#It's not just The Youth TM though they get the blame for it most of the time | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

inun4ki · 6 months

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so what's kaede's deal? like you mention kurai and then don't explain really

Ah, yeah. to be honest, I haven't quite worked out some of the kinks in Kaede's backstory, so talking about it in full-force has seemed more or less moot to me, overall. I'll do my best to summarize my ideas below the cut, though, as his relationship with Kurai is strained at best and has more far-reaching consequences than even Kaede is willing to address.

Beware, it's a lot and some of it's pretty scuffed.

So, when Kaede's mother, Juno, was sold to Zenchou, she was very young and very afraid. Understandably so, because Zenchou was a huge prick actually (ironically, probably the least violent out of all the clan heads except Kurai, his little brother, but no less a ginormous asshole). He treated her poorly, forcing her to do nothing but housework and suck him off in true Asshole TM fashion. Naturally, her fears weren't assuaged by vain comforts as money or material items she'd been window-shopping for on shopping trips. Zenchou couldn't force her to both submit and like him, not even when she agreed to have his children (which he asked her for, rather than volun-told her (this has everything to do with Kurai, actually but we'll get to that)).

Kurai took pity on her and since they were so close in age, they became fast friends. She told him everything - about Zenchou's plans with the other clan heads to overthrow Taisho, to politically manipulate the clan so he can position himself as clan head, and to produce as many children as possible to keep the clan alive. She told him about the extent of Taisho's madness, always subjected to Zenchou's bitter rambling. In exchange, she begged Kurai for any evidence she once had a home beyond the Shikabane Estate, pleading for bits and pieces of her old life, for peace and calm and for someone not to force her to clean or have babies, for her needs to mean something to someone. Kurai was more than happy to oblige.

After a small handful of years of secretely covorting behind Zenchou's back, Juno and Kurai had an affair in 1991. It wasn't brought on by love or anything like that, rather respect for each other (and a lack of it for Zenchou). Kurai was...well, he was lonely, despite being one of the more attractive members of the family - that is to say, no matter how hot he was in his youth, he couldn't get a date. And Juno, well, she was between a rock and a hard place. So they fucked each other to both get it out of their system and satisfy an instinctive need.

The problem with them having an affair wasn't only that they destroyed any honor they could've possibly had, but a child was born of it just two years after Terin was born (not that Kurai knew it was his). Unfortunately for them, they were found out rather quickly - by a then 7-year-old Tsubaki, who told everyone (she was baby with no understanding of what was happening, no one could blame her). And once word reached Zenchou, he challenged Kurai to a fight. Kurai won, and as a result, Zenchou complained to Taisho, and then Kurai was abandoned by their father and sent to live with the 3rd branch family, headed by Kusabi. Kurai was utterly stripped of his position. Juno, on the other hand, went missing a little while after Kaede was born. Some speculated for a very, very long time that Zenchou had killed her, but the rest wrote her off as a runaway, even Kurai.

After the massacre, Kurai forcibly took position as head of the clan, being both the oldest and most capable sorcerer left alive. All the children who showed aptitude for jujutsu were promptly set on training regimens while the rest focused solely on washing away the blood and rebuilding. Kaede showed the most promise right away, capable of causing immense damage despite not necessarily knowing how to use cursed energy to that capacity, so Kurai ended up devoting most of his time and effort to managing Kaede's training. Which was a horrible idea, because even though Kurai wasn't as giant prick as some Shikabane, he was still an emotionally inept individual who should not have been in charge of children - and Kaede saw the very worst of him.

Since Kaede was so young, it was easy to break him down and mold him into the future clan head Kurai wanted him to be. He could sense how much stronger than him Kaede was, and he knew the clan needed hope for the future, so he very literally put that responsibility on Kaede's shoulders to carry almost entirely alone. He blamed Kaede for the massacre, told him day in and day out that if he'd only not been a coward things would be different - everyone would still be alive. Anything that went wrong - Kaede's fault. Kaede's responsibility. Kaede had to fix it. Kaede had to cheer everyone up. Kaede had to protect everyone. Kaede could no longer be a child because children are weak and stupid. Kaede had to stand up and do what was best for everyone, his own needs be damned. Coupling that with Kurai constantly pushing Kaede to train until he vomited or passed out on the spot, and the harsh corporal punishments he'd recieve for making any mistakes or missteps, Kaede couldn't catch a break. Kurai, in an effort to further motivate and/or punish Kaede, turned his antics onto Aoi and Terin. In response, Kaede discovered rebellion.

And took the blame for every single thing Aoi and Terin did or didn't do, which became true for all his cousins as well. Unfortunately, this meant, in some ways, that what Kurai was doing was working. Kaede took the fall for his family members, as Kurai stressed that it was what a proper clan head would do for his family. He took the blame and his rebellion was pointless, in effect, only inviting more and more punishments on himself. At least, until he hit puberty.

When Kaede was a teenager, his attitude began to change more noticably and he no longer spoke to Kurai at all. He avoided and ignored him consistantly, even when it came to matters involving the clan at large or a hand was raised. He was steadily becoming as cold and 'unfeeling' as Kurai, minus the abusive tendencies. Having reached a considerable power level, Kaede no longer saw Kurai as someone who was stronger than him or someone he should respect by virtue. He saw him as a miserable, weak man with few to no morals and a penchant for cruelty - just like Taisho. A grave insult, considering the massacre. He saw him as hollow, empty, devoid of compassion or empathy, and resented him wholly. There was, understandably, no love in Kaede's heart for Kurai. He refused to react even a little when Kurai would subject him to harsher and harsher punishments, biting his tongue and cheeks and forcing himself to block the experiences out altogether, fantasizing about puppies and a future that wasn't meant for him. This put even more strain on their already fractured relationship.

Kurai had put so much pressure on Kaede in his youth that he, probably stupidly, made a pact with an inugami, trading his soul for the power he thought he needed to protect the clan.

By the time Kurai finally understood just who Kaede was to him - his own son - he was already a year into his time at Tokyo Jujutsu High. Their relationship was in shambles with little hope of any repair, all because Kurai was a dick like every other Shikabane before him and bullied his son. Too little, too late - a trend among the Shikabane who cared about anything other than strong-arming, maiming, killing, or torturing their own family members. In Kaede's mind, his father was dead. Or some kind of zombie. But, more than anything, he viewed him as a non-literal curse. See, he found out about his connection to Kurai several years earlier, thanks to his cousins Kotsuchi, who was just old enough to understand what was happening at the time, and Aoi, who was just too stubborn not to find out. Not even Terin had known. With both parties now knowing everything, there was an impossible gap between them all.

Kaede was pissed that Kurai was his father. Because, on paper, no one's going to see that Juno wasn't biologically Shikabane. No one's going to see that Juno was an outsider. They're not going to hear it. All they're going to see is that Shikabane Kurai fucked Shikabane Juno and now Shikabane Kaede exists on the family tree - so he can't get married and have children. He can't build any relationships, really, because wow, dude, your uncle's your dad? He can't even talk to anyone about it or risk judgment, needless pity, and a continued lack of meaningful relationships. Kurai's repeated lapse in judgment has both directly and indirectly made Kaede's life unreasonably difficult.

While Kurai was desperately trying to do what he thought was right for the clan, he made every life choice imaginable for Kaede, forcing him into a clan-focused box with no hope of romance, friendship, the nice little things that everyone enjoys when things are most challenging-- Kaede had to live and die for the clan, because what else would he live for? What else would he ever have to live for? He didn't need romance now. He didn't need friendship now. He didn't need any distractions, now. He could do exactly what Kurai had been grooming him to do since he was 6-years-old. He could keep the clan alive. At great cost to himself, yes, but everyone else gets to live. Everyone else gets to find love and foster close relationships with other people and get married and have children and discover new hobbies, favorite drinks, favorite movies, favorite thises and thats. No one else is as isolated as he is, and he must remain strong for them.

Needless to say, in the end, he's very, very, very torn on what his purpose is. In his mind, his life has no meaning unless he continues down this path - protecting and rebuilding his clan. But does he want that, or does everyone else want that? He's just a tool, or is he? Killing curses is all he's good at, or is it? Who is he and what is he really supposed to be doing? What sort of life is he really supposed to be living? How much of his goal is really someone else's? And throughout all this, he's extremely traumatized. All he knows is death, betrayal, and all manners of other pains, and he's terrified of it, despite his willingness to accept it when it comes for him, despite how hard his expressions are when he has to see it. And he's ashamed and embarrassed of himself nearly 100% of the time. Shit just fucking sucks for this guy, pretty endlessly.

