#I definitely fall into the more extreme end of doing this I don't think including AS MUCH vulgarity as I do is the only way to do it

[taraxippos]

I see people complain that their immersion is broken when a book set in a historical period uses general contemporary slang/swear words/informal terms ('lads', 'guys', etc) etc and it's just like. You do realize that every language in every era was 'modern' to its users and had at least some vulgarity and slang right? Writing in vaguely 'old timey' speech solely on the basis that it took place a long time ago does not add any realism and if anything kind of detracts from it imo.

Like if you're writing a story in english + in a way that's legible to contemporary english language readers that takes place any time/anywhere that people did not speak contemporary english, you're already 'translating'. I feel like this 'translation' is made more complete by including at least Some vulgarity, informal speech, etc where the core underlying concepts and uses of these words are applicable to the setting. It makes the characters more human, not distanced from the reader by artificially antiquating them with a language that is exclusively hyper-formal and neutered in scope.

[canirove]

Pedri Imagine | two

Author's note: This is something kind of short I got inspired to write after seeing the pic of Pedri and Eric I'm using in the header, though in my head it was with someone else instead of a girl, and that version of this imagine will be going up later today 👀 Hope you like it, and thank you for reading! 💜

Little summary: Pedri and you have had a crush on each other for a while, but neither of you have been brave enough to ask the other out until…

Masterlist

“Look at her, bro. Isn't she like the most beautiful woman you've ever seen?”

“I guess.”

“You guess? C'mon, Pedri. Look at her. Look at that smile.”

“Eric, did you just sigh?” Pedri chuckles.

“How not to” he sighs again, his eyes fixed on Flick’s translator. 

She had only been working for the club for a few months, but basically everyone in the team had a crush on her. Pedri included. Though unlike everyone else, who had already tried to make a move on her, he had done nothing because he was too shy even if he felt there was some kind of connection between them. 

For example, every time she has caught him looking at her, instead of rolling her eyes and telling him to mind his business or focus on training like she does with the others, she smiles at him, making him feel funny things in his stomach. One time she even winked at him, catching him so by surprise that he tripped with the ball he was playing with and ended up on the floor, his teammates teasing him about his fall for a week. And while with them she gets all serious when they try to joke with her during training, usually telling them that she is there to work, with him it is completely different. Pretty often it is her the one joking with him or teasing him about something, both of them laughing together and having what he would call, a moment. 

So there definitely is something between, but what? He doesn't know.

“Do you think she would say yes to going out with me?”

“What?” Pedri says, trying to stop looking at the way she's biting her lip while reading some papers. He has noticed that she does it when she is focused on something, and he can't help but find it extremely sexy. More than once he's imagined how it would be to bite her lip while kissing her, which is something he should not be thinking about a coworker, but…

“If I ask her to go out on a date with me, do you think she will say yes?”

“She's made it very clear she isn't interested in any player, Eric. That she's here to work, nothing else.”

“I know. But just because she's said no to the others doesn't mean she will say it to me too, you know? Besides, what if she's just playing hard to catch?”

“Doesn't look like something she would do, to be honest.”

“And how do you know, uh? Are you bffs with her now?” Eric says with a teasing smile.

“No” Pedri replies, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Are you sure? Because I've seen you talking and laughing together, and you seem to get along quite well. Are you hiding something from us, Pedri?”

“Something like what?” he says, trying to act normal while praying for his cheeks to not turn bright red.

“I don't know. Maybe she ignores us all because she's interested in you. Because you two are seeing each other in secret.”

“Don't be stupid, Eric” Pedri laughs. “I don't like her and she doesn't like me. We are just friendly because we work together, and the relationship I have with her is the same I have with everyone from the staff.”

“If you say so…”

“Yes, I do. So stop imagining things.”

“Ok, ok…” he says. “But if there isn't anything going on between you two, then you won't mind if I go and ask her out, will you?”

“No, I won't” Pedri says. Though he does mind. Because if for some reason she says yes, they go out and things work out between them, seeing one of his best friends dating the girl he likes won't be easy. At all. 

��Then I'm gonna go shoot my shot. Wish me luck, bro” Eric says, getting up from the cooler where they both were sitting.

“Good luck” Pedri mutters while hating himself. Why can't he be as brave as Eric and be the one asking her out? Why does he have to be such a coward? Why… “Urgh” he groans, picking a ball to have something to focus on that isn't Eric and what he is about to do.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“Is Flick's handwriting that bad?” 

“Uh?” I say, looking up from the papers I was reading.

“That” Eric says, pointing at them. “Did the gaffer write it?”

“I did.”

“Wait, you did? You can't understand your own writing?” he says, trying his best to not laugh.

“I can't, no” I sigh.

“Wow.”

“Yeah, well. Can I help you with something?”

“You definitely can” Eric smiles. “Are you free tomorrow?”

“I… yes. Why?”

“Well, a friend of mine just opened a new restaurant and he has been asking me to go pay him a visit, so I was wondering if you would like to come check it with me.”

“Eric, are you asking me to go on a date with you?” I say, arching an eyebrow.

“I am, yes.”

“Oh, wow” I laugh. “That was a very confident answer, you know? I've liked it. The others usually start mumbling when I ask them.”

“The others aren't me” he shrugs. “So, would you like to accompany me to my friend’s restaurant? We can first have a drink and then have dinner.”

“I…” I say, looking past him at where Pedri is. If only he was the one asking me out… 

Since I started working for Barcelona, basically everyone in the team has tried to make a move with me. Everyone but him, the one I have a connection with. The one I like and that sometimes makes me feel and especially behave like a teenager around her crush. Like when I tease him just to have his attention and make him laugh or smile. 

Because he's cute and hot all at the same time, nice, funny, hearing him talk with that Canarian accent of his makes me swoon, we get along quite well, are comfortable with and around each other… Though maybe not as comfortable as I think since he doesn't seem to care about Eric asking me out, something he definitely knows is happening because I saw them talking together and looking my way before he came. So maybe I should stop wasting my time waiting for him and just say yes to one of the other boys since he doesn't seem to care. Or be the one asking him out. We are in the 21st century, I don't have to wait for a man to do it. I can do it myself. I…

“You…” Eric says, bringing me back to the real world.

“Ok.”

“What?”

“I'll go on a date with you” I say, not quite believing the words that are leaving my mouth.

“Wait, really?”

