Itadori asks

"Trust me, you haven't even seen the half of it." Megumi sighs

July

The soft beeping of Satoru's alarm is what greets you most mornings. Normally you'd lie in bed while he showered and then drag yourself downstairs and eat breakfast with him. Instead today, you're greeted with strong arms wrapped around your waist and a barrage of kisses down your neck.

"Good morning," Satoru says, his voice is deep with sleep and his white hair is a mess atop his head

"Mmm...morning." You groan, trying to wiggle away from him so you can stretch.

"Don't leave." Satoru groans

"I won't. I just need to stretch my leg feels funny." You promise

"Fine." He relents, letting go and opening his pretty eyes

"Woah, jumpscare." He says "What the hell happened to you?"

"Shut up. It's all your fault anyway!" You groan, grabbing your pillow to try and suffocate him

Satoru laughs under the pillow and easily pushes you away.

"Sorry, sorry. Guess I got carried away with the hickies last night. It won't happen again." He laughs

"You're a terrible liar." You sigh, reaching across him and snatching up his phone from the nightstand when it dings

"Who is it? Is it our little blessing telling us to stop PDAing in the hallways when you visit the school?" He asks

"You really need to stop calling him a little blessing, even if his name literally means it." You laugh "It's actually Itadori. Apparently, He, Nobara, and Megumi are going out shopping and to a movie later. They wanna know if you wanna tag along." You say

ding!

Bring Zenin-san if she's free too!

"And my presence has also been requested." You smile and tap out a reply

We'll be there at 1!

"They just want me to pay for everything." Gojo scowled

"What's the matter, rich boy? Are your pockets hurting supporting all these teens? You're the one who brings 'em home like they're lost kittens." You tease

"So mean to me! And after I gave you three orgasms last night!" Satoru laughs

"Oh please, I know we're not dating because of my stellar people skills." You remind him, poking at his face as you lie back down next to him, hoping for some cuddling before you have to get up and shower.

"You're right...It's probably your awesome tits that have kept me around for so long."

"Satoru Gojo!"

"I'm sorry but they're really great! It's like one of the first things I noticed about you!"

"Domain Expansion!."

"Wait, I was just joking!! It's also your awesome personality! What're you doing with that pillow? Stay back, demon!!"

"Where the hell are they?" Nobara groans

"Gojo is always late. I don't know why you bothered inviting him." Megumi says, his face still buried in his phone

"Yeah, but I thought since we invited Zenin-san he'd be more punctual." Itadori groans

"Trust me, when those two are together, they're anything but punctual," Megumi warns

"You sure seem to know a lot about them, Fushiguro. What aren't you telling us?" Nobara smirks, nudging her classmate

"Yeah, c'mon Fushiguro, spill the beans. That's the whole reason we invited both of them here. We wanna know what kind of a relationship they have!" Itadori says

"Why does it matter? They're both idiots. Gojo more so but still..." Megumi says

"I happen to think Zenin-san is a very respectable woman who would never stoop so low as to be romantically entwined with Gojo. I mean have you seen him?" Nobara asks

"Yeah, but have you ever seen Gojo without his blindfold? I did one time and he's totally hot! What if Zenin couldn't resist a pretty face?" Itadori countered

"I think she's stronger than that. Besides it'd be kind of crazy if two special-grade sorcerers were dating. They'd be the definition of a power couple!" Nobara says

"Yeah, but wouldn't that make them cooler than they already are?" Itadori asks

"Whatever, I just hope Gojo pays for everyone's snacks at the movie theater." Nobara says

"I'm not a walking ATM machine you know."

"Gojo!" Itadori smiles "Oh and Zenin-san is here! Perfect timing."

"You guys can just ignore him, he'll definitely pay for everyone's food." You smile

"Why are you two always so late?" Megumi asks

"You've known us for how many years Megumi? You should know that Satoru is chronically late." You say

"Wait...how many years have you known him, Zenin-san?" Nobara asks, her detective skills are on point today...

"Huh? Oh, I've known Megumi since he was six." You say as if its obvious

"What?" Nobara asks, clearly shocked

"Yeah, so has Satoru. He's actually the one who met Megumi before me. Brought him back like a little homeless kitten." You say, thinking of the day you met Megumi for the first time.

"You remember Toji Zenin, right?" Gojo asks, the phone crackling slightly as you listen to him

"I mean...vaguely. I think I might've seen him a few times around the clan's estate when I was little." You say

"Right, well he's got these kids..." Gojo trailed off

"So?" You ask, wondering if he could hear your eye roll through the phone

"I'll be there soon. Don't keep me waiting!" Gojo sings before hanging up

You groan, wondering what nonsense he was cooking up this time. Without Geto around Gojo had become a bit of a pain in everyone else's asses. Perhaps he was just lonely without his friend or maybe he really was just that annoying. All you knew was that when Geto was still here, Gojo bothered you a lot less than he did now.

"What the hell is this?" You ask twenty minutes later staring at Gojo and then at the two small kids who are next to him, a boy and a girl

"The kids I was just talking about, duh. Don't you listen? No wonder you have to study so much." Gojo taunts, pushing you out of the way and into your dorm, the kids following close behind. They reminded you of little ducklings following their mom.

If their mom was an 18-year-old white-haired freak of nature that is.

"Where the hell did they come from? You didn't steal them did you?" You ask

"You want a baby-making lesson? How bold, Zenin. I'd rather wait til' marriage though." Gojo laughs

"Can we play with that?" a small voice interjects, Gojo's crass words flying over young minds

You follow the boy's pointing hand to where your Wii console sits in front of your TV.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah, knock yourself out." You say "The games are in a bin under my bed."

"They're Toji Zenin's kids. The boy is Megumi and the girl is Tsumiki." Gojo says as he watches them load Mario Kart up on the TV, bickering about who was going to get to play as Yoshi.

"You stole a dead man's children? What the hell is wrong with you?" You groan. These kids should be with the clan leader if they're orphans, not with Gojo.

"I didn't steal them. He basically gave them to me." Gojo defends

"He's dead, Gojo. He can't give anything anymore. Besides you can't just hand kids off like they're watermelons." You say

"Well he was originally going to sell them off to your clan so I'm doing them and him a favor," Gojo says

He's right, he is doing them a favor by keeping them away from the clan. Even now at 17, you can't escape how it ruins your life, just being a Zenin is terrible, especially for the girls.

"Alright well, what're they doing here in my dorm?" You ask

"I was hoping you could help me with them. I don't really know much about kids. Plus you guys are related so at least they'll know one of their relatives this way." Gojo explains

"You're joking, right? Gojo we can't just raise two random kids together." You say "Take them to some government program or something. They shouldn't grow up with sorcerers looking after them."

"Yeah about that...Megumi has the-" Gojo is cut off by a scream of frustration from the TV where the kids are playing

"You can't just let them out whenever you lose! That's not good sportsmanship! " Tsumiki shrieks tossing a pillow at what looks like two puppies that sit next to Megumi

"Holy shit..." You say, your eyes ready to pop out of your head

"Yup. Megumi here's one talented kid. He's got the Ten Shadows Technique. Something your clan is itching to get its hands on." Gojo smiles

You can hear the smugness in his voice as you begrudgingly make up your mind.

"Fine. I'll help. But only for a few years." You say casting a glance at Gojo who just continues to smile

"Why don't you ever tell us anything, Fushiguro?!" Itadori groans "You grew up with two super cool people raising you and didn't say anything?"

"I didn't think you guys would care," Megumi says

"Alright, so you guys are just what? Co-workers who raised Megumi together then?" Nobara asks

"What? No. Well, I guess it technically started that way but now..." You trail off looking at Satoru who tosses an arm around your shoulders

"We're a couple! She couldn't resist my charms!" Gojo says

"I told you, Kugisaki!" Itadori shouts in victory

"Shut up, you idiot!" Nobara groans

You laugh at the first years as they bicker while Megumi watches them in silence.

"Mmm. You're so pretty when you smile like that." Gojo says, his lips tickling your ear as he whispers to you.

"Stop it..." You say, turning away from him

Gojo laughs before pulling you so your back is pressed to his chest. He leans down and gently places a kiss on your ear, then behind it, and then another on the nape of your neck.

"Could you two keep it PG for once in your lives?" Megumi asks, his face is red with embarrassment.

"Sorry, I know you said no more PDA. Can you blame me? She's just so gorgeous. I have to remind her regularly." Gojo smiles

"I think it's kind of cute," Itadori says

"Yeah, Fushiguro stop hating on them....hey what's that on your neck, Zenin-san?" Nobara asks

Shit...the foundation that was covering the marks from last night must've smeared...

"Gross!" Megumi declares getting ready to walk away

"Hey, it's natural! How do you think you came into this world?!" Gojo defends

"Gojo, we didn't create Megumi." You remind him, watching as Nobara and Itadori chase after Megumi.

"You're telling me. No kid of mine would have an attitude like that!" Gojo scoffs

"Yeah, you're right, they'd probably be worse."

August

"You're sure keeping him here isn't going to get anyone else killed?" You ask watching as Itadori messes with Yaga's cursed corpse bear.

"Nah, I had Shoko keep his resurrection off the record. Sukuna sure is unpredictable though." Gojo says

"What about Megumi?" You ask, "He seemed really broken up about Itadori's 'death'. So did Nobara."

"They'll be fine. They didn't know him that long anyway." Gojo waves you off

"Satoru, you of all people should know that it doesn't matter how long you spend with a person. The memories existing are more than enough even if much time hasn't passed." You say, referring to Geto.

"They'll be okay, this isn't permanent. Just til' he gets a bit stronger." Gojo says

Right, getting stronger, is a constant goal for a sorcerer. You look over at Itadori who's just been punched by the bear.

"He has a lot of work cut out for himself. You sigh watching as the bear dances in victory.

"That reminds me...could you give Nanamin a call for me? I wanted to tell him about Yuji myself but he blocked me after I sent him too many memes last year." Gojo says

September

"Utahime-san, we can cut through here. I bet the kids are...who the hell is that?" You ask stopping your pace.

A skinny blonde boy is about 30 feet away, a shiny sword in one hand. His long hair is pulled back and strange pink triangles adorn his under eyes.

"He's human," Utahime warns

"Women! And they're pretty too!" He smiles, the sword in his hand glitters in the light

"Get out of the way." You say, not interested in talking, "I'm busy."

"Wahhh, so mean! That's okay though...."

A flash of blonde hair meets your eyes as he swings at your head.

"Damn, you're slow." You taunt as you move easily out of the way, Utahime close on your tail.

You have to be mindful of her. She's not one for actual fights, she's best with support. Plus, you don't want to find out if there are any more special-grade curses like that tree thing lurking behind any of these buildings. Fighting something like that didn't interest you, especially if it meant you'd have to look after another while doing so.

Maybe you could just annoy this guy into leaving you alone so you could go find the students.

"I don't think you're worth my time. Look at you you're not even clothed properly." You taunt

"You're so fast!" I thought I cut at least one of you!" He smiles

You roll your eyes, whoever this guy is he probably won't just give up. He must not be aware that he's clearly outclassed by you.

