#rush: s3 ep10

[c-mulvey]

[asideofchaos]

II 16 Spoilers Ahead!

So I see a lot of people panicking that the contestants aren't real, but I don't that's what the whole "MePhone Created Everyone" was supposed to mean.

Because yes, MePhone made them and we see Suitcase and Knife glitch at the end, but we also see repeatedly that the contestants have their own souls and free will. Sure, there is definitely parts of them that MePhone came up with; such as PB's fire and the S2 Finalist not remembering the S3 time skip, but we see again and again the contestants doing things that MePhone does not want.

Case and point: Taco. Everything about Taco. Not only was she secretly smart without MePhone knowing, but she 1. tried to steal the million dollars, 2. hid in the woods for who-knows how long, 3. conspired with and manipulated running contestants, 4. kidnapped his assistant, and 5. took over the show for an entire episode. If MePhone had control over her then none of that would have even happened.

Outside of Taco, almost all of the contestants do things that MePhone does not want, such as:

Bow never leaving no matter how many times she was punched with the Fist-Thingy

The eliminated S1 contestants trying to escape Idiotic Island

Paper going insane and everything with Evil Paper happening

The Cherries launching Marshmallow to space where she would be unrecoverable

OJ suing MePhone and threatening to do it again

Tissues making MePhone sick

Suitcase developing horrible anxiety and hallucinations

Microphone taking Taco's deal

Lightbulb using Fan to fly (which we see MePhone call out as cheating)

Marshmallow running away to live in Purgatory Mansion

Lightbulb and Test Tube traveling back in time

Paintbrush painting Steve Cobs and then burning the entire field

Lightbulb and Test Tube finding the Gemories

Fan rushing out to get the egg

Knife not telling MePhone about Taco

Fan and Test Tube creating Bot to bring back Bow; who MePhone did not like

The Eliminated S3 contestants being able to go back to the hotel

Box getting hit with a hammer, falling down a mountain, and then bursting into flames when MePhone did not have a medic

The Floor not being able to be eliminated and almost erupting the volcano

Blueberry faking his own death

Silver Spoon letting his aura get the better of him and almost killing Candle

Lightbulb avoiding telling everyone about what is happening

And those are just the things that are coming to mind, I'm sure there are things that I missed, but there's even more compelling questions. If the contestants are fake, then why do they need a place to go when eliminated if MePhone could make them not exist anymore? What about everything going on in Hotel OJ, Idiotic Island, and Indefinite Island without MePhone knowledge; especially for the last one since he didn't even know it existed until Ep10. If the BFDI crossovers and Nickel's early comments in S1 are to be believed, then at one point Nickel had somehow tried to join BFDI instead!

Even in II 16, we see that the contestants can have their life sucked out of them, which shouldn't be possible if they don't have souls, meaning that they have to. There's also how Bow and Dough are both ghosts and how everyone can be body-swapped in S3 Ep8, or even how MePhone can revive them in the first place with all of their memories and personality intact. None of this should be possible if the contestants are fake.

That's not even mentioning that we already know what a fake contestant looks like with the replicas that Spring made in S3 Ep13! They can't talk and they have few emotions, which is in complete opposition to everyone else in Inanimate Insanity.

Even if MePhone made them in the first place, there is so much saying that yes, the contestants are real.

[saltygeode]

YOU!!! YOU GET IT!!! OH MY GOD YOU’RE SO RIGHT! I LOVE the idea of Nickel not changing, but instead finding a new target. IT GIVES ME LIFE. (Heads up: this analysis will be much more unhinged than the last one lol.)

On the topic of Nickel hating Suitcase: THANK YOU YES I DESPERATELY NEED AN EXCUSE TO TALK ABOUT SUITCASE AND NICKEL. Nowadays I don’t see a lot of conversation around how Suitcase and Nickel would interact if they saw each other again, but I 100% believe Nickel would be pissed.

One of my favorite things about Nickel is the dysfunctional way he deals with conflict. It’s always someone else’s fault, and he will make tremendous leaps in logic to maintain this idea. After Suitcase rips into Nickel, after she tells him that his actions were hurting her, after she tells him that she doesn’t feel that close to him and that his relationship with her is one-sided (“What we had before? We don’t really… even… talk! It’s never been ANYTHING personal! At all!”) Nickel’s response — instead of looking inward and admitting he hurt someone— IS TO CONVINCE HIMSELF THAT SUITCASE WAS DECEIVING HIM. (“As long as I’m here, you aren’t fooling anyone again.”) THAT IS INSANE TO ME. THIS MAN IS FUCKED UP AND I WANT TO PUT HIM IN A TERRARIUM AND STUDY HIM.

THIS MAN. THIS MAN WOULD RATHER BURN EVERY BRIDGE IN HIS LIFE THAN LET A SINGLE EMBER EVER TOUCH HIM.

My very favorite thing about Nickel is how deeply afraid of intimacy he is. Not only does he berate Suitcase and keep her at an arm’s length (or I guess a leg’s length, ba-dum-tss) he does this to EVERYONE he’s close to. In S2 EP10 after Baseball comforts Nickel in the maze and they have a heartfelt moment, Baseball blurts out his adorkable “you got it chief!” And Nickel immediately slaps it down (“ew. ‘Chief?’ What… what even is that? … You should be ashamed.”) In S3 EP12, he implies that he chose his alliances solely based on convenience and strategy. Though this comment wasn’t meant to be hostile, it drives a wedge between Balloon and Nickel because it denies the feelings of closeness between the two that have been developing throughout S3. In all his relationships, Nickel refuses to be vulnerable or admit he’s attached to someone, and when someone inevitability gets too close, he pushes them away with a snide comment.

And I was SO HOPEFUL that S3 would explore this more. That Nickel would find a new friend to push away and a new enemy to blame. That he’d see it all begin to crumble around him again. That he would notice the warning signs and back off, or charge forward at full force and destroy everything in a fit of jealous rage.

I was initially REALLY EXCITED for S3 because I though the writers were setting this up. I thought that they were planning to make Box a stand-in for Suitcase that Nickel and Balloon could project their issues onto, but this didn’t happen. (Side note: Box’s elimination felt really weird and rushed?)

And I LOVE the idea of Balloon seeing Nickel from Suitcase’s perspective. It’s SO GOOD. Balloon is in the perfect position mentally to take Suitcase’s place. Like Mayhem stated above, Balloon could feel like he needs to walk on eggshells around Nickel. If Balloon tries to speak up, Nickel could snap at him, and they’d be back at square one. So Balloon keeps his mouth shut. The worries and complaints begin to pile up until they all cluster together into an inescapable dread.

Sorry for turning this into a Nickel post but I have So Many Thoughts. Also yes, you should have been a writer for ii lol. I would kill to see what other changes you would make to the plot.

