#he's one of the nicest characters I've ever met

[maideninorange]

"Go away. Quit staring. You guys are starting to annoy me.

...At least you're kinda cute."

Day 12 of Piktober was Crossover. I am not participating too heavily in the event (as I do not have the brain for it this year), but I did wanna get in a couple days, one of which is today's prompt.

This is Tsubakura Enraku from Len'en Project, a Touhou inspired work where just about everyone's gender is left up to player interpretation. I have a whole Len'en/Pikmin AU in my head, but for now this piece will work as a clue of what to expect were I to ever go any further with it.

Tsubakura themself though is...a poor choice for a Pikmin protagonist lol. They're too lazy. They are funny at least.

[rationaliity]

dr ratio vs. the genius society | an analysis

this'll also be a comparison between ruan mei and dr. ratio so warning for that one too, just in case.

i saw this post by @chronical-lover

and firstly, i just want to say thank you, especially about mentioning how aeons don't care about humans because youre so right. i wanna expand a little bit on the comparison between his character and the genius' that we've met this far.

ratio ultimately failed to be recognized not because he wasn't smart enough, but because he was too human. he's human first, scientist second. he'll always be human first, he doesn't have it in him to act without emotions no matter how much he wants logic to dictate his every move. his entire character is that he believes every one has a human right to be alive, to learn and to grow. he's there to guide them, not necessarily in the nicest way, but still.

i think contrasting him with ruan mei in the story quest was a perfect idea. when you meet ruan mei, she's kind. she makes the trailblazer feel comfortable, even for just a little bit. she offers companionship, tea, and a conversation. but she does not care about the trailblazer or her creations, something painfully obvious in her actions. when the trailblazer was facing up against ruan mei's failed attempt to make a replica of the emanator of propagation, ruan mei was no where to be found. but you know who was, just in case he had to step in ? veritas ratio. even though both knew that the replica wasn't likely to hurt the trailblazer, ratio was there.

" since you're here, i won't intercede. but should you fail, i will be forced to prevent some avoidable misfortunes "

( i hate this man so much )

but he was there. he witnessed the fight, and once the threat was over, it was time to get going ( his words, not mine ). he was there to witness you fight, and should he had needed to, he would've stepped in to prevent us from any actual danger. however, when we approach ruan mei after the fight, and we look reasonably upset from her, we don't get an actual apology. she says she regrets her actions, but her words aren't actually about putting us in danger. she was upset that her experiment fell short, that she had made another predictable outcome.

" you look.. upset, correct ? i regret my actions. there's no defending what i've done. time and again, my experiments have fallen short, and they've always yielded predictable results. i made a clone but it.. doesn't hold a candle to the emanator. "

she did say that she would be there if the danger proved to be too great, but she was not. veritas, however, was. both of them said that they would step in if needed, but only one of them was actually in a position to do so. only one of them took preventative measures to make sure that you were safe from harm. and that is not the genius ruan mei, no matter what her words say.

ruan mei has a flowery way of speaking. not to say that she necessarily minces her words, she's upfront about a lot of things. but she lures the trailblazer into a false sense of security. she's introspective, and questions her own actions a lot. but she's never apologetic about the way that her actions put other people in danger, just that they don't yield the results she wants.

ratio, however, is curt. we meet him originally as a brooding, mysterious figure. he's mean, he doesn't use a lot of words to get his point across. he says what he means, and he's a fan of effective communication. he doesn't have to worry about himself, he knows who he is and how is actions affect himself and the people around him, and that leads to people assuming that he's egotistical ( which he might be , a little bit. as a treat ) but the reality is that ratio cares more about the people around him that he'll ever let on.

and that's where he fails. that's the fundamental difference between him and those within the genius society. ruan mei, herta, screwllum, and the other geniuses do not care about anything other than results. and yet ratio is kind. he's inherently kind, his actions are all for other people. he's saved a dozen worlds with his inventions. he's a scholar within the intelligentsia guild, and a doctor saving his patient's lives every single day. he wants to guide people from the shadows towards the right answer, he wants to make them use their brains and think.

he does not act without considering other people. he can't be a genius first, and a human second. and that's where he fails to gain nous' recognition. it's not that he's not not intelligent enough to be a genius, it's that even in his pursuit of knowledge, he has not forgone his humanity.

and perhaps, in nous' eyes, that's the difference between the mediocre and the genius. to erase every part of you, your emotions, your empathy, your humanity, in the pursuit of knowledge is what separates a genius from the masses. not having those barriers allows you to really dig deep into subjects that would otherwise be considered taboo or dangerous, because you don't care about how the outcome affects people as long as you can study it. as long as you can get answers out of what you're studying, it doesn't really matter what the test subjects are feeling.

ratio is too human, too caring, to ever be considered a genius in nous' eyes.

[clairedaring]

more my stand-in thoughts and other ramblings about joe/zhou xiang best boi

!!!!!!!!!!! POSSIBLE NOVEL SPOILERS WARNING !!!!!!!!!!!

as my stand-in begins to air, even though we're only two episodes in, the series itself has already established very clearly and explicitly that ming is a HUGE RED FLAG and he's not... the nicest guy.

and as we are told by the narration of joe, this time he had with ming was not a dream as he had though but rather a nightmare and that it was ming who led joe to his death (literal translation of his last line in ep 1, iqiyi engsub you lack accuracy i hate you).

and while i am just one among the joe's protection squad, i feel like i don't share this overwhelming opinion i've been seeing of people thinking joe 2.0 should pull a 180 change or to be as bad as ming or to become some kind of monster and take his revenge on everyone who's ever hurt him as if this is some makjang kdrama.

i once wrote a bit about my thoughts on why joe/zhou xiang is such a compelling protagonist and what separates him from other 188 novels' main characters. but since that piece was written before my stand-in had aired and i think the characterization of joe has been slightly changed in comparison to the novel, so i want to take this chance to elaborate a bit more on my point in that post as well as update it to fit with the series version of zhou xiang.

so, like i've mentioned,one of the traits i love most about joe/zx is this inherent kind-hearted nature of his and i think the series has not only just done well in this aspect, but also greatly amped up this quality in the series portrayal of zhou xiang.

you can seeeeee it through joe's acts of services for this STRANGER he had just met. be it offering ming a ride to the BTS station or cooking for ming even though they didn't fuck.

however, i do agree with my friend @dragonsandphoenix's observation that with the series, since they're trying to speed through joe 1.0 and ming's relationship, the series has joe falling much quicker (literally him using the L word on ep 2 pls joe) than zhou xiang did, considering it took mingjoe only 2 ep before they started their period of domestic life and yanzhou 17 chapters to do the same thing.

i feel like this specific adaptation change in regards to characterization can cause audience to be even more protective of joe than novel readers already were of zhou xiang. one of my biggest fears for this adaptation (i say one of bc novel readers would already know my biggest fear of one specific scene) has always been the doormat allegations against joe. but like i've also said before, it's that specific trait that 'joe has the ability to fight back but he simply won't because he refuses to hurt others and his soft heart has him in pain whenever he sees others hurt' about him that i hold so dear. even in the series, we know joe has the physical capability of taking sol down... and the man did give sol a deck to his neck making him passed out.

... but it's also the same joe who would take care of sol after accidentally decking him.

did anyone watch ep 2 started counting how many times JOE apologizes in this episode... literally in the car scene, he said sorry to ming TWICE because he was scared he had hurt ming's feelings for his assumptions (right ones at that). or when the hot water dripped from the lid of the pot, joe immediately said sorry and checked to see if ming was hurt.

whether it is in the novel or the series, joe/zhou xiang is just really the type to sacrifice himself for the sake of others, he's never been able to put himself first and puts others' feelings above his (⁠っ⁠˘̩⁠╭⁠╮⁠˘̩⁠)⁠っ

which is why i was pleasantly surprised reading professional body double. because one would generally assume that after all the miseries thrown his way, he would become a bitter person, full of grudge and resentment against people who had hurt him, but he doesn't. that just isn't who joe is.

while joe's bad experience in his 1.0 life does change how he navigates his social life and the relations he has around him, it doesn't change the inherent kind hearted nature nor the optimistic outlook on life he once had. i love that for joe in his 2.0 life because his first and foremost goal was to restart a life happily and we gradually got this journey of self-respect and joe 2.0 finally being able to put himself first and fight for the things/people he love.

while there are obviously bad consequences to the "antagonists", i like that it has never been the direct result of joe 2.0 actions but it's more karmic. although i'm very open and would glad to see the antagonists getting even worse consequences than what happened in the novel (which i think was pretty mild) i think i'd rather be interested to see more of series!joe being happy and successful (big emphasis on successful because if i don't see joe with his 20+ blockbusters he deserve i'm suing for emotional damage)

in regards to the wife chasing arc in the second half of the series, i think this part will be rather controversial since there are diverse opinions on how audience want the wife chasing arc to be executed, or from joe 2.0's perspective: his responses/actions to being chased by ming again. and trust me, i do want to see ming grovelling in pain and suffer just as much as the next joe's protector. but at the same time for me it'd just be... ooc of joe to intentionally and/or maliciously inflict pain on ming. granted i do have some qualms as to ming's chasing method that i hope the series will adjust, i do think that zhou xiang's approach to being chased by yan ming xiu was rather sufficient without the need to give zhou xiang a 180 personality change, so i really hope that doesn't change.

all in all, while it's probably quite early to tell how the second half will progress and whether it does/doesn't diverge from his journey in the second half, i just think it was very in character for zhou xiang to make the decisions he does in the novel in his second life (except for one noble idiocy move that lasted like a day) and hopefully joe 2.0 also does in my stand-in for his new life. *sighs* joe is just truly best boi... i love him... look at he... that's my baby angel （づ￣3￣）づ╭❤️～

[fatuismooches]

IM LOSING MY MIND, MY BRAIN WORMS WILL NOT STOP WIGGLING ABOUT

I have a weird thing with smells... Like, I cannot like a character without having an idea of what they smell like.

ANYWAY

Dottore always has at least an undertone of blood. He always smells a little coppery. As far as I'm concerned, he smells like Blood and Bone from Sucreabeille. It has blood listed as one of the scent notes, it's literally exactly what I imagined.

Pantalone... You know this man smells like rich. I have no clue why but he just screams tobacco undertones. Definitely honey too. I'm thinking something like Honeyed Tobacco & Oud from Habibi. If we wanna do something that's ACTUALLY expensive... Tobacco Honey from Guerlain which rests at $395 without tax.

Capitano is giving spice. Maybe ginger or cardamom. Nothing complex. He just needs to spray and go, he's a busy man. I will admit, I was thinking of Jet Black Enigma while I typed this.