"I don't think I should even bother activating my technique to defeat you. You're like a flea on a lion's back, completely invisible." You grin before quickly closing the distance between you and him, delivering a solid right hook to his face.

Ponytail goes flying and lands on the ground, hard.

"Who said you were allowed to hit that hard?" He groaned, holding his injured face.

"I did. When I decided you weren't worth my technique. Now come back over here, I want to hit you again." You say motioning to him

"What kind of person says that?!"

Before you can get another hit in, the veil has been lifted. You squint up at the sky to see Gojo there, clearly surveying what's happening.

"It hasn't even been thirty minutes yet!" Ponytail whines "I guess I'll see you later..."

"Huh?" You turn to the guy only to see him sprinting off. "Hey! Where the hell do you think you're going-"

"Just leave him, He's not worth it, you said it yourself. Besides we should clear the area." Utahime says looking up at Gojo. "I have a feeling that that idiot is about to do something to get rid of that special grade that was in the forest."

October 5, 2018

"Do I really have to be here?" Nanami asked with a tired sigh

"Of course you do. It'll be fun you'll see." You smile at the blonde

"Last time we all went out didn't Gojo throw up on you, Nanami?" Shoko asked

"Yes. That is one of the reasons I don't want to be here." He confirms, his eyes remain fixed on you

"Oh, would you relax...besides Satoru isn't even here right now." You point out.

You wish he'd stop doing that. Nanami was always watching, it kind of felt like if you dud anything embarrassing he'd catch you and tease you for it. Not that he had ever done that...yet.

"Where is he? I thought we all agreed on meeting here at six." Mei Mei says

"Oh, he was given an extra mission today. He shouldn't be too much longer." You say

"If that were me I would've asked for extra pay. Especially if I wasn't given an advanced notice." She says

"I doubt he needs any more money at his disposal." You laugh

"You never know, what if I'm actually broke?" Gojo chimes in as he makes his way towards the table

"Well, then who's been paying all the bills for the past ten years at our place?" You tease as he sits down next to you.

"Megumi. He's got his Shikigami robbing banks for him." Gojo grins

"Yeah, okay." You laugh, shoving at his shoulder.

"Hey wanna play a drinking game? We could all name the things we love about Satoru Gojo!" He suggests like he always does when alcohol is on the table

"No!" Everyone groans in unison.

"Thanks, Nanami." You huff as you slam the passenger side door, effectively trapping Gojo in the car

"Are you sure you'll be able to get him in the house by yourself?" Nanami asks, eyeing the drunk sorcerer who has his entire face pressed up against the window

"I'll be okay...I think. Megumi is at the house with Itadori, they're having a sleepover... Not sure why they couldn't just do that at the dorms. Anyway, I'll just have them help out if I need to." You say

"Alright. I'll see you later then. Goodnight." Nanami says

He's as polite as ever as he walks down the sidewalk to his own car. Somehow you swear Nanami came into the world with good manners and matching clothes on. Seriously, how do all of his outfits always look good?

You turn your back and miss the way Nanami's eyes follow you, wishing you had taken him up on his suggestion for help. Yes, even if it meant dealing with Gojo, he'd do it for you.

"Who knew he was this heavy?" Itadori laughed as he supported Gojo's legs

"It's all those sweets he eats. He's probably secretly 900lbs or something." You groan, "Megumi are you even supporting your side?"

"Of course I am." He says, "Just walk faster, my arm is cramping"

It's an entire ordeal to get Gojo into the house. Megumi and Yuji help you toss him onto the couch before bidding you goodnight. You have a feeling they're just going to lock themselves in Megumi's room and watch horror movies for hours. But hey, what else would you do on a Friday night at 15?

"Nghhh."

Damn, you were hoping he was out for the night.

"Satoru?" You ask, crouching down to be eye level with him as he lays on his side on the couch

"Nanamin?" He asks

"Nope. Guess again." You smile

"Shoko?" He asks

"Wrong." You laugh

"I give up, tell me." He groans, his eyes remained closed as he lay there.

"It's your girlfriend." You say

"Suguru?"

Now you don't know if you should feel insulted or feel bad for him.

"Whatever. Let's get you out of your clothes and put something more comfortable on." You say, pulling his zip up off and reaching for the t-shirt he had underneath.

"Hey!" He suddenly gasps, shooting up so he's sitting upright

"What's wrong?" You ask, concerned

"I'm taken. Besides you can't just strip me without my consent. I'll call the police." He says, holding his hands across his chest like he was a woman, "No means no."

"Satoru, I'm the one you're dating. Now let's go put our pyjamas on." You say, maybe he could follow you so he could dress himself upstairs

"You want me to follow you after you just tried violating me! What kind of sick pervert are you?!" He asks, his hands remaining over his chest

"The sickest there is." You joke, "By the way you don't have boobs to cover up, stop sitting like that."

"I'm in a vulnerable situation!" He defends

You didn't have the energy to do this and drunk Satoru was driving you nuts,

"Right vulnerable..."You sigh before walking over to the bottom of the steps "Megumi! I need help with him!"

"Can I use a Shikigami this time?" The boy calls back

"Sure!" You say

A half second passes before Megumi and Itadori clamor down the steps to reappear in the living room to take in the "violated" 28-year-old manchild who remained set on remaining modest with his hands on his chest.

"Um...Zenin-san what's he doing?" Itadori asks

"He thinks he's got tits to hide or something." You sigh, too tired and a bit drunk to deal with all this.

"Rabbit escape," Megumi says, and before you know it the living room is filled with little white rabbits.

"Woah, Fushiguro these guys are super cute!" Itadori says, picking one of them up and petting it.

"Right? I was so excited when he showed them to me for the first time." You smile

"Carry him," Megumi says to the rabbits, ignoring the two of you.

The rabbits move in sync and surround Gojo before pushing him off the couch and onto their many backs so they can carry him up the steps.

"It's kind of like he's crowd surfing," Itadori observes

"Ha!" You laugh as you watch Satoru slowly make his way up the steps by rabbit back.

"Should they put him on the bed?" Megumi asked

You think about it for a moment. Drunk Satoru was always cuddly but he often vomited and you didn't want to clean that up.

"Just...leave him on the floor at the foot of our bed." You suggest

"Heh, like a puppy dog." Itadori laughs

October 31, 2018,

7:14 pm Jujutsu High

"What do you mean they're asking for Satoru specifically?" You ask looking at Ijichi, bewildered that normal people would know who your boyfriend is.

"Apparently they're calling for him. But we think it has to do with the veil that's been lowered that's holding them there." He explains

"I'm famous." Gojo declares, standing up with a grin.

"Famously stupid." You roll your eyes and Nanami lets out a hum of amusement

"She's right about that." He agrees

"You worried or something? I'll be fine." Gojo smiles, resting his elbow on your shoulder

"I'm always worried about you." You mumble

"What was that?" He asks

"Nothing." You say

"Mmmhm...welp, I'll be off to Shibuya then. I'll see you two later." Gojo smiles, leaning down for a kiss.

"I need a kiss, for encouragement." He says

You lean forward and gently place a chaste one on his lips, aware that poor Ijichi and Nanami are a few feet away.

"A real one!" Gojo groans

"All our kisses are real you fool!" You defend pushing his face away from yours

"Fine! I'll just get a kiss from whatever curse is making that barrier. I bet it'll be better than yours anyway!" Gojo taunts before walking off

You let out a sigh of relief as he disappears down the hall. Satoru was exhausting sometimes.

"How do you willingly put up with that?" Nanami genuinely asks

"I wish I knew." You reply

8:14 pm, Shibuya, Restaurant Avenue.

"You're getting fat. My son doesn't want a fat bride." A voice calls

Damn...of all places why here? You wanted to go home, shower, and watch bad reality TV with Satoru.

"Hey! What'd you just say?! Zenin-san is a special-grade sorcerer! You can't just say-"

"It's alright, Nobara. This old fool is probably so senile and drunk he doesn't know what he's saying." You say, turning to see Nabito Zenin, clan leader, and your future father-in-law standing before you.

"Naoya won't have kids with a fat woman. Lay off the noodles." Naobito scolded

"I need to buy new pants again. You have to stop feeding me all your leftovers, I'm getting fat!" You groan in front of the mirror

"You're not fat! Besides, even if you've gained a little, it just means there's more to love!" Satoru beams, wrapping his arms around you from behind, "You're as beautiful as ever, sweetheart. Besides I like curves, they're attractive! "

"Oh, fuck off. I don't plan on reproducing with Naoya anyway." You say

"Well, that'll be news to him," Naobito says shaking his head"Maki, I can't believe I'm supposed to be assessing your promotion. I plan to make sure you don't get it, by the way."

If this were a cartoon, you're sure Nobara's ears would be blowing smoke out of them by now. She's positively red with anger and honestly, it's a bit comical. You're used to Naobito's insults, and so is Maki, neither of you is going to let him get under your skin tonight.

"And how'd that work out last time you tried doing that?" Maki asks, looking at you

Naobito's face droops into a scowl. He's not happy to be reminded of his failure to prevent your promotions over the years.

"That was different. The higher-ups like that she's got a technique. You're just a brat who's good with a few cursed tools and a fancy pair of glasses." He explains

"And yet she's a higher rank than your own son is. Naoya is a Special Grade One right? Oh wait, so are you! That must be embarrassing. Last time I checked special grade is higher than Special Grade One, right?" Maki laughs

Nobara lets out a snicker but stops it from becoming too loud by slapping her hand over her mouth.

"You insolent little bi-"

Alright, that's enough. Naobito's hand that flies, ready to smack Maki, is fast but you're faster. You easily catch the old man's wrinkled wrist.

"You're getting slow. Perhaps it's all the booze you like you guzzle." You say

"Whatever. You're lucky that you're actually useful, otherwise I would've killed you years ago." He scowls, "Ungrateful bitch,"

"Mmhm, sure." You say, "Raise a hand to either of these girls tonight and you'll be sent back to the Zenin Estate in pieces. I've gotten faster and don't mind demonstrating why I'm a Special Grade, so watch it, old man."

"You've become overconfident. I think you're spending too much time with that white-haired fool." Naobito smiles

"Perhaps. Do you really want to find out though? I wonder if Naoya or any of his brothers will be concerned when the dear clan leader turns up dead." You reply

9:05pm,

"The second curtain is down!" Nobara declares

"Good. We'll move in then. Inumaki is handling evacuations so focus on any curses or curse users." You say "Our main goal is to assist Satoru in whatever way possible and get as many normal people safely out of his way."

"Got it." Maki says

"Yes ma'am." Nobara smiles

"I'm the elder here! Shouldn't I give the orders?!" Naobito yells

"Fine. What do you want to do then, oh dear clan leader?" You mock

...

"Just do whatever she said!" Naobito relents, ignoring you.

Heh. What a loser.

9:26 pm, the basement of Shibuya Station

What was this? A fake? No....he was here!

Suguru Geto was standing in front of him, healthy as ever.

