#//trying to find out what his favorite season could be was a pain.... still had to guess in the end thouhg

[shinonome-akito-vbs]

hm? i guess i'll join in

> Favorite season? i could give you at least one reason why i dislike each season.. though i guess i have the least to say about spring

> Most proud song you've worked on. probably CR詠ZY (would be Fuel if we count songs that arent on en yet)

> Activity you consider you excel at. i guess my singing might've improved over this year

> Favorite experience of the year! BURN MY SOUL

Seeing as we're nearing the end of the year, why don't we do another one of these again?

A small tag game! Sounds fun, doesn't it?

> Favorite season?

> Most proud song you've worked on.

> Activity you consider you excel at.

> Favorite experience of the year! (|| fav event w/ ur character basically ||)

Enjoy yourselves, everyone ~✦

[🎵] @thehatsunemiku @kaito-vsinger @rin-vsinger @kagamine-len-vocaloid

[🎤] @kohane-vbs @an-vivid-bad-squad @shinonome-akito-vbs @aoyagi-vbs

[🎪] @theworldsgreatest-star @emuotories @a-mermaids-admiration @revive-my-dreams

[💫] @ichika-leoneed @phenny-fan @applepie-honami @no-seek-no-find

[☘️] @hopeful-clover-minori @haruka-and-penguins @the-shizuku-hinomori

[🖥️] @k-n25-online @enanan-online @amia-online

( || idk why it won't let me tag some, but hope you see it! There's also some accs already gone? No pressure on doing it btw, tried my best to come up with something wjdhwjr <:] || )

[scoutswritingcorner]

This Broken Body

Alastor x GN!Reader

A/N: Kind of a part two of ‘Shedding Season’ but with Reader

TW:Broken bones, blood and use of medical drugs

After getting off work you meet some unfortunate people who were after your boss but turned their attacks to you instead. Luckily you have a very powerful Overlord who is protective over you.

You shook your head as you limped into the Hotel trying to fight off your exhaustion and how your vision wanted to fade out. The adrenaline was wearing off faster than you wished now you could feel how you could barely put pressure on your left leg. Blinking you watched as Charlie ran over to you,her hand accidentally applying pressure on your side causing you to yelp loudly and fall backwards onto your ass. Why could you taste blood? Why was the room spinning? Why did Charlie have horns and why was Alastor there? So many questions that got left unanswered as your vision went black and you promptly passed out on the floor of the foyer.

When you woke up you were groggy and whining from the pain but you could hear light jazz play, looking around you were in your bedroom but Alastor had made his presence known with him humming along to the tune, carefully sewing your favorite jacket back up, his eyes glancing at you for a moment. “Sleep well?” He asked softly as if not to scare you but you still jumped as your groggy mind was slipping in and out of sleep. “Yeah…What happened, Al?” You slurred out internally grimacing from how you sounded.

“You passed out in the foyer, Dear. I’m wondering the same thing as Charlie, you have the poor girl in a tizzy.”  He hummed out looking back at the now sewn hole in your favorite jacket. Your lucky jacket as you would call it. He ran his fingers across the familiar pattern of the little microphone you had hand sewn for him. “Got jumped after work..” You called out whimpering as you tried to move. Immediately he was by your side moving a pillow under your leg that was now in a cast and helped you get comfortable. 

“Now, no need to move your leg needs to heal as well as your ribs.” He hummed out, he’ll be feasting on the ribs of those who hurt his doe to this degree. “Sorry Al...Sorry you have to see this broken and weak body.” You whimpered out tearing up. His undead heart squeezed at the sight of tears in your eyes, his clawed hands carefully wiping them away. “No, you’re not weak, Dear. You’re as strong as can be, a wolf amongst these sheep.” A tired smile graced your busted lip letting out a low chuckle. 

“I won’t stop you from going after the people who jumped me, Al..but just come back to me?” At those words his heart skipped a beat and with a kiss to the head, he whispered “Always Dear~” Before he melted into the shadows to go find those poor unfortunate souls who decided to prey on you. No one messes with the Radio Demon’s Partner and gets away with it. As you were drifting to sleep thanks to the medication Charlie had thankfully gotten for you as well as some soup in your stomach, the radio that sat on your dresser turned on with a loud ear piercing screech Alastor’s voice cutting through as he welcomed everyone to a new and exciting broadcast, you tuned out of most of your beloved’s dialogue but shook back awake hearing screams of the sinners who had jumped you. Their begs falling on deaf ears as meat was ripped from bones and bones snapped easily.

And then as soon as it started the broadcast had stopped with a soft, “And to my Beloved, rest up now. I’ll be home soon.” Then soft jazz started to play. The same soft jazz that had lulled you to sleep every time he played it.

[dedicatednotobsessed]

Issa byka rūklon [Daemon Targaryen x Wife!reader]

❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈

Other HOTD stories

Summary: Daemon is feared among men for his battle prowess, finding solace and love in his pure sunshine of a wife. One serene evening, amidst impending war, they steal a moment alone. His wife with gentle hands and a heart full of affection, braids Daemon’s hair, weaving delicate flowers into the strands…

*This was a one shot request from a very special person of mine, my bestie @mrsdaemontargaryen I had asked her to send me a prompt because I have been on such a long hiatus from writing. Writer’s block has not been fun {among personal things but let’s not get into that}. Please enjoy this Daemon one shot and soon enough, I will be taking requests again in time for season two. 🖤*

❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈

❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ �� ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈

You placed a hand on the ghost of your swelling stomach, your violet eyes shining from the fireplace’s flames. The incident was still fresh in your mind, your sister’s screams of calling you a traitor ringing in your ears. It wasn’t a surprise to see the twins together in Storm’s End, having been inseparable since birth, but you never thought Adryana* would try to murder you.

You turned your head slightly, hearing the footsteps, letting out a soft sigh, and feeling your husband wrap an arm around your waist and pull you back into his chest. “Is it done?”

Daemon nodded, nuzzling his nose into your silver hair. “Soon enough, she will feel the pain you felt.”

You took a deep breath, looking ahead. When Daemon was writing to his friends in the capital, you had mentioned to him how you wanted Adryana to feel the same pain you felt when she took her unborn babe from you. He added, “Along with the usurper’s son, take the life of his brother’s son.”

“I don’t want you to feel guilty,” Daemon whispered in your ear as though he could read your mind. “Those green cunts didn’t feel anything killing Luke and our child. You shouldn’t either.”

You nodded in agreement, furrowing your brows. “Can we go on a walk?” You knew this would be the last calm moment before Westeros is thrown into chaos.

You turned in Daemon’s arms, smiling a small smile when he tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. “Of course, my love.”

❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈

You wrapped your hands around Daemon’s arm as he led you down the familiar path toward Aegon’s Garden. During the day, it was a favorite spot for your young son, Alyster, to play in; he especially enjoyed the cranberries that grew there. The eye of the dragon statue glistened in the moonlight the closer you got, lifting your dress slightly so it did not drag too much through the grass.

You thanked Daemon quietly when he helped you into the plush grass, a hum passing your lips as you began to pick at the small white wildflowers surrounding you mindlessly. Since you’ve woken up from the incident, the two of you have rarely spent time alone, with Alyster not leaving your side and Daemon being preoccupied with the small council. For the first time in a long time, you felt peace.

Once he sat down, you moved to sit behind your husband, your fingers gingerly taking a section of his hair and beginning to work it in a braid. His hair was not as long as it once was but manageable. You smiled, hearing the light chuckle coming from him.

“What?” You asked as you grabbed one of the wildflowers you picked, placing it carefully within the braid.

Daemon kept his eyes ahead, a small smile forming on his features. “I’m only thinking back to our wedding day.”

“Our wedding day?” You repeated while beginning to braid another section of his hair, adding the little flowers as you went.

Daemon hummed in response. “You wanted to braid my hair that day, too.”

You smiled at the memory. You had a traditional Valyrian wedding against your mother’s wishes. You were never one to listen to your mother, to begin with, having gone against her wishes to become Rhaenyra’s ward at fifteen, shortly after Laena’s funeral, and two years later becoming Daemon’s third wife. Now, at the age of three-and-two, the two of you had a six-year-old son, a son your mother and father only met once.

“I’m hoping this war will be over quickly,” Daemon spoke quietly, breaking the silence.

You hummed, leaning back to examine your creation. “I do not want to talk about war this evening, my love,” You said softly, placing a few more flowers in the braids with a soft smile.

You enjoyed the calm moments while you could, not knowing if this would be your last one together. The war began when Aemond and Adryana struck in Storm’s End, and you knew Daemon would be restless until every one of their heads was on spikes. You were to cherish these moments while they lasted.

❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈

You hummed as the sun filtered through the windows, stirring slightly only to feel the side beside you cold. You furrowed your brows while rubbing your eyes as you sat up, your stomach still sore from your injuries.

“You do not want to go to the small council like that?” You asked teasingly, seeing Daemon picking out the white flowers, having slept in them.

He chuckled, looking down at the small pile forming beside him at the vanity. “I’m not sure it would be proper attire for a small council meeting.”

You scrunched up your nose while slowly getting out of bed. Wrapping your silken robe around you, you walked up behind your husband, meeting his violet eyes in the mirror.

“Issa byka rūklon*,” Daemon said softly, placing his hand on your arm when you wrapped them around his neck.

You hummed lightly. “I prefer when you call me aōha vēzos*.”

Daemon laughed. “No one else can hear that.”

You smirked, moving back so Daemon could get up. You straightened his doublet for him, scrunching up your nose when he placed two fingers under your chin, making you look up.

“I love you, Y/N,” Daemon whispered, moving his hand to your cheek.

“I love you too,” You replied, meeting his lips in a short, sweet kiss.

You watched him pull away after a moment, a small smirk forming on your features. You noticed the stray flower tucked in the waves of his hair.

❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈ ❈

“You’re late, Daemon,” Corlys spoke up, seeing the Prince enter the council chambers.

“You should already know that I enjoy making late, dramatic entrances,” Daemon replied simply, sliding into the empty seat on Rhaenyra’s right.

Rhaenyra eyed her uncle curiously, tilting her head. “Daemon,” She called to him, clearing her throat while motioning to her hair.

Daemon furrowed his brows, reaching up to feel the soft petals of the single wildflower he had forgotten about. He untangled it from his hair, looking down at it with a soft sigh.

“Is the Rogue Prince going soft?” Lord Celtigar questioned with a laugh.

“I believe he is,” Corlys agreed.

Daemon only scoffed as the Black Council erupted in laughter, Rhaenyra even adding a giggle of her own. He sighed as the jesting continued around him, his eyes staying on the wildflower in his hand. He twirled it on its tiny stem, his mind wandering back to his wife, their son, and the babe they had lost.

There was no guarantee of surviving this kin war, but Daemon was determined to win it so that he and his family could finally live the peaceful life they had long desired.

❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁❁

*Adryana: Adryana Targaryen is my original character for House of the Dragon. She is the youngest daughter and fifth child of King Viserys and Queen Alicent (The reader is the eldest daughter and child). She is wed to her twin brother, Aemond, and they have a set of twins together; a son named Vanar and a daughter named Vhaenys. She is known to have a short temper and often accused her eldest sister of abandoning her to live with Rhaenyra on Dragonstone. She also felt hurt when she sided with Rhaenyra's children during the Driftmark incident. Her temper overflowed when her eldest sister made a comment about how their father would be disappointed in the twins and their actions after reuniting in Storm's End, ultimately resulting in Adryana attempting to kill her and the unborn babe. The eldest sister lived, but the unborn babe did not, leading to her and Daemon planning revenge on Lucerys and their child.

*Issa byka rūklon: High Valyrian for my little flower.

*aōha vēzos: High Valyrian for your sun.