Childe... He was my first harbinger love and so I've had this in my head since then. Citizen Jack Absolute just makes me think of him. Melon and bergamot, are you joking? Then pineapple and amber? Vanilla and musk? Tell me it wouldn't make him seem approachable! This man is making you trust him! If you smell blood, that's gonna make you wary. Fruit? That's probably the nicest man you've ever met! There's no way he has bad intentions, right?

Anyway, I have more thoughts but I don't wanna clog up your inbox. <3

🦚

You know 🦚 anon, I genuinely know nothing about scents and perfumes and whatnot, but I wholeheartedly trust you on this and am adopting these HCs as mine too. I also looked up all the ones you said and like... wow... this is enlightening for me because I've been using whatever my mom gave me for life.

I also think Dottore constantly having a hint of blood is pretty funny because you're always trying to get him into the bath and lathering him up with all these nice fragrances, but then soon after his signature smell is lingering around anyway. I think most people just become... immune to it after a while.

[slocumjoe]

What's a compliment you would give each companion if you were to meet them IRL?

theres a few different ways to answer this. One of them being something personal and related to their character growth. No. That would be deep and philosophical. I'm answering this literally. How would I, a normal person, compliment them, presuming them to also be normal people?

Cait; would be wearing the kind of stompers I'd kill for. Just the chunkiest leather boots that would make me salivate. It'd be the boots, or when she'd walk away, I'd whisper to the person standing next to me, "holy shit, did you see how buff she was???"

Curie; would dress professional, but still fun and cute, so think pencil skirts and maybe a fun blouse. So, I'd probably end up blurting out how cute her outfit was. Complimenting her nails (short but a shiny, glittery color) or her jewelry (novelty stuff earrings, like atoms or chemical beakers) is also on the table.

Danse; id look at him and stop breathing. I would crane my neck up and my mouth would warp into the stupidest grin, incapable of speaking without a choking giggle. My face would go red as a tomato. I physically would not be able to compliment him. I would have to sit down for 15 minutes and remember how to breathe.

Deacon; knowing Deacon, he'd show up wearing the same hawaiian shirt as me

Gage; id follow his lizard Instagram and be completely obsessed with it. I would not approach him in person but I will absolutely leave comments fawning over his pet iguana

Hancock; I imagine he dresses Like That everywhere. Given my reaction when my butch manger showed up dressed as a medieval king, with a crown and embroidered dress coat and boots (i stopped breathing and stared at her for five minutes, jaw on the floor), I would probably react the same to Hancock's manner of dress. I wouldn't need to say anything. He'd get it.

MacCready; he'd make make an impressive trash can shot. Meaning, he'd throw something from yards away and still get it in the garbage. What else can you do but bow before the glory of a college kids dunk skills

Nick; *five seconds after he leaves* "that was the nicest, kindest man I've ever met and I think my daddy issues are cured"

Piper; id follow her tumblr and Twitter for the Chaos. Is that a compliment? Idk but you look at me and tell me that this woman would not EAT any discourse she got into. Even if she was wrong she would still somehow win. I hate her. We should kiss under the moonlight

Preston; *five seconds after he leaves* "that was the nicest, kindest man I've ever met and I think I should chase him down and give him my number?"

X6; I would open my mouth to compliment his jacket and he'd look down at me through his sunglasses with the most digusted grimace, before opening his palm in expectation of money before he would EVER suffer my voice

[jakeluppin]

a couple asks ago, you said "whenever I start working on my novel, the first song I listen to is Pin" and now i'm super curious about your novel!! care to share any details??

okay so i have two (well, i have like twenty i've done bits on since i started writing but two that are still somewhat being worked on now) but one of them is barely anything beyond a rough idea so i'll focus on the one that's more legit

i wrote about 90% of a first draft (about 60K) and then realized there were some fundamental issues with it so i started over

i have about 16K done of my new draft, some of which is brand new and some of which is revised from the first

it's a ya romance because that's where my heart has always been

for main characters we have (which as i'm writing these i realize i am So Bad at describing characters in this way whoops):

jake - jewish trans guys who is only out to his older sister (rachel). at this point, their parents are gone/dead (i've been back and forth on exactly what went down) so rachel's raising him. he's been in love with his best friend (caleb) since basically forever. he does stage crew for his school's theater department.

caleb - jake's best friend. he's gay. he has a crush on their mutual friend peter. he's one of those people who are just so loving that it's so easily to just get lost in. but also a total dick at the same time?

peter - he's really into theater, always in every production, which is how jake and peter met. just before the story starts peter and caleb were running lines for something and peter kisses caleb. described by other characters as being the nicest person you've ever met.

and then there's asher - his family just moved to town as his mom is the new cantor at jake's synagogue. he's also into theater and auditions for the fall musical, alongside peter. jake and caleb are there watching and jake hears him sing and is like. oh. shit. i'm in love. it's not revealed until midway through the book but asher is also a trans guy.

it's basically just a coming of age love story where jake finds himself and love and it's just really gay and jewish and probably very self indulgent but who cares?

oh also i have switched which musical they do multiple times for various reasons and right now it's Newsies but it may change again. but obviously asher, my beloved, is cast as davey jacobs so it is pretty perfect in that regard

gonna just throw some random lines/short scenes from draft two under the cut because i can. feel free to not read them haha

“You can’t seriously be doing homework now,” Caleb scoffs a moment later. 

I look up from my assignment and just shrug. “I’m simply not as invested in this as you are,” I offer.

“But you should be. For me. This is an important moment in my love life.”

I chuckle. “I love you, Caleb, but I think overall if I was as invested in your love life as you are, that would be a little weird.”

“Nope. I’m pretty sure it’s in the best friend manual that you’re supposed to care about it as much as I do. Sometimes maybe even more.”

“Can I have a copy of this best friend manual? I want to check the exact wording on that.”

“Sorry, only one copy was made and I keep it under lock and key.” Caleb smiles bright, and I roll my eyes in response.

--

“But seriously, you were amazing at your audition. I’m not just saying that or anything.”

“Thanks. I grew up singing. I think my mom might have disowned me if I didn’t end up with a good voice.”

“Really?” 

Asher laughs again. “Wow, you are gullible or I am not as funny as I think I am. But no, my mom would not have disowned me if I didn’t have a good voice.”

It’s this moment that Rabbi Finkle steps out of her office and says, “Asher, don’t lie. No self respecting cantor could stand to have unmusical children, just like I couldn’t stand to have children who do anything but read torah all day.” She smiles at us both, light in her eyes.

“Isn’t your oldest an atheist?” I ask.

“Yes, but he still reads torah ever day.” She laughs.

--

“So how was it?” I ask, sliding in Caleb’s car. He smiles wide as he turns to face me.

“Peter was amazing. Obviously. There’s something just, sexy about watching a guy dance.” He pauses, sighing, and then says, “I’m really gay.”

I laugh. “Really? I had no idea!”

“Yeah, not like I told you for the first time when we were like, nine or something.”

“Oh yeah, that definitely never happened.” 

Caleb chuckles and drives off. 

I can vividly remember when Caleb came out, the emotions so strong they stay pressed in mind. I can remember his fear, his hesitation, as he told me in a small voice that he liked boys. I can remember the confusion, not understanding what he meant, not sure what that meant for me. I can remember the happiness and his smile when I said there was nothing wrong with him “like liking” boys. I remember the ache I felt, when after telling him I like boys too, he told me “girls are supposed to like boys.” That ache I didn’t understand, that ache I couldn’t place for years, that ache that would come when Caleb would refer to me as a girl. 

“Were you scared telling me?” I ask a few minutes later, even though I know the fundamental answer.

“Of course,” he says. “I was nine. I was gay. And you were my best friend. Why wouldn’t I be afraid?” 

I nod in agreement. It’s something that, of course, I can understand. Just the thought of it causes anxiety to crawl up skin, pulling tight at my throat. It stops me from saying the things I want to say, things I know I need to say. The things I can’t imagine ever actually telling him.

Like: I’m in love with you.

Like: I’m trans.

Like: Yes. That means I’m guy. Which, if you remember the I love you part, would make me gay too. Or bi. Not totally sure about that yet.

Like: Main point being, I want to be with you and date you and I know you probably don’t or won’t ever see me as anything but your girl best friend but maybe you could. 

Yeah. Probably a good thing I’m not saying any of that.

--

“...Honestly, the challah was so good and reminded me of mom’s that I had a breakdown. Standard stuff, ya know. Who doesn’t have breakdowns over delicious Jewish foods?”

“Are you even Jewish if you don’t have breakdowns over delicious Jewish food?” Asher counters.

[badgerhuan]

SO @maverickcalf UNEARTHED THIS PODCAST/INTERVIEW WITH BILL HADER FROM 12 YEARS AGO AND HE ACTUALLY TALKS ABOUT TROPIC THUNDER AND TOM IN A MORE DETAILED MANNER I'M VIBRATING THIS IS ALL I EVER WANTED!!!!!

JESSE THORN: What was it like to actually interact with him professionally; especially when he’s doing something as ridiculous as his character Les Grossman in that movie?

BILL HADER: He was great. He was really collaborative and was like, oh, do you want to come in on this, or maybe you say this and I say that.

I'VE ALWAYS WONDERED IF THEY EVER TALKED ABOUT IT!!! like the energy and chemistry they had between them, whatever little screen time they shared, always spoke to me like it's an interaction that was discussed about. you wouldn't get that kind of thing if it was just Tom doing his thing and Bill doing his best to keep up. they talked about it!! Tom asked for Bill's input!!!! I WAS RIGHT

He’s a very committed guy. He works incredibly hard, especially at those dances that he would do, and he would have these long monologues in the movie, mostly directed towards Matthew McConaughey’s character that were really funny and hard to get through, but he was so focused on making it a character; like a person. He looked so crazy in it, but making Les Grossman a real force.

YES god I'm so glad Bill talks about it here. like whenever people bring up Les to Tom they only ever ask about the dancing, but never about the CHARACTER WORK. that's what I love about Les honestly. that he so easily could've been a one note character played for laughs. but you can TELL that Tom put thought into his character and motivations, keeping Les grounded and more human. I love it so much.

He played it very real, like when he would get really angry he would actually be angry. He was really committed to it. But working with him and hanging with him in between scenes and stuff he was the nicest guy on earth. It helped that he was in that makeup, because for me after a while you forgot, oh, that’s Tom Cruise, and then at the end of the day you’d be walking to the van or your car, and he’d be like, “Hey Bill, great job today!” — Oh my god, that’s Tom Cruise!

more points for Tom being really nice 🥺🥺🥺 and him complimenting Bill oueghdgdhh I'M NORMAL ABOUT THIS

JESSE THORN: Bill, you’re a married man with a child; I am too. I would be worried if I ever met Tom Cruise that I would accidentally kiss him or something.

