#EmotionalSupport

[wandering-winchesters]

Dean Winchester Masterlist

First Moments- Masterlist of the First Moments series.

Darkest Night- The reader loses someone close to her, Dean is close for comfort

Hunt Gone Wrong - The reader is injured while on a hunt, but doesn’t want the boys to know. Considering it should have been an easy hunt.

Not A Demon In Hell - The reader is taken by a Djinn, follows Dean as he does everything in his power to get her back. 

If this is how I go, it’s worth it - the reader is injured saving Dean. 

Please don’t shut me out  - the reader deals with depression and anxiety, Dean seeks to help her. 

Crossroads, Crossroads II, Crossroads III- (SPOILERS) Based around the time period of Season 2, when Dean makes a deal with the crossroads demon. The reader finds out that he made a deal, and what follows.

Nightmares-The reader has a nightmare and Dean is there to wake her. After, he questions what caused the nightmare. 

A Million Times More- The reader and Dean make a pit stop on the way back from a hunt, will their true feelings finally be revealed? 

Bad Feeling-The reader has a bad feeling about a hunt, the boys ignore it and she gets hurt.

Burning Up - the reader is sick and Dean takes care of her. Lots of fluff. 

The Mark Of Cain - Dean has the mark of cain, and Y/N is normally the one who can calm him. However, this time things go too far. 

Down Range- The reader is new to hunting and Dean takes her to learn how to shoot.

Premonitions- The reader has always had visions, but now they’re changing and causing her physical harm.

Not Yourself- The reader has been feeling off, ever since a nasty encounter with a demon.

Who Did This To You? -Sam and the reader are close friends, Dean on the other hand is kept at a distance. The reader has a boyfriend, who turns out to be abusive. What will happen when Dean finds out?

Tragedy -The reader is used to hunting solo, yet this solo hunt does not turn out quite like she had hoped. She is required to call on Dean and Sam after she is injured.

Hopeless - The reader can feel her depression creeping back in and eventually seeks comfort from Dean, who greets her with open arms.

When the Storm Clouds Rolls in- On a particularly hard day, the reader relies on Dean for comfort.

Haunted- the reader gets ghost sickness

Do It- The reader is taken captive and has given up hope of being rescued or escaping. Yet when Dean does appear, his life is the one at stake.

Don't Push Your Luck- After a bad argument with Dean, over the reader putting herself in danger, another hunt goes wrong. Will there be time to reveal the feelings that lie beneath the anger?

Grief- The reader loses her grandfather and eventually seeks comfort from Dean.

Take Me Back- Based on the song, The Night We Met by Lord Huron

Letters- Love Letter from Dean

A Calm in the Storm- When the world feels like it’s closing in, Dean is there to pull you back from the edge.

Steady Hands- When the weight of the world becomes too much, Dean is there to hold you together.

Breaking the Walls- Dean struggles with his growing feelings for you, battling the fear of letting you in while also being terrified of losing you.

The Weight of Darkness- In the midst of depression's grip, Dean's presence offers a glimmer of hope and the promise that you don't have to face it alone.

Under the Stars- you share a quiet, intimate moment in the woods, where a simple hand-holding leads to a deeper connection under the starry night sky.

A Moment too Late - A hunt goes wrong, leaving you seriously injured and Dean grappling with guilt. But through it all, the bond you share only grows stronger as you both fight through the pain and recovery together.

Comfort in the Dark- Dean Winchester seeks solace in your embrace during a vulnerable night.

Reunited - After days of fear and separation, you reunite with Dean.

When the Line is Crossed-What was supposed to be a simple night at the bar turns dangerous, but Dean steps in to protect you when it matters most.

A Cold Night's Warmth -On a freezing night after a hunt gone wrong, Dean Winchester quietly offers comfort

After the Battle - After a grueling hunt, you and Dean share a rare moment of closeness.

No Room for Blame- After a hunt leaves you injured saving Sam, a tense and emotional ride back to the motel forces Dean to confront his fear, anger, and the unbreakable bond between the three of you.

Unspoken Feelings - What started as simple, comforting snuggles between friends gradually deepens into something more

A Desperate Moment I, A Desperate Moment II -After a life-threatening hunt, Dean, overwhelmed by fear and desperation.