[taojjang]

𐙚 a cold... on christmas?! ᯓ riize when you catch a cold before the holidays

⋆˚ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆ advent calendar, day three! pairing: bf!riize x reader, genre: fluffy fluff, warnings: sickness and medication!

made this cus i have the immune system of a victorian child and i need reassurance that i won't die alone in my sleep one day

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　⋆ ˚ ۪ ⋆ ୨୧

shotaro . . .

taro would be super devastated that he can't live christmas with you to the fullest :( even though it's such an important time to be together, you forbade him from coming over because you don't want to ruin his holiday season by getting him sick. but of course, that won't stop him from giving you the best christmas you could ask for.

on christmas morning, you wake up to taro leaving soft kisses on your cheek. "baby, why are you here? i told you not to come." taro giggles and lies right beside you, pulling you into his arms. "how could i leave you all alone on christmas?" your heart melts in an instant and you leave a long kiss on his lips. taro brushes the hair away from your face and asks, "how do you feel, honey? should we exchange gifts after you take medicine?" taro is truly the sweetest :(

eunseok . . .

eunseok is practically your personal nurse with how often he takes care of you and gives you medical advice— constantly scolding you for not wearing gloves during cold days or for going out without completely drying your hair. though it's overbearing at times, you can't deny he's the sweetest boyfriend for looking after you.

eunseok can't stand seeing you so down. he's typically the person to take care of you when you're sick, but seeing you in so much pain during the happiest time of the year takes a toll on him. yet no matter how terrible your condition is, eunseok is going to find a way to make things fun. he would come into your room beaming from ear to ear, excitedly telling you he had an early christmas present for you. turns out it was just your antibiotics wrapped in paper and a bow... "surprise!" "go to hell..." all jokes aside, he'd wake you up on christmas morning with breakfast in bed and he'd bring all the gifts to you so you wouldn't have to get up <3

sungchan . . .

whenever you're in pain, sungchan is in pain too. he can't stand seeing you so weak and uncomfortable :( whenever you're sick, he's always coming home from work with your favorite food or whatever you're craving and he'd never dismiss a request of yours. even when you're not sick, channie is always spoiling you with everything you could ask for.

so of course, nothing differs when you catch a cold on christmas. sungchan would spoil you rotten once you fall sick. he feels utterly useless seeing you so gloomy during the holidays, so he'd try anything to lift your spirits. and that's when he reaches his master plan— an advent calendar! from now til christmas morning, he'd come home with a new gift each day. the gifts range from pretty necklaces and shiny shoes to simply your favorite snacks. sungchan truly knows you in and out <3

"you don't have to do this, baby."

"anything for my princess!"

wonbin . . .

wonbin is so used to being on the receiving end of all the pampering and attention, so when it's his turn, he gets so self conscious :( when you're sick, he'd treat you as if your bones were built of glass, holding you so delicately and kissing your sickness away. but he knew he'd have to do much more once you grew sick before christmas.

once you tell him you don't feel well, he'd go out on a hunt to grab every medication possible. once he returns, he'd rush to your side and remain there for hours and hours. he'd never ever leave you alone, waiting around for you to tell him what you need. he'd work endlessly toward your recovery before christmas day: taking you to the doctor and taking so many precautions to keep you safe (though it's only a common cold..). but when you're still not feeling well on christmas eve, he pulls all stops and simply focuses on making you happy. he bakes little christmas cookies for you and cuddles you to sleep, telling you how lucky he is to be able to spend christmas with you :(

seunghan . . .

seunghan is absolutely crushed whenever you're feeling down, let alone sick. as your personal cheerleader, how could he cheer you on when you're dying of a common cold?!

but of course, genius hong always finds a way to make you smile. though his heart was shattered when he heard you were sick only three days before christmas, he knew he had to spring into action asap. so he got you a silly little elf on the shelf! on the first morning, you woke up to an elf lying beside you: he was tucked under the covers with a brand new teddy bear for you. the second morning, the elf greeted you in the bathroom, sitting in a toilet paper igloo on the counter, holding onto your toothbrush. finally, on christmas morning, the elf was sitting on your bedside table with a huge bouquet for you, having a note telling you how lovely you look while you're sleeping :(

"angel! did you like the elf's gift this morning?"

"of course! he's just a bit.. creepy."

sohee . . .

you and sohee often remain independent, rarely complaining about serious things. your relationship is simply chill: never any drama, just vibes. but sohee can't remain mysterious and nonchalant when you're coughing like an old man beside him.

when you tell him you haven't been feeling good, he furrows his eyebrows and yelps, "during christmas?!" sohee's been planning so many fun christmas dates yet you're sick?! gosh, he's conflicted. he remains calm and collected, but now he has to plan out an entire new holiday itinerary. but do not fret, for sohee is your smart boy! the next day, sohee sets up a little bed fort and makes it super comfy, making sure not to forget the humidifier to keep you warm. you laugh, reaching out to hug the dork in front of you.

"you're the cutest, sohee."

"we can watch movies together here! if we can't go out and have fun, we might as well have fun together here!"

anton . . .

when it comes to you, anton is the most empathetic boy ever. after all, you're the light of his life. whatever you're feeling, he's feeling it ten times stronger for you. you're sad? he's crying beside you. you're mad? he's breaking pencils in the corner of his room. you're sick? he is on his knees hurling at the thought of you being in pain.

anton would be so utterly heartbroken seeing you sick during his favorite time of the year </3 poor baby had so many things planned for the two of you.. :( anton would rot in bed with you, cuddling you and kissing your worries away (though he'd be much more worried about you). he'd probably buy a few late christmas gifts just to make you feel better. the day you'd get sick, he'd even allow you to open a gift early to get your spirits up.

"thank you, tonie! you're truly the best :("

"of course, my love! i just need you to get better soon before i explode :)"

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　⋆ ˚ ۪ ⋆ ୨୧

⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆ tag list! (send an ask to be added!)

@endtostartbreathin @gacktsa @hanninova

[imbored1201]

Hi, can you please do a mapi x ingrid x reader where ingrid and reader are taking care of Mapi after her injury and surgery

Her Favorite Artist

A/N: Knowing Mapi is going to be out the whole season breaks my heart

Mapi x Ingrid x Reader

Word Count: 1,122

The day of Mapi's surgery was the day of the Champions League game. You two wanted to stay, but Mapi forced you guys to go. The team was already full of injuries, so you guys were really needed. 

It made you feel better at the fact that Alexia and Mapi's parents would be there waiting for her to get out of surgery, and Alexia would be taking her home. 

You called her after the game, but she was still a bit loopy, and Alexia told you guys what the doctor had told her about Mapi probably missing the whole season. 

You felt terrible for her; one moment the two of you were giggling and warming up, and the next she was on the floor in pain during a defensive drill. 

She was taken away, and you were stressing out the whole training about it. When you were finally able to see her again, it wasn’t a pretty sight. 

You had never seen Mapi so broken; it was something you wished you would never see again. 

You spent the whole day trying to cheer her up and just being there to listen and help her with what she was feeling. 

—————

You were antsy to see Mapi, bouncing up and down in your seat. You had so much energy, considering you didn’t have your other energetic buddy to help you release it, and the blow-out win did not help one bit, only making you way more energetic. 

You usually blabbered on the whole bus ride about random topics, and Mapi was the one that listened since Ingrid was never able to keep up. Now Ingrid had to force herself to keep up with your ranting. 

But when you noticed she wasn’t keeping up, you just went silent and listened to music. 

————

Now you were with your usual questions being a passenger princess. Ingrid answering them all, knowing if she didn’t it would put you in a bad mood.

“Is Mapi sleeping?” "No" You tapped on the window. “Can I sign her cast?" “No” 

“Can I push her around in a wheelchair?” “She won’t let you." You thought about that. “Maybe, would you?” Ingrid put the car in park. “No” 

You quickly got out of the car and ran to the door. Ingrid sighed and got to work, having to carry all the bags. 

————

Right when Alexia opened the door, you ran inside to find Mapi. "Hello to you too," Alexia said sarcastically. She grinned as she noticed Ingrid struggling to carry all the bags by herself and quickly took some. Ingrid smiled, hugging her, and they got into a conversation. 

Mapi smiled at you and patted the seat beside her. She was on the long part of the couch, the part where you loved to take your midday naps. "Guess you could have that part for now," you told her. "Wow, thank you for being so considerate," she said sarcastically. 

You gave her a tight hug, and she kissed your head. "How are you feeling?" Ingrid asked her, now joining you two in the living room, "Tired." Ingrid nodded as she hugged Mapi and gave her a kiss on the cheek. 

"How does it feel?" You questioned her, knocking on her cast. Ingrid quickly smacked your arm away. 

"It doesn't feel good, that's for sure," you hummed as you continued to look at it. "Can I sign it?" "No," Ingrid said sternly. 

"Why don't you go check on the soup that Ale was making" she told you as she got a pillow to lift Mapi's leg. You nodded and went to check on it.

You stirred it a bit before turning off the stove. "I think it's ready," you called out, and Ingrid came back in to make sure your judgment was right. 

She gave you a kiss on the head, and you went back to Mapi. "Did Alexia give you the drawing I made you for after your surgery?" She smiled. "It's hung up on the fridge Carino."

"Did you like it?" She nodded. "You know I like everything that's made by my favorite artist." You smiled at that. You loved drawing pictures for everyone; it was just something you did when you got bored.

Mapi patted her non-injured leg, signaling for you to lay your head there. "I don't want to hurt you," she shook her head. "You won't; come on, it's been a while since I've played with your hair."

You sighed and listened. Mapi playing with your hair brought a huge comfort to the both of you. Ingrid walked in with two bowls of soup and smiled at the sight in front of her. She gave one to Mapi and set yours on the coffee table before going to get hers. 

"What a sight," she said as she squeezed in next to Mapi. "Ale said you two played amazing yesterday." You jumped up again, scaring them a bit. "I made you another drawing," you told her as you rushed to find it in your backpack.

"She was working on it during the plane ride," Ingrid told Mapi. Again, it was a regular occurrence, and they had them everywhere in the house. Some hung up on the fridge, some hung up on the walls; Ingrid even had a whole folder filled with them. 

You gave the drawing to Mapi, and she admired it. It was a drawing of her in the blue kit. "Aitana did the coloring," she smiled. "I'll put this one in the folder." She kissed your head and tapped her thigh so you could lay back in her lap.

“Are you going to be our wag now?” You asked her again, and Ingrid nodded; she wanted it too. “Yes amor, I’ll be your guys wag."

Mapi smirked. “Only if you agree to tell Lucy that I’m a way better defender than her,” you groaned. “I can’t! She’ll kill me, and don’t you dare say you’ll protect me because we both know you won’t be able to."

“Then I’m not going to be a wag,” you looked at Ingrid for help. “Don’t bring me into this."

She secretly loved it; it was boring not having to break up a childish argument between you and Mapi during the plane ride. 

“Fine, whatever, now why don’t you be a dear and get the crippled lady a water” you scowled, but listened. 

You knew Mapi was going to be bossing you around a lot now, but you were happy to do it. Anything to help her recover. 

[jiarkives]

home

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚ summary — nanami didn’t see himself in kuantan, he saw himself with you.

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚ character — nanami kento (jujutsu kaisen)

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚ content — angst, major character death

⋆.˚ ᡣ𐭩 .𖥔˚ notes — i haven’t gotten around to watching the rest of season 2 because of nanami’s death so pls forgive and ignore the inaccuracies 😇 also, reader is shorter/smaller than nanami

~

“Try not to stay overtime tonight,” you chirped as you kissed your husband’s cheek, seeing him out the door as he left for work. “I have a surprise for you.”

“I’ll make sure to be home on time, my love.” He gave you the small but sweet smile he only ever gives you, making you swoon. Even after years of being together, he never fails to bring butterflies in your stomach as he showed his love in so many ways.

As he walked out the door, you can’t help but call him back, “Wait, Ken.”

He stopped in his tracks and turned to face you. He knew he was going to be late. You knew he liked routines and hated it when they were broken, but that’s you. He would break every routine he has to cater to your needs.

You stepped closer to him and stood on your tiptoes as you placed a soft kiss on his lips, your arms finding their way around his neck. Almost immediately, he kissed you back, his hands on your hips.

When you pulled away, you looked him over, just like you do every time he left for work, but this time, you looked at him longer. This time, you felt compelled to as you whispered, worry flashing over your eyes, “Be careful out there, alright?”

He smiled at you in assurance, planting a tender kiss on your forehead. “I always am careful, my love. I have to get back home to you.”

Hours had passed since then. Nanami scowled as his eyes glanced briefly at his wristwatch. He was supposed to be home to you hours ago, yet here he was, running through the subway station as he exorcised curses left and right.

He was already planning on how to apologize to you when he got home. He was going to buy your favorite bread from the bakery if they were still open by the time he finished and cook for you for the whole week. Then, he abruptly stopped.

~

Nanami stepped into your shared home, the aroma of the food you were cooking immediately hit his senses, causing a smile to grow on his face.

He removed his coat and loosened his tie as he walked over to the kitchen, immediately seeing you in your own element as you cooked dinner for the both of you. He leaned against the wall as he continued watching you with a soft, fond smile on his lips when you turned around and your eyes immediately landed on him.

You glared at him playfully as you pointed the wooden spatula at him, “You’re late.”