"Who are you?"

"Don't you remember, Satoru? I'm Suguru Geto. Did you forget? How sad!" The imposter mocks him, and Suguru.

"Your body, your cursed energy, everything my six eyes see tells me you're Suguru Geto..."

They're wrong. Every bit of information his body is screaming at him to acknowledge is wrong. The instincts he had relied on for so many years were wrong, This wasn't Suguru. No, Suguru was gone, whatever was in front of him was no friend, and the way he mockingly said Gojo's name was perfect proof.

You can't imitate love.

"But my heart and my soul know otherwise! Who the hell are you?!"

"How'd you know?"

The stitches on the imposter's face are removed as the imposter reveals himself.

"My technique allows me to hop bodies by switching brains. I coveted this man's curse manipulation of course." The monster in front of him mocks

"Goodnight, Satoru Gojo. We'll meet again, in the new world." It bids him goodbye

"How long are you going to let it keep using you, Suguru?" He calls out to his best friend for the first time in nearly a year.

"HA!" The monster grins as Suguru fights him, amused by the struggle from Suguru's instincts.

I'm always worried about you.

Looks like you were right. You always were, one way or another.

Heh, next time Satoru Gojo might listen to you. After all, look how he's ended up.

"Gate, close."

10:20 pm, Inokashira line

Satoru Gojo has been sealed.

At least that's what you heard through assistant directors who have been feeding information the best they can.

How the hell did he get himself captured? He was untouchable, so what did he see that rattled him that badly?

"Why don't you cut loose. I'm sure you could level the playing field against these curses easily, Miss Special Grade." Naobito taunted

"Shut up!" You yell, cutting through another low-level curse

Letting loose, what a funny idea. Creating too many duplicates was bad, especially in a high-stress situation like this. What was once a support mission had just become a rescue mission.

"You know she can't." Maki defends you

"Whatever. All I hear is how special you are yet I've never seen your full technique. Kind of a waste don't you think?" He asks

He's baiting you. It won't work.

"Once we rescue Satoru, I'll show you my full technique. Perhaps one of my duplicates will kill you for me." You say

"I doubt it." He grins

"Zenin-san!" A oh so familiar voice calls out to you

"Nanami!" You greet, Thank god you're here to save me from this old man."

"Are you alright?" He asked

Always so overly concerned.

It was sweet though, you'd have to have lunch with him soon, you wanted to catch up with him, it had been too long. Perhaps you could go to a diner, Nanami had always enjoyed a good sandwich.

"I'm fine." You brush him off

"I overheard his taunts. Don't let your technique out fully unless there's no choice." Nanami reminds

"Duh, I'm not crazy." You say you say gently punching his arm.

Nanami shakes his head but falls into pace with all of you.

"You ought to turn back. Grade One is the minimum for the next battles, Maki." He warns

He's right. You had noticed that the deeper you went into the station, the stronger the curses were. You hadn't been sure what you were going to say to the girl but you were glad Nanami spoke up for you

"I'll be fine." She said

"He's right, Maki. I don't want you getting hurt." You say

"How am I going to advance if I don't challenge myself," Maki said

"Dying isn't challenging yourself." You say

"You should listen to your elders, girl." Naobito laughs

"Like I'd listen to a drunkard. I'm staying." Maki declares

When the hell was he drinking?! You swore he didn't have any booze on him.

"Were you seriously drinking?" Nanami judges

"I'm drinking for myself!" Naobito declares shamelessly.

What an asshole.

You follow Nanami down the steps, happy as a clam that there's an adult you actually like here. Sure Maki was great company and you loved her dearly but her stubbornness drove you nuts sometimes.

"Stop." Nanami commands, putting an arm out in front of you.

Then you sense it, something much stronger than the last curses is here.

"Maki, go back up those steps now." You order, making eye contact with a red and white curse.

"Hell, no, I told you I'm-"

"Quit your arguing." Naobito commands suddenly

He's stepped away from your little group and has gotten a hand on the curse

"You guys are too slow."

"Naobito wait!" You call, sensing something is wrong. The curse that put out such a strong aura just seconds ago wasn't putting it out anymore. It was letting Naobito get close to it.

Your words fall on deaf ears as he sends a punch to the curse. It flies back and spits out thousands of human bones.

How disgusting.

It's a little surprising what happens next. You watch as the little red curse crawls away from Naobito, calling out for it's comrades' names.

"What the hell is it doing? Forget it...let's kill it now." You say as you begin to walk towards it.

"How dare you kill Hanami?" It asks before beginning to shake

Oh boy...this couldn't be good.

A bright light flashes and the small red curse that once seemed wildly weak had transformed into a winged creature of sorts.

"I am Dagon." It declares

"Do you know how many frames there are in a second of animation?" Naobito asks

Great...he's going to blab about his technique now.

"If you're going to run your mouth, then you can fight it alone." You declare, not interested in assisting him

"Fine by me," Noabito says

Your focus recenters on Maki. This curse's transfigured form could be dangerous. She'd be the first to die if it really wanted to go all out so you'll have to keep a close eye on her.

You'd never admit it but Naobito's technique was impressive. Being able to break down an enemy's moves was certainly valuable. You watch carefully as Naobito punches and kicks away at Dagon who seems unable to get a decent hit on the old Zenin leader. You made no move to stop Maki as she swung at the curse, after all you knew Dagon would focus on the ones who could deal heavier damage.

"Don't you plan on helping?" Nanami called

"Yeah, yeah. I was kind of hoping Naobito would get beat up a little more though." You sigh, unsheathing your sword.

Eight of them. Eight phantoms is the number that you can control easily. Any more and they break away from your main mindset. By creating too many they gain their own willpower and goals, something like that can be deadly.

For example, if 25 Phantoms are created, only eight at a time will listen to your main body's orders. The others will access and act on what's going on around them at their own whims. If they become too free and learn to use their techniques, they can infinitely multiply and there'd be nothing you could do to stop them.

"Guess I'll start with three tonight. Let's see what you got, Dagon."

You'll start with 3 duplicates for now.

"Surround it. Hold it down." Your commands are instantly carried out as they each draw their swords to match you and begin moving towards Dagon.

"No!" Dagon calls as he takes a hard blow from Noabito

Suddenly the scenery changes from the station to a sunny beach. Damn it, this must be its domain.

Suddenly, two of your duplicates are cut down, they melt away and the last one remains to your right, awaiting orders. A nasty cut on its leg bleeds but it isn't anything fatal so it remains intact.

"Zenin-san!" Nanami's voice calls for you

A sharp pain fills your body as warm blood begins to trickle down your torso. Shit, did he just cut your intestines?

The harsher your wounds, the harder it would be to create a strong duplicate.

A barrage of different creatures are flying towards you now, almost like they're in slow motion.

Nanami said not to go all out...very well, you'll just have to push yourself to the limit of your control. There's no reason not to create 8 duplicates, even if they're hard to control.

"Get me to him." You order four of them

"The rest of you protect Maki." You say

She'll be the first to fall if you all stay in the domain for too long. Naobito's technique was protecting him and you were sure Nanami had enough strength to hold out until you were able to deal the finishing blow. Your duplicates were weaker than normal, and you sent the weaker ones to watch over Maki, you'd have to finish this fast and then get to Shoko, the bleeding from your stomach hadn't stopped yet.

"You're the weakest." Dagon declared, ignoring your charge and rushing Maki

Shit. This damn stomach injury was slowing you down. Without it, you're sure you would've been able to kill him by now.

"Maki!" A voice calls from the ocean

Megumi! Wasn't he with Itadori?

You grin as you see that Megumi has brought Maki her special-grade cursed tool. Good, with her safe that means you can make your attempt again.

With four duplicates left, Dagon is moving toward Megumi who seems to be trying to break the domain open. Those creatures Dagon likes are the perfect path to him.

Your stomach burns as you slice down a creature in your way. Nanami has moved to protect Megumi.

Heh, Megumi's going to break a hole in the domain at this rate. Maki and Noabito are behind you, ready for a quick escape. It's true none of you stand a chance like this.

Shit if only you had dodged when Nanami called to you. Three of your duplicates are dead and one remains as you call her to your side, ready to slip through the hole.

A gurgle sounds and before anyone can make a move a flash of white meets your eyes and a dead man enters the domain.

Toji Zenin is alive and well as he enters with a sinister-sounding laugh.

You watch wide-eyed as Toji uses Maki's cursed tool to attack Dagon.

"Who is that?" Maki asks

You're too shocked to answer as you watch the ghost easily overpower Dagon.

Satoru didn't let him go right? No...this was something different.

"Noabito how's he here?" You ask

"I don't know. He's been dead for years." Noabito says

Great, always so helpful.

"He's our best bet right now," Nanami says

Damnit. What kind of special-grade sorcerer were you? Getting injured and relying on some ghost to finish off a curse for you. If only you had infinity like Satoru then you wouldn't have to worry about cuts.

"It's alright. You'll have another chance to prove yourself." Nanami says, "Focus on keeping pressure on your stomach."

You glance down to see your normally dark clothes even darker with your blood.

"I'll help you get to Shoko," Nanami says, wrapping a big arm under your shoulders for support

Shit when did he get so muscular? Damn male puberty, you wished you had gotten to grow that big!

"Speak for yourself, You look just as bad as me." You say, watching as Toji sets himself up for a finishing move.

"Thanks, I love getting nice compliments from you" Nanami smiles

Before you can blink or comprehend Nanami's mood change, you're released from the domain, Dagon's body is slowly disappearing and Toji stands victorious over it.

Noabito looks ready to call out to the ghost, hopefully, to see how the hell he's alive again. You let your weight slump against Nanami, glad he's there to hold you up, even if he's badly injured himself.

It's like it happens in slow motion before your eyes. Toji crosses the room and his fist whirls back to slam into an unsuspecting Megumi. Glass shatters as Nanami holds you from running after them.

"You'd lose. We have to heal you first." He says, "Megumi will be fine."

You hate that he's right.

"Fine then lets get to Shoko and-"

The scent of singed flesh hits your nose and cuts you off, before you know it Nanami is shoving you away from him.

"It's alright." He says when he sees the fear in your eyes

Your eyes find his as your last duplicate moves in front of you to protect you. The last thing you see is the fire that covers your last close friend from your teenage years.

The hot blaze from the fire dries the tears that threaten to fall from your eyes as your head hits the floor, your duplicate is there, you'll have to leave everything to her.

May 2005

"Did you hear about the new student that's joining us? They're from the Zenin clan." Haibara asks as they walk toward their classroom

"Yes, I was there when the announcement was made." Nanami reminds

"Yeah, I know, I'm just excited. I hope they can get along with the second years. It would suck if we all had to stop hanging out together." Haibara says

"I dunno. Seeing Gojo less actually sounds appealing." Nanami says

"Yeah but wouldn't you miss Geto-san?" Haibara asks

"Maybe. He's better than Gojo." Nanami admits as he takes his usual seat, casting a glance at the new desk that has been added to the room

Yaga enters soon after and behind him a small form follows, practically hiding itself behind their muscular teacher.

