#vi: thank you but know that even like this i can destroy you

[abombihoney]

I...really don't think it's a good idea for Vi to be that close to Leif this early in the timeline. What if she gets infected?

I mean, with the way i figure that cordyceps works in game i dont think that would happen. i dont think its capable of reproducing on its own w/o roach intervention. but also it doesnt work the way that the roaches intended, it doesnt actually extend one's lifespan like they were trying to do, at least according to the devs.

BUT ignoring ALL of that just for the lols

for my au of my au where getting infected does actually stop ur aging and leif is just stuck with a fucking enternal teenager that is trapped in the body of a toddler and this doesnt cause any wild hijinks no sir

[imgeekgirlfan]

The Curse of Cassandra│(Qimir x Reader)

Read in Ao3 : here

Pairings:  Qimir x f!reader(SEA Reader)  [The Acolyte]

Content Rating : Mature 18+  Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warning (AT YOUR OWN RISK)

tags/themes : Alternate Universe - Dune & Star wars, Partners in Crime, Strangers to Lovers

Summary: Being a prophet is both a gift and a curse; you see the future and you’re burdened with the weight of knowing that every decision you make could shape or destroy entire universe, with the overwhelming pressure that the fate of the galaxy hinges on your choice, and every path fraught with sacrifice.

Status: work in progress (This is a long fanfic that will be about 10+ chapters.)

A/N : I'm thai and english isn't my first language (sorry for the broken English)

This fic exists 'cause I got high (thanks to weed!). So my work's full of random shit in many ways. But I hope you'll dig it.

I got inspo from novels and movies I'm obsessed with: Dune, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Blue Eye Samurai, and Anne Carson's Cassandra Float Can. (Hence the title "The Curse of Cassandra," linking to the Greek myth)

It's a mash-up of different universes, not just Star Wars, with a lot of tweaks for my storyline. If you want fanfic that strict Star Wars canon, this fic isn't for you.

Also, diversity FTW! the reader in this fic isn't white, she's a SEA woman, we gonna representing ASEAN pride.

➡  EP : I // EP : II // EP : III // EP : IV // EP : V // EP : VI // EP : VII

[Intro] A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away

What fate could be worse? 

Being captured by Jedi 

Or being hunted by Sith

You close your eyelids, frowning at the stabbing sensation creeping into your brain. It's always like this when you try to sink into the stream of time, pondering what's yet to come. The price for this wicked foresight is torment of both body and soul, intensifying as your senses expand.

You see, you hear, you feel. The moisture in the air, the sound of water droplets hitting the ground, the wind rustling through the grass, the capillaries in your nasal cavities twisting and rupturing before blood gushes from your nose.

As you casually wipe away the red fluid with the back of your hand, you suddenly realize certain truths that have always been part of you. 

You are an aberration, something repulsive. An Abomination. 

And abominations must be eliminated—so they say.

You let out a long sigh, allowing your mind to drift through the past, present, and future—every possible event and situation. You watch it all with a numb mind, as if you've seen the same movie hundreds or thousands of times, a movie whose ending you already know well.

Yet there's one thing you still don't know: which ending will the path you're on now lead to?

Something pulls you out of your meditation, coinciding with the moment you sense someone's piercing gaze openly fixed upon you. That man is watching you from the shadows behind a large tree, not with malicious intent but with curiosity mixed with several other complex emotions too ambiguous to explain.

You remain seated in meditation at the same spot, amidst the blood and corpses of the Jedi, not daring to move, almost forgetting even to breathe.

You are the last one still breathing, the final victim of the Jedi massacre carried out by the mysterious Sith—The Stranger who is now closely observing you.

His face is completely hidden beneath a dark, twisted metal mask. Yet you can still feel his gleaming eyes surveying your body, as far as sight allows, focusing excessively, even invasively.

The curiosity in his mind is so intense that you find yourself trembling.

You see visions of what might happen—there's a high chance he'll rush in to slice you to pieces with his red lightsaber, searching for secrets or whatever might be hidden inside your body. Or he might subjugate you with his Force, using his power to penetrate your mind, deep into your subconscious, hoping to taste the forbidden fruit of secrets that you alone possess.

But he will never know, as long as you don't wish him to.

The scent of death hangs heavy in the air as heavy footsteps crunch over gravel, approaching you slowly, like a predator toying with its prey. You freeze, every muscle in your body tense, as you face the tall figure in dark robes, his visage concealed behind a strange metal mask carved into a distorted smile.

For a moment, this man reminds you of the grim reaper from ancient religious myths that vanished thousands of years ago.

He is the harbinger of death everywhere he goes, including your own death

Awareness strikes like a warning signal. Various possibilities flash through your memory, similar to how a dying person recalls everything that happened in their life.

You instantly realize how crucial this moment is. This is an incredibly fragile juncture. 

There's a fifty percent chance he'll kill you, and another fifty percent chance he'll spare your life. 

Fear spreads throughout your flesh, imprinting itself on your soul, turning your blood ice-cold. Your pulse races with panic. 

You take a deep breath, quickly focusing, trying hard to regain control of your shaken mind. "I must not fear," you mutter to yourself, the same phrase your mother used to teach you as a child. "Fear is the mind-killer, fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration..." 

A low, hoarse laugh escapes from behind the metal mask. Clearly, he heard what you said. "Oh, I think you should fear," he says, his words teetering between mockery and sarcasm.

You know he wants you to fear because, for the Sith, fear leads to power.

 You do the opposite, swallowing the lump of fear in your throat, maintaining a calm demeanor as you force a faint smile for the person before you. 

"Humans fear what they don't know, just as they fear me, and just as they fear you." You pause momentarily, carefully considering your final sentence, which could determine your fate. 

Finally, you speak, firm and unwavering, "But I know you, so I do not fear." 

There's a fifty percent chance he'll kill you, and another fifty percent chance he'll spare your life—this thought returns to your mind once more.

He had always kept his secret well, never letting anyone who knew his true identity survive.

'Why does this woman know who I am?' He must have thought.

You know well that your revelation will bring about an end that changes everything, both for better and for worse.

This is the gamble you've already placed your bet on, for this purpose and for this moment.

The lightsaber hilt in his hand remains tightly closed, showing no sign of the red flame that has taken countless lives. He kneels before you, his action clearly revealing vulnerabilities in his body. You could easily grab the lightsaber from the Jedi's corpse and behead him in one stroke.

But you don't kill him, just as he doesn't kill you.

You look into his eyes, he looks into yours, gauging each other in silence.

His large hand reaches beneath his mask, unlocks the mechanism, and slowly removes it, revealing the familiar face in your sight.

His face is sharp in every proportion, with messy jet-black hair. His eyes, once gentle when touched by sunlight, now cold as ice, contrast starkly with the smile slowly spreading wide, in the same fashion as the smile on the mask he wore earlier.

"Qimir"

His name sounds strange when you utter it, as if it's not a name you're familiar with, and the man before you is not the man you know.

The man chuckles softly and moves even closer, cutting off any chance for you to escape. You swallow hard, trying to turn your face away from his intense gaze. But he doesn't let you. His fingers, wet with others' blood, dig into both of your cheeks, pressing hard enough to hurt, forcing you to look only at him.

"Surprised?" He leans in closer, his hot breath on your face, and whispers softly in your ear, "I told you, you can't run away from me."

[otomehonyaku]

DIABOLIK LOVERS Haunted Dark Bridal ☽ Genteiban DVD Mini Drama Translation ☽ Side Story IV (Ayato, Reiji, Subaru)

Original title: DIABOLIK LOVERS 限定版 SPECIAL DISK VI Side Story IV Voiced by Midorikawa Hikaru (Ayato), Konishi Katsuyuki (Reiji), Kondō Takashi (Subaru) English translation by @otomehonyaku Click here for the audio (thank you to @uzi-boozii for providing the audio!)

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Please do not reuse or post my translations elsewhere or translate my work into other languages without my permission.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

With this translation, all the Haunted Dark Bridal mini drama have been translated! The three mini drama that came with the second season of the anime, More,Blood, are up next ( ´ ∀ `)ノ～ ♡ Please look forward to them!

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

[The scene begins after Subaru fed on Yui in the rose garden.]

00:00 [A loud crash sounds in the distance.]

Ayato: Subaru, what’d I always tell you? It’s way too noisy when you use so much force. Tch. Oh? This scent…? Subaru. Did you suck her blood? What’re you up to, gettin’ your hands on things that aren’t yours?

[Ayato shoves Subaru.]

Subaru: Shut up. She’s not just yours, Ayato. When the fuck was that decided?

A: If Yours Truly says it’s mine, then it is.

S: Heh. Keep on babbling.

A: The fuck did you say? Subaru. Who do you think you’re talking to?

S: Her blood isn’t your property, nor is it anyone else’s. It doesn’t matter who feeds on her.

A: Like hell it doesn’t!

[Ayato grabs Subaru by the collar.]

A: Listen up. Don’t bite her again without my permission. If you do, I’ll fuck you up.

S: Go ahead and try.

[Ayato lets Subaru go.]

S: Besides, I’m not the only one who’s after her blood. Anyone in the vicinity would want to taste her and make her theirs when her blood smells like that.

A: Anyone in the vicinity? Who the fuck else’s after Pancake?

S: Tch. You’re dense, as always.

A: Shut up and answer my question!

S: Fuck off.

A: You asshole!

Reiji: What is going on here? The two of you are too loud. Fighting and bickering like children. It would do you good to think rationally for once, but that begs the question whether your simple minds even know what the word ‘rational’ means…

A: Reiji. I don’t even know what you’re yapping about, but Subaru went ahead and got his filthy hands on my Pancake.

S: Heh. Is that all you can say now, Ayato? Stop repeating the same idiotic thing.

A: The fuck?

R: Ah, Subaru, mind your words. Ayato is right to be upset.

A: See? I told ya!

R: Besides, Ayato. You are the elder brother here, so please keep yourself in check.

A: Fuck off! Don’t order me around!

R: You too, Subaru. You broke the door again, I see… Please refrain from recklessly destroying our things.

02:27 S: What? What’re you meddling in my business for now?

R: I must.

A: And why’s that? Don’t you always tell us to solve our brotherly issues by ourselves?

R: Indeed. That is the case under normal circumstances. However, these are no circumstances for petty brotherly quarrels.

A: What do you mean?

R: Ah. I expected the two of you to already know, but… Ayato. Subaru. Would you look at yourselves in the mirror?

S: Huh?

A: Why?

[Ayato and Subaru look in the mirror. They are surprised by their reflections.]

R: Do you understand now? Your irises are bright-red. You are acting on the unconscious and you are no longer able to control your vampiric impulses.

A: How’d this happen?

S: This makes no sense…

R: It cannot be helped. Her blood is at fault.

S: So that means it’s true. Her awakening is near. 

R: It seems that way.

