#but that 1% chance of being wrong is keeping me humble

[kamakrazeewarboyz]

Do we think the guy right next to Rictus is the movie version or Scrotus or nah? He doesn’t look anything like the comics or the games version, but I think I read somewhere that he’s going to look different in Furiosa, so maybe???

[harmshake]

🖤 = Last updated 5.25.24

Roman Reigns Series

Let's Play a Game (A Four Part Series—Completed)

Roman Reigns x Amanda (black fem oc)

Summary: From friends to lovers to enemies to strangers...all because of one little, sexy bet.

Read here. ❤️‍🔥

All To Me (A Seven Part Series—Completed)

Roman Reigns x Golden (chubby, black fem oc)

Summary: Seven years is a long time to love someone the wrong way—and Golden isn't certain Roman will ever learn the right way. Yet he's diligent in righting his wrongs and giving her his all if she'll give her all to him...

Read here. ❤️‍🔥

Call of the Wild (A Four Part Series)

AU Roman Reigns x Nevaeh (black fem oc)

Summary: Dissatisfied and negligent of his deity duties, Roman becomes a fallen demigod banished to earth. There he decides to seek his true, untamed calling—and encounters a human woman who ignites the savage in him...

Read here. ❤️‍🔥

All one shots under the cut...

Roman Reigns One Shots

All Roman Reigns x Reader or OC (black fem)

50 Shades of Red

Summary: Roman makes you an offer you can't refuse...

A Rock & A Hard Place (feat. Jax Teller)

Summary: Makenna's been going in circles trying to love Jax when Roman is a chance at fresh romance...

The Artist

Summary: To Roman, making love to you is an art form.

Backseat

Summary: You and Roman can't wait any longer to get your hands on each other...

Because I Love You

Summary: Even in a shaky marriage, there's a reason you haven't been able to shake Roman off.

Control

Summary: Roman's usually a control freak in the bedroom, but tonight you're in charge.

Daddy's Little Helper

Summary: What Roman does for you he expects in return...

Devotion

Summary: Roman makes it easy to sing his praises.

Dosido, Part 1

Summary: Roman, the bounty hunter, raises hell wherever he goes in the Wild West. But to you, he looks like a desert angel...

Feast

Summary: When he's hungry for you, nothing will stop Roman from eating...

Fine Dining

Summary: It's date night and Roman rather eat you than his dinner.

Gentle

Summary: Roman promises to go real gentle with you for your first time.

Got Them Hands

Summary: Roman knows how to use his hands to tease and please.

His Favorite Taste

Summary: To Roman, nothing compares to you...

Humbled

Summary: A quiet night at home with Roman gets a little loud.

Kiss It Better

Summary: Daddy knows how to make it hurt so, so good...

Malibu Waves

Summary: Your boyfriend Roman spoils you with a beach day...among other outdoor activities.

Melt 🖤

Summary: You give the birthday boy a treat besides a birthday cake...

Say My Name

Summary: Roman likes the way his name sounds in your mouth.

Sweet Dreams

Summary: Roman and you have a hard time just sleeping while lying next to each other...

Summoned

Summary: Your body is calling to Roman...this is how he answers.

Temptation

Summary: You know better than to flirt with a married man...but what if he's flirting with you?

Your Scent

Summary: Roman misses you and your scent left behind reminds him why...

AmbReigns Series

Roman Reigns x Dean Ambrose

With You

Summary: Roman knows what he wants...and he's done being shy about it.

Think About You

Summary: With a busy week keeping them apart, Roman and Dean are ready for the weekend…

Roman Reigns Drabble

Roman Reigns excerpts from my WiPs

Talk It Through (Excerpt) 50 Shades of Red (Excerpt) It Takes Two (Excerpt) (ft. Jimmy Uso) The Boudoir (Excerpt 1) | Excerpt 2 Home | Right Here

About harmshake

Hey, I'm Marian (she/her). I'm 31, Black, and a Scorpio. Writing and pro wrestling are my #1 and #2 loves. ❤

I'm a Roman Reigns girlie but I adore all of The Bloodline. You can read my fics about Jimmy and Solo here, if you'd like. ✨

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🫶🏾 Tagging: @iguessilikewrestlingnow @visionarymode @cyberdejos2 @thesamoanqueen @vebner37 @dreamsinfocus @fame-ass-ers @southerngirl41 @jeyusos-girl @nayys-world @msbigredmachine @purplehairgawdess @mohawkmama @po3ticb3auty @alyyaanna @murrylove @papireigns-05 @vintage-pvssy @bebesobrielo @urasunflower @seeingstarks @555sage @unfriendly--blvck--hottie @theninthwonder @tabletheofhead @weirdosandhopelessromantics @venusesworld @ariieeesworld @sassginaswanmills @theglamclosetsl @baeusos @2-muchsauce @empressdede @woahdude9481 @browngalmal @leaderofthebadbitchbrigade @twocentuar @claymorexpunisher @alichesmi @althegreat33 @eclectic-tee @brwnsugababe @joannasteez @whatdoeseverybodywant @puppetmastermya @caramelcleopatraa @femdisa @megamindsecretlair

If you like reading about Roman and want to be on my tag list, click here!

[clairehadenough]

Ugh….you and your receipts all day every day 😩

Why are you devoting time and energy, writing paragraphs long dissertations to convince a bunch of "delulus?"

You and you're little friends are the ones who are "scared shitless". No one secure in the truth would try so hard to convince people who they have deemed insignificant.

I predict nothing but disaster and tragedy for everyone connected to this travesty of an idea.

#Maddy #Capoteera #Lonesome #Claire #TouchGrass #DrHiddles #Chris #Abba #Justin #Joana #Bryan #Jamie #Scott

LooooooL, just found this😂

Do you really think, like really really think, that our blogs are created to “convince” the delulus and hope that they’d change their minds?

Oh honey😂😂

I couldn’t give a fuck if any of those very disturbing blogs are convinced or not. In fact I’d like them to stay where they are, I would feel very weird having them on my side lol.

I’ll explain to you like you’re 5, because I doubt your brain has developed further anyway. It’s gonna be long though so I’m not sure if you can read this much. Just do your best, ok? ☺️

I’ve said this from the very beginning. Those blogs with their jealousy and complete unawareness of reality, have fucked up this fandom. What was once a fun place to be has become a dumpster where they throw their shitty theories and ideas. The fandom is already ruined. By them. That’s why some don’t bother anymore. They’re still Chris’ fans but would rather just follow from a distance now, instead of being his fans on apps like this very one.

I, on the other hand, hate it when idiots are given too much freedom without anyone humbling them. Enter my blog. You say lies? I show everyone who sees them that you’re lying and why. You make up accusations? I show everyone who hears them why they are wrong. Always with receipts, always with proofs. So do most of the other sane blogs on here.

We don’t expect the big delulus to change their mind, nor do we want them to😂 We’ve seen enough of the other fandoms to know that those we have here haven’t reached the worst level yet.

No. Our blogs are here

1) to not let idiots spread their crap without anyone showing they’re wrong. Imagine if Tr*mp’s lies in rallies or tweets were never exposed. That would be the same, albeit on a much smaller scale and in a much less impactful environment.

2) to give very gullible people the chance to see things how they really are and give them the opportunity to use their brains. Don’t you see how people get insulted when they ask questions on those blogs? They are not allowed to use logic because then the crazies’ theories wouldn’t be believable if they did.

We’ve had lots of people coming to us from “the other side” telling us they can see how gullible they were. We have daily anons full of hate and l anger from the crazies showing how much our blogs are annoying them. And these two facts are enough proof for us that our blogs are succeeding in what they were created for.

The delulus could keep believing whatever they want for however long they want. Nobody gives a single flying fuck. Our blogs were never for them anyway 😂

I’m not sure you read all this because it clearly shows from your ask that reading is not your forte.

But might as well let the other haters know too so they don’t bother send me the same sad anons asking about the same thing again😉

[relatableblorbopoll]

Round 1 of preliminaries, group 8

The first two places get a place on the bracket

Little reminder: there will be 2 more rounds of preliminaries, the losing blorbos of this poll still have 2 chances of getting in the official bracket

Propaganda under the cut

Stanford Pines (Gravity Falls)

"there are so many things wrong with this man i feel a kinship with him. Also the neurodivergency"

Miles "Tails" Prower (Sonic The Hedgehog Franchise)

"he's a young child who is incredibly autistic (maybe a technology special interest, tail wagging could be interpreted as a stim, he is a fox and foxes have a gene variant linked to autism, etc) and incredibly humble and loyal to sonic. however he does feel like he may be a burden to him, as discussed in sonic frontiers. T: sonic, am i a burden to you? S: wow, and how did you come to this well thought out concern? T: whenever there's a crisis, i'm either running away or standing on the sidelines! you're always rescuing me, and all i do is follow you around! in the adventure era, there was some character development where he learned to grow into his own person (well. you know what i mean) kinda (he saved an entire city which isn't why he's relatable it's the growing into your own person thing) he was also bullied for having two tails before he met sonic. sonic saved him from his bullies which is how they met 👍 he is literally me"

Jonathan Sims (The Magnus Archives)

"- emotionally repressed - socially awkward - ace"

Ford Prefect (The Hitchhiker’s guide to the Galaxy)

"he’s very trans and autistic coded at least in my mind, and he has the fashion sense of a loser transmasc lesbian. he cracks stupid jokes all the time, changes the subject with absolutely no warning, he’s simultaneously the most likable and most annoying character in the book, he’s so me"

Shaun Murphy (The Good Doctor)

"My brother got me into The Good Doctor. The only difference between my personality and Shaun's personality is my crippling social anxiety. I'm completely serious, my behavior when prior to developing social anxiety was identical to Shaun's (by which I mean I once shouted "I'm sharpening my pencil" in second grade completely unprovoked because I had no concept of it being socially inappropriate). Genuinely if I didn't have social anxiety, I would constantly be in a state of "hes just like me fr" and it would make complete sense to anyone who knows me and also watches The Good Doctor. Also keeping notes on flirting and keeping track of when people are flirting with each other around your workplace, which is a hospital, is a massive mood. That whole thing is basically him going around to colleagues and saying "this colleague was flirting with you! :D" and refusing to elaborate, then leaving. I love it and if I wasn't terrified of judgement I'd do the same thing."