BILL HADER: When he’s dressed like Les Grossman, you don’t.

this part made me laugh honestly dhkfhdj DON'T LIE TO ME BILL

(thank you for playing Rob like he wants Les to rail him anyway)

That is an interesting thing. That’s the kind of guy who will sit there and talk – – like, between doing the movie and doing the MTV Movie Awards thing, like, I had a kid and stuff like that, and he definitely was like, “How’s that going?” Very legitimately interested in what was going on in your life and just very cool. Telling me stories about making The Outsiders, he’ll sit and tell you stuff and it was really cool.

we've all heard about how people talk about when Tom talks to you he always gives you 100% of his attention and is very genuine so this isn't a surprise but it's just so good to see Bill confirming that yet again 🥺

but also ohhh my god Tom telling Bill about making The Outsiders. just telling him stories about movies he's made!!! BILL DID YOU EVER TELL HIM YOU LOVE FILM THE WAY HE DOES!!! DID HE KNOW ABOUT YOUR DREAM TO BE A DIRECTOR!!!!!

I'm so happy this interview exists. and I'm so happy to have confirmation on things I've wondered about for years (did they ever discuss their characters while filming the movie, did Tom and Bill ever talk about films, etc). I can't believe this information was out there for over a decade and I only just learned about it!! thank you Blu so much for sharing this 🥹🥹🥹

[vellichxrr6782]

— lowkey.

character[s] — kamisato ayato. theme & genre — fluff, kissing, strangers to lovers? cw/tw — alcohol, a tad bit suggestive. word count — 2.9k words. a/n — for @maehemthemisfit 's fluffvember collab ! thank you for having me <3

wonder what i'll do when the cops come through and the whiskey's run out.

you mindlessly swirled around the sparkling beverage in your wine glass, the soft party lights illuminating everything around you.

you weren't really one for house parties, especially when your friend who'd promised to keep you company had just abandoned you to go talk to someone about fifteen minutes ago. now, you were sitting alone, which was quite embarrassing, considering everyone around you was chattering away with their companions.

it was a shame, really. you'd gotten all dressed up and put on your best clothes and nicest accessories, and even got all excited to have fun with your friends, all to be left alone.

although, you wouldn't say you felt alone, honestly.

especially not with the incredibly handsome stranger who'd been eyeing you for the past five minutes.

he wasn't exactly a stranger, you'd seen him around your university, he was quite the celebrity there. understandably so, since he was the president of the student council, his sister being the vice president. you didn't quite remember his name. from what you'd heard, he was an intelligent and opportunistic man, but equally mischievious and cunning. but god, no one had told you he would be so attractive.

when you first met his eyes, you immediately turned to the other side, a bit surprised from realising he was looking at you, of all people. in your eyes, you were definitely one of the least eye-catching people there, surrounded by many eccentric souls who came off a bit too strong in their mannerisms and impressions.

feeling his gaze on you, you fixed your hair out of instinct, looking down at the drink. it seemed lackluster now, for some reason. actually, almost everything seemed lackluster after you'd locked eyes with him.

time passed rather slowly for your comfort, and it was a bit frustrating. solely because you still felt him looking at you, his lavender eyes gazing upon your figure sitting on the bar stool. you would rather he come up and talk to you instead.

he was assertively sitting on the sofa, legs crossed as if he owned the place. some women did approach him, but he was quick to deny any advances made from them. he came with four other people before, but now he was all alone. you'd noticed them get up and go to dance, and you assumed he didn't want to.

well, assumptions were no more needed, anyway. you could just straight up ask him directly, now, since he was making his way to you before you could process anything.

'cause i've been lookin' at you since half past two, wanna take this downtown?

a cool, collected voice asked you, "is this seat taken, miss?" and you quickly nodded, knowing who it might be. his voice made little goosebumps form on your skin, but you dismissed it to be the cold air in the room. it was nearing the end of november, anyway.

you took another sip of your drink. you suddenly felt like you were underdressed for the occasion, even though this was the most you've dressed up for a party.

he had a cup of bubble tea in his hand (the first time you'd ever seen someone drink bubble tea at a house party), fairly well-dressed for a place full of people on the verge of breaking down, with his blue hair tied into a low ponytail that was thrown over his shoulder.

you glanced at him, and felt your cheeks darken a bit. you convinced yourself it was the alcohol (and spoiler alert: this wasn't the last time you're to blame the your drink for whatever was to go down). why were you embarrassed again? he was the one who was staring, no?

"um, hi. you're the president of the student council, right?" you said, tucking a strand of your hair behind your ear, even though it was already tucked. "y/n."

"hm? a pretty name. suits you well." he smiled, stretching out his hand as if it were for a business deal. "ayato kamisato, president of the student council, you may just call me ayato. a pleasure to meet you, miss y/n."

a pretty name... suddenly, you felt grateful for your name. you wouldn't trade it for the world. ayato, his name was prettier. everything about him was. the way he composed himself was so dignified.

"no need to be formal. you can just call me y/n." you shook his hand. they were soft as silk, and you enjoyed the feeling of them against yours. "it's nice to meet you too, ayato."

a small moment of silence followed your introduction. a part of you was hoping that wasn't the end of the conversation.

"what brings you here, y/n? i mean, you're alone, like me. so i couldn't help but wonder." he raised a brow and you laughed softly, your voice barely overpowering whatever cliché love song that was playing on the speakers.

"i came with friends, but they all left to do their own things. so basically, i was ditched." you frowned a little, then titled your head in ayato's direction. "you?"

"my friends have their dating anniversary today. why one would keep an anniversary for their first date, i will never know." he chuckled softly, and you felt warm in your chest, comforted by his presence.

you chuckled, wishing them a happy anniversary from your end. ayato nodded, taking another sip of his boba.

ayato had a playful glint in his eyes, his smile lighting up the room as he carefully tapped the table in front of him with a proper rhythm. he was gorgeous, no competition.

"they went off to dance. each of them has their own partner, but me. i'd rather sit alone than dance alone surrounded by my friends who look like they're about to make out with each other." ayato said, as if he was waiting for you to say something.

fifth wheel, much? you felt pretty bad about that, but hey, he was always welcome to dance with you.

that's what you were thinking, atleast. not what you wanted to say out loud. you swore you were never drinking alcohol again.

this liquid courage got me way too honest.

"well, would you like to dance with me?" you said, and your hands clasped over your mouth the second the words came out of them.

bold move, y/n. very bold.

"you can just say no it's fine you don't have to say yes i mean i'm practically delusional for wanting to dance with someone like you you know i'm basically nobody and why would you even dance with me even though i find you pretty cute and i'm internally wishing that you would and i should really shut up now-" you paused, taking a deep breath. "shouldn't i?"

ayato stared at you, wide-eyed. "huh?"

"i'm so sorry, you can ignore me for the rest of the nigh-" you started, but were interrupted by ayato's laughter echoing through your ears.

"oh my god, you're so cute." he stated, and you nearly fell off your stool. "i'm WHAT", was your internal monologue. you were absolutely flabbergasted. how could he say things like that without feeling embarrassed?

his contagious laughter subsided as you attempted (and failed) to collect your thoughts.

"it'd be an honour to dance with you, y/n. besides," ayato winked, grinning. "i couldn't ignore you even if i tried."

cheesy. and unbelievable. that's how you would describe the entire situation. but despite how your face was on fire, you couldn't help but feel an uncontrollable surge of euphoria rush through your veins.

ayato stood up, extending his hand for you to take. you got up, following his lead.

the music was deafening, but you could still hear his heart beating loudly as you danced with him. you smiled in his direction, eyes meeting for what was the hundredth time, but seemed like the first, since you felt all your complex emotions over and over again.

perhaps it wasn't good to be so attracted to a stranger. perhaps it wasn't so good to want to leave this party and go somewhere quieter. where it was just you and him.

you wished he wasn't looking at you the way he was, his sultry voice making you feel goosebumps all over again.

his hands were wrapped around your waist, as he moved to the music. you clutched onto his clothes, unable to meet his gaze.

put your phone on vibrate, let's catch a vibe, babe, while the sun's down.

"look me in the eyes, y/n." he whispered close to your ear, and you stiffened up, immediately locking eyes with him. he smiled, his thumb holding up your chin. you instinctively closed your eyes, and he leaned in.

his soft lips pressed against yours, and for a brief moment, it felt like you were falling.

it was thrilling.

when he pulled away, you pulled him back for another kiss, and he obliged willingly. it felt surreal, to kiss underneath party lights, the surge of adrenaline rushing through your veins, your heart beating fasted than it ever had before.

the alcohol was starting to act up.

"do you... do you wanna go somewhere else?" you whispered, voice barely above the chattering of people. bold move, you thought to yourself. but you didn't want to wait for no reason and let it pass by you.

ayato took the hint immediately, smiling. "of course. where do you want to go?"

"anywhere."

"what about my place, then?" he offered, and you nodded quickly. ayato smiled, giving you his hand.

hush now, i know we're a little too fucked up to stay still, love.

you followed as he led you through the sea of people, and he stopped to talk to a woman who looked just like him. you assumed it was his sister.

"ayaka, i'll be going back home." he said, and the girl; ayaka, asked why. ayato responded by nudging you, and you greeted her.

she bowed slightly, greeting you back. "see you, brother!" ayato grinned, waving her goodbye.

"your sister is gorgeous." you complimented, and ayato replied with, "i'll let her know."

you both quietly left the party, making sure to tell no one except ayaka that you two were together. god knows what sort of wildfire would begin when they found out that the kamisato ayato was seen leaving a party with a nobody.

be as quiet as you can, 'cause if anyone sees they'll just blow shit up.

then again, you didn't care. you were impatient, and you knew nothing mattered except you and him. let people say whatever, you were just there to be with him.

you and ayato spoke about things on the way while he drove to his estate, and you were glad to get to know him. you'd never felt this... free, this comfortable with someone you'd just met before. he was charismatic, and easy to talk to. it didn't take much for you to find yourself feeling attracted to him.

you were quite talkative too, under the influence of whatever drinks you'd had at the party. you wished his estate would come quick enough, cause it was tough holding back on yourself when he was right in front of you.

after what felt like an eternity of talking and playful flirting, you finally reached his massive house. he welcomed you in, and said that it was only you and him, since the servants were on a leave.

how coincidental. the timing was perfect.

i don't gotta know if you're taken,

his hands held onto yours tightly, and he tilted his head, looking you in the eyes. "are you nervous?"