Literally all Balloon did in s1 was insult their teammates, slingshot Sslt into the gorge (which was THE CHALLENGE, and Pickle tripped over Rocky and let go too early so that wasn’t even their fault tbh), and made an alliance with the INTENT to manipulate (but never did on screen). Yet the entire ii cast acts like he poisoned their crops, killed their mother, and kicked their dog

[teddypickerry]

Can you do a Jess Mariano blurb where the reader is helping Jess with his homework but he keeps trying to distract her by kissing her lips and neck? 😄 (think of the episode “teach me tonight” but with Jess and the reader dating and he’s kissing her like he kissed Rory in S3 EP10 when they’re walking and kissing)

𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 !

pairing! jess mariano x gn reader

warnings! imply of sex (i think that’s it?)

word count! 833

a/n! took me forever ‘m sorry!!! this is also not my best work but back & writing for my boy is good enough for me. <3

the diner was quiet on the particular evening. despite the typical eight o'clock late dinner rush, the door were locked and a red 'closed' sign hung from the blue painted door. the only sound erupting throughout the small former hardware store was the sound of your voice reciting the words from the textbook balanced on your thighs. you were leaned back in your chair, your legs pressed against the table with the book pressed into them. your hair was falling in-front if your face which kept the attention of the boy who sat beside you everytime you pushed it behind your ear.  "and the trail of tears was what year?"

your head bopped up from its current slouched down position as your eyes caught glimpse of the dark haired boy sat beside you. he was leaned on the table, specifically over his book. his head rested on his palm as he held his head up from falling down in boredom.

"is your hair shorter? it looks shorter." your boyfriend was far from an idiot. but in this moment you honestly doubted him. jess was one of the smartest people you'd ever had the privilege of knowing. hell, he was way smarter than you. but here you were sat helping him with history... and geometry, and biology. it wasn't like you were the smartest person in school, but you got your fair share or a's. plus you knew how serious luke was about his nephew passing the twelfth grade. and you'd do anything to get your boyfriend on a good path.

"1828 and 1829." you explained to him simply before continuing onto the next page, him leaning closer to you. it wasn't hard for the smell of cheap cologne, cigarettes, and luke's laundry detergent to catch your attention. especially when you glanced up at your boyfriend's face far too close to your own. "i like it." he mumbled as he lightly pressed his finger to your face, pushing back the strand of hair that fell once more. no matter how long you'd been together, the small touches and glances still made you go mad. "you liked president andrew jackson's racist speech against the cherokee?"

"no," he rolled his eyes at your statement as you tried to diffuse the way he was making you feel on this tuesday evening. "your hair. it's a good length... and you know — i know all about good length."

his comment resulted in a laugh escaping your lips with a smirk growing on his face. jess felt accomplished for making you laugh, especially when you'd just spent half an hour explaining nonsense to him. "okay cmon, back to work." you ordered as he stayed in his exact position. you were about to scold him for not taking this study date seriously. but you lost time when his lips pressed to yours. your eyes immediately shut as your hands cupped his face. he deepened the kiss and leaned over the table to press into you even more. you found yourself getting lost in the kiss that warmed your soul. but before you could be taken by him, you pushed away and pressed your lips together. "jess, we're studying."

"okay we can study," he nodded as he positioned himself back on the chair and balanced a pencil between his fingers. which immediately caught your attention. "i'll start with the inside of your mouth and you can start with mine."

"jess," you hinted with a tone reaching annoyed. he let his smirk grow a bit before glancing around for a moment. "'mkay tell me more about the Indian Removal Act," he shrugged. you gave him a proud smile and muttered a "gladly" before opening the next page and reciting the next paragraph. you were only two and a half sentences in when you felt him move closer to you. and then some more... then some more.

it was when you finished the first paragraph that you felt his dark curls against your jaw as his lips connected with your neck. his arms wrapped around you as he continued to harass your neck with several kisses that would definitely leave a mark. something jess was certainly good at. "jess! we have to study!”

"no, i think you've got this stuff pretty much down." he mumbled as he pulled away for a second before you felt the feeling of his lips reaching your sweet spot. you held in a breath as you found yourself not fighting the feeling for a moment. "you need to learn this stuff if you're going to graduate, jess. please, work with me." you begged as he drew his face away slowly. just enough so that you could face one another. "and after, if you get a b... you might just get something starting with a b.”

the glow on the boy's face suddenly erupted with slightly wider eyes. he simply sat back as he sat his textbook in his lap, leaving only one arm behind your shoulders. "mkay, teach me tonight."

[pinoyrella]

“A Love So Beautiful” Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Two Days and One Night

FT: Tsukishima Kei, Yamaguchi Tadashi, Hinata Shoyo, Kageyama Tobio, Yachi Hitoka, Fukurodani + Nekoma + Nohebi

TW: Mild Language + Minor Injuries (Kuroo get a lil booboo, Yaku ankle go brrr)

Genre: Fluff, Comedy, Angst, Coming of Age + Slow Burn

- This chapter contains fluff, comedy and drama.

WORD COUNT: 5,000+

“A LOVE SO BEAUTIFUL” Masterlist 🌸

A/N: HIIIII omg how r u guys 🥺 i was having a hard time figuring out how to... do this chapter, but i hope you enjoy! pls forgive me for the cringe and cheesiness of everything i fken swear im trying but i- ToT call me macaroni bc i be cheesy 🙈

PS: This chapter is taking place during the Cats vs. Owls OVA that comes after season 3! (and also a few minutes of s3 ep10)... I’m trying my best to line up the story w the actual series ToT, so it’s currently ur first year - spring time! Cherry blossom season is coming!!!🌸

A warm Friday afternoon.

“What do you guys think of this design?” Yachi asks as she passes a paper over to you and Tsukishima as Yamaguchi leans in from her side. You drop your pen to your notebook before picking up the small flyer, bringing it closer to the three of you.

“This looks great Yachi! What’s it for?” She stands immediately, her hands clenched into a fist while her eyes shine with excitement. “It’s a rough sketch for the volleyball club’s poster!” “Whoa, that’s so cool! So this is what a manager’s job is?” She nods as you hand the flyer back, smiling to your friend; happy that she’s having fun and enjoying her job.

“Hey” The four of you turn your heads, watching as Kageyama makes his way through the door. “AAAAAAAHHHHHH!” The sound of a familiar scream comes down the hallway.

The four of you watch as Hinata shoves past Kageyama, nearly knocking him over. “HEY!” Kageyama begins to charge until noticing the presence of his classmates. He lets out a low grumble before following the orange boy, making his way to you.

“GUYS!” Hinata jumps excitedly, looking between the four of you. “Look!” He pulls his phone out, facing it to you guys, completely ignoring Kageyama next to him. “What is it?” Yachi asks, confused. Hinata takes his phone back and realizes his photo gallery is on-screen. Tsukishima and Yamaguchi hide a snicker before he immediately changes it to his text messages, bringing the phone back to you guys.

On his screen shows the flyer for “Japan’s National Tournament, Tokyo Area Qualifiers”. The five of you look up to him in confusion as he continues, “Let’s go!”