Sonic (Sonic The Hedgehog Franchise)

"Transgender. To me. Also very sarcastic. Idk how to explain, my brain is too smooth and he just me"

[mercyedes]

What caught your eye about hambone? First I thought he was silly bc of the gold teeth but I learned more about the real hambone and I love him sm!! <3 the actor is so beautiful

my first watch of mota when he showed up in ep 1 & the end of ep 2, i recognized him as "wtf this dude has gold teeth oh he's defo a fuck boy" but didn't think much of ham LMAOOO i was still madlyyyy obsessed w/ buck and crosby i didn't have time for my eyes to wander <3

wait hold on i wrote way more than i thought i would lemme read more. i love hambone. he is everything to me

and then like episode 5 came around and i kept rewatching the first couple of episodes and i should've known better because i KNEW he was (is) fine as fuck i simply could not ignore it any longer. i always love the off-putting pretty bitches and hambone is exactly that, an off-putting pretty bitch. i was endeared by his bright ass blonde hair because it reminds me A LOT of an f1/f2 driver i love (liam lawson) so i feel like i kinda was set up from the beginning to be partial to this tall blonde pretty boy 😩💜

AND JUST LIKE YOU when i decided i was way too curious and enamored to ignore hammy's existence any longer, i just started researching more about real ham and just fell in love with brady's crew in general and found hammy so interesting and cool -- there is a part in a wing and a prayer where crosby writes about how hambone (unlike harry) genuinely wanted to get to the war and during training he was worried the war would already be won and over before he got the chance to go fight in it. and another member of brady's crew wrote in a journal he kept about how, while they were still in the U.S., all of brady's crew agreed with one another that they didn't wish to fight for the honor and medals of it all, they just wanted to go do their jobs, help return the world to something peaceful, and then go home. we love humble kings. anyway this is a side note but i'm ngl i feel like sometimes people in the fandom kinda mischaracterize/"Fanon"-ize hambone a lot and it sometimes rubs me the wrong way. but that's just me

obviously he probably still counts as a minor character in MOTA, but idk i love the character jordan still portrayed, he's a lil weirdo and a little silly with his gold teeth of course, but i fully love the bits of personality we got from him <33 he's a funny, witty boy with pride and confidence about his job (bombardiers r so hot it's just true. they are sexy af being competent) but also stubborn and a little aloof and easily irritable, doesn't seem to be all too bothered by being overly kind to people he doesn't know/we often only see him socializing with people from brady, crank, or blakely's crews (all men who irl hambone shared barracks with and had close ties to !) ... i love a dude who keeps to himself / doesn't feel the desire to step too far outside of his close social circle, it makes him even more intimidating imo and i love it. he's so hot. he's like a cryptid to me and i find his freaky vibes insanely alluring. like even the cat killing CANNOT put me off, if anything it made him sexier idk why .... like he's a lil vicious yes but he's also a resourceful bastard like that, like brady said protein is protein & hambone was very kind to his buddies to make them cat soup <3

ALSO he's just very very fun to write. i adore writing him he's so interesting.

[ga-yuu]

The Man Who Steals Me ~ Love That Is Immoral Story Event Sueharu Route

WARNING! The following story has scenes of domestic violence and adultery.

----Chapter 1----

Master: "Ah, Kichiji-dono! Sorry to keep your waiting."

The owner of the mansion, who 'bought' me out of debt, bows his head amiably.

Kichiji: "Thank you. I'm glad to see you're in good health."

The man called Kichiji responded to the greeting in a familiar manner.

(I wonder what kind of person this man is for my husband to bow his head down politely)

As I watched the two of them without being rude---

The man's eyes caught me.

Sueharu: "Who is this young lady?"

Master: "She's my new concubine that I bought. ...Hey, say hello."

('I bought' ....I feel like I'm nothing but an object)

Realizing my position once again, I bit my lips.

Yoshino: "My name is Yoshino."

I hid my rising shame, I bow my head deeply.

Kichiji: "Yes. Nice to meet you too, Yoshino."

Kichiji: "I'm Kaneuri Kichiji. I'm a merchant."

Apparently, Kichiji-san is my husband's business partner.

(My husband's main business is moneylending, but recently he's been trying to get into other businesses...)

(Maybe for that reason, he is trying to get close to a merchant like Kichiji-san)

Kichiji: "Sorry for visiting you so suddenly."

Master: "Oh no no, Kichiji-san is always welcomed."

(Even so)

My husband, who is arrogant towards everyone is strangely humble towards Kichiji-san.

(Maybe he is a well-known successful merchant I don't know about)

With this in mind, I found myself following Kichiji-san with my eyes.

Kichiji: "...!"

(..Ah)

The clear pink color eye met my gaze and I look away.

Kichiji: "Come to think of it, I have some kimonos and lip rouges. I think it would suit you."

Yoshino: "Eh?"

Master: "That's very kind of you!"

I was puzzled and the Master rubbed my knee.

Master: "I'm sure Kichiji-san has an eye for beautiful items, shall we buy something."

Yoshino: "N-No. I.."

(My husband usually doesn't like to give me anything extra)

(I feel guilty for asking something expensive, so I think it would be better if I refuse)

Kichiji: ".........."

Kichiji-san looked at me with somewhat unreadable expression as I laughed bitterly.

Kichiji: "I won't force you, but if you're interested, let me know."

Kichiji: "I'm planning to stay here for a while anyways."

It is a joy to feel touched by a small warmth that I have not had the chance to experience recently.

Yoshino: "Thank you."

Interrupting my reply, my husband leaned forward.

Master: "Oh! Is that so? It is unusal that Kichiji-dono is staying here."

Kichiji-san smiles at my husband, who looks surprised.

Kichiji: "For market research purpose."

Kichiji: "It's been a long time since I've seen you, so I thought this place would be good to stay where I can see you and do my investigation, right?"

Master: "I see I see...well then, you're welcome to stay at my mansion."

(....!)

Kichiji: "Really? Thank you very much then."

Master: "I am honored to be of service to you, Kichiji-dono."

Master: "....Hey, Yoshino. Show Kichiji-dono the guest room."

Yoshino: "Yes, dear."

Kichiji-san stands up and approaches me.

Kichiji: "I'm glad to have a beautiful woman show me around. Thank you."

Yoshino: "....Nn."

The whispers of his sexy voice echoed so close to me that my heart skipped a beat.

I pushed it aside and politely bowed my head.

Yoshino: "The pleasure is all mine."

Kichiji: *smiling*

I felt a chuckle from Kichiji-san above my head, and my heart fluttered.

Master: "Make sure you don't get anything wrong."

My husband, who had plastered a smile on his face, saw me and Kichiji-san off and we left the room.

(Not that it will change anything just because Kichiji-san is staying with us for a few days)

For some reason, I had a feeling that the routine of my life was about to change.

Yoshino: "This way."

Sueharu: "Yes."

Leading Kichiji-san down the corridor that is still a little unfamiliar to me.

I was secretly relieved to be away from my husband.

(I understand that I am in debt, but...)

(When you're introduced like that, it makes you realise once again that you're held captive)

As I recall this, I feel how pathetic my situation was----

Kichiji: "Are you okay? You look pale."

(Ah...)

Kichiji-san, who was standing right next to me before I knew it, pointed this out and I came to my senses.

(I shouldn't have...at least not in front of our guest)

I smiled awkwardly.

Yoshino: "It's nothing."

Kichiji: "It doesn't look like nothing to me."

Yoshino: "....I'm still new to this house, so I was trying to make sure I could get to the guest room without getting lost."

Kichiji: "Oh?"

(I-I'm not lying though...)

I turned my attention to the end of the hallway to make sure that Kichiji-san, who tilted his head teasingly at me, is out of my sight.

And to fully focus myself to guiding him to his room....

I was able to send Kichiji-san to his room safely.

Yoshino: "Please make yourself at home. I'll take my leave----"

Kichiji: "Wait."

Kichiji-san grabbed my hand when I tried to leave.