“Yes, really. We can meet tomorrow after training, first go have that drink and then dinner. Though you are driving, your car is nicer than mine.”

“Yes, of course! Great” he smiles. “Great! Tomorrow after training, then?”

“Tomorrow after training” I repeat, more to myself than him.

“Cool. Ok” Eric says, his smile even wider as he walks back to join the others. To join Pedri, who quickly looks away when he notices I am looking at him. 

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“God, Eric. Do you really need to wear so much perfume?”

“Of course I do. I must look my best for my date” he smiles.

“Smelling as if you've showered in perfume isn't looking your best.”

“If you are jealous just say it, Pedro” he smirks.

“I'm not jealous” Pedri replies, focusing on tying up his shoes. But he is. Of course he is jealous. 

To his surprise and everyone's in the changing room, she had said yes to going out with Eric. And judging by what he had been implying while telling the others about his date, he was planning on also ending the night with her. So if she had already said yes to going out with him, who says she would not also say yes to… to… 

“Enjoy your night” Pedri says, picking up his things to stop thinking about her and Eric together. “And don't be a dick. She doesn't deserve it.”

“I will behave, bro. I promise you” he says while putting on even more perfume, making Pedri roll his eyes before leaving the changing room. 

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“Oh, shit!” I say after bumping into someone. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, don't worry. I… Hi.”

“Hi.”

“You look beautiful” Pedri says.

“Thank you” I reply, focusing on adjusting my dress to not look at him and at the way he is checking me out. Why did I have to cross paths with him on my way to meet with Eric? Why couldn't it be someone else? 

“Does wearing perfume give you a headache?”

“What?” I say, the oddity of his question making me look at him. Since it is Friday and they don't play until Sunday, he hasn't shaved yet and… God. He looks so good. Someone should keep all the razors away from him.

“I just left Eric back in the changing room showering himself in perfume. I'm pretty sure I can smell it on myself too” he chuckles. “So if it is something that bothers you…”

“I think I'll survive.”

“Oh. Ok. Then I… Umm…” he says, running a hand through his hair. “Enjoy your date. He's a great guy.”

“Thank you.”

“Yeah… umm… Bye” he says, walking past me. 

“Pedri, wait.”

“Yes?” he says behind me.

“Eric… Eric is a great guy even if he showers himself in perfume, you are right. But he… he isn't you.”

“He… what?”

“I wish it was you the one taking me on a date tonight” I blurt out, still giving my back to him.

“What?”

“That I…” I say, taking a deep breath before turning around to look at him. “I wish it was you, Pedri. I wish I was going out on a date with you, not Eric. Because I…” like you. Those are the words I would have said if he hadn't suddenly closed the space between us and was kissing me, his hands cupping my face. Because he is kissing me. Pedri is kissing me and… “Did you just bite my lip?” 

“I… sorry” he says as his cheeks turn bright red and I try my best to not smile at the sight of them. Blushed Pedri, either during games or because of his shyness, is one of my favourite things in the world. “I just… I got carried away, I… I'm very sorry.”

“No, no, it's ok. But now I'm gonna have to bite you back” I smirk. “I've been thinking about doing it since the day I met you.”

“What?”

“You have very kissable and biteable lips, Pedri.”

“Oh… ummm… Glad to know we have something in common” he says, the tiniest of smirks showing on his face. “Because your lips also are very kissable and biteable, you know?”

“Kind of guessed it since you just kissed me and bite me” I chuckle. “But I think we have more things than that in common, you know?”

“We do?”

“Yep” I nod. “Fancy finding out about them all while having dinner?”

“Having dinner… as in a date?”

“Yes. A date. Another thing I have been wanting to do for a long time.”

“And another thing we have in common” he chuckles. “Though I haven't been as brave as you.”

“It doesn't matter who asked who. What matters is that it is happening. Shall we?” I say, putting some space between us and offering him my hand. 

“Let's go” Pedri smiles as he takes it. “But wait. What about Eric and your date with him?”

“I'll text him telling him that I'm not feeling well and I have to cancel, don't worry.”

“Ok… I just hope he doesn't get mad at me when he finds out the truth. He's one of my best friends.”

“I'm sure he won't" I say. "Because don't ask why... but I have the feeling everything is going to be alright.” 

And the thing is… that I wasn't wrong. Because as we would find out months later when we make it official that we are dating, there had been someone watching everything that had happened between me and Pedri on that corridor. Someone who had only asked me to go on a date with him hoping it would make Pedri and I stop being cowards and finally make a move. Someone who was smiling from ear to ear as he watched us hold hands and leave to go on our first date. 

Someone, who wasn't other than Eric.

[cheeseceli]

When their S/o is taller than them

Pairing: skz!Ot8 × Gn!Reader (individually)

Genre: fluff, reaction

Request: what either skz or bts would be like with a tall s/o? (5’8”) and while I’m here I just want to say I really love your writing and I look forward to reading your fics <3

Warnings: one kill joke in lee know's, not proofread at all, I think that's it.

A/n: thank you so much for the lovely words 🤍 as a (kinda) tall girl I love to think about this lmao. BTS version here !

Bang Chan

Hugs all the time. He just LOVES how your hugs seem to be different (and better) than anyone else's. Maybe it's because of your height or for the simple fact that you are you but he adores how warm and safe he feels in your arms. His favourite hugs from you are the ones that you either back hug him when he's distracted and put your chin on his shoulder OR when you hug him normally but add a kiss to the crown of his head. He falls more and more in love with you after every hug.

Lee Know

You know he's never gonna admit this but he loves the height difference. Your teasing gets 200% more efficient just because of it (but he'll kill anyone who points out how his ears are getting a little too red). When you guys were just friends but he already had a crush on you, he'd get truly flustered if you got closer than usual, like you were towering him - and he still does, he just likes to pretend he doesn't tbh lmao.

Changbin

We all agreed that this man would have and love and support a taller s/o to the extreme. He's like your personal cheerleader, always making sure to let you know that you are BEAUTIFUL and he loves every single detail about you - your height included. The first to tell people to shut up if someone ever comments on the height difference with a rude tone. Like, he will NOT accept someone trying to say shit about your relationship, especially when it's something he loves so much.

Hyunjin

It doesn't matter if you're one centimeter taller or a whole ruler taller, he's in love and he thinks that your height makes you look ethereal even. If you're up to it, he'll definitely buy you high heels and encourage you to wear them on any occasion that's possible. Finds it kinda fun how he has to tilt his head up in order to kiss you and always ends up giggling over this, even after years of doing it. He's just that enamoured, can you blame him?

