unintentional- thoma [random writing event] | requested by anon

It was a breathtaking sight. With the full moon up high without a speck of clouds to the way the moonlight illuminated the ocean down below, you found your breath stolen away. It was rare to have such a clear night in your homeland. The sands of the desert often colored the sky in a dirt-colored haze as the cold often made it difficult to stay out for long. 

You had arrived in Inazuma a month prior as a diplomat from Sumeru. During your month stay, you had a splendid time. The Shirasagi Himegimi and her assistant, Thoma, were there to show you around and explain the various aspects of Inazuman life and culture. There was much you learned and hoped to take back home with you to Sumeru. 

And dare you say it, though this was a diplomatic mission, you couldn’t help but feel you made some friends along the way. Both Ayaka, as she asked you to call her, and Thoma were incredibly kind. Though they were only tasked of showing around during the day, you often found yourself with them late into the evening simply chatting. There was even one night they invited you to hot pot!

So as your trip was coming to a close, you couldn’t help but feel a bit sad. You weren’t ready to leave yet. There was still more you wanted to see. If you decided to come to Inazuma on your own for vacation and not for work, you wondered if they’d host you once more. Glancing at your companion to the side, you smiled.

“The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?” You asked with a twinkle in your eye.

When you asked that question, you really didn’t expect much, only for him to agree. It was a simple question, after all, one without any deeper meaning. So imagine your surprise when, instead of agreement, you were met with a wide-eyed Thoma and a few blushing housekeepers that happened to be walking by. Nothing could stop the start of panic that was beginning to tighten your chest.

“Did… I say something wrong…?” You asked hesitantly.

Thankfully Thoma was quick to recover. 

“Oh, no, it’s nothing. Don’t–”

He was suddenly cut off when one of the housekeepers rushed over and smacked him with a washcloth. 

“Don’t just brush off their feelings, Master Thoma! They were brave enough to confess how they feel on such a beautiful night. Show them the respect they deserve!” 

Your jaw dropped as the housekeeper then rushed away to peek at you both from behind the corner with the others. You felt tears beginning to form at the corners of your eyes. Oh archons, you really did say something wrong. What in the world did you confess? What did the moon symbolize in Inazuman culture? That you were having a bad time? That you hated him!? 

And Thoma, poor Thoma. He seemed just as caught off guard as you. His cheeks were flushed and his posture tense. Was it because of what you said? Yes, it definitely was. You said something completely wrong that ruined your friendship with him.

“Whatever I did, I’m sorry for saying that. I didn’t mean it,” you stuttered. “I… I’m going to head in. Goodnight, Thoma.”

“Wait, I–”

Ignoring the way he reached out to you and called your name, you then rushed back to the comfort and security of your room. 

You could not apologize enough that it was only after that misunderstanding was cleared late the next morning that the housekeepers finally let poor Thoma off the hook.

Ek Khat meri Pyari Sakhi ke naam ...

@btw-its-tamanna

Someone as beautiful as her name... Someone whose name means "Desire" and thus is desired by all.... To my Bestie "Tamanna" aka Jalebi and pishachini

From her Sakhi Rasmalai and Chudail aka me Kaya ek kaviyitri aur lekhika

Someone who's like sunshine in winter

Someone who feels like a warm hug after crying....

My bestie, Jalebi, pishachini, sakhi, sister from another mother, gawar , pagal and in short everything

Dear Sakhi ,

I wish you were here with me , we would have been besties irl too. I remember when I first interacted with you, pretty awkward wasn't it but look us now , behaving like two peas in a pod..... This actually proved that the best people are the most unexpected ones .....

You are the most opposite of me , me being outgoing, talkative, bubbly while you being shy , reserve and childish , yes I am the mature one but as said "opposites belong to each other" so in a sense we pretty much complete each other

We are always together in everything although not physically but whenever you see the stars and moon remember that they bind me together with everyone and whenever you feel alone just look at them somewhere I am doing that too...

They bind me to you

You are the most beautiful and sweet girl Jalebi... and even talented as hell , you won't accept it I know but you are....

These are your vibes according to me :-

You are the shoulder I cry on you are the one I rely on...

छू कर मेरे मन को किया तूने क्या इशारा

बदला ये मौसम लगे प्यारा जग सारा

I associate these lyrics with you cause you make me feel myself....

You are the literal ray of sunshine who can brighten up anyone's day with just an interaction with her....

Now imagine we met and you know my obsession with Polaroids so think these pics as them...

I am like your elder sister (even if it's just by days) so I know the best for you... I'll always make you remember that there's someone who's worshipping the ground you walk upon so never lower your standards for someone cause you deserve the best...

I'll definitely meet you irl once as we always discuss then we'll go on a tour together (hopefully) and Jalebi trust me or not I don't know about you but for me you have become an inevitable part of my life , so if you ever think I'll leave you , Nah never cause I am way too connected with you and the fact that I am clingy as hell...

If you were a colour I'd say you are blue cause Those with Blue color personality strengths tend to be enthusiastic, sympathetic, communicative, compassionate, idealistic, sincere and imaginative....

We both love reading that's the thing which is common in us , but you know what ,there is one more thing which is - we both love by our whole heart and soul..... we both would put ourselves at stake to protect our loved ones....

And that's why I admire you so much , in such a short span of time you have managed to be my favourite quite fascinating isn't it...

Whenever call you names , whenever I tease you , kabhi kabhi thoda daant bhi deti hu but trust me it all shows my everlasting love for you....

You definitely are Naina from yjhd cause you are that silent type girlie who'd let her loved ones go for their best you'd never even once try to come between their dreams....

You are so silent on group VC but whenever we are alone you seem to talk so much I don't know if it's because you don't want me to be upset or cause you genuinely enjoy talking to me, it's a dilemma fr

And whenever we text we both have so much to say , I've been through hard times the past month , so thank you so much for always being there for me..... thank you for making me believe in friendships again cause honestly I lost my faith way too early but guess what - you and few others revived it....

I know deep down you desire someone who can love you unconditionally, who is not going to judge you , someone who will cherish you.... You'll find that guy Tamanna , it's just the matter of time , you'll find someone jis par aap haq se keh sakti hai ki "ye sirf Mera hai" , and upon getting unrequited teenage crushes/love isn't it a part of growing up , let us experiment and experience the beauty of this sweet agonizing love... And as I always say , jab bhi kisi se mohabbat ho Jaye - "Mohabbat karlo par khuda se kaise ladoge kyunki do tarfa Mohabbat nahi kismat hoti hai " and it's true to an extent... So apni do tarfa kismat ka itminaan se intezar Karo kyunki sabr ka fal meetha hota hai....

And now imagine me playing a guitar and singing "long live" by Taylor Swift to you...

All these lyrics I dedicate them to you :-

"Will you take a moment?

Promise me this

That you'll stand by me forever

But if, God forbid,

fate should step in

And force us into a Goodbye

If you have children someday

When they point to the pictures

Please tell them my name

Long live the walls we crashed through

I had the time of my life with you"

So Yeah pretty much a beautiful song isn't it....

You are the brightest star in my sky and are loved and cherished by me always.... You cheer up everyone's life and we all are lucky to have you....

Just so you know I love you to the moon and back and will always desire the best for you... I'll always be by your side

As I always say I'll dedicate these songs to you and it's voice note well I already sent it to you....

Now I think I have spoken enough

So signing off pishachini

~With love always

-Kaya 💗

hello! I was the one that requested the Jumin x Elegant!reader fic. And I'm here to request again :). This time, can I get a MHA characters (any) x a reader that is similar to Shinobu Kocho. I know you've already done a Childe x Shinobu!reader before, and I'm sorry if you're getting tired of this. Also, the reader has a quirk similar to insect breathing. You can ignore this if you want.

MHA boys x Shinobu!reader (again)

Outline: MHA boys with a Shinobu-like s/o

Characters: Todoroki Shoto, Bakugo Katsuki, Midoriya Izuku

Warnings: this is long 😅 And might be a bit ooc

You don't need to apologise! I actually enjoy writing Shinobu!reader, so you're definitely not bothering. However, I'm trying not to be too repetitive right now, so try and not request the same stuff!

(old post)

Todoroki Shoto

- Aren't you two just Giyuu and Shinobu?

- At first, Todoroki found you rather annoying. You seemed like you weren't taking things seriously, which contrasted to his rather competitive nature.

- But he was actually quite surprised with your abilities. You were super fast, so fast that you could even keep up with Iida.

- Although you weren't that strong, you were able to make up your lack of strength with your fast reflexes and attacks.

- He was also rather intimidated by how dangerous your quirk could be (since you can literally kill someone with your poison).

- For the first time in a while, he felt a bit scared when fighting you in the sports festival. But thankfully, he kept his calm demeanor without you noticing.

- (You can decide if you win or not) you were, admittedly, a very tough opponent. You were fast, has amazing reflexes, and he noticed you relied heavily on your acrobatic movements to dodge most of his movements. He found them quite mesmerizing.

- When you two were teamed up with eachother, he realized just how smart you were. You listened to his instructions, and executed them perfectly. But when things go off track, you would quickly think of something to do (not sure if Shinobu is actually like this). When he got injured, you would immediately come pick him up, and heal him until he felt back to normal. You were basically the best ally to have.

- He started talking to you more often, which lead to him liking your presence, you were an overall cheerful person, and you also helped him to make more friends.

- He began catching feelings for you, despite you being a threat to his goal of becoming Number 1.

- One night, you both happened to run into eachother outside the dorm area, where you both sat down at a nearby bench.

- You two had a small conversation, with you teasing him a bit. However, at some point, you both stopped talking and started staring at the moon. That's when you said, "The moon is beautiful isn't it?"

- Shoto widened his eyes, quickly realising what you mean (if you don't know, "the moon is beautiful isn't it?" is a poetic way to say " I love you" in Japanese.)

- He quickly thinks how most people respond to this indirect confession, "I can die happy" (which is a way on saying "I love you too" according to Wikihow)

- You two look at eachother, not really knowing what to say next. (Now, you decide what you two say!)

- After both confessing your feelings, you start to get more open about yourself, since you've always been super mysterious.

- On another night, he randomly found you on top of the roof of the dorm, you seemed like you were sad. So he (somehow) climbed up to the roof, and sat next to you. And then you both had a talk on being a hero, and protecting everyone. You had a rather sad look on your face, which you tried to cover up with a smile.

- He wanted to ask you what happened, but thought it was better to leave you alone.

- until, you started tearing up a bit in the middle of the conversation. Todoroki knew that he had to ask so he could comfort you.

- You started talking about your hatred towards villains/demons, especially the one that killed your sister. As well, you said you really missed your family, and that you wanted to avenge them. (Fun fact: this is inspired by the scene where Shinobu and Tanjiro are talking on the roof)

- He felt bad for you, your entire childhood was basically surrounded by death, you must be so traumatized.

- He was also rather surprised that your cheerful personality wasn't even your actual personality. But was actually based off of your dead sister.

- After your talk, you came back to class with your usual personality, and basically acted as if nothing even happened. Now, he tends to be more nicer to you.

- Helping with your training, helping you with homework, making food for you, etc.

- He also gave you the pet name: Butterfly

Bakugo Katsuki

- Similar to Todoroki, Bakugo found you rather annoying. You always seemed to tease him the most, and when he tried to scare you off, you didn't even flinch.

- Your teasing slowly started to become insults. (Of course, you weren't that mean. You were just amused by his angry reaction.)

- Literally everyone had to calm him down whenever you two would have your little disputes.

- Whenever you fought him, he would have a hard time, because of how fast you were. However, he knew he would win you in a strength contest, as long as he could just punch you really hard, you would be sent flying.

- When teamed up with him, you would always tease him with how "slow" he was (you were just too fast), he would get really angry with you.

- "Is that the fastest you can run, Bakugo?"

- "DIEEE"

- Although he denies it, Bakugo starts catching feelings for you. But he doesn't acknowledge these feelings, thinking it'll go away soon.

- It doesn't.

- (I'm too lazy to write this, but basically you do the same confession you did with Todoroki to Bakugo, you know, the "the moon is beautiful isn't it?" thing.)

- Bakugo at first, doesn't really get it. But right as he was about to continue the conversation you guys had before, he realises.

- It takes him a while to accumulate a response, since he's been trying to deny his feelings for a long time. He knows that he shares the same feelings, but he doesn't want to say it. Love should be the least of his concerns, he's still trying to reach Number 1, how can he be this bothered by love instead?

- But after thinking for a while, he suddenly hears your voice

- "hello? Earth to Bakugo?"

- He then snaps back to reality, seeing your adorable face looking at him with a small smile on your face. He sighs, and decides to tell the truth.

- Turning away, he says, "Tch, I like you too idiot."

- (You decide how this ends!)

- After confessing, Bakugo goes easier on you, but only a little. After all, he's still trying to become Number 1!

- One day, everyone was eating dinner, when Bakugo noticed you weren't there. So he went outside to look for you, he found you on top of the roof of the dorm.

- He was annoyed and screamed at you to get down and eat dinner. He noticed that you looked rather sad, but he thought to ask you later.

- You came down, (more like fly down) and you began to become a little teary eyed. Not wanting to see you sad, he asked what happened. You just simply said that you missed your family.

- Bakugo asked what happened to your family, but he already knows what likely happened.

- You started ranting about the death of your family, and expressed your anger regarding a villain/demon that killed your sister.

- You also talked about how this wasn't even your actual personality, and that you only acted like this was because you wanted to be like your sister. (Fun fact: this is inspired by the scene where Shinobu and Tanjiro are talking on the roof)

- He was quite shocked, but remained silent to let you rant in peace. He had no idea that you used to act similarly to him (but I mean, no one would've known)

- His attitude towards you doesn't really change afterwards, but now, he respects you a lot more now. Knowing what you've been through, and seeing your determination to avenge your sister. But of course, he will still become Number 1!

Midoriya Izuku

- He admired your abilities right from the beginning.

- You were so strong and agile. Well, you weren't actually strong. He learnt that you didn't really have the power to punch someone really hard (she probably isn't like that in Demon Slayer, but because in MHA they don't really use swords, I'm just gonna say you lack strength in your arms) so he noted that down as one of your weaknesses.

- He has a lot of things he needs to be careful of, knowing how smart and agile you were, he needed to be extremely cautious if he wanted to win.

- You tend to fluster him a lot, by complimenting and teasing him, you can easily make him blush.

- When you teamed up with him, he was mesmerized by your acrobatic movements, and the fact that you kinda were flying. He was so glad that you also was good at medical things. So sometimes you would heal him quickly so he could get back on his feet.

- He admires you from a far while you're practicing, thinking that he's watching to see how fast you can move, but he's actually just admiring how pretty you were.

- (basically the same thing as the other confessions)

- Midoriya doesn't get it at first, and even says "I guess it does?" He was kinda confused on why you randomly said that, but he tried to see what was to beautiful about the moon.

- Meanwhile you're laughing at his cluelessness.

- "That's not what I mean Midoriya."

- Hes still confused "Huh? Then what do you mean?"

- After watching you giggle for a while, he suddenly remembers. You just indirectly confessed to him!?

- His face is now entirely red, as he struggles to respond to your indirect confession.

- You once again, laugh at his red face, it seemed like you enjoyed yourself.

- Eventually he responds by saying, "It's true isn't it?" (It's a way on hinting that you share the same feelings).

- Now every class 1a student notices how flustered he became whenever you teased him by saying that the moon was beautiful. Not many people understood, but a few did.

- One day, he found you sitting on the roof top, your usual smile gone. He was concerned, so he (SOMEHOW) got up to the roof and asked what's wrong.

- You started confessing about everything you had experienced in the past, with tears in your eyes. (Fun fact: this is inspired by the scene where Shinobu and Tanjiro are talking on the roof)

- He was very surprised, he also felt a lot of sympathy towards you. You lost all of your family, meaning you must've been so lonely.

- He reassures you that he would be there for you, and that you can tell him anything. Of course, you thanked him, and said that you would be more open to him more.

Thank you for requesting! And thank you for reading! (Wow, that's a lot of hashtags...)

