#it will be years before I have the qualifications to actually save anyone | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

ladye-zelda · 4 months

Note

Which Links do you think have been to formal schools?

Oooo, good question

Sky without a doubt has a formal education; I am not sure what kind of teaching they do at the knight's academy, but I am sure they would teach some kind of math, science, or whatever was known in Skyloft at the time.

I think Four might've also had a formal education, as we can see a school in Minish Cap in Hyrule Town. Then when he was of age, he would've been taken under apprenticeship by his grandfather (or maybe taught smithing at an earlier age, who knows).

For Time, I think he relies heavily on experience. The Kokiri don't have a traditional school, and judging from the little training area and how highly they regard their deity, I think they have a sort of "figure it out" mentality when it comes to, well, figuring stuff out. I don't see Time (especially as a kid) to going to anyone for anything, but I think Talon would teach him some things, especially when he gets together with Malon as that's probably the only adult that Time trusts (since the Great Deku Tree is gone).

Legend is taught by his uncle during his childhood, and does try to go seek more places to learn (as apparently he does travel in pursuit of knowledge, hence why he got caught up in the oracle games/link's awakening). Then, afterwards, tries an apprenticeship with the blacksmith but then just decides experience is the best teacher and travels from there.

Much like Time, Hyrule is also a hands-on learner. I think the reason why he might be so insecure about his place in the Chain is because he wasn't taught properly like some of the other knights; one day he was just given a sword and was told to go save Princess Zelda. The only things that he were taught were magic spells by old people in Zelda 2 (though I am not too familiar with the game so I might be wrong on that) and that is about as much as he would learn. I like to headcanon that he tried to get a formal education in the 6 years in between games with Princess Zelda, but it didn't work out for him.

Twilight was most definitely taught by the people of Ordon. Probably not any formal education, as Ordon is a small village and probably not enough kids to have a proper school (like, you're telling me that Ilia is the only other kid in the entire village close to Link's age? And look at that age gap between Link, Ilia, and the other kids!). I think Fado taught Twilight all of the ranching aspects -- horse riding, animal tending, etc -- while Rusl taught him how to fight, other things a boy needs to know, and Uli taught him how to take care of himself and to help others.

I'm not too knowledgable about what goes in Wind Waker, but there is the old guy that teaches Wind how to sword fight, right? If I am thinking correctly, I think Wind's island would've had kind of like what they had in Moana and that the village elders would just teach the kids what they need to know, mainly stories as that's kind of what Link's grandma does in the beginning of the game.

I think Warriors was taught by some sort of school. After all, he had to become a knight in training and there had to have been some qualifications to get into that, right? Either that or he was taught at the knight training place, where he would've learned to strategize and make rational decisions. Maybe some heavy-duty military training.

Lastly, that leads to Wild. I kind of have a few headcanons with this, so stick with me.

Before the Calamity, Wild was definitely taught things when he was travelling with his father's knights, especially how to fight. He was probably under apprenticeship with his father, as it's sort of baffling to me why a four year old would be travelling with the knights instead of, I don't know, at a daycare or something? (But that raises the question of if whether or not his mom is alive, but she should be since Wild's sister is canon in LU, but then again his dad could've remarried and had his little sister a bit later. Actually, I kinda like that idea.)

Anyways, when Wild was old enough he could've further his training and education at the military camp right outside of the Lost Woods, which would've made it easier for him to find the Master Sword when he was twelve (plus with the village nearby, he and his father could've been living there as it is close to the castle, but not close enough at the same time). Then for the next five years, Wild just goes around Hyrule, doing natural hero stuff, developing his stoic personality as everyone sort of tells him what a hero should be; so it gives him plenty of time to mold that persona until eventually he becomes a Champion and... well, y'know the rest.

After the Calamity, Wild just sorts of takes the Time and Hyrule route and learns on his own. Though, I will say I think Wild is more open to asking how this are and what to do with things more than the former heroes because its quite easy in the game to have a tutorial on literally anything if you ask the right npc. So, he would just have an education from just random travelers he meets. Plus I guess it would make fighting easier since he still has muscle memory, due to his prowess with weapons right from the get-go.

#the ladye answers #amazing stormy!!!#whew this was a long one #sorry about that XD #let me know if I need to clarify some answers because I feel like I'm speaking a bit weirdly #linked universe #linkeduniverse #lu sky #lu four #lu time #lu legend #lu hyrule #lu twilight #lu wind #lu warriors #lu wild #lu chain #lu analysis #long post

52 notes · View notes

vogelmeister · 11 days

Text

Eurovision 2024: my experience as a fan

One thing about me is that I love Eurovision. I have all the winners plastered on my door at home, I can beat anyone and everyone at European geography. Each year for a week in May, I am people’s go to for anything and everything Eurovision, from explaining the big five to promoting my favourite songs. I willingly get up at 5am to tune in live, I have written two academic essays on Eurovision, and both essays have a sense of passion running through them where you can tell I love the topic- may or may not have been called out once on that. I knew so much about the topic that neither essay required much research. When I lived in the Netherlands, I attended Het Grote Songfestivalfeest, probably killing my seat neighbours with my singing and poorly articulated Dutch when De Diepte came on. As well as that, my friends and I took a trip to Rotterdam and visited where the contest was held in 2021. Having me, an Australian, alongside a Dutch person and a Greek, exploring Rotterdam highlighted to me exactly what Eurovision should be about. Unity.

Being in a room of Eurofans gave me joy that is unexplainable. I just remember realising, ‘hey I found my people’

However, I always knew ESC 2024 was going to be a hard watch for me, even before the boycotts begun. About a year ago I went through a massive friendship breakup with one of my closest Eurovision friends, and their villianisation of me meant that watching with them wasnt an option. I didn’t want to watch alone. That’s all I will say on that. I had a year to deal with that, anyway, and even when people were boycotting the event after October 7th, I thought, theres actually no way that Israel is actually competing this year. They surely will send something too political and get dq'd, right? Most of the knowledge I have of Palestine and Israel comes from my year 12 modern history class, which as my friend and I discussed today, was taught neutrally- and it’s not in Israel’s favour. I was there when Hatari spoke out in 2019 and did the banners, and I remember the shock and understanding what a big deal this was.

I toyed with the idea of boycotting myself. I had my reasons. I auditioned for a play, which didnt work out for me, as I was too distracted by Eurovision week to care. I was less invested in Eurovision as a whole, and I would get sleep. But in the end, I decided not to. My friend (who found out I liked Eurovision after I bitched about my ex friends not enjoying that I had other interests asides from Taylor Swift) was already coming around to watch. I decided my mental health came first, before boycotting and before being an activist. If I could save this one piece of my mental health, I would be fine. Stupid delusional me, well she had hope. I wanted to support Joost, and the other artists who were stuck in this shitshow of a year. I staunchly boycotted Isreal’s song, I have only heard it in full once, and that was against my will. I even blocked her on Spotify.

I looked at it all positively- this all meant I was going in more blind than ever. I bought my 2024 CD, but I also broke a lot of traditions- I didnt do my predictions like I do every year on my whiteboard, I didnt film the first semi qualifications with the caption ‘im in spain’ and put it on my story, and I hardly watched the NFs. I liked Eurovision, but this year, with all going on, I felt guilty and ashamed. I have been ashamed of being a eurofan before, but not on this level. I felt like I was trapped in a glass box, kicking and screaming at the ebu but they had airpods in. The answer was so obvious. Ban Isreal, like you did with Russia. People were harassing artists for competing, especially Olly, who I realised had no choice in the matter anyways. I ended up thinking “just get through the week, soon it will be over, and you’ll have fun with your friend.” I have never wanted Eurovision week over in my life. I just wasnt excited. Europapa basically became my ride or die, built upon my love for the Netherlands, and the genuine good vibes of the song. Joost was charismatic, and the song had a nice story. Another one of my friends, who realised I was eurofan after I posted a video on my story where you could see my Dowue Bob poster (I have my reasons for keeping it), found a watch party and it was free. She had her drivers license so she could get us there, and my other friend and I agreed. It would be fun, I would bring my Dutch flag and my orange beanie and wear my Sam Ryder shirt.

The first semi happened. My friend came over, we slept on the couch. I enjoyed myself, the qualifiers werent shocking though and I guessed 9/10 of them. It was pretty mid, but it was fun. The only issue was Poland being robbed and the Australian commentary on SBS being dicks to Portugal, which they backtracked in the final. It was insufferable, but the worst was yet to come.

The second semi. I was so excited to see Joost perform and bonded with my Dutch coworker over him and his song, which honestly was beautiful. If she didnt know how much I love the Netherlands before, she does now. I did notice that when Israel qualified, all the sickness in my stomach just exited the room, as the worst that could happen, happened. But sadly, I knew it would happen. Seeing the videos, however, of Palestine protesters and the booing and shouting, despite attempts to silence us, was beautiful. It showed exactly where the fandom stood, what we thought. And my mum was even happy about Israel being treated like bullshit.

And then shit started to go down.

The second semi press conference. The kaarija video. Joost being followed around for propaganda content by Israel. Joost’s “why not” and throwing the Dutch flag over his head. Marina falling asleep (queen). Bambi being dehumanised by Israel’s delegation and asshole of a commentator. Zionists kept making excuses and I got a few threats on TikTok of all places for supporting a bully manchild. Well, fuck you, at least I am not suporting genocide. It was a mess. My friend asked me for my opinions on the qualification while at work and i basically told her I didn’t want to talk about it. I looked so sad on break my coworker offered me a banana.

“Treat Eden Golan as human! She’s only 20” I wondered, how could I? How could I treat someone as human when they were basically a puppet, a face for a genocidal nation. How could I do that when that same genocidal nation was tearing apart the one thing I loved? Her delegation certainly didn’t treat Joost Klein as human; certainly just as another tool they could use to promote their propaganda machine. I felt sick. He wasn’t the only one. I was so proud of Joost, and I will always be proud of him, I think. What he did during the press conference after semi 2 took guts. Normally I would be pissed at a delegation getting mistreated like this, but not today. As far as I was concerned, this was good riddance. Get the fuck out, you’re not wanted here.

On Saturday, I started to realise I had this heavy feeling in my chest and it wasn’t leaving. I felt on edge, and yet I was a world away in Australia. I listened to “I can do it with a broken heart” fifty times on my way to work that day, confident that maybe I could power through this matinee shift without cracking. My favourite thing in the whole world was falling apart before my eyes, and it was easily avoided. I felt sick at work, there were points when I was thinking “I can’t do this.” But I could. I would. I would get through this shift. I messaged one of my friends in NL asking her how she was and she said she also wasnt having a good time, to which I confessed not wanting to get out of bed that morning because I was so sick with discomfort.

People were continually asking my thoughts, if I enjoyed the shows, the memes were sent and I had to put on a brave face because crying over a song contest is stupid and im a coward and hate being an outspoken activist.

The final straw for me was Joost Klein getting disqualified. This would have been a devastating blow for me no matter which nation it was, but it being the Netherlands, the one country I love more than anything else, the one song that was basically my ride or die in this shitshow of a year: well it felt personal. It showed the double standards of the EBU- how could an incident, hardly worth a fine, get Joost kicked out of ESC when Israel waltzed in with a smugass grin and a kill count. If it was about Joost's parents, I hope he hit them hard. the misleading information, the lack of transparency, and AVROTROS's discomfort over the whole ordeal was the cherry on the cake and really, actually showed me in full colour who the EBU were and that they didn't give two shits, bending the rules for Eden and using everyone else as scapegoats. That Joost, or any of the other artists were not allowed to have boundaries. Instantly I messaged my friend, and went “I am not fucking going to this watch party.” She agreed with me, the vibes would be off and probably zionist. My other friend, who was staying the night, was still keen to watch ESC. Instead of going to the livestream in Hurstville, we all came to mine at 5am and we elected to watch together. To finish what we started. As my friend said, “it could be the last one.”

I saw myself witnessing the death of Eurovision. All because someone wouldnt fucking kick out a country. When I woke up in the morning, I saw that Bambi had posted a statement saying they had issues with Israel and the delegation, and even the EBU fully admitted that Israel had broken rules. Yet where was the punishment?

I will confess the 5am start time hurt more this time around. Normally I would be bounding down the stairs, box of chips in hand, and excited to see the memes. Today, it just hurt. Dancing around to Europapa didn’t hide the emptiness in my soul about the disqualification, about the double standards enacted by the EBU this year. The interval acts were mid. Petra talking about the rules, saying shit like “it’s apolitical” stung with irony I had never felt before. I put on a brave face and I had as much fun as I could but in reality, I was sad and angry. Wishing I had gotten into that play. That I had the guts to boycott and explain to people why. That Joost wasnt disqualified for shit Eden Golan would have gotten away with.

After the show, I felt empty. Switzerland won, and congrats to them obviously, I like The Code. But after the shitshow of this week, all I felt was free and relieved. Israel still came top 5 and it confirmed what was sickeningly true. People still support Israel. People were still pulling the “Croatia robbed” game, unaware how tone deaf that feels in the current circumstances. It didn’t matter who won, as long as it wasn’t Israel, but it never felt like Israel lost. All I wanted to do was cry. My friend was showing me Eurovision memes probably unaware that I had been through the worst Eurovision of my life, and just wanted to cry and be left alone. No hate to her obviously but I was fucking trying to hold it together all morning, but I couldn't express my emotions on the matter. I hope AVROTROS sue the shit out of the EBU. I hope Joost gets a hero’s welcome home in the Netherlands. I hope past artists speak out. I hope Isreal gets banned.