"Introduce yourself," Yaga says

Nanami watches as the figure stops its hiding and introduces herself. Pretty hair catches his eye as she sits down next to him.

"Hello."

It's in this moment that Nanami knows you are going to be at the center of his attention from now until forever.

July 2006

"Is it possible to die from lack of ice cream?" You groan from your spot on the floor

"It would certainly be a new way to die," Nanami says, as sweat trickles down the back of his neck.

"What the hell is taking Haibara so long? The corner store is only 10 minutes away!" You whine covering your face with a towel that had been wet with cool water.

Nanami is equally uncomfortable and overheated as you but for a slightly different reason. It was the hottest day of the year, of course, you were entitled to wear a tank top and shorts, he'd never want to limit what you dressed yourself in. After all it was your body, not his.

The big issue was that the amount of skin you were showing was hypnotizing to the 16-year-old boy. It's not like he was trying to only focus on the way your body looked, it's just that his eyes kept drifting over there!

"Sorry, it took so long! I dropped my wallet on the way there!" Haibara greeted as he pushed your dorm room's door open

"Next time send a text. I thought I was going to die." You say, immediately reaching for your ice cream

"Are you alright, Nanami you look a little red..."Haibara observes

"I'm fine." He lied, keeping his eyes away from you.

August 2007

Nanami isn't sure what to do. You called him here probably so you didn't have to be alone but what should he say? He felt frozen as he took in your appearance.

To keep it short, you were a mess. Used tissues were on your overflowing nightstand and you were wrapped up under your blankets. Were you even aware he had entered the room?

"Hey..." He said quietly

"Nanami." You greet, turning over to face him from your blanket mountain

"How are you?" He asked awkwardly as he sat down on the floor next to you so his face was even with yours as you lay in bed.

"Terrible." You say quietly

"Me too." He agrees

"You look better than me." You observe

"I got most of my tears out already." He explains, thinking back to the long shower he had taken

You let out a soft hum of acknowledgment and your hand appears from your blanket burrito. Without thinking Nanami takes it in his bigger one.

"It sounds stupid to say but he's in a better place now." Nanami assures

He hated when Geto said that to him earlier but now it was the only thing he could find in his muddled brain.

"It still hurts though." You say

"...I know."

September 2007

The sun was setting when he finally caught up to you. He was worried when you ran off after he read the report about Geto to you. A warm breeze fills his lungs as he watches the scene in front of him unfold.

You hand Gojo a lollipop and settle down next to him on the stairs. It's inappropriate but jealousy burns hot in his stomach as he watches Gojo rest his head on your shoulder.

"I'm sure you'll see him again. Even if it's not for a long time, you'll talk to each other again." You say

"Yeah, I hope so," Gojo responds

Nanami watches as your eyes remain fixed on the saddened white-haired sorcerer. He understands now, Kento Nanami understands that no matter how he chases after you, your eyes will always be fixed on something far up ahead. Satoru Gojo has won you from him and there's nothing he can do to stop it.

February 2015

Nanami isn't sure why he agrees to babysitting the kids you and Gojo took in. Perhaps its because they're fun to be around, not that he'd ever admit it.

"Can we watch a fun movie tonight?" Tsumiki asks

"Yes. If you finish your dinner." He responds as he drives, "And all your vegetables."

"Can we watch Hotel Transylvania?" Megumi asks

"No!" Tsumiki groans

Nanami tunes out the Fushiguro siblings as they launch into a debate about what movies are good and which ones aren't. Apparently, Hotel Transylvania has been dubbed dumb by Tsumiki.

His mind wanders to you and how you smiled and thanked him for helping out tonight. He said it was no problem and reminded you they were welcome any time at his house so that you and Gojo could get some alone time.

He doesn't know why he said that, especially since he easily figured out what kind of night you had planned judging by the racey dress you had on when you walked the kids out. Seriously he thought he'd be feeling some sort of jealousy but instead, he was just enamored with you.

Maybe he just wants to feel useful to you. Afterall, your recent promotion to Special Grade Sorcerer has left him feeling rather weak compared to you, like he wouldn't really be of use if you were ever in real danger. Because if you couldn't win a fight, how would he? Being a rank lower than you it would be impossible.

As he drives Nanami decides that if there were ever real danger, he'd hope that he would be able to keep you safe from harm, even if it were just for a second. Yes, he'd be satisfied with something as small as that.

11:14 pm- Dogenzaka, in front of Shibuya 109

He feels a sense of accomplishment as doom looks him in the face. The curse in front of him doesn't scare him, even as he understands that this will be it.

You had been perfectly unharmed when he woke up before he walked all the way down here. Your duplicate must've taken the fire from the curse that had touched him. She had done her job well and Nanami wished he could thank her. Of course, it never would've occurred if he hadn't pushed you away from him. For once he was glad he let you go. After all, there were so many times from before that he hadn't.

One day he'll meet you again. Perhaps then he'll tell you his true feelings until then though you'd have to wait. It was only fair, considering how long he had waited for you.

"Itadori, you've got it from here."

Next Part

Series Masterlist

Guys, I swear this is still a Gojo fic, not a Nanami one.

Taglist

@polarbvnny @r0ckst4rjk @dann-acalle @bakedpotato12 @my-xoxoxox @desideriumlove @starlight5cat

[podcastkevin]

"Wheels up in thirty." Everyone dispersed and you started to make your way to Garcia's cave.

"How come he doesn't go with us? I've read what he can do, it seems like he'd be excellent on the field." Emily asked. You had been with the BAU before Emily and she was still getting to know you. "Did you not see his age? Hotch won't let him on the field til he's older." "Older? Come on, Derek, he looks Spencer's age." Reid shakes his head and points down. "He's younger? Okay, I'm gonna guess Twenty-two." They others just look at her.

"...Twenty?" "Emily, Mn is Seventeen." Reid tells her and her eyes widen. "Wha- Seventeen?? How-" "He has the intelligence of Reid and the tech-iness of Garcia. It's like some weird mutation of the two put together." "How did he get here?" "Well, there's another thing we're not telling you." "Oh, what, he was solving sudoku problems when he turned two?" "Actually he was five." Reid answers. "He told you that?" "I watched him do it." "How?" Reid laughs with a small smile. (Y'know, his little smile he does sometimes after telling a "fun fact" to someone?) "He's my little brother." Reid reveals and Emily's jaw drops. "Your brother?" "Kid calls him suspenders just to annoy him. That's how I found out. Spencer and Suspenders, clever annoying younger brother nickname." Derek says. "Yeah, I call him (Annoyed older brother nickname) and he absolutely hates it. It's fun."

-------

Let's not pay attention to the age difference and just enjoy this silly little thing I made because age logic is dumb and I love Reid 😂

Also I turned 21 on Thursday (03.07.24) and I feel weird. Not physically just I feel weird that I'm one year older again.

[ashwhowrites]

Older! Dealer! Eddie x reader, she goes to his house every Friday to buy from him, Eddie likes her, but he doesn't know if she likes him, so when they are dealing, he acts more flirtatious than usual, and that ends up in smut

I combined these requests since they are similar. Then I realized not everyone is into older!Eddie so if the anon that requested is uncomfortable with older!Eddie, please reach out and I can rewrite it :)

I sat on this fic for three days because I could not get the creative energy for the smut so the smut is like building up smut and not full blown, I do apologize. I wanted to finally get it out because I had a feeling it's going to take me a while to get that right mood to write

Older dealer

Eddie opened the door as Y/N knocked. Her contagious smile and gentle voice made Eddie's head spin. Y/N has been coming to Eddie for months now for deals. Eddie never mixed his business with his personal life, but he couldn't get this girl out of his head. She was in her 20s and Eddie was in his 40s, the age difference was the only thing stopping Eddie from making a move.

Too many nights he thought of her, lying awake as he thought about her, if she was single, her type, and if she was somehow interested in him. Eddie knew he wasn't the perfect bachelor. He lived in a small trailer and sold drugs as a quick cash grab. She seemed put together, lived in a bright world, and was so young still. She had so much to learn and explore. But he wanted to sink his teeth in her before anyone else did.

"Hey Eddie" she greeted with a big smile, sitting down at the familiar kitchen table. Eddie looked down at his watch as he sat across from her.

"Like two hours early, sweets." He teased, grabbing his bags of weed as he passed them over to her.

"Yeah, I had a date and got stood up. Figured might as well come here while I was out." She shrugged, sliding over her cash as she put the weed in her purse.

Eddie felt himself clench at her words. She was dating, but of course she was. She was gorgeous, hot, and young.

"Who's stupid enough to stand you up? Is he blind or just stupid?" Eddie asked, crossing his arms as she laughed.

"Second one. I can't tell you how many horrible dates I've been on. These guys are so shallow and boyish. Never have respect or manners. Just trying to get laid and bounce out." She complained Eddie found a sense of excitement knowing she was failing miserably in the dating world.

"Sounds like you need a break from the young ones." Eddie winked, maybe this was his shot. He pushed his head on his hand, a little smirk on his face as she tried to read his face.

"And what are you suggesting?" She asked, her eyes looking from his eyes to his lips and back. Eddie smirked at the action, licking his lips as she looked at them again.

"That you need to try an actual man," he stated, looking into her eyes as he kept his voice low. "Someone that knows how to touch a girl like you, hit the right spots, make you whimper, and make pretty sounds. Someone who will be there when you wake up." Y/N felt herself shivering at his words. Her brain thought of his hands touching her, ruining her.

Y/N felt like her throat was dry as she tried to speak up.

"And do you have a man in mind?" She asked, not realizing she was leaning in.

"Depends, are you into older men? Maybe twenty years older than you?" His eyes looked down at her lips as she kept leaning closer.

"Not until I met you. Then I couldn't get you out of my head" She confessed, Eddie smiled at her words. He pulled back and stood up. She blinked confused as she watched him.

He grabbed her hand and yanked her up. She yelped in surprise as he picked her up and placed her on the table. He stood between her legs and wrapped a hand around her neck, tilting her head up.

"I was worried you'd be too young for me. But fuck, you never leave my head. Can't believe those boys don't realize the chance they got." He said, his lips ghosting over hers. Giving her time to stop it if it wasn't what she wanted.

"What about you? Dating around?" She whispered, she knew he was with others and she hated knowing his body was touched by someone else.

"Eyes just on you, baby." He admitted, his lips even closer to hers. He moaned when she smashed her lips on his, her arms around his neck as she tried to control the kiss. He let her have the control for a little while. He took his time to taste her and feel her body under his hands.

He pulled away, she whimpered as he did. Her hands are trying to yank him closer. He pecked her pout softly.

"Patience darling." He whispered, he stood between her legs as he stripped her clothes, admiring her as she laid bare underneath him. His hands moved to her chest, squeezing her breasts softly as he kissed down her neck. His mouth wrapped around her left nipple, sucking softly. His right hand moved down her body, rubbing her clit slowly.

Y/N never thought she'd find herself under her older drug dealer, gasping and cumming over and over. But she was grateful that every bad date led her to this.

