#theme: rivalry

[rickyriddle]

For @smvillainsweek day 1, theme "Rivalry" : Crow won't tolerate to be shorter than her girlfriend rival

This is based on a theory I have that Crow is indeed a bit shorter than Seiren, and that's the reason why she wears high heels in civilians while Seiren wears flat heels.

(5'11 is around 180cm, 5'10 is around 178cm)

[smvillainsweek]

Day 1 - Rivalry/Friendship

Finally, the week has officially started!

We are Day 1 and today's themes are Rivalry and/or Friendship!

If you would like a reminder of the rules for the event feel free to check back our guidelines!

Don't forget to post your works with the tag @smvillainsweek and use the hashtag #smvillainsweek24 to make sure we can find and reblog them!

You can add your AO3 works to our designated category for the event here. We also have a Deviantart category for the event where you can add your work! ^^

[aftgficrec]

June Staff Recs: Favorite Recent Reads

This month, we’re recommending some of our favorite fics posted this month.  You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll laugh again...it appears we all are in the mood for a bit of fluff and humour with the slightest twist of angst, so we hope you enjoy!  -AFTG Fic Rec Fam

growing pains by nightquills, Ominous [Rated T, 10688 words, complete, 2020]

Stuart knows it’s perfectly normal for teenagers to have crushes. That’s why he’s not surprised in the slightest when Neil starts acting strange; lighter, happier. However, what he doesn’t expect is for the crush to leak into his everyday life—or literally take up residence in his house.

Or: five times Stuart knew Neil was hiding a nighttime guest, and one time he actually met him.

(tw: ptsd, tw: anxiety, tw: references to past abuse)

Meow Meow Lullaby by moonix [Rated T, 11974 words, Complete 2020]

When the existence of their library is threatened, rival librarians Neil and Andrew must team up to save it.

Reputation by lemonicee [Rated M, 7729 words, complete, 2020]

The rise and fall of the Minyard-Josten Rivalry.

Usually when Neil starts shit in a post-game press interview, he does it on purpose. This time, he really just meant for it to be a joke.

“How do you feel about the possibility of ending up on a team with a former Fox teammate?” is the next question.

“Great,” Neil answers, sincere. “I would love to play with Matt or Kevin again.”

“What about Minyard? Would you sign with Atlanta?”

Neil says, “Andrew? He’s a nightmare.”

He knows it’s a joke. His team knows it’s a joke. Andrew will know it’s a joke.

The press does not seem to know that it’s a joke.

cocoa dust by djhedy [Rated T, 22319 words, complete, 2020]

Neil had seen the guy around campus a few times. It was hard not to. The exy team stood out. Or those three did, anyway. The twins with their shock-white blond hair and perpetual resting bastard face, and Kevin Day, the number 2 arrogantly tattooed on a high cheekbone, flanked as usual by at least one of the twins.

And Neil knew their reputation. It’s why he stayed away.

or, neil gets a new job at the coffee shop opposite campus and guess which asshole is a regular

the magic in a single word by Leahelisabeth [Rated G, 3908 words, complete, 2020, AFTG exchange]

Neil stood under the umbrella flowers, an uncertain smile pasted on his face. He looked different. Exhaustion was written in every new line on his face and the dark circles under his eyes. The scars on his cheeks were unfamiliar, straight lines on one cheek, circular blemishes on the other, likely made with magic so they could not be erased. Neil took one limping step toward Andrew, a tiny potted plant in his outstretched hands.

“Fuck off,” Andrew said.

After an attack on Hogwarts, Neil ran. Now, he's back but Andrew isn't going to just let him pick up where they left off.

(tw: references to past abuse)

[aftgficrec]

I read gluupor’s Brooklyn 99 AU a while ago and was wondering if there are any more fics where andreil are secretly married/in a relationship? Thanks for all the work you guys put into this blog!

Gluupor’s Brooklyn 99 AU is a hard act to follow, but there are plenty of other secret relationship fics around you might enjoy.  We have previously mentioned the series ‘married to my enemy’ here, “don’t go (wasting your emotion)” here, “two-timers” here, ‘the law of us’ here and “The Crooked Kind” here. Plus there’s a whole post just about secret relationship revelations  here. - S

don’t hate the player, hate the game by goldengalaxies [Not Rated, 2176 words, complete, 2019]

Allison smirks suddenly. “At least I got an up close view of that ass.”