03:42 A: That makes sense, then. It’s completely different from when she first came here. Even when I only drank a little of her blood, I could feel the power coursing through my body. Almost as if my body wasn’t my own.

S: Yeah. I’ve never tasted blood like hers before. She’s damn near irresistible.

A: Hehe. I won’t hand her over to anyone else. I’ve never felt so strongly that Pancake’s blood is mine. 

S: Never, really? It doesn’t sound any different from what you usually say. You’re just raising hell as you always do.

A: Subaru. You’re pretty cocky for the baby brother of the family. Stop complaining about everything I say.

S: 'Cocky'? That’s lame.

R: Hold on, you two. Subaru. You said she is irresistible. Irresistible how, exactly?

S: Huh? Tch… I want to make her mine, but… there’s something about her blood that’s making me think that way.

R: I see. 

A: That’s the reason? Laito and Kanato tried to pick a fight with me for the same reason. So that means her blood’s driving all of us mad?

R: That seems to be the case. Her blood, so close to awakening, is strong enough to drive us mad. And the ones who know that full well are Richter… and Cordelia.

05:30 A: What?

S: Richter’s been here often lately. So that’s why?

A: They’re scheming something?

R: The fact that Richter showed up right around the time of her awakening is suspicious. It simply cannot be a coincidence. Whatever he is scheming, we cannot let the two of them do as they please. Besides… I wonder whether Richter and Cordelia even share the same goal. They might not. We must find out.

A: So Richter is doing that bitch’s bidding. They probably have the same goal.

R: I wonder about that, because if they share the same goal, they are certainly beating around the bush.

S: They wouldn’t be working together if they didn’t share the same goal, right?

R: If they shared a larger goal, even superficially, they could simply be siding with each other as allies. Well, whatever the case, they came to the Sakamaki house even though they have no reason to be here, so if their scheme involves us, I will not stand idly by.

A: I don’t give a shit about what they’re scheming, but the thought of letting them do as they please really pisses me off.

S: Yeah.

07:03 R: It seems as though you still have not realised the gravity of the situation, Ayato. This is not a matter of this house. It is a Sakamaki family matter.

S: What’s that, Reiji? Are you telling us to improve our brotherly relationship?

A: That’s clearly impossible. D’you eat something strange, Reiji?

R: Not at all. I should not have to tell you this, but of all people, I should know. I am all for solving issues by myself, but in this case, there is no time.

S: Huh?

R: She is just about to awaken.

S: Well, we know that.

R: Take a look.

[Reiji opens the curtains.]

R: A moon this red… I have never seen it before.

S: A blood moon…

R: Whatever the case, we must make a move quickly. Her awakened blood has us at her mercy. It takes all reason away from us. It even poses the danger of making us lose control of ourselves.

S: That’s because no sacrificial bride has ever lived to see her awakening until now. Are you saying we have no idea what we’re up against?

08:26 R: That, too, must be part of Richter and Cordelia’s plan. To make us brothers fight over her awakened blood and lure us into killing one another. It takes away the need for them to get their hands dirty.

A: Hm. Seems like something they’d cook up.

S: Richter only needs to drive Cordelia out of this mansion, though.

A: That’s difficult with that bitch on his side.

R: Heh, indeed. So long as they are limited to this mansion, we must exploit that limitation.

A: Exploit it how?

R: Considering that they are too incompetent to accomplish anything, it seems quite extreme for the Sakamaki family to be their target. I know a way–my own, personal way–to make them regret it.

S: Heh. That sounds just the same as your complaining. I also feel a big change coming on, though. However, that doesn’t mean I’ll get along with you. I’ll do this my own way.

A: Hey, Subaru. Where’re you going?

[Subaru leaves the room.]

09:45 A: Huh. He straight-up ignored me. He pisses me off. Fuck. Ah, I’m fucking parched…

R: Did you not feed on her just now? Is her blood really driving us mad after all?

[Ayato starts to walk away.]

R: Ayato. Where are you going?

A: Fuck off. Where I’m goin’ is none of your business.

[Ayato leaves the room.]

R: Good grief. It seems impossible for us brothers to work together. Oh, well. I have never put much faith in their strength to begin with. I will do this my own way.

[Reiji heads into his laboratory. He is brewing something.]

R: If I can succeed in making this tincture, then… Heh. I will not let them do with her as they please any longer.

[marlikesunicorns]

July 10 - FINAL UPDATE

IT WORKED!!!! I made the last payment last week & the system accepted it, and my request to renew my residence today WAS APPROVED!!!!

I don't know how to thank you. I don't know what to even do with myself. I've aged like 10 years during this whole thing. July 10 was like the day I died. it was all I could think about, trying and trying in vain to come up with ways to solve the problem before then.

but you saved me. I can now breathe and live normally. I can rest my injuries. I can actually save money like a normal person. I can apply to get Spanish nationality now so they can't kick me out no matter what.

I have to pay like €700 in taxes for the money that was donated but I'll figure that out. (had no idea donations would be taxed that high, thank you your majesty king Felipe VI I guess (⁠눈⁠‸⁠눈⁠))

also shout out to those of you who wished harm on Joaquín the accountant that got me into this mess. hope he does this to someone with more money who can hire a great lawyer and destroy him in court 🩷

anyway, I can go back to being a persona 5&3 art blog and feel happiness in the fandom again 😭

thank you.

[caitsboobs]

My predictions for Arcane season 2 ***SPOILERS***

So, I have a theory about Ambessa, Caitlyn, Vi, and Jinx that's based on the leaks. I can't wait for the rest of the season, and while I'm a bit ashamed of myself for watching the leaks, I can't help but analyze them. If you don't want to see my predictions about what might happen AFTER season 2 episode 5, \*\*DON'T\*\* read below! You've been warned!

_______________________________________

*Your last chance to avoid spoilers*

I told you....

.

.

.

.

So, we know that Vi and Caitlyn part ways in Season 2, and Ambessa will use Caitlyn's grief to fuel her desire for revenge, aiming to access and weaponize hextech. Caitlyn is smart, and while we know she'll eventually start to suspect something, she'll be too blinded by revenge to fully realize who's pulling the strings. Ambessa is also cunning, and despite her relationship with Mel, we can see that her manipulation of Caitlyn may have originated from ideas planted by Mel. Ambessa saw an opportunity in Caitlyn, but I think she miscalculates a bit.

I also believe this scenario will foreshadow what will happen between Vi and Caitlyn. I've always seen Vi as the voice of reason in Arcane, the one person who could eventually be the bridge between Zaun and Piltover. This may draw Ambessa’s attention and cause her to consciously target Vi. (If you saw the leaks, you can see the only moment they met, there was some tension in the air when their eyes met) She needs the war to achieve her goals, so I don't think Jinx will be her primary target. Instead, Jinx will serve as a symbol to keep the conflict going, while Ambessa focuses on eliminating anything that could serve as a "bridge." So, my prediction? Ambessa will somehow capture Vi and present Caitlyn with a choice. This is crucial because Ambessa is likely assessing whether Caitlyn would make a suitable long-term ally. Can Caitlyn make the tough decisions Ambessa believes a leader should? How will Ambessa accomplish this? I think she'll try to have Caitlyn execute Vi, killing two birds with one stone—removing Caitlyn's "humanity" and giving Jinx another reason to try and destroy her.

Will Ambessa succeed? Probably not. I think Caitlyn will ultimately draw the line at Ambessa’s manipulation when it comes to Vi. She may try to distance herself from Vi, convince herself that Vi is an enemy but Caitlyn is an empathetic character, and she’ll eventually realize the meaning behind "What are you shooting for?".. Ambessa’s plan will fail because Caitlyn’s love for Vi is stronger than her hatred for Jinx.

My further and wildest prediction? I think at some point, Caitlyn will even be willing to team up with Jinx to save Vi from Ambessa.

Also, I’m pretty sure, as Amanda said, there's a reason they didn’t show the full scene between Caitlyn and Vi before the council meeting in Season 1. I think their kiss in Season 2 is not their first. We'll get flashbacks of what happened back then... So yeah, they definitely did something before.

As I discussed this theory with others: Yes there are clearly noticed cracks in Ambessa's plan even in the leaked episodes. Caitlyn clearly doesn’t trust Ambessa as much as Ambessa would like. "The Blade cuts both ways" (And there is Mel, but we can't know if she will be back in time) So, Ambessa might try to push Caitlyn further to the edge by doing something to her father, or perhaps someone from the undercity might unintentionally trigger Caitlyn’s dormant desire for revenge. We also saw a metaphor for this in the episodes of Season 2 when Ambessa stirred the embers of the fire while consulting with Caitlyn. I think she was forming something in her mind.

Thank you for reading all of this.

[itzleafy]

Idk if anyone has noticed this yet (probably) but I’ll still say it.

So ARCANE S1 and TRAILER OF S2 spoilers

I think everyone noticed how Jinx eyes switched from blue to pink, obviously because of shimmer but also representing how she’s taking away all of powder.

Which means that blue kinda represents goodness as we can know powder wanted to help and she was an innocent child. Also blue is the color of, yep you guessed it, the Hextech.

And what does Hextech meant to represent?

Maybe not goodness but definitely hope, even if it falls into the WRONG HANDS IT CAN TURN INTO something worse…starting to get my point?

You see the Hextech is BLUE and seems like this color in Arcane represents Hope, hope to help others, wanting to BE BETTER (progression).

Now powder left all of that at the end of S2 she intended as a child to be better, strong like her sister, and help others, help steal etc.

Well we know how that ended.

But that hope was destroyed when she turned into Jinx, sure, at first there was A LITTLE bit of Hope inside of her, after all she had that HOPE that Vi would come back and love her. Even if the color wasn’t as strong as when she was a child

She still had that part of her that wanted to help, specially silco (even if she was doing the wrong thing) she was helping. She was still blue.

Blue means hope

But when powder died and all was left was jinx…then what?

Is that the end? No, not at all.

So now understanding the color blue; what does the PINK mean?

We all know that pink is the color of the shimmer, the color that jinx turned into.

Well here it goes.

Has I’ve said before, pink is the color of shimmer.

The color that represents that, it would be WAY too easy to guess that

If blue is good, then pink is bad.

WRONG.

This is not simply good or bad. This is beyond that.

Shimmer is a drug that makes people feel strong, powerful, feared.

If we look back into Vi (who can be thought as Pink) we can see that she has all this characteristics.

She is strong, she’s respected by her brothers and sister wich make her very powerful and she is feared; even if it’s all in a innocent way (you know because they’re child’s and it’s nothing too serious) it is the beginning of it, that’s why Vander warned Vi about it

“Whatever happened to them it’s on you”

Strength and power is something you can have and become the greatest. But it can also bring pain.

Lesson learned? Vander learned that at the very beginning of arcane, he was powerful yes, but he stopped to care for others and that brought pain.

That’s why he tried to teach vi that she should always have her heart with her.

“You’ve got a good heart, don’t ever loose it”

Pink means strength

So even after everything she stayed herself.