I will be celebrating the small wins this year. I will be streaming the artists that stood up to the ebu, streaming the ones that spoke out, and of course, continuing to support Joost Klein. I will never forget watching Ukraine sail past Israel in the televote, a win of itself. I am thankful to those in the arena that spoke out against the EBU and booed both Israel and Osterdahl. To those who smuggled in flags, to those who refused to be silent. I will get over this, I will, but seeing the outcome of this week leaves little joy. I hope this isnt the end of Eurovision, but wherever we go now, I think a part of me did die this week.

#this ended up being 2000 words but i needed it out and off my chest. i needed to share it. i felt betrayal as a eurofan #i have just had such a brave face all week and i can't with this thing i used to love #at least i have therapy content #honestly #i just want to talk about how awful this year was from the perspective of a fan and trust me most of the fandom is wanting the ebu's demise #i hope they learn but they wont #if you are fucking rude about this ill block you on sight #and if you are a zionist #well fuck you too #fuck eurovision #eurovision 2024 #eurovision #fuck the ebu

28 notes · View notes

crane-posting · 1 month

Text

One of the biggest questions faced to the academic world today is the role of professional ethics in research.

Yesterday, a joint scientific conference in Gotham on the future of cryogenic technology was unceremoniously interrupted by the presence of Dr. Fries, a man who first robbed everyone present then, in doing so, proved the operating theory the lecturer had spent five years of their life trying to prove.

Two weeks before, three luxury cars belonging to a visiting oil tycoon were thrown through the wall of the Gotham Police Department by one Dr. Isley. If the power of what she can do could be harnessed appropriately the hole in the ozone layer could be patched within the century.

The best neurosurgeon on the eastern seaboard (and possibly farther if not for the limited access he has to modern medical developments) currently sits in Arkham Asylum where he could be perfecting new life-saving techniques.

What do all these have in common? They can't get published. Since the rise of masked villainy many decades ago, as it is called in certain circles, universities have been quick to reject the academic degrees and qualifications of anyone deemed likely to use their proficiencies for less moral experiments. Our fields of study have become academic black marks on anyone who would look upon them, whilst the more toothless of our findings are quickly taken by those who would claim credit.

Most will likely die with the vast majority of their research hidden from the world. This is nothing short of a travesty.

The best thing to do here, then, is a platform to document my areas of research. Luckily, as I cannot get published anyway, the burden of actual proof is lower and I do not have to go searching for research papers to cite. A little unfortunate as I actually did enjoy writing my (now removed) thesis, but I do not have much time to go searching anyway.

Some of the dictation will be less than formal, due to time constraints and personal preference.

#crane-posting #gotham rp

4 notes · View notes

ultfreakme · 6 months

Note

Who are your favorite romantic relationship's couples in books/ manga/ anime/movies/tv series (can be canon or non-canon)? Feel free if you want to write the reasons or not of why you love them...

Sorry if you've answered this question before......Thanks....

Hi Anon!! Hope you're doing well! OOOOH this is a tough one, I have so many ships I enjoy, I think I change pairings and find new ones every few months. But if I had to pick........

AkaFuri (Akashi x Furihata from Kuroko No Basuke): I've shipped them the longest, I'm pretty sure my writing got better through writing and researching for fics of the ship. I also transitioned from traditional to digital drawing through drawing this ship, so yay it's them! I love them because Furihata was someone Akashi and everyone underestimated but Furihata defied everyone's expectations, conquered his fears and managed to stand up against him. Kuroko and the Seirin basketball team changed Akashi's opinions and made him see everyone as equals, but Furihata sorta kickstarted that.

ItaJun (Itadori x Junpei from Jujutsu Kaisen): I actually shipped them back when JJK was first airing! So that's three years with them dear god. I made a post about them but to summarize, I love the potential they had & loved how they clicked together!

Zukka (Zuko x Sokka from Avatar The Last Airbender): This one's relatively new but they got me obsessed enough to write a 300k word for for them and made me go on an unstoppable and frankly unhealthy drawing spree for months (I have a callous on my hand...unsure if it's because of just them but they definitely didn't help). I love their dynamic, they play off each other well, make up for each other's weaknesses and their interactions are always funny to watch. They're very cute to me.

JonJay/JayJon (Jon Kent x Jay Nakamura from DC Comics): A CANON COUPLE!!! They're very adorable and I enjoyed watching the way they helped each other get to their goals in their introduction comic as a couple(Superman Son of Kal El). Watching Superman be bi and have an Asian bf was just, very inspiring. The way Jon's heroism and ideals are defined by Jay's ideals is so cool.

I have a lot more which I can put as honorable mentions: Korrasami (The Legend of Korra), SatoSugu(Jujutsu Kaisen), Stucky (the Captain America Trilogy was awesome and the only part I like from the MCU), KiriBaku(I think I'm pretty much over them now unless I get back into BNHA), Calliette(bring back First Kill please please PLEASE), XiCheng(Jiang Cheng x Lan Xichen from MDZS), BingQiu & MoShang (both from Scum Villain Self-Saving system).

These are the ones I remember. There's probably some crucial formative ship for me that I'm missing but rn I think this is it.

My qualifications for being obsessed with a ship are:

HAS to be gay

They should be complementary in some way

The franchise they come from needs to have a plot that isn't their relationship, but their relationship, or just the character's motivation is sorta woven into the overarching theme of the story. Example; In AkaFuri, Furihata is instrumental in defeating Akashi and his team because Furihata isn't there to exactly take down Akashi. He CAN'T. But if he works with everyone else on his team, he stands a chance and can make a difference. The ultimate theme of KNB is that we should value friendship, teammates and should lift each other up rather than view the world as enemies to defeat. Korra and Asami are seemingly polar opposite with Korra being a representative of spirits while Asami is a representative of human technological advancement. TLOK is about harmony between these two aspects of the world, and Korrasami's relationship is a representation of that. I think pretty much all my ships can work like that (Jiang Cheng is too cynical, never lets anyone close and is prone to conflict, Lan Xichen is too trusting and too complicit, never wanting conflict and therefore not really confronting anything and BOTH of these flaws of theirs are to their detriment, etc etc).

I think I like ships which I can use to examine the themes of the main story, and see how the union of two people could influence the meaning of the canon.

And, I'll be honest, it's also about how aesthetic they are together and how good the smut potential is. It's shipping in the end, and I can write thousand-word meta essays but also be going gaga over their smut lmao.

Hope this was an adequate reply!! Also please don't apologize, I hadn't answered this before I think? haha i keep forgetting what i write.

#riki asks #shipping

4 notes · View notes

hope-of-virgo · 4 months

Text

goals 2024

so it's around about the time of year where i make resolutions, and fortunately my schedule will start clearing up around may. perfect time to fill up my schedule again.

compete in a pole competition didn't get to do this last year due to getting surgery about 6 weeks prior to the performance date, and was like "hmm better not push my luck on the recovery". turns out that was a great decision, i was out of action for about 3 months after a complication. i've got my song picked out and a basic idea of where i'm going with the choreo, and that's a decent amount of the work out of the way. there's also a distinct possibility that my aerial dance sport will impact negatively on my career if it ever comes to light, so i'm determined to actually accomplish something in that space before i'm forced to choose between my sport and my job. also, not to mention the elephant in the room, but i'm also approaching 35 years old and on a functional level your body does start to break down as you get older. i might not be able to do it forever, and i'd like to do something cool while i still can.

change jobs didn't just do a social work qualification to not use it. child protection is hiring anyone with a qualification and a heartbeat, to the point that they're hiring people on working holiday visas to fill the skills gap. my current workplace is getting even more toxic than usual (@gotouhitori and @tamaaya68000 have been trying to convince me for l i t e r a l l y years to change jobs, ever since that one awesome time i came home from work and tried to do the big yeet. turned into 3 weeks off work due to mental health instability, and nearly 3 years later i'm still fucking there, somehow. work's in the process of hiring a "change management consultant" not just for the hospital redevelopment but also for the electronic medical record, and "change management" and "layoffs" typically go hand in hand.

take a course in data analytics my area of professional interest is, amongst other things, how harm minimisation practices and other proactive measures save the social services system money in the long run. i already have qualifications in accounting and statistics, and i'm not likely to want to stay in client-facing positions forever. typically lobbying government etc tends to be more effective when you can present actual dollar amounts as to what inaction is costing them, and in these Troubling Economic Times, they're looking to save money wherever possible. my clinical coding quals also come in handy here; they added a 5th character to some f-block codes to track presence of methamphetamine, for fuck's sake, you'd be stupid to not do something with that data. the intersection of social issues and healthcare has been interesting to me for years, and there's definitely room to affect change in that space.

change my ~*aesthetic*~ i've basically been living in my work uniforms for the last 5 years, and i'm trying to create a better work-life balance, which starts by changing clothes. a recent discovery is that an aesthetic i really enjoy in my personal life is "cool art teacher", even if my work attire still trends as "slutty librarian", which isn't something i'm looking to change. i've also never had the chance to do anything with my hair, and it's going to look a bit like a midlife crisis, but it's part of the Process.

hit platinum in a competitive game league is the low-hanging fruit on this one, but i'm not sure whether there's a high enough population on the oceanic server to get decent competitive matchmaking integrity above mid-gold. i'd do magic arena, but there's no ranked competitive for the only format i'm interested in (historic brawl), and i'm not looking to sink like $300 into keeping up with standard.

finish some knitting projects i cast on a crop top this time last year and it's still not fucking done. i'm kinda gun-shy on the entire hobby due to suffering a bit of a trauma last year, and i tend to put down whatever i was doing at the time the trauma happened. case in point: when me eating was so intrinsically linked to someone specific and then they broke up with me, i ate barely anything for nearly 18 months.

start collecting movies, music, and tv shows on physical media i'm generally against piracy when there are other options available; i'm kinda cracking the shits with a lot of digital services at the moment due to every studio and distributor under the sun having their fucking hands out. hell no i'm not paying an additional fee to paramount plus simply to watch star trek discovery, fuck that. sure it's irritating to have to change cds, and there's still a place for streaming music in my life, but artists already see a small enough slice of the pie and smaller bands like cry club and teenage joans really rely on shit like merch and record sales to get by.

this will likely have stuff added to it as i remember, but i've spent long enough dicking around writing this rather than getting ready for my house inspection next week, so

#hope-of-virgo

2 notes · View notes

the-real-daddy-van-der-bellen · 2 years

Text

Man you used to be able to make money with just about anything back in the day.

My mother’s uncle was a door-to-door salesman. Guess what he sold? Socks. And pantyhose, occasionally (warmer, wooly) tights. But mostly just socks.

And he made a lot of money from this. It sounds crazy to me, honestly. Sure, his wife worked all her life as well and they didn’t have children, but he was the main earner. And it’s not like they were millionaires (well, in Schilling they probably were), but by the time they both retired, they owned two sizable apartments and had more savings than they knew what to do with them. All their life they took frequent, expensive vacations, had expensive hobbies, ...

I don’t mean to shame to shame them for having a nice life or anything, by no means!! And maybe I’m just seeing this wrong, but could you imagine a door-to-door sock salesperson actually making bank nowadays? It’s not just that nowadays there’s no need since anyone could just order their own socks online if they didn’t want to leave the house to go a few streets over and buy socks at a store, but I mean that was a job you basically didn’t need a lot of qualifications for, except for like, a good bit of charisma/social skills, and there was still a lot of money to be made.

Nowadays, the first thing that comes to mind that would be similar are MLMs and of course no one gets rich of that. And jobs almost universally have a far higher barrier of entry for a lower pay, where you probably can’t imagine actually owning one apartment, much less two.

If you talk to people aged 60+, who are close to retiring, or already retired, you will quickly realize that the work reality is just another world nowadays. I talked to a mail carrier, for example, who had been working at the same post distriution center for over 40 years. When he first got the job, he was overjoyed! It wasn’t easy getting a job there. Because there were so many people wanting to work there. And he enjoyed the work. He said it was lovely, doing the same rounds every day, checking in with the people. The job was not only delivering the letters, it was also delivering the latest news - as in, the little gossip you wouldn’t read in the newspaper. House A had a child, the wife in house B died, house C’s children moved out. He said he knew the names of all the children he delivered post to.

But, as you’re probably aware, nowadays the Austrian Post struggles a lot finding people delivering mail. Why’s that? Well, as he said, the work now just sucks. You have longer rounds, you have to deliver a lot of packages (heavy), you have stressful schedules, you don’t know the people anymore. It sounds like a small thing, but the social aspect was really important for him. Now, because he has to deliver mail to twice or thrice as many houses, there’s no time to stop for a little chat.

And of course, the pay is shit. Back in the day, you could make a decent living as a mail carrier. But I mean, look at the job ads nowadays. No one wants to work for that AND ALSO deal with all the shit they didn’t have to deal with before. Of course, since they’re understaffed, everything only gets worse for the remaining employees.