Han

Oh he's enjoying this a bit too much. Feel free to reach all the tall shelves for him and open every can/jar. He has the babygirl reputation for a reason lmao. Jokes aside, I think he'd really enjoy a taller s/o, no matter what your height is. Has literally no patience to outsiders "teasing" and making rude comments about this dynamic, he'll quickly shut them up. (Also, get prepared to lift him up if you're strong enough like that video of him with lee know because when I said he's enjoying this I meant it😭)

Felix

HE LOVES IT. You can't tell me that he doesn't get all flustered and giddy over the height difference, I won't believe you if you do. One thing that I believe he'd love to do would take mirror pics with you. Like, the way that you can see that you're taller in the picture just makes him smile for some reason (he's whipped). His phone's wallpaper is most definitely a picture of you two like that. I also believe that he thinks it's cute the way he has to tiptoe to kiss your cheek (it is).

Seungmin

You can be the taller one, but he's the one defending you and giving you the royalty treatment all the way. One thing that I think he'd love tho is to steal your clothes. So like, if you left a sweatshirt in his place or something like this, don't expect to have it back so soon. He actually loves how he is just kinda engulfed in your (indirect?) warmth and he has something bringing him closer to you even when you're not near. And he kinda likes to flex that "this is from my partner" lmao.

I.N

Other one to get all shy over the height difference but never let you know about it (actually, you'll know. It's just so obviously shown in his face, just don't let him know that lol). But besides the casual flustering state he finds himself on at times, he really doesn't mind it. I'd say he barely notices it. When he does tho, he finds you extremely beautiful, like those ancient greek statues, and even sexy if I may.

Dividers by @saradika-graphics

Moodboard (pics) by @haelyubi

Reblogs and feedback are appreciated!

[transmascaraa]

may i please request genshin men (lyney, tighnari, cyno, and whoever else you'd like to add) with a jaded and distrustful reader. they're hesitant to entertain the idea of a relationship bc they don't believe it's genuine, the reader is scared they have ulterior motives. they've been hurt before and aren't about to let it happen again. because of this they act kind of standoffish to any advances they make. how would they win over the reader?

multiple characters headcannons!

distrust.

characters: lyney, tighnari, cyno, sethos x gn!reader

author's note: finally doing another req lmfao how are you guys😭 oh yeah and i want to try writing sethos cuz i haven't seen much including him at all or is it just me???? nvm it's worth a try

♡ Lyney

-i think he would just accept it at first

-like "they don't trust me? well shit— i can't do anything about it"

-but lynette didn't want her brother feeling so sad because he'd annoyingly complain to her until they both died

-and she decided to kinda reassure him by saying that even tho the chances of you trusting him are low, doesn't mean that they're gone entirely WHICH MEANS there's still hope

-this makes him feel at least a bit better and that's when he actually starts making an effort

-he practices EXTREME and DANGEROUS magic tricks just to show them to you, not on any magic show for anybody else to see.

-extreme as in basically shoving a huge sword down his mouth, or as in literally throwing arrows in the sky, so that when they fall, they perfectly line out his silhouette, not hurting him in the slightest. because to him, apparently:

-near death experience=trust

-up to you if you trust him but honestly if i was that distrustful reader it wouldn't help lmfao

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

✿ Tighnari

-i feel like he wouldn't be super interested in winning you over

-since like you literally don't trust him enough so what's the point

-but just MAYBE he'd try at least something

-he will try to win your trust by reassuring you when you need it, letting you know that you CAN trust him

-and that he's not a jerk or coward that would have ulterior motives

-so instead he doesn't rush you and lets you do what you wish

-even if you end up telling him to plainly 'fuck off' in the end, he'd be a little disappointed in himself but also he'd just accept it

-he won't force you into anything

-so in the end it'll all be up to you

-cuz he will do his best to show you that he won't hurt you in any way, and that he's loyal and trustworthy enough

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

๑ Cyno

-happy 1day late bday to him he's literally my 2nd/3rd fave

-i think when you explain to him that you fear getting into a relationship at all for whatever reasons, he says he understands but will definitely subtly try to win you over

-telling you random jokes every day hoping that it would maybe help in earning your trust

-subtly showing you he has no evil plan by being there for you when you need it

-he'll ask tighnari for advice, and the advice he will get is "how am i supposed to know? appear more trustworthy i guess? make better jokes?" to which cyno will listen but that's already what he's trying to do on his own

-he'll ask to spar with you, trying to earn your trust in yet another way

-he feels reborn when you even slightly smile at his jokes btw so yeah

-soon enough, you catch on that he's trying to make you trust him.

-and after that, in the end, everything's up to you

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

✯ Sethos

-is it just me but i love him sm i swear

-he will be persistent.

-understanding but persistent.

-not as subtle as cyno, but he will do it less often than cyno just because of the subtleness in the whole thing

-he'll definitely invite you on a walk with him throughout the desert like a few times a month

-loves it when you say 'yes'

-he will joke around with you, and make inside jokes with you, hoping that it means something to you

-maybe he'd ask you to spar together but would lose himself if you actually agreed(in a positive way ofc lmao)

-he's hoping so fucking much that he's presenting himself as loyal as possible to you

-if you don't want him in the end, that's completely fine with him

-but if you accept he'll look pretty much chill and happy with it but his brain and heart will be a mess lol

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

was sethos ooc???? idk

do i care?? yes (a lot, in fact)

either way i'm alright with how i wrote this

| @mariaace <3

[sundrop-writes]

A Masterlist of All* My Non-Smut Fics

aka a list of all my fics that do not feature smut - my angsty and fluffy fics

(for those people who keep making posts complaining about about not being able to find non-smutty fics but according to statistics, never seem to read or interact with the fics that don't have smut in them)

*this didn't even end up being all of them, because it turned out to be way more than I expected. these are mostly just my favourites. so if you want to see all my fics, definitely check out my AO3

keep in mind, some of these are on Tumblr and some of these are only on AO3, and my AO3 is archive locked so you will need an account and need to be signed in to read them. they are sorted by fandom, and I have put my favourite fics toward the top in each fandom section. I'm mostly just posting this to see if these fics get a boost in interaction or if people complain about smut as a surface level thing but genuinely do interact with and enjoy smut fics more

Harry Potter My full Harry Potter Masterlist - which includes smut and other short fics

Kisses Like Fire Whiskey - FLUFF. MUTUAL PINING. Fred Weasley x Fem!Gryffindor!Reader. Best Friends to Lovers. Set Post War with flashbacks to Goblet of Fire. When you come back from a long apprenticeship in France, you and Fred catch up over drinks, reminiscing about your days as mischievous rebels. In the drunken haze, some important things are realized. (7,500 words.)