–✦– 𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨, 𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙠𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 –✦–

Usha Lakshmi Gargi Ratri

Saraswati

I wonder why don't I ever concentrate on the pooja whenever I am in a group. I love to sit in front of my deities alone in a room in dark and let my thoughts and words wander. I know they they hear my inner thoughts as well as the words that project out of my mouth. It feels as if I am home with them only when I am the only one in a room.

It's the same even today. Today it is Basant Panchami. Dadi, my brother and I are doing pooja day. Dad is in another city and mummy has periods so she did not join for the aarti today. She had specifically asked me to keep a few pens and my RD Sharma Maths book near Saraswati maa's moorti.

Funny, how I call Devi Lakshmi as my sakhi and Devi Saraswati as Maa. As a child of five years, I used to watch this animated movie called Omkara on TV. Shivji and Parvati Devi had taken abode in the holy city of Kashi with Ganesha, Karthikeya, Lakshmi and Saraswati as their children. My mother would always tell me to be like Saraswati -- affectionate, kind, wise and simple.

Years flew by, and for a while, my connection with the deities dwindled even with my dearest god, Krishna. But, don't they say that the goddess of Knowledge sits on Vishnu's tongue. Won't the same goddess guide the one who has strayed away from its path?

I stare at the small moorti of the goddess. It took me back to my examination days. I always carried an examination board that had a photo of Devi Saraswati. She always looked so elegant and benevolent. I usually performed well in subjects like English, Hindi, Social Studies and Biology with her photo on my exam board, so I considered her as my lucky charm during exam days.

The Saraswati moorti looks beautiful. I stare at the veena in her hands and the large pink lotus on which she sits. For the first time, I get a tingly feeling running down on my spine -- the feeling that arises each time I am about to meet a goddess in person. Dadi is probably chanting Saraswati chalisa and my brother as usual is randomly mouthing the words and staring at the sweets.

Warmth engulfs my body, and I hear rain fall outside the balcony. My eyes close on their own accord, and for the first time I am given a divine vision.

The goddess is seated near a river bed that is brimming with fresh brightly coloured green grasses, and a few wild flowers. The river looks clean, completely transparent. It sparkles a little under the sun. Her fingers skillfully run on the strings of the Veena, producing the most beautiful tune I have ever heard in my life. Her eyes are closed, but I know she sees me. She knows that I am watching her.

After what feels like an eternity, she stops playing her instrument and opens her eyes. She smiles and gently calls her swan from the river. I turn back and see a large but majestic swan emerge from the crystal clear river with a string of pearls on its beak. The swan turns its head at me and nods. I gawk at the beautiful bird which causes the goddess to giggle. She composes herself and pats the swan's head. "It's a beautiful bird, isn't it?"

"The most exquisite looking swan, devi," I say as the swan gently lands the pearls near my feet. Frowning in confusing, I look at the goddess and ask, "Why did it give the pearls to me? They are yours."

"What do the pearls signify, my child?"

"Wisdom, purity, innocence, serenity and protecting, Maa."

Devi smiles. I see her face shine like the full moon. "Very good. That's true. Now let me tell you something." Her lovely fingers pick a delicate pearl. "Pearls are very difficult to find. They lie deeper and hidden in dark waters. Only the ones brave into the embrace the darkness of the ocean. You have to delve deep and have patience to look for them. There will be many obstacles on your way. You might feel tiredness seep into your bones. Sometimes you will see your companions getting these shiny pearls quickly while you barely find a shell on the water bed. You must remember that to get the best, sometimes you have to wait for long and keep persevering. One day, your hard work will pay off, and these pearls will be yours. Now, pearls also represent wisdom, don't they?"

I nod my head eagerly. She continues, "The quest for diamonds teaches you lessons of immense hard work and the sight to never consider any piece of coal or a stone to be ordinary. The journey to seek pearls gives you lessons of patience and the strength to take bold decisions to get the best of your life with grace, kindness and knowledge."

Her swan nuzzles on my thigh and I feel my legs stiffen which causes the goddess to chuckle. "Don't worry, my swan won't bite you. The worse it can do is drench you in river water to indulge in some mischief."

I nervously laugh and touch the swan's head with my index finger. My eyes then travel upwards to gaze at Maa's face. Her face softens with a knowing look. "You have a question, don't you?"

"There are nights, I hear a song far away from my house. It makes me wonder who I am. There's a lake near my house. Each time I peer at my reflection, I see a woman decked in red and dazzling jewels. For a man, she would be sensuality personified, but to me she appears divine. She has a sharp gaze that would make tongues stutter to make any remark at her. Then, the red clothes and gold jewels disappear. She then appears dressed in white with pearls and flowers around her wrists and legs. She looks lovely but in a different way. She radiates pure love. She looks at everyone with the eyes of a charmed lover, speaks words that would boggle the mind and make you question everything you have ever known. Later, she smiles knowing only a choice few would understand her language and her words. After a while, their faces morph into my reflection and I have never found myself look that divinely charming even in the mirror. Should I know who these women are? Are they me or will I grow up to be them?"

The goddess closes her eyes once again. Her form starts expanding to the skies. Golden efflugence effuses from her being while her fingers start to play the veena once again. She answers.

"You are them, yes, my child. You will grow up to be them. But remember, don't consider them to be separate from each other or from you. Red is for passion, energy and love. Men in your time will confuse this form as lust. You must build yourself in such a way that no man with a narrowed vision can hurl abuse your divinely form. Many are going to speak against you, even for the way you carry yourself and move. You, my child, are going to rise than them. I shall not speak much about your appearance in red. You will have another goddess tell you more, a goddess who often is misinterpreted and shunned today. Let me tell you about the woman in white."

Maa plays a beautiful set of chords that make me feel as if I am floating in air amongst twinkling stars. It feels blissful. Is this how sat-chit-ananda feels like?

A melodious laughter from Maa fills my ears. "Now, that's something for you to find out. I will not reveal everything to you. But for now, let me tell you about the second woman."

"She has the gaze and a hear of a lover. She will fall in love with everything life will give her, be it thorns or roses. Books are her companions. She is going to be a wonderful being of light, love, kindness and wisdom. She wears white to represent the holy and divine knowledge she has learnt in her life and other lifetimes to come. The pearls on her body stand for the important lessons on patience, beauty, virtue and serenity. She is a very mysterious woman. Some say she has the most complex thoughts about life, while a rare minds get through her way of flowery words and poetry to understand one simple Truth -- this Truth is again your quest to realize and understand. You cannot tie her to relationships and desires in the mortal sense. She will love you dearly, do everything that is best for you, but do not expect her to write ballads and love songs for you. Her love songs and poems speak about a different Lover. Who is that Lover is another question whose answer you must find yourself. She will be your guiding force in life and until you transform into her. As I said, you, we, them are all One."

Tears flow out of my eyes. Perhaps, I did find my answer to my questions. Maybe, I will grow and transform myself in the best way possible and help others in the same. Just like Maa said, we all are One, we all can help, learn and grow together.

"Jhia lo prasad ta ne kana emiti thakurani ku dekhuchu." (Daughter, have the prasad. Why are you staring at the goddess like that?"

****** ***** ******* ******** ******** *********

This is the longest in the series. I am really grateful for your comments and the amount of love you have poured out for this series. A lot of it is personal in these tales that happened to me in dreams and in some of my worst days. Maybe that's why it connects you all too. I promise, once I am done with this series, I will reply to all of your comments and reblogs.

And here you can make a guess about the next goddess as Maa said she will tell you about the woman in red, do you all have any guesses who will she be? This is a very easy answer 👀

What are your thoughts on ships like Ruki x Yui x Ayato or Yuma x Shuu x Yui?

I'm a fucking whore omds I love it. I want people. In love. AHHHH I think they have great dynamics to be explored 🤔

I don't say that lightly either I know a good love triangle is worth all the hype even if it isn't my favourite trope if done correctly, but personally, I think a lot of people forget the fact that if love triangles bring out another side of the character and show the type of love between them… this can be applied towards all three people in the relationship.

For example, Ruki and Yui are both very responsible, traditional and sensible as a couple, they work hard on the streets and do it fucking filthy in the sheets.

They have a quiet kind of love that blossoms with intent and care on the first day of spring. It's a pale little bud but the sprout is strong and when it flourishes it's like the moon in its gentle beauty.

Yui dances along to their old radio and Ruki hums whilst they make dinner together, they make tea and sit down on opposite sides of the table getting their work done individually even though under the table their legs are intertwined, they go out on long walks with content silence and go to sleep together putting their individual books on their bedside table and they wake up together and she does his tie and he does the buckle on her Mary Jane's and slides his hands up her stockings and grips her thigh in a promise for tonight and they kiss each other goodbye for the day as they toddle off to work.

Then you have Ayato and Yui the high school sweethearts, she’s top of her classes (if her life source isn’t being drained out of her), she has a ten-year plan, a colour-coded journal, she volunteers and does two artistic extracurriculars. He’s getting called out of class at least once a week but it’s only Monday, he’s asleep in half his lessons, he crams half of his curriculum in the corridor right before his exam, he doesn’t know what he’s going to do but he has 70p, an expired condom and the ego of the devil.

They dance around each other, staring at each other in lessons and looking away when the other turns towards them with the tips of their ears red, they brush their pinkies at first then they’re missing classes for quickies in the bathroom or storage closets, she drags him to classes and he studies with the deal every question he does correctly he gets a kiss.

She has all her firsts with him and he knows all his lasts will be with her, he cries over the notebook when she makes him watch it, they do facemasks together and get matching PJs. They go to prom and get fast food at two am giving each other gummy rings as promise rings. He makes her playlists and spraypaints her initials onto his skateboards, he wears her hair ties on his wrist. She writes him love notes and doodles Yui Sakamaki into her notebooks, he’s the backdrop of her laptop, and he’s made his way into her 10-year plan and even if it all doesn’t go according to the plan she has a feeling it’ll play out.

Ayato and Ruki hate each other, they snap at each other, pull each other’s collars and hate fuck. They make crass jokes and make slutty innuendos but they end up at the same bar sharing drinks in a quiet agreement, slivers of their past escaping their lips and floating away with the wind. Their vengeful trysts soften over time, as Ruki brushes the back of Ayato’s tailbone as he gets ready to leave, trying to sneak past each other’s brothers stops being a priority as Yuma and Ayato start getting in fraternal fights and Reiji even deigns Ruki the option of browsing through his books after an intense conversation over Socrates and Aristotle. They’re stupid as hell but also most definitely skirting around each other but also very prideful and possessive.

But like then if you combine them it’s mind-blowing.

Because then you have dates where they’re stargazing and Ayato gives his letterman jacket to Yui as they’re laid down in the back of his truck but then Ruki has to give his coat to Ayato so he stops whining and both of them cuddle Ruki so he doesn’t get cold ( he is ill the next day) When they’re cooking dinner Ayato is there in charge of the playlist, but he thinks their songs are too sappy so he starts playing Nicki Minaj and the only way to persuade him is feeding him and having him taste test as they cook - he also most definitely is forced to do the dishes. They get caught by Ruki trying to have their corridor trysts and he takes his job as the hall monitor very seriously so he punishes them by making Yui give him head and Ayato can’t do anything but watch. They show up to Yui’s Christmas church sermon and snort at each other’s remarks but are very supportive of Yui’s speech, when shopping ayato gets into the cart and Ruki pushes it whilst yui grabs what they need, ayato sleeps between them because he’s a chronic small spoon.

Ruki and Yui stay up till 1 am watching true crime only for ayato to drag them to bed, Yui does their skincare and they help braid her hair before bed, ayato refuses to read before bed so now they have his Gameboy clicking as background and when they wake up and Yui ties Ruki’s tie and he buckles her mary jane’s Ayato’s there behind her grabbing her ass on the way out as she gives him a little forehead peck. But to get back at him Ruki smacks his ass which causes Ayato to grab his tie and it’s all tension leaning in real close before they kiss and everyone goes about their way.

Their brothers are exhausted at blatant affection at monthly dinners but it’s just so…anyways.

They’re all giggly, competitive, and a little drunk on love.

Obviously, this all applies to Yui, Shu and Yuma so let me know if you would like to hear my spewl about them too.

Lost in Translation (Zhongli)

In which a certain archon scrambles about his feelings and forgets the most important thing--his beloved traveller is an outlander, unfamiliar with the ways of Liyue (aka idiots in love: the fanfic). AO3 vers

A lazy day for him, a busy day for you--no matter the contrast of your agenda, you and Zhongli made it a habit to meet in the food stalls by Liyue Harbour. His presence and calm extinguished the fatigue from the many commissions and personal commitments you promised others of doing. You haven't really questioned what kind of impact you had on him, or why he seemed so dedicated on meeting with you despite your conflicting schedules.

Was it the free meals?

That was what you thought--yet he only ever orders the same kind of tea or a slight variation of it every evening.

"That will be 5201 Mora." The waitress would say on typical days. You share idle conversation together and muse about plans for the distant future.

"I'm feeling extravagant tonight." He would sometimes joke (who knew he was capable of that?) when you had missed several dinners with him. Ten Mora added to his usual set for an extra spot of tea2. You would always point out that he didn't have the right to brag about spending “extravagantly” over a paltry sum which he didn't pay for anyway, but he would only smile at you and look contemplative.

"What's wrong?"

Zhongli would sigh in response, choosing not to answer you. He would instead marvel about the beauty of the moon3 in the dark, night sky.

Was it the view?

He always found something beautiful about the weather---waxing poetry even in unpleasant storms.

"Radishes? Why would I love radishes?4 I don't get it," you would answer honestly, and he would place his hand atop your head and let it rest there.

"Everything is beautiful if you choose to believe it is."

Huh. You never thought of that.

"Well, I suppose radishes are rather filling."

You liked the sound of his laughter---perhaps it was even the reason why you looked forward to thunderstorms.

Was it the (occasional )unexpected dinner guests?

"Comrade, you're here!♡"

"Childe! I can't breathe!"

Childe didn't make it a secret that he's interested in you. In fact, he was rather vocal with his affections.

Sickeningly sweet nicknames, embarrassing confessions after sparring matches, bouquets of flowers at every opportunity--he was your most relentless suitor. You voiced out your discomforts with his overzealous..."methods" but it all falls on deaf ears. You voiced out such discomforts to the attentive Zhongli on your shared dinners.

To show his support, the Geo Archon had a habit of spending more when the Snezhnayan were around. He would order the most expensive tea set, and would make it a point to sit on the other seat beside you, whispering,

"Won't you order more, Traveller?"

...as if asking you to conspire against the Fatui with him.

"What? This tiny portion for 52013145 Mora? I'd rather buy something else!"

Zhongli would shake his head and lean closer--almost a breath away with you.

"But you aren't the one paying tonight."

For a god who was thousands of years old, it was refreshing to see he still had a mischievous side to him.

Was he even enjoying your time together at all?

Something felt off today. He was a solemn man, but he felt more...serious right now. Childe wasn't around your usual spot yet he still ordered the shop's most expensive tea set.

"Good evening, Traveller."

You could feel tension in the way he brought the cup to his lips.

"What are you drinking tonight?" You tried to bring light conversation to the awkward vibe you both had, but as he brought his cup down and looked at you, you suddenly felt embarrassed. His amber eyes seemed...penetrating. Even the honeyed tone of his voice sounded dry.

"Vinegar6."

"Did something happen, Zhongli?" You cried. "Wai-- Vinegar?! Why are you drinking that?"

It worried you to see that he frowned even further at your inquiry.

"...this is unbecoming of me. I apologise. Shall we take a stroll outside?"

He didn't answer your questions again, but you relented. He wasn't the most direct person you knew. Unlike Childe who does not shy in voicing out his thoughts and his feelings, Zhongli was a lot more subdued. Sometimes, you wished he would speak out more. But given his disposition, you knew it would be impossible to ask of him.

"The moon is beautiful tonight as well, isn't it?3"

His remark made you look up at the dark, starless sky. Any indication of the glowing moon was absent. You squinted your eyes to look closer but never sighted the moon he sung praises to.

"It's an expression."

"Expression?" You turned to him with a frown on your face. You were speaking the same language, but you didn't understand him at all. "Zhongli--"

However his words confused you, the warmth of his lips on yours gave it clarity.

As he pulled away and held you close, the absence of his answer lingered--however, your pounding heart that grew bashful with his stares pestered you, as if saying that you would get your answer if you kissed him again.