He said he used to love the job. If, knowing everything he knows now, he would have to make the choice again, he would definitely become a mail carrier again. But, if he now, in the current reality, had to choose to become a new mail carrier, he would never choose to do so. And that’s just so sad.

That’s just two examples of how everything is different now. We have become so focussed on optimizing and reducing costs, efficiancy that it’s come back around and started harming all parties. If a post office has to re-hire and re-train their employees every few months, because no one want to continue working there once they see how shitty it is, they need by far more resources for that than if they just made the job a little better, retaining their employees.

This goes for so many industries. But I guess that would maybe cause a little short-term dip in profitablilty which basically makes it impossible for any CEO/Manager to ever even consider.

#long post #work #economy

14 notes · View notes

sleuthy-scientist · 1 year

Text

A Flicker of Lost Love

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Emily joins the BAU finding out Aaron Hotchner is her boss who doesn't want her on his team. She reminisces on the love she lost a decade before and how she has no intention to accept his decision for her this time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Randomly found this sitting in my drafts from a while back. Yet I have only a vague recollection of writing it😅. Anyway I hope you enjoy🤗.*

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

His smiles always had a way of disarming me, and I am suddenly twenty three again, the year I realize that love doesn't follow the rules, the year I understood that nothing is worth having so much as something unattainable.

Love had been the one thing I hadn't expected to find that summer, let alone during the time I spent at my mother's. Yet it faded out like it never happened, the few momentos all I had to remind me of our time together. At least now I knew what became of him, unable to bring myself to track him down before.

It was like before, my fresh start, an unexpected discovery and an enthralling adventure. Yet then, I didn't know I was having until I was in the middle of it. And by then I couldn't have stopped myself from falling in love. The feeling was even more wonderful, magically and utterly terrifying than I could have ever imagined it could be.

Now I know better and I can't afford to go down that road again. I also can't regret that summer, what we shared was real, even if it was only to me and temporary. I do wish I had known back then how it would end, to save myself every moment of heartache I enjured over the next decade or so.

When I saw him again, this morning, it almost broke me. He played it cool, like he didn't remember a woman he once professed his love for. Even with no one else in room, he interacted with me as if I was a stranger he vaguely recalled crossing paths with.

His nonchalant greeting only to be paired with his disbelief at my paperwork to join the BAU, were barbed jabs that sparked a determination fueled by the anger of his argogance and use of a facade. I knew then I wanted to prove him wrong. About my true abilities, qualifications regardless of my thought to be lacking level of field experience.

But more than that I wanted nothing more than to prove him wrong about me. To show him everything I had become without him by my side. And maybe to make him regret disappearing on me after that summer.

Some part of me wanted to haunt him forever, just as my memories of him had done to me the past decade. Wishing my presence had atleast thrown him for a momentarily emotional loop. Hopelessly dreaming his mind and heart had constantly reminded him that I'm the one he let slip away.

For the past ten years, I've never been able to work out why it ended. I naively thought we had been headed towards our 'Happily Ever After' together. I'm not sure what explanation he could possibly give, that would be good enough to accept. To be worth hearing let alone, earning my forgiveness.

But, I do know if I want this job to work, I'm going to have to be the bigger person. That no matter what he throws my way, I must withstand it all, head held high without flinching or missing a beat. I can't show him any weakness or give him any ammunition to crush my new dreams.

He can never know how broken and damaged he left me, how even now, I don't have all the pieces he stole and threw away like it was nothing. I can't believe I had been naive enough then, to think it would never end, that I had actually found my one true love.

I know better now and I can't afford to ever make that mistake again. Especially with him, because I know I will never be able to recover. He taught me the importance of protecting my heart, from trusting the wrong person, and allowing anyone to have that kind of control over me.

I just hope it gets easier, that I eventually it won't hurt looking at him. That one day I'll be able to remember our past together fondly and make peace with the man he is today. That it won't be painful trusting and being loyally devoted to the one man who actually broke me.

I know I need to be a team player if I have any hopes of convincing him I'm worth taking a real chance on. I need to prove myself more than capable to do this job beyond even his doubt. I refuse to let him believe, I would ever rely on nepotism or politics to 'earn' my way for me.

It makes me wonder if he ever thought I was worthy of his love. Or if I had simply been a distraction, a challenge and source of entertainment to him and nothing more.

Visually he still looks the same, but I can tell he's lost almost all of his happy go lucky nature. I wonder if life hasn't been kind to him either. If his light has been chipped away by the darkness, and the responsibilities that came with leading this team, living this life.

I know this is where I'm meant to belong, that this is the work I want to be doing. I can't let Aaron Hotchner, destroy my hopes and dreams and diminish my spirit again. He had no control over my future if I can prove myself indispensable to this team and the work they do.

A part of me wishes I didn't know what it felt Ike to be embraced in his arms. To feel safe just because I knew he was next to me. I almost want to regret it for all the years of loneliness that followed. For all the times I tried to question myself where I had gone wrong, knowing I'd always wonder why he left me.

Seeing him now, knowing he went back to Haley and married her, gives me pause. There was no mistaking the wedding ring on his finger or her photo on the shelf behind him. It just makes me further question even more whatever it was we had. Knowing it had obviously never meant quite as much to him as it had to me. Now I have to wonder, if I was always just a place holder until Haley realised what she had let go and decided she wanted another chance.

I'm not sure I can ever ask him the truth without destroying myself in the process. Maybe it's better to let sleeping dogs lie, and not go down that slippery slope. To let my mind wander to the possibilities if he filled in the blanks he left unfilled.

I won't let him prevent me from trying to wipe my ledger clean. I'll be waiting, and show him just how qualified I am, and that I have everything right to be here. I've come too far and I have no doubt the BAU is where I belong, and I intend to prove it to him, mother, and anyone else who stands in my way. When he gets back from the case, I'll be ready. I won't let him take this chance from me, he doesn't get to decide my future for me this time.

#criminal minds #emily prentiss #aaron hotchner #hotchniss #lost love #first love #past relationships #first person pov

4 notes · View notes

htub · 2 years

Text

Vaguely coherent notes on Sasha Schäfer

aka my Smallville!self insert oc because I cannot be stopped

Theme song is Eat You Alive by The Oh Hellos because the vibes are immaculate

They're 24 and moved to Smallville kinda recently, it's their first home away from their family

They live in a refurbished camper at the outskirts of town, and get around by riding a somewhat squeaky old bike (can drive cars, but hate it).

The definition of chill. They're literally just vibing. Sasha honestly does not care about drama and wants to take life easy (although they can and will engage in harmless gossip for Enrichment)

But like, they didn't move to a place that's literally called Smallville to be stressed, goddammit. They may only be 24 but they have Seen Enough and they're retired now. This is their retirement camper. They made the dream of "fuck capitalism" come true and are just vibing now, they intend to stay right here and spend the rest of their life minding their own business, thank you very much.

They grew up in an abusive household, and spent several years working hard until they had enough saved up to afford that beat down camper. They got it fixed up and then proceeded to pack up their shit and get out of there to live their best life.

They're actually pretty gifted, graduated school top of their class and /could/ get into pretty much any field they wanted to. They do not want to. It's entirely a choice. Sasha may have the skills and qualifications but they very much lack the drive to actually do anything with them. Why waste your life working if you actually have the option to just not? They got all they need already, there's nothing left to strive for. Umlimited naps > money

Yes they're smart but they're also stupid it entirely depends on the context

Sole reason they're not dead is a mixture of weird luck and the fact that people generally like them. They have like, zero survival skills, they just sort of. Don't Die. And also do not give any fucks about near-death situations they're just so chill about it it's mildly concerning

Their camper has a bed, small couch, even smaller kitchen with old, run-down appliances and a whole lot of hidden drawers and storage spaces (but even so, there is only so much you can fit in a camper). They even have a little tv in there. It's very much a bare necessities kind of situation, but they don't need any more than what they have. They're the sort of person that will continue to repair things until they absolutely no longer work before finally caving and replacing them.

They got their bike from some neighbor who had a spare they didn't need. Yeah it's old and squeaky but it's got two wheels and gets the job done, so why waste money on a new one? Everything they have is like that. It still works, it's fine. If anyone offered them replacements they wouldn't even want them.

They cannot stand change even if it's positive. So what if they got one of those ovens that need to have a specific sequence of buttons pressed and then kicked at just the right angle to make them work? It's THEIR shitty kitchen appliance!

Very maximalistic despite their tiny living space and low needs. Their camper is filled with what one might assume is clutter, but really it's just lots of trinkets and pictures of or from important people and events. Nothing in there has high monetary value, but everything has a story and a reason for being there.

Sasha does not have a stable job and doesn't want one. They sometimes do little opportunity work like helping out with events or pet/house sitting, but mostly they just rely on the kindness of the community. Essentially they have good relationships with most people – small towns are like that – and get most of their needs met by an informal favor based system. For example, if something in their home breaks, they'll know a guy that will fix it for free. Many neighbors bring them their leftovers if they cooked too much too, so they spend less on groceries. Sasha's survival strategy is just befriending everyone (and it works).

Every older person adopts them and every younger person becomes their new little sibling. On sight. They have no say in this matter.

At some point they met some kid at the Talon struggling with homework and went over to give some pointers, since then it's just become A Thing. Whenever they're over there at after-school times it just turns into a study session. Sometimes they explain, sometimes they just straight up do the work themselves because they just felt like it. The kids tend to buy them drinks so they even get something out of it (but they'd do it either way they don't care). Most kids have their number too. (This, again, ties into the favor system. If Sasha ever needs help from one of the kids or their families, all they gotta do is ask).

Their favorite job is helping out at one of the farms. They don't even want to get paid they just want to get to spend the day with animals and maybe be invited for dinner. Definitely tend to be on the Kent farm just hanging out with the cows. They help with chores and don't get in the way so after a while their presence is just tolerated.

They don't always do work, sometimes they just kind of. Exist in that space. But everyone knows them so nobody really minds, especially since usually they're reading a book or giving one of the animals a thorough cuddle session, which isn't hurting anyone. But like, mild local cryptid vibes. Sometimes they're just There.

Once they become friends Lex keeps trying to buy them shit because his initial reaction to their living arrangement is definitely "damn bitch you live like this??" and also throwing money at people is the only form of affection he's ever learned but Sasha literally does not want it please stop

Probably saw Clark or any other Smallville teen use superpowers at some point and just went "well. that ain't none of my business" and walked away

Weird shit happens in this town at this point they just go straight to Acceptance

And yet, somehow, they keep getting roped in because once you befriend the Main Characters, you're fucked. The plot just keeps happening.

#two talks #me? oversharing? preposterous #i love sasha they're genuinely just a nice person no ulterior motive just good vibes. and they have zero fucks to give about anything ever #living my dream life #good for them #two's ocs #sasha schäfer

1 note · View note

gatesskafte00 · 2 years

Text

The Renovating Design Build Advantage

There are more video game design schools out there today than before. This is because more and more people are playing video gaming and more people are looking to start the industry as the profession. Over fat loss products . 10 years or more, the industry has been growing at a rapid pace. This means there are more demand and also more need for people like us to attend video game design schools. Designing Nier Automata Free Download full version is advisable if you have the time and even save a joint of money. There is also to know what you're doing, meaning so you can be very familiar but now types of programs at one point would accomplish regarding task. Should you not produce anything less than the stunning eBook design, do not do it - just outsource the project! Stock photos - Some are free, some requires you to a certain quantity before providing you with high resolutions image. Need to client gets money presently there are suitable photos although like to use, this is why to get it. Searching in Google for "stock photos" will together with plenty of results on our. A logo must additionally be easy don't forget. Good logo design should stick in the viewer's mind, and be associated this brand name in interrogation. Simplicity and appropriateness can contribute for this. An alternative way to enlarge a charted needlepoint design is by stitching two stitches for any one stitch on the needlepoint or even chart. This will double you shouldn't of founded design. Many budding web designers are surely self-taught. If you are reading this and have never had a proper design lesson in your life, this doesn't mean anyone might have to abandon your consider becoming a web site designer. Academic qualifications in order to be a degree (excuse the pun) taken a back seat and is overtaken by hands on skills. Website is now a diverse industry providing a big number of specific jobs you can are employed. From creative director to artworker, is actually no a job that's suitable for you. Talk to other designers; expand your knowledge and are powered by developing your creativity. Attempt not to forget normally you is asked function with within a team, so hone your communication skills as extremely well. But, as Nier Automata Codex to get your desired results, you need to first understand what your needs are. Here are what an assortment of your needs may be and the expectations of utilizing landscape design software. Follow the design tips listed above, and went right increase the prospect of creating a measure that has visual popularity. Of Nier Automata Codex , this article can't enable you to an expert in sign design. Your current products still feel as though you require help with designing your next sign, I might suggest contacting a trained. The biggest challenge when designing your own signs is that it can take a long time to develop a really good design that you most likely proud of, especially an advanced novice. So, don't embarrass myself about bringing in a professional to let. Most professional sign companies want to try to to a good job since know you will probably be a repeat customer or give them a good referral. So, they wish to do a good job. Call your local experts and permit them help you create something thrilling and appealing!

