#akeanswers

First impression“This dude reminds me of Sanada Genichirou [from Prince of Tennis].”

Impression nowMore complex than I initially gave him credit for! Extremely blunt, but not malicious. Extremely skilled, and aware of it but not boastful. Ushijima respects talent and well-executed plays when he sees it (re: his comment regarding Nishinoya’s toss as a libero). He’s a keen observer as well, though perhaps less adept at reading people (unless he’s spent ample time in their company). I find Ushijima’s family history, and the effects that might have had on him growing up fascinating. We’re told that Ushijima’s father married into his wife’s family, and that Ushijima took on the wife’s family name, rather than his father’s.

It’s interesting to note Ushijima’s father’s words here - “I won’t interfere with anything else”. It’s clear he’s not the head of the household, and that the females in the Ushijima family (including his wife) hold more authority than him. It’s also framed as one of the only times he’s defied the traditions of the Ushijima household. Ushijima appears to be a quiet child as well, but note how he’s observing the scene - he’s engaged, even if he’s not saying anything. It’s a fairly reasonable conclusion to assume he sees his father being bossed around the house.

The one thing that gets his father fired up is volleyball, and he tells his son (again, no direct pressure - “…if you decide you want to continue playing…”) that he hopes that Ushijima will come to like volleyball.

I think it’s significant that Ushijima says straight out that he doesn’t want to be ‘like his dad’ - he’s observed his father in the Ushijima household enough to not want to be in that position where his authority is overridden by another party. Rather, he wants to be the dependable ace who “can pull off anything”. I also honestly think his passion for volleyball stems from his father’s.

tl;dr - Ushijima is more nuanced that most people give him credit for. He’s most famous for the ‘you should have come to Shiratorizawa’ shtick, but look a little closer, and you’ll see a character with a particularly unique backstory amidst the HQ cast.

Favorite moment

Idea for a storyAdmittedly, I don’t have a standalone story idea for Ushijima, but it would be interesting to maybe explore his development into Terrastorm and his early interactions with Oikawa as foster brothers in ‘Even Heroes’.

Unpopular opinionUshijima Wakatoshi is not a bad guy yooooo. Ushijima is not emotionless; he merely processes and reacts to things/situations inwardly. He’s socially awkward, not anti-social. It’s easy to see Ushijima through Oikawa-lenses, but he genuinely expresses what he thinks with very little filtering.

Favorite relationshipHmmm, I mostly write Ushijima as a supporting chara. I suppose Ushijima/Semi?…I know a lot of people ship Ushijima/Tendou as well, but eeeh, I personally prefer them as bros.

First impression“Ah, the token pretty-boy superior-skills character who will end up being taken down a peg or two. Possibly similar to Aomine Daichi/Atobe Keigo.”

Impression nowI WILL GO DOWN FIGHTING FOR THIS BOI*cough*One of the most beautifully fleshed out characters I’ve encountered in a sports manga, boasting one of the best balances between charisma, self-awareness and insecurity. From the get-go, you get an impression of how confident Oikawa is. He knows he’s a great setter; it shows in his plays and how he plans/sets without hesitation or doubt. At the same time, he is aware that his skills are as highly developed as they are though practice rather than natural talent, and works his ass off to push them to their highest potential. He’s also all too conscious of the naturally gifted, and fears being surpassed by something completely out of his control (raw talent). This worry fluctuates, occasionally getting bad enough that it visibly frustrates him for long periods of time, even causing him to lash out thoughtlessly, almost physically retaliating against Kageyama once. For me at least, that makes him so relatable, it’s almost ridiculous. Here’s a character who’s confident on the outside, but hides an inner core of insecurity that try as he might, he can’t completely dispel because there’s no actual way to fix the problem causing it.I really like his pettiness as well, but that’s not completely unique to Oikawa as a character. Still, it adds a nice dimension to his personality. Don’t get me started on his dynamics with the others, I can talk about Oikawa and Iwaizumi until the cows come home, probably.

Favorite moment

*SCREAMS INCOHERENTLY*

Idea for a storyI would really like to flesh that Overwatch!AU I have in my mind-archives somewhere. Something completely new though…I still have that soulmate-inversion trope I want to work on, but haven’t. 

Unpopular opinionI’m not sure I have unpopular opinions, to be honest…? Maybe that Oikawa isn’t completely incapable outside volleyball? I mean, I believe he enjoys being doted on, but he’s not completely reliant (on Iwaizumi or anyone else) to function.I do think Oikawa could end up on the National team, but may not make it into the first string/would not stay long in first string. The competitiveness it takes to be on a top-tier team would draw out that small difference between honed and honed+raw talent, and given the competition there is likely to be for that one spot, it’s unlikely Oikawa would make that final cut. Would Oikawa destroy himself to try to narrow that gap? Mmmm, could be spun either way, depending on the fic context.