“I know, my love, I’m so sorry.” He chuckled lightly as he walked over to you, his arms winding around you to pull you closer to him as he peppered your face in kisses.

“I told you I had a surprise for you.” Your lips curled downward in a small frown.

“I know, honey, I know. It won’t happen again, I promise,” he spoke softly, holding you close to him. “I’m here now, and I’m ready to know what your surprise is.”

~

Nanami breathed heavily, the immense pain shooting through his body with every breath he took. He could slowly feel the life leaving him, but all he could think of was you.

How were you feeling? Were you worried? Will you be okay?

Then, he slowly smiled as he thought, you’ll be okay. You’re strong. Stronger than he ever was, stronger than he will ever be.

He only had enough time to utter your name under his breath adoringly before he was gone.

~

You woke with a start, your heart beating out of your ribcage and sweat forming on your forehead as you lurched forward, sitting up on your bed.

Your arm instinctively reached out to Nanami’s side of the bed only to feel nothing but the cold sheets that haven’t been touched in over a week. You retracted your hand as if it the cloth had burned it despite its coolness.

It had only been a week since the incident, but you could no longer find it in you to cry. All you could do was lay in bed all day as you stared at the wall blankly. At times, you get up to drink a few glasses of cold water before going back to the bedroom.

And every time you step into the room, your eyes fall instinctively, not on Nanami’s untouched side of the bed, but on your nightstand where two pieces of paper lay.

Every time, you move to pick it up, letting your eyes roam the contents of the papers before tossing them back down, leaving the plane tickets abandoned on your nightstand.

Oh, Kuantan, you are nothing but a distant dream now.

[slafastri28]

What Matters Most - LS2

Note: Been trying to write something since the news came out and finally had an idea. As an American F1 fan, this sucks big time. It was frustrating, and you know it was no shock to anyone around me, but anyway here's this.

There you sat alone in your apartment, after hearing the news you remained patient for the day waiting for him to come home. Rather than sit in the silence any longer waiting for the text from the airport you got up shuffling around trying to make something to hopefully cheer Logan up. You put out some of his favorite snacks, and opened the window to let in the nice Florida breeze. In your busy prepping you had missed the text from Logan. Looking at your phone you sat back down on the couch mentally preparing for comforting him. After being called up early and being replaced midway through the season you knew there would be feelings of frustration and loss of selfworth, but you were ready to be loving and reassuring.

A few moments later you heard the lock on the door pop and there he was. You shot up off the couch immediately rushing to his arms as he sighed and dropped his bags. He held you close resting his head on your shoulder getting to your height, you scratched the back of his neck gently, something he loved. He pulled away from the hug picking up his bags moving them immediately to the back of his closet in your room. No words spoken. You felt horrible, how could they treat him like this. You moved back to the couch as he re-entered the room patting the spot next to you. He layed down with his head resting on your lap, as you played with the loose strands of hair in his face.

“You want to talk about it?” you asked.

“It’s what it is,” he sighed, “nothing I could do besides be better, but it’s too late for that now,” he said turning to the side to avoid looking at you. He always got embarrassed showing negative emotion around you, even though you had seen it many times before. 

“You know,” he began, before his voice trailed off.

“Know what baby,” you said moving your hand to rubbing his back. 

“Some of them looked relieved when I left,” he said with his voice breaking. You began turning his head from his chin forcing him to look at you. He gave in and rolled over.

“Oh Logan,” you sighed gently brushing a tear from his cheek. He cleared his throat and sat up.

“I figured it was time at least after this season,” he shrugged wiping his face, “I guess they just gave me a head start on looking for my future.” He got up and went to the kitchen, finding the snacks you put out. You remained seated thinking about what to say or do, anything that could help. You turned seeing him standing silently with his hands on the counter. You leaned over the back of the couch watching the pain he was in. He felt your gaze and came back over.

“You know I’m proud of you no matter what happens right?” You smiled as he lay back down.

“Yeah I know,” he said as he pulled your hand to his chest holding it tight, “what you think of me matters most,” he flashed a small smile. You leaned down to kiss his forehead. He had something on his mind he wanted to say. You gave him a questioning look, he shook his head, reaching for the water on the table infront of you. You moved over to the corner of your sectional as he took a sip. He smiled again as he put the glass down.

“I still can’t get over it, I’ve made so many mistakes, why was this the last straw?” he rolled his eyes laying his head on your chest blanketing his arm around you. He began to open up to you, causing you to let out a sigh of relief.

“I let everyone here down” he cried.

“You could never let me down sweetheart,” you said. You continued to reassure him, and listen to his frustration and his self-confidence dying. As time went on you could feel the tension die down the more and more he talked, the more he expressed himself. There was anger there was sadness, and you were there with him through all of it. It broke your heart seeing Logan this upset, but you knew things would be okay and he would most importantly be okay.

“I love you Y/N,” he pecked your cheek. 

“I love you too.” You kissed his forehead. He closed his eyes falling asleep on you. You smiled at the sight of him in a peaceful relaxed state, one you hadn’t seen in a while. One you hoped would stay for a while. 

Pictures from pinterest

[bloodyinkandquill]

Venomshank and child zombie Reader

ughhhh headache, but me and my sister are watching the season two finale of toh, it’s my fav show it’s her first time watching it, the collector is my favorite character, they’ve been my pfp on my main since king’s tide aired

- Venomshank can’t recall every person he’s turned, when he goes feral he cant recall those times and if he doesn’t have his mask on it leads to him later discovering a good amount of new zombies, so when he starts finding new zombies recently he doesn’t think much of it, he does feel bad for basically killing innocent demons but he is still a deity so he doesn’t truly feed that bad

- That changes though when he finds one zombie, cowering behind something watching him, eyes scared but also not quite understanding what’s happening to them, it was you, he knelt down to you and took of his mask to try and appear less scary

- He could tell you weren’t fully turned but turned enough, some of his zombies were brainless husks but on rare occasion the bite doesn’t work correctly and leaves them half themself half zombie, so he tries to gently explain to you what happened, you got infected by something and now you’re partially a zombie, your reaction is either scared and terrified or maybe a bit excited because zombies are cool

- He tells you that he can bring you to your parents if you have any, you say you don’t so he asks if you’d like to accompany him, internally he’s trying to make up for the fact that he bit a child, not really having anywhere else to go you agree, maybe he’s also filling a bit of a hole, he does miss when Sword was a kid

- Venomshank treats you incredibly kindly and gently, he does everything he can to stop the turning so you stay at the amount you are, he can’t cure you but he can stop you from turning further, he also figures out exactly what inside you turned, what organs no longer work, he finds you no longer breath but to some degree your heart still beats, it’s odd

- He cooks you food rich in vitamins and such especially vitamin D since you can no longer go in the sun, hope you like oranges! His cooking is actually really good, if not a little strange, but not bad since he’s already raised one mortal child he knows what they eat now

- Speaking of you get all of Sword’s hand me downs, clothes and toys, his old room, he of course also gets you new things as well, most of Sword’s stuff was donated anyways, but he also gets you teething toys, the zombie part of your brain really wants to bite any and everything so having teething toys instead of gnawing of furniture is good, if you bite him he doesn’t mind he laughs about it and takes a fake snap at you, you giggle and he makes sure to never actually bite you, worried it would finish the turning process

- Sword first meets you around three weeks later, he’s gotten very curious as to why his dad’s been in the mortal world so much recently so when he stops by his home to check in with his dad he sees you hiding behind the couch, at first he’s confused till he notices your rotted skin and understands, he also takes pity on you, slowly as Sword visits more, especially to take care of you when his dad can’t, you get closer, he basically becomes an older brother to you, which he sort of is since his dad is sort of acting as a dad to you

- Venomshank feels guilty a lot, he wishes he never would have gone feral without his mask and turned you, he feels like he ruined an innocent child’s life, you’ll never grow up and you’re not fully yourself anymore, when he thinks your not looking he throws pained glances your way because he wishes he could have done something more to help you, he doesn’t regret meeting you but he wishes he never had to

- Sometimes he has to go away for days at a time, maybe two weeks if he’s unlucky, he insures you have more then enough food and such and makes you promise to be careful, you always do, even pinky swearing to top it off, sometimes Sword will take care of you but for the most part you can take care of yourself, you usually just sleep a lot, or zone out, since you turned you do that a lot, sometimes you’ll zone back in to realize you were just standing in the kitchen for 7 hours straight, you just eat like 13 oreos, have some water, and go to bed

- Speaking of bed your sleep schedule doesn’t exist, sometimes you sleep for 2 days straight, which sort of terrifies him, sometimes you sleep through the day and are up at night, other times you have a regular routine of sleeping at night, you also take a lot of naps, you have less energy as a zombie and you also get bored a lot, he plays with you and does things with you to keep you busy which you appreciate greatly because it beats sleeping all day, though sleeping is nice, so is biting, biting galore

- The other swords do not know of your existence, he fears them seeing you as too weak or a waste of time so he keeps you secret, maybe Darkheart knows of you but the others just think he’s spending more time training his mentee, when in reality he’s caring for an eternally child demon, he knows eventually he’ll have to say goodbye, in one way or another you will finally pass on, but for the time being he has you and he can care for you, protect you when he couldn’t before, it’s bittersweet but he knows he just has to cherish the time he does have with you

ugh my fucking head help my headache is so bad ughhh, maybe i should put on my old glasses till i go to bed, i just need to figure out where they are, anyways hope yall enjoyed thanks for reading!

[peachhcs]

losing the championships

hughes!sister x will smith au (samy + will)

will's self-doubt creeps in after losing the finals making him snap at the one person who's always there for him, almost making her turn her back on him.

2.6k words

warnings: a bit of angst, arguing, crying, this is a sad post in general

ik im feeding y’all rn but i feel weird putting this out in two days and not now haha, but guys you know i had to do it. i had to get the angst out. i think this is like the first angsty post in the series?? i hate when there is angst, but i love writing it lmao. i'm not sure how accurate some of this is, but i hope the trio stays on for another season!! i'd actually be devestated if they don't. anyways keep requesting!! <3

au masterlist

it didn’t feel real. nothing felt real watching her best friends crumple to the ice in utter defeat and heartbreak just two days after winning the semifinals. samy stood up in the stands nearly motionless while everything around her fell silent. she didn’t think those moments were actually real whenever they played in movies, but here she was hardly focusing on anything but her best friends in tears. 

her eyes couldn’t leave ryan on his knees with his face in the ice. she just wanted to wrap all of them into her arms so none of them would feel this type of pain anymore. 

the stupid jumbotron panned to everyone’s reactions, basically putting the boys on full blast when they most definitely didn’t want anyone to see them crying like they were. samy’s heart only broke further when she finally looked down at her boyfriend trying to hold himself together while comforting a sobbing ryan and teary gabe. 

her own eyes grew teary seeing those three so destroyed not knowing what was next for any of them. that was probably the scariest part. 

when will searched for samy’s gaze the waterworks broke like a dam for the couple. the youngest hughes was completely crying and will’s shame settled into his skin that he lost the game without even scoring a single point. 

their coach urged the boys down the tunnel before the cameras could get any more shots of them. samy tried pulling herself together, but her hiccuping cries didn’t stop slipping out no matter how hard she tried holding them in. 

boston’s side of the lobby was nearly silent which almost mirrored michigan’s team two days ago. suddenly, seeing those happy memories wasn’t as easy anymore. samy’s mind raced wondering if this game really was the last for her favorite trio or if they’d stay on one more season with boston. 

thirty minutes passed before the bc boys slowly trickled out of the locker room. their bloodshot eyes and tear stained faces were enough to send more tears into samy’s own eyes. her lip quivered waiting for her boyfriend to appear, but he didn’t come out after his usual spot behind ryan and gabe. the two boys found samy’s gaze, frowning even deeper. 

“hey, i’m so sorry. i-i have no words,” samy brought them into big hugs hoping to ease a bit of their ache. 

“what a fucking night,” ryan muttered bitterly. 

“you guys played well. those refs were idiots making calls,” the brunette shook her head. 

“will’s still in there. he’s..he’s not taking this one too well. you can go in if you want, but he may explode. I i don’t want you to think he’s mad at you, he’ll just find something to take his anger out on,” gabe explained briefly. samy’s eyes slid towards the locker room doorway where her boyfriend hid. 