#NIER AUTOMATA Crack

1 note · View note

sukunasun · 2 years

Note

sorry but nanami in ur ivy league bf geto …. please..i want him so bad. im going to think about this until i die

please...save yourself...those little nanami crumbs have all of you in a chokehold...ever since i posted ivy league geto all everyone wants Dr. Kento, N. Ph.D. i didn't think he'd get this much attention it was only a few paragraphs too omg...

and you know what, i bet he'd be so smug about it too...he's sitting comfy somewhere in a leather chair sipping tea knowing he's hot shit. "just call me nanami," he'll say despite having multiple doctorates—even with that too, he'd think it wasn't a big deal, "it's not necessary to have so many qualifications, i just happen to be a man dedicated to research and knowledge...as hesiod said, moderation is best in all things.." humble bragger that he is. wouldn't walk around with a high nose, he doesn't try to win every argument like geto nor does he rub it in people's faces the way gojo does, but he'd definitely correct someone when given the chance. and they can't bring this guy anywhere, gojo takes him out to a club and nanami has brought a book to read. geto can't stop laughing because the stripper asks if she could take a peek at it, batting her eyelashes, pushing her tits up just a little and he's like "sorry, but you're not permitted to, this is for staff only." with the most monotone voice.

he isn't invited to dinner parties either because he ruins trivia night by correcting the game itself. "the great wall of china isn't actually visible from space," he says, and he's always winning these things by 100 points more than anyone else.

and let me just say that he isn't going to be your perfect professor who's so charming and attractive and smart and dreamy, that's what everyone thinks until they actually meet him and learn that nothing gets pass this man, he's so straight-laced he's borderline repressed, "oh can i do anything for extra credit?" they say, trying to be seductive, trying to be sexy and it doesn't phase him. he just thinks they're willing to do more work so he sends them off to do more things, write more essays, take more tests, do more research, do a side project, and they have to say bye to whatever little bit of social life they had left. (but kudos to him because he hates group projects as much as his students, and he won't care about ratemyprofessor reviews because all of them, all of them, are either horny, hateful, or asking for a fight, yuuji leaves the sweetest words of pure joy and gratefulness—'one time he let us play kahoot for a whole hour because he had a hangover and he let me move his slides for him during a talk. i love you nanami sensei! <3' and nanami doesn't even know about it)

yuuji likes him so much and this kid is able to see the good in everyone, which is also why nanami is able to really help him out when he needs to, "you're getting distracted during your explanations, elaborate but don't overdo it, you're meant to bring focus back to your proposed statement." when was the last time someone actually found his critiques and feedback worth something.

and he's awkward okay? he's spent years studying and he always just had a little bit of trouble making friends, like geto and gojo were there because the three of them share the burden of being the smartest, being gifted, gojo's a prodigy and geto's family have a history of being philanthropists, they have been in and out of college before turning twenty and nanami never had the time for a romantic relationship, his only wingmen are the Worst at picking up women, how is he meant to flirt with anyone, and you think he doesn't care? man cares too much! he listens to meet me at our spot on repeat after bad dates because he thinks he's going to be alone forever, spins around his office in the dark as he finishes all that expensive whiskey, and everyone knows that he's been dumped because he stuffs his face full of bread and carbs everytime it happens.

ugh he wants a family so bad, he's so sick of the same old routine and he just wants a break from all of it. can't stand going home to the same old empty apartment, empty bed, empty fridge. he wants a hot meal and a cheery voice greeting him the moment he steps past the threshold, a gorgeous woman who would massage his aching shoulders, let him pick at her insightful brain, and sleep in with him on the weekends. "i became a husband," he replies when asked what he's most proud of and it makes your heart swell, he surprises you like this all the time, he blows your mind because you don't expect it, you wouldn't think he'd adore you the way he does, something so...selfish? just wants you to himself, won't have you visiting his office because he will eat you right up on his desk. it's always the introverted ones, the quiet ones, but nanami is a whole other type of his own. the kind that whispers the dirtiest, filthy things in your ear before he eats you out like he's been craving for it his entire life, hungry and sloppy, his tongue inches deeper and deeper. "i won't fuck you until you've cum three times", he doesn't know when to stop because all he feels is that he should keep going, do a good job, prove to you that he's so capable, that he's more than just his academic accomplishments, he wants to be seen as a man, as a partner.

#i love the love he's getting #but its exactly what he wants..he wants yall to suffer #also..i saw the way he bragged about black flash dont tell me he isnt doing the same with his titles #when will i actually give nanami a happy ending #ask #anon #sunpiece #jujutsu kaisen #jjk fic #nanami kento #nanami kento fic #nanami kento phd #ivy league au #nanami kento hcs #nanami hcs #nanami x reader

271 notes · View notes

silverflame2724 · 3 years

Note

Accidental Martial God WWX

That was exacty what I meant actually but I do have a few more povs if you want.

LQRs reaction to a demonic cultivator ascending, JGS and JGY reaction to the Yin Tiger Tally moving completely out of reach, WQ pondering the true requirements for ascension given WWX doesn't have a golden core yet ascended, WWX musing on Godhood and on his new followers both the good and the more disturbing worshipers.

Maybe LWJ protects the Wen Remnants because WWX asked him to in a dream and after he succeeds (13 years later) he ascends and is finally reunited with WWX.

Lan Qiren did not know what to think. Wei Wuxian, his most troublesome student, a demonic cultivator, had ascended. He’d ascended. How was that even possible? Were the Heavens blind? Why would they allow someone like Wei Wuxian to ascend?

From what Lan Qiren had thought, only those who are righteous and followed the correct path in life like the Lan clan’s founder, Lan An, would be worthy of ascending.

Either the qualifications for ascension were lower than he thought or Lan Qiren had been horribly mistaken about Wei Wuxian’s personality and motivations for using demonic cultivation. That last thought made Lan Qiren feel very uncomfortable.

He’d always been harsh on the boy and disregarded him, even - he ashamedly admitted - punishing him harsher and more frequently than others.

He’d thought he was in the right because of how Wei Wuxian was but…..

But if he was wrong then Lan Qiren owed him an apology.

………………….

Jin Guangshan wanted to scream out in frustration seeing Wei Wuxian ascend. That brat had the Stygian Tiger Seal on him - according to his spies - and now that he ascended, the Seal went with him.

He had had so many plans on bribing Wei Wuxian to his side or killing him when he refused - as well as stealing the Seal - and then taking over the cultivation world, lording over it as he was always meant to be.

Now those plans are ruined. He sighed. Hopefully that bastard son of his can finally prove his usefulness and give him countermeasures or he might retract his favor from him.

……………………

Jin Guangyao’s first thought upon seeing Wei Wuxian ascend was: Oh shit. I have to go make up new plans to help Father.

He knew his father wanted Wei Wuxian and the Seal and didn’t really care how he obtained both or either, just as long as no one traced it back to him. He sighed. This was going to be a big headache. But at least the plans on putting his father as Chief Cultivator were going smoothly. He could only imagine what his father would do to him if even this failed.

..............................

Wen Qing had still been in Yiling, making plans to relocate her family, when the news that Wei Wuxian had ascended had reached her.

Her first reaction was, That’s impossible.

Because it was, right? Wen Qing should know. She cut out his core, after all. But to think he was still able to ascend while he was a demonic cultivator made her wonder what the requirements were for ascending. Perhaps it’s an honest heart? Self-sacrificing tendencies? Or is it a sacrifice of some sorts? She paused. What if.....it was a trial? To test a person’s will? What Wei Wuxian had suffered was.....horrible. Could it have all been just a test from the Heavens?

If that was so, the Heavens really are cru---

“A’ Jie, we have to go! Some Jin were spotted nearby!”

Wen Qing gritted her teeth. Members of the branch families of Qishan, regardless of whether they were innocent or not, were captured and subsequently tortured to death by the Jin and sometimes the Nie. Because her family was all in Yiling, they were safe.......but only for now. They had to hurry and escape.

Wen Qing sent a quick prayer to Wei Wuxian, hoping for her family’s safety, and tucked the rest of her belongings in her qiankun pouch, remembering to wrap her arms in bandages to hide the needles she might need to paralyze any Jin that came close.

....................................

Wei Wuxian’s first thought when he landed in the Heavens was, What the fuck.

Then he looked around and looked taken aback and wary at the unfamiliar faces around him. Where the fuck am I?

“Hello.” A rather stoic-faced man greeted.

“Hello.” Wei Wuxian parroted back. The person in front of him didn’t seem to be a threat so he felt a little tension loosen from his shoulders. “Um, Xiansheng? I’m afraid I don’t know where I am?”

“You have just ascended.” The man replied, throwing Wei Wuxian aback.

“Are you pulling my leg?” Wei Wuxian asked. “How is that even possible! I don’t even have---” He swallowed. I don’t even have a core.

“I do not lie. Come, we are wasting time. We must get you washed up and dressed for the induction ceremony.” Seeing Wei Wuxian still frozen, the man sighed, signalled for some people to pick Wei Wuxian up and dragged the struggling man to some quarters.

After absentmindedly washing, drying and changing himself, Wei Wuxian noticed some differences in his body. He wasn’t....cold or hurting anymore. And - he touched his back - he could feel his back! After having his muscles and nerves shredded by Zidian, he didn’t think he’d ever be able to sense touch on his back or even move without pain! But now he can!

He heard the urging of some people and grumbled.

“You will become a god of demonic cultivation.” Was the first thing he heard when he stepped out of the room.

Wei Wuxian choked. “Excuse me?!”

“I said what I said. Now then, if you would please concentrate, you should be able to hear the prayers of the people below.”

Wei Wuxian felt like everything was moving a little too fast for him, but nevertheless complied. Immediately after, a flood of prayers hit him at full force.

“Wei Wuxian!” That was Jiang Cheng! “….Have some fun up there.”

“A’ Xian, do be well. Shijie isn’t there to take care of you so do be well.” Wei Wuxian refused to cry.

“Wei-Xiong! I hope there’s someone up there to supply you with you know what *winks*”

How does someone even wink in their prayers? Wei Wuxian thought amusedly.

“Wei Ying.” That was Lan Zhan. “Wei Ying, I will—be well.”

Ah, Lan Zhan. Always concise even in your thoughts.

Wei Wuxian was a little teary. As much as he was glad to not be a part of the cultivation world considering all the rumors, he did regret leaving behind those that cared for him.

That thought was much more cemented upon hearing…….

“Ah, Lord Wei, the pinnacle of evil, the role model of all demonic cultivators!” Wei Wuxian’s eye twitched. “Please hear my plea for more power! I need it, I need it to destroy everyone who harmed me!”

“Wei Wuxian, I wish to gain power over resentful energy so that I may tear my enemies limb by limb!

“Give me money! You’re a god, aren’t you? Be useful for once and give me some gold!”

“Tch. If I’m going to pray for anything, then it’ll have to be the Seal. You’re a god, now, right? So you have no need for the Seal. Just give it up.”

No matter the good or bad, Wei Wuxian heard the wishes and prayers of the people down below and while some were innocent enough, there were those that wished for death, destruction, tools for torture, power, money, women…….you name it.

It made Wei Wuxian feel a little disgusted with humanity. He cut off his focus from the bad and focused on the prayer he received from his friends and family.

“Wei Wuxian, I heard you became a god.” It was Wen Qing. He hadn’t heard her voice in a long time. “I know this might seem shameless of me after all I did to you, but please. Please guarantee the safety of my family. We’re being hunted down and—”

Her prayer was abruptly cut off, before coming back in full force with notes of desperation. Her family had been captured and taken to Qiongqi Path! Wei Wuxian panicked. He didn’t know how to escape from this place and try to go help her.

The…..person who was watching over him evidently knew what he was thinking about and merely stated that gods cannot interfere with the mortal realm. So he was stuck.

But that didn’t mean he was out of options.

It took a few days, but he managed to wheedle out how to help: via dreams. He merely needed to get into the mind of one of his followers and tell them to help. Much like those prophetic dreams Wei Wuxian had read about as a kid.

So he buckled down, thinking of the best candidate to help him.

……………………………

Lan Wangji looked at the landscape around him and concluded that he was dreaming. Though, it was a little odd that he was aware that he was dreaming. Not that he hasn’t realized he was dreaming before - especially in those many fantasies he had of Wei Ying - but to be aware that this is a dream and to see nothing but a flat landscape was pretty out of the ordinary.

Anyway, he digressed. What was going on?

“Uhh, Lan Zhan? Can you hear me?”

“W-Wei Ying?!” Lan Wangji couldn’t be blamed for stuttering. He wasn’t expecting this!

“Phew. Oh good, you can hear me. Anyway, Lan Zhan, I gotta be quick about this because I’m kinda sorta bending the rules here, but do you think you can go to Qiongqi Path and rescue Wen Qing and her family?”

“Okay.”

“Huh? Just like that? Not even going to ask me for a reason, er-gege?”

Lan Wangji’s ears flushed red at the address. “If Wei Ying wants to save them, you must have a good reason. That’s enough for me.”

“Ah, Hanguang-Jun.” The title was spoken fondly. “Always so good. I’ll tell you anyway. Wen Qing and her family sheltered Jiang Cheng and I after Lotus Pier fell and even brought back Jiang-shushu and Yu-furen’s bodies! That’s a debt I cannot repay.”