Until powder died.

Powder turned into strength, strength that couldn’t be controlled because of her madness. JINX IS PINK

You can see in the trailer such incredible shots and details I’ve noticed.

Now we know hes hopeful, he always has been maybe too much for his own good

This shot it’s probably at the beginning, watching the counselor get k!lled by jinx.

Jinx is pink, her bombs don’t have blue on them anymore, it’s pink.

Cupcake is blue, she was hopeful she could become great, but now she’s hopeful she’ll make things right, different povs but there’s still hope, but will she stay hopeful for ever?

Finally, slowly you can see Vi is starting to turn blue, but why is she turning blue? She lost every hope there was to get powder back? Well maybe she’s not hopeful to get her sister back.

But she’s starting to fight for the right thing, she’s strong, but she’s slowly beginning to have hope for what she’s fighting for. She’s progressing

After all

She finally got the name right.

But was it willingly?

Yep that’s all thanks for reading

Don’t let this flop tumblr pkeaseeee TT

Also heads on Vi wearing those googles…didn’t Jinx owned them? For finding them vi would’ve need to be in a CERTAIN place.

[nadia-cannot-think-straight]

Actually one last post relating to this situation: you know how fucking sad i am that Arcane, show that i love so so deeply, is a bit responsible for the current state of lore. I don't mean it the the sense that Christian Linke and Alex Yee came into Riot headquarters one day, laid off all of these writers personaly and made this show canon just because they felt like it. Like no, Arcane creators aren't the real villains here and i hope nobody, even the biggest Arcane haters out there, won't treat them as such. It is first and foremost a passion project. A passion project that was very successful. And that's it's biggest problem. Arcane proved Riot that lore can make money, therefore any other project that doesn't is disposable. Nevermind that Arcane is able to even exist thanks to this already well established lore. While characters like Jinx, Vi, Caitlyn, Viktor, Jayce are able to thrive now, other regions or characters that could never be possibly part of Arcane because of their release like Camille or my beloved Renata Glasc are left to rot. If Arcane was lets say only partially canon, if the best parts of these characters were transfered to their champions counterparts, this would be great, Riot could literally have their cake and eat it too if they planned it right. But no, fuck every single writer responsible for the narrative who had some plans about what could happen next with them because Arcane is superior and fuck you. I am not suprised many people are so bitter over this project, which again, i don't thinks it's fair for people who actually work on it. Fuck riot, fuck managment, fuck these money hungry CEO's that are destroying this game.

[iaminfourthwing]

The Generals Daughter

Chapter V

Making my way through the corridors to the Healers Quadrant, I can still hear Violets bones breaking and her scream ringing in my ears. Imogen really did a number on her but given the history it was to be expected.

*Earlier*

Imogen sits above Violet and, I don`t know if I am hallucinating, but I see a fucking dagger in her hand! That is against the rules for fucks sake. Thanks to Mira and the armor Violet is gladly unharmed. For now. This is assessment, no power or weapons!

She uses the moment of confusion from Imogen and throws a punch into her cheek. It`s a back and forth between them but Violet again takes a wrong turn and Imogen doesn`t hesitate and is over her again.

“Shit,” Rhiannon curses, “That won’t end well.”

“It was destined to end bad from the beginning. Violet tried, but it was clear that Imogen would not hesitate. Now all that Violet has to do is yield before it ends way more horrible.” I say.

The pink haired girl has way too much anger and pain in her to fight fair. Violet had no chance from the beginning, not when Imogen fights like this.

But I understand her feelings, the pain and anger that still lingers from all those years ago. They all have a reason to hate Violet, or Dain, or me. We are the children of the leadership that is responsible for the death of their loved ones. I would react like this as well, if I had family that loved me and I them.

Violet cries out in pain and with a pop, her shoulder is dislocated. Shit.

“Yield, Violet” Dain yells furiously. And while I absolutely dislike him, I agree now. Vi has to yield.

“Yield” Imogen demands.

But Violet is way too stubborn and it`s Emetterio who orders “She yields. That`s enough!”

It’s to late and the next sound that echoes through the hall is her bone snapping and her pained scream that makes us flinch where we stand.

*Present*

When I step into the infirmary, I can hear Dain and Winifred argue.

“You can’t ask him to mend her” Dain protests. I guess they are talking about Nolon since he is the only mender at Basgiath but … why can’t he be asked to mend Violet?

Winifred answers something I can’t focus on because said mender just walked in next to me.

Surprise takes over his features when he sees me lingering a few steps away from the curtain that shields the three from us.

“Arya, it’s great to see you. It’s been a long time” he greets me with a gentle smile. The dark-skinned older man always was my favorite around here alongside his wife.

“Hi Nolon, yeah it’s been over a year since we met last” I softly smile back.

“What brings you here?” he asks me and whips the curtain back, revealing a slightly drugged Violet, a frowning Dain and an annoyed Winifred.

“Her” I say while fixing my glare on Dain, trying to figure what his problem is.

“She’s with you, Dain?” Nolon sends an accusing look his way to which the squad leader flinches but holds his ground. “I am her squad leader” he tries to defend himself.

“Hm, doing an excellent job, are you?” Nolon replies, sarcasm dripping in his tone.

While Dain explains, how Imogen destroyed Violets shoulder during assessment, I find my way next to said girl and take the hand of her uninjured arm in mine. She gives me a crooked smile, which makes me chuckle. She is way too cute like this, even if she has no idea what’s going on.

“… This is our chance to get her out of the Riders Quadrant while she is still breathing.” Dain says while gesturing furiously.

My head snaps to him, mouth agape. So that’s what he is trying to do? Get her out of here to the scribes? He finds my wide glaring eyes and his hold so much emotion in it, mostly fear. I understand him, but there is nothing I can do.

“Please, Arya. You have to help me on this one. We need her away from the Riders Quadrant to the scribes before it kills her!” he begs me. And while I am still partly with him on this, I can’t help him.

“You know how stubborn she is and besides, it doesn’t matter what we want or try. We have no chance in that matter. General Sorrengail gave her orders and General Melgren is behind her decision. If we try to bring her out of there, she’ll get hauled back in in no time and we will have enough trouble and punishment on us that’ll last us to our third year. We can safe this energy and use it to train her, so she’ll have a real chance!” I finish.

Dain looks incredibly disappointed of my answer and I almost feel sorry for him. I know that he has feelings for her and fears for her safety, hell I do that too, but like I said … nothing we can do.

Violet gifts me a sweet beaming smile because I defend and accept her wishes.

“Thhhanksss” she slurs. Chuckling, I gently stroke her head.

“Please Vi” Dain tries it one last time. “For me- because I didn’t step in fast enough.”

It`s really heartbreaking, the way he looks into her eyes with so much pain and fear.

“I made m-my choice” she murmurs. His shoulders slump down, and with one last glance Nolon sends him back to the quadrant and finds my eyes.

“I am staying by her side.” I’ll go nowhere. He nods in understanding and takes position.

Winifred holds a strap of leather in front of Violets mouth, which she takes between her teeth. It’s going to be incredibly painful. Nolon twists his hand once and Violet screams in pure agony; a second time and she is out cold. I stay by her side till she wakes back up a few hours later.

When we arrive at the barracks most of the cadets are in their sleeping garments and loud chatter fills the hall. Violet and I make our way to our bunks where Rhiannon is already waiting for us.

“You are here” she smiles with relief crossing her face.

“Yeah, we are” Violet assures her, tired even though she slept for a few hours already. Still exhausted from the fight.

“How bad is it?” Rhi asks and while the both of them catch up and are talking about the following weeks including challenges, I change into my pyjama, turning around and help Violet with hers. The serum must have worn off because her face turns into a painful grimace. Taking my place behind her on her bed, curiosity takes over and I look over her shoulder when she pulls a book from under her pillow. “The Book of Brennan” It reads on the first page.

“Oh” I breathe softly, laying my hand gently on her uninjured shoulder as I feel her tense next to me. I rub her shoulder in a soothing manner to calm her down. While Rhiannon studies her history book both Violet and I fall into Brennan’s history at Basgiath so many years go.

“(…) Here’s the secret – if you know where to look and can get out without being seen, you’ll know who you’re fighting so you can prepare.”

I draw in a sharp breath as Violet does the same. If we know where to look … no one knows the grounds of Basgiath better than her, more than I do. Our eyes meet and we both have excited grins on our faces. We know how she’ll survive.

[misthogansnk]

Christmas gift? 🎄🦎

(Syzoth x reader)

Warning: none

Vitally important information: I created this story for Violette from my Oc, but I named her this way (Vi) so they can give her whatever name they want, and be y/n.

The fanart on the cover was drawn by me

Enjoy this Christmas special 💚

"Syzoth, come with me, let's go out and see the snow, I'll teach you how to make a snowman."

My joy and desire to show her this world and its festive wonders was so great that I didn't pay attention to her reaction, it was so obvious, but of course, my neurons were singing Christmas carols and wouldn't let me reason.

“Eh, no thanks very much (Violette)”, oh his disgusted face made me want to hit him with the Christmas lights they were trying to unravel, what's wrong with him, he doesn't want to integrate? Maybe you don't like parties. Not even two minutes passed in which I pouted and crossed my arms like a capricious child, I know, I would hit myself too, I admit it. However, I mentioned this to Kenshi and he reminded me of something: SYZOTH HAD LOST HIS FAMILY! I am a beast!!! What a festive spirit the poor thing was going to have, by the ancient gods, I'm the worst! “Leave it like that, you're going to make it worse, you're a machine for ruining moments,” Johnny emphasized, that laugh! I swear I would make her swallow the irony of him, along with the teeth of him! Suddenly, he stood up and grabbed a bag, it was from one of those expensive stores, cool, “Do you still have money left after the divorce?”, and yes, I tried to let the sarcasm show but instead of making him angry, It was worse. “(Vi), how about you make snow angels outside and leave the adults here?” He continued on his way and without wanting to respond, I stayed in front of the stove, fighting with the Christmas lights.

"Hey, 'Reptile'"

"Reptile…."

"Reptile"

"Rep-"... "Johnny, stop it," Syzoth emphasizes, cutting him off, "what's going on?"

“He's not outside, stop looking out the window, he's downstairs doing what he does best”

“A tantrum?” Syzoth laughs lightly, although at times he was annoying, he never failed to find certain sincere attitudes that (Violette) had, tender.

“Yes, that's right, you are a genius, and because you behaved, Santa brought you your gift”

Johnny handed him a package containing a sports sweater, it was thermal and clearly expensive, but it would keep Syzoth warm, accompanied by some pants.

"I know you're watching her from afar, Kenshi and I thought maybe you'd like to go out and play with your kitty." Given the green color of his blood when he blushed, his cheeks were tinted that tone but in a light and subtle way. “Johnny, you know he hates being called that, but thank you, although I don't understand why they give me this.”