So, that's his problem with Kurai. Honestly, it's half his problem in general.

#死/// Inquiries.#死/// Headcanon.#cheating /#sexism /#familial abuse /#/ why do i do this #/ i really *want* to say kurai's heart is in the right place but he's just so. inept. and idiotic #/ trashy. despicable.#/ and poor kaede is just. trying.

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eabhaalynn · 4 years

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Why You Should Support Your Local Coffee Shop - Five Years of Follow Coffee Co

Ballymena is a fairly unremarkable Co. Antrim Town, better known for its dedication to the DUP than for its coffee establishments. You may know it as the town of Ian Paisley Jr. famous for his father and being the first ever MP subject to a recall petition. You may even know it as the “Drugs Capital of the North.”

Follow Coffee Co. is an independently owned café that, as far as I know, popped up on a pedestrianised shopping street in the shadow of the Tower Centre in Ballymena’s town centre at some stage in 2014. The glass shop front is framed with bright yellow paint and criss-crossed with metal panes, splitting both the sunlight in summer months and streetlights in the dark days of Christmas. To the left side of the building’s centre lies a heavy glass door, the geometric logo of the shop sitting front and centre above it, and illustrated in frosted glass to it’s side.

(Image Credit: Debbie Murray (insta @/followcoffee)

Inside, the design is fresh and modern, a stark and yet refreshing contrast to the traditional appearance of the town outside that has remained largely unchanged in my lifetime. Further contrast is shown on the very ground itself; wooden floors on one side, industrial concrete on the other. The stairs and two sides of the shop are bridged with diamond plate, further consolidating the image; and acknowledging the towns manufacturing history. The balcony of the top floor overlooks the entry way and provides the perfect spot for peoplewatching. At the far side of the café lies the counter, with pastries, buns, a giant blackboard, decorated with the ever-evolving lunch menu off to one side and a big, beautiful coffee machine there to greet you.

At some stage between Follow Coffee’s opening and today, my name has become synonymous with coffee drinking. Trust me, the word ‘coffee’ features in no less than five different people’s yearbook comments about me. It’s not that I’m blaming the place or anything, but when it opened, I didn’t even drink coffee.

SIX RECOMMENDATIONS FROM FOLLOW(one for each year hehe)

- Raspberry Hot Chocolate

- Hot Chocolate

- Mocha

- Iced Hazelnut Latte

- Hazelnut Latte

- The smoothie that has mango in it

My friends and I stumbled upon follow accidentally once when out of data and waiting for the 5.45pm 150 bus home. This was the epitome of life as a thirteen-year old in rural Ireland. The place had good, affordable hot chocolate and free wi-fi, and the girlsTM were bored. It was perfect. What more could we ever have asked for?

Before too long, I had convinced my dad and sister to ditch the usual chain coffee places and come to Follow with me. Luckily enough, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree and so they had the same love for the place that I do, the same love for independent coffee shops in general. Somewhat unsurprisingly, they fell in love. My GCSE years were upon me and I was spending more and more time in town. Honestly, I was spending more time awake and thus, the thriving caffeine dependency today was born. My Saturdays would usually involve a trip to Follow, I would bring schoolwork and stay for hours at a time, hiding myself in one of the upstairs booths and work away. The pressure of a public environment somehow always made me work harder and better.

The group of friends that I had found the place with soon imploded, as groups of young teenage girls so often do. But I didn’t mind, my newfound love for the place transcended those people, and after everything I still had so much respect for those girls. By that stage, I had befriended the Barista’s. After all, I had spent enough time bothering them at work with the intricate details of my life problems, and they were so kind and so like me that I just naturally made friends with them. Some of those friendships have even lasted to this day (more on that later).

When fifth year rolled around, I had become so disenfranchised with school, I started looking into sixth form options in town. When it became apparent that staying at my old school was no longer an option, I decided on St Louis Grammar. A brilliant school which offered me an escape from the people giving me grief, the opportunity to study the subjects I wanted and a town centre school environment, all just a twelve-minute walk away from Follow.

The winter of fifth year also was when I met my first ever boyfriend; and went on my first ever date. No prizes for guessing where that date was. Much alike the girlsTMmentioned earlier, that relationship crashed and burned. But Follow was always my place, is always going to be my place. Surely those experiences only helped to solidify it.

Sixth Form at St Louis was the best two years of my life. I have no hesitations in saying that. It was wonderful, beautiful, incredible, and yet stressful beyond belief. Because I have no common-sense AT ALL, I decided to start lower sixth off with four new a-levels, a new relationship, all these new friends … and … yet again, no surprises… a new job.

Being a Barista was always a bit of a dream of mine. I already had such a strong rapport with so many of Follow’s staff and regular customers (being one myself), from the outside, it seemed like the perfect contrast to the high stress lifestyle of sixth form at ‘’Northern Ireland’s top grammar.’’

Are you seeing a trend developing here? That plan went horribly wrong. I loved working at follow, but I was 16, a little baby. I was so stressed and had so much going on and so I only lasted a matter of months. But still; Follow had housed my first ever date and now my first ever job - Two of the most defining experiences of my teenage years. The place was becoming a second home to me. This was only further solidified by my new school, just twelve minutes away.

After quitting my job at follow, I started to study there from 3.30 to 5.30 a couple of times a week. It was a little treat, a friendly set of faces. The same people I’d been complaining to for years, but with even more substance this time. They knew all about my studies, after all, they were the reason I had left. My former colleagues had experienced the start of sixth form by my side. I studied there waiting on the same 150 bus I had been waiting on when I first found the place, all those years previously.

In lower sixth, I unsuccessfully ran for the UK Youth Parliament. The results for this came through when I was having my usual iced hazelnut latte and cry over a-levels in follow. The following summer, I sat the UKCAT, achieving a * slightly * better than average score, at the time I sat this, I didn’t know it would be better than average at all, the first people to hear all about it, and most other aspects of my University application were the staff of Follow. After passing my driving test in the winter of my Upper Sixth year, my first ever successful parallel park was on a street perpendicular to Follow, on a frosty February evening. Throughout that school year, I would consistently have to attend various mandatory revision classes for my three-surviving a-level subjects and the many resits I had reluctantly gotten myself into. Follow became a solace. The calm in the midst of the seemingly constant storm of a-levels. My former best work friend, simply became a best friend of mine. She got herself a house, became a real adult right in front of me. She was pursuing her passion for photography, doing incredibly well for herself. Then I got into medical school. Eventually.

In September 2019, I moved away. All I had ever wanted was right in front of me, a one-way plane ticket out of Northern Ireland and a place to study medicine.

For three months, I’ve been carving out a little life for myself in Lancaster. I have my own place, I am, slowly but surely, becoming a real adult. I am a far cry from the scared thirteen-year old that landed in that coffee shop desperately seeking wi-fi. Though somehow, almost a year after passing my driving test, I’m right back waiting for somewhat questionable bus services again. The 150 has turned into the dreaded 100. St Louis’ is but a happy-rose tinted memory. Lancaster Medical School has replaced the dreaded long days and mandatory revision classes with -perhaps- even more dreaded 6.30pm lectures and mandatory Problem Based Learning presentations.

Oddly enough, I am very single, and very unemployed, and truly very happy about it. This time in my life is as formative as those times I’ve been reflecting on. Even more so maybe.

But I’d be lying if I said everything in my new life in England is perfect. They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, and the latest development in me and Follow Coffee Co’s story is our long-distance phase. I miss it dearly, the familiarity it gave me throughout sixth form, the distinctive abrupt yet friendly nature of its Ballymena clientele. But it will always be there to welcome me home. It better be.

It took leaving for me to realise that you rarely find a place that means as much to you as Follow means to me, and that Starbucks and Costa rarely can give you the wealth of life experience of your favourite independent coffee shop. I have sat at every table in the place. Cried at most of them, over anything and everything from University rejections, to tiny irrelevant fights with strangers on the internet. I know every crevice of the tables, floors and skirting boards. I’ve even accidentally mopped the concrete floor and faceplanted it in my time.

Ballymena has many flaws, but it’s character and community is unmatched. No place illustrates that better to me than this. Go, visit your local independent coffee establishment. Maybe even get a job. You never know who you’ll meet, or what you’ll learn. This world is a beautiful place. Hell - Even Ballymena is.