Sleepless Confessions- In the stillness of the bunker’s kitchen, a sleepless night turns into a tense, unspoken confession between you and Dean.

Wreckage- The things you see as Dean is taken by the hell hounds.

[echoesofphilip]

[sunny-essa-pups]

Me and my new boy! 💕

[jellofish-plant]

Explosive Dynamics

Pairing: Rex Splode x reader

part 2 || [Masterlist]

The call for backup had come in fast. Your team a trio of specialized fighters mentored by a seasoned hero was already deep in enemy territory when Teen Team arrived. You adjusted your grip on your weapon, eyeing the newcomers as they landed.

"Took you long enough," you muttered, stepping forward. Your squad stood behind you, each carrying the telltale signs of a long and exhausting fight.

Rex Splode grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Relax, we’re here now. Try not to get in our way."

You rolled your eyes. Typical. You’d read his file cocky, impulsive, but undeniably effective. His attitude reminded you too much of a certain someone on your own team, and you weren’t in the mood for another headache.

"Let’s focus on the mission," your mentor interjected before the tension escalated. "We need to take down the supply depot ahead. It’s fortified and heavily guarded. Teen Team, you’ll assist in breaking the defenses. My team will handle the infiltration."

"Sounds like a plan," Atom Eve agreed, casting a wary glance between you and Rex. "Let’s not waste time."

The mission began smoothly at least, as smoothly as a high-stakes battle could. You and your teammates moved in sync, striking from the shadows while Teen Team engaged the guards head-on. But then, a miscalculation. A new wave of reinforcements surged in, cutting you off from your team. You barely had time to react before a blast went off nearby, sending you sprawling.

"Gotcha!" Rex’s voice called as he yanked you back to your feet. "What, no ‘thank you’?"

You scowled, dusting yourself off. "I wouldn’t have needed saving if you hadn’t blown up the wrong support beam."

"Hey, collateral damage is part of the charm."

"It’s also part of the problem!"

Despite the bickering, you fought well together. His explosive abilities paired surprisingly well with your precise strikes, clearing a path through the chaos. By the time the depot was in ruins and the enemy forces scattered, you had to admit grudgingly that Rex wasn’t entirely useless.

"Not bad," you admitted as you regrouped with the others.

He smirked. "Not bad yourself. Maybe next time, we don’t argue in the middle of a fight?"

"Maybe next time, you think before blowing things up."

Rex laughed, tossing an arm around your shoulder before you could protest. "You know, I think I like you."

Your face heated, but you shoved him off, pretending not to care. "In your dreams, hotshot."

But as you walked away, you couldn’t help the small smile tugging at your lips. Maybe this team-up wasn’t so bad after all.

[marandsviet]

The deepest forms of loneliness often stem not from being alone, but from feeling unseen in our pain. True healing begins when we find those who can sit with us in our darkest moments without trying to fix us.

[readersmagnet]

Discover "One Caregiver's Journey" by Eleanor Gaccetta, a heartfelt exploration of Caregiving in the New Normal Regaining Work-Life Balance. This insightful book offers practical strategies and emotional support for caregivers striving to balance their personal and professional lives while caring for loved ones.

Learn practical tips, find encouragement, and embrace your caregiving journey with resilience and hope. Ready to reclaim your balance? Visit https://onecaregiversjourney.com/one-caregivers-journey-by-eleanor-gaccetta/ today!

[emroserichs]

Their relationship showed how real emotional support can be even more powerful than any physical battle. It’s about having someone’s back, trusting in them when others won’t, and sticking together through the messiness. What made their connection so genuine was that they weren’t just surviving.. they were lifting each other up, even when the odds were stacked high 🥹

[ayawriteshsr]

Hi, hi! I was thinking if it is possible that you can write a request, jing yuan x fem/ afab gn reader who was abused during childhood? Most of the time by her brother but parents weren't angels either, the only thing they could was yelling. If you want to be more specific, it was emotional and sexual.

Like they try to heal, go to a therapist but their past sometimes hunts them? They also struggle with showing emotions and they are rather shy and insecure.