"a little, i must admit..." you let out a soft laugh, and ayato hugged you in response. "don't be. i won't force you to do anything. just stay with me."

you sat down on the sofa in his living room, your legs crossed in anticipation. a part of you felt nervous, but you were getting impatient, too. your emotions were overwhelming.

ayato sat down beside you, his eyes meeting yours in the silence. the room was dimly lit, and the large window showed a beautiful scenery of the city lights and stars.

he put an arm around your waist, pulling you close to him. you felt your breath hitch as you came closer, gaze lingering on his lips for far too long, and ayato wasn't exactly clueless either, since he took the hint.

i'll just let you know, bedroom's vacant.

the night was still young. the stars were sparkling brighter than any of the blinding lights at the party you had escaped from. you couldn't help but never want to leave.

you didn't want tonight to end.

there was an undeniable charm in the air, mixed with unfamiliar feelings you had never felt before. you thought to yourself, were you one of the many people he had brought to his home like this? or were you the first?

no one's gotta know, just us and the moon 'til the sun starts wakin'

you dismissed those thoughts, and neither did ayato give you time to think, as his lips gently pressed onto yours once more. somehow, it felt far more magical than kissing under party lights.

you closed your eyes, and swore you could see stars because of the fever of excitement you were feeling. his kiss melted onto your lips, slowly savouring every little part of yours. his fingers delicately placed themselves on your cheek, caressing it to soothe you and reassure you to keep going.

you grabbed onto his shoulders for support, inching closer and closer to his body. the kiss lasted far longer than it had before, and you enjoyed every second of it. you found yourself wanting more when he pulled away, and you couldn't blame anyone but him for getting you addicted like this.

but how could you blame him, either?

you kissed ayato's neck, unbuttoning his shirt a little to make way for you. embarrassed by your confidence, you buried your head in ayato's chest, and he teasingly asked you, "are you being shy? don't worry, we don't have to rush."

that was reassuring. you wrapped your arms around his waist, sitting down on his lap. ayato ran his hands through your hair, whispering compliments. he was so gentle with you, it felt ethereal.

up's the only direction i see, as long as we keep this lowkey,

"you're so pretty." he breathed out, "so, so gorgeous."

his voice was like ambrosia, his lips like honey, tasting so incredibly sweet on your lips that you couldn't believe they were all yours. his passionate kisses were mixed with your sloppy ones, you were trying to form coherent words but you couldn't. not when you were at such close proximity with the kamisato ayato, to the point where you could see each crevice of his carefully-carved visage.

a mark was clearly visible on ayato's neck from your little adventure earlier, and he ran a finger over your lips, an indescribable emotion in his eyes. the crinkles under his eyes and the curve of his lips was driving you to new heights, and you, flushed with embarrassment, desperately tried to hide your face.

you ain't even gotta love me.

the moon was glowing, the stars dwindling in the sea of black. you felt like you were falling deeper and deeper into his abyss, only to crash-land onto clouds of tenderness that he'd created for you with his hands.

perhaps it was the alcohol, or maybe it was ayato, but you felt so intoxicated. your skin was on fire, and you swore it was liquid courage that had you feeling so bold tonight.

"you're a secret, one i don't want anyone to know." ayato claimed, warmth glimmering in his eyes as he looked at you. "perhaps i'm scared they'd take you away from me."

"no one's going to take me away, ayato." you laughed, pressing your forehead against his.

"they will once they find out how absolutely bewitching you are." ayato immediately responded, as if it was second-nature for him to be so enchanting with his words.

us in a king-size, keep it a secret,

you didn't want to leave, regardless of how late it was getting or how many rumours would spiral if you were with him. you didn't really care, if you wanted to be completely honest.

"stay the night, won't you?" ayato whispered against your ear, and you nodded, arms wrapped around his neck. “if it’s you, though, i’d like for you to stay forever.”

you knew what you wanted. you knew it was with him. and still, still you would blame the alcohol for your courage, honesty and fogging up your rationality, cause you had never felt this strongly for someone before.

say i'm your queen, i don't wanna leave this,

you didn't even want to tell anyone, it would be for the best. what use was others knowing gonna bring? so naturally, you assumed the best course of action was to keep it a sweet secret, just for the two of you to savour.

keep all the nights you wanted to spend with him a secret. keep all the longing glances and fleeting touches a secret. keep all the passionate kisses a secret. keep the blooming love a secret.

keep it lowkey.

taglist — @yesntforno @serramii @shadowmist0706 @jmgrule @imeanwatever @c00kie-cat @xtodorokismistressx @ieathairs @endlessmari @strawberryclumsy @serenity-ren-bliss @scarasbaby @1eaf-me-alone @sonder-paradise @96jnie @komiyaa @scaramouchenumber1fan @linn-a-a @wisteriaflowersss @ineriris

published on; 27th november, 2022 writing belongs to @/vellichxrr6782 on tumblr.

[peetapiepita]

A few days ago, it just hit me that I've never known a real person as nice and good as Josh in my life, not the people around me, and definitely not other celebrities from the info I got.

People are just finding out how insanely nice (not my words, this is from someone who met him when he was a tween/young teen) he is this year but I'm remembering stuff from years ago because I've been following him half my life and I know stuff that I probably shouldn't. 😅

Like, he used to help random strangers carry their groceries when he was shopping. Not even ordinary people do that! He did that knowing the people he helped recognized him.

When he hears people talking about him in his back, not sure who he is, he'd walk up to them and introduce himself to spare those people the embarrassment. He never gets mad at people for not remembering his name. He even talks to people good-naturedly when they call him Peeta. (I was a victim to a celeb's wrath when I couldn't remember their name. It was awkward AF.)

I even remember a person who sold celeb autographs for a living saying he's the nicest and most grounded child celeb they've ever met and those people meet EVERY celeb. Some celebs start being rude to them because they're always around, asking for more autographs. Not Josh, he made an impression on them by being nice.

Even his exes' fans miss him, thinking he was their favs' best ex. I see posts like this made by Vanessa and Victoria's fans REGULARLY and it's been years since they parted ways. (He also stayed on good terms with all of his exes, even stayed close friends with some.)

When you see videos of him with friends just chilling in Spain, he's always roasting stuff or making water rounds asking if anyone needs anything while others were sitting down and enjoying themselves.

Then there's the concusion incident I mentioned recently. He was the one hurt, yet he was comforting Jen while she cried. How is that something real people do???

When 2 girls and their mom stalked him and went to his grandma's house because they knew he'd be home for Christmas, he joked about it. An average person would surely flip out and yell at them. He took it as a joke. That's just insane to me.

Not to mention the support he's always given to all the disadvantaged groups, LGBT, women, and POCs. He never waited for it to be a trend to start advocating for equality, he was always in the marches and demanding equality on the front line. He acknowledges his privileges and always remains grateful for them.

He's not perfect. He has weird quirks and he loses the motivation to work sometimes, resulting in the hiatus that he just came out from. But he's already unrealistically nice and good as it is.

The fact that he's been like this his whole life makes it even more unbelievable. Dude's been in the public's eyes since he was 7 and nearly everyone who met him said he's the nicest. That's a huge achievement.

I don't think a lot of fictional characters would top him in this, either. His character Peeta is the only contender I can think of off the top of my head. That's probably why he's perfect for the role.

[genericpuff]

I always enjoyed reading LO, though as of late I've gotten more critical of it and aware of the flaws in storytelling, art, pacing, etc (one can still like trash while recognizing it's trash, I guess), and it's been super weird being the only one in my friend group who's not seeing it as this perfect flawless comic anymore. Your retelling so far has been super refreshing and a joy to read, the art and character design is recognizable yet distinct and great on its own (I LOVE YOUR DIONYSUS SO MUCH HOLY CRAP HE'S SO GOOD), and like... I'm interested in where things are going! It's fun reading this! I still do enjoy LO (maybe it's the sunk cost fallacy, idk), but I'm invested in your version so much more now. So thank you for your work, it's really great :)

I know the story is focused more on H&P than the mostly cast of side characters, but are there any other myths that might get revisited as well? Eros/Psyche, maybe Ariadne since Dio is here...?

Absolutely, I say it a lot when the topic of "LO stans vs. LO critics" comes up but none of the criticism is meant to be persuasive debating, while it can be frustrating to voice our criticisms and be met with "yeah well that's just your opinion", we're also not criticizing the comic purely to convince you that it's trash, we're legit just engaging with the comic in our own way. The best way any LO fan can react to it is either to acknowledge the criticisms and move on, or not go out actively seeking the criticism in the first place if it's something that bugs them. But in the end, no one is talking about the comic in this way as a means to strong arm people into riffing on LO, we'll still be talking about it way past everyone's bedtimes regardless of whether or not you chime in and/or agree. I think a lot of people who enjoy LO have a hard time separating those two things because they love the comic so much that any criticism is automatically flagged as "they're trying to make a hater out of me". And yeah, maybe we are a little bit (because it's fun to riff on this comic and the crit community has genuinely some of the nicest and funniest and most creative people I've ever met) but for the most part it's not our goal to make you hate the comic, we can't take your enjoyment of it away from you, even if you do recognize its flaws yourself. By all means, enjoy LO if you want to, we won't try and tell you not to! Just don't think that gives you permission to tell the critics to stop criticizing because that's a double standard we just ain't gonna stand for LMAO

All that aside, I'm glad you're enjoying Rekindled! As for the other stories, I'm trying to reel in Rekindled's plot to focus solely on H x P because I feel like that's what it should have stayed as. One of Rachel's biggest mistakes IMO was when she stated she "wanted to include as many myths as possible" because it's clear it's resulted in her prioritizing low effort Google-level lip service and Marvel-esque nostalgia referencing over telling an actual cohesive story. I'm taking a lot of the additional myths that Rachel tried to do in LO and leaving them on the cutting room floor, but when Rekindled is done, I'm hoping to pick up what was discarded and do them as little side stories after the fact. I feel like that's the best way to do it especially considering so many of the myths Rachel included didn't happen until after Hades and Persephone were married (including Eros and Psyche). I'd especially love to tackle Orpheus and Eurydice, it's one of my favorite myths :) Dio x Ariadne is also one I'm hoping to tackle, though that one I'll probably work more into Rekindled itself as Dio plays a huge role in Persephone's character arc, we'll see !

[futurewriter2000]

The Daring, Forbidden and Evil - pt. 5

A/N: This one is a bit short but I couldn't continue it further on because the next scenes just deserve its own part. I've been thinking about writing this last night before I went to bed and I haven't done that in years. I really love this scene because it's just so soft and innocent. I hope you like it as well. All the love &lt;3

XX

Everybody tell you that when you're in love you are crazy but that isn't the truth. When you are in love, you are at your happiest because there is somebody, who makes you happy just by existing. To know he exists, makes you happy and to be so close to him, it makes you a far better person than you ever were.

Every day since then, your smile grew bigger. You weren't angry, nor sad. You were simply finding life far easier than it was before. Come to think of it, you thought of all the things you bore on your shoulders for no apparent reason. Now, you were forgiving, loving, happy. It was as if your character did a whole 180 and you absolutely adored this new character that developed in you. She was peaceful and kind. She was... well, she was free.

"Have you told anybody?" he asked, brushing his hand through your hair.