“One, you spend your time shivering in the cold, two, at Christmas we exchange gifts between the people we care about, and three, she's just one tantrum away from being deported to Outworld with a sign taped to her forehead that says 'DANGER, NO RETURN' Syzoth laughed and began to change, but not before thanking Johnny and then he would thank Kenshi in the same way, but not even five minutes had passed when the Light went out and a scream was heard in unison, one of those that Mothers and Parents, when they see you doing something wrong, “(Violette)!” I tried to fix those lights to decorate the tree and ended up leaving the whole house without light...

"For God's sake, Syzoth, take her outside to play."

As Johnny sighed in annoyance at my actions and their financial consequences, he laughed at how quickly Syzoth ran down the stairs and grabbed my hand, "Come with me," words that took me to nirvana, even though I was still cold. . . , he took the time to breathe the air a little, it was a new world for him. And before you mention his family and ruin the moment again by destroying his good mood,

He told Me that the reason for his disgusted face was the cold!

“Do you feel very cold?” My curious girl's face and my eyes wide open looking at him, the last frozen neuron in my brain took effect, letting out of my mouth the silliest questions ever heard, I'm sorry, I don't reason when I'm next to him. him. He, look at him, who did it? Would he do it? Let's face it, we would get lost in the beauty of it!

“(Violette) if you know that reptiles…. "No, leave it at that," he laughed cutely and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear, "tell me more about what Christmas is," he said with a subtle smile, trying not to laugh at my faces, and well. . , that's all. I did it, gave it my Christmas spirit and maybe a cold.

It's true, I forgot, I saw him shivering from the cold on one occasion and I interrupted the conversation by sitting on his lap and hugging him. Going for a blanket was not an option. I looked into his eyes, he was sitting on his lap, our faces facing each other, an awkward silence, and a hug from me that was reciprocated, "Syzoth, I'll give you warmth if you want, warm hugs." the soul" I smiled and waited for his response, which took a few seconds, although it seemed like hours. "(Vi), it's not just your soul that you are warming." I didn't understand very well, but we entered the house. And finally yes You're wondering, when I went to kiss him on the cheek, he moved my face away, then smiled at my face of fear and shame at possible rejection and brought his face closer to mine to kiss me on the lips. It was a small kiss.. ., I didn't need anything else except Johnny's scream "Who put a mistletoe there?", I swear I didn't realize, wait a second, Syzoth right? The lizard knew. About the mistletoe at Christmas?! No, it was Johnny who told him! Who cares! He kisses me!!!! What will I feel when he puts his forked tongue in my mouth? Well, that's for a future story, who knows? We will take the next step in the New Year

​

[deputyclover]

Hopes and Dreams

*Clover, Rose, and Kanako open their eyes and see Asriel.

Clover: Who...?

Kanako: Where's Mom?

Rose: Where is everyone?

Asriel: Finally. I was so tired of being a flower.

*Asriel turns around smiling.

Asriel: Howdy! Chara, are you there? It's me, your best friend.

*The three of them look confused.

Rose: Who are you talking to?

Asriel: Why you silly!

Rose: What?

*Asriel transforms as he throws fireballs at the duo who dodge them when the Barrier starts changing colors.

Clover: DODGE IT ALL!!

Rose and Kanako: Right!

*The three repeatedly dodge the attacks, and everyone is filled with DETERMINATION.

*Everyone falls multiple times, souls cracking but...

*They refused.

Kanako: HOW ARE WE BACK???

Rose: I DON'T KNOW!

Clover: We've all got determination, even you Kanako, now...

*Clover raises his sword in the air as it shines.

Clover: We can do it.

*Kanako nods smiling and summons a red staff as Rose uses Earthbending.

Asriel: Now, enough messing around! It's time to purge this timeline once and for all!

*Asriel uses Hyper Goner.

*They're still standing as Clover tosses stuff to heal.

Asriel: Even after that attack, you three are still standing in my way? Wow, you REALLY are something special. But don't get cocky. Up until now, I've only been using a fraction of my REAL power! Let's see how good your DETERMINATION is against THIS!!

*Asriel widens as he turns into the God of Hyperdeath.

Kanako: I can't move!

Rose: Daddy! Daddy!!!

*Clover stands there, calming his mind.

Asriel: Urah ha ha ha... Behold, my TRUE power!

*Everyone gets hit multiple times, dying multiple times.

Clover: ENOUGH.

*Clover, Rose, and Kanako are unstuck.

*Clover SAVES as Ceroba appears.

Kanako: Mom!

*Clover, Kanako, and Rose proceed, saving all of their friends, but Clover realizes he can save one last person.

Clover: ASRIEL DREEMURR!

Asriel: Huh? What are you doing...!?

*All four of them see a vision of the first human to fall, and Asriel finding them, helping them, befriending them.

*Clover extends his hand to Asriel.

Asriel: Wh... What did you do...? What's this feeling...? What's happening to me? No! NO! I don't need ANYONE!

*Clover stands there, taking hit after hit, walking forward.

Asriel: STOP IT! Get away from me Clover! Do you hear me!? I'll tear you apart!

*Clover continues walking forward as Kanako and Rose join him, extending their hands.

Asriel: Chara... Do you know why I'm doing this...? Why I keep fighting to keep you around? I'm doing this... Because you're special, Chara. You're the only one who understands me. You're the only one that's fun to play with anymore. No... That's not JUST it. I... I... I'm doing this because I care about you, Chara.

Clover: Asriel, please. Take our hands.

*Clover, Kanako, and Rose extend their hands.

Asriel: PLEASE! JUST LET ME WIN!!!

*Asriel shoots the three with his rainbow beam but all three of them hang on, standing firm.

Asriel: Chara... I...

*There is a flash of light.

Asriel: I always was a crybaby, wasn't I, Chara. I know. You acctually aren't Chara are you? Clover's treated you like a daughter. And Chara's been gone for a long time. Wh... What is your name?

Rose: My name Is Rose!

Asriel: Rose... That's a nice name. Clover, Rose, umm...

Kanako: Kanako.

Asriel: Kanako, I haven't felt like this for a long time. As a flower I was soulless, deceitful, even during your original journey Clover. But, with almost every monster soul, I can feel their hearts, beating as one. They all care about each other so much. And... They care about you three as well. I wish I could tell how everyone feels about you three. But I have to destroy the barrier, and free them.

*Asriel rises in the air, six human souls, including a black one, and every monster soul exit out of Asriel as the barrier is destroyed and Asriel stands.

Asriel: I'll turn into a flower again soon. I'll miss feeling but... You probably won't forgi-

*Clover hugs Asriel.

Clover: it'll be ok buddy.

Asriel: Thank you, friend.

*The three of their visions blackout and the three wake up, looking at their friends.

Kanako: Wha-?

*Ceroba hugs Kanako.

Ceroba: I love you Kanako.

Kanako: I love you too Mom.

*Martlet hugs Clover and Rose.

Martlet: The barrier is destroyed! We can leave!

Toriel: Yes, it was destroyed, but I remember a Flower then everything turning white.

Starlo: But we're free! We can leave the mountain!

Clover: Follow me guys, to the surface.

*Everyone goes outside and look at the sun.

Clover: We did it.

Rose: Yeah Daddy! We're out of the mountain!

Kanako: This is beautiful, I wish Dad could see this.

Ceroba: Me too Kanako, me too.

Clover: Well come on! Let's head on down!

Asgore: Clover, we need an ambassador for the Monsters.

Clover: Hmm... Yes, I suppose that is needed.

Asgore: Can you be it?

Clover: Sure. I can. It may intertwine with my company but I can make it work.

Asgore: Great. Lead the way.

*Clover nods as everyone heads down the mountain.

[ac-liveblogs]

"They have absolutely no faith in people buying their characters if they are not good people" I know you don't play star rail but yeah that seems to be kinda the case.

There's this character called Topaz who works for the interastral peace company (short IPC) who visited a planet that was formerly at the brink of collapse (Jarilo VI is the planets name and Belobog is the last city standing against the freezing cold that has engulfed the entire planet). She offered Bronya the supreme guardian (which is basically this planets version of a president) that the IPC will aid them in building up their planet again (after MC and crew took care of the thing that caused the planet to freeze before) and write off the debt if they started working for them including future generations so the IPC would basically accquire Belobog and all it's people. Basically the whole quest deals with the question of what's more important: freedom or security. I think they did a pretty good job with Topaz as a character and the quest overall, she's pretty stubborn and bullheaded in her believe that only with the IPC the planet and it's people can be saved, similar to her own home planet that suffered from pollution so badly that it slowly killed itself which the IPC ended up helping. She projected her past trauma onto Belobog and backed off once Bronya could show her that they are rebuilding the planet themselves and that they will pay back the debt eventually.

Chinese and even a lot of western players lost their shit at this storyline and for Topaz being an evil conolizer and it's definitely part of the reasons why she is currently the worst performing banner HSR has released. People do not like antagonistic characters if they are hitting too close to home, they only like them if they are comically evil and put characters through things that basically completely unrelatable to most -> the fatui who want to destroy celestia for example or are nice guys in disguise.

Media literacy has been dying these past few years and black and white thinking has been encouraged a lot more thanks to social media...and it sucks

Ouch. Okay, yeah, that sucks. I can understand why a response like that would disincentivise Genshin trying to do even any Morally Light Greys. I mean, I know the response to Wanderer was overly negative despite him being uhhhhh really milquetoast overall. And Yae. Ugh.

People do not like antagonistic characters if they are hitting too close to home, they only like them if they are comically evil and put characters through things that basically completely unrelatable to most Media literacy has been dying these past few years and black and white thinking has been encouraged a lot more thanks to social media…and it sucks

You are so right though. Dipping my toes back into discussion around and about BNHA has been both... enlightening and completely unsurprising. And very depressing.

I could say a lot about my thoughts on how and why things ended up this way, but at the end of the day talking about media in certain spaces is really difficult lately. In a lot of different ways and for a lot of different reasons. People not understanding a grey situation bc they're looking for a definitive good or bad guy is just really annoying. Like. Come on. I want to shake them and tell them to come back when they're older, but I think that wouldn't help some people.

[alicent-vi-britannia]

The reinterpretation of the Faustian legend in Code Geass

In Code Geass Season 1 Episode 23, Lelouch rejects Kaguya's marriage proposal, claiming that he had made a pact with the demon. Fanboys made light of this comment as C.C. was present listening to them. But this was one of the few moments where the series was being direct with its audience and expressing its intentions through its main character. 

Code Geass can be seen and valued as a modern reinterpretation of the German legend of Faust (I don't doubt that each culture will have its own archetype to talk about these issues, however, given that we are Westerners and that the IIWW taught us that the Japanese and the Germans are cut from the same cloth, I will explain myself through this legend which, after all, is the most famous worldwide).