Favorite relationshipOikawa/Iwaizumi - Iwaoi. Seriously, this ship got me back into the fanfic writing scene, that’s how motivational this ship is. The canon relationship between these two is so strong, I cannot - Oikawa’s absolute confidence that Iwaizumi will hit any toss Oikawa sends him, that Iwaizumi is always the best choice for a spike in a pinch, how Iwaizumi moderates Oikawa’s behavior (comic relief/pulling him out of his self-esteem issues), the casual way they treat/talk to each other that hints at a solidly-built friendship - hi, I think I’ll go read some Iwaoi now.

Favorite headcanonOikawa realizes he loves his childhood friend through the absence-makes-the-heart-fonder trope. Oikawa secretly likes matching clothes with Iwaizumi, no matter how much he complains that Iwa-chan has bad fashion sense (HEY, I SHOULD WRITE THIS.) Oikawa isn’t very fond of coffee, but is good at making it because it’s Iwaizumi’s preferred choice of drink. Oikawa is uncannily perceptive at picking up people’s emotions, but off-court, he’s not always accurate at deducing the causes behind them. Oikawa, tucked in fluffy blankets, half-asleep against a windowsill waiting for Iwaizumi to come home. Oikawa’s back-up career after retirement is not being a volleyball coach, though he would do coaching on the side for fun.

Buckle up, guys, because I HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS AND YOU GUYS ASKED TO SEE MY LOVE LETTER TO IWAIZUMI SO.

First impression“Hmmm, seems like an unassuming supporting character.”…I can’t lie; Iwa-chan isn’t an early attention-grabber. The first time Seijou appeared, the focus was given to Kindaichi and Kageyama’s old rift (thus giving Kindaichi most of the scenes) and then Oikawa’s entrance. Iwaizumi’s mostly shafted at the beginning.

Impression nowI WILL MOVE MOUNTAINS FOR THIS BOI.You know how I love Oikawa? I love Iwaizumi more. I’m doing the fist-heart-clutch right now just thinking about him, ugh how is he so good.Here’s the thing: Iwaizumi is shown to have high physical strength, and is a strong wing spiker and ace with above-average skills. But he’s not exceptional in his volleyball potential, especially in a sports series populated with characters like Bokuto, Oikawa, Ushijima and even Aone.Where Iwaizumi shines is his role as an unwavering support/anchor for Oikawa. I’d argue that this was pre-planned from the start: their names when combined [ “一徹” ittetsu (the combination of ‘Hajime’ and ‘Tooru’)]  means ‘obstinate; stubborn; inflexible’, implying even in the character planning stage, Furudate had created these two to be optimal when paired together. Names aside, look at their dynamics; even with shipping goggles off, their synergy is undeniable, and after Oikawa’s grand introduction, they often appear together in off-scenes. I’ll spare you guys the more popular scenes (i.e. Iwaizumi knowing Oikawa would go watch Karasuno vs. Shiratorizawa) in favor of highlighting less obvious panels:

Note that while Oikawa is the focus in both these frames (neither meant to highlight Iwaizumi in any form), Iwaizumi is also present. This is a constant recurrence in the manga; they’re often found physically standing together, or in close vicinity of each other.Then let’s talk about Iwaizumi as a stabilizing influence on Oikawa. This plays out in two aspects: the first is as a running gag that Iwaizumi is Oikawa’s keeper. Heck, even Irihata (the coach) tells Iwaizumi to fetch Oikawa in a fashion that implies that it’s something Iwaizumi’s done often enough. And of course, there are a flurry of gifs of Iwaizumi’s terrifying expression cowing Oikawa into easy submission (“Nobody hits me like that! - oh, Iwachan.” *follows docilely*)The second aspect is the more critical one, and likely the reason why they make such a great ship: Iwaizumi actively bolsters and maintains Oikawa’s sense of confidence in his skills. It’s not wrong to say that Iwaizumi actually actively enables Oikawa to play at the peak of his skills:

Look at what Iwaizumi says here, and how Oikawa responds: there’s a sense that this is an oft-repeated argument between these two, with Iwaizumi actively reminding Oikawa that he’s actually good in his role. I’ve said in Oikawa’s character analysis that despite his confidence, Oikawa has a core of insecurity that if left unchecked, could be destructive on his psyche and well-being. Following that, I don’t think I’m overreaching in saying that while he’s not the only factor in play, Iwaizumi is a crucial contributor to keeping Oikawa’s confidence at the healthy level it is. He also acts as Oikawa’s check, preventing him from doing regrettable things that range from trivial (‘Don’t stay up all night’) to significant (preventing Oikawa from injuring himself/ injuring Kageyama):

Oikawa’s trust in Iwaizumi is high enough that Iwaizumi’s words actually penetrate and stick - they work, and Oikawa calms down enough to play at his best again. Note that the above is while they’re in Kitagawa Daiichi - the Iwaoi relationship started early, and continued into the Seijou arc. If you need further proof of their implicit trust in each other, look no further than that iconic in-manga analysis that Oikawa will always toss to Iwaizumi in a pinch. In short, instinctually, Oikawa will always trust Iwaizumi above all his other teammates.

Ushijima may have said Oikawa would be better off in Shiratorizawa, but take a minute to think of the dynamics in Shiratorizawa. Yes, the volleyball skill level is higher, which would utilize Oikawa’s strengths more, but think of the team members’ various personalities, and consider Oikawa’s insecurities again. While I do like Shiratorizawa on its own merit, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to conclude that Oikawa is likely to burn himself out/injure himself in an attempt to ‘be better’ beyond his feasible limits without Iwaizumi around. Heck, think of Aobajousai minus Iwaizumi - how do you think Oikawa would fare?tl;dr: All hail Iwa-chan, the Oikawa-whisperer.

Okay, some quick non-related Oikawa-stuff: Iwaizumi is also extremely perceptive and authoritative; it’s implied he’s more reliable than Oikawa as a vice-captain in club affairs. This shows best with Kindaichi and most importantly, Kyoutani. Iwaizumi asserts his dominance with his physical strength, but it’s worth noting that he’s aware of it and does use it to direct Kyoutani. Also, Iwaizumi’s is always shown as steady - not once do you see him being jealous, or tired of dealing with Oikawa. He is patient, observant, and pro-active with a good sense of self-esteem - case in point, he tells Oikawa he looks forward to meeting him as an equal rival, placing himself toe-to-toe with Oikawa’s massive skills. Iwa-chan is perfect. 

Favorite momentEvery moment is a favorite Iwa-chan moment. But here, have casual-clothes!Iwaizumi, with casual-Oikawa!burn:

Idea for a storyThe Overwatch AU mentioned in Oikawa’s section, with Iwaizumi as Hanzo. Ideally, I’d like to write a longfic featuring Iwaizumi’s POV one day though, set in a contemporary slice-of-life setting. 

Unpopular opinionUh, again, I really don’t think I have unpopular opinions?…But I downplay Iwaizumi’s insulting of Oikawa - it’s usually strategic, and he times it well; he doesn’t toss them out without good purpose. It’s pretty much a boke-tsukkomi relationship.Also, I feel that it’s unlikely that Iwaizumi will go pro - as much as this manga hypes up their skills, it’s worth remembering they’re only at high-school level; even on this playing field, Iwaizumi is not particularly exceptional skill-wise, with most of his playing potential amplified by Oikawa. He’ll likely continue playing in university, maybe more actively if it’s with Oikawa (mostly at Oikawa’s insistence), but aside from upkeeping his general fitness (gym, maybe), he’s likely to downscale his volleyball playing over time in favor of focusing on his studies.

Favorite relationshipGosh, I wonder what it could be. 

Was tagged by @astersandstuffs; thank you! ₍₍ ◝(●˙꒳˙●)◜ ₎₎

1) How many works in progress to do you currently have in progress? I usually focus on one WIP at a time, but currently, I suppose I have 3: a finished one ready to go (by this weekend, if all goes according to plan!), sentences scrapped together from a flash of an idea, and scenes from a story that was compelling once.

2) Do you/would you write fan fiction? I write more fanfiction than original work, I’m afraid.

3) Do you prefer paper books or ebooks? Paper, for most part.

4) When did you start writing? When I was super-young - maybe around nine or so?

5) Do you have someone you trust that you share your work with? I spam @wataksampingan most times; she’s kind of my beta reader and monkey-kicker most times.

6) Where is your favourite place to write? At home, on my laptop. 

7) Favourite childhood book? Got a whole bunch of this, but the ones that come to mind are ‘Anne of the Island’ by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott’s books (especially ‘Six Cousins’ and ‘Rose in Bloom’), ‘The Coral Island’ by R.M. Ballantyne, The Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene and ‘The Faraway Tree’ by Enid Blyton.