"I'm not as honest as that person. I'm afraid I shy away from such bold declarations. Even now, I cannot seem to say it out loud."

"But you're talking to me just fine?"

You were relieved to hear him laugh again. The warmth of his embrace betrayed his beating heart that matched with the pace of your own.

"I wish I talked...more. I'm sorry for worrying you.

.

.

.

.

...envy brings the worst in me, I'm afraid."

"Envy?"

He sounded bashful. "Of...the Fatui Harbinger taking your attention."

...Realising its implications made you bury your head on his chest.

"Would it be presumptuous of me to assume that the feeling is mutual?"

"You're unfair, you know that?"

The answer you were seeking for had finally been found as you exchanged another kiss under the moonless night.

"Hey, Zhongli?"

"Yes, traveller?"

You responded to the silent words he couldn't seem to say...

"I can die happily7."

...but you could hear clearly in your heart.

Footnotes:

1 ) 520 in Chinese is (wǔ èr líng) = 我爱你 (wǒ ài nǐ) “I love you.”

2) 530 in Chinese is (wǔ sān líng) ＝ 我想你 (wǒ xiǎng nǐ) “I miss you.”

3) The moon is beautiful tonight is an indirect way of saying "I love you" in olden Japan--the expression being credited to Natsume Soseki, a famous Japanese novelist

4) 萝卜青菜，各有所爱。 (Luóbo qīngcài, gè yǒu suǒ ài. 'radishes greens, each have that-which loves') — Radishes and greens, each have those who love them. I.e. "one man's meat is another man's poison" or "each to his own". Tweet

5) 1314 (yī sān yī sì) = 一生一世 (yī shēng yī shì) “Always / forever.” Often combined with 520 so that it becomes 5201314, or “I’ll love you forever.”

6) to drink vinegar/chī cù (吃醋) : to feel jealous

7) According to this source, the phrase 死んでもいいわ | shindemo iiwa (I can die happy) is the best response to footnote 3, translated from the works of novelist Shimei Futabatei.

Sources: one two three four five

blanket kick

précis— Peter's not the suave man he would hope to be in front of his crush. instead, he's a blushing mess that haunts his memories and causes him to take out his frustrations on his blanket. luckily, you prefer cherry cheeks over smooth lines any day.

pairing— Peter Parker x enhanced!maximoff!reader

a/n— this is my first standalone written story and my first time writing for marvel! i hope you guys enjoy thisss<3 i'm also open to creating drabbles to continue this if anyone's interested????! pls enjoy and pls comment and let me know ur thoughts!!!

there are many ways to describe Peter Parker, but none could ever wholly capture the true essence of the boy

besides the obvious stuff,, his intelligence , his insanely good looks , his teenage awkwardness,,

it was a hard feat to string along words to describe the way he carries himself , the way he is with others , the way his heart loves with the same ability a sponge soaks up water and soap

Peter's had crushes before

perhaps more than he'd like to admit

(can't blame the boy, who gave Ty Lee the right be that cute!?)

but when he sees her, his heart begins to swell and suddenly, he forgets how to breathe..

or how to think... talk. y'know normal human stuff

in all honesty, Peter has tried his absolute hardest to block out their first meeting from his memories

he doesn't regret meeting her, of course not! never would he even repent that embarrassingly wonderful day

he only wishes it would've gone a little differently

let's set the scene, shall we?

the sun was shining brightly, the sky was a Carolina blue, the clouds were the prettiest porcelain color, rimmed with lace

Peter was riding in an awfully silent car that Happy was driving to the airport. despite being terrified of what's to come,, the fight Mr. Stark had recruited him for,, the boy was thoroughly enjoying this adventure.

the car came to a stop, which did little for Peter's nerves. he gathered his courage before stepping out, eyes squinting at the brightness of the yellow sun. once his eyes adjusted, they landed on the prettiest head of hair he had ever seen

(although he did think the same for Hermione Granger)

Peter had never been on a plane before that day. but even then, his sparkling eyes stayed trained on her,, completely ignoring the brilliant private jet behind her

"oh? Happy, i thought it was just us?" her voice made Peter's ears burn. he swallowed thickly. you blinked at Peter, curious but also intrigued , you smiled.

to which Peter choked. on air. your eyebrows furrowed in worry.

"a-are you okay?"

"god, kid, get ahold of yourself."

"i-i'm okay! it's– i'm– i'm fine!" Peter quickly stuttered out.

"well, Yn, this is– uh,, what's your name again?" Happy turned towards the boy who's cheeks were now redder than a firetruck.

"oh! i'm Peter– Peter Parker. it's nice to meet you- not that i don't know you. well i don't, y'know not personally. but like from the news.. not that i believe the news! they're awful to you, but i mean i guess i do sometimes– but never about what they say about you–"

"i'm Yn Maximoff. it's nice to meet you too, Peter." you cut him off before Happy strangled the cute boy. you had an amused smile

he was cute

finally getting on the plane, Peter had hoped he would be able to sit far away from you and wallow in his embarrassment,

maybe sneak a glance or two.. imagine a couple of scenarios where he wasn't a doofus,

but that's not quite what happened.

after witnessing just how much the new kids was able to ramble,, Happy was not about to spend a whole ass plane ride remotely close to him

so he took it upon himself to make the kiddies sit together.. much to Peter's dismay.

like!!? did Happy not see how Peter crashed and burned in font of you?!

you, on the other hand,, had the opposite reaction.

being the youngest avenger, you don't get to be around people your age too much,, which isn't something you're complaining about!!

you totally made the decision to be an avenger and you happily welcomed the consequences..

that didn't mean you didn't get lonely at times. especially now with the accords and the team breaking up., things got a whole lot more lonely

your sister, Wanda, had made her choice to leave the compound. you completely understood why, but a part of you had hoped she would've taken you with her

although, staying at the compound did ensure your safety.

it was a weird time for the avenger's , it felt wrong for you to say some of your teammates were criminals

it left a sour taste in your mouth

you glanced from the window seat to see Peter nervously wringing his fingers. you frowned.

"are you okay?" you asked, gently. Peter's eyes widened and his heart jumped to his throat. he wanted to say something, something cool or aloof, something that would make up for his ranting earlier

"i've never been on a plane before." Peter squeaked out. he dropped his shoulders, rolling his eyes at himself. that was the highest pitch he had ever heard his voice. you took in his clearly anxious posture.

"lets switch seats? maybe looking out the window will help you." you stated. before Peter could quickly shake his head, because how rude would it be of him to take your seat?, you were already stood up.

"oh god!" Peter breathed. he quickly shifted over to the seat you once occupied. he wanted to put up more of a fight, but the way you were swaying due to the turbulence, made his palms sweat in fear for your safety.

"you, like, swing from buildings and stuff, right?" you asked. he turned to you with a nod. "are you afraid of heights? or do you just not like planes?"

oh god. oh. no. you thought– you thought he was scared of being on the plane. Peter wanted to shrink in a hole and hide. you probably thought he was such a baby! that he could handle swinging from hundreds of feet in the air, but a plane is where he drew the line?

but what else is he supposed to say? 'oh, no! it's not the plane I'm scared of. it's just your beautiful smile and the way you smell like cocoa that gets me sweating'

wtf.

that was so wrong in so many ways.

"um, no, no. i'm okay, just– just a little nervous, is all." Peter tried to force out a chuckle. but it come out more like a cough. you mouth formed an 'o.'

"ohh, okay." you paused before your eyes lit up. "how about we play a game? to distract you?"

"o– okay.."

"can you talk with spiders?" Peter lifted his eyes from looking at his hands hovering above yours,; he let out a much more relaxed laugh than earlier.

you took advantage of his distraction to swiftly bring your palm from underneath his and slap the top of Peter's hand. he jumped.

"ouch!" he playfully pouted. you eyes glanced down at his lips. you giggled nervously. your hand went to hover over his, him now being the one to do the slapping. "of course i can't talk to spiders! i– i feel like i should probably be able to shape-shift into a spider in order for that to happen, y'know?"

you nodded thoughtfully. "that's true.. you didn't hear this from me, but i heard there's an Ant-Man going around." Peter looked at you with wide eyes.

"no way! that's crazy! does he like turn into an ant?" you bumped his hand with yours in order to get his attention back to the game. his hand burned at the feeling

"i don't know-" you said in a singsong tone. "it's just what's being said around the compound." you quickly slid your hands to avoid Peter's attack. he huffed.

"how are you so good at this?" he knitted his eyebrows to focus on how to attack quickly without hurting you.

"it's a game i used to play with my brother and sister." you answered. Peter finally took his chance to slap your hands, to which you squealed excitedly as you had tried to move in time. Peter and you fell into a fit of giggles.

you both leaned against your seats, still facing each other. your hands fell on top of Peter's.

the brown haired boy quickly slid his hand out from under yours, not because he didn't enjoy the contact, but because he was worried you'd feel how clammy his hands were

you frowned slightly at the loss of contact.

"a– are we really fighting your sister?" Peter wondered out loud, without a second thought.

you shifted uncomfortably. Peter quickly noticed; his heart sped up and he mentally scolded himself for being so inconsiderate.

"not because i think she's evil! i mean,, i know that's what the news says.. but they also think Spider-Man's like thirty. and i'm not thirty! its just everything's crazy right now.. with the accords., i can't even imagine how you're feeling! probably terrible.. oh, g od wait, not terrible, i'm s–"

you had been watching with an endearing look in your eye. you had come to find that you enjoy watching Peter ramble.

his eyes would become unsettled and shaky, his body would begin to become more and more animated, but his voice

gosh, his voice was something you wanted to listen to for the rest of your life

but you could tell he was getting more and more skittish. so you put him out of his misery

"terrible probably wouldn't be my go-to word, it's up there though.. at least i got to meet you." you smiled softly.

Peter's eyes ran over your soft features. night had fallen, so the windows of the plan displayed an almost picturesque display of the moon and stars. the light hue of color the moon provided painted your face in a way that clouded Peter's thoughts.

with your comment of being grateful to have met him, Peter wasn't in control of his mouth for much longer.

"so pretty." he breathed. both of you guys froze.

Peter's face quickly morphed from love-sick to mortified. you blushed violently.

deciding you didn't want Peter to fall into another rant-like apology (because if you got to listen to him talk for that long in this setting, you might just drop the 'L' word) , you said,

"let's watch a movie?"

the two of you sat, shoulder to shoulder, watching Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World, but being too hyper aware of their thighs pressed together and brushing hands to actually pay attention

upon arrival, both teenagers walked off the plane, sleep deprived , but with thumping hearts and dazed grins.

Peter threw himself on his hotel bed that night,, hiding under the covers

his thoughts replayed your interaction over and over (and over and over) in his head

the boy shoved his head, face first, into the stiff hotel pillow and let out a muffled groan

Peter flipped himself over, stared at the ceiling, before remembering his spouts of unnecessarily long explanations

he thrashed his body, kicking his poor blanket in frustration but most of all, out of embarrassment

he calmed himself down once his memories refreshed themselves over your gentle giggles and how soft your hands were

Peter fell asleep with cherry red cheeks and a blissful grin.

because despite those small mess ups, despite the futile way he beat his covers in humiliation, Peter treasures that day like no other.

Edit

In November 2013, Marvel Comics announced that Kamala Khan, a teenage American Muslim from Jersey City, New Jersey, would take over the comic book series Ms. Marvel beginning in February 2014. The series, written by G. Willow Wilson and drawn by Adrian Alphona, marked the first time a Muslim character headlined a book at Marvel Comics.[2] However, Noelene Clark of the Los Angeles Times noted that Khan is not the first Muslim character in comic books, which include Simon Baz, Dust and M.[3] The conception of Kamala Khan came about during a conversation between Marvel editors Sana Amanat and Stephen Wacker. Amanat said, "I was telling him [Wacker] some crazy anecdote about my childhood, growing up as a Muslim American. He found it hilarious." The pair then told Wilson about the concept and Wilson became eager to jump aboard the project.[4] Amanat said that the series came from a "desire to explore the Muslim-American diaspora from an authentic perspective."[5]

Artist Jamie McKelvie based Khan's design on his redesign of Carol Danvers as Captain Marvel and on Dave Cockrum's design of the original Ms. Marvel.[6] Amanat requested that the design "reflected the Captain Marvel legacy, and also her story and her background."[7] Amanat stated that Khan's costume was influenced by the shalwar kameez. They wanted the costume to represent her cultural identity, but did not want her to wear a hijab,[8] because the majority of teenage Pakistani-American girls do not wear one.[9] Amanat also stated that they wanted the character to look "less like a sex siren" to appeal to a more vocal female readership.[8]

Marvel knew that they wanted a young Muslim girl, but stated that she could be from any place of origin and have any background. Wilson initially considered making her an Arab girl from Dearborn, Michigan but ultimately chose to create a Desi girl from Jersey City.[10] Jersey City, which sits across the Hudson River from Manhattan, has been referred to as New York City's "Sixth borough".[11][12][13] It therefore forms an important part of Khan's identity and the narrative journey of her character since most of Marvel Comics' stories are set in Manhattan. Wilson explains, "A huge aspect of Ms. Marvel is being a 'second string hero' in the 'second string city' and having to struggle out of the pathos and emotion that can give a person."[14]

The series not only explores Khan's conflicts with supervillains but also explores conflicts with Khan's home and religious duties. Wilson, a convert to Islam, said "This is not evangelism. It was really important for me to portray Kamala as someone who is struggling with her faith." Wilson continued, "Her brother is extremely conservative, her mom is paranoid that she's going to touch a boy and get pregnant, and her father wants her to concentrate on her studies and become a doctor."[4] Amanat added,

As much as Islam is a part of Kamala's identity, this book isn't preaching about religion or the Islamic faith in particular. It's about what happens when you struggle with the labels imposed on you, and how that forms your sense of self. It's a struggle we've all faced in one form or another, and isn't just particular to Kamala because she's Muslim. Her religion is just one aspect of the many ways she defines herself.[2]



First appearance of Kamala Khan from Captain Marvel #14 (August 2013) by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Scott Hepburn

In the series, Khan takes the name Ms. Marvel from Carol Danvers, who now goes by the alias Captain Marvel. Captain Marvel writer Kelly Sue DeConnick revealed that Khan actually made a brief appearance in Captain Marvel #14 (August 2013) saying, "Kamala is in the background of a scene in Captain Marvel 14 ... She is very deliberately placed in a position where she sees Carol protecting civilians from Yon-Rogg."[15] According to Wilson, Khan idolizes Carol so when Khan acquires superhuman abilities, she emulates Danvers.[14] "Captain Marvel represents an ideal that Kamala pines for. She's strong, beautiful and doesn't have any of the baggage of being Pakistani and 'different,'"[4] Wilson explained. "Khan is a big comic book fan and after she discovers her superhuman power – being a polymorph and able to lengthen her arms and legs and change her shape – she takes on the name of Ms. Marvel," Amanat elaborated.[16] Khan is one of several characters who discover that they have Inhuman heritage following the "Inhumanity" storyline, in which the Terrigen Mists are released throughout the world and activate dormant Inhuman cells.[17]

In the series' first story arc, Khan faces off against Mr. Edison / the Inventor, an amalgam of man and bird. Wilson created the Inventor to be Khan's first arch rival in order to mirror Khan's own complexity. Wilson characterizes the Inventor, and the overall visual look of the opening story arc as "kooky and almost Miyazaki-esque at times", owing to the art style of illustrator Adrian Alphona, which balances the drama of the threats which Khan faces with the humor of Alphona's "tongue in cheek sight gags." During the storyline, Khan also teams-up with the X-Man Wolverine against the Inventor. Because Wolverine is dealing with the loss of his healing factor during this time, Khan is placed in the position of having to shoulder much of the responsibilities, as Wilson felt this was a role reversal that would subvert reader expectations that Wolverine would take the lead in such a team-up.[18]

At the 2014 San Diego Comic-Con International, writer Dan Slott announced that Khan would team-up with Spider-Man beginning in The Amazing Spider-Man #7 (October 2014) during the "Spider-Verse" storyline. Slott characterized Khan "the closest character to classic Peter Parker,"[19] explaining, "She's a teenage superhero, juggling her life, making mistakes, trying to do everything right."[20]