...

“WHAT?”

-

And this is where you found yourself, a suitcase in hand as you make your way to your seat on the Shinkansen. You try to lift your suitcase above to the compartment, but the weight of the baggage slips past your grasp. You brace yourself for impact before you open your eyes to see it in the compartment above you. Feeling a presence to your left, you turn to find Kageyama.

“Let me help you from now on” he says softly, his hand resting on the back of a seat as one is holding onto the strap of his backpack. You immediately take a step back before thanking him, making your way to sit beside Yachi.

Just behind Kageyama is Hinata, following Yamaguchi and Tsukishima, as well as other passengers. Tsukishima, obviously unamused onto why there’s a hold up “Hey King, could you hurry up?” Kageyama realizes there’s a line of people behind him, immediately sitting in the seat to the front of you.

Hinata throws his luggage above before plopping down to the side of Kageyama, Yamaguchi and Tsukishima following.

The announcement for the bullet train begins, and you soon fall into a quiet slumber, your head resting against Yachi.

-

“Y/n, Yachi-san… Yachi! Y/N!” You are awakened to Yamaguchi’s voice “Wake up idiot, we’re here” You turn to find Tsukishima’s face just inches away from yours. Surprised, you jump, bumping your head against Yachi’s, waking you both up.

“Ah!” You both yelp, holding onto your heads. Kageyama turns from his seat to the sound of your cry, only to find Tsukishima’s face close to yours. “Tsukki!” You hiss before apologizing to Yachi.

“Come on guys, let’s go” Yamaguchi begins removing your luggages from the compartment above, as the six of you make your way off the train. Moving through the crowd of people towards the station.

-

“Are we there yet?” You yawn, still exhausted, before bumping into Tsukishima’s back. “We’re here, open your eyes idiot.” You slowly open your eyes, looking up to the building in front of you. “It looks so cozy” Yachi compliments as the six of you make your way inside. “Akaashi and Bokuto-san sent me this address, one of their teammates’ relatives owns this place!” Hinata says. “No wonder you’re able to provide a place for all of us to stay for the night” Tsukishima replies, before noticing you were no longer behind him.

The sound of a huff causes him to turn around. As he turns, he sees you struggling to move your luggage above the doorstep. Sighing, he makes his way to you, but Kageyama rushes past him, helping and assisting you instead. The carpet had stuck to the wheel of your suitcase.

Tsukishima’s eyes widened in shock by the sudden movement of his teammate, before rolling his eyes, turning his attention back to his other friends.

“Thanks Tobio!” You thank as he gives another smile. “I told you, let me help you from now on” He says, tapping the right of your shoulder; before the two of you walk after your group.

Hinata and Yamaguchi make their way to the register, collecting the room key as the six of you make your way to your room.

Yamaguchi inserts the key, twisting it before Hinata opens the door, jumping right in. “TA DA!” He cheers, the five of you walking in, Tsukishima yet again, unamused.

“This room is insanely big” You comment as you settle your suitcase to the side.

“It’s going to be like a sleepover!” Hinata exclaims, Yamaguchi turning his head. “Oh, you’re right Hinata!” “Thank god it’s only for one night.” Tsukishima bluntly adds, before exploring the cupboards.

Hinata then brings his wrist up to check the time. “AH!” “What?!” The five of you turn in concern for your friend’s sudden outburst. “We have to hurry!”

-

The sound of shoes squeaking against the floor echo throughout the building along with balls.

“Wow, so this is the Sumida City Gymnasium?” You walk ahead of your friends, looking around before turning to face them. “It’s so much bigger than the one in Sendai!” “Well, this is Tokyo” Tsukishima replies, Yamaguchi giving a sheepish smile, before the sound of squabbling catches your attention.

“WHAT WAS THAT?!” “Stop it Yamamoto, don’t let that snake bastard get to you.” The man in green smiles, pointing his finger to the calmer guy in red. “You always have that hair, are you sure you’re not lying about your height? Are you actually 180 cm-” “HUH?! I’d never do something so petty!”

You watch as the three go at it, before someone from the red team’s group notices you guys. “Shoyo?” One says quietly as he makes his way over to you guys.

“Kenma-san!” Hinata runs over, meeting Kenma half way as the five of you follow. You hear Kageyama mumbling. “Nekoma’s setter… Nekoma’s setter… Nekoma’s setter…”

“You made it” Kenma says before Hinata nods. “Bokuto-san sent me the flyer! Akaashi-san’s teammate gave us a place to stay, and it fell into our weekend, I didn’t want to miss it!” Kenma nods before turning to face you and the others, feeling chills down the spine of his back when making eye contact with Kageyama.

“Hey, it’s skinny!” Tsukishima jolts, as Nekoma’s team follows their captain, making their way to your group and Kenma. “Long time no see, don’t tell me you’ve grown taller” “Kuroo-san” You watch the two, before the one named Kuroo turns to you. “I haven’t seen you before” He leans down, closer to your height. Tsukishima watches as he does so, feeling a bit irritated. “Hmm”

You become flustered, unable to move as his face comes closer to yours, before you feel someone pull you behind. Kageyama stands in between you two, having you to his back, silently staring at the taller senior. Everyone is surprised by Kageyama’s action, especially Kuroo before eyeing back up to his regular level as he smiles down at him.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare your friend” Kageyama ignores him, turning to face you and whispering “Are you okay?” Kuroo is left shocked by being ignored, and his teammates snicker behind him.

“I- I-” You stutter, still flustered before another player, much calmer and collected from Nekoma, approaches you. The tall figure gives you a sincere apology for his captain’s behavior. “I’m sorry about that, our captain can be a little…” He turns to look back to Kuroo, before looking to you. “A little bitch” A much shorter boy with strawberry blonde hair joins in, Kenma letting out a snort.

“HUH?! YAKU- if anyone’s a little bitch it's your short ass, Mr. 165 cm.” “165.2 CM DICKWAD!” You watch as the two seniors get into a catfight before another player walks into the situation. “Kuroo-san!” Said man turns his attention to his teammate. “The girls’ game will be done soon”

Kuroo responds with an “alright” before collecting his team together. “Be sure to cheer us on, kitten~” He winks to you before bidding your friends a farewell, walking off.

-

Your team makes their way up the bleachers, listening to the announcer announce Fukurodani and Nekoma’s match. You watch as a very muscular man throws his jacket in the air, only for his teammate to catch it. “BOKUTO-SAN!” Hinata cheers besides you.

The crowd from Fukurodani’s side begins to chant, before Nekoma is announced. You turn your attention to a much shorter girl with a megaphone. “Go, go Nekoma! Push it, push it Nekoma!” “Great job Cheer Captain Akane!”

The bell goes off as both teams make it to their sides, the lineup and game beginning.

-

Watching as Fukurodani takes the first serve, you turn to see the excitement in both Hinata and Kageyama’s eyes.