I know this is a sensitive topic, do feel free to ignore that <3

Pairing: Jing Yuan x Fem/AFAB GN Reader

Summary: After years of emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of her brother and neglect from her parents, the reader struggles to heal from the trauma. Though they try their best to move forward with therapy and support, the past sometimes comes crashing back. Jing Yuan, ever patient and understanding, offers the space and warmth needed for healing. But can love truly help someone move beyond the scars of their past?

Warnings: Mentions of emotional and sexual abuse, childhood trauma, sensitive themes, heavy emotional topics, mentions of therapy, references to self-doubt, insecure feelings, slow burn.

You were seated by the window in the dim light of the evening, the world outside painted in hues of orange and pink as the sun began to set. Jing Yuan stood a few steps away, a quiet presence that never failed to bring you some sense of calm. His gaze was gentle, always understanding, never prying—just there when you needed him, which was becoming more often than you'd care to admit.

The scars of your past, emotional and otherwise, were invisible to most people. You'd learned to hide them well, or at least put on a mask that fooled everyone. But Jing Yuan saw through it. He saw the quiet in your eyes, the hesitation in your voice, the way you recoiled at the slightest hint of confrontation. He'd never press you to explain, but he was always there, a steady force, his presence like an anchor.

You had spent years trying to distance yourself from the memories of your childhood—the yelling, the hurtful words, the way you had learned to brace yourself for the pain that always followed. The scars that no one could see, the ones that were etched deep within you, still haunted your every waking moment.

There were nights when you could hear your brother’s voice echoing in your mind, cruel and harsh, pushing you to a place you desperately wished you could forget. And even your parents, though their voices lacked the malice of your brother’s, still held the sting of their unspoken disappointments and neglect. They didn’t hit you, but the silence in the house was often louder than any shout. You had learned to hide your tears, to suppress your emotions—no one wanted to deal with a broken child.

Jing Yuan never rushed you, though. You would often lie awake at night, tangled in your sheets, wondering if you'd ever truly escape your past. He never pushed you to open up, but whenever you needed to talk, his gentle voice was always there, guiding you through the maze of your thoughts. He'd never judge you for the things you'd been through.

It was one of those nights, the world silent outside, when you found yourself sitting next to him on the couch, your head resting on his shoulder, a soft sigh escaping your lips. You hadn’t spoken much that evening, just the comfortable silence of being with someone who understood the quiet of your soul. But the unease you carried in your chest felt heavier than usual, and you couldn't hold back anymore.

"I... sometimes, it feels like I'm still trapped in it," you murmured, your voice barely above a whisper.

Jing Yuan’s hand rested lightly on yours, his fingers warm and steady. “You’re not trapped anymore,” he said softly, his tone unwavering. “You don’t have to carry this burden alone. I’m here. And I’ll be here for as long as you need me.”

Your heart squeezed at his words, but the tears you had long since buried began to rise. You could feel the weight of them pressing at the edges of your eyes, and for once, you didn’t try to hold them back. Jing Yuan’s arms wrapped around you, pulling you gently against him, offering a quiet comfort that said everything his words could not.

"I don't know how to stop feeling... broken," you confessed, your voice trembling despite yourself. "How can you love someone so messed up, Ji?"

Jing Yuan’s hand stroked your hair, his touch tender. "I don't see you as broken. I see you as someone who has been through something unimaginable, but you're still here. You're still fighting. That strength... it’s something I admire."

His words, simple as they were, somehow made the weight on your chest ease, even if just a little. For the first time in a long while, you felt like you could breathe a little easier.

[fizermusic]

It's okay to reach out Singer: Autumn Hart

[wandering-winchesters]

Unspoken Feelings

Summary: What started as simple, comforting snuggles between friends gradually deepens into something more

It started as something simple, something innocent. Just a couple of friends seeking comfort in each other after a particularly rough hunt. You and Dean had always been close—there was an unspoken bond between you, forged through countless battles, late-night heart-to-hearts, and a mutual understanding of the life you both led.

The first time it happened, you didn’t think much of it. You were both sitting on the couch in the bunker’s library, exhausted and battered from the latest hunt. The adrenaline had worn off, leaving behind the aches and bruises, both physical and emotional. You’d been talking about nothing in particular, just letting the words fill the space, when you suddenly found yourself leaning against Dean, your head resting on his shoulder.