#coffee #follow #northernireland #ballymena #modern #independent #independent coffee #jobs for teens #barista

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dogbearinggifts · 5 years

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I don't think Luther does anything for glory though. I think he does it because he's supposed too. I'm not even convinced WHATNEEDSTOBEDONE(TM) is even connotated towards morals or feelings in his head. He'd hate himself otherwise Diego similarly can't let go of war. (See everything he does ever) As of Allison, compared to most girls she's seen so much, hurt so much. If anyone deserves fame it's her right. And if she has to manipulate people well hasn't she saved them ten times over ?

I agree. Luther doesn’t appear to enjoy any of the “saving the world” business at any point in the series. Watch his face when he’s planning their next move, or looking for his old research from the Moon, or any number of things that go along with trying to prevent the apocalypse. He doesn’t look miserable, per se, but he’s definitely not having fun. It’s the face someone might wear at a job they’re not particularly fond of, but one that pays the bills. Reginald framed the Umbrella Academy as this magnificent thing from which his kids could derive all the glory they ever dreamed of, but Luther sees it more as something that has to be done.

Lest I give the impression he just doesn’t emote all that much, I want to point out one instance where Luther is grinning to beat the band and having the time of his life: while doing that weird crab-dance-thing to “I Think We’re Alone Now.” He doesn’t like being the hero. He’d rather kick off his shoes and be his fun, goofy, pleasantly weird self.

Diego was always raised to see himself as second best. He was Number Two, not Number One, and if he’d been a little bit better, a little bit more diligent, a little bit less himself, he could have been Number One. That’s what Reginald told him, anyway, and while Diego acts as if he doesn’t give a shit what his dad said, it’s clear Reginald’s childhood treatment of him wounded him deeply. And in some ways, I think he’s reluctant to let that wound heal. If he lets it heal, he’s afraid he’ll forget that what his dad did and said to him was wrong and he’ll accept reality as second best. So he’s still at war, because he’s afraid peace means surrender.

I think Allison never really processed her childhood trauma. She grew up, and she was left with this awful wound that she didn’t know how to treat. So she distracted herself from the pain with things that made her happy. And since she had the power to get anything she wanted with just a few words—well, why shouldn’t she? She wanted to feel better. She needed to feel better. Reginald never taught her to respect other peoples’ boundaries or autonomy, so she didn’t bother. Like she tells Luther later, “I told myself it wasn’t wrong. I just had an advantage.”

Another part of Allison’s response to trauma comes, I think, from the worldview Reginald instilled in her. He brought those kids up to see the world as a harsh place filled with people waiting to do evil. If anything, going to Hollywood would only reinforce that view. So Allison probably saw her power as something anybody would use, if given the chance. She probably thought anyone would do what she did, if they were in her shoes.

(Part 2/2) Poor Klaus turned to drugs after both "wartime" and actual wartime. Drugs and alcohol are sadly common with post war soldiers.I am like 90% sure his childhood kept him from being destroyed by vietnom Five is grown. He has to be grown, to be strong. Youth is weakness. He use to think that was a lie but after the apocalypse he would do anything to not be caught scared and unaware again.

War is hell, and Klaus’ childhood was hell. Reginald could have made it a little more bearable, had he approached Klaus’ powers with anything resembling compassion. Maybe he could have built a device that would allow him to spot where the ghosts were, and get Klaus out of there before the situation became too overwhelming. Or maybe he could have held family seance nights, where Klaus practices conjuring while everyone stands around protectively and hurls insults at ghosts who get too demanding. There’s a number of things he could have done, but because Reginald saw Klaus not as a child but as a tool, he decided to try and force him to overcome his fear. And, predictably, that attempt only made his fear worse. (Sadly, this is a technique too often utilized by real-life abusive parents. The results aren’t much better.)

I see Five as the one in that house who left too young, grew up too fast, and—as you said—saw youth as weakness. He was stranded in a world harsher even than Reginald could have predicted, and he wasn’t prepared. He had to leave childhood behind quickly, or die. So he survived, carved out a life for himself, and left the unprepared, frightened version of himself in the past. The way Five sees it, he survived far worse than Reginald’s abuse. So I think that when he looks at his siblings, and all the ways they’re fucked up by their upbringing, he doesn’t have a lot of sympathy for them. I think many of his interactions with his siblings are fueled by impatience and more than a little condescension.

(Part 3/I lied) Ben is an obvious one. He's gone, as gone as the men in the trenches, as gone as the British casualties of ww2, as gone as the lost generation itself. Vanya is the civilian. For whatever reason too unskilled, too weak, too useless too ever be of use. So she's told bow her head, be quiet, never complain, don't get in the way. I don't think she hates her siblings for treating her that way. I think deep inside she hates herself for someway deserving it.

Ben is dead, but he’s not gone. He’s stuck on the sidelines, watching his family struggle. It’s probably awful to watch them go through hell and not be able to do anything about it—but we see from his interactions with Klaus that being left behind has made him bitter. He no longer has any of the things his living siblings take for granted, and he hates watching his brothers and sisters squander everything he lost. Klaus is probably his biggest target because 1) he’s the only one in that family Ben can actually talk to, and 2) his entire life, up to the point he meets Dave, revolves around getting high.

Vanya probably internalized the abuse when she was younger. I think it’s almost guaranteed she did. But in the present, she seems to have realized this. She knows she internalized the abuse, she knows internalization fucked her up, and so she’s rebelling against that earlier attitude by externalizing everything. In the scene where she walks in on Luther’s emergency meeting and reads them the riot act for leaving her out of it, a quick look at the circumstances shows that it was Vanya’s own choices that led to her being excluded from that meeting. She chose to leave the Academy, rather than stay the night. She chose to stay at Leonard’s, rather than at her apartment for which Allison had the number. She chose to make herself unreachable, yet when she sees her siblings have left her out of something yet again, she immediately blames them. And when Allison points out that she is not being fair, Vanya turns it back on Allison rather than ask how she’s being unfair or reassess her own behavior.

That’s not to say those are the only two options. There is a whole sea of healthy options between “blame self for what other people do” and “blame others for what I do.” In my experience, healing from internalization isn’t found by blaming others for one’s own behavior, but in going through each painful memory and asking, “Okay, is this my fault? Did I do this, like my parents said I did, or was this someone else’s choice that I blamed myself for?” It’s a long process, and a painful one, but ultimately liberating. I hope Vanya will find a happy medium between the internalization of her past and the externalization of her present, but she’s not there yet.

#the umbrella academy #umbrella academy #tua #tua meta #answered #sweetsummermonster #luther hargreeves #diego hargreeves #allison hargreeves #klaus hargreeves #five hargreeves #ben hargreeves #vanya hargreeves #reginald hargreeves

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etcwrites · 6 years

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Are you out there, babe?

Hello @headcanonsfromanasexualpirate ^^ This is etc. You are my giftee for @klance-exchange . I wanted to post from my writing blog, hope that’s okay and won’t create any confusion.

Anyway...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I hope you like your gift :)

Klance Holiday Exchange

Prompt: Modern au, where Keith works at a nightclub. Lance is struggling with his sexuality and goes with some sleazy (or not) friends to a nightclub, but it makes things worse.+ Canon divergence where Lotor is making the moves on Keith, but Lance is uncomfortable with it.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Summary:

Lance was curious. Yes! He was interested. Maybe... He was ready. Nope, not by a long shot!

But what’s a man supposed to do when a hot singer with cool eyes and a mullet walks on stage?...

AO3 Link

--1--

"This is...this is a gay bar!"

"You've asked for it, Lover boy"

"I- WHAT? No, no, nonono! I did not ask for this! I said I wanted a fun night out. A fun night! With ladies and drinks and- what even made you think- "

Lotor gave Lance an extremely knowing look, superiority oozing from his stupidly elegant face.

"Ok, I would like this to be included in the record. You are EVIL! Where do I sign to excommunicate you from friendship? Or maybe I should get an exorcist..."

Lotor looked bored this time, his attention diverted to watching the crowd. "You are curious, yes?" he murmured.

Lance's throat closed with sudden panic, heart leaping in his chest. "No,that's-" he started, only to abort at the look that Lotor gave him.

"Try to see this as an opportunity, you can see them and-" sliding his fingers through Lance's hair, Lotor pulled on the short hairs at his nape. "-they can see you."

Lance swallowed nervously, tongue peeking out to lick his dry lips, wide eyes turning to watch the crowd. "This is not fair..." he grumbled.

Lotor let his fingers loose, briefly caressing down Lance's neck and pulling back. "Life-"

"Don't you dare say 'life is not fair'!"

Lotor gave him a dirty conceited smirk.

Fucking asshole...

"Besides don't you have a boyfriend? What are you doing coming to - sorry- dragging me into a gay bar?"