Beginning in June 2015, Ms. Marvel tied into the "Secret Wars" crossover event with the "Last Days" storyline, which details Khan's account of the end of the Marvel Universe. Wilson explained, "In the 'Last Days' story arc, Kamala has to grapple with the end of everything she knows, and discover what it means to be a hero when your whole world is on the line."[21] In the storyline, Khan rushes to deal with the threat in Manhattan. However, Wilson revealed, "She will face a very personal enemy as the chaos in Manhattan spills over into Jersey City, and she will be forced to make some very difficult choices. There will also be a very special guest appearance by a superhero Kamala—and the fans—have been waiting to meet for a long time."[22]

In March 2015, Marvel announced that Khan will join the Avengers in All-New All-Different Avengers FCBD (May 2015) by writer Mark Waid and artists Adam Kubert and Mahmud Asrar, which takes place in the aftermath of "Secret Wars".[23] A second volume of Ms. Marvel starring Khan by Wilson, Alphona and Takeshi Miyazawa is also debuted following "Secret Wars" as part of Marvel's All-New, All-Different Marvel initiative.[24] Amanat said,

By the time this new launch comes around, it will have been almost two years since the premiere of Ms. Marvel—and boy, has Kamala Khan been through a lot since then. She's been slowly coming into her own, dealing with the challenges of navigating adulthood and being a super hero. But her training is over now and it's time for the big leagues; the question is can she handle it? ... As much as Kamala has a right to be there—it's still a bit of a culture shock. Dreaming of being an Avenger and then suddenly being one is a lot to take on for someone of her age. So, she'll be a little awestruck, a little overly ambitious.[25]

In March 2016, Marvel announced that Ms. Marvel would tie into the "Civil War II" storyline by releasing a promotional image illustrating a rift between Khan and Danvers.[26] "While "Civil War II" may have initiated this rift, we've known for some time that Kamala would eventually need to separate herself from her idols. Her journey centers around self-discovery and identity, and a part of that exploration includes separating yourself from those you put on pedestals. The rift between Carol and Kamala doesn't really have to do with right and wrong. It has to do with growing up and realizing that you perceive the world differently from even the ones you love," Amanat elaborated.[27]

In July, Marvel announced that Khan will join the Champions, a team of teenage superheroes who split off from the Avengers following the conclusion of "Civil War II". The team, featured in a series by writer Mark Waid and artist Humberto Ramos, consists of Khan, Spider-Man (Miles Morales), Nova (Sam Alexander), Hulk (Amadeus Cho), Viv Vision, and a teenage version of Cyclops. Waid said, "The first three are the kids who quit the Avengers proper. That was an easy get. Those three, in and of themselves, form a nice little subteam. Their dynamic is great. They all show up in each other's books, and even though they have their arguments and stress points, clearly they're good together."[28]

In August, Khan made an appearance in Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur #10 by writers Amy Reeder and Brandon Montclare. In the issue, Khan acts as a mentor to Moon Girl (Lunella Lafayette) who is also a young Inhuman that suddenly came into her powers. Amanat stated that Khan sees much of herself in Lafayette and by teaching her, Khan learns much about herself.[27]

In November, Marvel announced that Khan will join a new incarnation of the Secret Warriors in a series by writer Matthew Rosenberg and artist Javier Garron that debuted in May 2017. The team, formed in the wake of the "Inhumans vs X-Men" storyline, also includes Quake, Karnak, Moon Girl, and Devil Dinosaur. Rosenberg stated that there is some conflict and friction amongst the team members explaining, "Ms. Marvel and Quake are really fighting for the soul of the team in a lot of ways, while Moon Girl will continue to really do her own thing. They will all be tested and challenged, they are superheroes after all, but they are going to do things their way."[29]

In March 2017, Marvel announced that Khan would team-up with Danvers in a one-shot issue of the limited anthology series, Generations by Wilson and Paolo Villanelle. Wilson stated that the issue would explore Danvers' and Khan's mentor–student relationship, but "at its heart, [it] is about growing up, and a big part of growing up is discovering that your idols have feet of clay – and forgiving them for their flaws as you gain an adult understanding of your own."[30]

In December, Ms. Marvel began the "Teenage Wasteland" story arc, as part of the Marvel Legacy relaunch. Wilson said, "Since the events of 'Civil War II', there's been friction between Kamala and her mentor, Captain Marvel. In this arc, we're exploring how complicated legacies can be when they're passed from generation to generation ... She's questioning a lot about herself and her mission. Her friends end up stepping into some very important—and unexpected—roles. So in a sense, the arc is really about a bunch of chronically under-estimated teenagers who pull together to fight evil."[31]

Ms. Marvel #31, the 50th issue of Ms. Marvel featuring Khan was released in June 2018. To mark the occasion, Marvel brought in additional collaborators for the issue including writers: G. Willow Wilson, Saladin Ahmed, Rainbow Rowell, and Hasan Minhaj; and artists: Nico Leon, Bob Quinn, Gustavo Duarte, and Elmo Bondoc.[32]

Beginning in March 2019, Khan headlined a new series titled, The Magnificent Ms. Marvel, written by Ahmed and illustrated by Minkyu Jung. Wilson stated that she had been planning her departure from the series for over a year, stating that she originally anticipated that the series would only last for ten issues and was excited by the fact that she had written 60 issues. Ahmed said the new series will have much wider scope, "while still maintaining that intimate tone that people have loved about it."[33]

In July 2020, Marvel announced that Khan would star in an original graphic novel, published in conjunction with Scholastic and aimed at younger readers. The book will be written by author Nadia Shammas. An illustrator has not yet been named.[34

reasons why "mune: the guardian of the moon" is a masterpiece

the color palette

bruh, the colors are amazing. i love the contrast between the day and the night. in the places were the sun shines, the color temperature is higher and in the places were the moon is in the sky, the color temperature is lower. here's an example:

the colors of the characters are awesome too and they help you to deduce more or less their personalities.

mune is blue. everything in him is blue. his eyes, his hair, his skin, his lil' cute nose, e v e r y t h i n g. the color blue is associated with open spaces, freedom, intuition, imagination, expansiveness, inspiration, and sensitivity, according to bourncreative.com and this words describe perfectly mune's personality.

sohone's skin is a mix of orange tones, orange being a vibrant color that is hot, healthy and engaging, but it can be abrasive and crass. this things describe more or less his personality. his eyes are yellow and his hair is white, combining in a nice way with his skin color.

glim's color palette is kinda similar to sohone's, but her personality is totally different. she's enthusiastic, adventurous, full of determination and kinda optimistic, and her colors demonstrate that pretty well. but she's a waxling, and when she freezes her color palette changes drastically, everything in her turning white. now, the color white is associated with innocence, fragility, clarity, simplicity and brilliance and guess who has those traits too (*cough cough* it's glim *cough cough*)

the awesome plot

i will not start to describe every detail of the plot, because if you don't discover them all by yourself then you won't feel the magic of this movie :(( all i have to say it's that the creators had a lot of imagination and creativity.

the character development

oh boy, esto se está poniendo bueno xd. let's start with phospho, one of the most underrated characters.

phospho was a guardian of the moon long time ago, while necross was the guardian of the sun. in his "teen ages" he was selfish and coward, hiding behind a rock when necross (a traitor who wanted to keep the sun all by himself) and xolal had that titan fight. but after 700 years, when sohone has entered the underworld and was attacked by those manipulative weird-ass snakes, he sacrificed himself to save the new guardian of the sun, this demonstrating that he wanted to change and become a better person (creature??) btw he gives me a lot of ray (from "the princess and the frog") vibes.

the next character is ofc, mune, the protagonist. at the beginning of the movie he was a shy and indecisive cute guy that wasn't really sure that he's the right one for the "protecting the moon job" and his insecurities made him to lose control of the moon temple, messing up the normal course of the world. bit he decides to correct his mistakes and goes in the underworld with sohone to help him to bring the sun again. in this lil' trip our baby blue satyr demonstrates that he's not a crybaby and that he's powerful too :"3

now, let's talk about sohone. i really dislike him (just look at him, he's a creature-like version of gaston from "beauty and the beast" lmao), but i can't ignore his character development. at first, he's a f*cking prick that is only interested in his good looks, his important position as a guardian of the sun and in succeeding in flirting with girls. when he meets glim he's fascinated by her, but when she starts to say that he's going the wrong way to the underworld bc that's what the ancient books say, he starts to throw sexist words to glim and his attitude towards her changes drastically. b*tch, if you don't like to read books, don't judge the others who like to read and accept their opinions too, it won't hurt. and how could i forget how mean was to mune too? (rn, while searching more about this movie, i saw that there are people who ship mune and sohone 😳 wtf is wrong with you??) but, in the end, he redeems himself in a way or another, stops subestimating mune and glim and becomes a little more aware of his actions.

the animation

the animation, for a non-disney movie that was published in 2014 in a country that isn't USA or Japan it's f*cking amazing! the details in the skin, the hair, the plants, the fur and the sky are so well done that i could even have the guts to say that it's the same as in frozen 2 whOoPs-

the transition from the real world to the dream world

the whole thing with the dream world is absolutely amazing. not just the idea of it, but how it was integrated into the movie. the creators had the awesome thought to change the animation style when the plot was performed in the dream world, into a "sketchy" one, with basic colors and without pompous shades and stuff. this thing was made so well, that everyone who watches the movie can understand the difference between the two worlds. even if the drawings are more sketchy and basic, the animation is still pretty smooth and really pleasant to look at.

the soundtrack

omaigash tHe sOuNdTrAcK 7u7 i really simp the composers of this marvelous songs that fit so well with the animation and the plot. the background music literally floods you in a pleasant atmosphere. this makes me go so emotional, because i haven't seen in a long time a movie were the soundtrack is this good that makes you feel like you're a part of the fictional world :"3

the message of the movie

first of all, it's a movie made for little kids, so it's pretty logical that the message is a simple one, bUt that doesn't mean that a teenager or an adult can't learn from it too. as we can see, at first, mune was really insecure about his worth and powers and he felt unworthy of the honor of being a guardian of the moon. but after a little 💫adventure💫 he learned that he's powerful and that HE CAN DO IT. so, please, don't subestimate yourselves, you're strong and awesome <3 and be ambitious too, if you aren't ambitious you can't succeed in life. so go and reach your dreams, you deserve it uwuwuwu

|| Lost chance ||

Pairing: Sorta UnrequitedJJ x fem!reader and sorta Pope x fem reader

Warnings: like one cuss word, sad feels, mention of abuse, maybe angst if you squint, and crappy writing

Note: I could not figure out how to do this story, I kept switching perspectives to see what would work. It's kinda weird, I tried to make this from JJ's perspective as much as possible

{ Masterlist }

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JJ Maybank and y/f/n y/l/n had known each other since third grade. When the pair met, a few boys were picking on her and JJ and John B made sure that those boys went home with bruises that day and ever since a friendship was created. Later down the road came Pope Heyward, y/n's best friend and Kiara Carrara and they all soon became inseparable.

Y/n cared for everyone, but she had a different feeling towards a certain pouge, the girl had feelings for JJ Maybank ever since she could remember. They made quite the pair, everyone thought they should be together, with the amount of times they were seen together goofing around, being paired together to play games like chicken (or anything for that matter) sharing a bed at John B's, late night talks while sharing a blunt and it was impossible to not notice the lingering looks she gave him. It was impossible for anyone to not see that Y/f/n Y/l/n was in love with JJ Maybank.

The boy knew, when she thought he didn't see her staring, the slight smile that appeared when he was around, how she blushed when he touched her, but the problem was he didn't feel the same. No. He had sights for another Pouge girl. And y/n knew. She loved Kiara like a sister, but the girl could never stop the feeling of jealousy rise every time JJ threw Kiara into the marsh laughing, how he helped her out of John B's van and onto the HMS Pouge when they stopped anywhere or picked her up, how while she stared at him, wanting him to feel the same way about her, he was whipped for another girl.

Y/n didn't let it get to her though, tried to at least. When she felt vulnerable on the subject she went to Pope, to talk, to cry, to joke, he helped her when the pain was too much. He was her anchor when things became too much. He was her best friend next to JJ, cause that's all they would ever be.

No matter how much she comforted JJ, cleaned him up after he got beat by his dad, ran errands with him, did anything with him, he would still choose Kiara. She would just need to accept it. Easier said than done.

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It was like any other day, go out on the Pouge, pick everyone up and do whatever. John B and JJ went to Pope's dock first and then y/n's.

When they arrived she outside came with a huge smile plastered on her face. "Hello there." She greeted waiting for the response she wanted. "General Kenobi" Pope answered with butterflies in his stomach. JJ helped you onto the boat, muttering a "He forgot to cough when he said it" to her, causing her to laugh. JJ wouldn't admit it, but he enjoyed the Star Wars movies that she showed him. They were "nerd movies" according to him, movies that Pope would watch before he ever would, but they were interesting. She sat down next to JJ after giving each John B and a blushing Pope hugs.

When they got to Kie's dock she was already waiting on the edge. "Hello boys" She said. JJ held out his hand for her answering with "Milady" in a poor English accent. Y/n tried to not think anything of it, JJ was always goofy like that, but it was hard not to catch his hand lingering on Kiara's when she got on. It was hard for JJ to ignore the frown that formed on her face.

It's not that JJ didn't like Y/n, he loved her, just not in the way she hoped. He knew she loved him, he knew she hated that he liked Kie and he hated how he couldn't give her what she wanted. He hated how he couldn't love her like she wanted him to, but he just didn't see her that way. He knew she deserved someone to treat her right, she was smart, beautiful, caring. Spoke the truth about a situation when no one else would. Those few things and so much more and yet he couldn't love her. Not like another pouge did.

The day played out as usual, with the friends driving around the marsh drinking and having a good time. They played a few rounds of chicken, JJ and y/n being paired together and winning every time. JB and Kiara wanted to see who could chug a cup of beer faster (Kiara) and the boys bickered about meaningless stuff that the girls loved. On the way back to the Chateau y/n fell asleep with her head on JJ's shoulder, no one thought anything of it, they were best friends, but Pope couldn't help that tinge of jealousy that he could feel in his stomach.

The pouges all hung out at JB's the rest of the day, and even when night came. "You cheated!" Y/n screeched. "I did nothing if the sort" JJ retorted. "Yes you did you little cheater! There is no way you won fairly!" The others were trying to hold in their laughter from their childish behavior. "How could I cheat? It's War." He exclaimed. That's when the idea popped into her head. "Oh I don't know..." She finished with tackling him.

The two wrestle on the floor of the living room for a bit with the others placing a few bets until the she finally found what she was looking for. She yanks the few cards from JJ's sleeve showing it in view for everyone to see. "I told you he cheated" She says with a triumphant smirk on her lips. "Yeah yeah." JJ says while getting up, chuckling a bit.

"I'm gonna get some more beer and popcorn, anyone want some?" He asks. "I'll come with." JB answers, leaving Pope, Kiara, and y/n to find a movie to watch.

The two walk to the kitchen and just when JJ is about to open the fridge John B asks, "So when are you gonna ask y/n out?" JJ turns around with confusion laced into his face. "Dude, I don't like her like that."

"JJ, don't lie, we all see it." He says while opening a can of beer.

"I don't though, don't get me wrong, y/n is great, but I like Kiara, not her." John B can see that his friend isn't lying and his face drops. "Dude, you do know that she likes you, right? Maybe even loves you"

Love

That's the one word JJ didn't want to hear.

With one long sigh he says, "Yeah, I do, I just... don't like her like that." He says feeling a little guilty. "Well than you need to stop leading her on, cause it would really suck if she confessed her feelings and you rejected her." John B Pat's his shoulder and pushes off the counter to exit the kitchen, but before leaving he turns around with some pity in his eyes. "You're lucky, man. You have an amazing girl who wants to be with you, you may never get a chance to be with her again."

But that's the thing, he knew he was lucky, he just didn't want to be with her.

When JJ came out of the kitchen he saw y/n and Pope on the floor arguing about what movie to watch and Kie and JB watching. The two finally came to the conclusion of Star Wars episode lll : Revenge of the Sith which was nothing new, they always watched some Star wars movie together. The third one the most due to the fact they both loved prequel memes and would take a swig of beer whenever they heard a meme was said, usually leaving the two a bit tipsy by the end of the movie. Everyone each found a spot. John B in the chair, Kie on the floor, Pope on the end of the couch and JJ and y/n squished together on the other side of the couch.