To your surprise, Dean didn’t pull away. Instead, he wrapped an arm around you, pulling you a little closer, his hand resting comfortably on your arm. It was a simple, platonic gesture, one that felt natural, even necessary in that moment. The comfort of his presence, the steady rhythm of his breathing, it all made you feel safe, grounded.

“Rough night,” you murmured, your voice muffled against his shoulder.

Dean chuckled softly, the sound rumbling through his chest. “You can say that again.”

You didn’t say anything else, and neither did he. The silence between you was comfortable, familiar. You stayed like that for a while, just leaning on each other, taking solace in the fact that, for the moment, you were both okay. It was just a quiet, comforting moment shared between two friends who had seen more than their fair share of darkness.

After that night, it became a sort of unspoken tradition. Whenever the world felt too heavy, whenever the hunts took too much out of you, you’d find yourself sitting next to Dean, letting your head rest on his shoulder, his arm draped casually around you. Sometimes you’d talk, sometimes you’d just sit in silence, but the snuggles became a constant—a small, quiet escape from the chaos of your lives.

Over time, those moments became more frequent. It wasn’t just after hunts anymore. Sometimes, you’d be watching a movie, and you’d find yourself leaning into him, or you’d be sitting at the kitchen table, and he’d rest his hand on your back, just a simple touch that made you feel connected, understood.

You didn’t think much of it at first. It was just Dean—Dean who always had your back, who always knew what you needed, even before you did. But as the weeks went by, you started to notice the little things. The way your heart would skip a beat when his hand brushed against yours, the way your breath would hitch when he pulled you closer during one of your late-night snuggles, the way you found yourself craving his touch more and more.

It was confusing, this shift in your feelings, but you didn’t let yourself dwell on it. After all, it was just Dean. Your friend, your hunting partner, the one person you could always count on. And yet, something had changed. The snuggles that had once been purely platonic were beginning to feel like something more, something deeper.

You started to notice that Dean was different too. He held you a little tighter, his hand lingering on your arm or your back a little longer than before. His touches were softer, more deliberate, like he was savoring the contact. There were moments when you’d catch him looking at you, his green eyes filled with something that made your heart race, but he’d always look away before you could figure out what it was.

One night, after a particularly stressful day, you found yourself in Dean’s room. You hadn’t planned on going there, but when you passed by his door and saw the light on, your feet had carried you inside before you could think twice about it.

Dean was sitting on the edge of his bed, his shoulders slumped, clearly exhausted. He looked up when you walked in, a small, tired smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Can’t sleep either, huh?”

You shook your head, feeling a wave of warmth and affection for him wash over you. “No. Mind won’t shut off.”

Dean patted the space beside him, and you didn’t hesitate to sit down next to him, the familiar comfort of his presence already easing some of the tension in your chest.

Without a word, he wrapped an arm around you, pulling you close, and you rested your head against his shoulder, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing beneath your cheek. The quiet settled over you both, and for a while, you just sat there, letting the silence do the talking.

But tonight, something felt different. The way Dean’s hand was resting on your back, the way his thumb was gently tracing patterns on your skin—it felt more intimate, more intentional than it had before. Your heart started to race, and you couldn’t help but wonder if he was feeling it too, if he’d noticed the shift between you.

“Dean,” you whispered, your voice barely audible in the stillness of the room.

“Yeah?” he replied, his voice just as soft, almost hesitant.

You hesitated, unsure of how to put what you were feeling into words. “Do you ever… do you ever think about us? About what this is?”

Dean was quiet for a moment, and you could feel his breath hitch slightly, like he was trying to figure out how to respond. Finally, he spoke, his voice low, almost vulnerable. “Yeah, I do. More than I probably should.”

You lifted your head to look at him, your heart pounding in your chest. His expression was serious, his green eyes searching yours like he was looking for something, anything, to tell him what you were thinking.

“What if…” you began, your voice trembling slightly. “What if this is something more? What if it’s not just… comfort?”