Turning your attention back to the court, Akaashi proceeds to set the ball to Bokuto. Your eyes sparkle as you see how high the man can jump, then the sound of him smashing the ball, as it hit’s Kuroo’s palm, causing it to fly up.

You don't realize the direction it’s flying too, your eyes widening as the ball comes directly your way. You bring your palms up at the perfect time, catching the volleyball immediately in your hands. You stare at it in shock as all eyes turn to you.

“HEY! HEY! HEY!!!” Bokuto cheers along with his school, getting the point.

-

The game continues, Fukurodani taking the lead. “Holy crap, Bokuto is a beast” You watch as the millionth spike he hit touches the ground of Nekoma’s side. “Right?! He’s so cool! Hinata exclaims before you both turn to the court, only to notice a sudden change in Bokuto’s mood, after Kuroo blocks his spike.

The crowd goes silent, and you turn to Hinata making a face of confusion.

Bokuto’s attitude changes completely, causing a break to be issued, Akaashi giving the man a pep talk.

The break ends, and they are back to the game. You notice Bokuto’s attitude had gone back to his original state, as he becomes happy to spike yet again.

“It must have been Akaashi-san who brought Bokuto-san backup.” Tsukishima comments, crossing his arms as he becomes invested into the game. You turn to smile at him, not knowing he was actually watching.

-

The gym goes quiet, the final set, and Bokuto’s team is winning. Nekoma is under pressure before Bokuto sends one final spike down, earning the final win for Fukurodani.

Nekoma falls in defeat, you feel remorse along with Hinata for them, knowing Hinata really hoped to play against them at Nationals.

The six of you walk out of the gym. “So… Nekoma isn’t going to Nationals?” You ask, feeling stupid for asking such a question, before Yamaguchi speaks. “No, not unless they lose this next match.” “What?” “For Tokyo, unlike Miyagi, they have two Representative slots open, while a third for venue sponsorship.” He explains as you tilt your head, still confused. “Dumbass” Tsukishima jokingly insults, flicking your forehead. “There are four teams playing here, only one of those four won’t be able to go to Nationals. The other three, will be going. If Nekoma wins the next match against the other team, they will be going to Nationals” Tsukishima explains in a much easier way. “Ah! Thanks Tsukki!” You thank him, not even realizing he had called you a dumbass.

“What are we waiting for? Let’s go cheer them on!” You exclaim, the five cheering after you. “Yeah!”

“Do you even know where the next match is being held?” You stop to turn, looking at Tsukishima. “Nope!” You say with a smile.

-

You follow as Yamaguchi leads you to another court, on the other side of the venue.

As you make your way past the gates, you stop with Yachi, the delicious scent of food surrounding the air. Yamaguchi and Tsukishima turn to see you too, before looking at each other. “Do you guys want to get food before the game starts?” You look up to your two friends, pleading with puppy eyes before Tsukishima sighs.

“Hinata, Kageyama!” Yamaguchi calls his friends ahead of them. The two stop to turn as you run up to them. “Do you guys want anything from the stalls?” You ask. “You guys can go find the seats! I can take care of everything myself!” You state, as Tsukishima looks to you. “By yourself? You have two hands. Two hands. You barely even know how to use them, and there’s six of us. There’s no way you can gather food for everyone, and make it back in one piece.” The blonde bean pole says, before you give him a pout.

“I’ll go with you boss.” Kageyama butts in, standing to your side as he ruffles your hair. “Tobio! Stop doing that” You laugh as you fix your hair before looking back to Tsukishima. “That settles it! Now go, get us seats!” You shoo your friends away before walking away with Kageyama, missing the glare Tsukishima gives Kageyama.

-

Standing in front of a takoyaki stall, you order the biggest plate, before noticing Kageyama to the stall besides you. Paying for your order and taking the ticket, you make your way to Kageyama as he pays for something.

“What did you get?!” You ask him in excitement. He jumps in surprise by your sudden presence before looking down to you, bringing the item he had brought up to your view. You stare as it dangles from his fingertips, a cute trinket in the shape of a strawberry milk carton. You blink before he grabs the ends of your bag, bringing it up to his level.

You watch in confusion as he is attaching it to your bag’s zipper, before speaking.

“It’s for you” He looks to meet you eyes as he gently drops your bag, letting it hang off your arm again. You stare at him, before looking down to it, then back up to him. “What? Tobio-” “It just reminded me of you.” He says giving a soft smile before taking the ticket from your hand and walking back to the takoyaki stall.

You watch as he walks off, looking down to the keychain with a small smile, really grateful for a friend like him.

-

Making your way into the gym, you scan to find Yamaguchi waving for you. “Kageyama- Y/n! Over here!” You make your way to them, Kageyama follows with the box of takoyaki in his hands. Handing out the sticks, you push Kageyama to be in the middle, then opening the lid to the box.

“It smells so good!” Hinata exclaims as he’s about to poke his stick into a ball. “Thank you y/n!” Yamaguchi and Yachi say in sync, as you make your way to Tsukishima, handing him a stick before he declines. “Are you not hungry?” “Not really” He bluntly replies, you pout again before turning back to the others, stabbing your stick into a ball.

Then turning your attention back to the court, seeing the game between Nekoma and Nohebi has already begun.

-

“Lev! Stop flailing your arms around! I can’t dig the damn ball!” Yaku yells, scolding the taller boy. “But Yaku-san, you’ll still get the ball no matter what!” He snaps back frustrated. You watch as the Yaku scratches the back of his head, taking it as a compliment. Kuroo gives him a look of annoyance before resuming back to their positions.

The game between the two continues, Nohebi taking the lead as Nekoma fights back. Just as Nohebi’s captain is about to spike, Lev jumps, sending it flying upwards. “One touch!” He yells, as Yamamoto runs after to hit it, then causing it to fly further away. “Shit!”

Just as the ball makes it into the audience, you watch as Yaku catches up to it, sending it back to the court. “WOW!” You cheer for him, impressed by his quick reflexes. Turning your attention towards the ball, you watch as Nohebi tries to keep the ball from touching the floor. Their captain, sending it flying up towards the net, before Lev jumps again, immediately smashing the ball back down to their side of the court.

The gym cheers as Lev turns to Yaku in excitement. Your eyes follow his, only to see Yamamoto assisting Yaku. “He fell-” Yamaguchi says. “He landed on someone’s foot as he was trying to get the ball.” You look at Yamaguchi before back down at Yaku limping. Yaku turns to apologize to the guest before facing the court. “I’m fine!” He yells, taking a step and immediately feeling a shock of pain course through him.

Just as he falls, Yamamoto catches him as their coach makes their way to them. “Shibayama!”

“I hope Yaku-san’s going to be okay” Yachi adds as the match continues. You watch as the coach tends to Yaku’s wound, before going back to the game.

Nekoma struggles, getting used to Shibayama now on court. Nohebi is still in the lead and the gym watches in anticipation.