JJ tried to watch the movie but he couldn't stop thinking about the girl sitting next to him. Would she try to confess her feelings? How would he let her down? Would they still be friends? Finally the thoughts became too much.

"Hey, y/n?" The girl looked up at him, eyes shinning with confusion and annoyance from interrupting the movie. "Yeah?" She said with a mouthful of popcorn. "You wanna go outside?"

"Sure." She said popping up, brushing popcorn off of her. The two didn't notice a pair of eyes watching them walk out the door with disappointment and confusion.

When the pair sits on the edge of the dock, it's just silence for a few minutes. The girl takes the time to admire the boy next to her. His soft blond hair was tousled pointing every which way, his ocean blue eyes looking towards the water, the light of the moon making them pop compared to his tan skin. They sat there for a bit, it was a perfect night, not too hot, not too cold, the moon provided light but not so much light that you couldn't see the stars, and the water was so still it was as if you could walk on it. It was perfect.

The girl was trying to build up the courage to finally tell him, her best friend, that she was in love with him. That she wanted to kiss him whenever she wanted, that she wanted him to hold her when they were together, that she wanted to say 'I love you'. It seemed like the right time. So why can't I just say it? Cause he likes Kiara. Maybe you're wrong?

"JJ-" She starts.

She could see the confusion in his face, the rise and fall of his chest from the deep breath he takes. "I like you, like more than a friend." The statement took him aback.

She took a deep breath "I've liked you for a while now and I'm sick of pretending that I just want to be your friend. I'm sick of seeing you with other girls and having to listen to you talk about them, JJ. And then I have to hear you talk about Kie and I hate it because I love you and maybe you don't feel that way, but I had to tell you." JJ just stared at her with disbelief and pity. Looking down at her shaking hands she took a a deep breath waiting for what he'd say. A few minutes of silence past before he spoke up.

"Y/n, you know it's never gonna happen, right?" This causes the girl to look at JJ in disbelief and heartbreak. "It's just... I don't know, i- I don't love you like that, I'm into someone else and..." He trails off when he sees tears fill the eyes of his best friend.

"And what?" She asks in a whisper, not trusting her voice with fear of it cracking and making a bigger fool out of herself. "I don't want you to think something is going on between us, I want you to find someone who can return you your feelings."

It felt like someone took her heart and stabbed it with a bunch of needles. She felt the hot tears stream down her face, dripping onto her clothes, making everything around her blurry. The boy just sat there as his best friend silently cried because of him. After what felt like hours y/n found the courage to clear her throat. "Listen, you sitting here is making things awkward so how about you head inside?" She suggests. "What about you?"

"I'll head back in, just need a minute." That was a good enough answer for JJ, he tried offering the broken girl a small smile, but her eyes were still facing towards the water. Walking back he stopped taking another look at her. Her back was to him, but he saw her run both her hands through her hair something he noticed when she tried to calm herself, he could see her shaking trying not to make a sound as she cried and trying to muster deep breaths. It filled him with guilt. He walked back into the Chateau, taking a seat next to Kie. "Where's y/n?" Pope asks. "On the dock." He answers without taking his eyes off the screen.

"Is she alright?"

"She just needs to be by herself for a bit."

And she did. She sat there just staring into nothing. Wondering why she had to get her heart broken. I shouldn't have said anything. She played the scene over and over again in her head. He didn't love her. How could she be so stupid? Her stupid crush was so noticable that it ruined her friendship with JJ.

JJ

She couldn't go back in there and look at him, couldn't face him after what just happened. And even without JJ, the pouges would ask why her eyes were red and she would just start crying and embarrass herself all over again. No. She couldn't go back in there. So y/n got up and walked towards her house, tears pouring down her face.

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It had been 30 minutes and Pope was getting anxious, and decided to go outside and see if y/n was still there.

"Pope, where you going?" John b asked as he got up. "Check on y/n." And he walked out the door. When he got to the dock and didn't see her there, a slight panic arose from the boy, instantly he checked if there was any sign of her falling in and possibly drowning, while looking he started dialing the girl's number. After a few seconds of waiting she finally picked up.

"Hey, Pope, what's up?" She answered trying to sound normal, but Pope could tell something was wrong. "Where are you? Are you okay?" He questioned.

"I'm fine, I just wasn't feeling well." She answers trying to hold back a sob. She wasn't okay, it felt like her soul wasn't entirely in her body and any ounce of happiness dried up. "You don't sound okay." He mumbled into the phone. "Pope, I'm fine I-" She took a shaky breath trying not to cry. "I wasn't feeling well." Voice cracking on the last part. "I'm coming over." The boy declared, hanging up before she could protest.

The girl sat on her bed just staring into nothing. Did that really happen? Did the boy I've been in love with since the day we met just say he would never be with me? Yeah she knew he had a thing for Kiara, but she still had the slightest amount of hope that he had some feelings for her. Would this ruin the two's friendship? No. She wouldn't let that happen. A knock on the door broke the heartbroken girl from her thoughts, she knew it was Pope, the two had a special knock that they made up as kids. She muttered a "Come in" not looking at the door. She heard him enter and shut the door, not looking at him until the bed dipped down a bit. The two held eye contact for what felt like forever before he finally asked "Did JJ s-" As soon as his name was said y/n broke down crying -just hearing his name hurt more than being stabbed in the chest- and Pope engulfed his best friend in a hug.

The two sat there, Pope holding her as if she would disappear if he let go for what felt like hours but was only meer minutes. "What happened?" He asked after a while. She told him, everything she and JJ said, every emotion that consumed her in that moment. It took longer cause she would have to compose yourself and try to finish the story and when she was finished Pope was filled with so much anger. He was angry that JJ broke her heart, that he was too blind to see how lucky he was, how she was hurt, but he didn't show it. Instead, he just held her until she fell asleep. He set y/n under the covers, kissed her forehead and left.

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Y/n didn't talk to any of the pouges for 5 days, (except for Pope) It's not that she was angry with them -not even JJ- she just needed to heal and JJ understood that. John B and Kiara were confused why she wasn't answering their calls or texts, JJ wasn't confused, he felt guilty. He didn't want their friendship to end, he still cared about her. But he was confused to why Pope was ignoring him and giving dirty looks. Pope would come over every day to try to get her out of bed and failing to. He would say how John b and Kiara missed her, but she still couldn't face JJ.

Eventually she couldn't stand it anymore and found herself on the porch of the Chateau, helping herself to entering the house. When she opened the door Kie and JB tackled her with bear hugs asking if she were okay and why she went dark for days, answered the questions to the best of her abilities without saying what happened exactly.

The sight of her surprised JJ. Dark circles were under her eyes, she was paler, lips fuller than usual, and she seemed a bit thinner. She looked at JJ, catching him staring, and offered a small smile that he mirrored.

JJ scooted over to make room for y/n on the couch, it was second nature since she always sat next to him, but instead of taking her usual spot next to him, she sat next to Pope on the floor which didn't go unnoticed by the others, JJ especially. After a while of joking around and lighting up the mood after days of sulking from y/n (and JJ a bit) everyone decided to go out on the Pouge and once again she took a seat next to Pope instead of JJ causing something in the boy to stir. No. You're just in an awkward situation.

Eventually they all found a spot and jumped in the water, goofing around. Water fights and rounds of chicken (you also finding a new partner, guess who)

Later while everyone was seeing who could do a handstand the longest JJ realized that y/n wasn't in the water, soon finding that she was sitting on the edge of the Pouge watching everyone. He swam over, climbing over the edge and taking a seat next to his best friend, the girl who he rejected.

"Hey."

"Hi."

"How goes it?"

"Peachy."

He took a deep breath "It's not gonna be like this forever... is it?" He asked, causing her to look at him and seeing his face made her soften a bit. "Oh, J, it's obviously gonna be weird right now, I'm still not over it completely, I know you feel weird from the situation. Just give it time, things will go back to normal eventually." There it was. One of the many qualities he loved about her. Being able to state the obvious in a loving manner, it always worked at reassuring him. "Okay." He whispered. "I know where we can start." He said with a smirk, suddenly he was up with her in his arms jumping off the boat the two screaming.

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Y/n was right, slowly things went back to normal, well as normal they could get. She still sat next to Pope everywhere the group went, but she and JJ were back to goofing around, not as much, but they still had late night talks, surfing together, but y/n was busier. She now helped Pope deliver groceries, studied together, went to the beach and JJ would be lying if he said it didn't bother him.

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He noticed his feelings when the jealously started. When his mind would race when Pope made her laugh, when the two drove home together, and when he heard someone say that they would be cute together and he almost lost his shit, he realized he no longer liked Kiara, but had developed feelings for y/n. And they only grew from there.

He started to notice how her beautiful y/e/c eyes lit up when she was excited and how they shone in the fire light. He started to notice how the sun made her y/h/l y/h/c hair shine and how she hated how the salt water made it feel. He noticed how she made faces when she was frustrated and confused, how she had an amazing laugh even if she said it was ugly, how she would jump around and act like she was talking to someone else while telling a story for emphasis, how she cared for everyone and everything. He noticed that he was now totally in love with her.

But he saw her love grow for someone else. And he saw that same boy was in love with her too.

_____________________________________________

It killed JJ to see her be slowly pulled away from him and fall in love with the Heyward boy. It was possible he had a chance, but that was thrown out the window when he saw her and Pope kiss.

Y/n and Pope were leaving but she had forgotten her phone and when he stepped out onto the porch he was greeted by the sight of the two sharing a kiss by the car. He didn't give her the phone and she had to go inside to get it, not noticing JJ staring at her with hurt in his eyes.

He had thought maybe it was them just kissing for the heck of it at first. They wouldn't actually date. Right? But later that week she and Pope had confessed to the pouges about what was going on between the two of them. It was like JJ got punched in the gut. Kie squealed with delight and gave them a big hug saying how she shipped them from the beginning, John b congratulated the two. All heads turned to JJ. What could he say? I love you now? "Uhh... That's great guys, you deserve each other." He didn't mean for it to sound so bitter, but he couldn't help it. She gave him a questioning look, but didn't say anything.

The rest of the day JJ had to deal with the two love birds actually acting like a couple. With the constant touching and kissing, making Kie "aww" and John b fake gag. JJ was gonna gag for real.

That night he drank more than he's had at any kegger. He lost track of how many beer bottles he emptied and a bottle of vodka and not to mention smoking three blunts. He obviously threw up more than he ever had and spent the night in the bathroom, disheveled, drunk, in pain mentally and physically, and face tearstained.

At first JJ thought that Pope wasn't the right guy and Y/n was just doing this to make JJ mad, but he soon came to realize he was wrong. He saw how her smile was brighter when Pope was around, how he loosened up when she was with him, how they both held each other with so much love. And when he thought that the two already had shown how much they loved each other already, Pope, the guy who never got into fights, got into a fight just to protect his girlfriend when some touron got way too touchy at a kegger. She walked him home and patched him up and later that night JJ found her and Pope sleeping on the pullout bed at the Chateau, her head on his rising and falling chest. His mind went back to the night before.

JJ was outside smoking a blunt on the dock. Y/n sat next to him not saying a word, just taking in the moment, enjoying how the water looked at night. "Been a while since we've done this." He said without taking his eyes away from ahead of him. It was true, she had been spending a lot of time with Pope and barely any with JJ alone like she used to. "Yeah, I'm sorry." She said fumbling with her fingers. "You don't need to be, I get it. How's it going by the way?"

"Good, it's the happiest I've been in a while." He tried to ignore the pain in his chest. She let out a breathy laugh. "Remember the last time we sat over here?"

"Don't remind me of that." He says chuckling, making you laugh a bit more. "I think I'm the one who should be saying that."

"Probably"

There was a long pause.

"I actually came over to talk to you about that actually." He looked over now, curiosity written all over his face. "I wanted to thank you" The girl started. "For what?" 'I've done nothing' he thought. "For getting me to move on. As much as I hated what happened, I think it's good you rejected me, y'know? If it weren't for you I would still be crushing on my best friend who I have no chance with." Hearing those words crushed him more than she knew. "I'm just glad nothing changed between us." He said. 'but something did change' "I'm sorry I haven't been spending as much time with you, don't worry I'm gonna stop blowing you off. You are my best friend after all" Friend. The word stung. The girl engulfed him in a hug, something she hasn't done since that night. He relishes in the moment, taking in everything cause he knows he'll never get anything more than this. She pulls away, gives him a quick kiss on the cheek and gets up and walks away. Leaving a blushing JJ with tears in his eyes.

He takes one last look at the girl's sleeping figure. He now knows that the two were meant for each other. Pope was Y/n's boyfriend, her love and JJ was her best friend, no more, no less. And it killed him, but it shouldn't have. This is what he wanted right?

He said that they would never be together. He said that she should move on. He said that he didn't love her that way. He had no one to blame but himself. He lost his chance and couldn't get her back. So he sat back and watched the person he loved most love someone else.

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// Yeah I know, crappy ending but I'm a sucker for sad fics and also I put this under JJ Maybank cause it focuses on him and the reader more so than Pope and the reader\\

heya!! can i get an hq matchup? for starters my pronouns are she/her, i am bisexual, my personality type is INFJ. Im a ambivert, i do come off as outgoing however I do get easily drained from social outings and prefer to stay at home JDJDK but if I'm feeling down for a party then hey it is what it is. I am very organized, I hate messiness, I like keeping my area clean, I like my room to smell good, I like it to incorporate my cutesy side like Cinnamoroll, Sailor Moon, Rilakkuma, etc. I am very kind to others, I try my best to make everybody smile and if a friend needs help im always there doing my best. My cons are, I can be impatient, if something isn't coming out as to what I want it to be, or if I keep facing crossroads I cope with it very negatively, i tend to get frustrated easily. Another con of mine is, i lose interest very quickly in others, if you do one thing wrong i automatically don't like you 🥱😂 i guess i have "high" standards. For looks, i could care less, as long as you take care of yourself, and you have a very interesting personality. I tend to look for humorous individuals who have confidence, but aren't egotistical. Things I need in a partner is honesty, commitment, thoughtfulness and someone who I can rely on, also humor. My turnoffs are definitely liars, bad hygiene, snobby people, and ungrateful people. I also forgot to mention, I like ambitious individuals who are intelligent, intelligence is *chefs kiss* and someone who has wisdom, someone whose mature but then they can act goofy. My Hogwarts house is Ravenclaw. My hobbies are singing and performing, cooking, spending time with my pets, going shopping with friends, collecting cute merchandise, daydreaming,, and for music I like, I LOVE R&B and pop xP. THANK YOU SM!!!!!

Hello! You are so very welcome, and thank you so much for requesting!! Sorry it took so long, but I hope you enjoy it!!

For you, I feel like Kiyoko Shimizu would make a lovely match!