In case you have been living under a rock for all these years and have never heard of this legend, I will quickly put you in context: Faust is a genius who makes a deal with the devil in which he exchanges his soul for what he most desires, without knowing that by doing so he is condemning himself. This is the premise of the legend and of subsequent adaptations. The details then vary. In essence, this reveals to us that the demon, like the Geass, is able to see the human heart and figure out his deepest desire to give it to him. The problem is that that desire is corrupted. Mao and C.C. realized that.

What did C.C. want? She wanted to get love in the purest and most sincere sense. But the love she received from people under the influence of her Geass was not true love. It was a sick obsession. "Love without limit was love without meaning. I forgot what love really was," explained C.C. "I'm so tired of all the proposals and flowers. Now some of them are starting a religion around me," said young C.C. in the flashback.

What did Mao want? He wanted to understand why he had been abandoned by his family. Hence he received the power to access minds. But reading the thoughts of others or, rather, understanding human nature became hateful to him to the point that people generated disgust and contempt for him. C.C. was the only person truly human to him, even if she didn't think so.

Overwhelmed by his powers, Mao and C.C. refused their wish and were punished (remember that in the flashback to the moment C.C. accepts the code, she had the Geass active in both eyes, which was an indication that she couldn't deactivate it like Mao and Lelouch). Why? Because once you make a Faustian deal, there's no going back. There are no concessions or returns. You must fulfill the deal until its last consequences.

Lelouch didn't realize that his Geass was an evil power until the incident with Euphemia. What happened in episode 22 exactly? That Lelouch was in a conflict. Even though he planned to use the Geass on Euphemia to force her to shoot him so he could fake his death so that the Japanese would forever distrust Britannia and Zero could show himself as the only savior, Lelouch didn't want to hurt to Euphemia actually. This is the reason why Lelouch's eye hurt where the Geass was. He knew deep down that he would join Euphemia if she pushed him hard enough and he knew, furthermore, that this was against his goal, because what does Lelouch want? He doesn't want to be subservient to anyone, he wants to be independent, to be recognized and, last but not least, he wants to destroy Britannia. That desire stems from his childhood trauma.

And, if Lelouch sided with Euphemia, he would ruin everything he had been working for up until now as he would have to unmask himself and submit to Britannia. Therefore, he would be betraying the contract that Lelouch had made with himself by accepting the Geass. Thus, the Geass is linked to the desire of the heart. Think for a moment, why couldn't the forgetful Lelouch use his Geass, even though he had it activated permanently? Because Lelouch is who he is thanks to his memories and it was Lelouch vi Britannia, the prince who was disowned by his father and who longed to destroy Britannia, who made the contract. A Geass can be broken if the will of the victim is stronger than that of the Geass bearer. We see this with Nunnally. She broke Charles' Geass because at that moment her will was stronger than his at the time he used his Geass on her.

In this way, the permanent activation of the Geass was the way to keep Lelouch, Mao and C.C. on the way to their wish. The emperor is the exception that proves the rule. In theory, he claims that he wants to create a world without lies. However, he lies in everything he does. He lied to his brother, to Lelouch, to Nunnally and to his entire empire. Charles likely has a deeper, selfish desire that is never revealed to the audience.

What we can be sure of is that the Emperor never went against his wishes since he has no permanent Geass. C.C. and Mao had a Geass that can’t be turned off. Lelouch needed special contact lenses to hide his. Charles never needed this. He has a double Geass, so to speak, that can be deactivated. Therefore, we know that the permanent Geass is not a stage in the evolution of Geass. Of all the characters with Geass, only Lelouch, C.C. and Mao, who explicitly opposed their Geass, were the only ones to get a permanent one.

Either way, all Geass users paid the price, and what is the price? Is it the human soul? Pffff! Lelouch almost ripped his soul from his body to move on. For he was willing to sacrifice his mind, his conscience, his humanity. But he wasn't willing to sacrifice his loved ones (Shirley, Kallen and Nunnally mainly, although, in correct terms, it's the entire student council, including Rolo) and that's what the Geass claimed from him in the end. Because the price of the Faustic deal is to strip you of your most valuable possessions, which generally translates into the people you love. "The power of kings will isolate you."

That's why C.C. was afraid that Lelouch would hate her for giving him the Geass and Lelouch eases her anxiety by denying it. He doesn't forgive her just because his affection for her is greater than any grudge he harbored against her (that's totally secondary in Lelouch's case), but because Lelouch has the moral courage to admit that it was his choices that led him down that road destructive route, until the Zero Requiem.

Lelouch is a Faustian soul and therefore he is guided by a will to succumb. What I mean by this? That he is touched by fate and that kind of person has the gift of making all the wrong decisions that are going to doom him. And Lelouch screwed up like nobody else and, in unison, did evil. Some of his decisions were the product of misjudgment and most were made deliberately. For example, the betrayal of the Black Knights, Shirley's fall from grace, and the decimation of the Tokyo Settlement were consequences of his actions. Lelouch is a modern tragic character, in every definition.

Of course, this has a positive side. Otherwise, C.C. could not have ended well despite her immortality, nor would Lelouch have died with a smile, nor would the creators consider that Code Geass had a happy ending. It's just that I focused on the dark part because I was talking about the Mephistophelian treatment.

Tell me, did you already know the legend? Did they identify the Faustian treatment? What did you think of the little analysis?

PS: Before you ask me, yes Larry, Death Note is another reinterpretation of the Faustian legend, a little more obvious and with a much more malevolent Faust (like Christopher Marlowe's version).

[distortedmoondisc]

hiiai for the ask game thing 🥺👉👈

Hi!! Thank you so much for asking for my otp vi 🥹💖💖💖

So! I hope I don't get too rambly with it ahdhfj

1. What made you ship it?: oh boy, the first and second chapters of the !! Main Story made me become so obsessed with them it wasn't even normal. I went into ensemble stars without any idea or notion about the franchise or the writing beforehand and I was absolutely confused with the way the characters talked to each other (the enstars writing is definitely an acquired taste imo lmao). So you must imagine how insane I felt when I, who wasn't used to male characters having such blatant, shameless and obviously deliberately flirty/romantic/shippy intended dialogue with each other such as.... This:

This was!!!! On their first meeting!!! They have known each other for less than 5 minutes and Aira has already fondled Hiiro's bicep!!!! Are these two normal??? (If you've been into enstars long enough you'll know that the answer is !!! No !!!)

And what's funnier is that after Aira does the (rub, rub), the next dialogue is literally this:

so like.... Akira (writer of all of the !! Main story) here had to force a switch on the conversation so these two could focus again on the topic they were discussing before (about whether or not they're underachievers and about Ensemble Square) from that fondling muscles scene. This means Akira didn't have any need to write that scene between these two, it wasn't necessary for the plot. The madlad just added that scene in there out of nowhere. Just for the funsies. For a silly little laugh. Because there's nothing more fun than making your OCs flirt with each other this shamelessly in your own story. He really gets the assignment.

Listing a few honorable mentions for hiiai interactions from the first and second episodes of the !! MS that made me imprint on them so hard that they became my biggest otp since july of last year and has taken hold of my heart ever since 🫶

Hiiro fawning over Aira's beautiful name 🥺🥺🥺

Hiiro here was really like yeah you're my soulmate, my soulmate bestie (no but seriously do you ever think about how hiiro became so attached to aira so quickly and wanted to become his friend so bad, and how he also saw their meeting as fate....)

He is so dramatic, he didn't even get directly rejected here

This is a personal favorite. I can't stress how mentally ill I was when I read Hiiro saying "I'll do my best to destroy the future where you'll feel sad" DO YOU HEAR YOURSELF???? this should be added to the "is this Russian literature or enstars" online quiz

If you are observant enough you'll see that Hiiro is the one shamelessly flirting all the time AHDJF but Aira himself (mostly in later chapters) also says some questionable stuff about Hiiro in some parts that makes you go... Huh (Aira saying to Hiiro "Aira-kun's route is no longer available for you!" Aira why are you equating yourself and Hiiro as the protagonist and romantic interest of a dating sim game? Do you have anything to share with the class?)

But yeah... them (vaguely gestures with hand). They give a very strong first impression to say the least, so it's not hard to imagine how I came to ship them as quickly and as strongly as I did ahdjf

2. What are your favorite things about the ship?: God, there's so many things I like about hiiai I don't think I can ever list them or rank them, but I'll try ahdjf

For starters, I just really like their dynamic (very basic answer, I know). A thing I really love about their dynamic is how Hiiro is so openly affectionate with Aira, and I think it's cute how Aira is so tsun about his care and affection for hiro-kun, but he just can't leave him alone and thinks of him so often (he mentions him all the time in the game's home lines wwww).

Another thing I love is the way their relationship develops throughout the !! main story. How Aira stuck to him and to Alkaloid due to obligation (in order to survive as an idol in ES) but actually became attached to Hiiro and formed the unique dynamic with him where Aira feels like he can't leave Hiiro alone to prevent him from getting into trouble (and while there is truth to that, there's also the fact that just genuinely Aira loves Hiiro because the first friend he's had in a long time, and a very loyal and loving one at that). In Hiiro's case, he also got attached to Aira very quickly since he was also his very first friend on the city 🥺

In general, I love that hiiai are each other's first friends in ES when they were completely alone, and that by finding each other they found the solution to their chronic loneliness (because Aira and Hiiro both suffer a lot from severe loneliness ever since their childhoods. Aira has never been able to keep lasting friendships and Hiiro's only company in his hometown was Rinne. So them finding each other and hitting it off so quickly and easily means a lot for the both of them, and they both try their best to make the friendship work because they want to keep it and make it last, yk?)

Another facet of hiiai that I like... how Aira always teaches Hiiro new things and helps him understand the world around him. I like to think about how Aira is, literally and metaphorically, the reason Hiiro loves the city, and how that is what leads him to stay there instead of going back to his hometown with his brother (and I just sit here and wonder if the rinniki parallels were intentional from Akira's part?)

I mean literally because Aira is the one who taught Hiiro what idols are, and that was what made Hiiro realize that yes, this is something he likes and a thing he wants to do with his life. And metaphorically, because I believe that for Hiiro, Aira is a representation of the city. Aira is a city boy, he has an upbringing and worldview completely different from his. Aira grew up in a world that is completely unknown and new to Hiiro, a world in which Hiiro didn't plan on staying for long in the first place, a world that Hiiro didn't plan on getting attached to, but that he still came to like at the end — so Hiiro, by loving and accepting Aira, is metaphorically loving and embracing the city and coming to understand it*. And we know that Hiiro deciding to stay in the city and becoming an idol for real is one of the most important parts of his arc of independence and self discovery, so this gives Hiiro's relationship with Aira another layer of depth that makes their bond more important and essential for each of their characters and arcs.