My Bleeding Heart - ANGST WITH A FLUFFY ENDING. HURT AND COMFORT. Draco Malfoy x Fem!Reader. Arranged Marriage. Set during Deathly Hallows. When Draco finds out that you are pregnant, he is worried because he doesn't want his child to be just another pawn to the Dark Lord. So, then and there, he makes a very important decision to risk everything in order to protect you and his future child. (3,400 words.)

Teen Wolf My full Teen Wolf Masterlist - which includes smut and other short fics

Protective - HURT AND COMFORT. EMOTIONAL ANGST. Isaac Lahey x Fem!Reader. Pining Best Friends. Set during Season 2, Episode 9. During Isaac's first full moon, he needs something to ground him - so he thinks of you. (2,300 words.)

Blood In The Water - EXTREME ANGST. HURT NO COMFORT. Void!Stiles x Fem!Reader. (Pining) Best Friends to 'Lovers'. Set during Season 3 (with flashbacks to Season 1). When Void takes control, you worry about the damage that he's inevitably doing to Stiles's body. So you make a deal with him - if he lets Stiles eat, then you'll feed Void with some of your pain. But it's not cuts or broken bones that he wants from you - it's your tears. (11,700 words.)

Mister Myxzptlk - FLUFF. Stiles Stilinski x Fem!Reader. Mutual Pining. You're new at Beacon Hills High, and you have questions about Stiles's name. When you end up comparing him to a very obscure comic book character, he falls harder for you than he ever thought possible. (800 words.)

(Un)Intimidated - FLUFF. Derek Hale x POTSie!GN!Reader. Set during Season 1. You are tasked with 'babysitting' Derek while he's hiding from the police, and he mistakes a medical condition you have for a fear of him - but you quickly set him straight. (600 words.)

Claustrophobia - HURT AND COMFORT, FLUFF. Isaac Lahey x GN!Reader. Set during Season 3, Episode 4. When you and Isaac have detention together and accidentally get locked in a janitorial closet together, you help him through a panic attack induced by his claustrophobia. (800 words.)

The Walking Dead My full Walking Dead Masterlist - which includes other longer fics that have smut

Heaven's Gate - EMOTIONAL ANGST, HURT AND COMFORT, FLUFFY ENDING. Daryl Dixon x GN!Reader. Set during Seasons 1-5. You and Daryl get separated when the Prison falls, and you both believe the other person to be dead. But you can’t let go of the things your relationship taught you. Eventually, when you’re reunited - it’s like you never missed a moment apart. (24,200 words.)

Day and Night - HURT AND COMFORT. FLUFF. Daryl Dixon x Fem!Reader. Strangers to 'Lovers'. Set Pre-Season 4. Posted on AO3. When Daryl gets into some trouble on a hunt and gets shot, a random stranger comes to his rescue. He doesn't expect that stranger to be beautiful, kind, and to make him a candlelit dinner after treating his wounds. (Wait - is this a date?) (5,000 words.)

DC Titans My full DC Titans Masterlist - which includes smut and other short fics

Your First Kiss With Gar Logan - FLUFF. HURT AND COMFORT. Gar Logan x GN!Reader. Best Friends to Lovers. Set during Season 3, Episode 4. While the Titans are living in Gotham, things are spiralling out of control. You take a moment to comfort Gar and help him with an unexpected injury, and the two of you find those inevitable feelings coming to the surface. (2,700 words.)

Your First Kiss With Dick Grayson - EMOTIONAL ANGST. HURT AND COMFORT. Dick Grayson x GN!Reader. Childhood Friends to Lovers. Set during Season 4, Episode 6. The world may literally be coming to an end, and when your brave face finally cracks, Dick rushes to comfort you. But seeing you cry breaks something within him, and he knows that he can't let this pass without finally saying something to you - something that he's been holding back for years. (2,900 words.)

Your First Kiss With Jason Todd - EXTREME ANGST, PINING. HURT, NO COMFORT. Jason Todd x GN!Reader. Frenemies to Lovers. Set during Season 3. Jason thought that he hated you - until he didn't. Until his feelings for you ruined his whole life, and threatened to swallow him whole. (8,200 words.)

Criminal Minds My full Criminal Minds Masterlist - which includes smut and other short fics

The Patron Saint of Liars and Fakes - HURT AND COMFORT, EMOTIONAL ANGST, FLUFFY ENDING. Spencer Reid x BAU!Fem!Reader. Co-Workers to Lovers. Fake Dating. Set during Season 4, Episode 3. While undercover inside the Separatarian Sect, you and Spencer realize something important: you can’t live without each other. (8,200 words.)

Figure It Out - EMOTIONAL ANGST, MYSTERY, CASEFIC, HURT AND COMFORT. Fem!Reader x Gen!BAU (Platonic). A Criminal Minds Casefic. General Casefic, modelled after a Criminal Minds episode. When the team takes a case in your hometown - a secret that you have been trying to hide for years comes to be known with a vengeance. (18,000 words.)

...

this isn't even all of them, I just got tired of making this list lmao. so if you like these and you want more, definitely check out my Main Masterlist

[discursiverecursion]

Psst... Queer American fam...

A lot of us are in survival mode right now, and who knows how long that is going to last. An onslaught could begin the first day, or it could be relatively quiet until a storm breaks, so our background stress/anxiety levels are going to be high, and some of the effects of excess circulating cortisol include anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, headaches, digestive problems, and problems with memory and focus.

It’s normal to be struggling right now.

It means you’re human.

I know this sounds bad, but I’m restating a thing I think many people already know, because the thing is, a common tactic of the Right is to put people in a stressful situation and then blame them for their response to it (I’ve seen this referred to in other contexts as “reactive trauma”). As queer folks and people being targeted, we might think we are immune to this, but it works more insidiously than that. It can tear us apart, and it plays out like the following:

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------

As violence towards our community escalates, they will start publically pointing at things “we are doing” that are “causing” the escalation. 

They will use this term “we”, because they don’t understand that we are not homogeneous.