Eddie figured people would have shit to say about their age difference, but he didn't care.

He wanted her and he got her. That's all he cared about.

Tags!

@bmunson86 @mxcheese @ladymunson @michaelfuckinglangdon @z0mbie-blah @biittersweet @mirrorsstuff @somethingvicked @micheledawn1975 @ago-godance @magnificantmermaid @tlclick73 @hargrovesswifee @cityofidek @manyfandomsfanvergentreblogs @silky-luxe @lokiofasgard616 @loving-and-dreaming @eddiemunsonsbitch69 @thegemaqua @ashlynnkennedy @strangerthingsstories5255 @harringt8ns @pleasinghellfire @whoscamila @stusdollface93

[adventuringblind]

Stay With Me

Daniel Ricciardo x blind!Reader

Summary: Reader runs into Daniel at a race. He sticks around longer than she is expecting.

Warnings: Pretty major age gap

Notes: blindness is a spectrum!!! I'm basing this off my own vision. No perifreal for the win!

Masterlist

Twenty-one. She's twenty fucking one years old. How had she managed to get herself into this situation and being blind majority of her life? No idea.

To say she is panicking would be an understatment. She's terrified. No idea where she is. Can't find her friend. And she hates her cane so she didn't bring it cause the ground is flat around here.

They'd gotten separated for a few seconds. Yet she still managed to get turned around.

She keeps bumping into people who shout at her to watch it. Her heart is in her throat as she attempts to find the wall. She wants to sit and cry and never move again.

A hand on her shoulder makes her jump. She braces for the shove out of the way. But it never comes.

"Are you alright?" Says an Australian accented male.

"Just lost..." She trails. The idea of explaining that she's blind isn't what she wants to do right now. She doesn't look blind which has made people call her a liar and overdramatic. Something she's not sure she could handle right now.

She tries to rapidly scan what she can of the males face. From what she can gather, he's Daniel Ricciardo. Typical. At least he's nice. Maybe he won't notice her internal and external panic.

"Can I help you get where your going?"

"I'm looking for my friend, actually. Just got turned around." Her nervous laugh makes an appearance.

"Any chance you can call them?"

She face palms herself mentally. She would've done so already if she could find a wall of any kind that people didn't shove her off.

"I was going to - but I can't seem to find a wall. I know I don't look it but I'm blind." She grimaces at herself. Her mind preparing for the inevitable-

"That's kinda cool!" Not the response she was expecting. "Are you comfortable taking my arm?"

She hesitantly says yes, still waiting for him to just drop her off somewhere ridiculous. As a cruel joke or something.

She's seen Daniel race. He's not doing it currently, but he's still a major part of the sport. Her brain logically knows that he's not going to do anything. Yet the all-consuming fear of being told off is eating away at her.

Daniel guides her hand to his bicep. Exactly like how someone who is trained to lead someone visually impaired would do. It's the first thing she truly notices about him.

The second is how warm his skin is.

The walk for about a minute. Daniel pulls her hand off him and sets it gently against the cold metal of what she's assuming to be, is a wall.

"Sorry if I startled you earlier. You seemed panicked." He apologizes. It's sincere. She can hear it in his voice.

"I just thought you might be another person trying to shove me out of the way." She laughs nervously again. She hates that stupid laugh. "Can I ask where you learned to do human guide?"

"Had a friend who was blind as a teenager. I guess I just retained some of what I learned."

She may not be able to see his smile, but she can hear it. It puts her at ease. Then, she pulls her phone out of her pocket to text her friend and drop her location.

"You don't have to wait for me if you don't want to. I really appreciate your help."

"I don't mind, really! You seem interesting and I like interesting people."

She prays her blush isn't noticeable. She can feel the heat in her cheeks rising, but maybe he won't notice.

"Maybe we can continue this over dinner?"

In all her years, she'd never been asked out. And now she's being asked to dinner by Daniel Ricciardo.

"You should know first that I'm twenty-one."

"And?"

"As long as you don't care, then I'd love to go to dinner."

~

She'd assumed he'd be at some after party. But then again, it's only the second race of the season. Maybe they don't do after parties this early.

He'd picked her up from her hotel room. She went for a simple look since she didn't really have much else. A date was not on her agenda this weekend.

A date with Daniel fucking Ricciardo. It sounds straight out of a book. Or a romantic comedy of some sort.

The thing was, it wasn't comedic. Sure, Daniel made her laugh. But she never felt embarrassed.

He's caring and gentle. He told her weird jokes and funny stories. He listened to her when she said things.

Then he promised to call her.

Part of her is doubtful that he will reach out to her again. Yet that little hopeful voice in her brain says just maybe.

~

And that little voice was correct for once. Daniel messaged more than she expected.

He texted her daily and called her at night. He sent her pictures of anything and everything.

They just talked. For hours.

She really couldn't see why he would like her so much. It's not like she's the most interesting person. She's not rich. She feels very average aside from the lack of vision.

"I don't understand why you find me so interesting." She'd expressed over a phone call one night. "I feel rather boring compared to the girls you see most of the time."

"But those girls aren't you. You smile at the most mundane things that you find absolutely fascinating. You listen to me rant about life and never tell me to shut up. You give good advice and you're intelligent."

It sent butterflies into her stomach. A blush creeps over her cheeks, and she's glad he can't see her right now.

"But I feel like I can't compare. Like I'll never be able to live up to the expectations."

"Fuck 'em all, as I like to say. Stay with me and I'll show you ever reason I love you and why you should love yourself as much as I do."

And that's exactly what she did.

[paltaxiox]

HC that after the war Harry's patronus changed to a snowy owl: Hedwig.

.

.

.

.

Harry is eighteen, he's survived a war, and he still feels like he could die at any moment. Being back at Hogwarts with other students doesn't erase months of running around, hiding, taking turns sleeping, not eating. Going back doesn't erase anything, and he still remembers every single death and the extreme fear of not waking up one day if he closes his eyes.

His friends try, of course—they try to help him and he's grateful, but he knows it'll never be the same for him. The losses are too much and they weigh on his back, like a giant blanket that won't let him breathe.

It's the last day of school; the next day they'll be returning to London for the last time. They've had their graduation ceremony that day, and the students are celebrating in the common room, drinking, laughing and happy. Harry is, too, but he sees the dark sky, the trees swaying on the horizon, and feels something is missing.

He started Hogwarts eight years ago. He crossed that hidden wall at King's Cross with someone else, and it wasn't the Weasleys—it was someone Harry always thought would be with him, until one or the other died of old age. But he'll come back alone. As he was for the first eleven years of his life until she was given to him, white and magnificent. He's graduated and Hegwig was not with him to see it. He'll take the train for the last time and Hedwig, his first friend, will not be there with him.

For while he considers Ron his first friend, nothing can compare to Hedwig. Actually, his first friend ever was her, not Ron. They're the first of their kind. Ron was her first (human) friend, and Hegwig her first (general) friend. He loves Ron, but he loved Hedwig as well, and the two cannot be compared. Ron accompanied him on his deadly adventures every year, but it was Hegwig who returned with him to the Dursely's, who saw him locked in a room without food, and who listened to him talk and talk, only with his company. And her presence, actually, was all he needed to keep him afloat.

Over the next few minutes, Harry casts spell after spell. He does it without thinking, just from muscle memory. He knows he won't use several of these anymore, and others he will, but it feels good to do it one last time in a school setting, so that twenty years from now he can sit with his family and friends and remember 'Yes, that was my last spell at Hogwarts.'

And in the end, his last spell lands on the tip of his tongue. It's not his signature spell, but it's the one he's most fond of, the one that connects him to his father. He purses his lips, takes a deep breath, and speaks the words:

'Expecto Patronum.'

Instantly, a bluish-white wisp comes out of his wand, curves in the air and bursts into an intense light that makes him squint. The figure that forms is circular, then oval, then changes and twists and turns as if it doesn't know what to do. Harry watches silently, the air trapped in his lungs. At the end, the figure stands still and limbs grow from its sides and it shakes. Instead of fur, it sprouts feathers. And when he opens his eyes, Harry knows that, if the animal had been real and not a bluish-white Patronus, it'd have bright yellow eyes.

It's Hedwig. Not the majestic stag he's had since he was thirteen—but Hedwig, who won't be with him to see him off, who never could, but who has somehow snuck into his own magic so that he'll always remember her. And, oh god, isn't it hilarious?

A sob catches in his throat as the snowy owl returns and flies higher, seeming pleased. She flutters around, disinterested. And then she fixes her eyes on him, and turns to him with the same stern look she gave him when he was talking nonsense or not giving his the bacon.

Before he knows what he's doing, Harry has his arm stretched out to the sky, towards her, and Hegwig flies and flies towards him, and transmits so much light that it illuminates the grass and every pebble on the ground. She comes so close that, as he runs his fingers across her back in a gesture to caress her as he used to do, he runs right through her. Suddenly, his cheeks feel cold, and it's with a tremulous sigh that he realises he has been crying.

He cannot take his eyes off her, off her plumage and her now blue eyes. And the night goes on and on and on and he's still there. And when dawn comes, Hedwig flies past towards the horizon, and finally disappears.

Harry is the only one left.

Years later, many many years later, he'll sit surrounded by grandsons and granddaughters, all together around the fireplace, and introduce them to Hedwig, his first friend.

[phoenixyfriend]

ღ obidala?

Send me a ღ and I’ll fill this out about a ship

This ask meme is from a year ago. Please don't send new prompts.

(Does contain a kink mention.)

Who’s the first to wake up in the morning: Obi-Wan. He meditates first thing, and by the time he's done, Padme's up and has the coffee maker running.

Who’s the one to make breakfast: Padme. She seems pretty proud of her baking skills in TCW, and excited to share with her loved ones, so I think she'd be excited to make food for Obi-Wan.

Who’s the one to serve the other breakfast in bed: Despite Padme being the one to cook, I think Obi-Wan's the one to serve breakfast in bed.

Who would suggest a quickie in the morning before work: [heavy sigh] Padme. Going by canon, Padme.

Who suggests they both ditch work to lay around all day: Neither of them really want to ditch work, but. This is canon: if Padme has the day off, she has no compunctions with asking her partner to skive off to hook up.

Who chooses the movies: They take turns. I think Padme's really into it when Obi-Wan picks documentaries because he gets a bit Teacher Does A Lecture Mode while it's playing, and that voice does things to her. (The age difference is something she's really into. She likes being reminded that her boyfriend is not just older than her, but worldlier. She's been into the Dashing Older Guy since she was fourteen and he saved her, and she is not going to stop being into him being a decade older than her now that she's old enough to actually seduce him.)

Who initiates kissing during the moving, thus distracting the other from the movie all together: Padme's in her twenties. She is still horny. Obi-Wan has a bit more self-control, and is also actually invested in learning about Random Things.

Who orders lunch: Padme.

Who steals food from the other’s plate without asking: Obi-Wan, I think. He pretends he doesn't, but he is so very smug when he manages it while Padme's distracted.