*I almost forgot to clarify why I think that Hiiro coming to like the city is such a big deal (and note, this is a personal interpretation). Basically, because Hiiro was so dead set on bringing his brother back to their hometown so he could become the monarch, he was still close minded about the outside world and stuck with the old arbitrary rules taught by his hometown. But just as Rinne predicted and hoped, Hiiro ended up being marveled by the city and all the things it offers and so many things he's never seen before (and you can extrapolate that marvel he feels for the city as the marvel and interest he feels for Aira when they first meet). So just as Rinne left his hometown in favor of the city—which was a thing Hiiro didn't understand before because he didn't know what even made the city so good in the first place to make his brother want to leave—Hiiro ended up liking the city as well and choosing to stay there instead of going back home, therefore chosing his own path like Rinne.

But then again, this is just my personal interpretation of the text ahdjf

3. Is there an unpopular opinion you have on your ship?: I probably do, but I can't really think of one at the moment ahdjfj I guess one unpopular opinion is that I think that Aira isn't as stereotypically tsundere as people tend to depict him as in fanworks.

Don't get me wrong, Aira def is very tsun (and he is deliberately written as a stereotypical tsundere sometimes for the comedy bits and/or to make his feelings about others obvious. It might seem paradoxical, but the more tsun the acts—the biggest reaction he gets out of one of Hiiro's actions, for example—the more obvious his true feelings come across), but I also think it is often overlooked his character development in the !! MS where he grows to become more honest about his feelings and doesn't reject Hiiro's displays of affection as much and is even openly happy about them (like when he was happy that Hiiro held his hand and said it made him feel reassured). But this characterization isn't the most consistent throughout stories (and that is a thing that bothers me a little but talking about enstars' lore inconsistency is a story for another day ahdjf), so this is something very personal 😅

And that's all... thank goodness it was only 3 questions AHDJF I was hoping I'd write a short post, but it seems I *did* end up rambling about hiiai after all 😔🤙 what bring prompted to talk about the otp does to a person.

[auroraescritora]

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - PERCY/NICO AU HIGH SCHOOL - CHAPTER IX

Hi, how's everyone? It's been a while, hasn't it? I'll try to get back to normal, but I can't promise anything. But what I can promise is that this story will be concluded when the time is right. Thank you in advance to those who have been worried. I'm happy to know that I'm making a difference to someone's life, even if it's just through entertainment. Short chapter, but as soon as I can I'll bring you another part. And thank you for your understanding.

Previous chapters: CHAPTER I / CHAPTER II / CHAPTER III / CHAPTER IV / CHAPTER V / CHAPTER VI / CHAPTER VII / CHAPTER VIII

Percy admitted that he wasn't being fair to Nico. It wasn't planned at all, he wasn't even thinking about having sex with Nico anytime soon. One moment Nico was all aroused and the next, he was pushing him away, like he did thousands of times before everything went to hell. But this time... this time Percy had decided to do exactly what Nico did to him. It was a last minute decision driven by frustration and desperation. If he made Nico feel the way he felt, Nico would stop torturing him, right?

First, Percy tried it slow and unhurried, strolling around town and stopping at Nico's favorite ice cream shop, then he drove Nico home, and kissed him only when they had privacy. Percy swore he didn't intend to do more than kiss Nico and have a peaceful night, the problem came when Nico kissed him back, all needy, and turned onto his back, rubbing that perky little ass against his groin.

There went his self-control down the drain, Nico smelled so good Percy had to kiss that soft skin, nibbling on the back of Nico's neck and nape until he found the bitten, reddened mouth, getting lost in him, undoing the buttons on Nico's shirt and then the his own to find smooth, hairless skin, flat stomach and prickly, pointy nipples, forcing him to play with them at length. He couldn't stop playing with them, hearing little gasped moans, Nico curling up against him until well…you can imagine, Nico tensed up all over and he had to stop, trying to reason through the dense fog of excitement that was coursing through his brain.

He tried to talk and tried to calm down, that irritation creeping up his spine. Percy wouldn't accept being made a fool of again. He didn't think, threw Nico on the bed, pressed him against it and held his hands above his head where Nico couldn't use them to distract him. What felt like a mistake, though the confession and the half truths slipped from Nico's lips like a waterfall.

Now, how did he know Nico was lying? Nico looked away and tried to break free in an attempt to escape. Nico didn't even realize what he was doing, still not wanting to face him. Because that was what happened when Nico felt he couldn't tell the truth, he would lie, try to distract him or run away, as he had did two years ago and as he had since they were children; when the world got too hard for Nico to handle, he hid, and it was always up to Percy to find him and make him face the reality. It was fine when Nico ran away from the rest of the world, but when things were between them? Who would go after Nico to make sure everything was okay?

Sincerely? Percy didn't want to hear any of that. He didn't want to know who had made Nico decide to want sex or who had traumatized him to the point where Nico was so closed off that he was forced to extract the truth from the one person who he never needed to have secrets. Percy was so tired that... he just decided to give Nico space, watching him cry on the bed as if he had offended Nico's dead mother.

It was too much for him when Nico said a "Don't you love me anymore?" How could he not love him? A few boys and sexual escapades wouldn't be enough to destroy an entire decade of dedication and commitment. However, worst of all was hearing “I just… don't like being tied down and…” Another sob, “It was awful when he tried… tried to penetrate me and…”, you know why that was awful to hear? Nico was lying again! His face was so...so...excited! In a mixture of pleasure and embarrassment so great that nothing Nico said at the moment Percy would be able to believe.

Unfortunately, Percy didn't have many options. He took a deep breath and said the only correct, rational thing he could, trying to calm Nico down, which seemed to make things worse. Desperate, Nico crawled to his side of the bed and straddled his lap, right on top of his erection and looked at him with those eyes full of crocodile tears that excited, rather than worried him, despite the anxious and anguished way Nico acted was a more accurate indicator of what was going on in the mind of his sweet and no longer innocent little boy.

Percy was trying to do the right thing, wasn't he? But it looked like Nico didn't want that. With them it was all or nothing, Nico's next line just made it all clearer: “I want you to touch me! I want you to fuck me until I can't walk, but… it hurt so bad! I don't want it to hurt. I want only you to touch me! Only you kiss me! Only you!" and who was he to deny what his dramatic, manipulative baby wanted? Not that Nico was fooling anyone there, but if that was what Nico needed to say to choking out the words, he would make Nico's wish come true; which resulted in something he could never predict: spanking, screaming and confessions that this time came out much more sincere, although he had the impression that Nico still kept things inside his chest.

Well, he wasn't worried. He would rip out every single one of those little secrets that Nico thought he could keep from him. Not because he wanted to know, but because Nico looked so relieved as every single word slipped out of his mouth that he knew their relationship would never be perfect until Nico confessed everything to him, exactly like it always had been.

He admitted that he wasn't ready for what came next, and he admitted that he wanted to make Nico suffer a little, which wasn't even close to what Nico did to him, even if squeezing that perky little ass was effective. Now he understood why Nico had run away from sex for so long, the little boy was so sensitive that in a few touches he was moaning like he was about to die and so tight that he finally believed when Nico claimed to be a virgin. Percy was patient and careful to get him to relax and then…well, do his best not to come as he slid into that tight, hot channel.

From that moment on it was fast. Nico could only moan and barely complete what he wanted to say, panting and whimpering, sprawled on the bed. Not that he had it any better, Percy gripped Nico's hair, holding him in place as he felt Nico shudder from head to toe, nearly throwing him off the bed. In the end, Percy hadn't been able to move much, trying to think of Nico's comfort, but it had been enough. A few moments later it was his turn, coming deep inside the most important person in his life.

***

"Good boy.” Percy had said, still inside Nico. He allowed himself to enjoy the moment, but when the sensitivity kicked in, he was forced to slide away, watching the semen trickle over his tanned skin.

He was still angry, slightly annoyed by the way Nico had made him lose control. But now, seeing Nico sprawled on the mattress as if he had run a marathon and still with tears streaming down his black eyes, Percy had made up his mind, he would never again let his feelings interfere with their relationship; he loved his little liar who preferred to hide what he really wanted if it was to ensure that people liked him.

Percy took a deep breath and let his hands leave Nico's hair, laying down next to him, about to get out of bed in search of something to clean Nico up with. That is, he would have gotten up if Nico hadn't whimpered, clutching at his arm.

"Where are you going? Am I forgiven?” Nico blinked slowly, looking like he was going to burst into tears if he didn't hear what he wanted.

What could he say? In the end, crocodile tears always worked.

He smiled, because he knew that always soothed his sweet baby, and leaned closer, kissing him softly on the lips.

"There is nothing to forgive.”

“Per.”

"Beautiful.” Percy kissed him again and again until Nico went back to relaxing on the bed, still on his stomach.

"Don’t leave me.”

"Not even to go to the bathroom?"

Nico denied, burying his face in the pillow. But he took Percy's hand and brought it to his own hair, in the exact spot where he had held it moments ago.

Percy understood everything and started petting him there, slowly and gently, listening to Nico purring like a sly kitten.

“We're not done talking yet.”

"Sorry.” Nico muttered, his voice coming out muffled.

“What do you hide that makes you hesitate so much?”

“How can you love me after this? How could anyone?" Nico finally lifted his head and faced him all tearful.

“Nico.”

“I feel like a dirty bitch who doesn't need to charge for sex but I do because I like it.”

"What's wrong with liking it?"

"I'm a sham! Everyone thinks I'm this... this pure being... and look at me now!" Nico went back to burying his face in the pillow and complaining, but it looked like his tears were ending. He must have been very relaxed to be able to get angry.

“Nico!” Percy ended up laughing and Nico whimpered back indignantly. He then caressed Nico's bare back and Nico surrendered, melting in his hands.

"That's not fair! You never take me seriously." Nico turned his back to the bed and faced him with an adorable pout, and realizing his state, he tried to pull the covers over himself. He would have made it if Percy hadn't stopped him, grabbed him by the shoulder, sliding his hands until they reached the back of Nico's neck, getting closer to him, putting their foreheads together.

"I do, I swear I do. I actually wanted to apologize. I shouldn't have treated you like that.”

“Treated me how?”

"Don't you see the problem?"

“Hm?”

“Nico, I hit you, threw you on the bed. I did something you didn't want.”

"I…" Nico blinked slowly, and it surprised him when Nico didn’t looked away from him. "I liked. It just… it wasn't a good experience when they tried to tie me down. I don't mind trying that with you. I got scared, you were never violent with me. I liked, though. I really liked.

“Don't do this to me.” Percy pleaded, trying to stop those ideas from forming in his head.

“I want you to hit me again. You can throw me on the bed as many times as you like. Just promise me you'll always love me.” Nico said, his expression all open and vulnerable, and unfortunately Percy knew, Nico wasn't lying this time.

"I love you. Ever. Even when you drive me crazy.”

Nico looked away from him for a moment and when he looked back at him, he was biting his lips, as if he wasn't sure of something.

“I want… want to please you… and if… if making me cry or making me scream is what pleases you… I don't care.”

Percy gasped, trying not to show how his body was reacting to those words, but how could he resist when Nico spoke in that almost innocent way and in the sweetest, most affable voice?