“Not a total loss then.” Nicky grins at her and they fist bump.

Kevin just sits there watching them, silently judging them and siping his vodka.

(neil is a hot stranger at the bar. people try and get with him. kevin drinks copious amounts of alcohol.)

The Shop Across the Street by Leahelisabeth (fortheloveofcamelot) [Rated G, 1202 words, complete, 2019]

Neil Josten owns a coffee shop. Andrew Minyard owns the one across the street. They hate each other…or do they?

Close Calls by wematch [Rated T, 4295 words, complete, 2018]

Andrew is injured at the beginning of a game by a former Raven. When Neil arrives at the hospital three hours later, some of the Foxes are already waiting for him. But none of them are quite expecting the secret Neil reveals when he gets there.

tw: injury

The Enemy of My Friend is My Super Enemy by gluupor [Rated G, 2046 words, complete, 2019, locked]

Grace stands in solidarity with her teammate and friend Andrew Minyard.

Therefore, she hates that asshole Neil Josten.

[goldentheke]

i got so fucking romantic (i apologize, lemme light your cigarrette). irisiscent_blue. (Words: 7,172 | Status: Complete)

For once, the stupid idea isn't Neil's fault.

Featuring a PR agent in need of a raise, two strange cats, and a whole lot of Twitter.

Really, it's a recipe for disaster (or pizza, if Andrew's the one making dinner).

[bluefurcape]

Nemesis

Fluff fridaaaay returnnnnnnns at last. Theme was “Rivalry.” Thank you to @vesperlionheart and @thefreckledone for organizing!

Sakura gritted her teeth at the sight of that damned flag waving in the air. She ripped off her hat and threw it on the ground, cursing a steady stream as she brought out her pistol and shot it at the grinning face of a scarecrow stitched into the cloth.

“Looks like we got beat…again.” Her first mate Naruto snorted back something wet in his nose and spat it into the sand.

“He knew we were hot on the trail—how did he get here before us?” She clawed at her eyes.

“The crew is going to be pretty steamed about losing their pay.”

“I know, but we don’t need to worry about that, because we’re going to get our treasure back.” She cracked her knuckles, staring out onto the horizon, her pink hair flowing in the wind.

#

Sakura shouted into the conch, “You dirty, no good, rotten, son of a sea witch—get ready to find yourself at the bottom of the sea!”

“Good morning, Captain Haruno. It’s lovely to hear from you as always.” His voice came from the other side, watery and distorted because of the enchantment that carried the sound through the shell.

“That treasure was mine.”

“Your name wasn’t on it.”

“Months of work and you just swooped in at the last moment. Who told you where it was?” She knew she had a rat on board and she had been picking through her crew, trying to decide who she could trust and who she couldn’t. The only person she knew would never turn on her was Naruto—but only because he was too stupidly good hearted to take seriously.

“No one told me. I’m just everywhere at once all the time—always.” There was a smile she could hear in his voice. “Does that scare you?”

“You have exactly ten minutes before I cannon your ship out of existence.”

“Come and get it.”

“I will! Naruto, get the crew ready.”

Naruto leaned back in his chair, feet on the table. “Are you two sure you want to do that? How many sea battles have we fought just this year alone?”

“You’re either with me or you’ll walk the plank,” Sakura growled. She pounded the table with her fist. The telescope and compass jumped against the wood. “He is my nemesis and he dies today.”

“Funny how that never happens, huh?” Naruto grinned.

Her hated rival’s voice spoke, “She’s not committed to killing me. That’s the problem.”

“I am so committed to killing you!” She jabbed a finger at the conch.

“As interested as I am in testing your word, your first mate has a point. I think my crew is rather tired of besting your sorry lot.”

“You need to look at the scoreboard. I’m up by three.” Sakura snatched a dagger and threw it at the wall. The blade embedded with a satisfying thunk into his wanted poster, joining several other pointed weapons already piercing the paper. Next to it was a sheet scrawled with counting marks, divided into two columns—one for her and one for him.

Naruto rolled his eyes. “Here’s an idea—why don’t you negotiate peacefully?”

“Negotiate?” Sakura said at the same time as the voice from the conch.