Shibayama visibly looks calmer, adjusting himself before Daisho spikes the ball towards him. You hold your breath until Shibayama is able to stop the ball, sending it up before Kuroo smashes it back down to Nohebi’s side of the court.

“All right!” Nekoma cheers as you give out a sigh of relief. “You seem really invested into the game” You turn and notice Tsukishima looking down towards you. “Well, it’s really interesting…” You blush, stabbing another ball and plopping it into your mouth.

Nekoma begins catching up, getting used to the new player on the court, very close to winning the set.

The whistle blows, a new player making his way onto the court.

“A pinch server” You overhear behind you. “Didn’t that guy dislocate his thumb in the last match?” Turning your attention back to the court, you watch just as the ball barely hits the net. Kuroo and Nobuyaki catch it, before Fukunaga sends it to the other side. You watch the ball, thinking it would make it in before the whistle blows once again. “Out!” The pinch server yells.

“Out? No way!” Hinata cries. Bringing your hand up to your chin, “He blocked it”. Your friends turn to you, as you continue. “I saw the ball, it was in the court, but the pinch server guy, he extended his fists to block the referee from seeing it.” “Whoa…” “Talk about conniving” Tsukishima adds, before taking the stick in your hand, stabbing a ball and bringing it up into his mouth.

You turn to look up at him, watching as he puts the same stick you had placed on your lips to his. ‘Indirect kiss’ You think, bringing your palms up to cover your face, letting out an internal scream.

“Y/n-chan!” Yachi faces you. Kageyama and Hinata turn to look at you, then to Tsukishima, before Tsukishima looks back to them shrugging his shoulders as he focuses back on the game.

“Shibayama!” You watch the captain make his way off the court. “Wait- What happened to Kuroo-san?” “I think he busted his fingernail” “Ouch....” Turning your attention to the scoreboard, Nekoma is a point away from winning the game, to have their captain subbed out at a time like this is a big risk.

Daisho jumps, aiming for Lev before switching to Shibayama. Fortunately, the boy is able to receive it, sending it to Yamamoto before he aims to smash it. The ball then touching the Nohebi’s middle blocker’s hands before flying up, and far from the court. You watch as Daisho attempts to chase after it, only for it to fall, finally touching the floor. The match has ended.

“Thanks for the game!” The teams exchange before Yaku meets with his team, eyes filled with tears as he hugs them.

You watch as Kenma looks up to the stands, finding Hinata and giving him a nod. You turn to your friend, watching the smile spread throughout his face. He can’t wait to play against them at Nationals.

-

Walking out of the venue, you look up to notice as it’s night time already.

“I didn’t even think it was so dark outside already” You comment, Kageyama turning his head to you, watching the moon shine in your eyes. “We better get going before” Yamaguchi states, leading the way back to the cozy inn.

-

“Ah!” You let out, dipping into the onsen besides Yachi. “This feels so good!” Your cheeks redden from the temperature in the room. “This is so relaxing, I’m so happy we were all able to come together, traveling is so much fun, especially with your friends” Yachi replies before you give her a smirk. “And especially without your parents!”

The two of you share a laugh as the boys prepare the futons.

“One, two, three, four...” Yamaguchi counts. “I think we’re missing two more futons.” “Really?” Hinata recounts the futons. “Oh, I’ll go ask for more!” “I’ll come with you Hinata!” Yamaguchi exits the room with Hinata, unintentionally leaving Kageyama and Tsukishima together.

The two not even realizing they were the only ones left in the room, turn to face each other, then turning around to scan the room, only to notice Yamaguchi and Hinata are no longer with them. The tension is intense and super awkward.

They separate, going to opposite sides of the room.

As Tsukishima is about to place his headphones on, he feels a stare from behind him. Turning to see Kageyama staring at him. “What?”

Kageyama turns away immediately. “N-n… Kni.. Knife… N...” “Huh?” “Nothing!” “You should have said it clearly the first time.” Tsukishima glares back before you walk in with Yachi.

“Oh? Where are Yamaguchi and Hinata?” You ask. “Right behind ya! Excuse us” Yamaguchi replies, as Hinata runs in, dropping the futons down. “I told you I could have helped carry one.” Yamaguchi sighs before helping spread the last two futons out.

You turn your attention back to Kageyama, who is in the corner of the room. Making your way over, you squat to him. “Why are you so far away from us Tobio?” Kageyama snaps his head, coming face to face with you. He immediately stands, flustered from the close contact, before you rise up with him, giggling. All while Tsukishima hears your giggles through his headphones.

-

As night falls, you lay on your futon, your eyes shut as the sound of rustling keeps you awake.

“Hinata?” You whisper. The rustling stops, as he turns around facing you. “Yeah?” “You okay?” You ask in concern. “I can’t really sleep, did you bring your stationery pouch?” He replies quietly. “Ah” As you reach over to your bag to grab the pouch for him, the lights turn on, waking everyone up.

“Ugh-” “What happened?” “Hinata, what the hell” Tsukishima puts his glasses on, looking up slowly to the boy standing in the middle of the room, facing the five of you.

“Lets play a game!”

“A game?” The three question as Kageyama is still asleep in his futon.

-

And this is where you found yourselves, gathered in a circle around the kotatsu.

Hinata makes his way around, handing each person a slip of paper as your pens are spread across the middle of the kotatsu.

“Okay, now everyone grab a pen!” You all grab a pen, waiting for the boy’s instructions.

“In this game, we are going to write down a confession. Then, we are going to fold it, place it in the center of the table, mix it around, and we are all going to take one script!” He says as he plops back down to his seat in excitement. “What are we, 8? This is so stupid” Tsukishima comments before removing the cap of the pen, wanting to get this over with.

Intrigued, you take your pen, resting it above the slip of paper thinking of what to say. You try your best to sneak a peek from your friends’ slips, but you are all spread out a little too far. You put the pen to your chin before your eyes wander to Tsukishima, an idea finally popping to mind.

‘I really like someone in this group, but please keep it a secret.’ You write before folding your paper, being the first to drop it in the center of the table. Tsukishima glances up, giving a low smile seeing you excited, even for such a silly game.

Just as everyone drops their slip on the center of the table, Hinata jumps, swooping the papers up into his hand, and shaking them around if he were rolling dice, before bringing his cupped hands around, asking for everyone to grab a script.

You take one from his palm, waiting for the next instruction. Once Hinata makes his way to everyone, a single slip in his hands he begins. “Ready? Okay, let’s open them!”

You all begin to slowly open your scripts, reading what is written. You freeze as you read yours.

‘I’m in love with Y/n.’

You feel your soul leave your body, immediately looking around between the group of your friends, then to Tsukishima as he keeps his eyes on his.

“Yay! We’re done, okay goodnight” Hinata says before jumping back into the covers of his futon, immediately turning and falling asleep.

The five of you look at the boy in disbelief, before heading to bed.