Sometimes we ourselves, as individuals, will not be part of that “we”. 

It will be terrifying, in that moment, to have rights stripped away (or worse) without having any perceived control, and that lack of control will feel like it is due to the actions of another being blamed on you. 

DON’T FALL FOR IT THOUGH!

This is misdirection. They do not have to hurt us, even if we are loudly gay, even if we protest the ways they are hurting us already.

Please, please don’t let yourself get to a safe place and wonder why others aren’t hiding. You are allowed to keep yourself safe. In fact, I encourage it, but please remember that those of us fighting this thing publicly are not the enemy. We need your support and solidarity.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are a big family with many different survival strategies:

We don't all have to utilize the same one

We don't have to stick with our original choice over time

We are not bound to only using one at a time

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I’m going to end this with a list of some survival strategies found in nature, because I'm definitely rambling and this was the thought I actually started typing this post with:

Do you recognize any of your own strategies in the list below?

Do you recognize any that are the opposite?

Can you hold that we are all in this together coping in our own ways, that we are not each others’ enemies?

Can you remember that "health" is a social construct, and that a strategy doesn't have to be the "best" one for it to be functional for the time being to keep someone alive?

I hope you can, because we will need each other to get through the coming years.

—---------------------------------------------------------------------------

STRATEGIES:

Becoming a spore (more info) - Shutting down completely for a bit - Sleeping more - Building mental walls

Playing dead (more info) - Retreating from social life  - Retreating from social media - Missing work

Camouflage (more info) - Going back in the closet - Codeswitching - Becoming extremely quiet

Mimicry of a more dangerous creature (more info) - Being argumentative/loud - Being assertive - Presenting even more queerly

Nocturnality (more info) - Nocturnality - Avoiding people - Staying in a social bubble

Distraction (more info) - Drag - Hacking - Certain forms of protest

Pursuit-Deterrent Signals (more info) - Making oneself needed - Feigning compliance - Presenting in “stealth” mode

Mobbing (more info) - Protests - Taking down websites - Coworker solidarity to create workspace change

Staying in the middle of a group (more info) - Being in community support networks - Going to therapy - Getting to know your neighbors

Sounding an alarm (more info) - Being loud on social media - Being loud in the workplace - Naming the quiet parts out loud

[turtlele]

Fake title - Laurie is in the closet (feat. Kai)

An extremely long biased essay on Laurie’s definitely one-sided crush on Kai. I don't have a life : ,)

Ig more of a theory based off canon. Disclaimer: I ship them and they end up together later in life in my headcanon.

First, in the scene we get of her she winks at Laurie at third base then again we don’t know if this is accurate from Kai since this is from Laurie’s POV.

Second, we see Kai saving Laurie from getting hit by the ball. What makes this scene interesting is that from everyone else Kai is shown to have a serious face when catching the ball. While Laurie sees her smiling which is a parallel when we get to Kai’s episode. Signifying that either she sees an inspiration to look up toward or she sees a true version of Kai that not everyone can see. Either can be used for and against my thesis.

2.5 scene, (I forgot to add this) Kai goes up to Laurie and helps her up while Kai is excited that the team won the game. Laurie is continuously in the moment thanking Kai for saving her. Which Kai plays it off saying it was nothing while they both were running back to the team. I do believe this happened despite it not being in Kai’s episode because Kai said it was nothing so in her mind it wasn’t an important enough moment for her to recall. This was still something Laurie remembered of a positive Kai.

Third, we see Kai getting stars on her helmet for making the catch and throw to home. From Laurie’s POV she looks objectively really happy with her smile and thanking everyone. From Kai’s POV she shown to look modest and later embarrassed because of her dad. The reason I included this moment too is because while some parts are unreliable, this is ultimately a scene that supports Laurie being envious of Kai’s skills and acting awkward when everyone was applauding Kai. Not precisely Laurie liking Kai evidence but I think it’s cute and crucial to their storylines. ↓

Fourth, Laurie mistakes Kai for their coach (Laurie’s dad). Their interaction here is more personal since from Laurie they are face to face talking to each other. In contrast, Kai’s POV makes them far apart. Now actually back to the interaction from Laurie’s POV, her anxiety tells her to ‘be cool be cool’ ‘bad idea’ and starts excuses to get away. Laurie doesn’t say anything though and only nervously chuckles and puts her hair behind her ear. With Kai responding with her own chuckle and ‘come on’ walking towards the field and Laurie’s response ‘ok’ with her same nervousness. Now this awkwardness can be natural if you were let down that your dad isn't here instead too. But her wanting to find an excuse to be away from Kai rather than instinctively taking Kai’s offer is more something I think someone with a crush would do in Laurie’s situation. ↓

Fifth, now this is where the unrequited ness really sets me in. During Kai’s practice at bating she is shown to be really frustrated with not hitting the ball more. Laurie tries to calm her down while at the pitcher’s mound saying “I-uh think this was supposed to be fun(?)” to which Kai starts to become more mad at thinking she has to be better for her dad. Laurie then slightly opens up her issues with her parent’s divorce to which Kai shuts her down saying ‘again’ referring to pitch again. At the last hit, Kai feels her ankle to be slightly hurting which Laurie asks if she’s ok. Showing that Laurie cares about Kai to notice this small detail (would later be explained more). However, since Kai is focused on her own struggles (which is to be expected since this is her POV) we don't hear Laurie out more. Now it’s Laurie’s turn at bat. ↓

5.5 Laurie’s POV upon the first swing she missed which Laurie feels a bit embarrassed with a small smile which Kai comforts her saying ‘That’s ok that’s ok. Next one next one’ and gave her advice to concentrate on the ball. Laurie was going through a lot of anxiety and eventually hits the ball but it hits Kai making her fall. Laurie felt scared that she hurt Kai (she kinda did) and Kai says ‘hey you got a hit. nice.’ In contrast, Kai is hyping up Laurie throughout this whole practice seen by the coach. In her POV, she is seen projecting onto Laurie when they bat which is a bit negative. A few examples are, “Don’t be a burden” and “Prove you deserve it”. While these are internal thoughts they are Kai’s real thoughts. I do think Kai still said the ‘Nice’ line and everything before. Can we also talk about how Laurie looks at Kai’s fall differently than her dad?