“don’t worry, i know how he gets. I’ll see if i can talk to him,” she couldn’t be scared of will. 

he was her best friend and boyfriend. he’d never intentionally hurt her and if he said things, she knew he was just angry with himself, not her. the girl shuffled her way towards the locker room trying to put on a brave face for will’s sake. 

she knocked on the door before slowly pushing it open. her eyes scanned the practically empty room until she found her boyfriend slumped in his stall at the end of the benches. her hands trembled as she slid further in and leaned against the door. 

“will?” 

his eyes snapped towards hers. he looked like a mess and that only unleashed more waterworks seeing him in this state. it wasn’t one samy saw him a lot in, so when she did, it hurt extra hard. 

“if you’re here to try and make me feel better, i don’t wanna hear it,” the boy mumbled bitterly which quickly caught samy off guard. 

she wasn’t expecting that from him so immediately. 

“i’m not. just here to be with you,” the girl said, trying to hide the shake in her voice. 

“well, i’m not really in the mood to be around anyone right now. just go. i’ll be out in a few minutes,” the bitterness in his voice definitely stung, but samy tried shaking him off knowing he was just upset. 

“will..” she inched forward, wanting to reach out to him. he looked as if anyone touched him he’d just break into a million pieces. 

“i said go. i don’t need your fucking sympathy. i feel feel like shit,” the blonde snapped this time making samy instantly draw back. 

“i know you’re upset, i get it. this loss fucking sucks. i’m just trying—” 

“you don’t fucking get it, samy! i just lost the championship game 2-0. we scored zero points. you know how fucking embarrassing that is? i’ve been trying to prove myself all season about how good i can be and then i lose the championship game. you’ll never fucking get it!” there it was. 

will’s tone rose with anger and hurt all mixed into one. samy swallowed the nerves climbing higher in her stomach as she tried remembering none of this was really directed at her. she was just the person will was getting his anger out on. 

“i-i do get it, will. remember my championship game in december? we choked. i-i get it, i do. it sucks and i’m so sorry it ended this way. i wish it didn’t—”

“stop saying you get it. it’s not the fucking same. you’ve never had to work for anything in your life because of your family!” 

the blonde’s harsh words finally hit a nerve. samy’s face twisted and she didn’t know anymore if he really didn’t mean it or not, but through the anger, will realized what he said. 

“samy..i didn’t—”

“fuck you, will. you of all people should know how hard i’ve worked to be where i am right now. i know you’re upset about everything right now, but you don’t need to bring me down to make yourself feel better. don’t bother waiting up. i’m leaving with ryan and gabe,” samy stormed out of the locker room before will could say anything more.

the tears streamed down her face as soon as she was in the lobby again. ryan and gabe instantly noticed her distraught expression, immediately going to her. 

“shit, what happened?” ryan muttered. 

“can we just go? i can’t deal with him right now,” samy choked out. the two exchanged a worried glance, but obliged. 

the whole ride back to the hotel was nothing but silence as everyone reeled from the disappointing night. 

—

gabe let samy camp out in his hotel room for the night. he didn’t dare ask her what happened in the locker room knowing she’d tell him if she wanted to; however, the dark-haired boy wanted to go knock some sense into will knowing he most definitely snapped too hard at samy which made her want to avoid him. 

it was almost two in the morning when there was a small knock. still awake, the two exchanged wary glances, so gabe got the door. 

he pulled it open to reveal a very weary, teary-eyed, sad, and frustrated will. for a moment, gabe almost let him in, but he stopped himself because he didn’t want the boy blowing up at samy again. the girl sat nervously on the bed just out of sight of the door listening in on them.

“is she here?” will rasped out, voice dry from the amount he cried after samy left the locker room and getting back to the hotel. 

“i’m not sure i wanna answer that,” gabe stood his ground. 

“come on, perreault. leno said he didn’t have her,” will tried again. 

hearing how wrecked he sounded broke samy’s heart all over again. gabe gazed back at her, a look in his eyes asking her if she really wanted to see him. 

even though he insulted her, something in samy was still trying to justify it for him being upset and angry. she really wanted to believe he didn’t mean it. with that, the girl crawled off the bed and shuffled her way behind gabe’s 6’1 figure. 

“we can talk in your room,” samy mumbled. 

“o-okay,” the shake in her boyfriend’s voice made samy want to lunge herself at him and make all the pain go away, but she had to stand up for herself still. 

“you’re sure?” gabe wondered before letting her go. 

“i’m sure. i’ll see you tomorrow,” she rubbed his arm and stepped around him. 

her and will walked three doors down where his hotel room was. it was basically hers too since most of her stuff was scattered across the room over the past few days they’ve been there. 

will shut the door behind them. the brunette looked at him expectantly knowing she said everything she could. a beat of silence passed before the tears quickly filled the blonde’s eyes and he started completely sobbing in front of her. he crumpled against the door, choking sobs falling from his lips as he body sunk into the ground. 

for a second, samy just stared at him until her instincts kicked in and she went to him without hesitation this time. 

“oh will,” she curled into his side, stroking his hair as his body fell into hers. 

“i’m so sorry. i didn’t mean any of it. i don’t know why i said it. i was upset and i know that’s not an excuse at all,” the boy rambled into her shoulder. 

“i know this loss hurts, but taking your anger out on people with harsh words isn’t gonna make it better,” samy said.

“i know, i know. i-i’m so sorry. i shouldn’t have lashed out on you. that’s not fair to you at all.” 

“i was just trying to comfort you like i always do after losses,” the girl hated seeing her boyfriend so upset like this. his tears dripped everywhere on her even after samy tried wiping them away with her thumb. 

“i know. i shouldn’t have pushed you away like that. i just.. I didn’t want you to see me like that,” will’s voice grew softer at his small admission. 

“what do you mean like that?” i’ve seen you lose games before.”

“i don’t know if this is how you felt after your soccer game, but i felt so pathetic for losing a championship game where we didn’t even score. my pride was hurt and i worried you’d think i wasn’t good enough anymore because i lost like that,” his words continued breaking samy’s heart. 

she grabbed ahold of his face so he was looking at her, “i’d never think any less of you because you lost. it happens. you’re not pathetic for losing and i promise it doesn’t make me look at you any differently.” 

“i guess i’m just always scared you’ll get sick of me and realize i’m not actually worth it. that and a hundred other emotions were just going through me and it came out really wrong,” will frowned. 

a small sigh escaped the girl’s lips hearing the boy she’s known all her life doubt himself so much. “you’re always worth it, will. nothing’s ever gonna change that for me, okay? i’m always gonna be in love with you and wanna be around you win or lose, whatever's happening in your career. you’re stuck with me,” a small laugh escaped their lips at the last part. 

“i know that. i just get really doubtful when i get down on myself and hard losses like that happen.” 

“i get it, but i’m not going anywhere, okay? you played your best tonight, those refs were making shit calls and unfortunately, denver just figured us out.” 

a small nod came from will. he pushed his forehead onto samy’s just trying to ease all the thoughts running through his mind while focusing on the way she ran her fingers gently through his hair and around his curls. some of his roots were rough and red from the way he pulled harshly on them earlier, so her gentle motions slowly eased the ache. 

“i’m scared that i don’t know what’s gonna happen next with any of us,” will spoke again after a small silence. 

he lifted his head again to meet his girlfriend’s gaze before leaning it against the door. 

“are you gonna sign on?” the idea played in samy’s mind as well after tonight’s game. 

the decision was entirely up to the coaches of each of the guy’s respective teams, but considering how well all of them played and improved in one season, they may want them sooner rather than later. 

“i don’t know. it’s up to whether the sharks want me now or later,” will answered. 

“have you talked to ryan or gabe? what they may do?” 

“washington’s pushing closer to the playoffs. they may want ryan on for it. i dunno. gabe’s most likely gonna stay. i don’t think the rangers are quite ready for him yet. the ideal situation is we all stay one one more season with boston,” will explained a bit, his fingers drawing mindles shapes into samy’s leg. 

“what do the sharks say about you?” the girl wondered with a raised eyebrow. 

“you know what they say about me. they want me now. they wanna wait another year. it’s..sort of up to me i guess,” will shrugged a bit, avoiding eye contact. 

“would you sign on now?” she rephrased her question from earlier. 

“if i sign on now, my entire life gets flipped around in a week and i have to move to california, but then i’d possibly get to play in the playoffs. if i wait, i get to stay with boston and everyone for another year and more importantly, see you more frequently than if i was in california,” samy rolled her eyes at the last part—he was always so down bad for her. 

“don’t make the decision based on me, will. you’ll see me still.” 

“i know, but i think i do subconsciously anyway. you’re just my life now,” his words sent a deep blush across the girl’s cheeks. 

“i’m flattered,” she rubbed the side of his cheek making him lean into her touch. 

“you’re everything to me, samy. i’m really, really in love with you and i can’t imagine my life without you in it,” will smiled softly. 

the girl flushed, but returned his smile. hearing those kinds of things come out of his mouth was still something the brunette was getting used to even after 9 months of being together. 

“you’re everything to me too, will. i love you a lot.” 

the boy leaned forward to place a gentle, yet loving kiss on her lips. they melted into one another, small sighs escaping their mouths at the contact. her hands tugged at his curls while his own curved around her waist, pulling her impossibly closer like he needed her as close as possible or else he couldn’t function. 

part of it was true. without samy, will was lost like a fish in the ocean. she was a part of him and he was a part of her. they were intertwined and always would be. her soft lips soothed every single thought and self-doubt will had because as long as his favorite girl believed in him, that was all that mattered. 

“i know i said this already, but thank you for being here. it means a lot to me,” will said when they pulled apart. 

“i’d never miss this. i’ll always skip classes for you,” she grinned. 

the boy beamed, pulling her back in for another kiss. 

the two didn’t get into bed until nearly 3:30 in the morning. samy curled into will’s side, his arm tightly around her as she laid on his chest. the tension in the air completely dissipated and the cries died down. things felt okay again. 

they’d sleep tangled in one another all night knowing the next morning samy had to catch her plane back to michigan and will would be left with one big decision that would decide what plane he had to catch. 

[anaargent]

FIVE WITH AN EMO⁉️⁉️Sorry if this is bad but I just can’t stop wondering what he would think about it

I got you, I loved it. comments are welcome

FIVE HARGREEVES X READER

Five season 1/2

Five was a grumpy brat, his first reaction upon seeing you was disbelief.

- What's with all that black clothing? Are you in mourning? - he starts to question you as he circles around you, watching like an old eagle - this is children's teeth hanging around your neck? - he says in shock.

-We're literally at a funeral, Five - you snap back grumpily - and this is my new style, accept it as soon as possible you annoying brat.

-What's up with that rude attitude, you punk? - Five snaps back irritably as he gets closer to you - Sorry, Grandpa, we're already in the future - you smile, ruffling his hair and running to take refuge behind Diego.

...

Still reluctant, Five tried to get used to his new lifestyle. Always ready with a joke or a witty comment about something, until the day he snuck into the house looking for you - "I'm just bored and you're this different from everything else" - finding you entertained with headphones as you danced absentmindedly around the room, immersed in a little world all your own.

-Are you struggling in pain or something? - Five enters the room after watching you dance for longer than he would admit - Do you need a doctor? - He sprawls on your bed, looking too comfortable in your space.

-get out of here, grandpa - You take off your headphones and stare at Five - Weren't you stopping the apocalypse or something dramatic like that? - You kick his legs off your bed and sit next to him - Unfortunately, I'm on an unwanted day off, much to your joy, what are you doing? - he asks with a disdainful air as he snatches the headphones from your hand and puts them on.

-nothing you like, little psychopath - you laugh, watching Five listen intently to the music, it was a random song by BVB, his grimace slowly turned into contemplation, and you could have sworn you saw the shadow of a smile before he jumped into space with your headphones - hey you bastard - you screamed when you realized the theft.

Five season 3

You couldn't tell at what point exactly the old-fashioned, talkative Five became your music companion, he still made faces at your clothing choices and hairstyles, and made comments about your "rebellious age". But you could easily notice his occasional appearance whenever you listened to music, always criticizing you when you skipped his favorites, claiming they were the least bad ones, he was a terrible liar. He also accompanied you to a concert - "I'm just making sure you don't get mixed up with other punks and disappear"

-wasn't the apocalypse supposed to happen in three days? You should be trying to stop it, but here you are - you grumble at him - but here you are like a punk.

-I'm not here for this nonsense - Five stops talking as soon as he sees the band enter, his attention now focused on the band with an idiotic smile. - Nonsense, you're more excited than me, you fangirl.

FIve just lets out a guilty laugh and shrugs, no sarcastic responses, just accepting the fact that maybe, just a little bit of him enjoyed all of this.