-

You toss and turn in your futon, unable to fall asleep. Slowly getting up, you make your way out to the balcony, shutting the sliding door quietly as you lean on the railing.

Letting out a huff, you gaze up into the sky, resting your head against your arm, not noticing the door sliding open and close.

“What are you going?” You jump, turning around to see Tsukishima standing with his hands in the pockets of his team jacket. Letting out a sigh, you pout as he makes his way over besides you, leaning his back against the railing.

“Don’t scare me like that!” You quietly scold him before turning yourself to the night sky, missing the small smile he gave.

“I couldn’t sleep” You admit, as you rest your chin on your arm again. “That makes two of us” He replies, turning to lean on the railing with you, facing the night sky. “What happened?” You look at him before answering. “Nothing much really, I’m just overthinking.”

Tsukishima stays silent, the guilt still eating him up from the time he had brought you to tears during the Spring Interhigh Finals. Were you just as bothered by this as he was? Has it been keeping you awake restless at night? Did he really do this to you? He wishes, if he could promise to never hurt you again, he wouldn’t waste a second to commit.

But really, you were thinking of the confession you received on the script. You don’t realize how quiet Tsukishima’s been before you ask him. “Why are you still awake?” He looks to you immediately, staring into your eyes before shrugging. “I just felt off” “Off? What’s wrong Tsukki?” You ask concerned. He lets out a sigh, before standing up completely, facing you.

You watch as he gazes down at your features, confused as he takes his hands out from his pockets.

“I’m sorry y/n” He begins, looking straight into your eyes. The look he gives you, is a look of absolute sincerity. You tilt your head, still confused, as you were about to respond he continues. “I’m really sorry about what happened during the Spring Interhigh Finals, in the infirmary.” Your eyes widening, remembering that day.

“I…” He continues, and you listen. “I didn’t mean anything I said. I was very frustrated with the game, and how useless I felt when I had to leave because I let myself get hurt during the match… It’s still honestly, not an excuse to take everything out on you. But after seeing-” He stops himself, his eyes turning away as he was just about to admit his final outburst was due to seeing you in Kageyama’s jersey.

“After seeing?” You question still looking up to him. “After seeing… you… in Kageyama’s jersey…” He mumbles the end as he takes a deep breath looking back to you, completely flustered. You blink, looking down, registering what he just said. ‘After seeing me copy a jerky?’

He takes a step closer to you, “It was the last straw, and I allowed my harsh emotions to drown you.” You turn your attention back to him. “You didn’t deserve that. Especially when you were there for me. When you came to support me, and the team. And, I know it doesn’t look like it at most times, maybe all the time, but, I appreciate you so much. I’m very fortunate to have you in my life, even after so long.” You look up to him. “I’m really sorry y/n.” He finishes, his gaze stuck to you as he awaits your response.

You blink once more, eyes tearing as you give a warm smile. These are one of those very rare moments with Tsukishima you have come to treasure deeply. “I forgive you Tsukishima Kei.”

His eyes widen as his body comes closer, his arms wrapping around you unconsciously. You still, surprised by his action. Before exhaling calmly as you feel the warmth from him around you. Wrapping your arms around his neck, you cling to him. Your face pressed into his jacket, mumbling something.

“Huh?” Tsukishima pulls away, his arms still wrapped around you as he looks at you in confusion. “What did you say?” “Can you make me a promise, Tsukki?” He stares, waiting for your request. “Can you promise to never hurt me again?” Not even taking a second to think. “I promise, pipsqueak.”

“You get three strikes, this is your first one” You give a final cheeky smile before muffling your face back into his sweater as he lets out a sigh of relief, placing a hand to the back of your head, bringing his chin to rest above it.

He promises to himself as he holds you close, a smile warming his face.

‘And it will be the last.’

A/N #2: WAAAA!!! thank you so much again for reading💞 im sorry if tsukki seems a little off, i wanna think tsukki is actually v soft when it comes to emotional and sentimental situations.. at least w the ppl he doesnt mind showing that side to, u kno what i mean?

-

ohh!!! i also have one more or 2 exciting news!!!

i have another series wip on the way! once im able to get the prologue and at least plan the next 5 chapters, it’ll be posted!! im so excited bc i love osamu sm pls.. oops i said his name 😳

i also plan for another series but, im still debating whether or not to write it bc, as u can see, i cant write angst for shit let alone write in general how r u guys still here ASDFGHJKL😭

-

anyways, i hope to see you in the next chapter!! thank you so much for putting up with my bad grammar and english, i love uuu guys 💖

i will now go back to my excessive amount of homework and studying to do, let us pray for my dumbass, amen.😔🙏🏼

TAGLIST: @cvlliesstuff , @strawberries-en-cream , @beanst0ck , @kimiiiiiiiiii, @lucyheartfilias-wife , @lanatheawesome , @owlnymph​ . 

PLEASE LEMME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS (OR IN ASKS) IF YOU’D LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE TAGLIST!!!

“A LOVE SO BEAUTIFUL” Masterlist 🌸

[heartbeats2001]

AWAE EP10 PT.3 s3

The rest of the night was spent with Anne only entering the hall for some sherry and gin while she sat in the dark garden bench while Gilbert was surrounded with different people.

Diana had been looking for her before her mother introduced her to the host and had her perform a few songs on the piano.

Anne stared at the moon going back to the night at miss Stacy's house. Gilbert never knew about the note, how could this happen? She pondered drinking away her emotions.

Around midnight Marilla began to look for Anne only to find her giggling to herself by the garden in search of more sherry. She looked positively horrified.

Gilbert who had just left the roses till there carriage and come looking for Anne looked at the drunken vixen immediately rushing to her side.

"Oh Marilla, Gilbert is here too! How exciting!"

Marilla tried not suppress a sharp remark before telling Gilbert,"Will you please hold her for a moment Gilbert? I'll ask Matthew to get the carriage and take her back to Miss Barry's!"

Before any one could protest, she was off. Gilbert guided Anne to one of the chairs aligned with the wall and sat her down taking the seat next to her. They were hidden by the high tables and for a moment Gilbert found himself staring at Anne's lips as she slurred a few lines of a song.

"Is Miss Cuthbert alright?" Came a worried, almost too concerned voice, Roy.

He knelt down next to Anne who seemed not to recognise him for a moment.

"She's fine." Gilbert replied curtly, as he unconsciously shifted closer.

"Mr. Roy! Oh how are you?" She asked suddenly too alert and excited.

Roy laughed and grinned up at her," I daresay I'm in a less blissful state, Miss."

"Oh! But you must try the red drink then! All red things taste the best!"

Roy smiled at her,"Oh, but it is true red is the best colour." At that Anne blushed and grinned down at him.

If this were a comic, you could've seen the smoke steam out of Gilbert's ears.

He pulled Anne up and said,"Sorry, Mr. Gardener but we must leave now, Anne's family awaits."

Anne half heartedly allowed him to guide her towards the door trying her best to walk straight but whenever she tilted dangerously, Gilbert's firm arm steadied her.