“I don't want to make you cry.”

“Liar.” Nico said, a smile beginning to creep across his smooth features. “I don't want you to hold back on my account.”

“You have to do the same.

Nico bit his lip and seemed to think it over, his small hands coming to rest on Percy's shoulders.

“I don't know if I can. How could I say these things?”

“You seem to have no problems at the moment.”

“It's because I'm… I'm floating on endorphins. I don't know how long it will last.”

"What would make you feel better?"

“I love it when you touch me anywhere.”

"Where?”

"In the neck. In my hand. The wrist. In the… in the waist.”

"Like this?” Percy slid his lips across Nico's face and kissed the side of his neck, applying light pressure there.

“Hmhmm.” Nico sighed, closing his eyes.

"I want you to know. You can tell me anything. I will be jealous, but I will never judge you.”

Nico chuckled all happy and sly and turned towards Percy, resting his head on Percy’s shoulder.

"Only if you tell me too."

"It's a deal, then."

He kissed Nico's cheek, got up and went to the bathroom. When he returned with a warm, damp towel, Nico was finally asleep, curled up on his side of the bed with a sweet smile on his lips.

Another scene from the past, when Percy and Nico first met. - Extra  - Getting to know each other

Percy looked around, making sure no one was following him, and left the empty classroom. Ever since his family's restaurant had become five"star, the stalking had begun. People who had never spoken to him now wanted to be his friend, his best friends started treating him like royalty. No matter where he went, everyone knew his name, trying to get a reservation on behalf of other adults. He had learned very quickly how to avoid these people who were now almost everyone he knew. And you know what was worse? These people weren't interested in his mother's food, they were interested in who frequented the restaurant. It was so unfair! Even to go to the bathroom the crowds followed him without giving him a minute's peace. Tyson was so lucky! He’d already finished high school and was about to graduate from college. Percy had no choice but to deal with the gossip and greedy, self"centered people.

Looking once again at the empty corridor, he put his cell phone back in his pocket and went into the bathroom.

Ah, finally. Silence. Just him and the urinal. He unzipped his pants and...he heard a moan. Right next to him. Percy turned his face and there were three boys in a circle. He saw that one of them was unzipping his pants and the others were already without them.

Well, that was none of his business.

"No, please. I… I…"

"You what? Are you going to tell your little sister? Your Dad?"

"Please!"

Percy sighed and walked towards them. His mother hadn't raised him to watch someone being abused.

He stopped behind them, in front of the mirror, and saw what was happening. A boy with the softest, most feminine features he had ever seen was trying to cover his face and was cowering against the wall, he was so small that reacting against those boys would have been stupid. The problem was that he was so distracted by the boy's beauty that Percy ended up missing when one of the boys grabbed his own member and pointed it towards the boy on the floor.

"What are you doing?" Percy finally said. The boys were startled and jumped away, covering themselves as best as they could.

"We... hey, aren't you that rich kid?"

Just what he needed.

"I said, what are you doing?"

"It's not what it seems."

"Oh, is not? How do you explain that?"

The three boys and Percy looked at the little boy on the ground, who was hiding his face and crying pitifully.

"You know what? I don't want to know. If I catch you doing it again…"

"You have no proof!"

"Are you sure?"

The boys looked at each other and after a few moments, ran off. And Percy Finally could do what he needed to do and leave.

That is, if the little boy hadn't lifted his face and looked at him with those deep black eyes, swollen and shining from crying. Slightly curly black waves of hair and the most beautiful red lips he had ever seen. Percy admitted that he had frozen, enjoying the sight. He, who had never been interested in anyone in his eleven years of life, found himself enchanted. And even when the little boy bit his lips and looked at him, still lying on the bathroom floor, Percy couldn't stop staring.

"You didn't have to." The little boy mumbled, shrinking further against the wall near the sink.

"I... was the right thing to do." That was the truth, it was the right thing to do, but what wasn't right was to admire the beautiful little boy, especially in a situation like that. He felt like a monster. "What's your name?"

"Nico. Niccolas."

Hmm... Italian. They say it's the language of love.

"Percy Jackson."

"Oh." Nico said, looking him up and down, his high cheeks getting hotter. "You're not going to do what those boys wanted to do... are you?”

"What they wanted to do?”

Nico looked down and Percy followed his gaze.

Oh, actually, his zipper was still open, but now there was a certain... volume there.

"I'm nothing like those boys.”

"Aren't you?" Nico still looked doubtful, even though he himself had a bulge in his pants. A much smaller one that Percy seemed to be analyzing more closely than he should.

"I'm not." Percy turned around, trying to convince himself, and walked to the urinal again.

He pulled down his underwear and tried to concentrate. No one had warned him that it would be so difficult to relieve himself with an erection on the way. Percy took a deep breath, relaxing, and finally succeeded. When he returned to the sink, intending to wash his hand, he saw that the little boy was still on the floor, watching him get close.

Nico had been watching him... go to the bathroom? Since the area was wide open, it was impossible not to see.

"Do you need help?" He said as he washed his hands, staring at their reflections in the mirror. Nico looked scared and embarrassed, while he himself was serious and almost absent, showing no emotion.

"No! I mean, I'm fine. Thank you very much.”

"All right, then.”

Percy dried his hand and turned towards the exit. He had offered to help, hadn't he? From then on, it wasn't his responsibility what happened to Nico.

***

Percy had never realized how big that school was. Two indoor and two outdoor courts, fifty classrooms, ten laboratories. Swimming pools, jogging trails and even a forest with a variety of plantations. It was a good place for anyone looking for a well-rounded education, but also for anyone looking for a place to hide. Luckily, Percy had found just the perfect place; deserted and quiet, right in front of one of the open courts. Best of all, the view from the stands was very limited, preventing people from finding him easily.

He walked calmly through the school corridors and arrived at his favorite spot, determined to make a few baskets on the court and eat something quick before the next class. Percy intended to join the team and didn't want it to be out of sheer favoritism. That is, he was just about to enter the court when he saw a black head of hair on the far side of the bleachers. Now, he needed to know who it was, and only then would Percy know if it was still a safe place or not.

Percy hurried over and saw that it was the same little boy as last time. He had a cut in his lip and the right side of his face was purple. Percy had the impulse to ask who had done this to him, but remembered it was none of his business. Especially since Nico seemed to be fine, apart from his bruised face, and seeing that Nico was eating a small feast. Percy could see at least four different kinds of dishes, all arranged in little bowls, the sight warming his heart for some reason. It must have been the way Nico cowered, trying to hide from him, but he still stared at him, smiling.

Percy watched Nico pick up one of the lunchboxes and, as shyly as possible, offer it to him, saying: "Do you want some?”

Percy found himself walking the rest of the distance to Nico, abandoning his backpack and basketball at the foot of the bleachers, and sat down in front of Nico.

"I brought it too. My mother is a cook.”

"Ah." Nico muttered and shrugged, picking up his fork. "I always make a lot. See?”

Nico then opened the other two lunchboxes and showed them to him. Vegetable pie with cheese. Meatballs. Calabrian bread. Cake, too.

"Do you? And your mother?”

"I don't have one. She's dead.”

That's when Percy realized what he was doing. Like a weirdo, he watched Nico eat as if it were the most wonderful thing in the world while the boy ate alone, having to make his own food.

"Your father? You must have one, right?”

Nico denied it and stuffed another piece of pie into his mouth, ignoring all the other dishes. "Dad's always traveling.”

"So...?”

"I learned from Mama before she died. Her food was the best!" But Nico said it so happily that Percy felt better.

"Who looks after you?”

"I have a nanny. My sister, too! She's the best sister in the world." Nico continued eating happily and Percy felt something in his eyes. What was going on? This boy couldn't be so naive, could he? So... happy? How old was he? Nine? Ten? He must be younger than himself.

"You really don't want to? I did it all by myself!”

"Everything? Did you even reach the stove?”

"Yes, I did! The nanny just turned on the stove. I have a ladder near the table and…”

"Yeah?”

"You're very mean. I don't want to talk to you anymore!”

Percy couldn't stand it, he put his hand around his belly and laughed. It had been a long time since he had seen something so cute and funny. Nico's chubby cheeks inflating like a balloon, his arms crossed, his lips in an even cuter pout.

"How old are you, eh?”

"I’m eleven! What's the problem?”

"You're so short and small. Who's feeding you?”

And again, Percy couldn't take it. Laughing at his own joke, he let himself fall backwards onto the bleachers, laughing and laughing until his breath died away and then came back, a happy smile remaining on his lips long after his crisis had passed.

"Are you okay?” Nico asked in a small, soft voice, making his heart melt.

Percy opened his eyes to see that Nico had approached where he was laing, sitting on his knees, all worried, his black eyes wide and cheeks flushed.

"So…" Percy said, trying to stop smiling. "We're in the same year. Why haven't I see you around?

"I saw you.” Nico said and lowered his eyes to his lap. "It's hard not to when people only talk about you.”

"What they say?”

"You get the best grades. You're the best at sports. You have the best girlfriend. That sort of thing.”

"Who is that girlfriend?”

"I think… Annabeth Chase? I'm not sure. I arrived a few weeks ago.”

"That's good to know.”

"Know what?”

"That I have a girlfriend.”

"You… don't know?" Nico tilted his head like a confused puppy and that got another laugh out of him. This time, Nico laughed along. He seemed to be holding back his laughter, but when Percy didn't stop, Nico found himself with no escape, joining in.

"You're funny.” Nico told him.

"No, you are.”

And like third-graders, which they both were, they laughed again as they heard the bell ring. Percy hadn't even realized that half an hour had passed, which was more time than he usually spent with his old friends. And what that said about him, hm?

"We have to go." He heard Nico say.

They really did.

In a hurry, he helped Nico collect the lunch boxes and accompanied him to his next class, discovering that Nico was in fact in the same class as him. Was Percy so distracted by trying to hide that he couldn't see what was going on around him? Well, that would change from that moment on.

***

"Nico”

"Hm.”

"It's time to wake up.”

Nico grumbled and snuggled further under the covers. He was so tired that he felt like he would need a whole week to recover. 

He moved again, about to put the blanket over his head when he felt strong arms surround his waist, but what made him open his eyes was the kiss on his neck, on that little spot near the nape of his neck that was now making him react more intensely than he thought he should. It was all Percy's fault,  his fault for the way Percy had touched him the night before and all those words.

Gods! What had he done? Had Nico really said all that things to Percy? Nico couldn't believe it! He sat up and looked around. He was still in his room, and Percy? Well, the idiot was stillnext to him, leaning against the headboard and with such a satisfied smile on his face that it made him wonder: Had he said something he couldn't remember in the night before?

"So, do you like being spanked?”

"Percy!”

"I thought I was the only one you allowed to fu-"

"Don't you dare!" Okay, Nico admitted that he was panicking. 

"I wonder where is the boy who wanted to take things slow, hmm?”