She crossed her arms, tapping her boot. “What kind of pirate do you think I am? Negotiate?”

There was a chuckle from her rival. “You couldn’t match me in a battle of wits anyhow. It’s no wonder you resort to brute force everytime.”

“Are you calling me stupid?” Her voice went calm, but her eyes narrowed dangerously.

“While I don’t deny that you have your moments of brightness, I have observed in the past your tendency to rely on your pistol rather than your tongue,” he taunted.

Sakura went red in the face, picking up the conch and shaking it. “I’ll show you how well I use my tongue!”

“I look forward to it.”

“Not like that.” She shoved the conch into its holding box, cutting off the connection. Her shoulders rose and fell as she struggled to control her breathing.

“I think that went well,” Naruto said.

#

They left the details of the meeting to be worked out by their first mates. Saturday at high noon in a non-Commonwealth controlled port. A private room at the restaurant known as the Passenger.

“I don’t see why I couldn’t wear my normal clothes.” Sakura scowled at her reflection as Naruto acted as her valet, brushing her fancy overcoat a few more times before declaring her ready.

“It’s a nice eatery. You’ll be turned away at the door if you show up in your dusty old boots.”

Sakura stuck out her foot, the blacking on the toe gleaming in the light. “These pinch me.”

“You should have worn them more often.”

“I didn’t have a reason before.” She couldn’t climb ropes in these stiff cow hides. “Go over the exit plan with me again if things go south.”

“I’ll be by the door the whole time. We’ll have a few of our crew eating on the main floor, blending in. More of us will be in the building across the street and will come out at the signal.” He pointed down. “Don’t forget there is a hidden blade in your shoe that’ll pop out if you hit click your heels together.”

“That’s the only thing I like about these shoes.” Hidden weapons could improve any otherwise useless footwear.

They walked out of her quarters together. She put her hat on as she straightened in the sun and rested her hand on the hilt of her blade. Her crew cheered her as she made her way to the gangway. She rolled her eyes. “Simmer down. Let’s go get our treasure.”

#

Naruto informed her before he closed the door on them, “I checked him for weapons. Good luck, Captain.”

Kakashi swaggered in, hat under his arm. He was wearing clothes she’d never seen him in before. His coat was gray with a black trim and gold buttons—real gold as far as she could tell. The waistcoat was of a fine cut, showing off the narrowing silhouette of his torso, drawing her eye to a rather tight pair of britches that displayed his—she tore her gaze away.

Sakura stood up, growling at her nemesis, “You’re late.”

“My apologies—I had to say goodbye a lovely woman who was generous enough to keep me company last night.” He sat down in the chair as if he owned it.

She tilted her head back, calling to the heavens for patience. She sat down. “Enough talk. Let’s get down to business.”

“Impatient as always.” He picked up the menu, perusing through the options. “I think I’ll get the beef course. It comes with their hazelnut soup—I particularly like it here. Did you decide already?”

“I’m going to get the beef.”

“We can order the same thing. There aren’t any rules against that.”

Her lips thinned, knowing that any argument she had would only make her sound petty. Shortly after, the waiter came in and took their order.

“What is your recommendation on the wine?” Kakashi asked.

“We have a lovely vintage red from a winery located in Fire Country,” the waiter answered.

“Isn’t that a coincidence? Sakura, would you like like that?” Kakashi smiled beneath his mask, explaining to the waiter, “We’re both from a small village there.”

“I don’t care about wine,” she said evenly.

“Excellent then. We’ll take that.” Kakashi handed his menu to the waiter. When they were alone again, he said, “I visited recently. Your family is doing quite well, thanks to your gifts.”

“I know.” She hated his familiarity with her past. Why, why did this pampered little prick leave the village and take up residence on the sea? The ocean was a vast place, but not when he was around.

“The old cherry tree isn’t there anymore. It had to be cut down a few years ago.”

Her heart thumped. Unconsciously she touched the scar below her right ear. “That’s a shame. I loved that tree.”

“Some nice memories under it.”

She frowned.

“I remember how you got that,” Kakashi said, gesturing to the scar. “I can’t believe it was so long ago.”

“It was a long time ago. Very long.” The past was the past.

The first course was brought in before he could say anything else. She spooned the soup into her mouth, glad to leave talk about the old days behind.