Sixth, I will now be summarizing little moments of Laurie’s thoughts going to Kai because they don't have enough nuance to back up my claim. Back home she lets herself hear all the mistakes she made. One being her guilt over hitting Kai when Sweaty quotes ‘Disappoint your dad. Kai. Kai. Kai’. In my opinion, it doesn't quite support my thesis. Another is before the championship where Laurie is the only one to notice Kai’s injury and how it was affecting her resulting Kai to massage her ankle to try to soothe the pain. Finally, before going back to home after the talk with her dad, she has this new sense of confidence to get on base. As she quotes, ‘For my team.’ Second later, ‘For Kai’. These two support my claim better because of how little it is in this growing big moment. While it is an advantage on Laurie since she feels guilty of hitting Kai, she doesn't brush off Kai’s state like other characters that don't notice this about Kai. Also, I know it’s because Kai is the next runner up after Laurie that she would mention her but she didn’t HAVE to single her out. ↓

Despite my claim she doesn't like Laurie back, Kai does care about Laurie. This has been shown when she was the first person to support her after Laurie cut her bangs off. They both have fun in the outfield together; often joking around. During their one-on-one practice she encourages and advises Laurie on her bating. She cheers for Laurie when she gets onto first base at the championships. From Yuwen’s perspective, Kai and Rochelle are the only people that tell Yuwen off with the video teasing Laurie. Rochelle is Laurie’s best friend so this is a normal reaction she is giving him. Kai, however, is Yuwen’s best friend so her not taking his ‘side’ shows evidence Kai puts Laurie’s feelings above supporting Yuwen when he is in the ‘wrong’.

However, I stated before evidence of Kai not liking Laurie back is more than evidence that Kai reciprocates these feelings. There are less scenes of Laurie in Kai’s episode compared with Kai in Laurie’s episode. Yes, it could be to cut the episode time but it's important to keep this in mind. I also stated before Kai’s emotions during the two girl’s practice. At Laurie’s turn to bat during the championships, Kai’s support for her is more fueled by proving to her father she’s enough rather than purely hyping up Laurie. The proof is in the way Kai looked at her dad rather than Laurie until Laurie got hit by the ball.

In conclusion, this proves Laurie does have a crush on Kai while also supporting that Kai doesn’t feel the same.

This is all ultimately my interpretation from the show. You can agree and disagree all you want. Heck, an online friend told me they believe it was more Laurie’s anxiety playing than feelings of a crush after I showed them this whole thing.

Video Sources: Official Pixar Account, Beck Lyons, & Jane Recaps; all from YouTube

Signing off, a lo$er

[cheesus-doodles]

i was thinking about a fluffy sleepover with bf kazutora…he’s so cute

happy birthday tory!! also no kazutora bday goods??

Masterlist

‎‎

With BFF Kazutora, even if he isn't yandere (in my opinion, that would be a miracle in itself), think extremely, extremely clingy. But let's say it froze in hell and this is normal non-yandere BFF Kazutora.

‎‎

12 years past Kazutora would be absolutely delighted by your suggestion of a sleepover at your place. Yes sure, he had been in your bedroom multiple times before, this boy has even napped and cuddled with you previously. It's not even his first sleepover - you're his bestfriend, no doubt Kazutora has already spent countless nights over at your place, be it whether he just doesn't want to go home or for convenience.

When he turns up with snacks, you already have his set of favorite matching PJs ready for him to change into after he showers (of course you do), and there's definitely some kind of routine the two of you always follow when it comes to sleepovers.

First off, shower and change. Then right after, it's TV time. Always TV time.

The two of you will line an area of the floor of your room with pillows and plushies to make a comfy fort, following which you will put on whatever show it is you want to watch. You get to watch one show, and then Kazutora gets to pick one, and the two of you would be happy to eat snacks and sip on hot chocolate in silence. This Toman delinquent will always swear up and down that the hot chocolate you make is unbeatable, so every sleepover now includes one (1) mandatory cup (if not he will cry and say you hate him).

After that, if there is homework to be done for the next day, you will usually work with Tory to get that sorted out. But be it whether there is or isn't, during this time is usually when you two start chatting about whatever it is that happened during the day. Neither you nor Kazutora ever keep secrets from each other, so even though you disapprove of him getting into fights, the yellow and black haired boy will still tell you about all the fights he got into that day, and in return, you will tell him about your classes and the freshest classroom gossip.

Finally, the last step before actually going to sleep always has to be pillow fight. It will always start out of nowhere, with sometimes you ambushing Kazutora with a whack to the back of his head as he is returning to your room from the bathroom, and other times Tory taking it upon himself to end homework time prematurely by smothering you with a giant plush.

And you two don't pull any punches when it comes to pillow fights. Free-for-all, the two of you hurling plushies and pillows at each other from across the room, giggling and laughing as you tried to dodge the missile aimed straight for you from the other and vice versa.

Kazutora always sleeps in your bed. This boy won't be sleeping anywhere else but right next to you in the same bed. Suggesting other alternatives will only earn you the kicked puppy look and a huge crying tantrum if the former doesn't work, the whole yard. Contrary to popular belief, this boy is actually super fussy about where he sleeps, the type of bed and pillows he likes etc, everything you, as his bestfriend, would already know.

So you always makes sure to fluff up his pillow, tuck him in and give him a kiss on his forehead before you snuggle in yourself, and the minutes left before you fall asleep would be spent reassuring this poor boy that yes you really were his bestfriend, and that no, you didn't plan on breaking this friendship ever. Because even if the two of you have been friends for years on end and been through thick and thin together, Kazutora is just simply to insecure to ever believe anyone would want to stick by him.

And this boy can grip. Clamps on to you in his sleep and absolutely will not let go whatsoever, so if he hasn't woken by the time you need to head to school, you can forget about it.

‎

12 years Timeskip Kazutora is a lot more mentally stable and confident in his relationships, but that doesn't mean that he is any less attached at the hip when it comes to you. Still loves sleepovers as much as he did as a kid, and takes every opportunity to do so whenever your schedule permits (because let's be real, you were the more responsible of the two and had a real, grown-up job). Sometimes its arranged, sometimes its impromptu when Kazutora feels the urge to, and he would just roll up and stroll in like he owns the place, if he didn't already all but move in with you.

Any sleepover still follows the same exact steps as twelve years prior, and he still has a favorite set of sleepover PJs that matches with yours. Though you were usually more than happy to accommodate your Tory, he isn't exactly the person with the best habits, and you sometimes find yourself having to take the next day off work because you had a sudden sleepover sprung on you.