I looked up at Kichiji-san to see if there was anything more and he pulls me closer.

(Ah)

In the shadows created by moonlight----

I got caught in the eyes that are darker than they were a moment ago and I cannot look away.

Yoshino: "Kichiji-san....?"

Kichiji: "If you have any problems, you can talk to me."

Kichiji: "I've been through my fair share of rough times, so maybe I can help you."

(Eh....)

I was shaken by his words, as if he had seen through my insecurities.

Yoshino: "But why are you telling me this?"

Yoshino: "I have nothing to give in return."

Kichiji: "Heh. You're very polite, you know."

Kichiji: "There are many people who look to others for help without thinking."

Yoshino: "I can't do something...like that."

His one eye lights up in amusement.

Kichiji: "A melancholy profile is sexy and attractive, but I'd rather see a pretty smile."

Kichiji: "If you say that's not enough of a reason----"

He scooped my hand in a flowing gesture.

Kichiji-san kissed the back of my hand....

(...Nn)

Kichiji: "You can pay for it yourself."

Yoshino: "Nn...."

Heat spreads from the spot to the whole body.

(This man is a terrible womaniser!)

Yoshino: "If that's the case, no thanks!"

I pulled my hand out of his grasp and left the scene quickly.

When I glanced back as I turned the corner, Kichiji-san was smiling and waving with one hand.

(He's a strange man)

That night----

Yoshino: *shivers*

Master: "...Still not ready yet?"

The master, who was on top of me and undoing my kimono, stops.

Yoshino: "....I'm sorry."

Although I am concubine, I had not yet given my body to my husband.

(I know I'm not in a position to refuse, but when it comes down to it, my body trembles....)

Master: "I don't mind. I'm tired of women who give in too easily anyway."

But the Master seems to enjoy watching me being frightened.

Master: "You can amuse me with your reactions...when the time comes."

(...!)

When he implicitly told me that he would hold me in the near future, I managed to move her frightened body and....

Yoshino: "Please excuse me..."

I bowed to my husband and ran out of the room.

In a deserted garden, far from the rooms where people rest, I look up at the night sky.

(Running away is no use. It's my duty to be sleep with Master)

(But...)

I was holding back the tears that were threatening to spill over at the thought of what might happen to me.

Kichiji: "A capitive princess inside a bird cage."

----Chapter 2-----

Yoshino: ".....Kichiji-san."

Kichiji-san appeared from nowhere.

Yoshino: "What are you doing here?"

Kichiji: "I'm not feeling sleepy yet so I thought I'd take a walk."

Kichiji: "I guess you can't sleep either if you're here this late at night."

Kichiji: "Or did the man you call.....your husband do terrible things to you in your bedroom?"

(Why are you asking that...Ah)

The tone of his voice, as if he knew something and was concerned about me, reminded me that I had gone out into the garden with my messy hair unkempt.

Yoshino: "No no. The master and I have not done anything yet...."

Sueharu: "Done anything yet?"

Yoshino: "I know I haven't done my duty as a concubine."

When I turned my head down, Kichiji-san extended his hand towards me.

(Ah)

I stopped breathing for a second as his fingertips gently brushed a lock of hair from her cheek.

Sueharu: "I don't think a girl like you would have willingly become a concubine."

Sueharu: "You have a story to tell, don't you?"

The one-eye gaze turned towards me now, has no teasing tone.

(I wonder if he's trying to comfort me)

I was very grateful for that feeling but...

Yoshino: "My husband is taking good care of me..."

(Kichiji-san, is my husband's business partner, so I cannot behave in a way that gives a bad impression)

Because I was bought with money, I did not want to lose the minimum amount of sincerity as a member of this household.

Yoshino: "Besides, it was I who agreed to the contract to become a his concubine."

Sueharu: "...Contract?"

Kichiji-san, who had been listening quietly, lifts the corners of his mouth slightly.

Yoshino: "Kichiji-san?"

Kichiji: "No, it's nothing."

I blinked as I felt Kichiji-san's expression soften.

Kichiji: "I'm not going to sleep yet. Do you wanna talk?"

..........

(It's been a long time since I've talked to someone like this)

Perhaps that's why my time with Kichiji-san was more calming than I expected.

Kichiji: "If it's all right with you, we can talk like this. No one will come in the garden at night."

I took those parting words with hesitation....

.......

Few days later...

Kichiji: "Thank you for waiting, Yoshino."

Yoshino: "Good evening Kichiji-san."

Ever since I agreed to Kichiji-san's words.

We used to meet here every night for a brief chat.

Kichiji: "This whole situation is a bit intriguing, as if I'm having a secret meeting with you. It's kinda tempting, you know?"

(Secret meeting!?)

Yoshino: "There you go, joking again..."

Kichiji: "I'm sorry. You're reaction to everything is funny to watch."

Although he sometimes jokes, it is always a pleasure to chat with Kichiji-san.

----It is so much so that I almost forgets that I am being held captive.

(A brief respite during Kichiji-san's stay here only)

(I must not rely on Kichiji-san any more than I already do)

I knew that, but I was definitely comforted by the time I spent with Kichiji-san.

Kichiji: "By the way, your husband seems to be in a bad mood lately."

Yoshino: "...Ah, yes."

Before I came here, I had just heard the master muttering 'Kaneuri Kichiji, how long are you going to stay here?'.

(But I can't tell that directly to Kichiji-san...)

Kichiji: "It is uncivil to talk about other men when we are alone."

Seeing that I was vague about my words, Kichiji-san changed the subject casually.

Kichiji: "Actually, I have a gift for you."

Yoshino: "Hm?"

With a scheming smile, Kichiji-san held out a-----

A single flower.

Kichiji: "When we first met, you didn't react to wanting a kimono or a lip rouge, right?"

Kichiji: "I thought you didn't seem like the type who would attracted to those things."

(Come to think of it, that happened...and you remembered)

It warms my heart to think that he had thought of something that I would like based on that.

I received the flower and was about to thank him when----

Yoshino: "Than---Ah!"

The flower was so large that I sqeaked when I recognised it.

Sueharu: "What's wrong?"

Yoshino: "This flower is a medicinal flower! I've been looking for it for a long time. It's so hard to find this at this time of the year!"

Yoshino: "Did you know, it can also be as an ornament? But...Ah!"

Kichiji: "Oh, no I didn't?"

Kichiji-san's lips eventually turns into a smile.

Kichiji: "....you're funny. You got me there."

Yoshino: "Um..well.."

(I got carried away...!)

Yoshino: "Sorry. I suddenly got excited...that's weird."

When I tried to hide my face with the flower, Sueharu-san was smiling and shook his head.

Kichiji: "I didn't think it was weird."

Yoshino: "Eh?"

Kichiji: "You have now given this flower an added value other than being an ornamental."

Kichiji: "It means you have an eye for things. Isn't that something to be proud of?"

The quiet tone of Kichiji-san's voice is calming.

(...He's praising me)

Kichiji-san's eye were sparkling with interest and his expression seemed to be more relaxed than usual.

Yoshino: "Kichiji-sa..."

Kichiji: "Sueharu. That's my real name. Kitsuji Sueharu."

Kichiji: "I want you to call me by this name."

Kichiji-san gently interrupted my words and smiled-----

Either way, Sueharu-san's gaze is filled with a mysterious charm that beckons me.

Yoshino: ".....Sueharu-san."

Sueharu: "Mm."

Sueharu-san's satisfied smile was more dazzling than usual....

(I feel like I was able to touch at least a small part of Sueharu-san's heart)

That alone made my heart flutter.

........

It was the third night after I learned Sueharu-san's real name.

(Argh...)

My cheek felt hot as I touched it.

(My husband was irritated more than usual today....and he hit me for the first time)

Maybe the time has finally come when I'll be forced on bed.

I was a little afraid to meet Sueharu-san with reddened cheek from the slap...

(This may be the last time we see each other)

With this in mind, I decided to head to the meeting spot.

..........

Sueharu: "You..."

As soon as we see each other, Sueharu-san's carefree smile disappears.

Sueharu: "It hurts, doesn't it? Did you treat that properly?"

The unusual expression on his face tells me that Sueharu-san is seriously concerned about my safety.

(...He's so kind)

Yoshino: "It doesn't hurt as much as it looks."

When I smiled to reassure him, Sueharu-san sighed.

Sueharu: "....I'll ask you again. Why did you become such a man's concubine?"

Yoshino: "It's a form of debt. In the village where I lived, the crops didn't grow well."

Yoshino: "We were all doing our best, but I couldn't stand to see the children starving..."

Sueharu: "Children....?"

Sueharu-san's eyebrows furrow slightly.

Sueharu: "It's not like they're related to you, right? Why are doing you this?"

Yoshino: "Some of the children have no family. If there was anything I could do, I wanted to do it."

Sueharu: "You mean you sacrificed yourself for the sake of poor children."

The mutterings that are dropped in a few words dissolve into the night darkness in an unusually quiet way.

Sueharu: "........."

(....Why are you making that face?)

Yoshino: "Sueharu-san?"

Sueharu: "....I'm in trouble. If I listen to all that, I won't know what to do with you."

(Eh?)