“That blond fellow is still your first mate?” Kakashi asked.

“Yep.”

“He seems loyal.”

“I trust him with my life.”

He hummed and nodded, the muscle in his throat standing out. “Interesting.”

“What,” she said through gritted teeth.

“Your tastes have certainly devolved.”

“That’s none of your business.” She snorted. “Also, you’re one to talk. I’ve seen your choice of whores. That’s why you need that treasure isn’t it? Prostitutes are expensive.”

“I don’t need to pay someone to share my bed. They come to me very willingly. And then they come some more.”

“The key to a believable lie is to add at least some element of truth.” She picked up her glass, swirling the liquid and holding it up before gulping the whole thing down. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

She smiled smugly as his mouth opened to retort, but the door opened and the next course was brought in.

“I’m surprised you are aware of the concept of truth,” Kakashi said, glowering. “It’s closely tied with knowing how to keep a promise.”

“You want to talk about promises?” She slammed her hand down on the table.

He stood up, pacing closer to her. “Is that blond asshole the reason you left me cold at the altar? Or was it some other bastard?”

“How dare you?” She rose up too.

“How dare I? Two years we’ve been at this. No explanation. I dare very much since I want some fucking answers.”

“I don’t owe you a thing.” She jabbed his chest.

He seized her wrist, yanking her closer, bringing his face to hers. “Tell me anyway.”

“Why?” She squeezed her eyes shut. “You don’t care. You’ve never cared. Your favorite thing to do is to parade your lovers—“

He tore down his mask and kissed her. She leaned into him, draping her arms over his shoulders, a small sound escaping from her lips. Vaguely, she heard the clatter of dishes breaking on the floor and then he pushed her up onto the table. He squeezed her breasts then drew his hands down her torso, grinding his hips between her legs. Gods, she hated him, but her body craved his touch, falling back too easily into a passionate rhythm she tried time and time again to forget.

“I’m sorry,” he said, breaking away, panting. “I’m sorry—please just come back home with me.”

She blinked, studying him with wariness. There was the desperation of a man at his wit’s end in his eyes. Was it some kind of trick? He had never outright confronted her like this before. She decided to test the waters. She said quietly, “I know about Kurenai.”

“What?” His brow wrinkled.

“You were still seeking her out when we were betrothed.”

“I…That was before I knew you. I was angry about the arranged marriage.”

“It’s not like you proved yourself out here either. All you do is brag about how many you’ve bedded.”

He sighed. “I was clearly lying to make you jealous.” He suddenly pinned her with a look. “What is Naruto to you?”

“Why do you care?” she challenged.

He gripped her tighter. “I hate him.”

She laughed, her first genuine one since this meeting began.

He pressed kisses on her face. “Please forgive me. I was an idiot. I’m more in love with you now than ever and I’ve chased you across seven seas for two years.”

She had been angry with him for so long, she was almost afraid she didn’t know how not to be. She breathed, “I’ll think about it. Say that you’re an idiot again.”

“I’m an idiot.”

“And say I’m the better captain.”

“Now, that is too much to ask.”

#

The waiter hemmed and hawed in front of the door when Naruto blocked the way.

“You don’t want to go in there,” Sasuke, Kakashi’s first mate, stated.

“But…the next course?” The waiter held up the covered platter.

“I think they’re finished with lunch,” Naruto said.

“So I should bring the bill?” the waiter asked weakly.

“No, they’re still eating,” Sasuke said.

The poor waiter turned red, pivoting and walking away without another word.

Naruto and Sasuke bumped their fists in silent congratulations. Things should be a bit more peaceful between their crews from now on, at least for a while.

[thebeatlescreationsnetwork]

Theme of the Week #9 - Rivalry

Every Sunday, we will announce a theme to inspire new content from our members. Participation is completely optional, though we’d love for you to play along!

This week’s theme is rivalry. You can interpret this theme however you like.  It could refer to tensions within the band, or you could explore The Beatles’ relationship with rival bands.  What about a couple of petty bass players fighting over a certain rhythm guitarist’s attention?  There are so many options! 

If you’d like to participate, you can create an original fanwork inspired by this theme and tag it #bcn theme.  All responses to the theme will be reblogged here so everyone can enjoy it.  

Feel free to send us your suggestions for future themes.

Have fun!

[loverslikeghosts]