Lotor turned his head away, eyes searching the crowd but never lingering. "Upon your request, we are here to have fun and... Kolivan knows his place"

"...that sounds so wrong on so many levels."

An amused huff, then taking a sip from his drink he fixed his gaze on Lance. "Instead of questioning my relationship choices, may I propose an alternative?"

Lance narrowed his eyes, distrust signaling red in his mind. "Let's hear it then, evil incarnate"

Undisturbed, Lotor took another sip from his drink, then leaning back against the bar, reached up and opened a button on Lance's shirt.

"Hey!"

"Why don't you try looking around...and seeing if you are interested in anyone?"

Lance gulped in sudden nervous energy, his throat turning dry with the suggestive nature of Lotor's voice.

He could though, right? He could look. That was allowed...

Slowly he turned his gaze towards the crowd, eyes lingering across pink lips, broad shoulders, suggestive smirks-

Nope, non, nada… not happening!

His stomach burned with nervous energy, palms growing sweaty and mind screaming at him. Trying to calm down Lance took a deep breath.

Shit...this was so incredibly different from a night out at a straight bar. But could he really-

By this point Lotor must have realized his panic because a moment later he had leaned into his space. "Oh c'mon Alvarez, I distinctly remember you saying how you were the one and only flirt master."

Lance turned his wide eyes towards him to catch the conceited smirk.

"Or was that all a lie?"

Unannounced, indignation spiked in Lance, the feeling burning bright and hot under his skin. "Of course not! I am the flirt master!"

"Then-" Lotor shrugged, leaning back against the counter. "this should be easy for you."

Right...right... He was the flirt master... He was the charmer, the entertainer, the Lover boy! He could do this!

--2--

He could not do this! He could not!

His heart beat in its cage, the feeling of confinement, of being trapped closing around his throat. Every time he had tried to even look at someone, his brain had screamed at him (wrong!wrong!wrong!), throat turning dry and muscles growing tense.

The night was turning into a fucking disaster, a horrible horrible trainwreck... and it was all Lotor's fault!

"Ughh!" Lance leaned against the bar, rubbing his face in frustration. "I blame you! This is hopeless!" Turning his head, he leaned his cheek against his palm "maybe...maybe I've got this wrong. Maybe I was never attracted to men. That happens, right? "

"Lance," Lotor deadpanned. "You told me you wanted dick in your-"

"Ooookay! Gonna stop you right there!"

Lotor raised an eyebrow.

"Ok fine, but you know maybe that was metaphorical..."

An unimpressed look.

"Rhetorical?..."

Still that look...

"Look I was drunk!"

Lotor huffed, exasperation clear in the lines of his lips. "Are you saying you are not attracted to men?"

Ah...the million dollar question...

Lance bit into his lip, insecurity churning down his stomach. "I...I don't-" he murmured, fingers nervously accumulating the moisture around the forgotten beer glass on the counter. "It is just- I don't know ... I feel...."

He still felt the excitement, still appreciated a beautiful body, the shape of a smile, the confident way someone would handle themselves. And he still felt the desire burning down his spine, just like he did with women.

Only-

"I mean isn't it-" he continued on rambling. "I just- whenever I try to approach someone I get this feeling- this-this..."

Wrong...

But Lance couldn't say it.

Lotor's eyes narrowed, mouth opening to reply, only to be buried.

The sound of a guitar cord filled the bar, resonating deep in their ribcages and beckoning attention. A second later, the stage lights became alive, illuminating a small group of individuals.

Combat boots, tight black pants and leather jacket stepped on the stage, fingers curling around a microphone. Dark cool eyes regarded the crowd, messy hair framing a sullen face. "Welcome"

And just like that... Lance was in space.

He gasped, mouth falling open and eyes getting glued to the stage. His insides churned with excitement, mind unable to comprehend the sight.

Another tune from the guitar was given, someone counting in a whisper before the song started with perfect energy, a smoky voice filling the bar.

Heart beating erratically in his chest Lance nervously licked his lips.

Who the hell was that guy?!

Beside him Lotor smirked, possibly confident that Lance won’t be able to hear his words. "Now that's what I'd call; irresistible calling."

Ok, let Lance say it one more time, for the people in the back

Fucking asshole.

--3--

The guy was hot... There was no other way of putting it.

Ok, maybe there was SOME other way of putting it... like... beyond hot or sexy as hell or alluring dark pretty boy or…

PerfectTM...

Lance sighed.

Across the dark bar, the stage was perfectly illuminated, the light showering the singer from a single point, caressing the contours of his face, glinting on various earrings at his outer ear and most certainly, definitely demanding attention to those perfect lips.

An uncontrollable shiver ran down Lance’s spine, breath turning tight with desire. He ran his fingertips across his lips, eyes still glued to the stage. Beside him he was vaguely aware of Lotor giving him the side eye but really Lance couldn’t bring himself to care.

On some level, it felt wrong to stare, to want... but there was no use in denying...

Lance was star struck.

The guy looked incredible after all, fingers curled loosely around the microphone and lips ghosting right at the edge. The distant look on his face draw in Lance's attention, captivating as his gaze flickered from those lips to the eyes and back again. But all was secondary to his voice.

He had such a soulful tone, reaching deep inside Lance and immediately curling inside his mind, carving a space for itself. He felt frozen in time, every vital function in his body going on standby as his senses found a single focal point, and latched on to it with an undeniable need.

Hook, line and sinker...

With a change in the rhythm, the song slowly uncurled, letting off and almost turning bitter. The singer's voice accompanied the change, the pitch perfectly matching the melody.

Lance's lungs actually decided to fail on the spot, breath hitching and getting stuck at his throat, and as the song ended with one last solemn note he could finally swallow, feeling as if he was allowed to breathe.

As soon as the final note finished resonating, a loud applause filled the bar complete with a few cat calls and joyous exclamations from the audience. Pulling away from the mic, the singer ran his fingers through his hair, causing a mini heart attack to wreck through Lance and rendering him speechless for a few seconds.

“Thank you" the pretty boy murmured, eyes regarding the applauding crowd coolly. "We were the Blades" A ghost of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, giving his face a youthful look.

Which was entirely unacceptable because Lance certainly needed more than that glimpse!

However, with a small nod, the guy hopped off stage, his band mates following him and the lights on the stage dying once again.

Unable to contain himself Lance turned to Lotor. "What was that?!”

His companion shrugged, almost finished with his drink. "I wasn't aware of a one song show." Then turning his head he looked over to the singer, taking Lance's eyes with him. "I can't say I am familiar with him or any of the staff. It has been a while since I visited this bar"

Lance didn't even blink, eyes tracing the singer as he moved across the crowd, finally vanishing from a personnel only door. "How is that possible?" He teased, eyes finally focusing on Lotor. "You love bars"

Lotor smirked. "I do love bars," he accepted, tone entirely too pleased. "Though I like mine with a bit more...adult content"

Lance scowled, sudden indignation curling around his heart as his hands settled over his hips. "What are you saying? Am I not adult content?! I'll have you know in some circles I've been known as the Tailor! Cool and smooth" He mimicked riding a wave with his hands.

Lotor looked only inches away from laughing himself to death. "Alright, Tailor" he said, amusement painfully clear in his tone. "Then why don't we see that smooth talk?" With a flick of his head Lotor called his attention to the bar. "This must be your lucky day"

Turning towards the place Lotor gestured, Lance's heart leaped up, impacting painfully at his throat.

The alluring pretty boy was back, only now he was behind the bar with a simple tight black t-shirt and earrings flickering with the lights. Damn..this guy was going to be the death of him..

"Apparently he doesn't only work as a singer."

Lance swallowed against his dry mouth, fingers curling and uncurling.

"So...Tailor," Lotor teased. "Aren't you going to smooth talk him?"

"Yes..."

Lance suddenly startled, his mind finally coming alive. "Uhhhh- I mean... I mean no...I don't think-"

“You don't think, what?"

“I mean- uh...." Heat creeped under Lance's neck. "Maybe he isn’t interested in, you know...”

“He works in a gay bar, Lance. I'm positive he will be at least open-minded, if not interested.”

Lance could only gulp with nervousness, however Lotor concluded without waiting for him.

"Objectively the worst possibility is rejection.”

"Yeah?! That's good to know… Is that supposed to reassure me?!"

For a few seconds exasperation settled across Lotor's face, lips parting to possibly give a posh and all knowing lecture before suddenly stopping.

Lance felt a sudden chill ran down his spine, feeling like a mouse trapped by a very very large cat.