Before I could fully comprehend what was said, Sueharu-san's hand was placed around my waist, and he pulls me closer.

Sueharu: "Yoshino."

(....Mm)

As soon as I was drawn closer, Sueharu-san's lips overlapped with mine.

(Sueharu-san why?)

My body tenses up in surprise, but strangely there is no sense of disgust.

(I see...what I feel for..Sueharu-san is...)

I naturally became aware of the feelings that have been born before I knew it.

But at the same time, a deep sense of guilt began to arise.

(----As long as I'm the property of the Master, these thoughts are not permitted)

Yoshino: "Sueharu---"

As soon as I tried to resist, the kiss deepened.

Yoshino: "Mm..Mmm...."

(I have to stop)

Supporting my limp and weak body, Sueharu-san whispered.

Sueharu: "...More."

Sueharu: "Until you can't think of anything else."

Yoshino: "...Ahh."

Sueharu-san's lips, spilling sweet breath, now drop to my neck.

I unintentionally clung to Sueharu-san, my fingertips were trembling faintly.

Sueharu: "Do you hate me?"

(....There is no way I dislike you)

Sueharu-san always listened to me and treated me as a thoughtful person.

(But)

Yoshino: "That's not what...this is about."

I suppressed the thoughts that were about to overflow and appealed in a hushed voice.

Yoshino: "I'm the Master's concubine and Sueharu-san is his guest."

Sueharu: "That's right."

Despite my light-hearted reply, Sueharu-san hugs me tightly and puts his face close to my ear.

Sueharu: "If your husband saw us doing this....I'm sure he would be disappointed."

(Ah...)

The shame and immorality fuelled by the words that had been spoken to me ran up my spine as a dangerous pleasure.

Yoshino: "Mm...Sueharu-san.."

As if I have been drawn towards him, I looked up at him and my lips were stolen again.

I felt the sweetest sensation of entwined tongues and I found myself seeking Sueharu-san.

(It feels hot)

Sueharu-san's fingers lifted my kimono and touched my bare skin.

Sueharu: "....That's all for today."

But Sueharu-san stopped there, and our lips also parted.

Sueharu: "I'd love to hold you right now even if you belonged to another man, but...I'm not going to."

Sueharu: "We can continue this when you really want to be held by me."

Yoshino: "Being held...?"

In moment of impatience, I asked directly.

In no time at all, Sueharu-san's hands had my kimono in place and he began gently combing my hair.

Sueharu: "Wait for me. I won't do anything bad."

(What do you mean...?)

Even though I had no idea what he was going to do,

Sueharu-san gives me a small smile and there was a kind and fearless light in his eyes----

Premium END

The morning after I and Sueharu-san shared a kiss and when I realized I had feelings for him----

My husband told me to stay in my room quietly.

(This is the first time I have been given such an order. Maybe...)

(Tonight will be the night when my husband is going to hold me)

I was scared of what lay ahead and wanted to believe Sueharu-san's words---- 'wait for me'.

My heart was pounding nonstop.

(Even though I only met Sueharu-san for a short amount of time)

(I want to trust him so much, I want to see him so much because...I need help?)

I asked myself but the answer is already there.

(No)

(Admittedly, at first I was just looking for a place to feel safe for a short while. But now...)

-----FLASHBACK-----

Sueharu: "....I'm in trouble. If I listen to all that, I won't know what to do with you."

-----FLASHBACK ENDS----

Just remembering the expression on Sueharu-san's face, that night was enough to make my heart flutter.

(That moment...I'm sure Sueharu-san showed me his true face)

That's why I want to know what he's really thinking and who he is.

(I want to talk to Sueharu-san. If I could at least get out of my room...)

Just as I was gritting my teeth once again at the thought be being captive, the sliding door to my room was violently pulled open.

Master: "Get up! We're getting out of here."

Yoshino: "Eh..."

Master: "Hurry!"

The master who shouted did not even look at me as he gathered up his money and his clothes.

Master: "We have to get out of here. Once the water cools down, I'm sure we'll be able to do something."

(It feels like a night escape)

As I was trying to get a grip of the situation, my ears picked up the Master's muttering under his breath.

Master: "Kanueri Kichiji, that son of---!"

Yoshino: "Sueharu-san?"

As soon as I reacted to that name unintentionally, I saw my husband's face turn red from anger and realized I made a mistake.

Master: "How the hell do you know that name? Did you perhaps......communicate with him?"

Yoshino: "Ahh...!"

The Master, in a fit of rage, pushed me down roughly.

Master: "Damn, if only I fucked you sooner..."

(Nn...No....)

In anger, he almost ripped my kimono off and my blood runs cold.

Yoshino: "Sueharu-san...!"

The moment I called out the name of the person I was thinking of---

Sueharu: "Okay, that's enough. That's breach of contract."

Sueharu-san appeared and pressed a small knife against the Master's neck.

Sueharu: "I've already bought this girl."

Sueharu: "If you want her, you must be prepared to make ME your enemy."

Master: "Tsk..."

The Master turns pale and hangs his head down in contemplation.

(W-What's going on...?)

Sueharu: "Come Yoshino. I came to pick you up."

I was blinded by the sight of Sueharu-san, who reverently held out his hand to me.

Sueharu: "....I said I wouldn't do anything bad, right?"

The same carefree smile on his thin, well-shaped lips that he wore last night.

(After all this person is not just an ordinary merchant)

Even as I thought so, I took Sueharu-san's hand.

After leaving the mansion, we settled down at an inn in the town.

Sueharu: "I'm done cleaning up. We can finally talk freely."

Sitting across from me, Sueharu-san slowly opens his mouth.

Sueharu: "That guy who held you captive was actively involved in business other than moneylending."

Sueharu: "But he was a womanizer and often used women to cover his debts...you didn't know that, right?"

Yoshino: "Oh. So was I one of those women?"

When I asked, Sueharu-san stared off into the distance with an expression of dismay.

Sueharu: "I knew he was going to do something someday."

Sueharu: "Of all people, he was trying to start a new business using my name and contacts."

(Ehh!)

Even I, who am not a merchant can see that it is a bad idea.

(From Sueharu-san's point of view, it's a trust issue and could even make him a business rival)

Yoshino: "You've done me a favor."

Sueharu: "Right? I didn't think it was possible, so I was working to confirm the facts but the result was..."

Sueharu: "....So I destroyed him without a trace."

Sueharu-san's eyes were shining coldly. They were unmistakably those of a merchant's eyes.

Sueharu: "He tried to deceive me by pretending he didn't know anything, by welcoming me..."

Sueharu: "That's why I couldn't get through him at first."

(Was the Master's recent nervousness due to his warnings that Sueharu-san might be taking notice of something?)

As I was secretly convinced, Sueharu-san's fingers touched my cheek.

Sueharu: "The swelling on your cheek seems to have gone a little."

Yoshino: "Y-Yes."

He gently caressed the area and the warmth of Sueharu-san's fingers were lovely.

Sueharu: "At first I spoke to you to see if I could get any information out of you."

Sueharu: "But I quickly realized that you didn't know anything, but..."

Sueharu: "By that time, I already made an arrangement to talk to you more."

Removing his hand from my cheek, Sueharu-san murmured with a sweet resignation.

Sueharu: "When I heard the reason for the debt, I felt like a failure."

Sueharu: "...I have to admit that I'm attracted to you."

(Sueharu-san...)

I was about to open my mouth to say that I had to do something in return for the feelings expressed to me.

Sueharu-san's eyes, which had been looking at me lovingly, suddenly took on a somber color.

Sueharu: "That man's trust is now at the bottom of the earth."

Sueharu: "No matter where you go from here, you won't have to listen to him."

Sueharu: "So did Sueharu-san took over his role?"

Sueharu: "....."

A quiet smile appeared on Sueharu-san's lips as he silently nodded.

Sueharu: "Are you scared of me?"

(That's...)

Yoshino: "To be honest, Sueharu helped me, even if only a little."

Yoshino: "You were very nice to talk to, and you even gave me some nice flower."

I remember the beautiful flower, which can be used as medicine, and the look on Sueharu-san's face when I watched through the petals of that flowers.

(I was happy that you chose that gift with me in mind)

When I smiled at the warm memories, Sueharu-san looked as if he had been caught red-handed.

Sueharu: "....."

Sueharu: "You're funny."

He looks at me and...

(Nn..Mm)

A gentle kiss almost melts me.

His hand goes to the back of my head, and undoes my hair in a natural motion. He then gently pushed me down to the floor.

Sueharu: "Hey, Yoshino. Let's start our business meeting?"

Yoshino: "Business...meeting...?"

Even though I was confused by the quickening of my heartbeat, Sueharu-san's voice reached my ears clearly.

Sueharu: "I bought you from that man. But to make your heart mine, I have to talk to you myself."

Yoshino: "I----"

(Ah...)

Sueharu-san's finger traces my lips and takes my away the words.

Sueharu: "We'll continue this when you really to be held by me'....did you forget what I told you?"

(I didn't forget....)

I want to respond, but Sueharu-san's fingers won't let me.

The unvoiced exhale is tinged with a feverish inarticulate anticipation....