From the beginning, Kiyoko was never opposed to being your friend. She was always kind to you, and really appreciated your kindness to not only her, but everyone around you. To those close to her, it wasn’t much of a surprise that the two of you started dating, although she had to get a lot of reassurance that you weren’t straight before she was able to accept her crush on you. It was almost like slow burn, plus it was obvious to some close people that the feelings were mutual. No matter how obvious it was though, Tanaka and Nishinoya did take a while to adapt to it. I personally see Kiyoko as an ambivert as well, so your two personalities go together nicely. She’s also amazing at coming up with date ideas/spots for however your feeling. Want to get out, but not sure you can handle a lot of people? Covered. Think you can handle a crowd? Covered. Want to stay home? Did and done. Honestly, just tell her what you’re up for and she’ll come up with something. Like you, she isn’t big on messes either. Her house and room are always neat and organized, and she honestly really appreciates that yours is too. Despite having dealt with teenage boys, their messes (and how bad they end up smelling) sometimes can get a bit much for her, so you’re like a breath of fresh air. Literally- you smell so much better than the boys and the gym, so she could never get sick of how nice you smell. She also tries her best to always smell nice, so there’s no worries for you either! Your cuteness compliments her seriousness to no end. Seriously, even the boys point it out constantly. If they were to ever catch you two out, you probably wearing something cute and girly and Kiyoko wearing more womanly clothes, they’ll probably tease you and compliment you two. Tanaka and Noya may have a fit though- by then, they may understand why the two of you are together, if only because you guys compliment each other inside and out. The biggest difference between you and her are your levels of patience. She’s used to waiting, staying long after school, and watching the boys have to slowly learn moves as some fuss about not being able to get it. Kiyoko figures that you could maybe end up learning patience alongside her, but she also understands when you grow impatient and/or frustrated. In those moments, she’ll let you take a break from whatever it is, and maybe even try her hand at it while you’re gone. Once you’ve calmed down, Kiyoko will do her best to talk you through whatever it is, and give you her best advice. Once the boys figure that you easily grow bored of people (or… one boy figures, and has to point it out to the rest) they don’t really worry, and you shouldn’t have to either. While not an insanely out-there or humorous individual, Kiyoko certainly has a personality and sense of humor of her own. Plus, according to any person who knows her, Kiyoko is perfect- if you need convincing of it, all you’d have to do is mention it to someone working in or alongside the Volleyball Club. Kiyoko works hard and has high standards for herself, she always hopes to never disappoint anyone, and you’re now one of her top people she hopes to never let down. Kiyoko is the queen of looking fabulous and being grouped into “she must be confident.” While she doesn’t dislike herself, she’s certainly not egotistical, and isn’t very confident all the time either. She doesn’t have issues with wearing what she likes and confronting others, it’s mainly the issue of having all eyes on herself. Despite having many people interested in her because of that, she wouldn’t dare dream of leaving you. Once establishing the relationship, she believes that both of you should be honest and willing to help and rely on the other whenever they can. As I said, Kiyoko is a firm believer in honesty in a relationship- but that also applies to everyday life. While the way she gives her honest opinion can vary from blunt to slightly sugarcoated, she only wants to give the truth. Lying honestly makes her feel bad, and she’ll think about it until she admits whatever it was. To reiterate another thing, her beautiful outside doesn’t just come naturally. Sure, some of it is, but she also takes very good care of herself. Kiyoko will tell you day in and day out that she’s thankful for you. Even in good-night texts, she adds that she’s thankful for however you’ve helped her today. On top of that, while not overly determined or psyched, she is ambitious and has a lot of her future planned out. She’s willing to work for that future of course, and doesn’t expect to do anything less than push to achieve those goals. Parts of achieving those goals do play into her grades, so she does work hard to keep them up. While she’s mostly mature in public, and a lot of the time in private, Kiyoko does have a softer, less serious side. She also has a good sense of humor, and you should expect her to crack jokes with a slight smile before glancing at you expectantly from the corner of her eye. If you laugh, that’ll only encourage her to lighten up more. On another note, should you ever do performances or sing for her, Kiyoko will be your #1 fan! She supports you all the way, and will watch you with a loving glint in her eyes. She also enjoys your other hobbies and doing them with you. Expect her to offer you cookbooks wanting to make something to eat with you, buy your pet something to wear or play with (although animals aren’t her favorite things, she mainly enjoys the look on your face), or even show up saying that she just got payed and was wanting to go to your favorite store. Kiyoko simply admires you, and is happy as long as you are <3

Perfect. Everything was going smoothly and according to plan.

Later after the party, Christopher would pay Salvador a huge sum of money for doing his job. Well, he should admit that, at first, it seemed so difficult. The victim, himself, didn't look that intimidating, sure, but, his pets sure did. What were they again? Ah! A glowing panther and an extremely talkative blue parrot.

Who is this V person, anyway?! An exotic pet smuggler?!

Eh, it doesn't matter now! Thought Salvador as he glanced at V's house from his own car. Stealing those vintage clothing and that necklace was a,...

"Piece of cake!" The man exclaimed as he adjusted the rear view mirror. Taking a comb from the pocket of his black leather jacket, he began fixing his already slick - looking hair. Giving his own reflection the gun fingers, he sang along to the music in his car speakers, "We're talking away, I don't know what I'm to say I'll say it, anyway. Today's another day to find you shying away. I'll be coming for your love, okay? Take on me,... TAKE ON ME - !

"WHOA!"

Not a moment too soon, Salvador found himself stumbling on the ground next to two pairs of feet. Somehow, the car door ( which was locked ) was forced open and he felt strong hands dragging him out. He looked up and saw two very irate - looking strangers. The woman had her arms crossed and the man was tapping his booted foot on the ground.

"WHO ARE YOU, PEOPLE?!" Salvador screamed as he tried to scramble away from the two strangers. However, his escape was unsuccessful when the man grabbed his jacket and yanked him off the ground. "H - HAVE MERCY ON ME, PLEASE!"

"Is this the one, Nico?" The man asked the woman, who just lit up a cigarette and began smoking.

Pointing two fingers at Salvador, the woman called Nico spoke. "That's the one. Or, unless I'm wrong and he's not the one spying on V here for almost a week!"

"Y - Y - YOU GOT THE WRONG PERSON!" Salvador pleaded, already feeling his sweat run cold and his bones weaken. He tried to pry himself loose from the man's grip but, he was just too strong! "I - I - I DON'T KNOW W - WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!"

All of a sudden, they heard an awful noise coming from the car, and a few moments later, that same talkative blue bird came into view.

"HE'S GOT IT!" The noisy bird squawked as it pointed at something with its wing. They all turned towards the direction it's pointing at and noticed that same glowing panther, the pieces of the ripped vintage clothing in its mouth, standing just next to the car.

Which means,...

The awful noise that Salvador heard earlier was the sound of his car trunk breaking!

"YOU,... FUCKING ZOO MASCOTS!" Salvador howled in anger.

It happened in a matter of seconds. Poor Salvador was about to fight back when he felt his body go numb all of a sudden. It's as if an incredible jolt of electricity ran through his system to the numerous ends of his nerves at the speed of light, making him fall to the ground, helpless and unmoving.

As a matter of fact, he really felt he should've been dead with that unprecedented attack but, miraculously, he's not.

"I can't find the necklace anywhere!" He heard another woman say. Where did that come from?!

"Let's check again!" Answered the other female, the one who smoked.

It's,... no use,... Salvador thought, his face still lying flat on the ground where he fell. B - boss,... has the w - wretched thing!

"It's not,... fucking here!" The aggravated male swore a few moments later after all that ruckus in the car.

"We should let him know." The woman who smoked said. "He's the one who originally owns it."

"I agree with you on that, Nico."

He? Salvador thought helplessly. Who the heck - ?! What now?!

*

Fly me to the moon,

Let me play among the stars.

Let me see what spring is like on

A - Jupiter and Mars.

In other words, hold my hand.

In other words, baby, kiss me.

Fill my heart with song and let me sing for ever more.

You are all I long for,

All I worship and adore.

In other words, please be true.

In other words, I love you.

The voice of the Frank Sinatra wannabe on the stage soared high above the romantic place as the couples, all dressed in their best vintage, danced to the hypnotic, timeless tune.

And as you danced the dreamy Foxtrot with your tall, green - eyed partner, your mind couldn't help but go over, and over again through the events that led right to this moment.

"Oh, for I can't help falling in love with you,..." V's low and gentle voice mesmerized you. There simply was this special something in his voice. Something very warm and familiar. You've noticed it the first time during Avery's wedding where you've met him but, you didn't pay it too much attention. At least, not too much. However, during that night when he visited you and read to you that lovely story about Cupid and his beloved muse, you could no longer deny that fact. You can't actually pinpoint what it was but, it certainly lured you in closer to him.

Yes, there's no use denying that now.

You feel something for V, that you're definitely sure of.

You just kept wondering, is he really the one? Were your feelings even mutual? And what if the same thing happens to you? That thing that Christopher did to you?

Many doubtful things about V plagued your mind since that night but, now that he's here, right before you, you're very sure. Very sure, indeed.

You almost did not hear his shy, and yet bashful voice above the overwhelming applause and cheers he received from the other guests as he spoke to you after his heartwarming ( and cheesy ) song. His warm smile, pleading eyes, and gentle touch as he took your hand and planted a kiss on it made you feel like you were the most enchanting woman in the whole wide world.

The one and only enchantingly beautiful woman in V's whole world,...

"Pardon my delay." He told you, the guests still cheering wildly for the both of you. "I was,... catching up on some - "

You cut him off, placing a single finger over those supple lips of his. With wide green eyes, he saw you lean closer to him. And with a wildly racing heart, he heard you whisper sweetly to his ear, "I know. It's alright." Then, giving him an equally warm, and sweet, smile that flung his heart beat off its normal rhythm, you added, "You came. That's all that matters."

"Well, well! If it isn't Mr. Domestic guy!" An obnoxious voice boomed all of a sudden, destroying the sweet and tender mood and killing your moment with V. "How rude of you to keep your lady waiting!"

That,... mother - !

Earning disgusted looks from the people standing closest to you ( especially Trish and Lady ), Christopher went on with his self - primping. And bullying. "And what,... old clothes you wear!"

There, he said it. He emphasized the words, old clothes.

He knew what's going on! You thought as you threw the man a scornful, disgusted look.

Showing your,... true colors! V thought at the same time as he held you closer to him and shielded you from the overbearing guy. I see,...

I will make you pay,... Christopher thought as he gave V a very awful and challenging look. You two,... will pay!

"The better," You answered, your brave voice soaring high above the noise of Fleminger's ball room. " ... to spend this beautiful vintage evening with."

"So, we're talking about spending nights with someone else now, huh?" Christopher, like the rude man that he was, bit the bait, a very visible tint of red coloring his face. You knew that look. He was getting really riled up. "Let's see,... hmm,... how about," He uttered in a sickly sing - song voice as he pointed an accusing finger at both you and V. This made you stand instinctively in front of V, reversing your positions from before, and protecting the poor poet from your evil ex. And this made Christopher even angrier. " ... a challenge, perhaps? Whoever grabs the title of King and Queen this year,... wins! How about that?"

"We have no intention of - " V began but, you cut him off once more. You,... just couldn't stand Christopher's bullying anymore.

This has to stop! Here and now! And you will not stand by idle, and do nothing! You will fight this! And win the war! No matter what it takes!

"How do we do that?" You questioned, feeling your blood boil for the evil doctor. 

"Eh, it's obvious, isn't it?" Christopher gestured with his thumb, pointing at the middle of the room where Dante began doing his Michael Jackson routine once more. "We go by Fleminger's rules. We rule the dancefloor. If you win, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone. If not,... well! We'll see! How's that, Little Miss Domestic?"

Leaving V for a while, you stepped closer towards Christopher and looked at him straight in the eye, dead set on bringing the evil man down.

"You're on," You answered, and with a hint of sass in your voice from being bullied, as well, you added, "Mr. Narcist."

"Now, I wonder who the Damsel In Distress really is here." A male voice interrupted. Turning your eyes to the source of this new voice, you found the robust ( and bald ) host of the party. Smiling at you and bowing theatrically, he spoke. "Pardon my,... intrusion. As you may have already known, I'm called Flanagan Allen Fleminger. But, you can simply call me,... Fleminger."

"Sir Fleminger!" Christopher greeted in an overly exaggerated way. "How wonderful it is to finally meet you. I' am - "

"Did I hear a challenge just now?" Fleminger asked with a very curious smile. "Because I do love challenges!"

You and V gave each other a worried glance, both pondering whether you should take this Fleminger man's intervention as an opportunity or as a warning. The man looked suspicious enough! Really suspicious,...

"Well! My spacious ball room is more than ready,... and equipped,... for any,... chivalrous challenges,... in the name of love. And honor! If I may add." Fleminger exclaimed as he excitedly clasped his hands and glided towards V. How does anyone simply glide like that? "I hope you find it,... challenging enough for your taste,... My Lord." He said and walked away with that mischievous smile on his face.

Fill my heart with song and let me sing for ever more.

You are all I long for,

All I worship and adore.

In other words, please be true.

In other words, I love you.

The music wound to a close, and as you and V took your bow, you heard the audience's excited cheers as they called for Christopher and Lady's name above all other couples who were dancing along with you. It's very difficult to deny it but, that Lancaster guy do have a way with ballroom dances.

And he clearly looked like he's winning the game,...

You felt V's grip on your hands tighten as you noticed him looking with such distress at the horrible enemy. You couldn't really blame him. Three dances in and people just couldn't help but be entranced by Christopher and Lady's moves. It's as if their perfectly choreographed moves has the ability to put anyone under a spell, and that alone spells trouble for both you and V.

What would happen to the two of you if Lancaster wins this?! What would happen if he and Lady becomes King and Queen of The Night? He probably would never stop bullying you and V for the rest of your life!

"Heads up!" You heard Trish tell you with a pat on your arm, making you turn your attention to her and her dance partner, Dante.

"Hey! Rockin' the dance floor?" The Devil Hunter greeted you with an overly confident smile that said I'll nab the title of King! all over despite Christopher's undeniable popularity. And this made Trish roll her eyes.

"Popularity polls don't matter!" Trish went on. With a sly glance at Fleminger, who was watching the dances at one of the upper boxes, she added, "It's him who decides the winner." And with a reassuring smile on her face, she said, "You're doing just fine."

"Yeah, right. Thanks" You answered as you watched the woman regally walk away with Dante. How could any woman stay perfectly poised and fresh after rounds of Waltz, Quick Step, and Foxtrot?!

"(Y/N)," All of a sudden, you heard your partner speak, his low voice slightly making you worry. " ... I should not have dragged the both of us in this hopeless situation. Forgive me,... "

What? "Hey, it's not your fault! I was the one who accepted that man's challenge." You reminded him as the rest of the couples took their five - minute break before the next dance. "It's not your fault, V."

"But, I was the one who invited you here,... " And it was the truth. V wanted you to have a memorable and fun night with him. He planned this event through and through in his head and he honestly thought that everything would go smoothly and perfectly. In his eagerness to fulfill your last wish, he was not able to predict one tiny setback.

And that setback happened to be the biggest, most annoying throat choke that ever lived on the planet. One that just wouldn’t go down in defeat even with more than eight glasses of water and a few cat scratches on the neck. Or, in V’s case, one that refused to stay in the Underworld after being kicked there.

Why didn't he just stay in Hell for good?! That damned Christopher Lancaster?!

"Oh, my!"

V's eyes widened and his protective instincts kicked in as he saw Lady just bump into you. On the other hand, you didn't even notice it when the woman who looked like Audrey Hepburn suddenly, and out of the blue, appeared just like that, and you totally blamed it on your lack of focus.

"Oh, how silly of me!" Lady apologized with a smile as she helped you on your feet.

"It's alright. I wasn't paying attention. I - "

V's eyebrows knitted in confusion as he saw Lady whisper something to you as soon as you got up. He was even tempted to barge in but, when she left a few moments later, he noticed that there was something in her different - colored eyes. A knowing glint,... that apparently only you and her understand.

"My dear, are you alright?" V began asking when he noticed your facial expression changing to a more,... challenging look?

"Yes, I'm,... super!" You answered as you thoughtfully drummed your chin with your fingers. Looking up at him, you touched his arm and said, "I'm just gonna,... fix something."

"P - pardon? Is everything alright?"

"I'll be right back, I promise."

V helplessly watched you as you made your way towards the powder room, and it was definitely not helping with the situation, at all! With Nico, Nero, and his familiars all gone on an errand, he felt his focus vanishing and slipping off his fingers! And being left alone on that unfamiliar dance floor made him feel like he was standing, in the middle of the vast ocean, with about a hundred, hungry sharks swimming about, on a thin sheet of ice that was threatening to break beneath his cold feet!

And he never felt that tensed in his miserable life!

V's eagle sight noticed the musicians as they went back to their pedestal for another round of dance music, and he became all the more nervous for what will occur!

But, he must remain calm! And focused! And -

***

🌸 Okay, this one literally took almost an hour to upload. But, all of a sudden, I developed a strong urge to put V and his beloved into this cheesy 80's music video. It's now 5am, and I'm still singing TAKE ON ME! Oh, rip! Oh, rip, indeed! 😅😅😅 🌸

🌸 @la-vita , @dreaming-gamer , @birdgirl69 , @v-vic , and @hanniskywalker . 🌸

***

"Told you I'll be right back." V heard your sweet and playful voice once more, and when he turned around with vast relief to see you, he was more than shocked!