However surprisingly Lotor only leaned back. Eyes momentarily grazing the empty glass in his hands, he shrugged elegantly. "Suit yourself Alvarez." Then pushing of the bar, he slightly raised his empty glass. "I'm going to get another glass, and since you are not planning on talking to the sexy singer, I'm sure you won't mind if I take my chances, yes?"

"What?!"

Lotor briefly raised his shoulders, this time smugness evident in every line of his stupid body. "He is pretty, almost alluring...” he confessed. “Clear skin, big expressive eyes, unruly dark hair...” he pointed out each feature as if they were options on a menu. Then with a suspiciously pleasant face he continued. “I am positive that hair would be perfect for pulling when he takes my-"

"Ok! Stop!"

Lotor gave him a dirty smile. "Why, Alvarez?"

Sudden jealousy burned deep in Lance, heat rising to his head fast and vicious. He wanted to hide the other man from Lotor's sight, he wanted to punch the evil bastard right in the eye!

He wanted to see all of those fantasies...

Heat burned deep in Lance’s stomach, slowly curling and spreading up his chest. He had to confess...

He wanted to watch the guy with his head thrown back, mouth open as he panted, those lips looking shiny and red, pale skin glinting with a thin sheet of sweat...

A shudder wrecked through him, throat going dry in only a matter of seconds. Without registering he gave a dark scowl at Lotor, an accusing finger pointing at him.

"Hey! You already have a boyfriend! So, no, you are not going to seduce him!" Taking a few steps forward he pushed his finger right on Lotor’s chest. "Don't. move."

Then ignoring the stupid pleased smirk on the other’s face, he turned his back and stalked towards the bar.

He wasn't going to let Lotor charm the other man!

No! He was going to get him for himself!

--4--

So… Lance actually had a plan.

He was going to go over to the bar, he was going to lean against it, raise his fingers all cool and charismatic and hit the guy with the most perfect pants dropping line! Bam! Razzle and dazzle!

"Heeeyyy,”

The guy raised his head, giving Lance a quick glance before continuing on stacking bottles. “Yes, what can I get you?”

Yourself... Lance wanted to say, his mind going blank with the sudden encounter. You can get me yourself.

But that wasn’t the plan. The plan was.... right! It was-

“You know...” he murmured, tone turning suggestive even as he wrecked his mind for a good line. “I’m- I’m looking for treasure. Can I look around your chest?”

What?!

"…What?"

Ok…that wasn't what Lance had been aiming for. That was so far off that you had to have binoculars and a night vision to even get a glimpse of the freaking thing!

And now, Lance wanted to shoot himself.

An embarrassed blush settled across his cheeks. “Uhhh…never mind. I- uh- I’ll just have a beer"

The other gave him an unimpressed look, brows rising slightly while a hand reached down to get a beer with practiced ease.

“That will be-"

Lance gave him the money without even waiting for the full sentence. He just wanted to have his beer (maybe five) and drink until he no longer had to remember his stupid mistake.

Why was he this bad at being into men?!...

And this guy… He had actually felt something more than appreciation for him…but wasn't it just like him to screw it up?…

The guy took the money from his fingers then unexpectedly leaned over the counter.

“Was that really a serious line?”

Lance raised his head sharply, eyes linking with the other's dark ones. “Uh…” he stumbled, mind yet again drawing an embarrassing blank. “It was bad, I know…”

“No…it wasn't bad.”

Lance perked up, brows rising in surprise.

“It was horrendous but-"

Lance screwed his face, long fingers shaking in a clear denial.

“No, stop, please…I am aware of my utter incompetence, don't need pity as well.”

“Ok...”

A brief pause-

“It wasn't the worst though. I’ve heard worse come-ons"

Lance dragged himself up, eyes narrowing as curiosity and suspicion made a place in his gut. “Really?...” he asked, voice going high and stretching the word. “How could it be worse than my misgendered attempt?”

The guy shrugged with ease, a calm look settling over his face. “You didn't offer to take me to a new world, or fuck me until I can't scream your name or give something more enjoyable to do with my mouth…”

Lance gulped, a new kind of blush settling over his cheeks. “hahaha…right.”

The guy gave him a serious look, before that private smile Lance had noticed on stage showed itself at the corner of his lip, a mischievous shine settling in his eyes.

“Hey!” Lance exclaimed, indignant but slowly loosing his resolve when faced with that small smile. “I don't need that attitude, mullet!”

The other raised his brows, smile gone. “Mullet?...”

“Yeah, well. It's not like I know your name, right?! You guys don't have name tags either! How am I supposed to-”

“…It's Keith"

Lance halted, his voice completely cut off.

“oh…”

Keith gave him an expectant look or at least that was how Lance wanted to interpret it.

“Uhhh…” with a cough Lance cleared his throat, hoping he sounded cool. “I'm Lance…”

Keith only gave him a brief nod. Then sneaking a glance at his right screwed his face. “Hope you weren't depending on him for a ride home.”

Surprised Lance followed his gaze, eyes immediately noticing the way Lotor was leaning against the counter, fingers trailing up and down a –

Hot damn!

Lance's eyes opened wide at seeing the man Lotor was so shamelessly flirting with, for a few seconds his mind showing a blue screen.

The guy was positively gorgeous, with a body that looked as if sculptured, stylish tuff of white hair falling to his eyes and an easy calming smile settled over his lips. No doubt Lotor was shamelessly all over him.

But no matter the hotness level, the sight sort of felt detached, not like-

Well, not like Keith…

“Seriously…” Lance grumbled, a scowl settling over his face. “the worst friend ever to exist!”

“Friend?” Keith asked, an adorable frown creasing between his eyebrows. “I thought-" Then suddenly cutting himself off, he looked away.

Was that-was that a blush?!

Lance gave him a confused but curious look, his heart racing for no reason other than seeing a blush on Keith's face. “You thought what?”

Keith shook his head, dismissing the question. “Never mind" he murmured, gaze flickering towards the gorgeous man and Lotor once again. “I can't believe Shiro is skipping off work to flirt"

Lance followed his gaze and took a deep sip from his beer. “Why? Surely he is allowed a break"

“...He is supposed to be the responsible one!”

Faced with the expectant look on Lance's face he continued.

“uh…as the elder brother I mean"

Lance felt his brows rise. “He is your brother?!” Was all men in this family hot?!

“Foster brother..” Keith murmured, his tone turning withdrawn and immediately capturing Lance's attention.

“ah…” Lance sighed, for a second his mind focusing on his large family. He couldn't really imagine a life without them, surrounding, supporting, bickering... “Do you get along? He seems nice."

Keith looked back at Shiro, expression turning soft. “Yeah…he is.”

Now, Lance couldn’t help his smile. “I’m glad,” he said, fingers tightening around his bottle.

A second later, their eyes met silently, the moment turning private and staying suspended. Lance felt his heart pitter patter inside its cage, an indescribable warmth blossoming.

Then-

“Hey! Bartender! C’mon darling, I need sustenance for my boys here!”

Both of them startled at the voice, gazes turning to focus on a man leaning against the bar, clad in an ambitious combination of fur and leather and –

Lance almost grimaced. That wasn’t how you did make up...

“Yeah!” Keith replied, giving Lance a brief look before moving away to take the order.

Sighing Lance turned his back towards the counter and forced himself not to watch Keith obsessively. That wasn’t going to land him any points, especially not after that flirting fiasco. Instead he chose to watch the crowd, gaze soon locating Lotor, now chatting with a tall guy, complete with broad shoulders and piercing eyes.

And he looked familiar too...

Lance's eyes narrowed. But where could he have seen him? And what was wrong with Lotor?! Flirting with each and every guy-

Oh, there was another one, also tall, broad and looking kinda dangerous, but then again so was Kolivan and Lance had never seen him get mad when Lotor pushed him.

“Your friend seems popular”

Lance didn’t jump but it was a close thing. “God!” Turning he gave Keith a hurt look. “Seriously?! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!”

Then for a second Lance forgot his name, because the other man had the most pleased mischievous smile he had ever seen.

“It’s not my fault that you have zero awareness of your surroundings.”

“Huh!” Lance raised one of his fingers as a way of accusation. “I’ll have you know I have the record for the fastest hidden target acquisition in the entire Alvarez family history.”

“Yeah?” Keith questioned, brows raised in amusement. “And who else participated in this ‘acquisition’?”

Lance did not pout but it was a close thing. “My …nephews and nieces.”

This time there was a huff from Keith, complete with Lance’s protesting exclamation.

“Hey! I’ll have you know, 7 year olds are very worthy opponents when it comes to finding a box of chocolate.”