I was eagerly awaiting the dangerous night that was about begin....

[milkytheholy1]

Warming Up To You: Part 2

A/N: I'm not particularly happy with this chapter, it feels very OOC and the events feel rushed. Every time I went back to change it, I'd re-read it and feel like the chapter flowed very naturally. So, hopefully the next one will be a little better quality. Enjoy!

Read part 1 here. Ultimate masterlist

_______________________________________________

It had been a few days since you first encountered Shadow, and yet your mind couldn't stop thinking about him. You knew you were going to go back to that dingy-looking cave, you really doubt he'd do anything to you.

Sure, he promised he would but that just felt like he was keeping up some tough-guy appearance. Even though you've had one interaction with the guy you already knew it would be a great friendship. You liked to think you were a good judge of character, that you could guess how your chemistry with someone would go before you've ever met them.

And Shadow was no different.

So, when the sun started to set you grabbed a bag with a few snacks and set off back into the jungle. You tried your hardest to remember the exact route you took originally, spotting some areas you vividly recognised. It had taken roughly an hour to find the odd-looking cave, sat all alone on the horizon. 

By now the sun had already set, the deep blues of the night sky were all you could see. You slowly wandered out of the trees, prepared for any tree tackling this time, yet nothing came. You suddenly felt uneasy, you'd much prefer being shoved into a tree than the emptiness of the land.

Slowly, you tracked closer and closer to the cave. You debated on calling out his name but decided against it, what if he didn't live here at all? Maybe Tails' information was wrong, what if something much worse than an edgy hedgy resided in that cave and you shouting out Shadow's name alerts it.

You liked to think you were a decent runner but with some big, scary monster behind you...you didn't like your chances. Once at the entrance, you whispered his name, hearing your voice echo along the walls; it seemed to go on forever. 

Your hands were braced against the cave's walls, head popping over the side to take quick peeks into the inky abyss. This was much scarier at night, why the hell would you decide to do this at night?

Your humble frame moved outward, now stood in the elements. The cave's entrance seemed to move for you, perhaps your mind was playing tricks on you. You'd never felt this nervous in your life, well besides that one time at city hall but that doesn't count.

You placed one foot into the darkness, somehow the cave felt way colder than the outside world. You felt a shiver traverse up your spine, eliciting goosebumps along your arms and legs, "I can do this, I can do this, I can do this." you repeated to yourself like a mantra.

"What are you doing here, again?" a deep voice startled you, your insides flipped and your skin paled. You jumped around, eyes wide and mouth open, that was until you saw Shadow with a deep frown.

"S-shad- Oh my god, you scared me!" you huffed out, panting to regain your breath. The black and red hedgehog didn't look amused, his arms were folded across his chest, the same old miserable look in his eyes.

"I thought I told you to never return," he gruffed out. You swallowed nervously, maybe this was a bad idea.

"I wanted to see you again," you whispered out, hands flying to your mouth to silence yourself. Did your mouth just betray you?

Shadow quirked a brow at the response, clearly, he wasn't expecting that for an answer.

"Why?" Your gaze fell from him to the floor, shuffling your feet around like a child being told off. You couldn't fully answer that one word, that one question that had stumped you for the past few nights.

Why did you want to see Shadow the Hedgehog again? Why did you feel such chemistry with him after one single chat? Why was your heart beating so fast every time you thought about him? Why were you thinking about him so much?

Your face bloomed pink, you could feel his stare on you and that made your cheeks darken.

"You interest me," is all you said, trying to be as vague as possible. He stepped towards you, minimising the gap, "I don't believe you," boy this guy was stubborn.

"W-why not?" you became defensive, there was no way on the second time meeting this guy would you say you felt something for him. You barely knew him, hell you can't even remember if you told him your name. 

"I have a great perception of lies and I am highly skilled in interrogation techniques. So, yes, I can tell you're lying," he smirked, too smug with himself.

"Oh," you huffed, "Well, I guess that training was for nothing because I'm not lying." you stood your ground, copying his mannerisms and folding your arms. For a brief moment, you thought you saw him smirk, "You're lying about lying."

You wanted to laugh at the very true and very real statement, but you couldn't let him win that easily, "I've never lied in my life, ask my nana; she'll tell you I'm a saint."

Shadow leaned in close, your noses lightly touching. You could feel his piercing gaze, you felt like he was trying to read your mind. If this is something they taught him then it was a weird way to go about getting information.

"Maybe I will," he smirked, he actually smiled! It wasn't just a weird nervous twitch or something! He can actually move his mouth upwards!

"She'd love to have you around for dinner," you mused, teasing him just like he was teasing you. Only your second encounter and you're both back to mercilessly flirting with each other, iconic if you ask me.

Shadow pulled away, happy with the bright red that littered your face, "She wouldn't have someone like me in her home, those rodents don't like me in their village never mind their personal property." 

That made you frown, so far you haven't seen this so-called evil Shadow everyone seems so frightened of. He just seems like a nice guy who likes his own space and is a little misunderstood, "You're not as evil as people say you are."

"No, I'm much worse." he cursed out, turning to his cave and waltzing in, "You should leave, it's getting late."

"Aw, are you concerned about me, Shadow?" you teased, still standing by the entrance, the moon's natural light illuminating the outline of your body. Shadow turned to look at you, "No, I just don't want you dying in front of my cave."

He carried on walking, hearing footsteps echo his own, "What are you doing?" he sighed out like a tired dad. He turned around to see you beside him, a small grin on your face, "It's too late for me to be out, like you said. And It's such a long journey back, I fear I might not make it." you feigned innocence.

Shadow growled under his breath, "What makes you think it's any safer in here with me than out there?" if he was trying to scare you then it wasn't working. You think he saw this in the way your brows furrowed with determination, you've met a couple of Gogobas, you knew how to guilt people.

"Well, I just don't know what lies in the jungle. But, if you want me to get mauled to death or kidnapped, then so be it." you batted your eyes at him, trying your best to appear weak and defenceless. You could see Shadow lost in his own mind, staring blankly at you while he thought deeply. 

"Fine!" he groaned out, pinching his brow bone, "But I won't be enjoying this."

While you were setting up a fire, Shadow approached you, he threw some cloth on your head, "Here." He sat down near you, not enough to soothe your rushing mind though. You greedily took the blanket, wrapping it around yourself while the fire kept your face warm.

It had been a few hours since you had entered Shadow's cave, the night had managed to get darker and with it brought the cold. The fire was still raging on, Shadow would keep feeding it every so often while you slept. A small noise caught his attention, he quickly found that it came from your sleeping form, you were cold. 

He would have left it, but the sound of your teeth chattering annoyed him too much; at least, that's what he reasoned. He slipped beside you, apprehensively wrapping an arm and a leg around you and dragging you into his warmth. You awoke, loosely aware of your surroundings, "S-shad-dow?" you mumbled out.

"Not a word of this to anyone," he murmured, feeling you snuggle further into him for warmth.

[stormoflina]

Not a question. It's my genuine belief. You don't have to reply me if you don't feel like it. that Salah doesn't like Szobi and has some jealousy or something like that. He doesn't like the potential of that Szobi will be the face of Liverpool soon. He doesn't like to be overtaken and dethroned by Szobi but he feels like it's inevitable. I could sense it strongly since day two or three and he still couldn't prove me wrong. Sorry I want to tell it to someone so badly but don't know who to tell. So here I am as an anon. If you don't want to show my msg but still want to reply it then just write a post and refer me as conspiracy anon 😂😂

Okay, haha, get ready for a whole essay.

So, in some way, I can see why you are on the opinion you are, but not gonna lie, I like both Dominik and Mo as players and inviduals both, so it's hard for me to take a stand on this.

I do agree that these two, as of now, didn't not exactly found the chemistry with each other on the pitch. Or not entirely, at least. I have some criticism of Dominik being selfish with taking a few shots in the last game, which I found really harsh considering 1. it was clearly Klopp's instruction, as Dominik has one of the best shooting techniques, 2. sometimes he is still left out from clear chances as well, while so far he played very selflessly.

The thing about Mo, if there is any criticism he got in the recent years, it's not passing enough to his teammates. It happened with Lucho, it was brought up last year as well sometimes with Darwin, now I have seen it with in the case of Dominik. All bias aside, I do think it's valid criticism. Mo is a fantastic player, with a huge legacy, but even I noticed how usually he would rather take risky chances than pass the ball, for example this season, to Dominik.

Should be noted that Dominik is the new guy tho. He has been in LFC, for like three months, while Salah is, and has been for a while, the best and most accomplished, most popular player in LFC. He is very hard-working, competitive, he still wants to be the best, do his best. Especially how basically everybody is convienced it's his last season, I can totally understand how he is eager to break his own records, uphold his legacy and again, just be the world class player he is. Just like Dominik is eager to prove himself, start to build up his own legacy as well.

Then there is Dominik, who let's be honest, got into the club in July, played in like 10 matches and already has most of our fans calling him Stevie G come again. Also, I think their personalities are just far different. Mo appears to be more humble, laid back (while obviously still having that hunger in him), while Dominik just gives off this so unashamed confident vibe about himself.