Five season 4

- Im hooome, you won't believe it, I got two tickets to...- Five stops in the middle of the living room,frozen with an envelope in his hand.- What is this? What happened to your clothes? - he asks terrified. looking for any trace of black clothes, worn-out Converse, ripped jeans, even the damn slicked-back hairstyle you chose to wear sometimes.

It had been a few weeks since Five had left on a mission for the CIA, which means you hadn't had any contact with him during that time. You had a bit of a change. Maybe a bit radical. You can just smile and take a little walk, showing off your pink cowboy outfit with sparkles and sequins.

-now I'm a fan of Chappel Roan.

[haikyuulovercompany]

Permanent Words ~ Akaashi Keiji x Reader

In this world, it's easy to know who is your soulmate, but how you find it, it's a complete surprise. One day you'll speak to someone and the very first words they direct at you will appear on your right wrist. Well... meeting your own soulmate was not only in a very premature moment in your life, but it came with a very awkward price. 'Poor Akaashi Keiji' is a thought you would spend your entire life repeating in your head.

Genre: Fluff. Soulmate!AU High School.

Warnings: None.

Words: 2.1K

Notes: No link to the 'original post' here because I took the premise of the original one and literally changed everything about it.

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You were having one of those days where it seemed the universe was on a personal mission to make things worse and worse for you. You had been the chosen joke of whatever superior force ruled the world.

You had stayed up very late into the night since it was a Friday. You had zero plans scheduled for the rest of the weekend and you had found a new television series that had ended two years ago and its six seasons were all available. You would have the entirety of your Saturday for yourself anyway. Or well… you had thought.

What had happened instead was your best friend calling you continuously at nine in the morning, to the point the sole buzzing of the phone successfully woke you up. You were quick to point out the day and the hour, cursing her for running your plans of waking up until after noon and staying in your pajamas for half the day. However, she didn’t apologize.

“Did you seriously forget about the Fukurodani Open Day?” your friend questioned, almost offended.

“That is till next week,” you reminded her, dropping your head back on your pillow hoping you could end the call and try to sleep a couple more hours.

“Uhh, no. It’s today.”

“What? It was till the sixteenth,” you insisted.

“Today is the sixteenth.”

You had blinked twice and removed the phone from your ear to look at the date and time. It turned out your friend was completely right. You gasped and jumped out of bed, showering your friend with apologies. The plan you had made was to get breakfast together and then head to Fukurodani together. Your friend had a crush with a guy from the basketball team. She had seen him a couple months back during a tournament game. She had been there to support his younger cousin and left the place furiously investigating everything about the school and team. As she had landed her eyes on the Open Day event, she had made you promise you would go there with her. And still, you had completely forgotten.

The plan was to go there, find the guy and have your friend talk to him and try to find out if the ‘hello there’ she planned on saying appeared on his right wrist. Neither of you had an indication if he could be ‘the one’, but your friend was so infatuated, she had sworn it was an important lead.

You took a quick shower and rushed to your closet with your hair wrapped in a towel. You didn’t have time to meticulously choose your outfit for the day, so you went for a safe option. Comfortable denim shorts and a flowy t-shirt tucked inside together with your favorite pair of sneakers. You didn’t have time to even put a bit more effort in your appearance, so you relied on your sunscreen and mascara. You always had a lip balm with you and that would have to do. You left your house and rushed through the streets. At that point, you didn’t have time to wait for the bus. You only had your legs and your will to make it up to your friend. But it seemed you couldn’t trust your body either because the tip of your sneaker got stuck on the edge of the sidewalk as you finished crossing the street and fell forward. Thankfully, your left leg managed to keep you steady but your right leg wasn’t so lucky, and so, your right knee met with the harsh concrete and got scraped. You hissed in pain as two older guys tried to check on you. You lifted a hand at them, silently letting them know you were okay. Truth was… you hated being late. You hated being in a hurry. Nothing went well when one was in a hurry and that day was proving it. Your wet hair had managed to wet the back of your t-shirt and you had forgotten your sweater, so now you were kind of cold and with nothing to help. Also, your sneaker had a dirt mark on the front and your knee hurt and was bleeding.

You couldn’t run anymore, but you could hop very fast… and you did that for the next five minutes as the initial recoil on your knee went away and you could properly step on your foot. You still couldn’t pick up the pace, but striding was possible and you kept the rhythm. Instead of meeting your friend at the little diner where you were supposed to have breakfast together, you met her at the entrance of Fukurodani. She had sustained a stony expression on you, trying to emphasize she was still not over you forgetting your plans together, but as soon as her eyes drifted down to your knee, she gasped.

“What happened?”

“My feet betrayed me,” you sighed. “It doesn’t hurt that much anymore.”

“We need to clean it, though. It looks bad.” Your friend suddenly stretched her hand to you, handing you a small paper bag. “Also, got you an egg sandwich.”

You simply raised your arms and dropped them around her in a thankful hug. You could really sit down, go silent for five minutes, and have some food. Tired of waiting, your friend grabbed your arm and you two went inside. You allowed your friend to scan the board where all the activities were written down so you two could finally try to make the fateful encounter happen. Your stomach grumbled, then. The smell of the egg sandwich was alluring and you decided to not wait anymore. While your friend searched for the basketball demonstration, you could start munching down on some breakfast. But life was not done with you yet. As you opened the paper bag, a sturdy body crashed lightly against yours, but with your knee in a weak state, it was all it took for you to lose your balance. With two clumsy steps forward, the paper bag slipped your hands and crashed on the floor. You watched as a stranger who had been mindlessly walking through the hallway kicked it.

That was it. You couldn’t take it anymore. Throwing any patience or manners out the window, you turned to see the guy who had crashed onto you. He was tall with short, messy black hair. He looked worried and was about to speak, but you didn’t let him.

“My egg sandwich, dude,” you snarled, and stomping your feet you went to get your food. You picked up the paper bag and looked inside, afraid of finding it in a complete mess. However, the sandwich had been perfectly wrapped up in aluminum paper. Maybe it would be a little mangled, but everything would be in place and ready for you to eat.

You stood up and found the same guy still staring at you with both eyes wide opened, his right hand lifted. You frowned at him, unfairly taking your anger in what was an obvious accident. As you stepped closer, meditating about apologizing for your attitude or not, you finally saw it. On his wrist, the words ‘my egg sandwich, dude’ were marked like a tattoo.

Your brain registered what that meant in a heartbeat. All the air in you slipped through your lips. The guy in front of you... the one with the same startled expression as yours was your soulmate… and you had forever marked his wrist with the stupidest phrase you had ever uttered in your entire life till that point.

Your soulmate. Right there. In front of you.

In a hurricane of uncomfortable emotions, you covered your face with both hands as a strong, overwhelming wave of heat struck your neck and it painfully crawled up to your ears and cheeks. Your whole face was beyond warm with embarrassment. You heard the steps of someone approaching you and you just knew it wasn’t your friend by the sensation of a tall presence looming over you. Your friend wasn't that tall. By then your friend had most probably taken notice of what was unfolding.

“Pleasure to meet you,” he said, using what you could only describe as the gentlest voice you had heard. And he also smelled nice. It was a mix between mint and soap. Clean and soft.

You couldn’t cover your eyes till he got tired and left. You assume he wouldn’t. Well, if he did, it would be disappointing. Your soulmate couldn’t give up on you… and neither could you. It would be equally horrifying if you decided to ignore him to the point he decided to leave you alone. One couldn’t choose how they were going to meet their soulmate, and yours happened to be a tad unfortunate. Nothing to do about it anymore.

You slowly moved your hands away from your face and lifted your eyes as you felt a tingling on your own right wrist. You finally got a good look at him—he had thin features and was fondly smiling at you. Why wasn’t he annoyed even in the slightest? He would live with a horrible sentence on his skin forever.

You turned your eyes to your wrist, seeing the words ‘Pleasure to meet you’ on it. It was so nice and so polite. It was obvious he had picked his words carefully once realizing the situation, making sure the words meant to be on your skin forever were something good.

He had been cautions enough to say the perfect thing. 

“Uhm, I’m going to go ahead,” your friend said, a cheeky edge on her words. “Don’t leave without me, okay?”

“No, of course not!” you hurriedly assured her. “I’ll text you.”

She gave you a thumbs up and did as she said, leaving you alone with your soulmate—a soulmate you still didn’t know their name.

“Your knee is bleeding,” he said before you could ask for his name. “Let’s get that fixed. Follow me.”

You nodded, holding your stupid egg sandwich against your chest. Your hunger had dimmed but that paper bag was the only thing helping you find stability for the time being. Your legs wobbled with every step you took. You had never been one to feel confident about love—you had even stopped thinking when or how you would find your soulmate, afraid it would take your entire life to do so—and now everything was happening in the snap of a finger, in the quickness of a breath.

He signaled you to wait for him as he approached a table with two older ladies. He pointed at you and continued talking. You were right. He was incredibly polite. His stance didn’t shy away, but just by the way he stood and the tone he used, he was respectful. That was nice. Your mother would like him a lot. Your cheeks burned again at your thoughts. That had to be the next, right? You had to start dating. Or well, maybe you could know each other first. Was it possible to not like your soulmate? You had never thought about it. You felt the urge to take out your phone and quickly search for all those answers but by then, he was already coming back at you with a first-aid kit hanging from one of his hands.

“You can sit there,” he said, pointing at the benches lined up against the walls. Again, you could only nod and obey.

You thought you would sit down and he would maybe sit beside you and hand you what you needed for your knee. Instead, he placed the first-aid kit next to you and he knelt. You panicked, quickly muttering ‘no’ over and over again, motioning with your hands for him to stand up. He completely ignored you and got a gauze and rubbing alcohol, and proceeded to clean your scrape. You slightly hissed at the first touch and he apologized, which you found endearing. The wound was no way his fault and he was being beyond nice for getting on the ground and taking care of it. You could already see yourself gloating to others about the gentleman the universe had chosen for you.

In no time there was no more blood on your skin and you could see the scrape wasn’t as bad as the bleeding had made it seem. It would form a scab for sure, but nothing more.

“Thank you so much…” you said, lingering there for a minute. “I still don’t know your name.”

He smiled as he put the bottle of rubbing alcohol back into the box. “Akaashi Keiji. What’s yours?”

You told him yours and repeated his name a couple times in your head. Your eyes went back to his right wrist and a chuckle escaped you, still in disbelief. “I will have these nice words on me, but, I… I just ruined your wrist forever.”

He took a look himself at his own skin and brushed a thumb over it, pale skin stretching but the words not going anywhere. He smiled again. Or had the smile ever left his face? You couldn't tell.

“No, it will be a funny story to tell,” he calmly stated. You smiled back at him, allowing yourself for the first time to relax around him. 

Needless to say, that egg sandwich was left untouched and forgotten to the side.  

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[vennilavee]

vii. fallen rose

blood&pearls mlist

wc: 2.6k

summary: you are a curious creature, trying to explore the depths below and the lands above. your curiosity may get you in trouble with a world that you do not understand.

warnings: none really

a/n: we're so back babeyyyy

The first winter of your time above sea is frigid and empty. The barren treeline looks the way that you feel. 

You’d only heard stories of the pearly snow that descended from bright skies. Your sisters had told you of the warmth that snow could bring. That winter could bring.

Instead, you feel a deep rooted chill with the change of the seasons.

You stay in the lake to keep warm while the self-proclaimed god-like man does not leave the shrine in the mountains. Can he feel your stare towards him, with all four of his eyes? Does he miss your warmth in his sheets, or does he prefer the iciness of his own stubbornness?

You are patiently waiting for a reason to enjoy the winter. You have yet to find one. 

All of your favorite fruits are rotten during the winter and nobody comes to visit you anymore, as it is difficult to trek through the mountains to get to the lake. You lay by your everlasting lemon tree in an attempt to soak up the pale moon, but now it has become too frigid to do so.

The smoke puffing out from the shrine just beyond your lake tempts you. But just like the man who inhabits it, you are stubborn.

And so you shiver.

The thought of returning back to the depths of the ocean does strike you on more than one occasion. Something holds you back from leaving into the abyss that has not called out your name in what feels like years. 

You have not come up from the floor of the lake in several days. Instead, you have been sulking, even the fish know to keep away from you because of your sullen attitude. The fairies have called for you from the trees, but you have ignored them in favor of solitude. 

You feel like a banished princess again, this time being told to leave by your lover instead of your father. Pretending like you’re not breaking into pieces at the revelation, you wonder how the great lord Sukuna’s heart would beat in your hands.