You brushed your hand over his chest, feeling a bit of anxiety kick in as he asked so. "No..."

"Me neither." he said. "I haven't even told Fred yet..." he continued, kissing the top of your head. "Not that I don't want to, it's just that... I'm scared." he admitted.

"Me too." you replied and lifeted your head up, smiling the moment your eyes met his. "You're the first boyfriend I'm not showing off in front of everybody."

"Boyfriend, huh?" he grinned.

"Want to be the girlfriend?" he your grinned back and he chuckled.

"No- I'd love to be the boyfriend, I just... I don't know... I didn't think you'd want us to be official."

Your grin disappeared and you furrowed an eyebrow. Your heart sank into a bottomless pit, but somehow beat extremely fast in your chest. "Don't you want us to be official?"

"Of course, I want us to be official. I just thought that you wouldn't want to be that because of your family lineage."

"I can say the same for you." you smiled and he laughed. "Besides... I am not my family." you said as you laid back on his chest and hugged him tightly. "I don't want to lose you... ever." you mumbled and felt his hands tighten around your torso, kissing your head once again.

There was a moment of silence- the nicest, safest moment that felt like it would never end. You closed your eyes and felt yourself melt into his arms. His hand-knitted sweater was extremely soft and smelled pleasantly. You had never felt more harmonious in your entire life.

"I want you to meet my family over the holidays." he whispered and you immediately opened your eyes, exiting the tranquil state. He was smiling at your reaction, kissing your forehead. "We will have to tell them one day. Might as well start with mine."

You sat up on his thighs and felt a rush of nervousness. He sat up as well, placing his hands on your back and rubbing them up and down. He tilted his head and grinned.

"We've been together barely three weeks." you stuttered, to which he found extremely adorable. Someone, who pretends to be tough is afraid of meeting his family, who wouldn't even hurt a fly.

"That's almost a month and besides, you could meet your cousins."

"My cousins?"

"Sirius Black and Tonks."

"Sirius Black?!" you exclaimed. "The wanted criminal, who escaped Azkaban, probably hates my whole family- that is also his family. "

He rolled his eyes and laughed. "He's a good person. I told you he didn't kill anybody. Pettigrew still lives."

"I don't know George..." you ran your hand through your hair. "The moment they will see me, they'll hate my guts. My parents are sided with the Dark Lord and my care-takers are their biggest enemies- the stars are not aligned with us." you started to babble.

He continued to laugh. "The stars are not aligned." he laughed even harder.

"It's not funny." you smiled at his mocking but he only pressed you close to him, burying his head into your shirt. You hugged him back, caressing his head by running your hands up his hair.

"It is." he pulled back, looking up at you with those gorgeous brown eyes. "You're scared. I get that, (y/n). I'm scared too, but even if it's difficult, doesn't mean it's impossible." he continued and you felt yourself exhale a large breath, lowering your head. "Just don't get tired of fighting for us."

You looked around, trying not to look at him directly in the eyes but knowing you couldn't hold back for a long time, you looked at him anyway. There he was; this boy that wanted to fight for you. Who in your entire life, ever fought for you? Your family just moved you from one family member to another, but he wanted to keep you. He is so good for you.

You smiled, placing your hands under his jaw and pulling him into a soft kiss. "I promise, I won't get tired of fighting for us." you whispered softly.

[coffeelovesdramasalatte]

LITA Ep 1 rewatch thoughts

Taking it from the top! Why is Phayu literally the nicest person ever? Like he just saw someone's car stalling near the road in the rain and he just stopped to help? I love that this is their official intro to each other bc it gives us viewers a clear impression of their dynamic from the very beginning. The music selection in this scene is so funny though bc it's intense and dangerous and Phayu is literally just telling Rain to turn his hazard lights on lmao.

I also love that every time Phayu helps Rain, he does so with encouragement for Rain to be more self-sufficient. The tire-changing is example one.

"You're so handsome" RAIN pls control yourself... I mean we all agree and Phayu's already looking interested but danggg

Ah Sky, the long-suffering (affectionate) BFF. Did we ever find out when they met? Was it just in college or before, bc it looks like Sky's Rain-related-nonsense-tolerance meter is constantly maxed out and that usually comes from long-term friendships.

I LOVE HIM there is not a single thought behind these eyes

Yassss department god Phayu for the win!! Love how this montage makes Phayu seem like a highly elegant and smart guy (which he is) but then we just watch him be a dork over Rain the rest of the series.

Fast forward a bit to the restaurant scene bc I forgot to keep typing...

Ok yeah sure you don't remember Rain, Phayu. Please, you made a beeline directly to him as soon as you walked in. Also, this scene makes my heart beat faster even though they do a lot more later on (where are those eyes looking, eh Phayu?).

The next scene where Phayu wipes Rain's hair gives me mixed feelings bc on the one hand, I don't like how Rain literally had to hit Phayu with a pillow before he'd let go, but on the other I didn't actually get a sense of danger from Phayu. I also did like that Phayu threw out "actually I'm bisexual" so casually - love that for us. I also think it's hilarious how fast Rain falls into the "I'm so into Phayu" headspace. I've heard some people call it subspace and from what I know I'm inclined to agree but I don't know enough to comment on that further. Also here begins the saga of Rain having a death-grip on Phayu's neck during intimate moments. We stan <3

Somehow I didn't notice the thermostat being set so low during every rewatch of this episode until now - I was always confused as to why Rain had to go under the covers but I get it.

When they wake up and Rain calls Phayu a bunch of names I couldn't stop laughing - it's even funnier when you know what's coming in the next few eps. Also my son really went "no thoughts head empty" after a single cheek kiss from Phayu. What a cutie

Rain cursing at the storm is so cute!!! Also we love our logical bestie Sky as always.

I LOVE P'Aon!! Also he's the first person to call Rain Phayu's boy and for some reason I think that's v v cute

I accidentally paused and can't stop laughing at Phayu's face here PLSSSS

And we've made it to the ending scene!! Ahhhh this makes me SO SOFT! I love it when characters tuck their face into their partner's neck when they're sleeping - there's something about the trust and comfort needed to do that which makes me so happy to see it play out. And Phayu's little "I'm really starting to like you, Rain" with the SOFTEST little smile on his face URGH I'M EXPERIENCING EMOTIONS

This is one of my favorite opening episodes of a series! We got introduced to all the main players as well as the key side-characters, and we got a good understanding of who Rain and Phayu are as individuals (less so on Phayu's side for now) and their dynamic together. I was so hyped to finish the rest of the series as soon as I finished this episode the first time

[futurequibblerjournalist]

Not to crawl back to two gross old men and their fucked up relationship but I think about "They're just,, in no way good for each other but the sex is good and they're both messy and kinda lonely and they like that it's no strings attached because it genuinely is" so often after the whole,,, GOF debacle where you like psychoanalyzed them. I think about your words a lot and when a I saw a clip the other day I couldn't help but hear "They're in no way good for each other... they're both messy and lonely" and it just,, changed me. That book will never be read the same. You have such a knack for profound shit

The way they went from a man using another man's body because there was no one else who'd have them in that way, two men focused on someone else who fuck because that's all it is and the only relaxation they get, a man who said no emotions involved and a man who wouldn't feel them

To a man wrapping his talons into another body because there was no one else left, two men so focused on one thing in such different ways, one of them injecting emotion into it because it was the only way he could think to survive,, I'm not good with my words but the sheer intensity of Igor's time in Azkaban then alone, then how he throws himself at someone he never before cared about is so cinematically raw to me. Holy shit I love your blog. They met each other bad, messy, and lonely, and they died bad, messy, and lonely. I think about that yap session so often. You made my fav book goblet and I never really thought about Igor and anyone, least of all Snape, that way but you put me on a different path. I like your analyses of Barty and Evan and Rosekiller as much as I like the ones for James and Regulus and Starcahser, but it's just so,,,, I don't know, fun and educational when you spread to lesser acknowledged characters and ships.

Sorry for such a long text, but oh my god. You literally changed a whole series for me.

I've literally been reading this over and over again since it landed in my inbox and oh my god this is like,,,, the nicest thing ever??? I (obviously) love rambling but I never thought my takes would actually affect anyone this much,,, I'm very flattered vjgnbjgnbjgnb

I love analysing characters so much,,, especially the ones people usually tend to forget. I'm sat here all Debbie Ryan hair tuck rn tho vfnjbngjbg this is so nice idk what to say

[caramelarchive]

light x trans!male reader? i know this may be a little complex, but hear me out: there's a phenomenon with trans men in which they feel like that being masculine is the equivalent to giving up that feeling of being feminine, likeable and desirable. maybe we could have a one shot scenario in which light reassures his boyfriend?

You ╾ Light x Trans!Male Reader

A disclaimer before we start: I am not a trans man (I realise I haven't got my pronouns up yet: she/they is good) and honestly I just don't get gender in general. This is also my first time writing a trans character so please tell me if I did anything wrong so I can change it! I've done research and I know everyone's experience is different, but- well, see first note. TRANSPHOBIA WILL GET YOU BLOCKED!! Anyway, thank you for your ask! I hope I wrote this like you imagined 💕 I have moved to my main @lawlietscaramels please follow there for new content!

　★━━─・‥…━━━☆

Light took one look at you as he walked in, throwing his coat to the side, and came to lie on the bed next to you. "Bad dysphoria day?"

You fiddled with your shirt. "Not... quite."

This was not the dysphoria you had struggled with before. No, you felt quite masculine today. The problem was this sparked a new kind of hatred for yourself: the feeling that being a man meant you couldn't be likeable and desirable any longer.

It was great, really, having only scars on your chest, and that the people who loved you no longer used the words and names that were wrong. And yetー you no longer got those little smiles from strangers, the quick flirt at the coffee shop, and it made you feel less... well... pretty. Even if pretty wasn't meant to be a masculine thing. There's no other word for that feeling of being wanted, being desired, being thought of as attractive without the terms linked simply to sex appeal ("hot," "sexy," well, that was just too much for anyone but your boyfriend to use).

Light turns on his side, pressed up against your body, and throws an arm over you. "Wanna talk about it?"

You sigh, leaning your head against his. The blankets shifted beneath you, the white fabric like clouds. "...Yeah. I feel like I'm not..." A vague hand gesture. "Allowed to be pretty any more."

"What?"

"Well, think about it. Women, you know, are portrayed as the 'beautiful' sex. Like, even the shape of old Coke bottles used to be modelled after a woman's curves because it made it seem more attractive, in a way. And of course there are problems with that whole thing, but... I want to be masculine, accepted as masculine, more than anything. You know that. But I don't know if I want to give up feeling, well, 'feminine,' as much as I hate the thought, in that femininity is the definition of desirable."

Light sits there silently for a few minutes, mulling over your words. He eventually gives a little chuckle.