“I understand. I will help.”

He couldn’t see Wei Ying, but could practically feel the amusement from him.

“Wei Ying.”

“Yes?”

“Are......Are you well?”

“Of course I am. I’m actually feeling so much better than before.” Wei Ying grumbled, “I’m not even in pain anymore.”

“You were in pain?” Lan Wangji asked worriedly. “Wei Ying, why didn’t you say anything.”

“Lan Zhan, there was nothing you or anyone else could do to alleviate my pain. It doesn’t matter now. I’m okay.”

Lan Wangji was still worried and wanted to speak to him more, but---

“Ah! Looks like my time’s up!” Wei Ying exclaimed cheerfully as the dreamscape wavered. “See you, Lan Zhan!”

Lan Wangji nodded. “See you, Wei Ying.” I’ll catch up to you soon.

And 13 years later, Lan Wangji kept his promise.

___________________

I didn’t edit this so I’m hoping there’s not too many grammatical errors lol.

#mdzs #wei ying #wei wuxian #lan qiren #jin guangshan #jin guangyao #lan zhan #lan wangji #wen remnants #wen remnants survive #JGS and JGY can no longer scheme against WWX :)#LQR is kinda an asshole #but at least he sorta admits it?#hurt wei wuxian #implied chronic pain

134 notes · View notes

cuubism · 3 years

Note

i have a fic idea: magnus and alec are both mundane partners in crime (literally) and they go round countries robbing banks. of course they don’t take it seriously. like during the robbing they’ll occasionally flirt and sneak kisses in etc. idk i thought it would be funny. (also they could maybe use guns ??)

i got u 👍

-------

In Magnus’s completely unbiased, one-hundred-percent objective opinion, nothing has ever been hotter than Alec Lightwood holding a gun. Especially when he’s using it to stand guard over Magnus.

Not that Alec would ever fire his gun at a person. It’s just a deterrent, a just-in-case backup measure in case they get into a really bad scrape. They’re here to take jewels, not lives.

Magnus still finds it very hot. Though there’s also the small factor that Magnus has been in love with Alec for at least three years, and that does tend to influence your opinion of a person.

“You almost done picking that lock?” Alec asks, tone hushed as Magnus fiddles with the safe.

“You can pick my lock,” Magnus teases, and he can feel Alec roll his eyes.

“Magnus.”

Magnus feels for the last passcode number, plugs it in, and the safe springs open. “Open sesame.”

This has been an easy robbery so far. Alec cased the place. Magnus disabled the cameras and security systems. Then they broke in in the dead of night, making a beeline for the safe in the back of the store, where Magnus knows all the most precious jewels will be stored. It was so easy. All their robberies have been easy, lately. Boring, even. Magnus needs some new adventure.

“We should rob the Smithsonian next,” Magnus says as he peers into the safe. “Might be more of a challenge.”

Alec hands him a bag as he moves back to the center display cases to keep watch. “What does the Smithsonian even have that you want to steal? Souvenirs?”

“Rocks, darling. Beautiful rocks.” Magnus gathers what’s in the safe into his bag and stands. “Alright, off we—”

A glimmer in the corner of the store catches his eye.

There’s a jewelry case by the windows. And in it is the most beautiful ring Magnus has ever seen in his life. It can’t be worth terribly much, or it would be in the safe as well. But it is beautiful, tiny blue and gold stones set in the pattern of a galaxy.

He opens the case and picks it up, admiring it, then walks back over to Alec and holds it out to him. “For you, my dearest, dearest partner in crime.”

Alec looks at the ring. His eyes widen, and when he looks back up at Magnus, his cheeks are flushed. “Magnus, I—”

And— oh. Magnus really, really did not think through what that looked like, he was only joking, they aren’t even dating—

Alec keeps looking at him, seeming stunned, and Magnus thinks, was I really joking?

Slowly Alec takes the ring from his hand. “Magnus, you—”

“Marry me,” Magnus blurts, and it’s surely not the proposal that Alec deserves, but suddenly Magnus needs him to say yes. Standing there in the darkened jewelry store, stolen jewels in hand, Magnus needs all his jokes and flirtations and stolen glances to mean what he’s always wanted them to mean. He needs Alec’s protectiveness and glancing touches and careful looks to mean more than they’ve meant before. “Marry me, Alec.”

Alec’s mouth is hanging open. “I— I—” he stammers and then finds his balance again— “shouldn’t we go to dinner first?”

“We’re past dinner. You’ve saved my life six times!”

“And you’ve saved mine.”

“Right, exactly!” Magnus doesn’t know why he’s chosen this moment to lay himself bare, but he continues, “Do you think there’s ever been anyone else that I’ve wanted to marry?”

Alec looks floored, but he gathers himself and says, “By that qualification you should marry every back-alley doctor who’s stitched you up after a heist.”

“First of all, most of the time that was you, and secondly—”

“Do you really want to marry me?” Alec asks, voice small.

Magnus closes Alec’s hand over the ring. He’s not feeling quite bold enough to actually put it on Alec’s finger. Besides, he hasn’t exactly said ‘yes.’ “I don’t know what a husband is,” he says, almost as quiet as Alec, “if not a life partner. That’s what you’ve been to me all these years. I can’t think of anything I’d want more than for you to be my partner for the rest of my life, too.”

He doesn’t yet want to say the true depth of the feelings he’s been harboring. Feelings that have a lot more to do with Alec looking sexy with a gun, with how Magnus feels when Alec shields him with his body. Alec’s probably right. They should go to dinner first.

“Okay,” Alec says. His grip is tight over the ring. “Okay, I’ll—”

Lights flash through the glass front of the jewelry store as police cars scream to a stop out front, sirens blaring. Magnus jumps, hands falling from Alec’s. “Shit—”

“Magnus,” Alec says, his face going pale, “you triggered the alarm!”

But when did he—

Magnus freezes. The ring.

“Why would the alarm be there?” he demands, outraged. “That ring isn’t even worth anything!”

“Because they knew people like you would be tempted to steal it!” Alec hisses.

“As my future husband, I really think you should support my interests—”

“Quiet. Get behind me.” Alec has his gun in hand now, ring nowhere to be seen. His expression is tense and drawn. Magnus is very familiar with Alec’s prowess with a gun, but he really didn’t want to see it put to the test like this.

Magnus himself doesn’t carry a gun, he’s useless with them, and besides, his skills lie more in subterfuge and subtlety than in brute force. He’s good with a knife, but he doubts that’ll be any good against police carrying assault rifles.

Which means it’s just Alec against an entire squadron.

“Magnus, slip out the back,” Alec says. He doesn’t look at Magnus, his entire being is focused on the lights outside the door. “I’ll stay here and distract them.”

“What? No, they’ll kill you! I’m not leaving you behind, what kind of husband would do that?”

“A sane one,” Alec says. “Take those jewels and sell them and sip margheritas on a beach somewhere for the rest of your life.”

“Not without you, you stupid idiot! You think my life plan was ‘retire on a beach without the love of my life’?”

Alec looks pained. “Magnus—”

He doesn’t get any further because the front doors shatter. Magnus only has a moment to contemplate the fact that they’re both fucking idiots because they’re just standing here, in the middle of the store, literally holding the bag, before they’re surrounded by lights and raised voices and Christ, Alec’s holding a gun, he’s going to get shot, and Magnus doesn’t think, he just moves.

He feels the gunshot rather than hears it. He hears Alec scream, “Magnus!” And the last thing he sees before he’s overwhelmed by the chaos is Alec pointing his gun at someone for the first time in his life.

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

Magnus isn’t entirely sure he expected to wake up, but when he does, he feels so comfortable. His head is pillowed on something soft, and he feels sort of floaty, and his limbs are all heavy but he can still move them so the bullet must not have done too much damage, in the end.

He can feel Alec’s hand in his hair. Belatedly he realizes it’s Alec he’s lying against. His terribly thought-out jump-in-front-of-your-fiancé rescue mission was successful, then.

“Alexanderrr,” he slurs. His tongue is heavy in his mouth. He’s not really sure where they are, but he’s not sure it matters.

Alec’s hand stills in his hair. “Hey,” he whispers. “Don’t move too much. You’re still recovering from your reckless, incredibly stupid behavior.”

“What’s the damage?” Magnus asks. He doesn’t dare open his eyes or look up to see if Alec is looking at him with a disapproving expression. “I can’t feel anything.”

“That’s the morphine.” Magnus feels Alec’s sigh more than hears it. “You jumped right in front of a bullet, so I’m sure you can imagine what the damage was. I patched you up, though.”

“My savior.” Magnus says, and coughs violently. That triggers some pain, even through the haze of the morphine, and he groans.

“Shh,” Alec says, running a hand through his hair again. “Easy.”

“Sorry for triggering the alarm,” Magnus says. “I suppose I could have gotten you a less life-threatening ring.”

“You’re forgiven,” Alec says. “What I can’t forgive you for is proposing to me and then almost dying on me. That’s unacceptable.”

“Very melodramatic, though,” Magnus murmurs against his stomach. He’s getting tired again already. “You can’t say it wasn’t on brand. Better that you know what you’re getting into with this marriage, if we’re being honest.”

“I know what I’m getting into,” Alec says, then sighs. “I think we’re going to have to leave the country.”

Magnus decides that he doesn’t really want to know what Alec had to do to get them out of there. Not yet, at least. “S’okay. There’s nice wedding venues all over the place. That’s if you still want to get married.”

“I didn’t actually say yes,” Alec says, but before Magnus can find the energy to get nervous about it he continues, “but I don’t really have to. It’s always been you. You know that.”

Magnus doesn’t know that, but he does like to hear it. “You know what I didn’t say to you when I was proposing that’s very important?”

“What?”

“I love you.”

Alec lifts his hand and kisses it. Magnus finally manages to lift his head and look up at Alec. Alec looks like he’s been crying. “I love you, Magnus.” He digs around in his pocket and pulls out the ring. “I lost most of the jewels as a distraction but I managed to salvage this ring that you wanted so badly. Here—” he slides it onto Magnus’s finger— “I think it will look better on your hand than mine.”

“You never were a jewelry man,” Magnus says, “despite your profession.” He marvels at the ring, at the way it glints in the low light of whatever hideaway Alec’s stashed them in. He marvels more at the man by his side. “Won’t your mother be disappointed that you’re marrying a criminal?”

Alec rolls his eyes. “When she comes to our clandestine wedding that’s in an underground bunker somewhere because we’re running from the police? Yes, definitely.”

Magnus drops his head back onto Alec’s chest. “I thought so. I’m a curse upon your prospects in life.”

“You’re a blessing.”

Well, now Magnus is going to cry. “Worth having to flee the country for, leaving all your stolen jewels behind?”

“Worth anything.” He sounds deadly serious about it.

“Well,” Magnus says, sniffling, “if you’ll really give me anything, then how about a kiss?”

Alec carefully disentangles himself from Magnus and slides down the bed to meet his level. Magnus doesn’t think he’s ever seen him look so raw before. He’s not sure if it’s because of Magnus’s almost-death or their catastrophic failure or just the confession itself.

Alec leans in and carefully finds Magnus’s lips. Magnus’s lips are chapped and he feels incredibly dehydrated but still he leans in and chases the kiss as much as he’s able to. Alec’s lips, by contrast, are soft. He moves against Magnus’s mouth with determination and carefully-banked fervor. Magnus kind of wants Alec to push him into the bed and have his way with him but his mangled torso probably wouldn’t appreciate it much. As it is, when they pull apart, Magnus is heaving for breath, each one sending a stab of pain through his lungs. He feels very certain it was worth it. He’s glowing in the light of Alec’s kiss.

Alec holds him close as he catches his breath and the pain subsides. “For the record,” he says, “you are absolutely insane for jumping in front of that bullet.”

Magnus smiles against his throat. “Well, darling, I got a husband out of it. I think I’m doing alright.”

#malec #malec fic #my writing #gun tw #anonymous #ask #prompt

88 notes · View notes

canary3d-obsessed · 3 years

Text

Restless Rewatch: The Untamed, Episode 23, second part

(Masterpost) (Other Canary Stuff)

Warning: Spoilers for All 50 Episodes!

Nature Abhors a (Power) Vacuum

Jin Guangshan, Nie Mingjue, and Lan Xichen have gathered to decide what to do about the remaining Wen people and also what to do about the Yin metal. They have not invited Jiang Cheng to this discussion, or blowhard Clan Leader Yao, despite those clans having been hit particularly hard by the Wens in the course of the war.

The three of them have a conversation about what to do with the Wen captives, showing their different attitudes towards killing.

Jin Guangshan: Killing is awesome, particularly in project management. It's just so efficient. Nie Mingjue: Killing is necessary, and a little bit fun, too. Lan Xichen: Killing is necessary, sadly, but we can randomly spare some women or old people, as a token sign that we’re not monsters. Kind of like when you have a fancy dinner and include a tofu dish for the vegetarians. Nie Mingjue: Nobody likes tofu, Xichen.