Dean’s gaze softened, and he reached up to cup your cheek, his thumb brushing gently over your skin. “I think… I think maybe it’s always been something more,” he admitted, his voice rough with emotion. “I just didn’t want to mess things up by saying it out loud.”

Your breath caught in your throat, and you felt a rush of warmth spread through you at his words. All the little moments, the touches, the way he held you close—it all made sense now.

“So, what do we do now?” you asked, your voice barely more than a whisper.

Dean’s thumb continued to stroke your cheek, his touch so tender it made your heart ache. “We figure it out,” he said softly. “Together. One step at a time. If… if that’s what you want.”

You nodded, leaning into his touch, your eyes never leaving his. “It is, Dean. It really is.”

A slow, relieved smile spread across his face, and he leaned in, pressing his forehead against yours. “Good,” he murmured. “Because I’m all in, Y/N. I want this, with you.”

And with that, the distance between you disappeared. Dean’s lips met yours in a gentle, lingering kiss that was filled with all the emotions you’d both been holding back for so long. It was soft, tentative, but it spoke of promises and possibilities, of something real and deep and lasting.

When you finally pulled back, you were both breathless, your foreheads still resting together, the world outside fading away.

“So, I guess our snuggles aren’t so platonic anymore,” you teased, a smile tugging at your lips.

Dean chuckled softly, his thumb brushing over your lips. “No, I guess not. But I’m okay with that.”

“Me too,” you whispered, your heart full as you wrapped your arms around him, pulling him close once more.

And as you settled back into his embrace, the line between friendship and something more blurred completely, leaving behind only the warmth of his arms around you, the steady beat of his heart beneath your cheek, and the certainty that whatever came next, you’d face it together.

Taglist: @roseblue373 @jc-winchester @hobby27 @mishreem

[navigatingenm]

A deep dive into still waters: How to self-soothe in waves of Whoosh - Part 3

Therapeutic Models and Self-Soothing

Therapeutic models provide structured approaches to understanding and managing difficult emotions like jealousy. This section offers an overview of some key models—Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based approaches—and how they inform the techniques you’ll explore in the next section on practical self-soothing strategies.

It’s worth noting that while these models can be very effective for many people, they don’t work for everyone. Therapeutic approaches like CBT, in particular, are sometimes critiqued for focusing on individual emotional regulation rather than addressing broader, systemic or relational issues that may contribute to distress. This doesn’t make these techniques ineffective, but it’s important to recognise that self-soothing practices often form part of a larger emotional toolkit, which may include exploring the social, structural, and relational contexts of your emotions.

A. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, which are often at the root of intense emotions like jealousy. CBT offers two main contributions to self-soothing:

Thought Restructuring: This technique helps you challenge automatic thoughts, such as “I’m not enough” or “My partner prefers someone else,” and replace them with more balanced perspectives. Thought restructuring, as discussed further in Section IV, can be combined with other grounding or relaxation techniques to break emotional spirals.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that CBT primarily addresses internal thought patterns and behaviours, which can sometimes feel inadequate for those dealing with deeper, external challenges—such as relational dynamics or broader societal pressures—that contribute to distress.

Behavioral Activation: Engaging in positive activities to disrupt rumination is another cornerstone of CBT. This technique encourages you to replace cycles of negative thinking with activities that promote well-being. Section IV will delve deeper into how to incorporate these activities into your daily routine, particularly when managing emotions like jealousy.

Though helpful for many, it’s crucial to recognise that the focus on individual behaviour change can sometimes overlook the relational or contextual factors that influence emotional experiences. CBT’s approach might not resonate with everyone, particularly those looking to address more systemic or interpersonal elements of their emotional responses.

B. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotional regulation skills that help you tolerate and manage overwhelming emotions like jealousy. Two core contributions of DBT include:

Distress Tolerance Skills: Techniques like the TIPP strategy (Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced Breathing, Progressive Relaxation) offer immediate relief from acute emotional distress. You can explore detailed application of these techniques in Section IV, which includes guidance on creating a personalised toolkit.

Emotional Regulation: DBT also emphasizes building long-term emotional resilience by incorporating positive emotional experiences and learning to check the facts of a situation. This ties into Section IV’s discussion of regular emotional check-ins and long-term strategies for self-soothing.