A walking radiator who prefers to sleep shirtless, still loves to snuggle with you and his sleep habit of clamping on to you and never letting go has not let up, which is one of the main reasons you try to dodge weekday sleepovers. Kazutora is the ultimate enabler though, encouraging you to take the time off and spend the time with him, and usually has to be disciplined with a (loving) smack to the back of his head.

Still will cry if he doesn't get his hot chocolate or you don't tuck him in and kiss him on the forehead, so this boy never really did grow up much.

[edablair]

Hi!! For all those who are tired of all this shit (myself included)

(English is not my first language! There may be grammatical or/and punctuation mistakes)

.•★•.

★ It was one of those days when everything just seemed too much. The sky was too gray, plus it had snowed overnight and you could already feel how you'd have to trudge through streets piled with nasty, sticky snow with ice hiding underneath. The coffee seemed too bitter, and when you added just a little extra sugar, it tasted like a mishmash of all the disgusting sweets in the world (the urge to throw the mug out the window has never been so tempting). The footsteps of the neighbors from above seemed too loud. The disadvantages of living in high-rise buildings are cardboard walls. Yes, it was one of those days. And every time in the midst of that "too much" you felt "not enough". Not enough sleep, although you definitely definitely slept your fair share. Not attractive enough because of which you spent more time on your makeup than usual (you ended up just washing off the end result because you didn't like it and just did a "no makeup" makeup look). And unfortunately, even Leopold's presence didn't help brighten the morning of this lousy day.

★ Leopold, for his part, did not immediately realize it, because at first everything felt as usual with your morning grumpiness. He didn't realize it until the two of you sat down to breakfast. The way you barely got the words out of your mouth said that you just wanted this day to be over quickly. You even recoiled from his kiss on your cheek. He knew that you were extremely detached, both emotionally and physically, on days like this, but it still hurt his feelings a little(

★ On days like this, he tries not to bother you too much. He does everything as usual, but he tries not to be too intrusive, tries to give you more space. But tonight when you get home, he sees that you're on edge. And he just... doesn't know what to do. He wants to come up to you, hold you close and tell you that everything is fine, that he is here for you. But on the other hand, he's afraid that it will make things worse. That's why he can't find a place for himself. He's really worried.

★ The last drop of your boiling frustration is a fallen spoon. You'd think, what's the big deal? But instead of that spoon, you fell too. You couldn't take it. Things aren't going the way you want them to today. Everything is falling out of your hands, even that damn spoon.

Leopold came running at the sound of your sobs. You were sitting on the kitchen floor, crying, almost choking. He felt his heart sink into his stomach.

"Hey, hey, hey." he sat down next to you, examining you for any injuries, "Are you hurt? You okay?"

No, you obviously weren't okay. You were tired. Everything seemed so irritating, so hard on you. You just couldn't hold it in anymore.

His stomach twisted from your sobs. He'd never seen you like this before, so he was confused, not knowing what to do. So he did what his gut told him to do. His arms wrapped around your tear-streaked body, pulling you against his chest. He sighed in relief when he felt you cling to him, accepting his embrace. His palm slowly stroked your back in a soothing manner. He pressed his lips to the crown of your head, whispering into your hair.

"It's okay. It's gonna be okay."

"I'm so tired." you've managed to squeeze out of yourself.

"I know, I know. And you're doing great. You're very strong. Thank you for all your hard work."

The words, meant to comfort you, made you cry even harder. It's been so long since you've heard that. You couldn't even remember the last time you'd been praised. And with the warmth of his body, you just fell apart. Everything that had accumulated during the day and more, you cried with your tears, which soaked into Leopold's t-shirt with a dark stain.

★ You don't know how much time you spent here on the cold tile of the kitchen. The only thing that left you grounded was his whispers and his warm, strong embrace. He knew you were strong, and he knew that even the strongest person can break. And he was willing to be here for you, to be your shoulder to cry on (literally and figuratively), to be your pillow of safety if you fell.

"I'm here, my princess. I'm here for you."

(Masterlist)

[shinestarhwaa]

HONGJOONG NSFW ALPHABET

A - Aftercare (how is he after sex)

I think Hongjoong is quite gentle, he will pay attention to your needs and your behavior so he can cater to your needs. He'll probably provide some water and shower with you.

B- Bodypart (his favourite bodypart on you)

He loves your hands. His mind is a little poetic so he likes your hands for all kinds of reasons; you can do beautiful things with them, you could change the world with them. But he is also just obsessed with the way you touch him with your hands-

C - Cum (anything to do with cum)

He loves to cum inside your mouth, feeling you swallow it makes him go feral.

D - Dirty secret (his dirty secret)

He wants to record the sound of you two having sex in his studio and maybe even include something in a song one day (nothing too extreme obv).

E - Experience (how experienced is he?)

I would say he has experience, but I don't think he's been with that many people. But he defo knows what he is doing.

F - Favourite position

Doggy. Doggy. Doggy.

G - Goofy (how he acts in the moment?)

He's not super goofy, unless he's under influence, otherwise he will smile or smirk but it's more out of love/lust than really laughing at something.

H - Hair (how groomed is he?)

I would say he's the type to have everything shaved tbh, if not it's verrrryy trimmed.

I - Intimacy (how passionate is he?)

He's quite passionate I think, he's the type to fuck into you from behind and mutter dirty words into your ear.

J - Jack off (how often does he masturbate?)

I would say not a lot but a regular amount? Maybe 2-3 times a week depending on his schedules.

K - Kink

He loves clothes so I think he'd also be the type to really love lingerie and types of sexual clothing.

L - Location (what's his favourite place to have sex?)

Bedroom / studio.

M - Motivation (what keeps him going?)

He loves feeling your hands over his body and your fingers in his hair MMMM.

N - NO (what is a no-go for him/turn-offs?)

I don't think he's the type to be an exhibitionist/voyeur, so he might say no to that and keep stuff private.

O - Oral (giving or receiving, skill etc.)

This man's a giver fr.

P - Pace (fast and rough? slow and sensual?)

I think he's slow at first, teasing you and then getting faster and faster towards the end.

Q - Quickie (their opinion on quickies)

This man is BIG on quickies, even if it's not penetrating and it's just oral or fingering, he loves it.

R - Risk (experiments, taking risks etc.)

He might experiment in bdsm? I feel like he's the type to be into stuff like that-

S - Stamina (how long does he last?)