The shrine is always kept warm in the winters, with the wood fires prickling inside to stave away the cold. This winter is especially frigid, due to the unexpected high number of snowstorms and blizzards that have passed on this side of the mountain in recent weeks.

Even for Sukuna, it has proven to be somewhat difficult to travel through the snowy peaks and valleys that he resides in. It has been even more difficult to travel while making it a point to avoid the lake right behind the shrine altogether. Why should he care about the lake and any creature that inhabits it, anyway?

Despite the near painful iciness that coats the air in unwelcome shards, Sukuna still finds his way down the mountains and into the nearby villages. He has fees to collect, after all. 

The village in the far east of the valley has welcomed him with open albeit anxious arms. He is showered in precious gemstones, in gold, in paintings, in the finest silks and thin, freshly cut slices of cartilage and hearts, only for his thoughts to stray to you. He hopes violently that you fall ill from the cold and die there, in the center of his lake. Then he’ll finally get a taste of your delicate little mermaid heart from your still warm corpse.

Sukuna ignores the ire that stirs at the thought of your bloated corpse floating in the abyss near the shrine. Instead, he imagines your bright eyes, seemingly glowing in the dark. Blinking at him annoyingly, curiously- asking him why, why have you wronged me so?

He scoffs at sheer absurdity, that your visage could evoke such reluctance in him.

Even as he sits upon his throne to bask in the flames of the latest virginal sacrifice that the village has promised to him, he absently rubs his jaw with a calloused hand. Sukuna wonders idly where he should go next. After all, he’s grown quite comfortable in his shrine in the mountains.

He wonders if you would look at him in wonder or in disgust as he forced you to watch him eat the warm hearts of his subjects. Perhaps you would join him, instead.

You are told by the fairies that this winter has lasted longer than previous winters. The everlasting, enchanting, winter, they call it.

It doesn’t feel very enchanting to you. You rarely come out of the lake these days, burdened by misery and the perception that despite all of your freedom, you are unwanted. Undesired. Perhaps even unworthy of the freedom that you desperately chased. You have condemned yourself to this prison of your own making.

You wail in the frozen lake as the sounds echo harshly. The fairies look at you with sympathy. Or with pity, you are uncertain.

What is stopping you, anyway? What have you become- a shell of the nymph that you were when you first found this meadow.

Your sisters always said that you were destined for the land. It doesn’t feel that way as you lose track of the sun rising and setting in the distance. You have not come up for air in days, weeks, nearly months. Staring at the unwavering solitude in front of you feels hauntingly comforting.

The fairies have informed you that the nearby civilians in the valley are reporting an increase in the number of deaths. They suspect that the water supply has been poisoned. 

Your mother was right. You were venomous to the sea, and now you are venomous to the land.

The taste of flesh is rotten on his tongue and he cannot savor the richness of blood when knows that you have sunken to the bottom of the lake. In such a pitiful state, wrapped around yourself as if you were some frail human.

The fairies whisper. Mostly to Uraume, but Sukuna still knows.

No matter, it’s not his problem, he thinks idly. He sits on his throne, barely listening to the unlucky soul thrown in front of him. It’s no fault of his that you are weak-minded to your affections of him. You should not seek his approval or reciprocity, and he would tell you that if you had the gall to show your face in his throne room.

Everything tastes utterly decayed, like the soft, fleshy pulp of a peach that has sat in the sun for too long. These people bore him maddeningly, incessant droning fills his ears and echoes across the ruby red pillars of the throne room.

He doesn’t think about you, not once. Not how you most likely are freezing at the bottom of the lake, since you’re accustomed to warmer waters. Not how you haven’t  come up for air in weeks.

You haven’t enjoyed the snow, despite how enthused you were to see it before the turn of the season.

Sukuna sighs and twirls his fingers, cutting off the poor man mid sentence as his blood and guts explode all over the pristinely cleared floor. Uraume doesn’t even bat an eye.

“What was he referring to in his drivel, Uraume?” 

“Well, my lord, it seems that the water supply in the village has become… tainted. People are falling ill and dying within days.”

If the foolish, brutish man who lives in his balmy shrine with his devotees wants to see you, then he shall come fetch you himself rather than sending the message along with the fairies. How dare he use your friends so that he could continue to avoid you?

You would shake with fury, if you had the means to. Instead, you remain at the bottom of the lake, curled in on yourself.

Rays from the pale moonlight pierce the surface of the water. Usually, you would bask in its light, enjoying the way it feels on your tail. But not tonight. You turn your head the other way with closed eyes, refusing to look up and remaining in your pitiful bout of self-wallowing.

The water shifts around you in billowing waves, swirling against your tail but you pay it no mind. It pushes at you, as if to coax you to get up and come out of your bout of gloom. You woefully peel an eye open to stop the water from tickling your tail, only for the moonlight to be completely blocked out by a looming figure with menacing eyes.

Well. He tries to be menacing.

You look pathetic, laying in the darkness with sorrow rolling off of you in waves. No wonder the fairies have avoided you and the lake. It does not suit you. All of your favorite fruits that Uraume meticulously prepared and left at the corner of the lake have either rotted or been eaten by animals.

Ungrateful. Sukuna shakes his head and wraps his arms around you. Your grip is strong enough that you could fight him if you wanted to. If you had the energy to. Instead, he feels the warmth of your tail loosely around his legs as he swims up to the surface of the lake.

Your eyes are barely open, with no fight left in them. It’s hardly recognizable on you- how could you let yourself devolve into this state?

He ignores your shivering in his arms as he marches back into the shrine with heavy steps.

A warm glow caresses your face as your eyes flutter open, adjusting to the lack of darkness that you have become accustomed to over the course of many moons.

Two pairs of ruby red eyes stare back at you when you sit up in a comfortable, familiar bed. Your body feels stiff as you try to get up from Sukuna’s bed, and you nearly fall once your feet land on the floor. But he catches you before you can, chiding you for being foolish.

“You have been asleep for about seven hours and you have not used your legs in weeks,” he scoffs, “Your body is weak.”

You expect to see the same ire that shone clearly in his eyes like obsidian pools the last time you had spoken to him in this very room, but none of it is there. 

“Why have you brought me here?” you ask hoarsely. You try again to rise from the bed on shaky legs, but your entire body aches terribly. So you don’t fight him as he nestles you tightly under the covers. He shields you from the gaze of the moon with his broad back and his touch is gentle, fleeting as he heals your sore muscles.

“I believe you have a death wish and I cannot determine why. You are a danger to yourself-”

“Why do you care?” you interrupt petulantly. He raises an eyebrow but you glare at him regardless. You are behaving like an infant, pouting and raising your voice and he will not stand for it.

“I will not have you drown yourself to death on my land.”

“Oh, my apologies, my lord, perhaps it would be acceptable for me to go to the ocean to die instead.”

He would have beheaded anyone else if they spoke to him with the same sardonic acidity dripping from your tongue.

He pinches your thigh lightly, but enough for it to sting. You swat his hand away but he captures your wrist in his.

“You vex me,” Sukuna hisses his face only inches away from yours, “Your cavalier attitude, your self-pity, it disgusts me. Why have you chosen to live and die here? You are a nuisance, one that should cease to exist if you would allow me a taste of your bleeding heart!”

And still, none of the former vexation burns in his eyes.

“Then you should be the one to kill me! I would rather die by your hand than live in a cage that all the foolish men of this world, land and sea, have created!”

He drops your wrist from his grip, snaking his hand to your neck and pressing lightly. Your chest heaves, rising and falling, rising and falling in harmony with his breaths.

“I have only one weakness in this entire universe,” he says, ignoring the racing of your feathery heart against his touch, “I wish death upon you for this.”

Your eyebrows furrow, intent on arguing with him but Sukuna closes the space between easily, hastily capturing your tongue with his. There is no room to question him, or his place unless you will yourself to pull away and ignore the heat unfurling in your belly.

“You demanded that I go,” you mumble into his lips, “You said there was no place for me here…”

“And yet, here you still are,” he replies, coaxing you into another searing kiss. But, to his chagrin, you do not allow him to.

“I can protect myself,” you say with your heart lurching in your throat, “I am not some weak human who requires their beloved deity for protection.”

“Am I your deity?” His tone is serious but his eyes soften.

“Am I yours?” you murmur, giving him not a breath to reply before surging your lips to his. You missed the feel of his body on yours, the heat of his hands and the sharpness of his muscles. The place where his heart should beat. The tenderness that lines the padding of his fingertips as his touch sears your skin, a punishment fit for damning yourself in the depths of the water.

“Gods have no deities,” he replies.

“Kings do.”

You have not left Sukuna’s bedchambers in several days, alternating between basking in the warmth of his bed and the warmth contained in his arms. You have also taken to perching on his windowsill to watch the snowfall in the early morning, dressed in his robes.

It seems he has returned to your good graces.

You remain silent, eyes drifting across the barren treeline, landing on his unlocked treasure chest and back. The chest that contains the still heart of the white haired man who threatened you in your lake in the previous season.

“I want to go outside.”

You do not wait for him to join you as you slip out of his robes and through the window of his bedroom to step into the frigid air. He does not make an attempt to stop you, knowing that it would be futile.

Your laugh is infectious, ringing in his ears as it lights up the shrine from the outside in. Despite the snow falling on your bare skin for some time, you continue to be in awe of it. You ignore the goosebumps rising on your arm in favor of twirling around in the snow.

The fairies were right. It is enchanting, and warm, next to the well-lit lamps that surround the outside of the shrine where you stand. The cold, bright sunshine does not feel bitter on your face, not the way the fairies told you it would be. Instead, you feel hope bloom in your chest.

The way a flower blooms in a field of decay.

Naivete rolls off of you in waves. Sukuna shakes his head at your mirth as he leans against the window. It would be so easy for him, for even one of those white-haired bastards, to take advantage of you. Cut you, bleed you dry, desecrate your soul until nothing is left but a bawling onyro haunting the forest, mistaking revenge for love.

He does not tell you how the water was poisoned for the last several weeks, when you were decaying at the bottom of the lake. He keeps that information tucked away, so as to not see your face fall and your shoulders slump. Perhaps your onryo form would be better than your crestfallen form.

Sukuna places a wool robe around your shoulders to keep your body heated in the icy air, quickly dispeling thoughts of your demonic eyes. 

Blood pools on the horizon, a promise of the days to come.

tags: @kentobean @misslovingpearl @aeanya @threadbaresweater @aboveasphodel

[playingcupid-betweenidiots]

Through Her Shadows

Synopsis: Y/N fled her small hometown years ago, haunted by the relentless bullying from the towns popular boy, the one who made her an outcast. When a family pressure brings her back, she's stunned to find that same boy has changed. Seeking redemption, he apologizes and reveals the pain he hid behind his cruelty.

Pairing: Engineer!Jake x Doctor! Reader

Note: This like my second imagine and the first one which is so long, if you want a part two of this then please let me know. I've wanted to start the New Year with something I love to do but haven't done in so long. Requests are open and I will try to get them done in time before exam season (which I might not have a lot of this year)

_________ ♡♡♡♡___________♡♡♡♡__________♡♡♡♡_______

December 2024

"Mom you know I can't get leave at such a short notice.....", I say to my mother on the phone while getting ready for work, "Y/N honey I know but grandma wants to see you, she wants you to come celebrate the holiday with us at least once". I sigh, "mom you know I don't want to come back", I lock my door and head for the bus stop, "honey I know but she wants to see you at least once she says she wants to see you at least once before her times up", I sigh and roll my eyes at my grandmothers dramatics. "I'll see what I can do, you know the hospital doesn't do leave on such short notice", "I know but thank you, I'll make your favorite when you get here", I chuckle, "Thanks mom talk to you later". After hanging up my bus arrived, I sat down and looked out the window.

September 2016

"Move out of my way orphan!", Someone shoves past me, my back hits the wall, "What the fuck!", I say glaring at the person, "Aw is someone mad, why don't you go ask your dad to console you oh oops forgot he doesn't exist for you", the girl laughed in my face. I felt myself growing angry but I knew I couldn't do anything. I can't afford another fight. One more outburst, and I might get expelled, my mother- she can't afford another tarnish to her reputation. I can't do that to her. Not after everything. I sigh and turn around. "Hey nerd, cat got your tongue", I hear the voice of the one who started this all, Jake Sim. This man hated me for no apparent reason, the second I stepped foot into this school he acted like the I was the sole reason of the world being a shitty place. "Don't you have better things to do Sim", "Nah putting someone like you in their place is the most entertaining thing for me so no I don't have better things to do," Jake taunts, his smirk wide and cruel. My stomach twists, but I bite down the anger that bubbles up and turn on my heel and walk away.