"You. You are the stupidest man I've ever met."

"Hey."

"Sorry, Y/N. Sorry. I mean, that's just silly. Who says being masculine means you can't be desirable? I feel quite wanted when you look at me and it doesn't make me feel any less of a man."

"That's probably because you've been accepted as a man since birth."

"Sorry," he says again, "you're right." Light manages to scooch even closer, his other arm sliding beneath you to hug you. "But you don't need to give up feeling masculine to feel attractive, okay? You are masculine, AND you are also the goddamn nicest looking man I have ever met. You have wonderful eyes." A kiss. "A wonderful face." Kiss. "A wonderful brain. And a wonderful, wonderful body." Kiss, kiss, kiss. "And I think I will call you stupid if you are too blind to see that."

"Light..." you laughed and rested your head against his. "Thanks. You make me feel..." you're left searching for the word, the right word out of the millions of options, before you settle on: "You make me feel loved."

"Good. You don't need to do anything to be desirable and likeable and attractive and perfect. Becauseー"

A smile and another kiss, full on the lips.

"You're already you."

　★━━─・‥…━━━☆

𝖎𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖑𝖎𝖐𝖊𝖉 𝖎𝖙 ˏˋ⋆˖⁺˖⁀➷ 𝖕𝖑𝖊𝖆𝖘𝖊 𝖗𝖊𝖇𝖑𝖔𝖌 + 𝖋𝖔𝖑𝖑𝖔𝖜

[illarian-rambling]

for the 2 characters relationship questions?

3, 4, and 11 for any two

Why, of course! I'll answer for the sorcerous duo; Twenari and Djek :)

What were their first impressions of each other? How does that compare to their impressions of each other now?

Twenari’s first impression of Djek was of an armed thug come to take her back to her abusive mother in exchange for a fat paycheck. So, not a great start. To be entirely honest, she probably would've killed him if it had come down to it. Djek was brave enough to stand up to the Tunnel Wasps in time. However, if he hadn't been, it would've been his life in the way of Twenari’s freedom - and that's a choice she's made before.

Currently, she sees him as a mischievous older brother, always ready with a joke or needing to be bailed out of some ridiculous situation. She loves him and looks up to him in matters of social grace.

Djek’s first impression of Twenari was of his boss's runaway brat who needed collecting. He had no idea how Undeta treated Twenari behind the scenes, and even if he had, Djek’s idea of good parenting is rather skewed by his personal experiences. Interestingly enough, he was only vaguely aware of Twenari’s sorcery. He probably thought he could've taken her in a fight, which is a disastrously incorrect assumption.

His impression of her now is of his nerdy little sister. He's aware and in awe of Twenari’s magical talents - however, he also recognizes that her social skills are abysmal and that she sometimes needs a little nudge for her own good. He has a special bond with her as a fellow sorcerer.

How would they describe each other if asked? Physically? In personality?

Twenari about Djek: "I suppose roguish would be a good descriptor. Better than scruffy, at least. Djek is one of the few Amaranthi I've met with true red eyes, though you can't hardly tell with how much he squints. I really ought to find him a pair of glasses. His complexion is lighter than mine and his hair is black and straight. He tries to style it in a buzz-cut, but that only works when you remember to cut it more than once every two weeks, so perhaps style isn't the right word. He dresses... bravely."

"As a person, Djek is sort of a true diamond in the rough. He's got the walk and talk of a thug. He acts tough, even if it's not all that convincing of an act. On the inside though, he's one of the nicest people I know. Djek is always trying to keep people happy. He tells jokes and gives gifts - he speaks from the heart. Maybe he acts like a ruffian, but he really does care about everybody."

Djek about Twenari: "Oh, she's a doll, Twenari is. She cleans up nice and dresses like she's ready to drop everything for a tea party with the High Lady. Of course, the simmering arcane madness in her eyes sort of dispels any 'cute kid' illusion. She's of Shuari descent, so she's got skin darker than mine and keeps her hair in short locs, which I rarely see because she's always wearing a kerchief. I find it grossly unfair that she was almost my height at twelve and taller than me by four inches at sixteen."

"But gods beyond, what to say about her personality? I mean, she's really weird, don't get me wrong. Have you ever heard the words 'dothistroma needle blight' come out of a kid's mouth in full sincerity? Scary stuff. But she's cool, you know? Twenari knows her business, and probably knows yours too. She's efficient in everything she does. I just wish she'd slow down sometimes and let herself relax."

Does one act as a narrative foil to the other? How so?

Twenari and Djek aren't exactly foils, I'd say, but they are a subversion of the wise old master/eager young student trope. For the most part, Twenari is the one teaching Djek magic, which he learns more out of entertainment than any significant desire to hone his craft.

Thanks for the ask! They might not be the most obvious of my duos, but these two are a lot of fun regardless :)

[olsenmyolsen]

Three Weeks

Part 26 of On The Inside With Elizabeth Olsen

Word Count: ~6K

masterlist

Liz POV

It's been three weeks since Y/N left. Three weeks since I've spoken to my sister Mary-Kate and three weeks since speaking to Y/N's mother. I wish I could say that all of this was easy or made better due to the fact that I'm actively trying to live a life that doesn't involve me missing Y/N, but it sucks.

This is one of the hardest things I've had to do.

But here I am, waking up in my bedroom alone and sad, for you guessed it, the third week in a row. I think I've slowly morphed into my Character Leigh Shaw. That's who I am now.

A cold, depressed bitch missing her love and looking for answers.

Anywho, I did some of the cliche break-up things you're supposed to do! I cried while watching Rom-Coms and eating ice cream. I dyed my hair! Goodbye, dirty blonde, and hello, brunette Lizzie. I made sure to tell my friends that I was doing better when in reality, I was not.

Scarlett and Aubrey were quick to see through that shit.

That led to a very passive-aggressive forced lunch with a seven-month pregnant Scarlett and her daughter Rose who very sweetly had no clue what was going on. Colin was set to join, but I'm certain Scar made him stay home.

On the other hand, Aubrey called me out on everything once I spilled it all. But she wasn't as upset with me as other people had been. But she made sure that when I'm in LA that I stay with her since Robbie is still occupying our/my house. I told her that wouldn't be necessary since I have other friends and family to stay with but saying no to Aubrey is weirdly tricky.

Also, I took a page out of Y/N's book. Literally. I started writing. Okay, not like writing writing like Y/N but writing my thoughts and what I want to say the next to I see my Coffee Girl. I have a pile of envelopes ready to go. Each one is different but laced with love. They constantly stay in my purse. I'm afraid I'll lose them otherwise.

I know I haven't talked to her since, but.. this hasn't stopped me from trying. No calls, just texts every once in a while. Letting her know that I'm thinking about her and her safety. I know she's doing okay, thanks to certain people, but I can't wait to see that smile shine on her face whether I'm an inch away or thousands of miles.

I yawn and get the sleep out of my eyes before making my way into the kitchen. I haven't been eating the best or a lot lately, so maybe making a big breakfast will help today. It didn't help last week, but I can try again.

Waffles. Eggs. Cut up fresh fruit from my rooftop garden.

This is what I ended up making, and to my surprise and delight, I ended up eating a good majority of it. I compost what I don't eat because I'm not sure when I'm returning.

Oh, did I not mention? I'm flying to Los Angeles today.

I still have a couple of hours until my flight, and I packed last night, so I might as well water and say goodbye to my plants before making one final trip to Y/N's apartment.

Y/N POV

Today of all days, I have to wake up feeling like I got hit by a train.

Everything hurts. My head is pounding like a hammer. My nose is stuffed but also running. Every time I try to clear my throat, it feels like tiny needles are being dragged down my esophagus. This is awful. I knew something was happening, but I blamed it on allergies. I should've known when Nick said, "it's just a cough," he was lying. It's never just a cough. If he wasn't one of the nicest men I've ever met, I'd be so pissed at him.

Speaking of Nick. Since the last time he confided in me that he has feelings for my mom, nothing has changed. My mom knows but doesn't want to pursue a relationship. I understand her completely. I'm not saying I want to see her and Nick be together, especially since no one can replace Davey.

I know Nick wouldn't be, but that doesn't make it easier. But my mom and him have a perfect friendship right now. At the drop of a hat, they're there for each other. Wait-

What's that ringing?

I turn my head as I get pulled from my thoughts. I reach over and answer my phone with a scratchy throat.

"Hello?"

"Pumpkin? Are you alright? You sound terrible." Thanks, mom.

"I think Nick got me sick." My mom groans into the phone. "I told him to rest and that we'd have dinner together next time you visit, but no, he had to make a home-cooked meal for you."

That's sweet. I smile through the pain as she continues her rant. "He's just like your father at times, I swear." My mom laughs at her own words. I don't think she fully realized she just compared Nick to Davey, but I let it slide.

"Yeah.. so why'd you call mom?"

"Just wanted to make sure you'd be up and ready for today." I pull my phone away and see I still have a couple of hours until my flight.

Oh, did I not mention? I'm flying to Los Angeles today.

"Yeah, I packed last night. Remember one big suitcase." I try to stifle a groan as I sit up. But my sickness and back have other plans for me. If one thing is for sure, I can't wait to never sleep on an air mattress again.

"Oh, that's right! I'm sorry I can't see you off."

I roll my eyes, knowing how busy my mom is and that no matter what she says, she wants to keep me here. She practically didn't let me go last night after dinner.

"I know, mom. It's alright."

"Whose picking you up from the airport?" Oh, that's right, I forgot to tell my mom. "James. Max's brother."

My mom accepts the answer and starts telling me about how her morning has been so far while I fumble my way into the bathroom and begin searching through every drawer, looking for cold & flu medicine.

"What's that racket?"

Apparently, I was not as quiet as I thought. "Where's the medicine? I searched everywhere." I ask through a cough.

"Bottom drawer. Behind the green bag." I search precisely where my mom said, and she was exactly right. How do mothers do that? "Be sure to take some ibuprofen two hours from now as well."

"Okay, mom." I throw back the pills before scooping some water from the tap into my hand, drinking like a sick animal.

"Be sure to eat something too." My mom adds, but all I want to do is curl up on the couch and die. "Mom, I'm no-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence Y/N Y/L/N."

"Yes, ma'am." Great, now I'm in the kitchen.

"Oh, before I let you go, dear, what are your plans for your birthday?" Oh shit. My birthday is coming up. "No plans," I say, closing the fridge door with a shrug earning a sigh from my mom on the other end.

"Okay, let me know if you want to come back home for that."

I doubt it.

"Okay, mom. I'll keep you posted."

"Thank you, Y/N. Now I love you. Be sure to eat something and text me once you're on your way to the airport." I nod my head. "I will, mom. I love you too. Okay. Bye."