I wouldn't say he is jealous of him. Honestly, I think Mo, so far, has nothing to be jealous of Dominik. But the point about him having to accept that he will leave Liverpool one day and not compete at the highest level, yeah I can see that.

So yeah, I don't think they will be best friends any time soon, but doubt there is any malicious intent other than natural competiviness of two great players. Domi only been here for a few months, it's just easy to forgot about it, because he has been so great, but it's only natural that to crave out his place in team would take time, especially with players such as Mo.

However, I will say this: the media is clearly not helping these two bond. I have noticed how they keep asking Dominik about Mo, sometimes very weird stuff, as if they almost want to create something out of nothing. Just this last Saturday, Dominik got asked basically if he thought Mo had a poor game. He handled it very well, but if they keep this up it's only time they found something to feed these agenda lol.

But then again, we have moments like these, which are just sweet:

[beybladefanboy]

I’m too negative toward Masters

So here’s a list of things Masters does right (from someone who hasn’t quite finished rewatching it yet so I apologize if I get some details wrong) that I can’t say about any of the other seasons:

-The Dark Tsubasa Arc

This is just an interesting exploration and development of an already great character. Also the way it’s resolved is the best message in the show and genuinely helpful for me personally.

-Hikaru’s arc

Yes, it sucks that one of the only prominent female bladers doesn’t battle anymore. I totally understand that. But I honestly like that Hikaru steps down from Beyblade. I like that they show that it’s okay to take a break or even just step away from something that was hurting you. Sometimes persevering isn’t always the best option and that’s a really mature theme, and a very different one for this show. And the moments where they show how traumatized she still is over what happened to her just hurt my heart every time I see them.

-Team Wild Fang

Yes, I’m biased to Kyoya. Him joining the world tournament from another team’s country just to crush Gingka in front of the entire world is completely in character and just a clever way to include him in this season. Nile and Demure are also both great characters. I like the camaraderie Kyoya and Nile have and just how sassy Nile is general. Demure isn’t traditionally tough but he’s strong in other ways, his keen sight and knowledge of beys, and I like how Kyoya recognized that and made him part of the team. Honestly their episodes in general are just really top tier. It’s the closest Gan Gan Galaxy ever comes to losing the World Championship in my eyes, with it being the only one to last for four battles rather than three and many of the team being injured in the struggle.

-The overlapping arcs of Da Xiang and Julian

Both of these characters were the leader of a renowned group expected to never fail. In the end, an important battle was left up to them and they lost. Their reputation cracked and the legacy of many before them was seemingly tainted because of them. The difference? Da Xiang was instantly surrounded by supportive friends and respectful rivals so he was able to learn to rise from the defeat and come back stronger. Julian was given another chance after his defeat but lost again and was humiliated in front of everyone, losing more and more until he felt he had nothing left to lose and joined Ziggurat. Then these two characters, who I never thought to connect before this, meet and Da Xiang shows just how much he’s grown over the course of the season, eventually making Julian grow in the same way as he inspires him to stand back up and continue for his team. I love the way their stories mirror each other and how Da Xiang was able to help Julian learn what he learned.

-The Tsubasa/Madoka moments

This is just the shipper in me but I gotta sprinkle some lighter stuff in to keep this list from being too depressing. Besides, this is almost exclusively a dynamic in Masters and definitely the start of it. I think these two really click and they have a lot of small cute moments in this season. They both have the maturity of people twice their age (most of the time in the case of Tsubasa) while the rest of their team is playing a game of pass the brain cell so it’s just entertaining to watch these two deal with that.

-Team Dungeon

I may not be a Masamune fan but he is absolutely important to Masters’ story, even before the second half. He’s a foil for Gingka and is slowly becoming more humbled and more of a team player through his experiences in the world tournament. Yet he still never lets go of his goal to be the “number 1 blader,” something that seems like just some selfish desire becomes a lot more potent with the introduction of Toby and Zeo, and the reveal that Masamune, Toby, and Zeo all promised they would become number 1 together. It doesn’t excuse Masamune’s more... abrasive moments throughout the season but it does give a reason that’s much deeper than simple arrogance. And this backstory makes the battle between Masamune and Zeo in the world championships downright tragic, with Zeo knowing Toby will die if he loses and thinking Masamune betrayed them while Masamune (who doesn’t even fully realize how bad Toby’s condition is at this point if I remember correctly) doesn’t understand why Zeo is mad at him and is just desperately trying to get through to his friend.

-The two Blader DJs

I have no analysis on this, I just think it’s funny. Their battle is funny and I like that they announce the America vs Japan battles together, each of them clearly having a bias toward their home team.

They’re also just really gay. We stan our gay nerd announcer bois.

-The shady stuff Team Starbreaker does

(Side note: Oh my gosh look at the way Jack is flipping his hair, that’s so cute)

This is probably the most... down to earth(?) of the villain plans in Beyblade because it’s all rooted in science, so it’s easier to believe something like it could happen in real life. A system that unnaturally brings out the hidden abilities of a person? I could see that technology existing one day and it freaks me out to think about how humans could and would abuse it, just as they do here. The way Jack and especially Damian were brainwashed also feels very real. It’s not fantasy brainwashing with some kind of magic or machine, it’s children, Damian especially, being groomed into believing their way is the best way so they never step out of line and do exactly what Ziggurat needs them to do. It’s horrifying. I also like the twist that Ziggurat was using the world tournament, everyone he brainwashed/manipulated, and the horrific technology he was already using just to complete an even more terrifying weapon. It’s a much more unique way to end the season than a simple Gingka vs Damian would’ve been. Speaking of which:

-Gingka isn’t the only one who saves the day

This is probably the biggest thing Masters has over both Fusion and Fury to me. You can argue that in both of those seasons, Gingka’s final battle was the only one that mattered. (I don’t necessarily agree with that notion but my point is that Gingka is the one given all of or at least most of the glory.) In Masters, there really isn’t one single person who saves the day. Nearly everyone had a final battle in Spiral City that helped them win the day: Da Xiang battling Julian, Tsubasa battling Jack, Kyoya battling Damian, Masamune and Gingka battling Faust, Ryuga taking down Spiral City itself and helping those two, Zeo murdering Ziggurat- wait, that’s what happened right? Yes, the final stopping the meltdown thing was just Gingka... at first, which would’ve been boring. But then low and behold:

*LOUD RYUGA FANBOY SCREAMING*

Ryuga and Gingka, two former enemies, work together to save the world and it’s one of my favourite moments in all three seasons. I love how weirdly helpful Ryuga is in this season. I love how the first season ends with two enemies battling with the world at stake and the second season ends with those same people, now no longer enemies working together to save the world. It’s like poetry. It rhymes, sorta. Then the third season ends with my heart being shattered to pieces but that’s for another time.

Conclusion: Masters is good, I’ve been giving it way too hard of a time over this past year. That’s due in part because of the way it and Fury are perceived and my own past with both these seasons. Yes, that’s petty of me, but hear me out.

(Slight Fury tangent, but it’s relevant)

When I first rewatched Fury, I was shocked it was good. Genuinely shocked, I remembered hating it, I remembered hating it and not caring that Ryuga, who is now a very personal character for me, died horribly. I feel I unfairly hated Fury when I was younger and didn’t give it a fair chance, a feeling I may have unintentionally projected onto other fans, without even realizing. I’ll start by saying that’s in no way my call to make. You honestly don’t even have to watch all of Fury to decide you’re not a fan of it. You gave it the chance you decided was fair, as did I.

Now that I do love Fury, I want to show it as much love as I can and that has lead to me making some... unfair comparisons between Masters and Fury. I still think they both have issues with underusing characters and yes, Masters does bother me more in that regard than Fury does but that’s my own bias toward the characters. Everyone has their own. I personally like Kenta more than Yu, Benkei, and Tsubasa, so Kenta’s almost complete absence in Masters stings way more to me than Yu, Benkei, and Tsubasa’s sidelining in Fury. And yes, I still take Fury’s new cast over Masters’s new cast. That’s just my preference, and I hope I haven’t given off an impression that you aren’t allowed to have your own preference. No one opinion means more than another and none of us can ever be fully “objective.” I’ve tried to be objective on these seasons, and it’s still full of bias because we are biased creatures. That’s not possible to avoid.

So I apologize if I ever came off as aggressive or gate-keeping towards opinions on Masters and Fury. It’s something I plan to fix going forward with this blog. There are completely valid reasons to love Masters and completely valid reasons to hate Fury. Honestly you can hate Fury solely because it’s weird and that’s a valid opinion. If anything, I’ve been looking back on my 15 year old opinion (that’s how old I was when I first saw it) with way too much scrutiny. My opinion back then was as valid as it is now, it’s just that my old opinion is one that I now really really disagree with and because it was me, there is a filter of shame over it, especially with the Ryuga thing.

[phantombanquet]

SR Port Wear Ruggie Personal Card Story “Pay Attention To Me!” Part 2

Crane Port - Whistle Park

Ruggie: Yes, one plain waffle! Thank you very much!

Shishishi... It's selling well, Cater-san.

Cater: Really, really!

Ruggie: Let's keep selling at this pace non-stop!