C. Mindfulness-Based Approaches

Mindfulness-based approaches, including mindfulness meditation and loving-kindness meditation, focus on staying present and cultivating compassion for yourself and others. These practices allow you to observe emotions without becoming overwhelmed by them.

Mindfulness Meditation: Practicing mindfulness helps you stay grounded during moments of emotional distress. Section IV will cover how to integrate mindfulness into your self-soothing toolkit for both immediate relief and long-term resilience.

Loving-Kindness Meditation: This practice encourages compassion and reduces emotional pain, particularly when dealing with jealousy or insecurity. Further details on how to incorporate loving-kindness into your daily routine can be found in Section IV, where we explore its role in daily self-soothing practices.

D. Somatic Experiencing and Embodied Practices

Somatic experiencing focuses on the connection between the mind and body. Techniques like grounding and breathwork help release physical tension associated with distress.

Grounding Techniques and Breathwork: These methods calm the nervous system by bringing attention back to the body and breath. Section IV provides step-by-step guidance on using grounding and breathwork in real time to manage distress and reduce physical symptoms of emotional overload.

Overview of this Guide

Introduction

The Neuroscience of Self-Soothing Understand how the brain processes emotions and how self-soothing techniques can help rewire emotional responses.

Therapeutic Models and Self-Soothing Techniques Explore structured approaches like CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and somatic practices to manage overwhelming emotions.

Practical Approaches to Self-Soothing Learn step-by-step methods for building a self-soothing toolkit and applying techniques during emotional surges.

Understanding and Integrating Your Experience Discover how to use self-reflection, journaling, and self-compassion to understand emotional patterns and improve resilience.

Conclusion: Embracing the Process A reminder that self-soothing is an ongoing journey of building emotional resilience and finding balance.

[sunny-essa-pups]

Me and Honey are out at a restaurant! We have fried ice cream, it was soooo good!

More pics later! We're going grocery shopping too :D

[queka-store]

Omg, I can't believe how a journey that started with an AI art addiction led me to discover a community I feel so comfortable with! 💖✨

It all began when I got heavily addicted to AI generating and made hundreds of pictures, day and night just not to feel, just not to collapse... But as much as I loved creating, it led me straight and deeply into a financial crisis 💸 I turned to Claude AI for help, and it suggested selling my best AI creations on Redbubble. I figured, why not? I'm really proud of some of them, and even though I felt a bit ashamed for using AI for therapy and my dark and painful sides I never had the caurage to show before... It was too expensive (it is still cheaper than a professional listener), I decided to give it a shot... Hoping to gain back a bit of money to hold my head above the water. Redbubble suggested sharing my art here

and that's when I stumbled upon the most incredible platform, filled with people I can relate to on so many levels. 🥰 Even though I haven't sold anything on Redbubble in 3 months (maybe I never will, and that's okay - just another cool mistake in my life journey 😅), I feel happiness. The wonderful people in the private chat brighten my day and make it all worth it.

Through this journey, I am meeting here new friends, discovering fascinating perspectives, and connecting to a supportive community that I never knew I needed. 🙌 So even if I'm at the rock bottom of my life right now, I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have you.

Thank you for existing, everyone! You've made this wild ride better for me. 😊💫

[jellofish-plant]

Explosive Moments

Pairing: Rex Splode x Reader Summary: Sometimes, even heroes need a break. When you find yourself on a rooftop, escaping the chaos, Rex Splode shows up with snacks and an easy conversation. As you spend a quiet moment together, you realize that amidst the explosions and madness, there’s something calming about being around him. 

[Masterlist]

You were sitting on the rooftop, legs dangling off the edge of the building, the cool breeze of the evening brushing past you. Your thoughts were tangled, like the city below, all hustle and noise, but for you, everything felt so far away. You’d been on your own lately, something that was rare for you considering your usual connection to the Guardians of the Globe.

But today was different. You were finding a moment to breathe, away from it all.

That was when you heard a soft thud behind you. You didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.

“Mind if I join you?” Rex Splode asked, his voice casual yet carrying that usual mischievous tone.