Who curls up next to the other and falls asleep due to a full tummy: Padme. This one is Padme. ...god, the 'curls up' thing is reminding me that I do think Padme might go for pet play as a way to relax, and Obi-Wan would probably be willing to play along with her pretending to be a cat.

Who distracts the other from trying to work at home: Padme is horny and wants some attention, Obi-Wan. Give the former queen some of your time before she plants yourself on your desk. (It's a desk in her apartment, anyway, so it's really her desk.)

Who asks to go get ice cream like a five year old: Neither really goes for 'like a five year old' but I do think Obi-Wan would suggest going out for ice cream if/when he noticed Padme was overworking herself.

Who takes pictures of their partner eating ice cream: Hmmmm that one's Padme. She's much more of a 'casual pic' person, I think.

Who makes a sexual joke about the dripping ice cream on their partner’s face: Obi-Wan, timed perfectly to make Padme choke on her latest lick.

Who cooks dinner: Usually neither of them (take-out or personal chef), but I think Padme does it when she can. She wants this dashing older man to come home from War Rations to Real Food.

Who cleans up the kitchen afterwards: Obi-Wan. He insists that it's only right.

Who stays up until 2 reading: Both of them. I think Obi-Wan is a little better about getting to sleep on time, though.

Who stares at their partner while their sleeping: Padme's into some level-creepy signs of affection in canon so uhhhh yeah I'm gonna say she thinks watching Obi-Wan sleep is the height of romance.

Who kisses their partner while they sleep: Either of them, I think.

[autumncottageattic]

Favourite quotes from Bridget Jones's Diary (1996) & Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (1999), just finished re-reading them😄

It struck me as pretty ridiculous to be called Mr Darcy and to stand on your own looking snooty at a party. It's like being called Heathcliff and insisting on spending the entire evening in the garden, shouting 'Cathy' and banging your head against a tree

He turned round, revealing that what had seemed from the back like a harmless navy sweater was actually a V-neck diamond-pattern in shades of yellow and blue — as favoured by the more elderly of the nation's sports reporters. As my friend Tom often remarks, it's amazing how much time and money can be saved in the world of dating by close attention to detail. A white sock here, a pair of red braces there, a grey slip-on shoe, a swastika, are as often as not all one needs to tell you there's no point writing down

Suddenly I realize I am waiting for the phone again. How can it be that the situation between the sexes after a first night remains so agonizingly imbalanced? Feel as if I have just sat an exam and must wait for my results.

Can officially confirm that the way to a man s heart these days is not through beauty, food, sex, or alluringness of character, but merely the ability to seem not very interested in him.

You should make the most of being single while it lasts, Bridge,' she said. 'Once you've got kids and you've given up your job you're in an incredibly vulnerable position. I know Jeremy thinks my life is just one big holiday, but basically it's extremely hard work looking after a toddler and a baby all day, and it doesn't stop. When Jeremy comes home at the end of the day he wants to put his feet up and be nurtured and, as I imagine all the time now, fantasize about girls in leotards at the Harbour Club.

'I had a proper job before. I know for a fact it's much more fan going out to work, getting all dressed up, flirting in the office and having nice lunches than going to the bloody supermarket and picking Harry up from playgroup. But there's always this aggrieved air that I'm some sort of ghastly Harvey Nichols-obsessed lady who lunches while he earns all the money.'

She's so beautiful, Magda. I watched her toying with her champagne glass despondently and wondered what the answer is for we girls. Talk about grass is always bloody greener. The number of times I've slumped, depressed, thinking how useless I am and that I spend every Saturday night getting blind drunk and moaning to Jude and Shazzer or Tom about not having a boyfriend; I struggle to make ends meet and am ridiculed as an unmarried freak, whereas Magda lives in a big house with eight different kinds of pasta in jars, and gets to go shopping all day. And yet here she is so beaten, miserable and unconfident and telling me I'm lucky . . 

Going out to meet Tom for tea. Decided needed to spend more time on appearance like Hollywood stars and have therefore spent ages putting concealer under eyes, blusher on cheeks and defining fading features.

'Good God,' said Tom when I arrived.

'What?' I said. 'What?'

"Your face. You look like Barbara Cartland.'

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (1999)

Jude had been to the gym where she ended up reading some article calling single girls over thirty 're-treads'. "The guy was arguing that the sort of girls who

 - wouldn't go out with him in their twenties would go out with him now but he didn't want them any more," she said sadly. "He said they were all obsessed with settling down and babies and his rule with girls now was "Nothing over twenty-five".

Whole dating world is like hideous game of bluff and double bluff with men and women firing at each other from opposite lines of sandbags. Is as if there is a set of rules that you are supposed to be sticking to, but no one knows what they are so everyone just makes up their own. Then you end up getting chucked because you didn't follow the rules correctly, but how could you be expected to, when you didn't know what they were in the first place?

"It's very hard for young people now," Elaine interrupted again, looking hard at me. "One can marry anyone when one is eighteen. But when one's character is formed, taking on the reality of a man must seem insufferable. Present company excepted of course."

All friendships between men and women are based on the sexual dynamic. The mistake people make is ignoring this, then getting upset when their friend doesn't shag them."

  "I'm not getting upset," muttered Shazzer.

  "What about friends when neither fancies the other?" said Jude.

  "Doesn't happen. Sex is what drives it. 'Friends' is a bad definition."

"It's not me it's a social trend," I said indignantly. "Women are staying single because they can support themselves and want to do their careers, then when they get older all the men think they're desperate re-treads with sell-by dates and just want someone younger."

  "Honestly, darling. Sell-by dates! Anyone would think you were a tub of cottage cheese in ASDA! All that sillydaft nonsense is just in films, darling."

"No, it's not."

  "Durrr! Sell-by date. They might pretend they want one of these bimbas but they don't really. They want a nice friend. What about Roger what's-his-name that left Audrey for his secretary? Of course she was thick. Six months later he was begging Audrey to come back and she wouldn't have him!"

[empty-pizza]

the necromancer and cavalier pecking order, as of Gideon the Ninth chapter twenty-one

after writing my last post, i've realized i should establish a full pecking order of the relevant characters so far. this will probably be inaccurate as i do not know many of them well enough yet, so it's subject to change.

ianthe. doesn't take shit from anyone. knows exactly what she's doing and betrayed whoever she wants. harrow had to learn to work together with her cavalier, ianthe said nah fuck this shit i'm doing it solo. i know so little about her but my expectations are high.

harrow. she knows what she wants, has plans, and is willing to be self-destructive to achieve them. doesn't take shit from anyone. could realistically be a few places lower though, i just don't know what the others are planning.

silas. don't know much. rather than not taking shit from anyone, he's here to give other people shit. he's gotta be planning something. i don't see him living long, but his death will be grand.

palamedes. another of the best planners. cares a little too much about talking to others instead of not giving a fuck. just a little too nice. does his teamwork with camilla make him stronger? maybe, but he's also a nerd, which puts him below silas. as much as he is a nerd, he's one of the only people really succeeding.

camilla. seems tough, knows what she's doing, all business.

dulcinea. very much overcomes her weaknesses with clever planning. she's the kind of person you know you'll regret trusting, but you want to trust anyway. also actually achieved anything.

coronabeth. it's a shame for someone this smart to still be the dumb pretty one in the arrangement, but ianthe just clearly has her beat. lower than dulcinea because she hasn't accomplished shit.

gideon. tough, bold, but has awful matchups against most of the people above her because they're hot girls. easily manipulated by a pretty face.

isaac and jeannemary. wildcards, could definitely impress me. like all of their age, they have great potential. but also like all of their age, they are idiots.

protesilaus. kind of a wildcard. how tough is he? he could turn out to be so tough that he jumps up several places here. but otherwise there's not much to him.

colum. exists to supply silas with power. anybody lower than this should be ashamed of themselves.

abigail and magnus. nice. too nice. died. sucks for them, but you gotta do better than that.

judith and marta. they talk big and backed up none of it. they were so passive and useless that they felt completely irrelevant to the plot, and they're mad about it. that said, they still have the opportunity to redeem themselves. unlike our final pick:

naberius. unbelievable how pathetic this man is. in chapter 22 he started flexing until he realized nobody was watching. he would probably believe that not masturbating for a year would give him magic powers. he would DM pics of his abs to random girls and not understand why they blocked him. he probably talks down to manlets and has a panic attack when he meets a woman taller than him. coronabeth and ianthe didn't decide out of nowhere to bully their cavalier. he put himself in that position.

[lfthinkerwrites]

Little Lamb

WARNING: This is probably the darkest thing I've ever written for Scarecrow. Scarecrow is a terrible, terrible person in this. If you can't handle that, Turn. Around. Now.

Content Warning: Stalking, Older Man/Younger Woman, Fear Toxin as a metaphor for sexual assault. No actual assault though.

Edward's gotten over-confident in the years since they'd parted ways. Careless. Jonathan's been following him from his office to his home for the past three days with his former lover being none the wiser. He's across the street now, inconspicuous on a park bench, watching as the man he'd once cared for, the man he could almost say that he loved, leaves the townhouse overlooking Robinson Park and goes about his business.

As soon as the green convertible pulls away from the curb, Jonathan makes his move. The plan is to break into the home, kill anyone who may be inside, for Jonathan knows that someone's inside, there must be someone that Edward goes home to, the slut never could stand being alone for long, and wait. Wait for Edward to return, wait for him to see the catatonic ruins of whoever waits at home for him, and then strap him down and demand an answer for why he'd left him without a word or trace eight years ago.

Jonathan barely gets to his feet before the townhouse door opens again. He waits, curious to see who emerges. A house cleaner? A spouse? A younger model to keep Edward's bed warm. A girl emerges, shutting the door behind her and bounding down the steps to the street.

Jonathan catches sight of her face and freezes. Even from a distance, he can see the resemblance. Not a spouse. A daughter. Edward has a daughter. He waits until the girl turns her back, then follows her across the street, slowly but surely.

He keeps a distance between them of about twenty-five feet, far enough that she doesn't notice, but close enough for him to observe her, and take in every detail of her appearance. She's a little thing. She'd barely come up to Edward's shoulder if he had to guess. She's wearing an oversized Gotham University sweatshirt that makes her seem smaller, emphasizing her youth. She is a little thing...

A college student. Edward himself had never gone to college. She had to be at least eighteen then. But Edward had only left him eight years ago. Which meant that her existence had predated their relationship. Edward had never said a word about her. The familiar anger bubbles up into Jonathan's chest. Another secret he'd kept from him, another lie. Was she the reason he left? Had Edward been forced to choose between them, and picked this little bastard?

Jonathan's eyes are burning holes into the girl's back. Bastard. Interloper. Thief. She pauses, then turns around at the exact second Jonathan ducks into an alley. More aware of her surroundings than her Daddy then.

Thanks to his height, Jonathan can just peek around the alley wall and see her face. Her rounder face was softer than her father's. She has his eyes though. His big, bright, green eyes. She also has freckles, like little specks of blood on her soft face. He feels his fingers slip into his coat pocket for his aerosol fear toxin. He could do it now. One spray and she'll be screaming, crying. Does she sound like her father? Would she scream for him like her Daddy did?