Keith gave him a look, amusement shining in his eyes.

“Cut throat competition! Highly motivated!...”

“I’m sure.”

At last Lance grinned at him, a giggle escaping at seeing that teasing smirk on Keith's face. “So...” he murmured, leaning over the counter and changing the subject. With his head he indicated towards the other side of the bar where a rowdy colorful group of men were toasting with enthusiasm. “Got everything he needed to keep his ‘boys’ happy.”

After a brief glance in that direction Keith turned to him. “Jessie is okay, he sometimes gets too enthusiastic, always comes with a different group and never actually remembers my name but he is...decent.”

At the loud exclamation from the group Lance huffed, leaning closer to Keith as if to lend him a secret. “You know,” he murmured. “You can't use that eyeliner with that shade and really expect to be taken seriously”

Up close, Keith looked surprised, eyes growing wide and lips openning slightly.

With sudden awkwardness Lance blushed, heat invading his face. Heart beating nervously as he pulled back. What had he actually said?! He wasn't supposed to-

“I’m not gay!”

For a second, Keith’s eyebrows rose higher, confusion passing through his eyes before a cool look slowly settled over his face. “Well...I am.”

“You-" Lance coughed. “Uhhhhh- Ok, yes. That's- that's cool, that's fine.”

“I know it is fine.” Halting he crossed his arms over his chest, biceps killing Lance in that tight t-shirt. “You realize you are in a gay bar, right?”

Lance’s voice got higher again, wounded pride showing itself. “Yes, of course I know that! I just meant I am not ...entirely gay"

“....”

“I mean-" Sudden nervousness left Lance choking. “…I don't know yet, but I- I might be... bisexual?”

Keith regarded him with a neutral expression, his voice extremely calm when he replied.

“Ok"

Lance gave him a look. “Just ok?! C'mon man, I poured my heart to you here!”

An amused smile, then Keith shrugged. Actually shrugged, like it wasn’t a big deal!

“I don't mind.”

“You don't-" Lance had planned for a higher tone, an exclamation of disbelief combined with a touch of mock indignation.

He missed the target…

“You don't really mind?...”

For a brief moment a soft look shone in Keith's eyes, not pity but understanding making a place for itself, then it was all cool eyes and a teasing smirk.

“Why should I care about to whom you are attracted to, Alvarez?”

Lance screwed his face. “Thanks, mullet. For that comment you owe me another bottle on the house.” With the tip of his fingers Lance dangled the bottle in front of Keith. “Now, chop chop!”

Keith gave him a murderous scowl, his good humor vanishing entirely. Even with the scowl, he didn't complain when pulling the bottle from Lance's hand, fingers brushing and sending a jolt of excitement down his nerves.

“You are lucky you are pretty"

“What?” Lance squeaked, heart jumping up to his throat.

Keith gave him a neutral cool look. “I said you are lucky you are pretty, otherwise I would have got Hunk to throw you out by now"

“You-" Lance hoped he wasn't blushing. Never mind who ever Hunk was, Keith had actually called him pretty!... Forcing on a flirty smile Lance leaned closer to the other man. “So, you think I am pretty?”

Keith raised his brows and reached down to get him another beer. “That wasn't the important part of the sentence.”

Lance winked at him. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

For a few seconds they looked at each other, a massive sleazy smile on Lance's face and a deadpan look on Keith's, before Lance pulled back with a huff.

“Fine!” he grumbled. “But, mark my words! Soon, mullet you'll realize the vitality of this beauty" With his hands Lance gestured from the top of his head down to his chest. “They don't call me ‘Lover boy' for nothing!”

Keith chortled, his breath getting stuck in amusement. “Lover boy?!” An uncontrollable laugh fell from his lips.

If it wasn't offensive to the sacred nature of Lance's reputation, he might have been weak against that adorable laugh but alas! It was about Lance's pride!

“Hey!”

Keith continued to laugh, eyes growing misty even as the look in his eyes changed into something… fond.

“You can't be serious!” Keith wheezed, “That is your nickname?!”

Fond or not, Lance wasn't going to accept such words. No, it was time to retaliate!

“What? So you think you have it better huh, mullet? The Blades?! Really?”

With a snicker Lance leaned to the side. “Had all the other bands already got the edgier names? The forks, or perhaps the spoons?”

This time, Keith was the one to frown, something childish and indignant settling over his frame as he crossed his arms over his chest. “It was my childhood dream, alright?!”

Childhood dream? That's-

Kinda cute...

Lance raised his hands up, palms open towards Keith and a soft smile settling over his lips. “Ok...ok...” he huffed in amusement. “I guess it fits with the whole –“ He gestured with his hands across Keith's body. “ Leather and metal combination.”

Keith looked down his body before giving a speculative glance at Lance as if he wasn't still sure if the other was teasing him.

Lance rewarded him with a knowing smirk, entirely enjoying the confused look on the man's face.

“Keith!”

Both of them turned towards the voice only to see Shiro with a giant beer case. Immediately Keith bolted, eyes briefly linking with Lance's before turning on his brother.

“Yeah!”

With a sigh Lance watched as Keith took the case from Shiro, biceps straining and body tilting back to adjust to the weight. Wouldn't it be great if Lance had those arms around his waist? Those hands across his chest?... and that voice whispering-

“Still here?”

With a start Lance turned back, hand clutching over his heart. This got to stop!

At his right Lotor had an annoying smirk on his face.

“Lotor!” he hissed, heart still beating erratically in his chest. “What the hell?! You scared the shit out of me.”

Instead of apologizing like a normal human being, Lotor ignored him to watch Keith and Shiro with a calculative look in his eyes. Pervert…

“Hey,” Lance exclaimed physically obscuring his view. “evil incarnate! No looking, no seducing, remember?! Erase all thoughts about him.”

Lotor huffed in a weirdly elegant way.

Lance sometimes hated his stupid handsome ass.

“Relax...” he drawled, leaning back. “Singers or artists in general, do not hold my interest. Too much drama for my taste.”

Lance screwed his face, not believing him for a second. “Yeah, right!”

A raised eyebrow and a deadpan look later, Lotor straightened his shoulders. “You must have realized by now that I am actually going for the elder brother"

Lance's eyes narrowed. “Does he know that you have a boyfriend?”

Lotor smiled…in an evil way.

“No-no-no! You are not leading on Keith's brother so that you can have some fun!”

“And hinder your chances with your singer boyfriend"

“Exactly!”

Lotor smirked. “Calm down, Alvarez.” Then leaning of the counter he gave Lance a wink. “Shiro is a consenting adult with an open-mind"

What?!...

Then with a final look at the brothers he turned to go back. “You on the other hand, need to step up your game"

Fuck off! That was what Lance wanted to say but before he could attempt, Lotor was already half way across the bar, leaning over the counter and possibly trying to get free drinks from Shiro through shameless flirting.

Bastard....

“What is that look?”

Lance looked to his left, eyes opening wide to find Keith beside him.

“Lotor...” he confessed voice conveying his displeasure.

“Your friend?” Keith questioned, tracing Lance's eyes to land on Lotor's tall figure.

“Yeah…”

“He seems interested in Shiro.”

“Yeah, well he is an attractive sleaze bag with perfect hair so warn your brother, yes?”

Keith almost laughed. “Don't worry, your friend isn't the first to flirt with Shiro.”

Lance gave him a look but a second later had to shrug it off.

“Let's change the subject! I don't wanna talk about Lotor or your brother”

Keith smirked. “Me neither. What else do you want to talk about?”

Lance grinned at him. “Your band?”

Keith frowned adorably. “Are you going to make fun of its name again?!”

After an amused but soft huff, he gave Keith his most winning smile. “No, never!” He raised his hand. “Scout's honor"

Keith's eyes narrowed. “Why do I get the feeling that you were never a scout?”

Lance chuckled, then with a shrug turned towards Keith entirely. “You are too suspicious for your own good!”

“Yeah? Well, it has worked for me so far.”

With a small hum, Lance tilted his head.

“But seriously…” he confessed, unable to keep it in any longer. His voice turned softer without conscious effort. “Your voice… it is incredible. I don't think I've heard anything that captivated my attention so quickly. It was… it was like magic!”

A beautiful blush spread over Keith's cheeks, eyes shifting from Lance's face to the side.

Taking a shaky breath Lance felt a similar heat rising from his neck, slowly creeping up and soon capturing each cell.

“Do you really-"

“Yes!”

Keith turned to him suddenly, something undefinable shining in his eyes.