She barely made it out of the door when a wave of sick feeling hit her and she clutched the barrister for support.

At the time no one was around and Gilbert didn't stop himself as he lifted her up in bridal style and took her to the carriage. Relishing the short moment.

***

The next morning Anne woke up and ran to the washroom for she had fallen ill.

It was three in the afternoon when she woke again. Marilla, Diana, Cole and aunt Jo head visited her in between but it had an been a blur due to the splitting headache she was having.

She vaguely remembered marillas disappointed mutters as she lovingly stroked her hair and Cole and Diana giggling behind her.

Now she woke to hear a familiar voice in the foyer. Gilbert Blythe stood there rubbing a cold cloth against his eye while Diana gleefully helped him. The rest of the guests and miss Barry were out while he had come wanting to meet Anne.

She ran down to see his black eye.

"I didn't propose Winifred. She was understanding but her father wasn't. Clearly."

Anne didn't care that she was standing in front of him in bed night gown but she leaped at him hugging her back Gilbert winced but smiled through the tears.

***

INCOMPLETE

I'm go excited for the new ep!!!!

[murasaki-murasame]

With the recent info about how the Fruits Basket reboot is apparently going to be exactly 63 episodes long in total, and the recent leak of what seems to be the outline for most of season 1′s story, I think now’s a good time for me to finally get around to laying out my detailed thoughts on what I’m expecting from the long-term pacing and plot structure of the reboot.

I’ll put it under a cut since this is gonna get long and very spoiler-y.

I initially didn’t know if I should put much stock into what I was hearing about the reboot being 63 episodes long, but it seems to come straight from one of the main voice actors for the dub, and he sounded pretty specific and certain about it. Usually dub VAs and whatnot are very out of the loop on stuff like this, but Funimation seems very connected to the production of the reboot, so they might know info like this.

I was hoping that the reboot would be 75 episodes across three sets of 25-ish episode seasons, but it sounds like it’ll probably be two 25-episode seasons, and then a final 13-episode season. Which could be fine. They’d have to speed things up a bit near the end, but it could work. At the very least, the way the scriptwriter for the anime has talked about it makes me think that they worked out a concrete outline for the entire series very early on, so I trust that they have a specific plan in mind for this. I’m still a bit worried that the slow and leisurely pace we’re getting thus far might lead to them having to rush it later on, but I think they’ve planned it out enough to avoid that.

Recently we got an unintentional leak of sorts, with how apparently in the video Funi posted about the reasoning for Momiji’s accent in the reboot, you can see some sticky notes on Caitlin Glass’ computer [the dub voice director] that seem to be notes on the episode by episode plot outline for most of season 1, up to around episode 21 or 22.

Combining the vague glimpses of that we saw with what’s already happened in the anime thus far, and a bit of my own speculation for how they’ll handle the last few episodes of season 1, I think it’ll end up like this:

Ep1: Chapter 1

Ep2: Chapters 2-3

Ep3: Chapters 4/8

Ep4: Chapter 5

Ep5: Chapter 6

Ep6: Chapters 7/9

Ep7: Chapters 10/12

Ep8: Chapter 11

Ep9: Chapters 13-14 [Haru’s intro]

Ep10: Chapters 15-16 [Valentine’s Day]

Ep11: Chapters 17-18 [Hot springs trip]

Ep12: Chapters 19-20 [New school term]

Ep13: Chapters 21-22 [Ayame’s intro]

Ep14: Chapters 23-24 [Grave visit and Momiji’s backstory]

Ep15: Chapters 25-26 [Lake house trip]

Ep16: Chapters 39~41 [Uo’s backstory Part 1]

Ep17: Chapters 39~41 [Uo’s backstory Part 2]

Ep18: Chapters 27-28 [Kisa’s intro]

Ep19: Chapters 44-45 [Ritsu’s intro]

Ep20: Chapters 37-38 [Hiro’s intro]

Ep21: Chapter 29 [Yuki fan club visiting Hana’s house]

Ep22: Chapter 51 [Hana’s backstory]

Ep23: Chapters 30-31 [Tohru getting sick and setting up the Kyo arc]

Ep24: Chapters 32 and part of 33 [Kyo arc Part 1]

Ep25: Rest of Chapter 33 and Chapter 34 [Kyo arc Part 2]

Everything up to Hana’s backstory was laid out in the notes we saw, so everything after that’s just my personal guess. It seems pretty likely that since they don’t seem to be planning on doing the Kyo arc earlier in the season, they’re probably planning to end season 1 with it. There’s a few different ways it could go, but I think that combining chapters 30 and 31 together would work really well, and it’d let them spend two whole episodes on the actual meat of the Kyo arc, which would let them pace it out nicely and have it feel less abrupt.

I’m not sure if the two Hana chapters are going to be adapted into two back to back episodes, or combined into one, though. I’m also not sure if season 1 will be 25 episodes long or 26, but I’m leaning toward 25. Either way, it’s possible that they might fit in chapters 42 and 43 before the Kyo arc starts, but they might push that to near the start of season 2.

And on that note, I don’t really have a specific outline in mind for all of season 2, but if it’s going to be another 25 episode season that leads into a final 13-episode season, I think it has to at least cover up to chapter 99, which is the whole climax of us finding out the truth about Akito once and for all. They’d have to at least get that far in order for season 3 to be able to adapt the rest of the manga in just 13 or so episodes. And I think it could work.

To start with, if season 1 goes the way I think it will, season 2 will probably immediately start out with chapter 35, since that’s the immediate aftermath of the Kyo arc, and how Yuki feels in response to it. They might fit chapter 36 in there too, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they incorporate the trip to Ayame’s boutique into his intro episode in season 1. After that, I think they’ll move into adapting the second half of volume 8, plus maybe chapters 42 and 43 if those aren’t in season 1. I think it might actually work pretty nicely to move those chapters into season 2 so that there’s not as huge of a gap between when Kakeru and Machi get teased at, and when they actually show up for the first time. [Fake edit: I’m also curious to see if they might bring up Rin during Haru’s intro episode, which might let them get away with skimming over or cutting out elements of chapter 43 later on, since that’s where we first properly hear about her in the manga]

And on the note of Kakeru and Machi, one structural change I want season 2 to make is that I want them to have those two only show up for the first time at the start of the new school year after the vacation arc, along with the other student council members. I’ve always thought it was a bit awkward how in the manga they just kinda vanish for like three volumes after the chapter they first properly appear in. So even if it means waiting longer to see them, I’d like them to show up a bit later so the pacing feels more natural.

Similarly, I think it’d work nicely if they move that one chapter near the end of volume 9 with Tohru and Kyo visiting Kazuma to later on so that it happens at the same time as the chapter where Tohru talks to Kazuma about the curse after the vacation.

I also want them to move the other chapter from volume 9 where we see Uo and Kureno first meeting into season 1, probably in the second episode focused on her, just so that we properly get to see him before season 2.