April 2017

The hallway buzz with the last-day excitement, but it feels like I'm moving in slow motion. Everyone else is heading to class, packing their things, making plans for the summer, and saying goodbye to our youth. Meanwhile, I feel like I'm just a marking in time, waiting for the bell to ring so I can disappear in the crowd and hopefully be forgotten or be a distant memory. Either way I hope to be a drifting memory like the wind.

The morning after graduation is eerily quiet. The streets are still, the excitement of yesterday already fading into the past. Staring at the suitcase in front of me, half-packed, my hands hover over the clothes inside. I don't move to finish, it doesn't feel real. Graduation was a blur-more like a ceremony I had to get through than something I should've been excited about and how could I be excited, I was finally getting away from the place and people who made my life a living nightmare I couldn't wake up from. Everyone else was celebrating, and I was just.........there. I stand finally forcing myself to finish packing, though part of me was still stuck in yesterday-still stuck in the echoes of his taunts, the heat of anger that I never got to release. But I can't let this tie me down. This town. These people. Him. It's all in the past now.

The suitcase is packed. The door to my room is open. I stand in the doorway, looking back at the life I've come to resent. Everything feels strangely.....mute. The memories of school, of classmates, of fights I never wanted to have-they all blur together, like fading colors in a forgotten painting. I grab my coat, pull it on, and step outside. My mom's car is already idling by the curb, the engine humming softly in the morning silence. Her face drawn, but she says nothing as I get in. She doesn't have to. We both know what today means. "Ready?" she asks, her voice quiet, tentative. I nod, a tightness in my chest that I can't quite explain. "Yeah....ready."

And for the first time, I don't look back.

Present day

I shake my head coming back to reality, there is no good for me to be hung up in the past now. I get off at my stop and head inside the hospital, people greeted me as I walked to the locker room to change into my uniform. Once I am done I head out and to the nurse station. "Chaemin good morning, what's the schedule for today?" I ask as I go over the file of my patients. "Good morning to you too doctor, today you have consultation....." she goes on about my day and I nod.

After a hectic day I sighed feeling happy since my boss allowed me to take leave for the holiday. I get on the bus and call my mom. "Mom I'm coming over for the holidays" I could hear her squeal in excitement, "Oh my goodness I am so happy to hear that I know grandma is going to be so happy." I chuckle and continue to talk to her until I get home and start packing.

Once I got to my parents house I sighed, it's been years since I came back here. I went in and was immediately tackled in a hug. I laughed "Soobin long time", I say to my cousin. "You idiot you haven't come to see us in so long I thought you forgot about us," "how could I when you are so annoying anyone could remember you," he scoffs at my words "as if you are any better", I punch him in the rib "hey!" I exclaim. Soobin scoffs and rolls his eyes, but there's no malice behind it. It feels good to be back in the warmth of family after everything I've been through. It's been so long since I felt this sense of belonging. The house was filled with warmth, laughter, and the sounds of dinner being prepared. I settled in my old room, a bit smaller than I remembered, but it had the same familiar organization-my pens being in a clear box separated in different colors and my books being set to one side. It felt like a time capsule of my younger self.

As the evening unfolded, we ate dinner together, my grandma gushing over how I am finally home for the holidays. Soobin and I bickered like we used to, my aunt chided us both for making too much noise, and my uncle shared stories from his job he got this summer. We all laughed, and for the first time in a long time, I didn't feel alone. I didn't feel like an outsider. It was just...normal. After dinner, we played a few rounds of different games. Me and Soobin teamed up and though we lost miserably, we had fun. We all laughed, and I couldn't help but feel a warmth that had been missing from my life for far too long.

As the last of the laughter died down and the kitchen light was switched off, I grabbed my jacket and stepped outside, needing a bit of space after a long day of family time. The quiet of the neighborhood wrapped around me, and I started walking aimlessly down the street. I hadn't been back here in so long, and everything felt so different, but somehow, it felt the same. The houses, the trees lining the sidewalks-it all brought back memories I had tucked away for years. There was a kind of peace in the stillness of the night. I kept walking, not really sure where I was going, just needing to clear my head. The night seemed to stretch on, and I lost track of time, the quiet rhythm of my footsteps accompanying my wandering thoughts. But then, just as I rounded the corner, I heard a familiar voice, one I wished not to run into during this trip.

"Well, well......Look who's back." I froze. The voice was unmistakable. Jake Sim. Of course, why wouldn't he show up now? I turned, and there he was, leaning against a lamppost, his usual smirk plastered over his face, but something was different-he wasn't as cocky as usual. His shoulders were a bit slumped, and his gaze didn't quite meet mine at first. "What do you want, Sim Jaeyun?" I asked, my tone neutral, though the resentment I'd felt towards him for so long was still lurking in the background. Jake seemed to hesitate for a moment before pushing himself off the lamppost. He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, a gesture I hadn't seen from him before. His usual bravado was gone, replaced by something...apologetic. "I-" he began, stopping himself, his voice softer than I could ever remember and imagine. "Look, I know I've been an asshole. And ... well, I don't know why I've treated you like that. You didn't deserve it."

I blinked, surprised by the shift in his tone. Sim Jake, apologizing? I wasn't sure how to process it, but there was no mistaking the sincerity in his voice now. It felt like he actually mean it. But then I started to get angry. "I guess I've just... had this stupid idea-" "Stop" my voice hiding what I was truly feeling. Jake froze, "What?" "Stop it Jake, you can't... don't do this to me..." For a moment, I just stood there, it was hard to believe that this was the same guy who made my life miserable for so long. But here he was, looking at me with this raw honesty that made me feel nauseous. I crossed my arms, "you hurt me," I said softly, my voice calm but firm. Jake nodded, a quiet acceptance in his eyes. He took a deep breath. "I don't expect you to forgive me right away. Hell, I wouldn't blame you if you never did. But... I just wanted you to know that I'm sorry for being a jerk to you." The sincerity in his apology was like a weight lifting off my chest. It didn't fix everything, and it certainly didn't make up for years of pain, but hearing him say it-hearing him admit that he was wrong-was enough to shift something inside me. It wasn't about forgiveness, not yet anyway. But it was a start.

"Please leave Jake, I want to be alone right now" I said turning away from him. "Y/N..." he was gonna say something but then he stopped, he turned and walked away, his steps slower and more thoughtful than usual. I watched him go, not sure what to make of it all, but something inside me told me this was the beginning of something new-not just for him, but for me too. I continued my walk, my thoughts being a little messed up after the meeting with Jake. I knew the past didn't have to define me anymore.

January 2025

Over the next few weeks, every encounter with Jake felt like another step into a tangled web I wasn’t sure how to navigate. I couldn’t help but notice how different he seemed—his posture, the way his eyes avoided mine as if he feared I might see the truth he wasn’t ready to share. Every time we crossed paths, there was a weight in the air, thick and suffocating, and I couldn’t figure out if it was because of the past, or something else.

The third time I saw him was at the local bookstore. I’d been wandering the aisles, looking for something to distract me from everything that had been swirling in my mind. I didn’t notice him at first, but I heard his voice—the same voice that used to sneer at me in the halls of high school, the same voice that would whisper insults as he passed me by.

“Y/N,” he said, his voice quiet but filled with something unrecognizable.

I froze. I didn’t want to turn around, didn’t want to face the man who had made my teenage years a living nightmare. But something in his tone stopped me. It wasn’t the arrogant, dismissive Jake I used to know. This time, his words were softer, hesitant.

Slowly, I turned to face him. My eyes met his, and I saw it—the guilt, the regret, the longing. It hit me harder than I expected, and for a moment, I couldn’t breathe.

“Jake,” I said, my voice careful. "What do you want?"

He flinched, as if my words physically hurt him. But when he spoke, there was no trace of the old Jake, the one who had laughed at my expense, the one who’d made me feel small.

“I just... I’ve been trying to find the right words to say,” he started, his hands shoved deep into his jacket pockets, his voice trembling with something I couldn’t place. “I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I have to say it, even if it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”

I blinked, trying to make sense of his words. "Forgiveness?" The word felt strange coming from him, so foreign, so different from the boy who once tormented me. "Jake, what are you talking about?"

He took a step closer, then hesitated, as if unsure of how much distance he could close before I would push him away. "I know I hurt you, Y/N. I was awful, and I... I didn’t even realize what I was doing. I was cruel. I��" His voice broke, and I saw a flash of pain cross his face, something raw and real that I had never expected from him. "I wish I could take it all back. I wish I could undo all the times I made you feel worthless. I wish I could make up for the things I did to you."

The words hung in the air, and I could feel the sincerity in his voice. But I couldn’t let myself forget what he had done. Couldn’t let myself forget the way his cruelty had shattered my self-worth, how I had spent years fighting to rebuild the person I used to be.

“You can’t just apologize for all of it and expect everything to be okay, Jake,” I said, my voice trembling despite myself. “What you did... it changed me. I’m not the same person I was before.”

His eyes dropped to the floor, and I saw his chest tighten with a deep breath, as if the weight of his regret was physically painful. “I know. And I don’t expect you to forget it. I don’t even deserve your forgiveness. But I need you to know that I would do anything to make it right. Anything to... to earn back some of the trust I ruined.”

I shook my head, feeling a storm of emotions rising within me. "Why now?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. "Why come to me now, after all these years?"

Jake looked up, his eyes filled with an ache that made my chest tighten. “Because I can’t live with myself knowing what I did to you. I’ve spent so much time trying to push it all down, pretending it didn’t matter, but it does. You do. You always have, even when I was too stupid to see it.”

His words struck me harder than I expected, but the pain from all those years of torment still lingered, still pulsed through my veins. I couldn’t just forgive him because he was sorry now. That wasn’t how it worked.

“Jake,” I started, taking a step back, feeling the distance between us grow. “You can’t fix the past. You can’t undo the damage.”

He stepped closer again, his eyes never leaving mine, and the way he looked at me... it was almost as if he was pleading with me, silently begging me to understand.

“I know I can’t undo it,” he said, voice tight, almost desperate. “But I’m asking for a chance. Not for your forgiveness right now—maybe I don’t deserve it. But I want to show you that I’ve changed. I want you to see that I’m not the same person I was back then. I’m so sorry for everything, Y/N. I can’t take it back, but I can try to be better. For you.”

There was a tremor in his voice, a rawness that made something inside of me ache. For the first time, I saw Jake as he truly was—vulnerable, remorseful, and… yearning. Not just for my forgiveness, but for something deeper. Something more.

And as much as I wanted to push him away, to tell him it was too late, to remind him of everything he had done... part of me couldn’t help but wonder if he meant it. If he really had changed.

“I don’t know what to say,” I whispered, my heart pulling in two different directions. “I need time, Jake. I need time to even... understand this.”

His face fell, and for a brief moment, I saw the hope in his eyes die. But then, almost like he couldn’t help it, he stepped closer again, his voice barely audible. “I’ll wait, Y/N. However long it takes. I’ll wait for you. Because I... I don’t know what I’d do if you couldn’t find it in yourself to forgive me. Or... if you couldn’t even... love me again.”

The words hit me like a wave. He hadn’t just come for my forgiveness. He had come because he needed more than that. He needed my love.

But I wasn’t ready.

Not yet.

And as I turned to leave, I couldn’t help but feel the ache of his longing in my chest, too.

[tellmegoodbye]

Welcome to week 2 of the Countdown to Season Five Music Mondays! This week's themes are Redemption and Owen & Tommy. If you don't have anything for these themes you can still participate in the tag as normal.

Once again, thank you to @lonestar-s5countdown for setting up this event and these themes.

Today I am sharing a few of my favorite songs from the playlist for my upcoming fic!

For these songs I'm thinking about 4x18 (and s5 👀) Carlos, how he stepped away from his obsession and chose love instead. We know this story isn't over for him, but overall it is a redemption story. It's about him and TK fighting through all of this and coming out of it stronger than ever as husbands.