I end the call and throw my body onto the couch. I try to fight it, but before I know it, my eyes close, and I'm asleep.

Liz POV

They fixed the elevator.

The moving steel box's doors slide open as I reach my designated floor. Y/N's floor. With an envelope in one hand and her key in the other, I make my way to the door. I know she's not here. But a part of me still hopes I'll be in for a surprise when this door swings open.

And she's not here. In fact, the place is almost in the exact same position it was when I left it. Except it looks cleaner? Wait? Has someone been here? I take a couple of steps into the place and do what you're not supposed to do in every horror movie ever. "Hello?" I call into the quiet apartment.

I get no response.

Not fully trusting this situation, I close the door behind me and quickly search the place. It isn't until I find myself in Y/N's kitchen that I find a note stuck onto the fridge.

Hey Oslen,

Knowing you, you'll be back to Y/N's place more than once. But just in case I was wrong (I'm not), I went ahead and cleaned out her refrigerator and tidied up the place. You never know when she might come back, right? Plus, we can't have the place smelling like an old, run-down dumpster.

Anyways I'm sorry I haven't reached back out to you. But I'm happy to know that it looks like Y/N's case is finally on track to be over. Perks of having one of the hottest and best lawyers. ;)

Text me when you see this. And as far as I know. She's safe.

With care, Max

I fold up the piece of paper and place it into my back pocket but not before shooting a text to Max, letting her know that I saw her message and that I'm happy she's safe.

Reminding myself that I have my own piece of myself to share with Y/N. I take the envelope in my hand and walk it over to the coffee table. I hope she sees it. Maybe not tomorrow but some day.

After combing over the living room, I make my way into Y/N's bedroom. Knowing that there's not a murder in the building, I can actually look around to see the improvements Max made. Like for example, not more shirts on the floor. Instead, most of them are folded up on the bed or tossed onto hangers.

My hand immediately gravitated to one of the most recent pairs of shirts she wore. Yes, the pink-fonted Elizabeth Olsen picture collage shirt. I unfold the shirt and bring it up to my face. It still smells like her, but it's not as strong... I have to stop the pout from forming on my face. I've done it like crazy lately. I look back down at the shirt and start to get lost in a train of thought. Without another second, I find a small duffel bag and begin filling it with some shirts knowing that if I wear them out, I'll get seen. And if I get caught, they'll be posted everywhere. Everywhere- for one's woman's eyes to see.

_

"How did you get more bags?" My driver Mr. Bronson jokes as he takes them from me to place into the truck with my other luggage. "Technically, the one is a guitar case." This earns a sarcastic oooh from him.

I felt a little.. weird taking Y/N's old guitar, but it feels right at the same time. Plus, I keep remembering the texts Sam showed me from Y/N.

If you don't hear from me in the next couple of weeks, just know that I'm fine. Feel free to come to my place tomorrow. (Address) Take what you want.

Also, I don't want this guitar of hers to become lost or thrown out by mistake, and I've been itching to relearn to play.

"Ready?" Mr. Bronson pulls me from my thoughts. I quickly nod as the car slowly pulls away from the curb. I take one final look behind me to see Y/N's place become smaller.

Y/N POV

"Okay what about this." (Video attached)

That's more what I'm thinking.. but faster and don't be afraid to make it more Appalachian.

Y/N It's your song why don't you just record it.

Robbie, first off it's our song and I don't exactly have my guitar with me.. also the lyric is "I only want to be in the passing lane" Not "fastest lane."

Shit. You're right. This will be much easier when you're here.

Couple of hours. Thanks again. I know I've said it a million times but thank you

I should be the one thanking you. But fr stop it. We're helping each other. Also I'm just glad we're past the awkward stage. It's not everyday two exs become friends.(?)

Writing partners *

Writing partners

"Earth to Y/N."

I lift my head from my phone, confused, which wasn't the brightest idea. My head is still killing me. The pills are helping but not as much as I want them to. "What?" I ask whoever is begging for my attention as I close my eyes and rub my forehead.

"Just wanted to know if you needed any help with your bags. You okay?" A male voice speaks.

I pull my eyes over to the voice. It's Nick. He's standing in front of the now-closed front door. How long has he been here? Shit what time is it?

I quickly panic and look at the time displayed on my phone.

Whew. I still have some hours till my flight takes off. But that means we should be leaving soon. Airports are always an annoying hassle.

"Y/N?" Nick's voice is now softer as he sits down on the couch next to me. "You okay, kid?" I take a deep breath and try and clear my painful throat.

"Yeah."

I guess I didn't do a good enough job at the throat-clearing. Nick's face remains unchanged, but his eyes are filled with worry and guilt. He knows I'm sick. And he gave me his cold.

"Did you take medicine?" I gently nod, not wanting to hurt myself more.

"Anything you need?"

"I'm fine." Me saying that and looking "fine" are two different things, but I hate being sick, so dwelling on it makes it worse. Plus, Nick and I are becoming closer. In fact, anytime my mom was at work, and if he had time, we'd hang out. It didn't involve much. Sometimes it was just watching tv or grabbing lunch, but it formed this weird bond between us. Maybe I remind him of his late son, or perhaps he is just a good man. Or, who knows, maybe he's showing me he can be... something more. I don't know. What I do know is that I don't want him to be worrying about me right now. I got enough going on.

Nick looks at me uncertain but doesn't push it. "Are you all packed?"

"Yeah, I did it after dinner." Nick nods his head as he gets up to go to the kitchen. "Tea?" He asks without turning his back.

"Yes, please."

Liz POV

Paparazzi present as always.

They're lining up at the entrance to the airport, just alive and waiting. I guess word got around. I was showing up. I mean, it makes sense the paps would want a good photo of me. I've barely left my place the last couple of weeks so getting a picture of me "out of my cave" makes people go crazy.

"Mr. Bronson?" I ask while keeping my attention on the picture takers outside. "Could you help me with my bags?"

"Of course." I turn to see him already looking at me with a smile. "Hat and sunglasses on." He reminds me. "Ready?" I nod once I'm "disguised."

"Ready."

"Let's go." Mr. Bronson steps out of the car and opens the truck grabbing all my bags placing them on the floor before closing up the trunk. He comes around to my side of the vehicle and sets something next to the door. Before I can think about what it is, he opens the door reminding me to "keep your head down." I nod to him as he places the guitar case in my hand. "Might help." He adds.

It surprisingly works a little. As we walked by the paparazzi, far fewer pictures than usual were taken of me. The ones that knew who I was knew. The others, I think, were taking a gamble and thought I was some indie singer or something. Regardless. I'm here inside the busy airport, from one anxiety-filled thing to another.

Mr. Bronson left shortly once we made it inside. I thanked him profusely, which he, of course, shrugged off. All he told me was to "go get her." I guess he thinks I'm chasing after Y/N.

Speaking of...

I'm now sitting down, opening our very one-sided text conversation. I scroll back up to the last couple of texts she sent me. They make me smile. This was back before the ignored calls. Back before I screwed it up. Back before, I lost the one real thing I've ever known. I remember it.

"Excuse me?"

I quickly close and fumble to put my phone away at a quiet voice speaking to me. I look up through my sunglasses to see a girl. She must be 14 or so. How'd she get into this airport lounge? Doesn't she need to have a credit card and be a member or something? Oh God, is she lost?

I can feel my nerves begin to overtake me. Deep breaths, Lizzie.

"Excuse me?" The girl speaks to me again. Shit, I should probably say something.

"Hello." I give a smile as the girl's face lights up from me just speaking. "Oh my God, It's really you! I wasn't 100% sure. I was going to be mortified if it was someone else." I giggle, calming down a bit at the girl's tone and evident nervousness.

"What's your name?" The girl smiles again before it looks like she's trying to remember her own name. Oh gosh, seeing fans get like this makes me feel a little bad. I don't want them to get too stressed or nervous just from meeting another human being.

"Geneva."

I say the name back to myself internally before gesturing to the seat next to me since Geneva was just hunched over in front of me. "Are you sure?" She looks at me with such worry, but I motion again. "Please. It's okay." Geneva nods before taking the seat next to me. She looks like she wants to say a million things, but at the same time, she's too star-struck to do anything. I got time to kill, and I haven't really been talking to many people as of late, so I'll start.

"Geneva?" The girl turns to me- jaw dropped. "You said my name." I nod. "I did. Can I ask you a question?"

"Anything." She replies quicker than I would've hoped for.

"How'd you know it was me? And where did you see me from?"

Geneva points to her head. Leaving me a little confused. "Your cap." I lift my hand up to touch it. My LA Dodgers Cap? "It's like your calling card. You rep it more than any other celebrity. It's basically your own merch." She tells me with a smile. Huh, I mean, I guess I did buy Y/N her own cap for a reason.

I do wear it a lot, don't I?

"I literally bought one because of you. Oh, and I saw you from... over... there!" I follow where Geneva's finger is pointing. In the distance is an older man watching, waving at our interaction. So that's how she got in here. "That's my dad. I tried explaining who you were and why I was freaking out, but he didn't get it. I hope I'm not bothering you." Geneva quickly adds that last sentence in.

"Not at all. I was getting lost in my own world, so I'm happy you stepped over here." I tell her honestly. "Okay, good." Geneva appears to take a deep breath and relax a little after hearing that. I know that feeling all too well.

"So, where are you going?" I turn my body slightly towards Geneva, so she knows she has my attention.

"My dad and I are going to Oregon for a week."

"That should be fun." I instantly encourage the idea seeing that Geneva looks nervous. "I hope so. I don't like flying."

"That's okay." I go to say something else, but I see Geneva's wandering eyes look over my carry-on purse. "Where are you going?"

"Home." I point to my cap with a slight smile. Geneva slowly nods her head. "Filming?" I shake my head. "Not for a while."

"I loved WandaVision. I think it made Wanda my favorite." She mumbles that last part, but I heard her. "Oh?! Well, thank you, Geneva, but who was your favorite?"

"Bucky and Black Widow," Geneva replies, almost scared that she had another favorite before me. She knows I'm not the Scarlet Witch, right? I subtly laugh at her responses. "Those are cool characters. One is way cooler than the other."

"And hotter!" Geneva replies casually before realizing I'm not one of her teenage friends. She looks at me wide-eyed. "I-uh-I didn't- I'm sorry- don't tell Sca-" "It's okay. Your secrets are safe with me." Geneva still looks a little panicked, and it reminds me of the talks Y/N and I would have about her love of Black Widow.

I will say Geneva and Y/N are right. She is hot.

"Can I say something?" Geneva breaks the awkward yet comfortable silence that is building up in this loud airport. I gesture for her to keep going.

"I'm really sorry for how it happened, but knowing that one of my favorite superheroes or anti-hero or whatever you wanna call Wanda now was being played by someone who is a lot more like me than I thought was important."