Jin Guangshan says he's looking for the Yin Iron and that they can't let any Wens or "ambitious people" get a hold of it. By ambitious people he means Wei Wuxian, not himself and his murder kid. Lan Xichen realizes this right away but doesn't, you know, do anything to contradict him. Jin Guangshan says he's asked "A-Yao" to look into it. Which is smart, because A-Yao is already in cahoots with Xue Yang, who actually has the piece of Yin Iron they're looking for.

Getting Jiggy With It

Then Jin Guangshan introduces Meng Yao, now renamed Jin Guangyao, in a weird twist on generation names. He has given him the name of a sibling or cousin of his own generation (starting with Guang), rather than a name of the next generation (starting with Zi). JGS says that JGY just recently learned about about being related to him, although we know perfectly well that's not true.

And they both talk like he appreciates JGY's efficiency and helpfulness, but that's not why JGS has him at his side. He has taken him in because he is a steel-eyed murder bot, not in spite of it.

(OP does not believe that Jin Guangyao could have been a good person if only his dad had let him hold Jin Ling that one time, as some have argued. Dude killed his own child because there was a chance he might be disabled in a way that could lead to gossip. Dude is a stone cold killer.)

(more after the cut)

In the language of CDrama costume (which is not, precisely, the language of actual historical clothing), Jin Guangyao has chosen to dress as a minister instead of as a chevalier. This is partly an artifact of his mother's ideas about a gentleman. It also suggests that he’s content with the sort of career that's available to a bastard of a noble house--not inheriting the noble title, but having enough favor to rise in power.

It may also be a ruse to make him seem like he's not a strong cultivator and not a strong fighter, when in fact he is both, at least by the time he’s throwing death chords at Jiang Cheng, much later in the show.

Mingjue makes all kinds of grumpy faces and snarky remarks to let everyone know that he fucking hates Jin Guangyao. Xichen agrees to his “nice refugee camp with only a little death” plan, with no qualifications.

Now we get to see Jin Guangyao's manipulation of Lan Xichen. Lan Xichen says that Nie Mingjue wants a plan that’s more killy, because he believes in punishing evil. JGY deliberately misunderstands this, pretending that Lan Xichen said he, JGY, is evil, kind of forcing LXC to reassure him and take his side in an argument that isn’t actually happening.

They have a little handholding while bowing, and then after Lan Xichen leaves, Jin Guangyao puts on his evil face and has all the prisoners killed behind the big closed door.

This is done in such a violent fashion that the blood apparently flows up several stairs to the door, and over the tall raised threshold, before flowing downward toward the camera. Some evil is so extreme that even traditional Chinese doorway architecture can’t stop it.

Run To the Rock

Then we go outside to where Wei Wuxian is standing on a rocky outcropping, thinking it would be a good strategic spot to choose if he's ever in a battle where he wants to commit suicide right quick.

Lan Wangji comes to join him and admire the view, not knowing yet that this view, or one a whole lot like it, is going to be seared into his memory for most of his life.

Lan Wangji is becoming more and more committed to Wei Wuxian, more and more inexorably joined to him, but he still doesn't agree with him. So they each have this comfort in each others' presence at the same time as being massively in conflict.

Wei Wuxian asks him what he thinks of all the politicking and murdering. Who is good and who is evil? LWJ doesn't answer because WWX is leaking black smoke, so he grabs him and tells him to concentrate. Lan Wangji is, incidentally, wearing Princess-Leia quantities of lip gloss.

Lan Wangji asks if Wei Wuxian would like to learn a new tune, "Absterge" according to Netflix. The fuck? [op looks it up in the dictionary]. "To cleanse, especially by wiping." Also known as aftercare. Netflix. Honey. This word is MIDDLE FRENCH. Will you knock it the fuck off?

So anyway, instead of answering his question about who is good and who is evil, LWJ asks if he wants to learn a song called "Cleansing." Wei Wuxian says “hey babe, are you fucking kidding me?”

His actual words are "you doubt me too?" meaning "you think I also took the missing 4th chunk of Yin iron to make my ugly tiger amulet, rather than obviously having used that giant sword I pulled out of the turtle?"

Lan Wangji mentally replays Wen Ruohan's questions in his head--the questions he barked at Wei Wuxian right before choking him unconscious--which Lan Wangji also feels entitled to know the answers to. Fuck you, Lan Wangji. He answers WWX with "when did you forge your amulet?" Which is his way of saying "yes, I doubt you."

Wei Wuxian kindly refrains from saying "while we were on a break, bitch" and instead tells him the exact truth--I found a yin iron sword in the turtle--but says it in his patented "make it sound like a lie" way.

LWJ keeps grilling him, eventually coming out and saying dude, you knew the sword was Yin iron, why did you need to use it?

This is the crucial question--why WWX broke his first promise, to Lan Yi, which was to try to get rid of the Yin Iron. He won’t tell anyone the answer, which is that he needs to use it because he can't cultivate normally, because he lost his golden core. He made a lot of promises before that happened, and he probably expected to keep them. But without his core, everything changed; without his core, he’s a different person, so it’s maybe not fair to expect him to honor his previous promises.

I’m reminded of my grandfather, who was the oldest son of an old southern US family, with lots of expectations as the firstborn. He went off to WWI as a soldier, expecting to die. He didn’t die, and so from that point on, he regarded his life as a gift. He felt could do whatever he wanted with it, and let go of expectations from before the war. He moved to Paris and took up with a glamorous divorcee 7 years older than him (my Grandma, eventually).

The actual point of that story, other than OP having cool grandparents, is that when you think you’re going to die, and then you don’t die, your ideas about what you owe to people can change quite a bit. Wei Wuxian expected to die in the Burial Mounds; he expected to die at Nightless City; he expects it, over and over, and each time he doesn’t die, he gets further and further from being what everyone else wants him to be. And--a lot like soldiers returning from a war-- NOBODY in his life knows how to talk to him about it.

Wei Wuxian tells Lan Wangji to back off, Lan Wangji says why aren't you letting me help you, and they are once again on the edge of the same fight they keep having. Lan Wangji does some impassioned arm holding while Wei Wuxian says he's not like Wen Ruohan.

Romantic Duet #1

The argument is interrupted by screams and killing, so they go to check it out, and find the Jins hunting down some prisoners for sport. They arrive in time to save two people. Yay?

Jin ZIxun acts like a jerk, as always. The new element is that per Jin Guangshan, anyone concerned with Yin Iron shouldn't be alive. He says that the Lan and Nie clans agreed, and challenges Wei Wuxian. Lan Wangji stops him from responding, grabbing his wrist.

The Jins leave and Wei Wuxian refers back to their earlier conversation, saying there will be more resentful spirits now and that "Rest" is the music to play, not "Cleansing."

He gives Lan Wangji a long look and then pointedly removes Lan Wangji’s hand from his wrist, by holding his hand, which is some next-level mixed signaling. Lan Wangji totally deserves it at this point, though. He keeps pushing and pushing WWX about his cultivation method, but he refuses to discuss the underlying morality of it, or the morality of the killing going on right in front of them.

WWX walks off, leaving LWJ to stew in his own juices surrounded by a bunch of fresh corpses.

Lan Wangji fails his saving throw against the guilt trip, and sits his ass down to play Rest, just like Wei Ying told him to. So switchy! Wei Wuxian, out of sight but not out of earshot, hears him and accompanies him on Chenqing.

This scene is slightly ridiculous and a whole lot sublime. Ridiculous because it's their first time playing music together, so it's a super slow, romantic, extended scene, but they're surrounded by corpses. And not the helpful, friendly, third-wheel-on-a-date type of corpses.

It's sublime because the occasion of their first beautiful, literally magical duet is an argument. And they are joining together to play beautiful romantic music - as a service for the dead. And they are doing it while they are on literally opposite sides of a literal killing field. And Lan Wangji is sitting literally in the middle of a wide open road; the sort of road that they will both reject, metaphorically, later in the show. There is so much about their conflict and their journey that is encapsulated in this one musical moment.

Lan Wangji, by playing the song Wei Wuxian said was needed, is telling WWX that he took his words to heart, that he is listening, even though they're at odds.

WWX, by stopping and playing with him, is acknowledging this. And by settling the dead souls together, they are both reinforcing their dedication to doing what's right even as they both struggle with knowing what that is.

When Other Friendships Have Been Forgot, Ours Will Still Be Hot

Now we have the sworn brothers thing. I understand, plot wise, why this has to happen, but why would Nie Mingjue ever agree to this? Lan Xichen's puppy eyes are just that persuasive?

If they ever crack your spine, drop a line If they ever cut your throat, write a note If you’re ever in a mill and get sawed in half, I won’t laugh (HA HA HA HA)

Tedious Party Time

Now there's a cultivation party, which is about as excruciating to watch as it would be to attend.

Everyone is lining up to praise Jin Guangshan. To be fair, he did provide shelter for most of the smaller clans while the war was going on. So being grateful is appropriate, but Clan Leader Yao practically breaks his own neck kissing Jin ass. Yao says JGY’s contribution was the greatest of the war, adding, "fuck Wei Wuxian; everything is his fault."

The Jiangs show up wearing mourning belts that show off their itty bitty waists, and Jin Guangshan makes shifty eyes like a cartoon landlord when he sees them arrive.

JGS praises Jiang Cheng, and asks when his fancy clan-leader ceremony is going to happen. Jiang Cheng says he's still in mourning so it's not appropriate. JGS is like “Oh...yeah," as if he totally forgot about all the Yunmeng slaughter, and talks up his friendship with Jiang Fengmian. He acts comforting while WWX manages not to barf.

Then the Lan clan shows up and there is nice encouraging chit chat between LXC and JC...

...and just, SO MUCH mournful staring between Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian.

Then the Nies arrive. Jin Guangshan tells Nie Mingjue he's late, and that everyone's waiting for him. That might be true in the script but it’s clearly bullshit on the screen, where the Lans and the Jiangs are still milling around looking for the coat room.

Nie Mingjue--who, let's remember, JUST swore to be brothers with Jin Guangyao--looks at him like he's something that fell off a garbage truck. Lan Xichen jumps in to maximize the discomfort by pointing out that Jin Guangyao should address Nie Mingjue as Big Daddy Da-ge from now on.

Then the Jins offer Nie Mingjue the giant fire throne because...he's the leader of the Sunshot campaign, I guess? Of course it's all a manipulation tactic, designed to make him say he won't sit there, so that JGS can elevate himself to head cultivator, or something? And sit in front of the throne but not on it? Cultivator succession seems kinda arbitrary.

I swear to god, it wasn't until I was clipping this episode that I realized Wen Ruohan had two thrones and they're in different rooms from each other.

Finally everyone goes to sit down, but because there hasn't been enough fucking awkwardness, JGY stops WWX to ask him what's on his mind. WWX asks him why he's not carrying his sword, which made me laugh and laugh. Wei Wuxian must have been just waiting for a chance to ask someone else that question for a change.

Jin Guangyao says he threw it away, because it was just a random sword, but he really means he had it made into a sneaky murder belt, that he will be using again in 13 to 16 years. They both fake-laugh and trade Mean Girls insults pretend to like each other.

Everyone wanders around toasting each other. Lan Wangji goes to find Wei Wuxian, after first making sure that his hair looks good.

Wei Wuxian is lying around on the steps, sprawling and drinking wine, and not, incidentally, looking for Lan Wangji. He continues to not seek him out and Lan Wangji continues to chase after him.

Wei Wuxian says "how about playing Cleansing?" but Lan Wangji says he's learning a new score. It looks like it's going to be another argument, but then Wei Wuxian smiles and kind of praises Lan Wangji for being stubborn.

Awkward Marriage Proposal

Just then everyone inside starts cheering for Jin Guangshan to give a speech. Jin Guangshan is making a move to marry Jiang Yanli to his son, which is a big time power grab, given that the Jiang Clan is 1. vulnerable and depleted 2. has control of the Yin tiger amulet.

We get a very rare glimpse into Jiang Cheng’s inner mind, where he thinks that saying yes isn’t a great idea, but isn’t sure what to do. This marriage would make his sister happy, but could destroy the Jiang Clan's independence.

Fortunately, Wei Wuxian joins the party just in time to fuck up Jin Guanshan’s plans. Will this teach Jin Guangshan not to invite Wei Wuxian to parties? It will not.

Soundtrack: Friendship, by Cole Porter (from “Anything Goes”)

Bonus:

#the untamed #the untamed gifs #wangxian #restless rewatch the untamed #canary3d-original #my gifs #words:2750

243 notes · View notes

jaskiersvalley · 3 years

Note

Your safari au. Please. I need it. Water my crops with tigers and hyenas and witchers. Grabby hands and pleading faces in abundance here.

You are after my heart, Nonnie. And considering I've only talked about the Safari AU on Novigrad, I will happily assume you're lurking on there and I love you for it. Tweaked a little to add in a hyena just for you.

Lions and Tigers and Bears

Taking over a park was no easy feat, especially not when it came with a reputation like Nilfgaard had. Eskel scratched his head as he poured over the various financial reports, wondering just how much of it could be trusted. The problem was Nilfgaard had been a shining beacon in the animal conservation world, exceptional facilities, high enrichment for the animals and a successful rehabilitation rate. If there was ever an animal in need of a place, Nilfgaard had been first choice for years. All that came tumbling down in light of the revelation that Nilfgaard had been trading illegally, their animals sold to private owners as exotic pets or, even worse, hunters who wanted a guaranteed, easy kill. The place had been shut down immediately, a skeleton crew kept on to tend to the animals but nothing more. Management was on trial and Kaer Morhen had won the bid to take over. Though small and mostly unknown, nobody else had wanted to touch the remnants of Nilfgaard so they were quite uncontested in their bid. What had seemed like a good idea at the time, an noble because it was in the interest of the animals, now was an absolute headache.