Your skirt,...

Your beautiful and elegant white skirt,...

YOU RIPPED YOUR SKIRT!

But,... WHY?!

"(Y/N), dear, I don't think that's - !" V stuttered in distress, wanting to blurt out the word inappropriate as gently as he could, as his sight wandered over your bare legs. But, he just could not find any word to replace it. What’s more, he was even beginning to notice the audience taking notice of your sudden change!

"Trust me, V." You reassured him as you smiled confidently at him. Yes, you don't quite trust Lady. But, her words earlier,...

There was no way in hell that she would lie to you! No fricking way!

You looked up at the upper boxes and noticed Fleminger excitedly leaning in closer to his seat the moment the musicians picked up their instruments. A tall guy, followed by two ladies ( probably back up singers ), stepped on the musician's platform and grabbed their own microphones.

Then, the music started.

Oh, Lady was definitely right!

You spread your arms confidently wide in a seemingly familiar pose, waiting for V to take the lead.

A few moments later, V realized,...

The next dance was,... !

***

🌸 Three Wishes 🌸

***

XIII

***

🌸🌸🌸

***

Falling Out Of Love With You

Summary: you're always falling in love with what's not meant to be

Minghao x reader

Angst

Word count: 1,687

Inspired by this song

You should've seen it coming, but it was too late. You noticed it in the way he held your hand less, spoke to you less, and said "I love you" less. You lie awake in bed listening to his soft breathing, taking it in, in solace. You turn onto your side and see his soft silhouette with what little light the moon offers through the curtains. You want to reach over and place your hand on top of his, but knowingly don't, otherwise you'd just start sobbing again. It hurts, it hurts so terribly bad to be so physically close to a person you love, when they're actually out of reach. It's hard to rack your mind that the love isn't there anymore. The same man who ran in the pouring rain to your house just to tell you he thinks you're the one, is the same man who said abruptly during dinner you made, his favorite meal nonetheless, tell you he doesn't love you anymore. The scenes earlier today keep replaying in your mind like some sort of ongoing nightmare that you won't wake up out of. It jabs at your heart each time, slowly killing you.

"Do you struggle how I struggle Minghao? Do you have any idea how badly I just want to close my eyes and never wake up? You're not fucking brokenhearted like me. You're not the one being left behind." You're all huddled up on the couch, with tear stained cheeks and ruffled hair, all messed up because you ran your hands through them too much out of distress.

"You have no right to say I'm not hurting. You don't think I'm struggling either? I'm leaving the person who understands me most in pieces. Pieces I made because of me. When you hurt, I hurt." You almost laugh in response.

"Cut the bullshit and just say you met someone else. Do it for my sake and lie to me. It's easier that way."

"There's not anyone else. It's only because of me feeling this way. Because-"

"Because I'm not enough anymore."

He doesn't say much after that.

"I'm out for a walk. I think you and I need to be...apart for a little bit. I'll come back soon." He picks up the jacket you bought him from your two year anniversary, getting ready to brace the cold. You can tell he's picking his words carefully. If he were to not say he would come back, it would leave you thinking he's walking out for good. Maybe he will come back. Maybe things can be patched up.

Not much has changed in the few hours Minghao left your shared home. You stopped crying, but only because you forced yourself to. You tried so hard to get your mind off him, to get used to not thinking about him anymore. You tried listening to music and pacing around the living room, honing in on the music, but every good song in your playlist was a recommendation from Minghao. At this point, any song reminds you of him. You stopped listening to music. You tried sleeping on the couch, not being able to bear to smell his scent on his side of the bed to sleep there. You were restless, needless to say. When you tried thinking of your happiest moments, they all lead to Minghao. You couldn't get him out of your head or heart. You settle on watching your favorite Pixar films, even though it stings your eyes to stare at the tv. Not long after Nemo is found again by his father is when you hear the jangle of keys at the front door. You train your eyes on the TV. You were doing so well, you didn't want to break down again by looking at the beautiful face you adore so much.

"I'm home." He says, while taking off his shoes. He notices the nod of your head signaling that you acknowledge him.

"Finding Nemo has always been your favorite." He says while settling down onto the couch. You notice the distance he keeps between you two, and you hate it. Usually he would sit down leaving no space between you two while resting his arm along your shoulders, then lean his head on top of yours. He's seated on the opposite end instead, leaving a space so large you could fill it with the pain inside of you.

The end credits roll and Minghao gets off the couch.

"I'll go shower first, I promise not to use up all the hot water this time." He says, halfheartedly.

"Wait." You grab a hold of his hand. You're shocked by your own actions, all words racing and common sense through your mind minutes ago gone. You don't even know what to say to him. What on earth could you say to him? Your poor heart goes desperate and takes over whatever rationality you have left.

"Yes?" He murmured. Your mind goes numb at his response but your mouth forms the words on its own accord.

"Is there anything I could do to change your mind?" A long pause passes as he grazes his thumb over your knuckles.

"I don't know."

"Give us a chance, let's try again and-"

"My love.." there he goes again, tugging at your heartstrings like you're a puppet under his control.

"I can change for you. I'll do anything for yo-"

"I know, I know you would. But there's nothing about you that needs changing. It's just that...I don't know if there's anything you can do to make me be in love with you again." Those beautiful honey brown eyes you fell so hard for was wet from tears. It's strange to see him cry, to hear his voice break this time. For the longest time you thought he didn't care about you. He does, just not in the way you want him to. You let his hand go, but you could've sworn his touch was lingering. He wipes at his eyes with the sleeve of his sweater and makes his way to the bathroom. Is he crying in there like you have? Did he think of you while he was away? Did it hurt to think about everything you've gone through? You'll never know.

You stay on the couch a little while longer, watching one more movie. Then you watched another, and another. Your eyes burn once more and it's way past your usual bedtime, but you want to make absolute sure that Minghao goes to bed before you do. Seeing you get into the same bed as him would just make things more awkward than it has to be. Nearing two in the morning, you call it a night. You go to the bathroom to wash your face and brush your teeth. You catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, frozen. You look at your puffy red eyes and streak marks from the tears on your face. Heartbreak never looks good on anyone. You dab at your wet face with the cotton towel, when something silver catches your eye. It's his promise ring. You could break down right then and there, but you avert your attention elsewhere. You look at your feet the whole time as you walk to your bed, trying your damnedest to not question why he took it off, even when you know the answer already.

Exhaustion takes over you, but you have yet to fall asleep. How did this all go wrong? It felt like you were at the peak of your relationship, like the two of you together were unstoppable. Nothing could tear you apart. Was it because you were the only one that fell in love? Nothing breaks your heart more than to know all that time was in vain. It can't be true. Could it? Tears prick at your eyes. You get out of bed and run to the bathroom. If you cry in bed, it will surely wake him up. You turn on the lights and just collapse onto the floor, sobbing. The memories keep tumbling. From the first time he kissed you, the first time he said he loved you, the first time you saw him cry and the first time you've seen him at his lowest point. It keeps coming back in waves, the waves crash onto the shoreline of your eyes. You can't see any longer with how blurry it all is.

"Baby?" Minghao calls to you. You choke at the pet name.

"Yeah?" You manage to speak out. Minghao opens the door slowly, hand still on the door knob. He looks at you with the way he always does when he's concerned about you. Filled with so much care, so delicate and soft- if irises could possibly be soft. You're ashamed that it makes you feel comforted in his pity. He gets on his knees so he's at eye level with you. You took a good look at him for the first time that night, to ingrain his form forever in your mind and heart. It's the same baggy shirt and sweatpants he always wears to bed. The same tousled hair you always run your fingers through like old times. It almost feels like the same man you fell in love with before. He wraps his arms around your frail form and you don't resist. It would be a lie to say you didn't miss his touch. You melt into his arms. It even feels like the same touch Minghao used to hold you with. He holds you while you cry, crying to the point you're gasping for air. Minghao doesn't let go. His embrace feels like home, but at some point those arms won't be called home any longer. At some point you have to learn to let go.

"I still love you Minghao." You sob. He strokes your hair in response and mistakenly kisses the top of your head, giving you false hope.

"I'm so sorry." He says sorrowfully.

It's hard to be alone and understood.

"Is this the end of us?" He breathes staggeringly at your words.

"I guess so."

MONSTA X astro notes: Lee Jooheon 🐝

Ladies, gents and non-binary friends, I welcome you once again on this beautiful day to take your time and appreciate the wonderful person that is the main rapper, composer and absolute cutie of Monsta X. Let's see what kind of stars guide the path of Lee Jooheon!

Sun in Libra

Looking at all personal placements as a whole, that will be discussed further on, I can say that his Libra energy is a lot more present and action-based (as it should be), especially as it's backed up by his strong mars. In a way, neither his mars nor other planets push away or cast shadows on his sun, aka ego, personality and individuality, but embrace the sun even more, let it shine and be known.

The core self of Jooheon is represented by the cardinal air sign of Libra, and as the combination suggests, it reflects the need for fairness, equality, objectivity and justice onto the man as well. As a result, such matters of law can be rather important to him, knowingly or not. Of course, fairness or lack of it is a trigger for many people and signs, but it comes from a very personal place for Libras.

this may result in him being secretly/openly petty for certain reasons, most likely associated with justice or lack of it. if someone isn't being honest or fair with him, that's not something he'll easily forget. forgive? probably. forget? no, sir

would not tolerate lack of manners, impoliteness, unreasonable rudeness towards him or other people. such behavior is simply illogical to him when not backed up by rational motives

fashion sense? on point🛍

I bet it stings his ego every time someone tries to scare him lmao, for he is a known scaredy cat

may be somewhat quick to judge a book by it's cover, even if he's keeping it to himself. but being so observant and good at understanding people, he can't help it, he will instantly know (or not) who he's dealing with

charming💎

knows how to appeal to others, how to attract and make them fall for whatever his motives or plans are. knows how to work with people and how to work them, so to speak. this can be both good and bad, but also just a way of survival

harmony is often the main goal of libra placements, therefore a lack of it throws them off, as well as their balance. it's an eye for an eye, yin and yang, and if that isn't the reality of things... well, there's no telling what could happen. keep in mind that we're talking about an air sign, and half of the time air-influenced individuals don't really know what to expect of themselves

Speaking of air, Libra placements are known to possess certain duality to their personality, for it may be hard to grasp who they really are on a regular basis. Sure, they have their own beliefs and ideals, yet they are fantastic at adapting themselves to other people, situations and environments. Some, usually wrongly, accuse such behavior of being shallow, indecisive, fake, yet it is Libra placements that know exactly how to act and what to say in order to get what they want. They take action to achieve their goals, and they have all the charm, social skills and creativity to win over anyone's heart. After all, it's hard to resist a venusian sign like that🌹 He lives up to his nickname, Joo-honey, for he is too sweet to ignore.

i'm sure every fan knows how much duality is present in Jooheon, for he can change character in a matter of seconds and not even bat an eye. from rebel to sweetheart, from sinner to the most innocent, you name it, he can do it all and leave you stunned each and every time

Libra Moon

More Libra energy!🌙 Having this air sign in the moon, a planet of emotions, feelings, instincts and comfort, provides for quite the peaceful, patient, cooperative and socially-oriented individual.

While there is definitely a rebel living inside of Jooheon, he is able to tone that fire down at least for a moment and display great skills of diplomacy, open-mindness and communication, for it is in his nature to get closer to people, form various relationships and bonds, explore them from every corner. He has great understanding of human nature, therefore enjoys finding out as much information as possible about the people he interacts with, relate to it, filter it in order to connect to a person as much as he can. This can grow into a natural gift of negotiation, observation, wider perception of the world and a fair, level-headed mind. Libra moons are good at listening and providing objective points of view in a situation that seems too emotionally heavy or subjective.

The paradox, often founded with Libra moon individuals, is their wish to avoid conflict and keep an emotionally balanced environment and relationships with people, yet somehow, they keep attracting that same conflict, arguments and misunderstandings into their lives unintentionally. It is possible that during these instances, Libras tend to mask their feelings too much and reflect on what others want from them too often, which is, sooner or later, perceived as something fake. Libras might even lose themselves in the process of dealing with others, seeing as no one appreciates their attempts in relating to others, keeping things surface-leveled and comfortable.

Such occurences take a huge toll on their mental and emotional stability, challenging them in ways they do not appreciate. At the same time, it is oftentimes relationships with other people that hold the many life lessons that Libra moons need to learn and accept throughout life. Such instances are even harder when lunar Libras keep ignoring their own feelings and needs for other people, bending down to please or being too accepting and understanding. Sooner or later, the glass becomes full and can break any moment. When that happens, the sharp pieces of glass will cut through anything in their way, as they shatter all around the place. Just like that, Jooheon may have his moments of sudden and intense emotions that hit him like a train, piercing his heart with unpleasant memories, experiences, silenced words and unhealed wounds. And usually, others get really taken aback from such uncalled behavior from someone who seeks peace, meaning that the bad Libra qualities can show themselves, such as detachment, coldness, shallowness, verbal attacks, along with all of the truth a Libra has observed and can't wait to expose about you. This is a cardinal air sign, and as much as they are kind and considerate, they see and know things you don't want to hear. Ever.

For Jooheon, it's important to be honest with himself, his emotions, experiences and naturally, other people. In order to keep the water balanced and even in the glass, he must steady the waves and stabilize the many quakes within him before the water can become calm again.

Scorpio Mercury

In addition to his already very perceptive sun and moon, his mercury provides an incredibly intelligent mind and sharp eye for understanding others' actions, words and motives. In fact, he craves receiving as much information as possible, especially the one that is hidden, secret and full of mysteries. You can barely hide anything from him, for he sees it all, in ways that you may not even suspect.

always thinks of what things he should/should not reveal about himself, therefore you probably won't get a lot from him unless he actually wants to open up. it's a very big step for Scorpio mercury people to open up about their genuine thoughts and feelings, so by doing that they might be overcoming themselves, in a way, showing that they are willing to trust you with their soul

no wonder Jooheon's rapping style and lyrics hit you like bullets. He has a clever mind, plenty observational skills and a wish to speak up about things that are not okay or not discussed enough. And when he pulls you into his spell, he shoots sharply and quickly, leaving the darkest stains behind

thus, on a certain level, his rapping can feel provocative. like an attack. a callout. a statement

has an opinion. a lot of opinions, actually, but will reveal the truth only in the right time and place

mischevious and playful, but his ways are not light-hearted. his interaction with others can seem confrontational

sarcastic💣

as much as he is an enigma, he also yearns for deep connections, therefore you might even catch him wishing to open up more often than wanting to hide

Venus in Scorpio

oof🌌

add his venusian loveliness and charm to his marsian/plutonian magnetism and strength and you have one powerful individual

the definition of alluring. doesn't matter if you want it or not, you're already caught in his web and you probably like it, even if it's a bit uncomfortable🕸

Jooheon is most likely private about his personal life or anything, really, which only sparks more interest in people

intriguing. you don't know what to expect from him next but you like the suspense, the mystery, the unknown

every venus sign is attractive in their own way, and Scorpio venus is attractive because of their confidence and intensity. first inpressions are strong and unforgettable with this placement

that intensity stems from the all or nothing attitude towards life, and it's taken very seriously

another thing is Scorpio's natural caution and sensitive instincts. they take their time to adjust themselves to new environments, as well as getting to know people. their defensiveness and sensitivity are spreaded deep withing them like roots, and they'll be damned if they ever show vulnerability. if they do though, it means they trust you with everything they have

which brings me to this: do not break their trust. one way or another, you will regret ever messing with a Scorpio placement. they don't easily forget or forgive

likes getting close, physical and touchy. maybe even too close sometimes⚡

driven, passionate and posessive lover. in fact, the intensity goes beyond love and touches on all things venus: art, friendships, material things, even beauty

ultimately, emotions rule over his body and mind, therefore he acts according to what he feels, no matter how suddenly or thought out🌊

Leo Mars

you think his Scorpio venus is confident? WELL let me tell you this: his Leo mars excels in that field

in any situation, no matter how loud or quiet Jooheon remains, he's always one of the most noticeable in the room. his aura shines and the attention comes naturally to him, which, btw, he absolutely loves and craves. Leo placements often live for the spotlight and won't be satisfied with a lack of it

hella creative and expressive of his emotions and intentions. sometimes a bit too dramatic or over exaggerating

can be easily offended at times, he's pretty sensitive

the whole world is his stage and he is the biggest star of the show called "life"

goofy, funny and playful🎈but also loud, bold and demanding

C H A R I S M A T I C, another reason why his first impressions are not easily forgotten. his presence is strong, his confidence is obvious, and his goal? is to dominate the scene and ultimately, win, either the competition or your heart🔥

passion is the fuel to his actions and he cannot function properly without it. there needs to be a constant goal he can pursue or do what he loves the most and because of that, grow as a person. his inner fire should never be put out, it is crucial for his survival and well-being

a true performer and skilled entertainer, born to fascinate and capture audiences🎭

prideful🗻

being recognised for his efforts is very important to him, on a much deeper level

as much as he might enjoy fulfilling his own needs and feeding his desires, Leos are also notoriously kind, generous and supportive to their loved ones. they love inspiring and boosting others self-esteem, so any obstacles and difficulties could be overcome even by the most insecure. they are wonderful motivators with insanely big hearts💝

That is all, folks! Thank you for stopping by💕🌟 and check out my other posts with Hyungwon, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Shownu and Wonho. As always, these are made for fun and should not be taken too seriously.