8) Writing for fun or writing for publication? For fun, though I enter competitions every once in a while. Have had a couple of short essays published, but given that I write a lot of fanfiction, the majority of my writing is produced as an outlet for my indulgent ideas.

9) Pen and paper or computer? Computer. I can work with pen and paper, but not for long stuff.

10) Have you ever taken any writing classes? Yep; when I was very young, and during my Masters (’Non-Fiction Writing’, and ‘Poetry and Music’).

11) What inspires you to write? The idea of a story I really want to see realized. I don’t usually visualise a story in its entirety until I actually write it out.

Hey hey, anon! Axtar is fine. :D

First and foremost, thank you for reading my fics - I hope they’ve been enjoyable for most part!

As for the tenses…I wish I could tell you there’s a fixed formula for my usage of tenses, but for most part, it’s mostly instinctual. lD;;;; Personally, I find past tense easier for describing action scenes/action in general, while present tense is my go-to for descriptive prose. So I guess it really comes down to the first scene I jot down for a fic; if I start with a descriptive passage, it’s probably going to end up in present tense. If I start with some sort of action scene, then it’s more likely to end up in past tense.

*big-big hugs*Honestly, thank you for this peptalk so very much! When I looked at my post this morning, I winced at how whiny it sounded, and actually considered flipping it to private. I’m thinking I’ll give myself maybe another week or two to clear off the big things at work, then start working on a paragraph a day to get myself rolling again. May not necessarily be good stuff, but anything is progress, right?And this isn’t pressure to write more reviews *flails*, but your long reviews are so epic, whenever I check my inbox and see one, I find a comfy place to settle down and savor it. It’s so good to read your running commentary as you go through the fic - do you write it as you read? However you go about doing it, please allow me to bury you with fuzzy gratefulness.❤

Oh also this isn’t in anon but I’d say your specialty would be AU fics. 

Looking back at my stuff…I really do…write…a lot of AUs. Hopefully good AUs though! I tend to get caught up in planning the settings and making sure everything makes sense that I feel that I sometimes over-plan and mess up what I initially want to convey. 

Detailed explanation of the significance of the Jiyūshinu mines in A Song of Conquest and Fate and an Iwaoi drabble in the Seen A Million Faces universe below the cut: 

Asked a question and got a Drabble instead? Lord I couldn't stop grinning, I had to look down on my walk to class so that I didn't look like a crazy person!!! Thank you for answering my questions!!! But how dare you tease me with the hint of "I might include iwazumi's thoughts in a different story", lady it's time for you to square up imma fight you ����. Also your iwazumi is probably one my all time favorites, I adore the way you write him!

I don’t know; I could fight you, I suppose. Or I could do this:

A drop of sweat rolls down Tooru's neck, a testament to how humid the weather has been lately. Hajime watches it as it travels downwards, a stripe silvered by the street lights that peek through the blinds as it rolls towards the groove of Tooru's collarbone, slow, taunting.

Hajime watches it because that's all he can do - watch. 

His breathing is too loud in the small space they inhabit. His fingers twitch and all he wants to do is touch, goddamnit. His palms curl and uncurl,  sweaty and fidgety.

"Looks like someone's already all excited, mmm?"

The scarves are snug around his wrist as it jerks forward futilely, muscles jumping in his arm against the restraints. Smacking Tooru is instinctive; Hajime does it all the time - to scold, to draw his attention, to deflect from Hajime's own embarrassment. 

But now, bound as he was, there's nothing Hajime can do but squirm, heat beading all over his skin as he watches Tooru watch him, hazel eyes glittering. He's flushed all over - as tanned as Hajime is, his body is often too honest. It tells Tooru what Hajime won't say at times - now, it betrays Hajime's arousal as loudly as if Hajime had been begging with every exhale that curls, warm into the space between them.

Hajime holds Tooru's gaze as long as he could, given his naked state in comparison to Tooru's still-dressed appearance. The minute he drops his eyes though, Tooru is abruptly in his space, hands gentle but insistent on his face as they turn Hajime's focus back onto him. 

They've only just started and already Hajime is running out of breath. It's too much. It's not enough.

"Shittykawa,” he rasps, desperate. “fucking get on with it."

Tooru clicks his tongue, then leans in to nip at Hajime's neck. "Now, now, Iwa-chan, good things come to people who are patient." A slow undulation of hips against Hajime's, and Tooru greedily devours the groans that leak from the corners of Hajime's mouth.