Cater: But still... I didn't expect the mother of the children to be there as soon as we arrived at the Missing Child Center.

Ruggie: We were real lucky. If we just left them there, we'd still have to explain where we found them and so on.

The lil' ones were immediately reported, so they got to return back. We were really saved~

Cater: Ahaha, you're right.

But Ruggie-kun is really amazing~ You calmed down the children in no time.

I guess it's not enough to just talk to them gently. I may have learned something.

Ruggie: Well, I'm used to dealing with them.

In my hometown, there were lots of kids ranging from little ones who keep on wobbling around to guys around my age.

Cater: So that's how it is.

Ruggie: Most of the kids didn't have relatives... So they usually helped me with my work while I was looking after them.

Cater: That's why~ When dealing with a child, I tend to spoil them so I was a bit surprised.

Ruggie: I don't think there's nothing wrong with Cater-san's response, or at least I think it's pretty common.

This time, we happened to call them out by chance, but people don't usually help out, y'know.

After all, the only person you can count on when you're in trouble is yourself. We need to teach them the ability to solve problems.

.....In my hometown, a child who just keeps on crying ain't gonna survive!

Cater: I see, I see. I got to know Ruggie-kun's caring side today~

Ruggie: Shishishi... There's no need to praise me.

Cater: Still~ You don't have to be so modest... Oh?

Children: Big brothers, we found you!!!

Cater: Ah! The missing kids and their mom!

Mother: Thank you very much for earlier. I bought some sweets as thanks for your help, so please eat them!

Ruggie: Thank yo~u! I'll take one without hesitating!

Kid B: Mama! I wanna eat big bro's waffles!

Mother: Oh well, I guess mama should eat as well. Could you recommend three toppings?

Ruggie: Okay! Then, let's do just plain...

Cater: This is the part where you decorate it prettily! Leave it to Cay-kun ☆

Kid A: Woah~ Colorful and pretty!

Kid B: It looks really yummy!

Mother: Thank you very much for your help. Well then, we'll be taking our leave.

Ruggie: Yes! They're freshly baked and hot, so please be careful when eating them!

Cater: Thank you so much!

...Huh?

How did the mother know where our food stand was?

Ruggie: Ah. After handing over the children, I gave her a flyer that was advertising Group B before we left.

Cater: Ehh~!? And I didn't noticed!

.....Maybe Ruggie-kun saved the lost children to benefit himself!!?

Ruggie: It's nothin' like that.

I got to sell the waffles, and even received candy... It's real good to help out people, huh! Shishishi!

Cater: So you weren't being humble at all with your “There's no need to praise me” words earlier...

Ruggie: Well, I'm still making money!

It's Port Fest, after all!

THE END!

Link to Part 1

[desertsquiet]

Album of the month - August 2022: Dublin Blues - Guy Clark

The title track of this album first started sneaking around in my daily shuffle quite a long time ago. When I was still on Spotify, that is, and I was much more used to just let the alghoritmn take me on a random journey from time to time. I loved it right away, with its peaceful yet desperate vibe and the way it ironically blends European “high art” with “simple”, every day life pleasures typical of the state he was born in, with music obviously being at the center of it, a theme that is very dear to my heart: “I have seen the David, mmm/I've seen the Mona Lisa too/And I have heard Doc Watson/Play "Columbus Stockade Blues". This was soon after I’d first discovered Guy Clark’s music, with two amazing records that absolutely blew me away on first listen. His second, Texas Cookin’, and especially his debut, Old N.1. After that, however, I feared he might suffer from the stellar debut syndrome, as in those artists that were able to so completely blow me away with their first album(s) - or the first I heard - there was no way another album of theirs could capture my imagination quite as well. Yet about 9 months later, his 1995 release Dublin Blues was thankfully able to prove me wrong.

Guy Clark is an impossibly underrated and overlooked songwriter, one so obsessed with the most meticulous aspects of the craft of songwriting (without ever losing sight of autenticity) that when it comes to his best material, he really can do no wrong. There’s nothing even resembling a filler track on this album, not even a word or a line out of place, just 10 wonderful songs that like only the best country music can do, make simplicity feel so very complex and in depth. I’m completely in love with the way it sounds, too, (definitely his most cohesive sounding record since Old N.1), but what drew me in most of all was the realness and honesty both of the lyrics and the performance. He’s always been very much an instinctive singer, not so much concerned with the technical aspect of it, more as a way to fully convey his unique personality. The way he half sings half talks his way through songs, the way he starts laughing or humming mid sentence, or strongly emphasizes every little Texan inflection. Every song really seems to scream “this is who I am”, but never in an arrogant way. He’s also just pouring his heart out left and right. He puts it all on the table and there’s no chance you won’t have a clear idea of who Guy Clark was at the end of this album.

Picking favorites from it is an incredibly hard task, but the way he confesses his endless devotion to everything and everybody that is already part of his life and he intends to keep around in Stuff That Works is constantly moving to me: “I got a woman I love, she's crazy, paints like God/She's got a playground sense of justice, she won't take odds/I got a tattoo with her name right through my soul/I think everything she touches turns to gold”. As well as the impossibly humble and heartfelt love declaration of Trying to Try, where he realizes the only promise he can keep is that he’ll never stop trying to make things better for himself and the woman he loves and that’s a promise he will never break no matter what happens. I could keep naming songs from it, because they seriously are all amazing. I hope whoever reads this decides to give this album (or other Guy albums) a shot because the truth is he deserves a lot more attention. He’s one of the finest songwriters you can hope to hear.

[bi-sapphics]

Kid...just accept you are a lesbophobe, many lesbians are offended, wtf is wrong with you

is it my supposed lesbophobia you're making up that's offending you, or just my unapologetic bisexuality? be honest with yourself, and me lol lmao.

i will gladly accept i'm a lesbophobe, by your own standards, if you wish to water it down to bi women living authentically, culturally, and without your permission or needed authority. i would recommend not doing that since it'll only do more harm to your fellow lesbians and how they're perceived in the long run than i ever would, but you and your gang all do you ─ after all, who am i to tell a lesbian anything, right?

i wonder, what makes me a threat to you? is it my dykehood (1, 2, 3, 4)? is it my butch identity (1, 2, 3)? is it my standing ground against radfem-founded lesbian victimhood? is it my taking up space in sapphic spaces, where i belong? is it that bisexuality isn't clean enough to keep lesbian spaces pure? is it literally anything and everything that i have covered somewhere already, or can soon cover if you'd like to bring it up to me in another ask? care to specify some more? (the posts supply plenty of sufficient sources, if/when necessary.)

^^ btw, the first two proposals are already sourced in my blog description, but i understand you probably refuse to read into them out of fear that they'll challenge your opinions and beliefs rooted in separatist rhetoric. though, i'm giving you another chance to try again and step back from denying bi womens' places in lesbian history in order to intentionally erase them.

also, you came back again a few minutes later with this:

Speaking over lesbians huh

but have you ever considered all the speaking over bisexuals you're doing? i'm sure you probably have and then vehemently dismissed it out of disregard for our community, since people like you hate being associated with bi women so much, but if that's the case then why should i show you any sort of respect in return? you get what you give. i will not treat this dynamic like a one-way street because it isn't, and if that angers you then it doesn't sound like my/our problem; only yours.

lastly, while i'm not even close to offended, i just have to wonder why you called me "kid" in this context, as if talking down to me with the assumption that i'll listen to you without question. could just be because it's your slang, but if you know i'm 17 and you're in your 20s or older, i warn now that you're gonna get eaten the hell up by other people your age who actually know what they're talking about and can/will shut you down quickly. ignorance towards common and important community information you should already know will not benefit you. good luck with that!

if you still won’t let yourself take some humility, maybe you can sit down through all the next discussions you see about this stuff. just my humble thought. in the meantime, the block button is right there waiting for you and i’ll never have to know your name + embarrass you with it.

[childofchrist1983]

Stand up for the oppressed, this is the message of this passage.

Defend those who are oppressed, downtrodden, even if they are without our Heavenly Father. Think back to many historical events, from the slaves of Egypt becoming the chosen people, to the abolition of slavery, or the horrors committed in world wars or in the name of Empires. Our world is weighed down by immeasurable suffering. Be not on the wrong side of history, be not on the side of the oppressor, but seek to help those of God’s children who have no or little voice, little or no hope.

May the LORD our God and Father in Heaven help us to stay diligent and guard our hearts in Him and His Word daily and full of excitement to do our duty to Him and for His glorious return and our reunion in Heaven as well as all that awaits us there. May we never forget to thank the LORD our God and our Creator and Father in Heaven for all this and everything He does and has done for us! May we never forget who He is, nor forget who we are in Christ and that God is always with us! What a mighty God we serve! What a Savior this is! What a wonderful Lord, God, Savior and King we have in Jesus Christ! What a loving Father we have found in the Almighty God! What a wonderful God we serve! His will be done!

Thanks and glory be to God! Blessed be the name of the LORD! Hallelujah and Amen!

Father God, Lord Jesus, place me on the right side - Your side! The side of mercy and love for the voiceless, the injured, the poor. Instill within each and every one of Your followers the knowledge that within them rests an obligation and responsibility, to help give the voiceless a voice, to alleviate the suffering of mankind wherever they may be and for Your continued mercy.