This is a conversation that Marla and Rhonda told me that needed to happen. I have yet to publicly confirm that, yes, I am a part of a certain community now. All that's been said is that Robbie and I were no longer together and that I was seeing someone named Y/N Y/L/N—so hearing from a girl who can't even drive yet that I mean this much to her. It makes my heart warm up and break at the same time. I feel ecstatic that I can now be someone for people to look up to, but at the same time, I haven't done enough.

This needs to change.

I look over to Geneva.

"As I said, I'm sorry for how it happened, but you and your girlfriend look really cute together."

Girlfriend. I quickly use my acting skills and cover up and frown or look that suggests otherwise.

"Thank you very much, Geneva! Yes, we are cute, aren't we." I chuckle at the same time she does. "And I still look at Wanda as a hero, so you can too." I nudge Geneva.

Geneva looks down as her phone lights up. I didn't even realize she had it in her hands. "Oh, looks like we're about to board." Geneva looks up at me. "If it's not too much trouble, could I get a picture?" This child is so kind.

"Of course." I quickly take off my sunglasses as Geneva has the camera ready. I lean in close to Geneva, but not enough, so we're touching. "I won't take too many."

"I think a couple will be fine." I calmly but sternly tell her.

"Okay. One.. two.. three.. GAY!" My smile quickly morphs into a laugh that I cover worth my hand. I was not expecting the girl to say this. While laughing, another picture gets taken. "I can't believe I made Elizabeth Olsen laugh!" Geneva says a bit too loud for my liking reminding myself where we are.

It looks like we're done with the photos, so I quickly take the time to cover my face back up. "Thank you so much. Omg, this is the greatest thing I've ever taken."Geneva shows me, and it's a typical one, and then Geneva smiling as I'm dying of laughter. "I'm glad to be a part of it." In the distance, I see Geneva's dad making his way over here. I guess they're running a little late now.

"Thank you again! This means so much to me." I smile. "Me too." Geneva starts to walk away, but I stop her. "Geneva!" She quickly turns back. "Yes?!"

How do I say this?

"Do you mind waiting until tomorrow to post that picture? If you do it now.. the paparazzi will be worse in Los Angeles." Geneva thinks about my words. "Sure. I don't want it to be worse for you." I graciously nod. "Thank you very much."

"Of course, Lizzie. Happy Pride Month." Geneva waves at me before walking to her now crossed arm dad.

It is the start of pride month.

I quickly pull out my phone, exiting my text conversation with Y/N and opening the one with Marla and Rhonda.

"An interview needs to be made today. People need to know who I am."

Y/N POV

The ride to the airport was uneventful. Aside from the occasional small talk and "I'm sorry for getting you sick" from Nick, nothing happened.

Now we're inching the car closer to the departure zone.

"Hey, kid?" When he first started calling me that, I thought it would go away because of how annoying it was, but it didn't, and I've grown to like it.

"Hmm?" I turn to face Nick as his eyes are watching the cars in front of us.

"Is the reason you left New York waiting for you in LA?"

"No," I say without another thought to the question or to the pain in my throat.

"Do you want them to be?"

I purse my lips and think. I don't know.. I've been avoiding Elizabeth for weeks but saying that I don't want to see her at all would be a complete lie because I miss her. I truly do. For the past couple of nights, I've been having dreams and nightmares about her. Maybe that's what's making my move to LA easier.

"I don't know," I whisper my answer out as Nick nods his head and drops the subject.

"You know, getting to know you these past couple of weeks has been wonderful. I'm happy to know Laurie has such an amazing daughter." The car has now reached my drop-off area. I turn to the older gentleman next to me.

"It's been a pleasure getting to know you too, Nickolas." Nick smiles but rolls his eyes at the awkward way I say his name causing me to laugh, which I regret doing as my warm throat starts fighting me.

"Need help with your bag?" I shake my head no, but Nick is already out of the car, opening the trunk for me. Once I'm about, he's already wheeling my suitcase to me. "Text your mother when you land. She'll be worried sick otherwise."

"I will."

Without thinking, I wrap my arms around Nick and hug him. I feel Nick hesitate before doing the same. It didn't last long, but it was nice. "Thanks again for everything." "Sorry for getting you sick, kid." Now I roll my eyes. "It's alright. I'll see you, Nick." I turn around and start walking to the airport doors.

"Wait!" I turn around to see the car window rolled down with Nick leaning over the passenger seat. "Don't forget to check your bag! You're flying to LA; who knows what someone might do if it's left in the overhead bin." I shake my head at him like he's crazy until I remembered the conversation over dinner last night.

"Literally pee all over my luggage. Someone left their child's toilet up in the top, and during take-off, it flew to the back, smacking everyone's precious cargo." (A/N this story happened on a podcast I used to listen to)

My face morphs in disgust. I shoot Nick a thumbs up as he laughs at my face. "So long, kid!" And with that, I turn back around and head straight towards my airline's desk. Ready to check this bag.

_

Okay, so that took longer than I thought it would. Of course, it's the beginning of summer, and this place is packed. What was I thinking? Now I'm sprinting, yes, sprinting to my gate! Mind you; I'm still feeling terrible!

It's like a scene out of a movie. I make it to my gate just as the last couple of people are shuffling on. The ticket on my phone goes through, and now I can finally breathe! I follow the people onto the plane, double-checking that I have everything. Phone? Obviously. AirPods? Duh. Cards and ID? Front pocket because what if my bag gets lost because I listened to Nick? Okay, time to find my seat and get rid of this headache.

I picked the worst day to fly.

_

Does anyone watch the stewardess do the safety instructions in case something happens and you need to step up, or is this just my anxiety making me watch them?

Anyways I feel relieved once they finish up. The person next to me couldn't give a shit. They were on their phone the whole time, and let me tell you, they were getting screamed at by someone through text.

Which weirdly reminds me.

I open my phone. I never finished my conversation with Robbie.

wasn't ignoring you just got on the plane. I'll text you when I land.

After a couple of minutes, Robbie responds.

No sweat I started taking a crack at that other song All Eyes On Me. Are you sure this is suited for me?

Moody indie? Uh yeah dude.

🙄 Saving it for when you get here. have a safe flight.

👍🏼

I exit that conversation, and I'm surprised to see a text from Max I don't remember getting.

"Elizabeth stopped by your place again. I think it might be for the last time. She's leaving ny."

Oh wow. Trying to copy me, Olsen?

I'm trying to formulate a sentence to type back, but I get interrupted when the mean stewardess tells me to put all electronic devices on airplane mode.

I'll just text Maxine back later. As of right now, though, I think it's time to pull out my AirPods, put on a relaxing playlist and tune out that crying baby five rows ahead of me.

Liz POV

Even in first class, I'm nervous. I don't know what it is today, but my nerves are doubled. Ever since we touched down in my home state, I've had this weird feeling.

Was I wrong to leave? Is it wrong to come back home? I should've apologized and seen my sister before leaving. No, I should've fucking chased after Y/N when I had the chance. Oh, God. Should I change my sunglasses and hat?

"Miss Olsen?" I dramatically lift my eyes up from the spot where my engagement ring used to be to see the eyes of the kind stewardess saving me from myself. "If you'd like to follow me." I nod before getting up and following her like a lost puppy. Except lost puppies don't get the stink eye from people, you never met.

Once we make it to the gate, the stewardess leads me to a man waiting with my bags. Well, all except one thing. Y/N's guitar case. Also, who is this man? Why is he here? I can carry my own bags.

"Thank you," I say to the stewards, who gives me a tight-lipped smile before turning back onto the plane. I walk up to the man and thank him for gathering all my belongings, but I can take it from here. He obliges as I double-check that I do indeed have everything except the guitar. I do! So with my purse securely on my shoulder and the bags and cases in my hands, I make my way to baggage claim.

Y/N POV

Two naps in one day.

I feel better after the second one. Or at least I thought I did. My eyes aren't tired. My head isn't killing me. But my throat. My throat got worse. Yes, it doesn't pain me as much to speak, but it's extra scratchy, and anytime I do try and speak, it's not my voice. I sound like a different person. Oh goodness, I need cough drops and water quick.

A text to James, Robbie, Max, and my mom later, and I'm the last one off. I've never been that last one off a plane, so I guess I can cross that off my bucket list. Why is it called that? Anyways with no bags carried on with me, it's now time to try to find my airline's baggage claim.

Oh yeah, also, I've never been to LAX before, so this is a new terrifying experience.

I hate that I'm doing this by myself.

_

I shouldn't have listened to Nick. I swear I've watched hundreds of people come by and be gone while I'm still here. I literally watched a guy walk around the corner, come by, scoop up his bag and walk straight into a car waiting for him. What the fuck?

Also, some people have zero sense of fashion. I know I don't, but I was learning a thing or two from the Olsens. Plus, I'm gay, so it's different.

Anygays, after watching the black suitcase with red lining pass by for the 7,495 time, I'm about to give up when brand new bags start coming down.

I watch as the crowd around me starts to grow. I had to do a double take when I thought I saw a woman in an LA Dodgers cap hanging around, but I didn't see her anymore, and I have to remember I'm actually in California now, so that's probably normal.

_

Finally, I saw it! My large suitcase was making its way to me. Without much of a struggle, I'm able to pull off the belt and make sure that, yes, it's mine. I'm about to finally walk away when something catches my eye.

I watch as it slides its way down before slowly making it was past me. It can't be. I look over the stickers on the case. Surely someone else has my exact same ones.

Except no one has my Davey-made sticker for my high school track team. Only one was made.

And there it is.

I watch as the case passes the people to my right. "Hey." I croak out of my throat as I watch a hand go and grab the case. Shit. They didn't hear me. When did so many people get here?

"Excuse me." "Get out of my way." "Sorry."

These are all the things I'm spitting out as the power starts coming back into my voice as I'm rushing to whoever thinks they can't steal my guitar case.

How the fuck do they have it?

"Hey, stop," I call out once I'm behind the person. "You with the case!" Fucking unbelievable! They're ignoring me.

"Hey!" I clear my throat once more and get right up behind the person before grabbing the bottom of my case from them pulling them back towards me.

"Who the fuck do you think you are!"

Liz POV

It took long enough, but it's finally here in my hands. I'm surprised I haven't been recognized with how long I was just standing there waiting.

I thought I saw someone who looked a lot like Y/N peer their way toward me, but I lost them in the ever-growing crowd.

Anyways. It's finally here in my hand. I hear some commotion behind me, but I'm too tired to see what that's about. I just want to "Hey!" get to Aubrey's before bringing this guitar to Robb-

"Who the fuck do you think you are!"

I feel the guitar case being pulled from behind as my hand gets yanked back, turning me around.

"Hey!" I yell before our eyes meet.

Y/N & Liz POV

It's her! She's here in front of me!! Don't fuck this up.

Part 27