Between the three of them, Geralt, Eskel and Lambert could split most of the urgent work. They had Jaskier working on rebranding, Yennefer managing the board and Vesemir as the head. It left them free to run the day to day of the park, learning the animals as well as the people who they had kept on. But they were going to need more people to actually help the place flourish and regain its standing in the community. Which meant asking the heads of departments for who should be kept on and what roles to recruit for from scratch. The easy ones were things like hospitality, Zoltan had a firm grip on the needs of the park and its visitors, knew all the catering firms and how to run a tight ship. So it was one less headache for them. Eredin had stepped up as Head of Security readily once it was proven he had no knowledge of the animal smuggling. Again, his familiarity with the park was a boon, as were his connections, putting together a security team that could be trusted. Much more messy was the animal welfare section. Fringilla, much like Eredin, had stepped up to become interim Head Zookeeper and was doing her best. While they were understaffed, Geralt, Eskel and Lambert helped out where they could but much of their time was spent getting to know the routine of the park and its many animals.

"We need to know who we can trust," Lambert grumbled, leaning over the table where they had personnel files open. "It's impossible to know who was in on things and who wasn't."

Though, in all likelihood, none of the lower level workers knew that when they helped usher one of their beloved animals into a crate, they weren't sending them off to another facility or a happily ever after. But it was something they just couldn't risk.

"May I?" Fringilla asked, eyes roving over all the files. At Geralt's gesture, she began pulling some of them out. "You'll want Triss, she was a vet here, promote her to senior or chief or whatever you call it. She's solid. And Sabrina, she's great, works well with Triss. Retain Istredd, Mousesack, Calanthe and Eist too. oh, and Letho for the reptile house." As she spoke, she kept looking with a small frown.

"Missing someone?" Eskel asked. Nodding, Fringilla frowned. Without much care for manners, she walked to the cupboards and began pulling out files until she hit the folder of resignations and terminations. From there, she pulled out one last file.

"You'll want him."

The folder was taken from her and the three peered at it with varying levels of frowns.

"You want us to hire someone who was terminated for gross misconduct? Whose notes suggest he abused animals and has blacklisted from working with animals?"

"No. I want you to meet the whistle-blower. Cahir's the one who found out about the trafficking and reported it. Nilfgaard didn't take kindly to it and retaliated."

Not sold on the idea, Lambert crossed his arms over his chest. "His file doesn't look exceptional. Personally, if he applied for a job, I'm not sure he shines enough to even be called in for an interview."

It was a sentiment echoed by the other two and Fringilla had to fight to hold back a sneer. "Invite him in and judge for yourselves. Just because his record doesn't have a quantifiable or gradable measure of commitment doesn't mean he won't be fantastic. If we ever have a new animal in that doesn't need to stay hospitalised, I wouldn't want anyone but Cahir to help settle it in. Especially the younger ones and babies."

Against their better judgement, the three decided to follow Fringilla's advice and e-mailed Cahir an interview offer. The reply was terse but assured them that he would be there at the agreed time.

First impressions were, to put gently, not great. Cahir looked rumpled, bags under his eyes and his attitude was rather sullen. It didn't bode well as they sat in the office, Cahir an odd mix of defiant and subservient. At least Fringilla had the grace to push the interview forward as much as she could until even she sighed and leaned back.

"Why don't we walk through some of the enclosures? Make sure you still remember what's where."

As they walked, Eskel ended up next to Cahir, who seemed content to not talk. That didn't stop Eskel from trying to initiate conversation.

"So, what have you been doing in the three months since you left here?"

"Tried to survive."

The blunt answer had Eskel blinking, there were many things he expected but not that. "Oh?"

For the first time Cahir actually looked at him, sadness bleeding through his half glare. "I used to live on site, worked for Nilfgaard from the age of 15, took a full time post at 18 and moved into the small cottage in the southern corner of the land. They fired me, I lost everything."

An uncomfortable silence settled between them as Eskel tried to figure out just how much of Cahir's so story was an exaggeration. "Have you been living with friends then?"

"For a few weeks, yeah." Cahir actually scoffed. "I've been trying to get a job and living in a hostel off savings. Turns out, only having in-house qualifications does not bode well for prospects in the world at large."

Fringilla led them into an enclosure where the grass was high. From the looks and smells, Eskel would have guessed it was a tiger's habitat but he wasn't familiar enough with the park yet to know. He would have hesitated going in, especially in a group like they were but Eskel had to trust Fringilla as she came to a stop and they stood in a loose circle.

The house Cahir had mentioned was one Eskel was familiar with. They had often wondered why it was empty yet well kept. It had felt like a life interrupted when they had a look round, nothing personal there yet it didn't have the empty, unlived-in feel of a show home. In a way, Eskel was regretting just how poorly Cahir's interview was going because he could easily see them offering his house back as part of a contract.

"So why are we here?" Lambert's words broke Eskel's reverie. "I thought we wanted to go on a walk."

It was by pure chance that Eskel caught Fringilla's smirk at Cahir and the slightest softening of that stern expression in return. Clicking his tongue, Cahir shot Lambert a look. "Tell me, have you ever been stalked by a tiger before?"

"No."

"You sure about that?" Cahir clicked his tongue twice and the world burst into motion. From the long grass a tiger pounced and Eskel was not ashamed to admit he let out a surprised yell. He wasn't the only one though, Lambert gasping, hand at his mouth and shoulders up as the tiger took Cahir out. They went tumbling and only Geralt looked like he might lurch into action, taking half a step towards the animal and Cahir. It would have been hopeless though, the two were wrestling on the ground until Cahir was on his back, tiger hunched above him.

The first thing Eskel noticed was how Cahir's face was creased into a happy grin. He looked younger, relaxed and happy ever as the tiger licked a large stripe from jaw, up his chin to his hairline. All Cahir did was laugh.

"Yes, yes, I missed you too, Princess," he said. fingers loosened from the fur in the tiger's neck and petted along her nose with the ease of familiarity.

"What the actual fuck?!" Lambert all but screeched. "What the fuckity fucking fuck?"

Eskel had the sense to look to Fringilla for answers, even if he wanted to watch Cahir with the tiger. The change in the man wasn't something he could have predicted. Gone was the sullen, defensive and standoffish air, replaced by an easy smile and a look of serene happiness as Cahir looked at the tiger, checking her over out of habit, muttering about dirty ears and mucky paws as he went.

"That is what you won't ever learn from a CV and qualifications," Fringilla said. She was absolutely looking smug. "Princess came to us at 9 months old, from a circus. Had terrible separation anxiety and a host of other issues too. She wasn't doing well despite our best efforts. At least, not until Cahir took her home and cared for her during the nights rather than leave her in a hospital cage. He introduced her to independence, slept out in the open with her for a few weeks when she was ready to transition to outdoors." Much more quietly, she added, "She's not the only animal he'd done that for. To find out some of his beloved children have been sold hit him hard. I don't think I'd ever seen him cry before then."

Turning back, Eskel watched as Cahir was sat on the ground, tiger with her back to him. The slightly strained "oh no you don't" from Cahir was lost as the tiger pushed up onto her hind legs and flopped backwards. Had she been smaller, Cahir would have probably caught her like a baby. As it was, he grunted as the weight crashed across his legs and he had a happily chuffing tiger's belly to tickle.

"I assume you'd vouch for him?" Geralt asked.

"In a heartbeat." Fringilla grinned at Cahir but it was lost on him, so focused on Princess as he was. The others might as well have stopped existing. That was the moment Eskel knew his heart was in danger. It didn't get easier as time went on. Hiring Cahir was proving to be a good decision. He just got on with the work, never finding anything distasteful or below him to do. If it needed doing, he got it done.

Over time he opened up too, Eskel found himself wandering down to the southern corner of the park to the little house that was now full of life. He got used to Cahir usually having a baby or two in his care. Sometimes he babysat for Letho's hatchlings, content to have baby snakes trying to look around his arms as they learned how to cope with being handled. The friendship between the two was one Eskel couldn't claim to understand but they seemed to make it work.

"Knock knock," he announced himself by the open back door.

"Come on in," Cahir called as he wandered out of the kitchen. "I'm just finishing making dinner, care to join me?"

That was new too, Cahir was inviting Eskel into his life more and more. It made Eskel feel even better about what he was planning to ask at Fringilla's instructions.

"I wanted to talk to you about tomorrow. There's a new arrival that we think will need your assistance."

Cahir cocked an eyebrow and held up an empty plate in question again. At Eskel's nod he began loading. "Anything you can tell me about it?"

"Not much. Private collector got raided, had a few animals in his less than tender care."

"So they'll be part socialised, part traumatised. I can work with that."

Somehow, Eskel had no doubts about that. But he was holding back some information because Fringilla had told him to keep it a surprise. The next morning the transport van rolled in, a small group of them ready to handle the newest arrivals. There were a couple of pythons for Letho to bring into his fold, a parrot for Guxart to train into swearing. Last was a large crate. As interesting as it was, Eskel's eyes were on Cahir, the way his nostrils flared as he caught scent of the hyena. The box opened and the animal cautiously peered out.

"Dave!" Cahir exclaimed, all semblance of quiet professionalism gone as he hopped off the top of the crate he'd helped open.

If his reaction had been exuberant, it was nothing compared to the hyena's. They collided next to the box, all over each other.

"I missed you buddy." There were tears running down Cahir's cheeks as Dave alternated between butting into him and running tight, excited circles around him before settling down and trying to bodily press into him. Glancing up, Cahir gave Fringilla a wobbly smile. "How did you find her?"

Her? Last Eskel checked, Dave was a male name. Still, he wasn't going to interrupt the tender reunion with such a dumb question.

"She was part of a collector's hoard. Didn't have the right permits so he was made to give her up to those who could offer her proper care."

A broken "thank you" was whispered in her direction before Cahir buried his face in the hyena's neck. Eskel watched with so many questions. Thankfully Fringilla didn't miss that fact.

"She was born in captivity, originally assumed to be a boy, needed to be hand reared after mum rejected her. She never understood that she wasn't human and as a result has spent most of her life living with Cahir. We've tried so often to introduce her to a pack but she never took to them, content to stay with them for a day, two at a push before she starts pining. When Nilfgaard sold her, that's when Cahir got suspicious, did some digging and realised she hadn't gone to another park. So Dave is a catalyst for this whole fiasco if you will."

Watching them, Eskel nodded. He had a hyena to befriend if he wanted to keep Cahir in his life it would seem.

#pre-Cahir/Eskel #fringilla vigo #cahir mawr dyffryn aep ceallach #eskel #lambert #geralt #safari au #tldr: nilfgaard is a disgraced safari the kaer morhen idiots take over

55 notes · View notes

robinofinashiro · 3 years

Text

“look, i know we don’t know each other that well, but i’m still worried about you. no one deserves to be alone.”

characters: hoshiumi kourai x fem! reader / slight miya atsumu

request status: OPEN / please send any reqs you guys have! my inbox is currently empty and im lacking in any kind of writing inspiration...like seriously lacking lmao. there could be a part two if any of you are interested in one.

you looked at your now ex boyfriend, trying to keep your tears at bay. the two of you were standing outside the bar, not knowing what you were planning on saying the man you loved as you saw him with a girl on his lap, laughing and giggling at whatever he was saying.

“you could’ve just broken up with me, it would have saved me time and effort,” you told him with a stone cold face. you could tell Atsumu was in a straight panic, not knowing what to say or do, “honestly, I would have handled the break up a lot better than you would have assumed I would have.”

Atsumu reached out to grab your hand but you quickly snatched it back, putting it behind your back, “no, you don’t get the right to hold any part of me anymore. whatever you were doing, do it with the girl you were just with,” you exclaimed, a laugh of bitterness leaving you, “but I don’t want that girl, I want you!” he yelled.

you rolled your eyes, not believing a word he was saying, “no, you wanted a girl to fuck with on the side while I waited for you at home. you’re just angry you got caught, Miya, that’s all,” you stated. Atsumu felt stray tears falling down his face as you noticed a familiar face with snow white hair popping out of the front of the door.

“as wrong as this is to say, I was always preparing myself for this. my grandmother always said to have a envelope of cash and money as runaway money in case I ever needed to get away...” you played with you finger nails before looking up to him for one final time, “I’ll be moved out in a few days. the apartment is under your name and I don’t mind getting a new place,” you added on.