Overcome - Nothing But Thieves

Bringer of the calm, your arms wrapped around when the fever took Thought I was gone for good, you brought me back

I've been thinkin', babe, maybe you're right When you said the pain weathers in time We're just waitin' for a change to follow We don't always get all that we want Redefine the pain to somethin' more And we shall overcome, as we've done before

Sleep Deprivation - Chance Peña

I've been on a mission I won't stop till I'm done I toss and turn almost every night I pray to God I'm doing right By all my family's wishes Lord knows I miss them Their love outshines the sun

So when I break down I list off the reasons I'm here and I'm still breathing I'm hanging on Try to break ground, make way for tomorrow I'll find a way through the sorrow One day at a time

Promises I Can't Keep - Mike Shinoda

What's the difference between a loss and a forfeit I tried to make it better, but I made it more sick I tried to make it right, now awake at night I know reality was getting in the way

I used to think that I knew who I was Never saw it coming unglued I used to think that I knew who I was Now it's time to see if it's true

I had so much certainty Til that moment I lost control And I've tried but it never was up to me I've got no worse enemy Than the fear of what's still unknown And the time's come to realize there will be Promises I can't keep

I Am Not Who I Was - Chance Peña

You keep me steady on the ground When my head's lost in the clouds That spotlight, though it shines bright Could never drown you out I know it's hard when I'm away I'll just hope you don't lose faith 'Cause I told the truth when I said to you That I'll be back someday

So if I fly too far Will I still have a place inside your heart? And when you've seen what I've become Will you love me for who I am, not who I was?

Back To One - O.A.R

I see you there, but you don't look right You got a ten-mile stare in your eyes tonight Time ain't fair, like it used to be

Don't look back, you'll never find your way There's a million different people Who break the same way When everything has come undone We got to bring it back to one

I know forever always asks so much Don't you let it scare you, don't you lose your touch When your still waters start to run, bring it back to one

Tags!

@strandnreyes @lemonlyman-dotcom @bonheur-cafe @heartstringsduet @herefortarlos

@carlos-in-glasses @carlos-tk @literateowl @paperstorm @guardian-angle22

@whatsintheboxmh @fitzherbertssmolder @mrs-corrections-78 @murdersansy @firstprince-history-huh

@honeybee-taskforce @reyesstrand @butchreyes @freneticfloetry @fangirl-paba

@theghostofashton @alrightbuckaroo @nancys-braids @captain-gillian @tailoredshirt

@ironheartwriter @emsprovisions @sapphic--kiwi @reeeallygood @eclectic-sassycoweyes

@goldenskykaysani @toomanycupsoftea @messymindofmine @fandomswonderland @reasonandfaithinharmony

@goodways @thisbuildinghasfeelings @cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut @decafdino @lightningboltreader

+ open tag

[christalcake]

It's never easy

The air around you is cold, tiny snowflakes fall from the sky above you.  Winter was always your favorite season, enjoying the white powder sprinkling the streets, how you could finally wear your thick sweaters whenever you wanted, and how the holiday season always had something magical about it.  

You’ve stopped to enjoy the beautiful window display at your local bakery store, pointing out the assortments of pastries you’ll most likely be buying for the office party, when you look up to your friend.  

The sight alone is breathtaking, not one to usually smile or show his emotions, he stands under the store lights, a beautiful smile on his face, and his cheeks and the tip of his nose red from the cold.  

“You should smile more.” 

You’re awakened by the conversation outside your room and the sounds from the machines around you.  It’s something you’ve grown accustomed to since you were admitted to the hospital a couple of months ago.

Once you sit up, your gaze lowers as one of your hands lays flat against your growing stomach, cherishing the small life growing within you.  The physical manifestation of the love you and your partner have for one another, exchanging the dangerous world life of a sorcerer for a simple life, a family life.  It was everything you hoped it would be.  

Suddenly, a figure walks across your room and finds a place to sit on the edge of your bed.  A hand reaches towards you, soft fingers interlock with yours and cause you to look up.  Before you can even utter a single word, he shakes his head to stop you from speaking and gives you a tender smile. 

His hand gives you a tight squeeze before moving to lay his palm flat against your covered stomach.  His smile only grows wider feeling the little one moving as if the child could sense the familiar presence and in return, their tiny feet push upwards so their father could feel their precious presence.   

It’s these tiny moments, simple touches, gentle smiles, and the love that envelop the both of you…  Ready to give up everything you know, just to enjoy the peaceful life that happily awaits the both of you. 

He lets go of your belly and his hands reach up to cup both of your cheeks in his palm, allowing the pads of his thumbs to brush along your cheeks, attempting to bring your face closer to his. 

The gentle pressure of tiny feet kicking your bladder, causes you to chuckle and pull away slightly.  As you look into his green eyes, the sight that only moments ago filled you with such joy, you can feel the sense of sorrow slowly replacing it. 

He shakes his head again already aware of what you are going to do, and tries to distract you by pulling you closer to his chest.  

His palms are warm and soft against your cheeks, soothing your worries that somehow you failed to notice.  You find yourself even more confused as the pads of his thumbs smooth away the stray tears that are staining the apple of your cheeks. 

Wait, when did you start crying?  Why are you crying? 

You try to pull away,...   

“Don’t,...”  it’s the first thing he says, his voice so soft and filled with pain.

Your gaze flicks back up, searching within his eyes to see if they are hiding anything from you.  Something wasn’t right, missing from his gaze…  The small light that usually casts such a distinct glow around his irises, is gone. 

It finally dawns on you, the air around you is quiet…  The usual chatter from the hospital staff outside, the beeping from those machines in the corner of your room…  The fetal monitor that would echo each of your baby’s movements…. 

Your heart skips a beat, your cheeks grow warmer and a new wave of tears comes forth. 

His lips quiver for a moment, but he regains his composure to ensure you don’t break further.  Your hands reach up, fingers interlocking with his as he still holds your cheeks. The small whimpers that you make tear at his already broking heart.

Your rock, the other half of your very soul…  The person that you’ve had by your side since he agreed to that first date. 

One of his hands leaves the comfort of yours, reaching into his pocket, and pulls out something wrapped in that familiar handkerchief of his.  He lays the object on your lap before pulling you forward and capturing your trembling lips against his own.  

The kiss is chaste, a bittersweet feeling lingers as you try to remember the shape of his lips, his taste, and his warmth against yours.  You don’t want to part, but your senses come to when you feel your lungs burn and ache for the air they desperately cry for.  As you both break the kiss, you refuse to pull too far, wanting to feel his breath tickle your bottom lip. 

“I-I…” you try to speak, if only the lump would dislodge from your throat.  “I promise to do laundry every day…  I’ll make sure your favorite coffee mug is washed and stored in its usual spot.” 

More tears sting the corner of your eyes, and your breath hitch when you feel his fingers cup your chip.  

“I-I’ll make sure to care for Itadori as best I can.” your voice trembles once again but you try to compose yourself before looking up at him and giving him a tearful smile.  “I promise you…  I love you so much.” one of your hands takes his and places it on your stomach.  “We both love you.” 

“Thank you.” 

His voice echoes into the back of your mind, while you suddenly come to.  The chatter from outside your room returns, followed by the beeping coming from the machines.  You’re still stuck in a semi-daze, staring at the edge of your bed where he was sitting. 

Movements from within your belly seem to help break the spell you found yourself in.  Wiping the tears that stuck to the corner of your lashes before looking down.  The object that was wrapped in the familiar leopard print handkerchief was still on your lap.  Your hands stayed frozen in place until you found the courage to lower them and grab it.  

“The ability to speak with any souls before they cross over.” his expression remained the same, but his eyes showed a hint of curiosity. 

“I always thought it was a weird ability.” you chuckle sweetly, remembering all those strange moments as a child when spirits would desperately find you and request your help to pass on one last message to loved ones.  “But as I grow older…  I find it a little more comforting.  Being able to help someone find closure, with someone’s final message.” 

Your body trembles as you break down crying again, holding his watch close to your chest.  The message engraved on the inner surface of the watch is still left intact, with no scratches or splatter on the metal.  Everything seemed perfect, but the hands remained still…  

[21:25] 

“You never know, I may actually find my own use in my abilities someday.” you aren’t sure why that left your mouth, but you turn back to look at him and smile.  “Anyways, how about that date Kento?”

[hamliet]

Invincible: Proving the Superhero Genre Invincible

Another story I've watched recently is Invincible. I know it's based on comics, which I'll get around to eventually.

Despite masquerading as a dark deconstruction of the superhero story, the story is actually far more a hopeful coming-of-age story that just happens to don a gory costume. You can tell the writers love superhero comics, and that they aren't deconstructing it out of disdain but instead out of a desire to see what the main principles are.

In other words, it's far more akin to Hunter x Hunter's take on deconstructing shonen or even ASOIAF's spin on fantasy literature (matching the violence too) than it is a cynical, nihilistic tale with intent to ridicule. Love and friendships win the day. It's just complex to navigate them in a world where there has been so much hurt.

I wish Horikoshi had read a little more of this.

The tl;dr is that the world's Number One hero turns out to be working for a planet of alien colonizers who live forever and subjugate other lifeforms because they believe they're saving them. This gets to the heart of a thematic question often asked in the superhero genre but not often well-explored - what does it mean to save someone who doesn't want to be saved? Are there valid reasons to not want to be saved? What even counts as not wanting to be saved, and does perspective alter that? Is it not wanting to be saved for humans to cling to their fragile and short lives and free will when they could lose free will and have no more sickness and pain?

The story explores this through many different aspects and characters--from Eve being genetically engineered, to the boys turned into cyborgs, to Mark finding out his entire life has been a lie, to government bureaucracy running the superhero world. And just because the series affirms free will doesn't mean it's blind to the pitfalls of this, or that it doesn't explore the gray areas in which we live--namely, when to listen to others and obey orders, and when not to.

In addition to free will, the series affirms that one of the top gifts of humanity is love. Love is what wakes up the cyborgs when their emotions have been pried from their brains. Love is something intrinsic that can't be perfectly defined and doesn't listen to logic, yet also isn't purely emotional. It's powerful, and it's a weakness. It can save, but not always. (For example, Mark's love for his dad, the cyborg's love for his boyfriend, etc. But Eve's parents love for her doesn't save).

My favorite episode of the story is the final one in season 1, where Mark's father puts him through an overly literal lesson of the trolley problem and then tries to kill his own son. And then there's that one line:

Omni-Man: Why did you make me do this? You're fighting so you can watch everyone around you die! Think, Mark! You'll outlast every fragile, insignificant being on this planet. You'll live to see this world crumble to dust and blow away! Everyone and everything you know will be gone! What will have after 500 years? Mark: I'd still have you.

Really he has 0 reason to still want his father around at this point. And yet that single line contains so much power about what the series is saying.

Mark shouldn't still love his father, logically speaking. Even emotionally, he's determined to stop his father by any means necessary. But, he chooses to still love him, no matter what that means. Whether he lives or dies. Because whether he dies then or later, in that moment he loves his father. And it's so illogical and against what Omni-Man has been trying to literally beat into his son, yet so real, that it pauses destruction.

It doesn't fix anything. Not by a long shot. Not Mark and his father's relationship, not the world, not the plan of Omni-Man's Space!British Empire. Not Mark himself, as Mark will go on to make some pretty intensely Bad mistakes himself. But it means, in that moment, that a life is spared. And that single life is worth sparing (saving).

(This is how you write an abuser-son redemptive love arc!)

Mark and his parents are well done as characters, complex and flawed. I did wish the show had shown more of the ugly side of Debbie's grief (which they apparently do in the comics). I really would like women to be less sanitized, even if that means they act in despicable ways.

That said, the best female character is undoubtedly Eve. The special that chronicles her origin was brilliantly written--one of the best hours of TV I've watched. It's poignant and , despite being horror scifi cyberpunk in some ways, also realistic in how it portrays humanity. I appreciated that her adoptive parents were extremely complex for background characters. They desperately wanted a child, but not necessarily her. Her mom loves her, but still wishes she was someone else, and her father is just a bad dad. Of course, this is underscored by the fact that she's not their biological daughter, but I don't know that it would have been different if she was.

Plus, Eve and Mark are a great couple, though they take a bit too long to get together.

On that note, I also liked Amber as a character, but I thought the writing kind of didn't know what to do with Mark and Amber at times. Clearly they wanted this relationship to demonstrate the struggles of Mark trying to balance being a superhero with a normal high school life, but the writers were actually a bit too harsh on Mark at times. (I know, right?) I thought the main conflict between them in season 1 (about his identity) was unfairly framed as only Mark's fault when it wasn't, and it wasn't resolved in a satisfactory way.

Ultimately, though, the story is about humanity and all its ways of attempting to create superhumans. Science. Religion. Aliens. Living forever. Strength. Cyborgs. But what it affirms is that there is so much that is beautiful about humanity, and what transcends humanity are the traits we all can have--love and free will.