Her eyes are scanning, searching. Jonathan could end it now. Why is he hesitating? Maybe if he could see any trace of the whore who'd given birth to her, he could, but instead, he sees her father. The man who'd betrayed him and vanished. The man who he had known so intimately, inside and out. For a split second, he sees Edward, but younger, softer...prettier. Her eyes were bigger, greener. Could he make her cry the way he used to make her Daddy cry?

The girl scoffs, shakes her head, turns on her heel, and continues walking. Jonathan is quick to follow. His eyes drift to her hair. Not her father's hair, copper and dulled with age, but a bright red crown of fire. He doesn't notice that her phone is out, that she's texting someone.

No, he thinks. He won't kill her. It would be a waste, He'll take her. She's such a little thing it would be easy to disappear down a Gotham alley with her. He'll take her, he'll keep her, he'll teach her why she shouldn't steal things away from him. Take the thing that Edward abandoned him for, that he must have loved more than anything, and hollow her out until there was nothing but a shell, her pretty little mouth, Edward's mouth, open in a silent scream. Yes, he'll take his time with her, he'll taste her tears, know her fears as intimately as he'd known her Daddy's.

He doesn't notice someone on the roof above, stalking him as he stalks her.

Suddenly, the girl bolts, running down an alley to her right. Jonathan curses and gives pursuit, weaving through the small crowd on the sidewalk. No, you don't, little lamb. There's no escape from the Scarecrow when he has you in his sights.

He finds her at a dead end, almost as if she's waiting for him. She turns as his footsteps approach her, and he sees the pink on her cheeks. "What's wrong, little lamb?" he calls out to her as he approaches. Her eyes grow even wider. He can already see her fear. What a delightful specimen she'll be. Maybe he won't kill her at all. Maybe he'll keep her after he kills Edward. "Scared?"

The girl's eyes dart upwards. And then she smirks. One of her father's smirks that used to get on his last nerves. "You are so fucking dead," she says in a voice not like Edward's at all. "Riddle me this, asshole: what am I looking at?"

Jonathan turns. He barely has time to notice a flash of black before he hits the ground.

[cssiop]

LA VIE EN ROSE… trent alexander-arnold

part two

trent buys white roses every week in maisie's flower shop, becoming her favourite customer.

trent alexander-arnold x fem!oc word count: 1.9k

other parts

"white roses?" wonders maisie jokingly when she sees trent walking through the door of the shop a few days after the torrential rains that had fallen on liverpool.

he nods with a laugh, "you're getting to know me," the same joking tone animates the corners of his mouth and maisie feels herself melting under his soft irises.

their little chat last time when the scouse weather decided to get wild seems to have made the two young adults more familiar with each other, especially when they realised they were the same age. maisie now feels more comfortable joshing with him than before, although his presence still intimidates her.

"soon i'll know everything about you," she laughs in a fake threatening tone.

trent bursts out laughing as if she had just made the joke of the century, and his eyes take on a special glow. they keep joking and talking about all sorts of things while maisie prepares the bouquet. she thanks her luck, there are not many customers on tuesday mornings so they can chat for longer than usual.

"you have good taste, you know. white roses are beautiful," says maisie as she adjusts the flowers together so that the bouquet is perfectly round.

"you too," trent replies and maisie watches his face break down into an embarrassed expression, "i mean... you have good taste too."

"thank you," maisie is unable to contain her delighted smile followed by a nervous chuckle, "do you know what white roses mean?"

trent shakes his head negatively, scratching the back of his neck, still embarrassed by the awkward moment he has just created, waiting to hear what the girl is thinking next. indeed, he has never wondered about their meanings, trent has just always found them particularly pretty.

"when you give them to someone, it's either as a sign of peace, reconciliation but it can also be a sign of respect when you think very highly of that person," trent smiles when she talks about respect because it fits perfectly with the person he's giving them to. "or, more rarely, we offer them to our secret love, someone we don't dare to admit our feelings to."

trent nods, he doesn't need to, but he thinks the meaning is still very nice. for him, the changing messages depending on the colour you choose shows a remarkable sensitivity that he hopes he has grasped. roses are the language of silent love. trent is a loving person, obviously, he adores them.

"and... how long have you been working here?" changes the subject trent.

"i used to help my grandmother when i was a kid, but it really became my job, i'd say, two years ago, when i moved to liverpool," says maisie.

trent nods, then bites the inside of his cheek, hesitating, "can i ask you where you used to live, or is that too weird? you're allowed not to answer me, i'll understand."

the young man starts scratching the back of his neck again and maisie can't help but smile. this little habit he has of being overly mobile whenever a situation embarrasses him is adorable according to the girl. his complacency touches her a lot, trent truly seems to be a sweet person, shy around the edges.

"no, it's okay," maisie reassures him, "i was in brighton for law school before, but i didn't like it anymore so i moved to liverpool to be closer to my grandmother. i'm from london actually," trent nods thoughtfully as she feels she's laying out her life too much in front of the man who is still a stranger.

just as maisie is about to add something, the bell rings and a customer in her twenties enters the shop. disappointed, she then cashes in trent and hands him his flowers before greeting the new customer, who is left speechless beside the man.

trent is, for sure, very handsome, has a smile that would make anyone fall over, and exudes charisma like no other, but the florist doesn't think that's a reason to be speechless in front of him.

especially since it's so strange.

trent then starts to act weirdly too, he seems to be in more of a hurry than before. in a flash, he has disappeared into the doorway, almost without a goodbye. frowning more, she watches the young woman in the shop close her mouth and pull herself together.

"hello, can i help you?"

"uh, i-, lisianthus please," says the still confused customer.

as she begins to prepare the bouquet, maisie asks, "is everything okay?"

"i guess so," the woman simply replies and the florist blows out a breath and decides to pretend nothing has happened.

her mind is absent all afternoon afterwards because she can't figure out why trent left so quickly. she didn't even have time to write on the little tag and she feels bad about it —maisie doesn't like to do her job halfway.

margaret, who has been in the shop for almost an hour, seems to notice. after cashing in a customer, she approaches her granddaughter before asking, "what's on your mind?"

"nothing. i'm just... tired," maisie finds it hard to explain what happened earlier since she herself has no explanation. her grandmother doesn't insist, and it's for the better.

when she closes the shop at the end of the day, maisie tries to put it out of her mind, but no matter how hard she tries, trent occupies her thoughts.

…

for a fortnight, trent doesn't show up at the belrose boutique, and maisie feels a little sad. she has the impression she did something wrong last time, especially when she thinks about the way he left without saying a word. so immersed in her thoughts and the flowers she is readjusting on the displays, maisie doesn't have the presence of mind to hear footsteps stop behind her.

"what kind of flowers are these?" trent asks as he leans over her shoulder to take a closer look at the bouquet she's holding in her hands, a bouquet that quickly ends up on the ground after the stupor the man's gesture has produced in her. "shit, sorry, i didn't mean to scare you," trent apologizes and the girl picks up the bouquet, getting up at the speed of light.

"uh... chrysanthemums," maisie stammers as she adjusts her hair, still embarrassed that he startled her again.

it's then that she realizes how close they are as they stand facing each other. trent is wearing a multi-colored jumper that must be worth more than the entire shop, accompanied by a long black coat that only he could wear without looking ridiculous, and maisie finds herself even more intimidated by the man. he's not even that tall but the aura he exudes has a way of charming, especially the girl, who can feel her face turning all pink.

for her sake, she takes two small steps back and trent finally greets her as maisie does the same. a small silence ensues where neither of them knows what to say. to be honest, maisie didn't expect to see him again —his departure was so precipitous the last time.

"you came back," the woman simply says with a small smile.

"yeah, i needed a few days to get over the 'you too' thing," laughs trent, still a little embarrassed, and maisie nods to let him know it's nothing. scratching the back of his neck, he continues, "sorry about last time, i left a little fast but i was in a hurry and-"

maisie cuts him off rather quickly, "it's okay, i promise. it's all good."

to tell the truth, the young woman is relieved. he seems sincere in his apology so the fear that it was her fault he left so quickly fades away.

"can i have some white roses then, please?"

as she does every time he comes in, maisie nods and begins her preparations. always finding something to say while waiting for his bouquet to be ready, trent seems unusually quiet this morning, except when he begins to hear the first notes of 'you'll never walk alone' over the shop's speakers.

he wonders, "football fan?"

frowning, maisie is confused, "what?"

trent then proceeds to explain how the song is related to football and especially to the club liverpool.

"oh. my dad is a fan of that club, that's probably why we have that song on the playlist in the shop, he must have added it," she finds herself talking a lot because she's coming to the end of the bouquet but for some reason doesn't want to see trent leave already. "to be honest, i don't know anything about football."

the subject broached, trent straightens up and a smirk appears on his mouth without maisie noticing, "you don't even watch the english team play?"

she huffs and puffs, "i must have watched the final last summer, what was it again?" her memories are hazy, but she had only followed the match with one ear.

"the euro. it was against the italians," trent's words bring back the girl's memory and she lets out a little 'ah yes'.

"do you follow football a lot?" maisie asks so innocently to continue the conversation. trent looks tired behind his small eyes and drawn features —she thinks he is probably having a bad day.

"i think it's cool," he shrugs.

"i think i only know a few of the players on the england squad. like mark rashford, harry keen and, and... and that's it really," she gives a little sorry pout.

her last sentence finally triggers a flash of hilarity in trent, and some of the tension in his shoulders disappears. really, the young man doesn't seem to be himself this morning. maisie smiles at his beautiful laugh, and inwardly applauds herself for having managed to cheer him up —even if she doesn't understand what's so funny.

"it's marcus, not mark and harry kane, not keen," trent corrects her once his laughter has subsided and he can pronounce his words clearly.

maisie's face immediately flushes and she doesn't dare to look the man in the eye anymore. finally, she bursts out laughing too. the situation is quite comical after all, her football knowledge is close to nothing.

"i didn't ask you last time, but why did you stop your studies? well, if it's not too indiscreet," he clears his throat, hoping he hasn't made a blunder, but when she hands him the bouquet with a reassuring smile, his widens with a relieved sigh.

"law school was too much pressure. i think it was definitely not for me. nothing particularly interesting, though."

but trent turns his head negatively, "i don't agree. it's good that you realized that early on. besides, florist suits you better, i think," he inquires and something in his deep voice makes her blush, forcing her to look away.

"thank you," maisie stammers, her cheeks flushing.

they look at each other for a long time, smiling, just separated by a counter and windows full of flowers of all kinds. the radio continues to play the same music in the background, and they seem to be caught up in another world, a dimension where time is suspended. trent suddenly opens his mouth, as if to say something, but is interrupted by the ringing of the bell and the doors opening.