So basically I want the reboot to shift things about so that we go straight from the end of volume 8 into the summer vacation arc, which I think would work out for the best.

If season 2 is gonna get up to at least chapter 99, I think they’ll have to start speeding things up a bit, so in particular I think they might trim down the summer vacation arc to just 4~5 episodes rather than 6, and they might go through stuff like Kyoko’s backstory faster than the manga did. That whole part’s like four chapters long, but I think it could be trimmed down a fair bit, and the way it’s bookended with the present day scenes with Kyo would make it work nicely as a single episode. I think they could also go through some of the stuff in volume 15 with Yuki’s big talk with Kakeru and the culture festival fairly fast as well.

Season 3 would be a bit tricky if it’s 13 episodes long, since even if season 2 gets to chapter 99, that still leaves nearly 40 chapters for s3 to adapt. But I think there’s a lot of parts in the final volumes the anime could go through surprisingly fast, since there’s a lot of moments that are really heavy on the lengthy internal monologues and stuff. I could also see them trimming down the final volume to two episodes. And there’s always the possibility that they might have a double-length finale, which would give them a bit more room to fit stuff in.

Even though there’s a fair bit of stuff I want them to shuffle about in season 2, I can’t really think of anything I want them to change in season 3, based on the material it covers. It might be good for them to move the Machi-focused chapter from volume 16 so that it happens in the same episode as the other Machi-focused chapter a bit later in the manga. But other than that I dunno.

All in all I think that the reboot will probably be able to faithfully adapt the entire manga in 63 episodes. It’d just require them to focus more on trimming it down rather than fleshing it out later on. I think the pacing of the first eight episodes isn’t going to be very indicative of the rest of the reboot’s pacing, and it’ll probably get faster from here on out.

As the reboot gets further along I’ll probably post more detailed speculation about seasons 2 and 3, but they’re just too far away at the moment for me to want to think too hard about it.

Before I forget, though, I’m also still wondering if they might be planning to do a short 12-ish episode adaptation of Fruits Basket Another once the reboot’s done. It’s something I could give or take, but even though it’s a short series, I think they could probably work with Takaya to flesh it out into a full anime. I haven’t read it yet, but I’ve heard that it’s split into 12 chapters across three volumes, so it might fit pretty neatly into a 12-episode anime.

[fairyroses]

Gotta be honest, I don't actually think the writers have decided on whether to make brainy and nia cannon or not. I am sure they are see waiting to see how fans react to it and if people want the comic book pairing of karadox more (because remember one of the showrunners, Robert Rovner said that they did tease karadox a little in s3 ep10). So only time will tell I guess,or next season for sure.

I definitely do find it odd/suspicious that we’re 12 episode into the season, and there’s still been so little forward movement and development for Brainy and Nia. Especially because it’s significantly different from the timelines of the other major canon relationships on the show thus far. 

Some examples of past canon relationship timelines below the cut (plus some more Thoughts):

- James and Lena. Sure, they technically knew each other before season 3, but the show didn’t start pushing them together romantically until 3.01. Then they kissed for the first time in the mid-season finale (3.09), and were basically together after that. 

- Alex and Maggie. They met in 2.03, kissed for the first time in 2.06, and officially got together in the mid-season finale (2.08). (It still shocks me that more people don’t think of this relationship as rushed, because it is super rushed even by CW standards, tbh…)

- Kara and Mon-El. They met in 2.01, kissed for the first time in the mid-season finale (2.08), and then officially got together in 2.13. 

The point is, I’m sensing a definite pattern here. Basically, new couples are introduced early in the season, then they usually kiss/get together by the mid-season finale, and spend the rest of the season navigating their new relationship. Kara and Mon-El, as the “main couple,” were slightly more narratively stretched out, but even they had already had their first kiss by the mid-season finale, just like all the others. 

(- Kara and James are an obvious exception to this, as they didn’t kiss for the first time until 1.18. I think this is an obvious case of “CBS vs the CW” though, because CBS shows tend to take way more time with their relationships than CW shows do. So, as a result, I’m not putting too much stock in Kara/James as an example of a typical CW couple.)

So, what about Brainy and Nia? Well, they met in 4.02, which is par on course with all the other relationships, but they noticeably haven’t taken any of the other major steps since then. We’re past episode 4.12 at this point, and they haven’t even come close to kissing yet. It hasn’t even been fully established if they’re both actually interested in each other! 

Of course, Brainy/Nia shippers would probably say that the slowness of it just makes the relationship “more realistic” or w/e, but like… this is the CW we’re talking about here. They don’t do realistic romance, especially for side character ships. And they’re not going to randomly break their typical relationship formula for no reason.

Up until this most recent episode, I thought the lack of forward momentum meant that the writers were playing a long game that ultimately had to do with something other than romance (such as, y’know, some kind of reveal about Nia’s future/Nura). But now, after the whole “I want her to be my Valentine” 180, I have no idea what they’re doing, and I’m much more inclined to agree with your take on things, anon.

The back-and-forth-ness of Brainy/Nia, coupled with all the small hints of Karadox (which, rumor has it, are in fact being included intentionally…), really makes it seem like the writers are tip-toeing around, afraid of committing to any one relationship. Which is incredibly annoying, because IMO, professional writers should have this kinda shit planned out WAY beforehand. But given all the messy BTS stuff that’s happened on this show before, I guess the lack of decisiveness really shouldn’t surprise me at all.

On one hand, stretching the “will they/won’t they” out for this long could leave us with a situation like Kara and James, where Brainy and Nia kiss once late in the season, but ultimately don’t become a couple for whatever reason, leaving them both single for season 5. (This is obviously my preferred scenario, and tbh I think the writers could do it pretty easily. It’s the one benefit to them not committing to anything yet - they could just as easily opt out as opt in.)

On the other hand, if the writers ultimately decide that they do want to push forward with Brainy/Nia, we’re so late in the game now that the relationship is almost guaranteed to carry over into season 5. And that feels so, SO wrong when it’s coupled with the knowledge that we’re going to be speeding headlong into Crisis next year. 

I just cannot imagine a Crisis storyline that has Brainy romantically involved with someone other than Kara. Frankly, I’m lowkey horrified by that thought. But thanks to how long it’s taken the writers to commit to anything, that’s a potential reality that we’re seriously looking at now. 

Anyway, back to what you were saying - if they ARE indeed waiting to see fan reactions, then here’s a nice tidbit from twitter today:

The official CW Supergirl account posted a Brainy/Nia gif to promo the new ep on Sunday, which isn’t particularly surprising. However, the most-liked comment on that post?

YUP. 

Hopefully that tells them something, at least. 

[c-mulvey]

[c-mulvey]

[c-mulvey]

[c-mulvey]

[c-mulvey]

[c-mulvey]

[c-mulvey]

[stylishstrike]

Callan Mulvey is cute typing on the keyboard with only the index finger of his left hand.