You didn’t reply immediately, instead offering him a small smile as he hopped onto the roof beside you. He sat down next to you, his legs stretched out as he gazed at the skyline, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

“You know,” he started, “I never thought I’d find you up here. You’ve always been the one making sure everyone else’s chaos is managed.” He chuckled lightly. “But here you are, escaping it for once.”

You shrugged, not quite in the mood to talk about work or responsibilities. “Even heroes need a break.”

Rex nodded in agreement, his gaze shifting to you. “Yeah… but you’re always the one holding it together, making sure no one falls apart.” His eyes softened for a moment, but then he quickly changed the subject. “Though, I don’t blame you for needing space. Things have been… weird lately.”

He reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small bag of chips. As if it were the most normal thing in the world, he opened it and handed you a few. “You know, this might not be the healthiest snack, but it’s a damn good one.”

You chuckled and took a few, breaking the silence between you both. “You’re really gonna offer me chips when you could probably explode any building you want?”

“Gotta keep it balanced,” he grinned, a smirk spreading across his face. “I can’t just go blowing things up all the time. Not that I haven’t been tempted,” he added with a playful wink.

It was moments like these that made you forget about all the chaos surrounding you. Rex had a way of making things feel lighter, even if just for a little while. He was reckless, impulsive, and undeniably charming. But underneath it all, you knew there was more to him than the persona he put on. You saw it, the side of him that cared deeply, the side that protected those close to him in his own way.

“Seriously though, you good?” he asked, his tone dropping for a second, genuine concern in his voice.

You nodded, though there was a certain heaviness in your chest that you hadn’t been able to shake. “Yeah, just… figuring things out.”

He leaned back, staring up at the stars, his shoulders relaxing. “Well, whatever you decide, I’ve got your back,” he said, his voice steady and unyielding. “No matter what happens, I won’t let anything blow up in your face… figuratively or literally.”

You couldn’t help but laugh at that, the tension in your chest easing just a little. Rex had that effect on you, the ability to make everything feel less daunting. Maybe you didn’t have all the answers yet, but you knew one thing for sure: having him by your side made things a lot easier.

With one last look at the city, you stood up, ready to face whatever came next.

“So,” Rex said, pushing himself to his feet. “You coming back to the team or what?”

You looked at him, a soft smile playing at the corner of your lips. “Maybe. But I’m not ready for chaos just yet.”

Rex raised an eyebrow. “You sure you’re not addicted to it? I know I am.”

You both shared a laugh, and for the first time in a while, everything felt like it might just be okay.

[thephidang]

I'm Grateful For...

I'm grateful for all that my heart feels. I'm grateful for the way it beats with pride and joy. I'm grateful in the way it floats with excitement and swells with tenderness. I'm grateful when it feels heavy and anchored. I'm grateful when it feels like it's being crushed alive. I'm grateful when it swoons with delight and wonder. I'm grateful when it beats slowly and gently. I'm grateful when it races to the rush and thrill of it all. I'm grateful when it aches and I feel every time it bleeds. I'm grateful when it rushes off the cliff and suspends itself for a moment in time. I'm grateful because my heart reminds me I'm alive.

Phi Dang (@thephidang)

[watermelontheraphy]

I. tears and ears.

i have been feeling so frustrated these days, i have kept the sorrows and thoughts solely within the comfort of my silence... but that silence has done nothing but make my mind drift into daze, and little did i know, i was falling into a dark pit of my hay-wired rumbunctious subconsciousness that drags me deeper down the hell hole. making me feel as awful as i could ever felt in my entire life.

i was trapped. trampled by the voices that i thought would be better off unsaid...

maybe, in some ways, it'll be better to stay silent... but little did i know, the fire within me started to perish.

they're persistent to tear me down, my thoughts.

and finally, a breath of fresh air... i finally let go of the voices that were ramming the walls of my chest.

there was a companion whose persistency never faltered, just as i almost lost my will... they were willing to listen.

i couldn't even hear myself, yet alone find the right words to say. but the tears fell off, and they told the story... i was tired, exhausted, unwilling to live.

and god knows how big of a relief it was to feel listened to.

ctto: @deaddolly1 from pinterest for the image above !

no capitalization intended.