“It was really amazing. To be sincere I didn't get why you guys only played one song"

“It's the rule of the bar…”

“Such a shame"

“We perform at another place on Thursdays!” Keith suddenly blurted, promptly a blush spreading over his cheeks. “You can come and watch us there!” Then with a jerk he pulled back. “I mean...if - if you are interested.”

A giddy feeling burst inside Lance, breath getting caught at his throat. “Oh...yes, YES I’m interested. You have no idea!”

A loaded silence fell between them, mortification sending a cold bucket of water down Lance's back. Shit...maybe that had been too enthusiastic… he really was hopeless…

But when he looked up there was a weird small smile on Keith's face. Leaning over the counter he opened up his hand with the universal sign for asking.

Oh…

So maybe… he wasn't that hopeless.

Lance smiled softly.

--5--

Lance strolled back with a new energy seeped into his steps and a little swagger etched into his frame. A cocky smile had settled lazily on his lips and by the time he got back to Lotor's side, smugness was evident on his face.

“Heyy! What did I tell you?! The Tailor!” With uplifting energy and a giant smile, Lance pointed to his chest with his thumbs.

With Shiro already back at the storage room, the other man once again looked bored.

“Is that so? And where is your proof, Lover boy?”

Lance swiftly opened up his phone before proudly displaying an address written on an electronic note pad.

“You've already got an address?!... Color me impressed, Alvarez. Congratulations on your booty call.”

“What?! No, it is not an address like that! Pervert! No, it is the name of the bar they regularly play at. Nothing dirty!”

Lotor looked down at the note again, fingertips elegantly turning the phone towards himself. A cool look settled over his face.

“Nothing dirty, hmm? You realize that the ‘bar’ is in the strip joint, yes?”

“WHAT?!”

Lotor smirked, amusement seeping from his voice. “You are too easy.”

“Evil...” Lance pouted then eyes catching the sight of Keith, blushed with satisfaction. The tight coil at his stomach heated up pleasantly.

“Thanks..” he murmured, voice soft as his eyes turned back to look at Lotor.

The other man’s smirk got softer but when he shrugged it was distant and nonchalant. “I had nothing better to do this evening"

Lance snickered at his response, only giving half of his attention to him as his eyes were once again called towards Keith.

He had a soft smile on his face as he listened to Shiro, gaze for a brief second linking with Lance's and the smile pleasantly turning wider. Unable to resist it, Lance’s stomach jumped into the air, successfully completing a somersault.

And even though he couldn't really say that he had everything figured out, Lance wanted to see this as a start.

If not for his undeniable and embarrassing attraction, then for solely the purpose of being stubborn, Lance wasn't going to lose!

#headcanonsfromanasexualpirate #klanceholidayexchange2017 #klance #voltron #voltron legendary defender #etc.writes #are you out there babe #merry christmas!

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fragmentsofchaldea · 7 years

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Fragment 40 Insight

As a side note, special thanks needs to be given to etheral-23 for all the assistance he’s provided making the Indian Heroes’ Fragments extra fluffy and insightful. They really do have quite the interesting backdrop going on, even with Type Moon’s small changes.

Starting to introduce a bunch of servants again. Besides the Douji onis, which some have been waiting for, Rama finally makes his appearance! I honestly feel pretty meh about what DW/TM decided to do to such a powerful hero, but it is what it is. The design makes sense since he’s in his youthful sense, but from the anecdotes of his story (and Karna and Arjuna’s for that matter), he should have been a lot more powerful, and another trump card for Chaldea.

If you haven’t guessed, I’m making slight pushes to restore that, but not overwhelmingly so.

He’s a rather interesting servant to write, simply because his mind is wizened and contains all the memories and knowledge he’s accumulated over his entire journey... yet he’s summoned in a youthful stage that has a tendency to act/speak before fully comprehending his thoughts. It’s like a sage telling a teen expert advice, and then they go off and get it partially right, except they share a body. It makes for quite the interesting dynamic. As shown in pieces of America, there’s also portions where the mind and soul/body act in tandem to show the true Rama.

There “Summoned-and-how-they-adapt” fragments are pretty staple at this point, but I wanted to do something different with Rama to shake things up. Most get summoned with a concept and idea in mind, and then wind up getting it fixed/achieved by the end of it. Gilles gets summoned and finds some consolation for his madness, and the Avengers are also a fine example of finding their niche.

Rama fails to find a hobby by the end of it, but it suits him just fine. He’s in a rush because he’s his youthful self, meanwhile his wisdom-filled mind is telling him to slow down and be patient. He only partially realizes he’s still getting settled, but wants things accomplished immediately. Can you blame him? He’s been pining after Sita since his separation during his actual legend. Now summoned in his youthful form, he’d be getting pretty impatient again.

I reintroduced the idea Karna and Arjuna can... “get along” on the surface, and for civility reasons. I also continued to make it clear Arjuna is not quite happy with that. This’ll continue to be expanded upon because, like stated before, it is not an easy dilemma to resolve in any way.

I also wanted to show Gilgamesh could respect certain servants. Though he is abrasive towards gods/goddesses as well, he has been shown to acknowledge certain individuals like Karna and Iskander. Going off of that, Rama and Arjuna would not be far of a stretch considering their might, but he would still place himself above them. I’ve got big plans for Gilgamesh later, since the “total-arrogance” spiel does get relatively old after a while. That said, don’t expect Gilgamesh to turn into... someone like Astolfo for an example. He’s not Gilgamesh unless he’s arrogant with a superiority complex, after all.

Ibaraki gets her candy obsession from the Halloween 2016 event. I had to make it a Snicker’s considering her usual antics and personal mindset. I thought it was rather fitting. “Better?” “Better.”

Establishing Rama’s friendship with Nightingale and Beowulf was a tad more complex than usual. Their interactions in America was pretty straight forward, but if you look at my summoning order for Chaldea, both berserkers were in Chaldea before the singularity even occurred. Just like the small tease Diarmuid had to fight himself, those two wound up meeting their “clones” as well, but with different results.

Overall a relatively straightforward chapter to show Rama fit in rather nicely thanks to his retained memories. He’ll be playing more key roles later on.

For those who were sad Ishtar is a lot more Ishtar than Rin upon summoning, I’ve got great news for you next Fragment. It turns out Rin’s tendencies have a lot more influence than Ishtar would like to openly admit, for far worse than for better. Thankfully, it’s not a drama thing though!

Prepare for a comedy filled Fragment next week! It’s Valentine’s Day in Chaldea!

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Who's to blame for the Cleveland Cavaliers' chaotic offseason?

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Who's to blame for the Cleveland Cavaliers' chaotic offseason?

The Cleveland Cavaliers have quickly become the NBA’s finest summer season cleaning soap opera, total with a entrance-office environment shake-up and a star participant inquiring for a trade.

So what is actually going on with the defending Japanese Meeting champions, who just last thirty day period finished a near-fantastic run to the NBA Finals before slipping to the Golden Point out Warriors? Our panel of gurus breaks down who’s to blame for the Cavs’ by now wild offseason.

1. How considerably is Kyrie Irving to blame?

J.A. Adande, ESPN.com: sixty per cent. If the predicament is effective, the major prerequisite is to keep on rowing in the same path. As a substitute, Irving rocked the boat. It is really not as if there weren’t other alternatives: Deal with it, or hold out for LeBron to depart.

Is Kyrie Irving great adequate to run his have crew and gain? His “Mamba mentality” implies one particular thing, but the stats have not backed it up but.

Cleveland wishes a king’s ransom in a Kyrie Irving deal. Zach Lowe seems to be at the Cavs’ prospective trade associates.

Kyrie Irving expressed a willingness to return to the NBA Finals with LeBron James just two months ago. Paul George was nearly a Cavalier. Now, Irving’s trade desire has thrown Cleveland for but a different loop this offseason.

2 Linked

Tom Haberstroh, ESPN.com: 20 per cent. “The disorder of me,” coined by Pat Riley, infects almost each and every champ. You gain it all, and then instantly anyone wishes to claim additional credit score and ability. The mess in Cleveland commences at the extremely best, but the timing is on Kyrie. If he manufactured this ask for promptly right after the Finals loss or before the draft, this would be a large amount easier for anyone associated.

Dave McMenamin, ESPN.com: forty per cent. This only takes place because Irving put the trade ask for in. … After building it to a few straight Finals. After winning a ring. After possessing the finest statistical season of his career with James still having his. So he is culpable right here. But he isn’t going to shoulder every thing. He signed an extension in 2014 under the premise he’d be the encounter of the franchise. LeBron was not a thought. Eleven times later on, the King returned (there is a pretty great book out there you can study about it), and this consequence became a affordable inevitability for a headstrong star.