Help us to be courageous enough to seek You daily and to humbly and faithfully do our duty to You, spreading the truth of Your Gospel to all in all nations, as You commanded before You ascended back to Heaven (Mark 16:15-16). May our lives show the world Your light and Truth and that You are a loving God and Heavenly Father who delights in showing love and mercy. May we all be humbly and faithfully honored and excited to worship, glorify and serve You daily and to do Your will. You have been so good to us, far more than we as wretched sinners deserve. You are so good! So wonderful! Forever and always!

Thank you, Lord, for keeping me and helping me in times where I am tempted to go astray. Praise be to You today and everyday of my life and let me never forget all of the blessings that are given me by You. As much as the enemy will try, he will never be able to successful breed doubt about who You are, in the minds of anyone who truly believes and follows You. And I will follow and serve You all the days of my life and beyond! Thank you for the connection with You that we are given through Your Holy Word and Spirit. Thank you, O Lord, for all Your creation and Your miraculous ways. Thank you for being our stronghold and my refuge. Thank you for seeing us as worth the sacrifice. Thank you for sustaining us, loving us and defining us according to Your will and love for us. Thank you for making sure we are taken care of. Thank you for being the best friend we could ever have! Thank you for Your endless mercy and love that has saved us. Thank you for always protecting us and providing for us and for Your Spirit to help us when we are in need. Thank you for abiding within me and may I abide with You, my Lord. Thank you for giving us a chance to be saved from our sin and spend eternity with You. Thank you for adopting us as part of Your family in Heaven and making us one of Your own. Thank you for being our present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Thank you for always being near and for loving us. Thank you for giving us a reason to love others and so many more reasons to love, praise, serve and follow You. Thank you for Your selfless and sinless sacrifice. Thank you for Your guidance and protection. Thank you for Your Truth and light. Thank you for Your wisdom and strength and grace. Thank you for giving life to the world and to us. You give and take away – And we thank you for it. Thank you for everything! Your will be done! Blessed be Your mighty name! To You and Your Kingdom be the glory forevermore! In Your name I humbly pray, Amen and amen

[bmgbtl]

Healing in Progress

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

I believe in these words.

The guilt of sin indeed is extremely overwhelming that made me think of committing suicide.

Love protects me and my family. Love gives me hope and perseverance.

Love protects me from committing suicide. Love protects my family from feeling hurt. I can think of hurting myself, but I do not dare to hurt my family. The feeling of losing a loved one is painful, and I cannot imagine it.

I am blessed to be born into a supportive family, who have always accompanied me since the start of the journey. Why would I do such a stupid thing?

There are people I know who have persevered by themselves, but I have been supported by my family. What can I ask for more?

The person I love the most reminds me that we should not make hasty decisions when we're extremely sad or outraged. We should take the time to calm ourselves, clear our minds, and then make decisions. In this way, we will not commit regrettable action.

I pray, "God, please lead me into the way you want me to be. I admit my sin has caused great pain and shame to you. My sin has caused my insanity, but I do not want to commit regrettable action which impacts my love ones. I have no hope in anything else except You. You have said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you', I seek your healing and forgiveness, and please USE me to fulfill your mission. What's the use of me on Earth if I cannot do things that glorify You?"

I feel hopeless with the current economic situation. I applied to several positions but got rejected by all. I thought, "My sin must have been so great that I am being punished." However, I haven't stopped praying.

"Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Remember, O LORD, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD. The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. For the honor of your name, O LORD, forgive my many, many sins." - Psalms 25:4-11

God heard my prayer. I did my first interview last week, but it didn't go well. However, I got emails from the companies I applied for and will be interviewed next week. God gave me another chance and let me use the last interview as my experience for the next ones. I'm unsure what the results might be, but I pray God will lead me to the one that can fulfill His mission. Before everything, I pray, "God, I want my first job to be given from You, all the glory to You alone. Please use someone who is humble to help me, that they shall not boast that THEY are the ones who helped me get my first job ever."

"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:10 

In Jesus name, I pray,

Amen, Amen, Amen.

[mamamittens]

Some musings about timelines for Nikia when I should be sleeping, as per the usual lol

Now, I don't know if I mentioned this before but I planned on the start of Nikia and Thatch meeting being some time before Ace arrives. Not for any specific reason to be honest. And about 2-3 visits roundabout a week long with conversations in-between.

The first visit will be mostly Thatch camping in Nikia's cabin while he forages and experiments with the local ingredients, accidentally catching some light feelings in the process. Was on the fence but I think visit 2 will be when he gives her his foulard.

Nikia catches feelings, or realizes at least, around the halfway point between visit 1 and 2 during their calls. She has... A time with that and barely managed to reel herself in for his 2nd visit, often trying to burst her own bubble because she's aware how ridiculous it is.

In no small part for pride--she refuses to be yet another girl taken by a pirate who flings herself into danger because she thinks he has a nice smile. On top of the reasons I mentioned before.

During this second visit, Thatch struggles to not show his hand, determined to keep it platonic despite himself. But he does end up asking her if she had ever been called to the sea.

"Called to the sea? I've... Thought about it. Hard not to with so much of it around. It's kind of amazing I could fly straight off the island and keep going past the horizon. But it's risky business. With no real aim, what would I travel for? What am I leaving everything behind for? Everything can go so wrong so quickly... I mean, it's not so different here. I gotta stay on my toes or lose em to frost bite but... I don't need to worry so much here like I would out there..."

"If the sea ever called to me, it would be in the wind towards that spot where the sky meets the sea. Where the sunset flashes green and the sunrise is gilded watercolor blooming in the horizon. But I don't trust enough for that. I know the sea doesn't love me enough to spare me and I... Don't think I'd ever trust that someone else loved me enough--made me feel safe enough that the toughest waters may as well be safe harbor..."

"Ah, that... I got a little side tracked there, sorry dude. If the sea ever called me, I don't think I was ever ready to listen. I meet the wind at my level, but the sea... she's never seemed to be that forgiving. Hope that clears it up for you."

Thatch is just left mortified he stuck his foot in his mouth so hard and also a little thrown. Most civilians don't take the question seriously or understand the slight mysticism sailors of all stripes treat the sea as a force and a fickle one at that. He's left humbled at the brief vulnerability and yearning for more.

He's sure that if he (and Izou if I go with that poly ship lol) had the chance, she'd feel safe anywhere with them. But clearly she's chosen to not set out and he respects that. Just hammers in how he should let his feelings lie and accept her friendship.

And then he gives her his foulard and calls himself a weak, lovestruck idiot. (When Izou finds out he's very unamused by Thatch's actions).

Meanwhile Nikia is having several existential crises over his existence in general but also very much trying to navigate her new feelings alone. Does not go well, no matter how many times she stares her reflection down and makes fun of his hair--he somehow makes it work and it clearly takes time and effort that he's willing to use for his appearance. So even if it's a little goofy, no dice on talking herself out of the 'crush'.

[ambitionsource]

At this point I am reading ambition season 4, summer of 21 and i have to say I love the series. The way that this story has taken the source material of girl meets world and has created a reimagining of the series if it was a drama is so amazing for months, I passed this story until I finally decided to read it I am so glad I did. When reading it reminded me of the fresh prince of bel air reimagining, Bel air. I can't wait to read more.

As I am writing this, I am reading 401 new start, and i have to say I love this story. Once I read the pilot, I was hooked. This reimagining of GMW flows so well, and the fact that you found a way to take the source material and mix it together and make it come out so different but found a way to bring the characters something that the original did not do but you do very well which is called character development. Every single character has changed or will change. I also like the fact that you took the side character and made them part of the story. I can't wait to continue to read this story. I wish I had read this story much sooner, but I wish that this was on streaming because I can't put it down.

hi hi hi!! first of all, please accept my apologies for the extreme delay in answering these lovely messages and thank you for taking the time out of your day to send them. little notes like this always mean the world to me and the rest of the creative team. 😊

and doubly the thank you for deciding to take a chance on our fake tv series! the fact that you passed it by many times but ultimately decided to give it a chance is a special little beauty to the enduring presence of stories -- so long as we're allowed the privilege to share them -- and i'm happy you gave ambition a go. i definitely think that's a common experience of many readers with this story, where it becomes something they didn't realize they wanted or needed in their life, and that has been one of the greatest joys i've had working on this series and being a writer for as long as i have. so welcome to the club ahaha, and i hope it continues to keep you hooked.

(i also am very very happy to see that it hooked you in pretty fast -- considering how elaborate and layered the later seasons get, i always wonder (and maaaaybe worry) that season 1 won't do it justice, and i always get proven wrong. so thanks for that little reassurance as well).

lastly, thank you so much for shouting out our character development in particular. strong characterization and growth is something that is so important to me as a writer and reader, and i'm always really grateful and humbled when i see readers getting that out of my works -- especially ambition, which has been a labor of love and a half with such a rich, ever-expanding ensemble.

if you decide to stick with us to the end, i wish you all the enjoyment as you keep reading, and i hope we will only match or exceed this high praise in the episodes left to come. cheers! ✨

-- Maggie