Atsumu saw you walking away, not believing that you were actually leaving him. he grabbed your ankle, practically putting on a scene for everyone who was hanging out in the front of the building, “Atsumu, this is embarrassing for you. quit it while you still have some dignity left, jesus christ,” you said not realizing the mantrum that he was throwing, “you really should’ve thought this all out before you decided to cheat. I always had one rule and you knew it. I could quickly replace you as fast as we got together and this was your one chance.”

you kicked yourself out of his grip, walking into the bar to have yourself a drink. you saw the girl who was on Atsumu’s lap not wanting to look you in the eye as she sat on her chair in shame, “enjoy him girlie because as you can tell, he’ll quickly replace you when he gets bored,” you tipped your glass of dark liquor to her in a ‘good luck’ type of way before finding an empty seat.

that familiar snow white hair you saw earlier happened to be Hoshiumi who was walking towards you. you being the former Inarizaki manager made you know the names to the most popular players from each team they played so Hoshiumi was no stranger.

“hey,” you heard his voice say over the music. you gave him a smile with a small wave, not wanting to say, “you okay? I accidentally overheard your situation with Atsumu earlier,” he asked, pulling the seat out from the other side of the table.

you shrugged knowing that all the raw emotions from the argument and what you just had saw hadn’t settled in yet, “I don’t know,” you said truthfully, “my boyfriend of three years was cheating on me and if I’m okay right now, I know I won’t be tomorrow,” you explained.

Hoshiumi nodded understandingly, “do you mind if I sit with you for the rest of the night?” he asked quietly, in a sort of shy way, which was odd considering Hoshiumi was just as hyperactive as Hinata Shoyo from Karasuno way. “look, i know we don’t know each other that well, but i’m still worried about you. no one deserves to be alone.”

you felt that pang in your heart as you saw the warmness on Hoshiumi’s smile. you tried to contain your tears as best as you could but Hoshiumi saw right through that. he tracked down the waitress and ordered the two of you another round of drinks, your choice of course as he tried to focus the conversation on anything that wasn’t Atsumu or your breakup.

from that night forward, Hoshiumi was by your side for the entirety of your breakup. he was of help when you needed an extra hand to move all your things out of your shared apartment with Atsumu.

it didn’t sit right with Atsumu at the fact that Hoshiumi was seemingly close to you all of a sudden. he had saw him that night at the bar but he didn’t think he would take advantage of the situation and so quickly. never once in the entirety of your relationship with Atsumu did you ever mention befriending Hoshiumi and so closely but seeing the way he was helping you move out and making sure you were okay threw him way the hell off.

once you were finished taking your things out of the apartment, you looked to Atsumu and wiggled the set of keys that were on your keychain out. you gave him one last look before handing them to him, “so I take it that you won’t accept the job with the Jackals?” he asked.

“I think you know that answer, Miya.”

you walked out of the apartment, leaving a teary eyed Atsumu at the door as Hoshiumi waited for you at the front of the building. your place a few minutes farther from Atsumu’s place. it wasn’t as nice of a place in comparison to how you used to live but it would do until you found a job.

“what are you plans now?” Hoshiumi asked as he helped you unpack things from the box. you shrugged again, “I really don’t know. Atsumu had gotten me a job with the Jackals and those were plans for quite a while but considering that relationship is long gone, I guess I really have to start looking for a job before I go broke.”

Hoshiumi laughed, feeling his phone buzz multiple times. he looked down to see a few texts from Ushijima and Kageyama. to your luck, the Adlers had also gotten a job opening for a few positions with a team. Hoshiumi had mentioned to the team that he knew someone that could possibly take the position of the old manager and they had been grilling him about it since.

the pre-season was about to start and they needed an experienced manager and quick. considering your qualifications with Inarizaki and the degree you got in college, he knew you would do well on the job and all you would need is a bit of polishing up in order to be great if not even better than their former manager.

“listen, I don’t know how willing you will be to accept what I’m about to say but Schweiden has an opening for a positions and one of them is to be the team’s manager and assistant. I might’ve pushed your name because I know you’ve done the managerial position before and we need a manager as soon as possible.”

your eyes doubled down in confusion as Hoshiumi showed you the hiring paper. you quickly skimmed it down seeing that you had the qualifications for the job. you saw that it was a text from Kageyama Tobio that read if you had accept the position yet before their coach killed them.

“wait, how long would I be there?” you asked, gripping his phone. you looked at you, now slightly confused himself, “what do you mean? you’d be there as long as you want or until you quit. the position is permanent.” you read the application again and smiled, “I just got this place but tell them I’ll be available for an interview at any time.”

Hoshiumi tackled you into a hug, his hyperactive attitude running rampant again, “THANK YOU! THANK YOU! the team is gonna be so happy, I know it!” he exclaimed, quickly dialing his coaches number as you sat there, taking in your all new reality.

after a run through of a few interviews, the Adler’s ultimately gave you the position as their manager and assistant. they found you the most suitable as you had experience under your belt and got along with most of the team. well...as best as you could considering Kageyama and Ushijima weren’t really the talkative type to begin with.

the move to Tokyo was a bit easier than expected. Hoshiumi quickly helping you into your new apartment as he showed you around the Adler’s gym and even the town when he wasn’t busy. you had your own office since you were assisting the team’s coach with a few office related things but most of your duties were strictly to the team.

with your new job came new team photo’s for the year as well as your organizations employee id photo. your uniform consisted of black leggings or athletic shorts if Tokyo was particularly hot that day and a Schweiden sweater/t-shirt on game day. on non-game days where you had to be in your office, the general uniform was business casual unless it was Friday’s where you could wear your game day uniform.

the team photo day was around the corner and the Adler’s even had a few professional makeup artist for anyone who wanted to have their makeup done for the photos. Hoshiumi and to your surprise, Kageyama, landed in the makeup chairs right next to you as they both wanted to be concealed so their under eye bags weren’t as prominent.

“you ready for the pics?” Hoshiumi asked with an excited smile. you nodded just as excitedly, “working in volleyball again feels so weird but I can’t wait for the season to start!” you exclaimed as Hoshiumi gave you a high-five in agreement.

unbeknownst to you but known to the entire team, Hoshiumi had fell entirely head over heels for you. his heart eyes weren’t a secret to anyone besides you and if everyone was being honest, they really wanted Hoshiumi to get a move on with asking you out so he could stop coming to practice with a lovesick puppy look on his face.

after all of you were called to the gym to take the photos, they had all the players and coaching staff take their photos first before any managers and front office staff had their turns. while you waited for your turn, you were talking with the other manager so was an ex player of the team and had recently retired due to permanent injury to his arm.

“so how do you know Hoshiumi?” he asked as he saw the wave Hoshiumi was giving you. you smiled and waved back, “he was a friend of mine through high school and we just kept in contact since. Kourai and I are basically best friends if I’m being honest,” you explained.

he gave you a look before giving out a belly laugh, “just best friends? you have to got to be kidding. there’s more to your relationship with Hoshiumi than just best friends,” he admitted. you were a bit taken back by his answer as you asked him to explain, “come on, it’s not obvious? the decoy is in love with you. he follows you everywhere and has heart eyes for you and I can sense the feeling either is mutual or it’s starting to be on your end.”

you sat in silence, debating whether or not what he was saying was true. you had never taken into account romantic feelings Hoshiumi could have for you and vice versa. you knew deep down, you did harbor feelings for Hoshiumi but up until this point, you had never put it to the forefront of your brain.

“managers! it’s your turns now!” the photographer said. you nodded, going up to the small set up they had.

they had you do a bunch of different poses. one photo of just you smiling, another of you holding a volleyball, and a few with the other manager on the team. they had informed you that this year, they would be displaying team player photos along with head manager photos in the front of building, right outside of the gym to show appreciation to the entire team.

after the photo’s were finished, your head was still playing the conversation you had earlier. the idea of dating Hoshiumi did not sound so bad in the long run and you knew that it now wouldn’t come off as a surprise if you did in fact show feelings to him.

“Kou, what are you doing tonight?” you asked as he helped you with your bag after practice. he shook his head, saying nothing, “wanna come over? I wanna pig out on food before the season officially starts,” you giggled seeing his excited face as he grabbed your wrist and practically dragged you over to his car, exclaiming you both could get food and snacks.

the night came down to you watching a few movies from both of your childhood and basically talking/snacking the night away. it eventually got to the point where you moved closer to Hoshiumi, trying to find warmth as your AC was on full blast and you both were too lazy to get the blankets you had underneath your couch to actually get warm.

“hey Kou,” you said, trying to get his attention. he looked down to you, a warm smile on his face, “would you ever...be interested in dating? I heard a few members of the team saying that you liked me and for a while, I didn’t want to believe that but I figured there was no harm in asking because I totally feel the same,” you finally confessed.

Hoshiumi sat there, mouth wide in surprise as your heart basically fell your ass. your thoughts were immediately plagued with the idea that you had ruined your entire relationship with him but that was quickly put to rest as grabbed your closer and held your face as softly as ever before placing a kiss on both your cheeks before reaching your lips.

“honestly, I was about to ask you out tonight too. I’ve been having these feelings for a while now and I’m glad you finally confessed. I’ve truthfully liked you since the night I saw you with Atsumu but I didn’t want to make it seem as though I was being pushy.”

you laughed, pushing yourself away from him a bit as he dipped you down once again and kissed you again. you ran your fingers through his hair as he kissed your neck a bit and parts of your upper chest.

“you’re the best. I literally thought the best day of my life was the day I got the job for the Adler’s but this beats it by far!” he exclaimed, hugging you now. you laughed, shaking your head at his excitement, “I could say the same,” you giggled as you kissed him again.

a few weeks finally passed as the season was in full swing now. you were working a few days a week and going out on the days you had off with Kourai. the only dreadful part in all of this was that the Adler’s were playing Msby soon and you knew that you would in fact be seeing Atsumu during, before, and after the game.

Hoshiumi could see the slight nervousness and panic on your face the day of the game against the Black Jackals. you weren’t as excited as you were usually were and you were responding to the team in snippets and very short sentences. the team could sense your shift in attitude but didn’t bother to question it.

“hey, you okay?” Hoshiumi asked, pulling you to the side a few minutes before warm ups. you gave him a questioning look, “I can see you’re nervous and I’m pretty sure it’s probably because of Atsumu being here,” he assumed as you reluctantly agreed.

he sighed, bringing you in for a hug, “you don’t have to work today. I can make up an excuse that you got sick and say you’re in your office watching the game,” he said. you shook your head, “no, it would be immature of me to miss a game because of that fucking idiot. I’ll be okay, I promise,” you whispered, giving him a kiss of reassurance before letting him go.

a few feet behind, Atsumu had saw the entire interaction happen. his heart was admittedly broken, seeing the way you were kissing and hugging Hoshiumi. he hadn’t known that you were working with Scheweiden nor did he know that you were even dating Hoshiumi.

when the team had walked into the gym, he had saw your photo in the hallway entering the gym. your smile was one he missed and he felt himself get angry all over again. it had been months since the breakup but you had yet to unblock him from any social media so all of this news at once broke him.

the game was a lot more intense than they assumed it would have been. Hoshiumi and Atsumu playing to 100% and even getting into small scuffles. you had saw the interactions and knew it was probably because of you but were arguing when it came down to plays so it didn’t look as immature on the court.

ultimately, Schweiden won the game, beating the Jackal’s by a landslide in their last set. you were smiling at Hoshiumi as the game ended, bringing him a water and giving him a kiss before handing off the waters to Ushijima and Kageyama next. you had ran out of the gym for a few seconds to refill waters for a few players when you ran into the last person you expect.

“if you can excuse me Miya, I need to refill these,” you said, not even looking at him in the eye. he moved out of the way, seeing thew way you refilled the bottles as quickly as possible. once you were done, you were about to head back into the gym when he stopped you, “how are you?” he asked shyly.

you sighed, “fine Miya,” you said curtly. Atsumu growled in annoyance, “are you together with-,” “with me!” you heard Hoshiumi’s voice scream through the hall. you smiled at the sight of him as he pushed you behind him and sizing up the much taller Atsumu.

“this had nothing to do with you, Hoshiumi.”

“oh but it does! she’s my girlfriend, our manager, and a member of the team so whatever you need to say to her, you can say to me!” you laughed at Hoshiumi’s confidence as Atsumu looked at him, rage filling his eyes, “what? what’re you gonna do? hit me? you’d get suspended and look like a complete idiot to the entire V-league!”

“do we have an issue?” Ushijima asked, looking at Atsumu and Hoshiumi as Sakusa followed him, “no issue at all,” Atsumu gritted as Hoshiumi wore a proud grin on his face.

“that’s great to hear. come on ( your name ). Hoshiumi you better be in the gym in the next minute.”

“lets go Atsumu, you don’t win anything out of creating a scene,” Sakusa said as he grabbed his friend and tried dragging him out of the hallway. Hoshiumi waved at Atsumu as cockily as possible, “remember Atsumu! not only did we win the game but I also won your girl!” he screamed.

Atsumu went to jump but was pulled back by Sakusa and Bokuto as you walked out of the gym again to grab Hoshiumi. he grabbed you by the wrist and kissed you in front everyone that was in the hallway. Atsumu could hear Bokuto telling him to calm down but he wanted nothing more than to run over to Hoshiumi and kick his ass before reclaiming you as his again.

#haikyuu!!#haikyuu #haikyuu imagine #haikyuu x reader #atsumu miya #atsumu miya imagine #atsumu miya x reader #atsumu miya x you #hoshiumi korai #hoshiumi korai imagine #hoshiumi korai x reader #hoshiumi korai x you #sports anime #sport anime

102 notes · View notes