Ramona Shelburne, ESPN.com: fifty per cent. Ultimately, Kyrie is the one particular inquiring for a trade, so he is the major actor in the saga. Everyone else is liable to the extent they didn’t maintain Kyrie from inquiring for a trade, whether by presenting him with a eyesight for a future he’d want to be a portion of, or in contributing to the ecosystem he wishes to depart. Just because he is the most to blame, while, isn’t going to imply this is a bad thing for the Cavs. If Cleveland will get a great return for Irving, this may possibly in fact be great for the franchise extensive term, as they can seem for youthful gamers who complement James’ skill established and restock some of their property right after living for currently the previous couple of several years.

Brian Windhorst, ESPN.com: Zero per cent. I really don’t consider he is to blame at all. He wishes a modify of predicament. I individually concern his timing I consider he is put his legacy on the line needlessly. He’s going to have to realize at an really substantial amount to not be remembered as the guy who desired to depart LeBron. I consider if he waited a 12 months, his alternatives would be so considerably far better. But if he wishes to go now, he has the ability to talk to.

Will LeBron James and the Cavaliers have a new place guard in 2017-18? Gregory Shamus/Getty Illustrations or photos

2. How considerably is LeBron James to blame?

Adande: ten per cent. If LeBron envisions himself as a leader, he could come across a way to handle Kyrie’s problems and empower him. But if the most important trouble is that LeBron’s greatness overshadows anyone else on the crew, he is not actually “at fault.”

Haberstroh: 5 per cent. LeBron James is one particular of the finest gamers ever, if not the finest. Expectations of greatness from teammates arrives with the territory. Michael Jordan was ruthlessly demanding and antagonistic — and we worshipped him for it. It’d be hypocritical to praise Jordan and Kobe Bryant’s demanding nature but solid a big chunk of blame on LeBron.

McMenamin: ten per cent. An all-time expertise like James is going to suck up most of the air in the space. That is just how the earth is effective. Even though accomplishing so, he served Irving realize the biggest feat a basketball participant can encounter. If there is blame, it truly is the idea that James’ camp leaked Irving’s ask for, which signifies he is Ok with possessing performed his last activity with Irving and geared up to do the job with the items that Irving will catch the attention of on the trade industry.

Shelburne: ten per cent. He’s culpable in that his reticence to dedicate extensive-term to the Cavs is what is actually destabilizing the franchise correct now. But understanding Kyrie’s temperament, and generate to drive himself, this may have been inescapable.

Windhorst: Zero per cent. I really don’t blame LeBron at all. Everyone is aware of the deal. He can be rough to engage in with. He will yell at you. He will blame you at instances. He will subtweet you. He will get most of the glory. He will get you paid out. He will get you championships. He will make you applicable. He will make you additional renowned. Most have been eager to choose the deal. Kyrie is opting out.

three. How considerably is the Cavs’ possession/entrance office environment to blame?

Adande: 29 per cent. They permit the GM who presided more than the finest run in franchise historical past get away and they couldn’t take care of the Kyrie Konundrum before it received out, established the NBA ablaze and scorched his trade benefit. Oh, and Dan Gilbert experienced to apologize for his company’s tone-deaf ad in Detroit. Not a great summer season.

Haberstroh: 70 per cent. It’s possible the Cavs’ brass should not have permit David Griffin go. It’s possible the Cavs’ brass should not have run the GM out with out a successor in position. It’s possible the Cavs’ brass should not have waited right until almost August to name a new GM. This is a management failure from the best down, the down up.

McMenamin: forty per cent. Below is an indisputable point: David Griffin, when he was Cleveland’s GM, experienced innumerable conversations with Irving in order to assuage the youthful star and recalibrate Irving’s own objectives to sync up with the Cavs’ crew programs. Then Cavs operator Dan Gilbert unsuccessful to lengthen Griffin’s contract. Then Irving requested a trade. That is the chain of functions. And all of that was right after Irving performed under 4 coaches in 6 seasons. The Cavs’ brass is complicit in this mess.

Shelburne: 30 per cent. The only prospect the Cavs experienced at keeping this alliance alongside one another was to generate a society each LeBron and Kyrie desired to be a portion of extensive term. As a substitute, the Cavs have devolved into a alternatively rudderless assortment of expertise and egos. That is on possession/management because, fairly frankly, anyone else has been fired.

Windhorst: twenty five per cent, certainly some. We are going to never ever know what would’ve took place experienced the Cavs stored David Griffin. Would he have been able to trade for Paul George? Would he have managed Irving’s frustrations and smoothed them more than? No one particular will ever know, but that is a concern Dan Gilbert is going to have to deal with for some time.

The Warriors’ dominance has the complete league — including the Cavaliers — rethinking their technique. Ramin Rahimian for ESPN

four. How considerably are the Warriors to blame?

Adande: 1 per cent. The Warriors are not going all around seeding havoc all around the league. The Warriors are just accomplishing the Warriors. Amid all the turmoil in Cleveland, the Warriors sent out a media launch asserting they’d signed Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, Zaza Pachulia and David West. Just like that, the crew that experienced the finest season also experienced the finest offseason.

Haberstroh: 5 per cent. Irving reportedly thought of bolting right after beating the Warriors in 2016, so I really don’t consider this is about them. Confident, if the Warriors dropped the 2017 Finals, I really don’t consider Irving would be thinking about leaving in center of a a few-peat chase. But I could be mistaken.

McMenamin: ten per cent. If the Warriors really don’t get Kevin Durant in the summer season of 2016, we may possibly be conversing about the back-to-back champion Cleveland Cavaliers. But they did get KD. And KD received Finals MVP. And Irving is trying to depart a loser, not a winner.

Shelburne: ten per cent. The Warriors have the entire league shook. The Golden Point out elephant has the rest of the league accomplishing points wholly out of character this summer season. But the predicament with Kyrie feels additional own to his special temperament, and the dynamic in between himself and LeBron. In this situation, I consider the Warriors have additional influence on LeBron’s imagined procedure than Kyrie’s.

Windhorst: 75 per cent. The Warriors are to blame for every thing. After a hiatus, Warrior Paranoia(TM) is back with a vengeance! They have completed psychological injury to the complete league, and they’re laughing all the way all around the golfing study course.

5. Where will Kyrie Irving engage in in 2017-18?

Adande: Cleveland … at the very least at the commencing. With two several years remaining on his contract, Irving isn’t going to have the leverage to power his way out or dictate where by he’ll go. With no definitive term from LeBron about his upcoming shift, the Cavs really don’t know whether to go for veterans or youngsters/picks. The finest shift is to maintain him all around and hope he goes on an prolonged scorching streak.

Haberstroh: Phoenix. I consider an Eric Bledsoe and Jared Dudley swap ought to do it. I would not put Josh Jackson in the deal if I am the Suns. The Cavs really don’t have several sensible suitors who can supply a truly great youthful place guard who performs protection and an best job participant like Dudley.

McMenamin: Minnesota. A trade package centered on Andrew Wiggins would be a poetic twist on the Cavs’ roller-coaster journey given that 2014. And Jimmy Butler and Karl Anthony-Towns, resources explain to me, have been lobbying each Irving and the Wolves’ determination-makers to make it take place. If the package incorporated Jeff Teague (albeit with a do-not-split-glass-right until-Dec.-fifteen caveat to it), it would give Cleveland the prospective to be far better in a 7-activity collection against Golden Point out. And I write that understanding total effectively that Irving averaged nearly 30 points in this year’s Finals.

Shelburne: Miami. The crew that will get Kyrie is going to have to be Ok with providing up a large amount of youthful property for a participant who could depart in two several years. So the 4 teams on his checklist have an edge in understanding he’d be most likely to continue to be there outside of his present-day contract. Minnesota can almost certainly supply the most, but it truly is tough to see them parting with Andrew Wiggins, provided coach Tom Thiobdeau’s valuation of protection. The Warmth are dying for a youthful star, and Pat Riley and Andy Elisburg are each inventive and daring adequate to come across a way to get this deal completed. I consider the Cavs will be even worse right after dealing him, because correct now there is no real leverage for Cleveland to drive for many picks or youthful gamers.

Windhorst: Phoenix has the finest cadre of property to make a deal. No matter of their present-day negotiating posture, they almost certainly could make it take place. They have to evaluate their timeline and the danger of Irving leaving in totally free agency, but that is the crew. After that, Minnesota. As for Cleveland, I have no plan what their future will seem like right until I see what they get for Irving.

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