"i've got to go," he murmurs, and grabs his bouquet in a hurry, "i'll be late for work."

with the will to ask him back what he does for a living, she doesn't even have time: trent is already out. so charmed, she doesn't notice the excited whispering of the boy in the red shirt tugging at his mother's jacket.

part 3

[chumby4life]

Some cute and funny screengrabs from Maison Ikkoku that i liked

GAAHH this was such a good show, so just heartwarming idk. I watched it over a period of a few months, one ep a day during my work breaks. It's the perfect show for that, a lighthearted sitcom with some really heartfelt moments. Just a nice and relaxing reprieve from stressful work. And it's a wonderful example of the found family trope (i'm always weak for that stuff) and I feel like the show presents grief in a really nice way even when it can be silly at times.

I love how the two main characters, Godai and Kyoko, are around my age (although they do get older thru the series) because I feel like it's hard to find anime that focuses on twenty-somethings. Godai's struggles as a college student and later finding a good job were pretty relatable for me tbh.

As for Kyoko, her whole character conflict was, so...poignant? Spoilers, but she is introduced as someone who was widowed at 22, a pretty young age for that. You get the sense from her that her life has ended before it really began - she married just a few years earlier, she had a taste of feeling fulfilled and complete, only for it to be taken from her. Now the manager of the boarding house belonging to her late husband's family, it really seems like she's living in the shadow of the past, and is reluctant to move on. Hell, she named her dog after her husband, maybe just so she has an excuse to keep saying his name. She just seems so trapped within herself for a good portion of the series.

Not to mention that her husband was actually her high school geology teacher...haha. Which I really feel conveys her tendency to refrain from stepping out of her comfort zone. I mean, she had it all set up nicely - she gets to spend her days with someone who was already a constant in her life, someone who taught her and guided her through unfamiliar territory. Maybe this extended into a desire to be guided through life, to ease the burden of making one's own choices. Don't get me wrong, Kyoko is more than capable of handling things on her own, but doesn't everyone kind of want to be led and taken care of through life's difficulties, at least a little bit? And with her spouse gone, she feels lost and scared, as anyone might.

With all this in mind, it's funny that we see Kyoko frequently frustrated with Godai's lack of maturity at first, as he was likely a far cry from the mature person that her husband was. And, of course, Kyoko's late husband kind of reminds me of the whole "dead wife" trope you see in action movies, you know? Those scenes where we see the protag's memories of their dead wife, so angelic and perfect and running on a beach or something. Because only in death can someone become perfect, I guess. How is Godai supposed to measure up to that? Obviously, he can't. And he can't expect that of himself, nor can Kyoko.

Eventually, though, Kyoko does get to experience an entirely new kind of love and romance through Godai. Instead of being led through life as she may have once wanted, these two help each other through their struggles equally, and it's really satisfying to witness.

Good show good show, also it has one of my favorite anime op's... The op for one episode has Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Alone Again" as its music. That is so strange and yet kind of fitting for the series lol. Anyways rant over I recommend this one

[leagueofgardens]

What is Assault Lily?

"This is the story of those girls—they who blossom, ever so briefly, upon the battlefield."

If you have twenty minutes to spare, I recommend watching Novalaxia's intro video to Assault Lily instead, which is more detailed and entertaining than this post.

What is Assault Lily?

Assault Lily takes place in the near future, where the Earth has been overrun by monsters called the Huge that have nearly wiped out the human race. Fortunately, people invented magical weapons called CHARMs that could fight them (the reason the Huge are so dangerous is that they're mostly immune to conventional weapons.)

CHARMs can only be used to their fullest by girls of high-school age. Those girls, called "Lilies", gather in military bases known as "Gardens" repurposed from girls' schools (and which still serve as schools, too.) From their Gardens, they defend what remains of humanity from the Huge.

The Assault Lily dolls

AL originally started as a line of dress-up dolls in 2013, manufactured by Azone International. Since then, it's expanded to include just about every medium, from live-action theatrical plays to board games.

AL is officially described as "a story about girls with weapons, and the endless battle they fight." As you'd expect, there's plenty of action, but it also has a good amount of focus on the girls' peaceful daily lives and the romantic relationships between them.

Content warnings

If sibling romance bothers you, steer clear of AL. "Sisters" is the single most common euphemism the franchise uses for "lovers", and there are also a couple of actual sisters with a, let's say, more-than-familial relationship.

If predatory lesbians bother you, there's a few of those as minor characters. There's also a major character who acts obsessive and occasionally stalker-ish about her love interest, who clearly doesn't want to be anything more than friends.

If male characters bother you, there is one old guy in Assault Lily Bouquet (the acting chairman of Yurigaoka Girls' Academy.) He's a minor character and is never creepy towards any of the girls, or implied to have romantic interest in them. There are a few more male characters in the untranslated novels and stage plays, but on the whole the franchise gives very little focus to the handful of men that appear in it, even less than anime like Nanoha and Symphogear do.

Finally, though it's not a gorefest, the more serious stories in AL (the League of Gardens manga in particular) aren't shy about depicting blood, violence and also the deaths of Lilies once in a while. Be prepared for that.

What's the story about?

Yuyu and Riri (Assault Lily Bouquet)

Hitotsuyanagi Riri, a novice first-year Lily, enrolls in a Garden by the name of Yurigaoka Girls' Academy. She's come there in pursuit of Shirai Yuyu, a second-year Lily who saved Riri's life when the Huge invaded her hometown two years ago. But Yuyu has changed from the friendly, inspiring girl that Riri met long ago. She's become a cold and solitary person wracked by grief after her Schutzengel, or sworn sister, died in battle—very possibly slain by Yuyu's own hand, due to her madness-inducing power, Lunatic Trancer.

Even after finding out what she's like now, Riri refuses to give up on Yuyu, and is determined to take the Schutzengel's Oath with her. Yuyu attempts to drive Riri away out of fear that she might put her in danger, but fails. Over the course of many battles, she comes to realize that she cares just as much for Riri as the other girl cares for her. The two become Schutzengels, and gather a "legion" of other Lilies around them to fight as a team.

Though she initially seems weak and inept as a Lily, Riri eventually discovers her own special ability, one which can save Yuyu from the steep price of the power that Lunatic Trancer grants her. As their story unfolds, the Lilies around them bond with one another as well, from roommates Shenlin and Yujia to fellow cat-lovers Mai and Tazusa.

Just how yuri is AL?

Yujia and Shenlin (Assault Lily: Innocent Memoria, chapter 1)

I can't honestly say that AL does more than toe the line, with surgical precision, where subtext ends and sapphism begins. There's only a few kisses in the entire franchise, and outside of a couple girls with one-sided crushes that are played for comedy, no one ever says the word "love." The steamiest it gets on a regular basis is having faux weddings, and girls sleeping in the same bed.

But if you're satisfied with those things, plus girls telling each other how important they are and swearing oaths of sisterhood with one another, you should find AL enjoyable. It's very similar to Nanoha and Symphogear in this regard, along with the whole 'fighting girls' thing.

Where do I start with AL?

Assault Lily: League of Gardens -full bloom-

My personal recommendation would be the manga Assault Lily: League of Gardens -full bloom-. It has great art and, IMO, a less messy story than the anime. It hasn't been fully translated into English yet, though.

You can give the anime Assault Lily Bouquet a try. It has good battle animation, but not everyone likes it. It's on Crunchyroll, Funimation, or your favorite anime streaming site.

There's a second anime that's a set of 5 minute comedy episodes, Assault Lily Fruits. Watch Bouquet before you watch Fruits (but do watch it, if you want to see Riri and Yuyu get married in full wedding regalia.)

Finally, if you like visual novels you can check out the stories from the gacha game, Assault Lily: Last Bullet. These take place directly after Bouquet but don't assume that their readers will be familiar with it. I think the absolute best stories AL has to offer are in Last Bullet, but you need to be willing to forgive the somewhat rough presentation.

I know Japanese. What else is there that's not English translated?

Assault Lily: The Fateful Gift

If you like novels you can read the untranslated ones, including アサルトリリィ〜一柳隊、出撃します！〜, the very first AL story ever published. This novel tells a similar story to Bouquet, but with enough subtle differences that it should be interesting even if you've watched that.

There are also the stage plays. These are where the kisses I mentioned above are. There's a lot of them, with more being performed every year, and recordings of them are also sold on Blu-Ray. Start with either アサルトリリィ × 私立ルドビコ女学院vol.1『シュベスターの祈り』 or アサルトリリィ League of Gardens. The manga is an adaptation of the latter play, thus the similar title.

If you don't know Japanese, but you do know Chinese, there are Chinese subtitled versions of some of the stage plays on video streaming sites.

[shawoluvs]

I was tagged by the lovely @fourseascns to do this tag game thing~ I usually try to stick to a kpop theme on this blog but I'm gonna just scratch that 'cause they're not relevant~

☆ three ships ㅡ Three ships I am very much in love with atm are Nikolai/Zoya (the Grisha verse), Chandler/Monica (FRIENDS) & Alina/The Darkling (the Grisha verse)~ Like I've not even watched Shadow & Bone yet but every time I see something about it it takes me right back to the books and the energy that DarkLina have is just so so so so so so good, it's so perfect, little scared the show is gonna fail to capture it as it has failed to capture some other things...

☆ last song ㅡ The last song I listened to was F U Anthem by Leah Kate~ I'm seeing Hayley Kiyoko in literally like two weeks and I'm pretty sure she's the opener for her and I'm very excited about it all because her songs are kinda all edgy heartbreak songs and going to bring such a good energy to the show before Hayley comes on~

☆ last movie ㅡ The last movie I watched in full was Carol but the last movie I caught on TV, that I absolutely adore, was Legally Blonde~

☆ currently reading ㅡ King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo

☆ currently watching ㅡ I'm kinda really slow with watching stuff at a moment, partly because I tend to watch random youtube stuff instead and other stuff I save to watch with my sister but the shows I'm currently watching very slowly are Love (it's on Netflix, it's kinda alright, I'm only a few eps in so we'll see) and Twenty Five, Twenty One (I'm liking it but I'm not entirely sure how I feel about the main couple yet with their sort of age difference and how this guy kinda only hangs out with high school kids... idk it's a bit of an odd one but it's got great people in it)

☆ currently consuming ㅡ Mentally ejbgjre lots of Sims 4 youtube videos... I have this weird thing where I watch a lot of Sims 4 youtubers but I actually refuse to play the Sims 4 partly because I'm a Sims 3 loyalist and partly because without so many of the ridiculously priced packs it doesn't seem worth it??? So I like to watch youtubers with all the packs play it and live vicariously through them, y'know, like a normal person.

☆ craving ㅡ Something sweet and/or water right now, I just had bacon and cheese pita sandwiches which were very delicious but that's a lot of savoury/salt and I tend to eat in extremes like that????

I'm gonna tag a few of my lovely mutuals as usual, if you fancy taking part then here ya go and if not I hope you're having a lovely day~ Also I'm sorry I always end up tagging the same people ejgberjge I cannot remember urls for the life of me~

@seuiqi, @kseulgiz, @joshriku, @solaarflaree, @eternallys, @ohmuqueen, @justdoityo, @mizugucci, @mykindofkpop