In another leap, Nico threw himself on top of Percy and covered his mouth with his hands.

"I take back everything I said. All of it!”

Percy licked his hand and kept smiling at him until Nico gave up and let Percy speak:

"It's a shame. We could’ve had so much fun…”

"I… I don't know." Nico had to look away, maybe he didn't want to take anything back, no matter how humiliating it was.

"Baby. Come here.”

Nico went, of course. 

Percy grabbed him around the waist and made him lie down on his chest, one of Percy's hands immediately going to his hair. Nico didn't understand why that gesture calmed him down so much, or why this feeling of tenderness made him want to tell Percy everything he hadn't said the night before. It's just that... he felt conditioned to never to lie to Percy, and he had already said so much… Nico wished he had a time machine to make sure none of it had happened, because only then he would be sure that nothing between them would ever change.

"I'm so sorry.”

"Nico.”

"I shouldn't have left. But when you told me to meet other people, I thought... I thought we would never have a chance. So why wait for something that's never going to happen?”

"It's all right. It's my fault.”

"I don't care who's fault it is. I want you to say that you forgive me and that this won't affect things in the future.”

"I forgive you and that won't change anything.”

Nico knew that Percy was only saying this because he had asked, but even so, the knot in his stomach seemed to loosen a little bit.

"Promise?”

"I promise.”

Nico pulled away enough so he could look into Percy's face and touched him there gently, caressing the sides of his neck.

"You know I love you, don't you? For real?" Nico forced himself to say, seeing a small smile appear on Percy's lips.

"Why those words now?

"I realized... I thought I liked you because you were my first friend. But when I was in Italy, it felt like something was missing. I tried to find it in other people, you know?”

"What were you looking for?" That's when Percy touched his shoulder, trying to comfort him.

Ahg, he couldn't look at Percy when Percy acted so kind.

"I don't know!" It was a lie, of course. And Percy knew it. “It's hard to express how much you mean to me. So when I don't tell you things, it's because I can't, not because I don't want to.

"I know that. But I need you to tell me anyway. I need you to give me permission." Then, Percy touched the back of his neck, pulling his head up to face him. And yet, when Nico refused and kept his eyes closed, Percy insisted: "Beautiful. Look at me.”

Nico did it, he did it because it was impossible to resist when Percy spoke to him in that firm, and at the same time, reassuring tone.

"I understand. You don't have to force yourself.” 

"I'm sorry.”

"No, Nico. It's not your fault.”

"I don't want to make you worry.

Because that was the truth. He'd always liked to go through life quietly and unnoticed, except that Percy had taken note of him and hadn't let him go ever since. No matter how much time passed, he would never get used to the attention Percy gave him and even after a decade, it still was strange, it was like  he was in a dream and at any moment Nico would wake up, realizing that Percy had been his imagination playing tricks on him.

"This won't happen again.”

"What are you talking about?" Nico asked, not understanding.

" I won't force you. Just… just tell me if you need to. Anything.

"Anything?”

"Of course.”

"Then, tell me you love me.”

"I love you.”

"Again”.

"I love you.”

"Again.”

"Nico." Percy smiled and kissed Nico, interrupting him. "What's going on? It’s about last night?”

"It's nothing.”

"I promise I won't do that again.”

"That...?”

"I'm not going to be... so intense or... you know.”

Why did Nico felt his face getting hot? And since that was the case...

"Why not?”

This was the moment Nico feared the most. Percy remained silent and stared at him for long seconds, giving him no choice but to stare back. He dreaded these silences so much because this was the moment when he couldn't lie, and if he couldn't speak, then he'd have no way of diverting the attention away from the truth. 

Yes, that was the reality, no matter how much he tried to hide it, Percy would always know everything in the end.

"Is this all because of shame? It’s the humiliation too much for you? Or is it because you like the feeling?

Nico didn't know how Percy managed to say all this in such a serious and composed way. Well, Percy was more right than he thought. However, when Nico got nervous, these feelings only came out in two ways: tears of anxiety or laughter. So imagine the scene where he started laughing out of nowhere while Percy remained serious and stern.

"Do you think I'm a joke?" Percy said and puffed out his chest, pretending to be offended.

"I would never think that.”

"I love you." Percy said, then hugged him tightly and stroked his back. “No matter what this thing is between us, we'll get through it together.”

That's what Nico expected. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, how was it? I almost deleted the first scene, but since I liked Percy's POV, I left it like that. Thanks for everything so far. Good feedback is always welcome. Until next time.

[aro-pancake]

So Monday night we watched Pacific Rim.

Then, yesterday we met up with a friend, who mentioned to mr Pancake that Uprising exists. He got curious, so we watched it.

There is so much wrong with that movie.

I'll put a cut here because a) it's Spoilers if you haven't seen either movie, and b) it's a long, long rant.

I would die happily without remembering that movie even existed. So, thank you, friend, for reminding me of it. 😒

First things first, they're ignoring the established lore. On the words of Ron Pearlman, Kaiju bone sells for 500 dollars a pound, so why are there still so many carcasses laying about?

Also, the war ended 10 years ago! Why are Jagers still in production? The whole shebang of the first movie was that the program was ending, and they were given a final shot at the Jagers before the walls were done. The governments didn't want to keep the Jagers then, they sure as fuck wouldn't want to keep them after the war!

(Attack on Titan looking kinda weird.)

And why do they have Jagers strolling around casually? Those things are heavy and expensive to maintain. They would stay in docks until they were needed, make quick work of the Kaiju and return to docking. What's fueling the Mark VI Jagers?

Why wasn't Jake ever even mentioned in the first movie? Where did the kid come from? He just popped up and we gotta swallow it now? And this kid wouldn't be poor! His dad was Marshal Stacker Pentecost, ffs! His sister is Mako Mori! His family are all high ranking war heroes!

Then... There's the kids. The biggest human issue we had in the first movie was actual tension between the GROWN UP pilots, who were dealing with the apocalypse incoming their way. Now, we have kids fighting over who's getting the top bunk.

And don't (please do) get me started on the drift. First movie? They were all family. We had two Russian siblings, Chinese triplets, father and son, twins... People you already share memories with, what makes it easier to drift.

The second movie? They tossed a bunch of random kids together and expected them to drift on day fucking one! Not even Mako and Raleigh managed to drift on day one, and he was ready to give her the world the second she showed up. They actually spent time together before attempting to drift. Talked. Got to know eachother for a couple days.

Yes, sure, there was the impending apocalypse knocking at their doors so they had to speed run a drift compatibility. But it made it believable. The cadets on Uprising didn't have to deal with the world ending.

That Chinese lady? Boss, have the whole "I hate repeating myself" thing? Did they want to divert us into thinking she was the BBEG when Newt (Charlie Day, my second favourite character in the first movie) was acting completely out of character and LITERALLY DATING A FUCKING KAIJU BRAIN? LIKE THAT WASN'T INCRIMINATING ENOUGH?

[deep breaths] ok. I'm calm.

And did they want the boss lady to be a strong female character? She was annoying. They already had a strong female character. Yes. Mako Mori.

I'm honestly glad she died when she did, before they had the chance to destroy her character for good.

And why did they present the solution (Jagers still in commission) then the problem (Obsidian Avenger/return of the Kaijus) to justify the solution?

It's been 10 years since the war! The world wouldn't still be in shambles!

I would have liked that movie if:

"look, we built some Jagers again to put as a display/just in case, and transformed the Shatterdome into a wartime museum."

"oh no. The Kaijus are back! Who can help us now?"

Put together a ragtag band of fighters, trained by Mako and Raleigh (happily married, thank you. Also, please feel free to send some fluff fics of them my way), and they have to help new pilots to find their way into the drift. There would be a lot of awestruck new pilots, being like "omg, we're being trained by them!", while others are like "what do you know? Your war is over." And they have to wrangle the kids to get a fighting force to go and destroy the Kaijus.

That would make it a better movie. Not necessarily a good one, but one where we're willing to suspend our disbelief and fall back into the amazing lore of Pacific Rim.

Yes. I like the lore of Pacific Rim. Sue me.

ETA: it was such a bad movie, I only remember the names of two characters, Mako because Mako, and Jake, because he's supposed to be the main character.

[matan4il]

Good morning Alice!!! I remember the pain of 2008, too. Scab writers who didn't know the character bibles destroyed some of my favorite characters!!!!

I still hope for an October resolution also, but I am getting worried. Luckily, Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom have been getting involved. The early projections of loss for my state is 600 billion, but we all know it's more than that. I was there last week for work, and places that should have been bustling are completely dead. Plus, a lot of people in the industry are unable to collect unemployment and have to borrow from the unions. This after just getting back ahead after the pandemic.

I agree about the quality of waiting till September. But for everyone from the restaurant workers around there to the stage employees, costume people ext..... I wouldn't mind if maybe they did a soft 8 episodes. Like just to test and see their new brand. Just don't make big decisions!!!! I just can't wait for it all to be over. It really is hard when shipping is my favorite hobby!

I hope your treatment is going well!!! Staying safe and feeling good. Sending you lots of love from CA!!! On an exciting note, I just mailed out all the Jewish Film Festival invites. Had a lovely dinner with the beautiful ladies and checked out the movie list. The fall festival is my favorite time of year for sure!!

My lovely! *hugs* Always so good to hear from you!

Thank you for bringing up others being affected by the strikes, too. It's important to remember them and how many people are being hurt by the AMPTP's greed. That said, while I fully support every demand the writers and actors are presenting, I think the most important ones are about AI. We're facing a new technology that is not yet regulated and that WILL affect workers in almost every single domain, as well as non-workers (since apparently apps like Zoom can now reserve the right to use your voice and your likeness once you use them). I feel like forcing those who want to use AI theft (because that's what it means to use someone's words, art, voice or image without their consent OR compensation) to line their pockets even more is going to be SO crucial for SO many people in SO many fields, that I personally am willing to endure this strike however long it takes. We can always re-watch old shows, discover new ones, tackle that "to watch" list that was only getting longer... but if workers (and non-workers) lose the first test on what our rights are vis a vis AI, I'm not sure we'll be able to turn back the clock and get it right.

So I want 911 back, and I would love for it to be sooner rather than later so long as the quality doesn't take a hit, but I'm willing to sit this out even if it becomes a really long wait. And it WILL be hard for me as well, since as a hopeless romantic, IDK how not to ship. So we can just hold each other's shipper hand through this, my love. ;) *hugs*

Oooh, I'm so happy for you, and it IS so exciting! I would love to hear your thoughts on the movies participating in the festival, if you'd feel like sharing them. I have to admit that I've been thinking of making a post about the stuff that's been awful when it comes to Jewish representation between Red, White & Royal Blue, Oppenheimer and Maestro. But I just don't currently have the energy for it.

Thank you for the kindness! My treatment is... going. Hoping for eventual good news. And sending you so much love right back from Jerusalem! *all the hugs and kisses in the world*