See you next time for the last, but never the least, post about I.M⚡

Patton General     Remember how I've talked--and more than once--how one of the coolest things about having a DVD player is that it enables you to see--and re-see and re-re-see and re-re-re-see--pictures that you dug when you first saw them in a theater? Well, the fact is, I recently, thanks to said--and fantastically-regarded--DVD player, caught a theatrical film that I saw and dug through watching its trailer on YouTube. That flick, by name, is Baggage Claim, and I can say unequivocally that it's just as stylish, just as qualitative as its trailer--which, again, is on full display thanks to YouTube--wants you to believe. It is indeed a picture that is near-to-bursting with snappy dialogue, attentive direction, and, above all, lively performances--in point of fact, one such performance is easily the highlight of the picture; there'll be more about that as we go on. Indeed, I'll go so far as to say that said cinematic rom-com has worked its way onto my list of Most-Cherished Theatrical Offerings (The others: Body Heat, Boomerang, the great writer-producer-director Garry Marshall's final creative object Mother's Day, and my gal Robin Givens's classic made-for-television film The Penthouse).         Now to the picture in question.             Claim kicks off with a shot of a church that, after around one minute, has a group of happy, celebratory, greatly well-dressed black folks, having obviously attended/participated in a wedding, bustling out of it. Included, of course, are the bride and the groom--and this quite spirited adolescent, who, we learn, will grow up to be Claim's lead character, Montana Moore (Paula Patton). Through voice-over we hear Montana ruminating on her Mom's, ahem, busy romantic past ("Marriage has always been a big deal to my mother. She loves marriage. Especially hers [Cut to another group of spiffily-attired blacks happily emanating from the same church, the same bride and a different groom included]. And hers [Same scene, only with a different groom]. And hers"). From there Montana lays her cards on the table concerning her own romantic life ("A easy as it is for Mom to get married, my relationships have never been cleared for takeoff"). Cut to a mega-busy airport, where we see planes taking off and landing, folks bustling along in a hurry to get to their planes--and where Montana, still in voice-over, discloses to us her lifelong ambition ("I've always wanted to be a flight attendant...You get to travel around the world, meet interesting people"). We're then taken to our heroine's apartment complex, where before she enters her particular abode she runs into her longtime buddy, William Wright (Derek Luke), to whom she further discloses her hopes regarding her romantic situation ("I don't want to spend my life listening to my mother telling me how she could find five husbands and I can't even find one"), whereupon William tells her what his wife Taylor has cooked up ("She planned a trip to Rome to celebrate our one-year anniversary").         Moving forth: We witness Montana rushing through the airport, anxious to catch the flight she'll be working, and, as she races along, we hear yet another voice-over of hers, wherein she gives us some Mom-originated words of guidance ("According to my mother, you're not a woman until you're married on or before your 30th birthday. And you're not a lady until you've had two kids"). We then see Montana having made the flight she'll be working, and we're also introduced to two of our girl's closest working buddies, brother flight attendant--and card-carrying homosexual--Sam (Adam Brody) and sister flight attendant--and frequent Sam adversary--Gail (Jill Scott). Right away we're given a look at the aforementioned Montana buddies' dueling relationship (Sam: "Gail, I seem to have misplaced my badge. Could you check your cleavage for me, please?"). Later, as the three are congregating in the plane's food-preparation area, Montana lets her friends, and us, in on this guy she's been seeing and how it seems to her like the guy is going to pop the question. Gail, for her part, bluntly hurls cold water upon said scenario ("Montana is not getting married. If she was, as her best friend, I would know first"). Shift to Montana with this guy, a smoothly handsome dude named Graham (Boris Kodjoe), where the two of them are affectionately pressed against each other during a cruise and Montana is absolutely over the moon about it all ("Graham, you have talked about [us taking this cruise] for so long...[The view is] absolutely beautiful!"). We get a marvelously-shot montage of Montana and Graham coming together physically--during which Patton shows that not only is she achingly gorgeous but has a BITCHIN' bod--then we see the latter dropping the former off at a hotel, claiming a need to attend to his professional life ("I got an emergency phone call. I got to fly to New York"). When our Montana gets to her room, she calls up gal-friend Gail, who right away demands that her buddy fill her in on the progress of her relationship ("Are you guys doing it?"). Afterward--after zipping down her exercise outfit so a nearby hunk who's also exercising can see her cleavage--Gail urges girlfriend Montana to go out to Graham's house and spy on him so she can ascertain for sure whether or not he's on the up-and-up. To which Montana, no surprise here, initially objects.                 We continue. Claim takes us to Graham's rather luxurious house and Montana sneaking up on said house--fully demonstrating that, pace her initial resistance, she's just dying to know whether or not Graham is playing it straight with her. Upon getting close to the aforementioned house, Montana rings up Gail, who, respectively, upbraids the former ("I didn't think you would do it [follow Gail's advice to spy on Graham]!") and instructs her ("Do not knock on that man's door! You'll look like a stalker"). Upon looking in the window, Montana, and we, see Graham in his living room going over some papers, which greatly eases her mind (Montana in voice-over: "[Graham] was preparing for his meeting, just like he told me he was. Gail was wrong!"). Alas for her, however, Montana, along with us, sees a stunning woman enter and Graham fondly helping her off with her coat--both of which clearly saying that Gail's suspicions were entirely valid; Graham indeed does not consider himself, and never considered himself, Montana's guy alone. Having been thus chastened, our gal makes a quick--and quite saddened--exit. In time we're transported to Montana's apartment and witness the drop-ins of Mom Catherine (Jenifer Lewis) and younger sis Sheree (Lauren London), both of whom bearing big, big news (Catherine to Montana: "We [she and Sheree] are so excited! We wanted you to be the first to know." Sheree to Montana: "I wanted you to be the first to know." Catherine: "After me"): Sheree is getting married. This, unsurprisingly, distresses Montana big-time and we next see her in a bar pouring her heart out to Sam/Gail ("I just can't go to my little sister's wedding alone! I'll be the laughing stock of the family"). Sam at first seizes upon Montana's predicament to stick it to Gail ("Why don't you take Gail? She never waxes her moustache. [Your family will] think she's Steve Harvey"), then comes up with the notion of Montana's "accidentally" encountering all of her exes until she finds the one who will accompany her to Sheree's wedding. Here we meet Montana's other working pals, among them Cedric, the fellow who checks passengers before they board ("First name, Cedric. Last name, take everything out your pockets! I need your pockets out your pockets!"). Since the scheme came from Sam, Gail balks at it, but he pushes on, citing the considerable, as he sees it, benefit to Montana ("[W]e can come to the aid of the sweetest, most fantastic human being alive").             Let's press on.Montana is at first resistant to Sam's ploy but then Catherine makes another visit, again guilt-tripping her oldest daughter ("I started thinking, my daughter is marrying a handsome, athletic young man. I may not be alive to see my oldest daughter do the same"), and, upon Catherine's leaving, Montana is on board concerning Sam's notion. As William is driving Montana to the airport, he comes up with some especially wise words--"You know, Mo, the magic isn't in getting married. It's in staying married." We get further introduction to Montana's charmingly loopy working friend Cedric as he's going about his business regarding passengers ("I have no life! Which gives me all day to ruin yours!"), then Montana boards this plane wherein she'll meet, according to Sam, her first prospect, one Damon Diesel (Tremaine Neverson)--who, let it be said, was initially dismissed as  prospect by Gail ("You gotta be kidding me! Damon Diesel can barely take care of himself, much less a family"). Montana is ready to dump the entire plan when, lo and behold, Damon spots her and lets her know that he has ("I'd love to see the stitches in that skirt"). Having discovered each other, the two get to be on friendly terms, to the point where Damon responds quite favorably when Mo enquires as to just how long he'll be in town (Damon: "Long enough to spend some quality time [with you]. If I'm allowed." Mo, smiling warmly: "You're allowed"). As they spend more time together, Damon becomes more and more enamored of Montana (The former to the latter, with clear-cut affection: "You could stay awake for the rest of your life and you'd still be beautiful to me"). In time Damon takes Montana to what he tells her is her place and she, along with we, find him taking a nice, warm bubble bath--in which he eagerly invites Montana to participate. However, trouble, big trouble in paradise soon comes, at first knocking on, then banging and, eventually, screeching at the door, in the form of Janine (Tia Mowry), a key executive at Damon's label and his current main squeeze to boot. Having met Montana earlier when she stopped by her and Damon's table to remind him of an upcoming meeting, Janine, her Spidey sense going full-blast, is well aware of the likelihood that Montana is inside with him and the prospect has her going flat-out postal ("Damon, I know you hear me! Open this damn door!...Damon, I know you ain't got that 'ho from the restaurant [referencing Mo] in there!...I'm gonna shoot you and that bitch!...Open! Open, open, open, open!"). Happily, and at Damon's urging, our lady manages to hide out on the stairwell outside while, inside, Janine continues hollering and ranting at Damon. Yet it soon goes from raining to pouring when Catherine calls, inviting her dear daughter to a pre-wedding slumber party ("We're all here in our pajamas, and we want you to come over"). Montana, for her part, winds up slinking away, having been thoroughly defeated and being totally dejected.               More transpires. On a flight she' s working, Montana happens upon two former  beaus--Curtis and Langston Jefferson Battle III (Taye Diggs), the latter currently running for Congress. Montana and Langston wind up together and the latter wasts no time turning his considerable charm on her, inviting her to a meeting he's scheduled to have with a hoped-for financial backer (Him to her: "Would you happen to know a young lady--gorgeous, intelligent--who would be so gracious as to join me?" Her, in a warm tone: "If I'm asked." Him: "Consider yourself asked"). Fast forward to that meeting, where we see Mo and Langston hook up with that hoped-for financial backer, one Howard Donaldson (Ned Beatty), accompanied by his wife. Right away Donaldson is warm and gracious toward Mo ("Young lady, I hope you can withstand this election [involving Langston] will surely bring"), then Langston tells their waitress what he'd like to have and...he orders for Mo, also. This of course mightily pees her off, so Langston takes her off to one side and "explains." ("[Financial supporters] want to know that the candidate they're backing is a take-charge man. A leader"). The evening continues and, to Langston's great delight, Donaldson strongly takes to him ("If you're not elected to Congress, it won't be because of insufficient financial support"). Yet the evening takes a fiercely uncomfortable (for Langston) turn when Donaldson raises the issue of just how "black" Langston genuinely is, eventually bringing Tiger Woods's alleged lack of real and true "blackness" into the conversation. Understandably wanting to lighten the increasingly grim mood, Mo quips: "What I think would make Tiger Woods black is that he drives an Escalade and his Daddy's name is Earl." Her humor, however, doesn't go over well with Langston and when the two get back to the latter's hotel room, he aggressively bawls her out. In the midst of his denunciation the phone rings and, when Langston picks it up, he discovers that it's Donaldson with good news: Being wholly enchanted by Mo's wit--after the call, Langston informs her, and us, that Donaldson told him that her wisecrack "was the highlight of [Donaldson's] evening"--Donaldson has decided to double his monetary contribution. Yet rather than recognize and express appreciation for the obvious fact that Montana was an enormous asset to the evening, Langston patronizingly tells her The Facts Of Life ("[S]ometimes being [the] greater [woman besides the man] means being quiet"). Here our Mo naturally becomes fed up and, after telling Langston off big-time ("New actions, new outcome. Same asshole, same outcome...You haven't changed a bit. Langston"), she angrily storms out, permanently crossing him off her list.           And so Claim goes, with Montana at last finally sucking it up and telling her assembled family that she doesn't have a boyfriend and that that fact doesn't have any negative impact on her ("Marriage doesn't make you a lady. Any more than standing in a garage makes you a car...I like me. A lot. With or without a husband"), at last finally discovering that it's her old and cherished pal William who's her real and true love--which brings about a cinematic-rom-com first: a woman (our Montana) rushing to and through the airport in order to intercept her male love object (William)--and at last finally William getting down on his knees right there in the airport, slipping an engagement ring upon our lady's finger, warmly proposing marriage, and our gal tearfully--and happily--saying yes, culminating in joining William on his knees and the two of them sharing a soulful and loving kiss while still in the airport--a scene which is just as moving and winning as when Kevin Costner and Kelly Preston did it at the conclusion of the former's legendary baseball picture For Love Of The Game. Claim ends with Mo pals Gail and Sam, relieved that their lady buddy's romantic melodrama is over, sharing a taxi and winding up battling with each other over a man that they previously didn't know they shared (Sam to Gail: "You bitch! That's my man! I had him first!").           So that's Claim, a flick that not only deserves high marks for being a black-oriented picture that to a greater degree than even Boomerang staunchly refuses to in any capacity shove race down our throats--the aforementioned scene with Montana, Langston, and Donaldson and his wife is literally the only time during Claim's unspooling that race is dealt with and, as was not the case with Boomerang, not in any victimization sense--but merits praise for being, on its own, a highly likable, warmly funny, and smoothly stylish theatrical rom-com. Ned Beatty, as said financial backer Howard Donaldson, is appealingly unctuous and, in time, appealingly race-conscious. Tia Mowry packs her role as "spurned" woman Janine with sizzling energy and rousing humor. Jenifer Lewis as Montana Mom Catherine is engagingly commanding and, in her confession scene with Mo, engagingly forthright. Christina Milian, as kid sister Taylor, wins us over with her dazzling spunk and her unflagging fizziness. Jill Scott and Adam Brody, as Montana compadres Gail and Sam are entirely warming with their steadfast loyalty and their graceful sparring. All of the men in Montana's life--Djimon Hounsou as a hotel magnate who is the deciding factor in Montana's eventual determination to absolutely refuse to allow a man to define her; Diggs, Kodjoe, Neverson, and Luke, the fellow our lady with whom she at last finally winds up--are all stylishly amiable and agreeably manly. David E. Talbert, adapting from his original book, provides the cast with spicily humorous and spicily sexy things to say and do. And Talbert the director deftly creates an air of tangy camaraderie and simmering sexuality that, to his great credit, he maintains throughout the entire picture.             Now to Paula Patton. She is, in a word, sensational. Starting off with the fact that her slender statesqueness--she's 5'7", to be precise--gives her a forcefully enticing valkyrie appeal, she's an honestly captivating blend of urbane beauty, Seven-Sisters-colleges charm, and Katana-sharp intelligence. Whenever she's in a two-shot, regardless of who the other actor is, her carefully-polished good looks and her runway-model sexiness have your eyes riveted upon her. You might remember that, in an earlier article, I discussed the sincerely depressing scarcity of contemporary big-screeners in which there is the emergence of a real and true female star, the monumental lack of modern-day pictures which feature the appearance of an honest cinematic diva who shines mega-brightly and who easily towers not only over her brother-and-sister theatrical-film actors but over us as well, such as Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman and Sandra Bullock in Speed and my lady Robin Givens in Boomerang. It is Baggage Claim that forcefully and proudly shows that Paula Patton deserves to be added to that woefully short list.