I would say he lasts quite a while but he's the type for having just one round, but it'd just be a long ass round tbh. Would have sex multiple times a day, just not many times in a row.

T - Toys (do they own toys? does he use them with his partner or himself?)

Oh yeah he got 'em, uses them on both of you. Definitely.

U - Unfair (how much do they like to tease?)

SUCH A TEASSEEE OMG? Would live for teasing tf out of you and make you yearn for them.

V - Volume (how loud are they? what sounds do they make?)

I don't think Joong would be too loud, but he'd be keeping it on the low but his breathing would give it away.

W - Wild Card (random headcanon)

Hongjoong bends you over his studio panel as he drops to his knees to dive his tongue into your pussy. You were a moaning mess in no-time, leaning onto the panel and accidentally pushing a button saying rec....

X - X-Ray (what's going on in them pants?)

I don't think he's very big, he's rather an average sized guy. I'd say he'd have more length than girth.

Y - Yearning (how high is their sexdrive?)

Average I think? He has some periods where it's quite high but he also has his lows.

Z - ZZZ (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards?)

Depends where you have sex and if you go for a shower. After a shower he's wide awake, otherwise he's passed out in no time-

Taglist: @anyamaris @a-soft-hornytiny @whatudowhennooneseesyou @wooyoungmybelovedhusband @pyeonghongrie-main @woosanbby @dreamlesswonder86 @changbinslovelylegs @jonghostie @lovjensoo @1-800-shedevil @mjyungi @bratty-tingz @sugarnspice630

[thesummerestsolstice]

Unwritten Fics game

I was tagged by @runawaymun to talk about all my as-of-yet unwritten fic ideas! I have many, many of them. Here are a few. Feel free to send me asks about any of them, or to tell me which ones you'd most like to read in the tags!

Earendil-drinks-the-Silmail-AU: see Tumblr post here. Elwing gives Earendil the Silmaril's light to try and heal him from an illness, and both he (and later E&E) now have the light of the Silmaril within them. This causes problems for the Oath of Feanor. Can't decide whether to make it serious and heartbreaking or extremely silly.

Immortal Elros AU: definitely need to post about this one. In which Elros sees the mortals who will become the people of Numenor, loves them, and decides the best way to help them is to be immortal, to protect their descendants and maintain their legacy long after they're gone. He becomes Numenor's beloved guardian, caring for it's people for centuries. This all goes pretty well until Tar-Mairon shows up on the island.

Faustian Bargain AU: when both Gil-Galad and Celebrimbor are captured during Eregion's fall, Elrond makes a dangerous deal with Sauron to get them back. In exchange for their release, Elrond offers to become Sauron's captive, and to help him in his efforts to reach the Void and free Morgoth. Elrond, of course, has other plans. So do the now-free (and incredibly worried) Gil Galad and Celebrimbor.

Unexpected Problems: see Tumblr posts here and here. All about the issues Elrond runs into in Valinor– from people debating about whether or not he counts as an Ainur to Noldor being scandalized that he only wears a couple pounds of jewelry. Also his repeated attempts to stop Galadriel and Bilbo from completely destroying Valinorian society.

The Love of a Parent: Elrond's parents continue to look out for him, whether from beyond the circles of the world or from the stars above. Probably largely outsider POV. A chance for more eldritchry.

On Estel: In which Earendil goes into the void, searching for Maeglin's lost spirit. Slight AU in the sense that it's very Maeglin sympathetic, and has him having a good familial relationship with Turgon, Idril, and Earendil.

Ten Little Soldier Boys: my take on who Finrod's faithful ten were, why they were so loyal, and the moments they each decided they would give anything to keep Finrod safe. OC heavy but very dear to my heart.

Misfits, Outcasts, and other Characters of Ill-Repute: a series of oneshots about the various people who end up in Rivendell and how they got there. Includes canon characters (Glorfindel, Erestor, Lindir, etc.) and some OCs (including an old Feanorian diehard and one of Thingol's bodyguards, and, of course, Garthaglir the Library Orc)

No pressure, but I'm going to second Runawaymun's tagging of @jaz-the-bard (I don't think they've done the game yet but I might've missed it on their blog)

[skzdust]

Show Dog

Finished this up for Bottom Hongjoong Week 2025! It will be up on ao3 soon!! Day 5- Good Boy.

I've been working on this one for a second so I'm excited to post it!

Please mind the content listed in the "includes" section below, and if you don't like it, don't read.

Enjoy!!

Summary: In which Hongjoong's a yorkie hybrid, and Seonghwa's looking for a new pet.

Pairing: yorkie hybrid Hongjoong x prospective owner Seonghwa (and a bit of Hongjoong's current owner--Yunho)

Includes: EXTREMELY DUBIOUS CONSENT, hybrids, face fucking, penetrative sex, fingering, happy ending

Word count: 3.1k

Taglist (Comment on a post/send an ask if you'd like to be added): @weirdowithaphone, @caught-in-the-afterglow, @palindrome969, @skzstan12345, @katsukis1wife,

@hyunjinsjeans, @somethingkindazainy, @silverstarburst, @atzlordz

Network:@mirohs-aurora-society

Reblogs, likes, comments all appreciated!!!

Masterlist

-----

Hongjoong coughed from where he was on the floor. “I’m not your puppy!”

“Oh, but you’re someone’s puppy, aren’t you?”The man sneered, resting his foot in its shiny black shoe on Hongjoong’s ribcage. Not pressing down, not kicking, just resting there. A threat. A promise. Hongjoong thought he could recall his name being… Seonghwa? Maybe? “Answer me.”

Hongjoong’s pulse was jumping. He could feel it through his whole body, down to his fingertips, and especially between his legs.

“I’m— my owner— I’m a Yorkshire Terrier hybrid.” Hongjoong’s owner usually just called him a Yorkie, but it sounded more intimidating, he thought, to say Yorkshire Terrier. “I’m not a puppy, I’m a— I’m a show dog, you can’t just— ah!” He squeaked as the man applied some pressure.

“You’re one of the show dogs in the competition?” He used his foot to roll Hongjoong onto his back, examining him up and down. Yes, his name was definitely Seonghwa. He’d been talking with his owner for a bit earlier while he’d been across the room. Hongjoong hadn’t been close, but he always payed attention. He always listened. He was a good boy.

The man continued. “Not just a common mutt? Makes sense, you’re so easy to push around. You’re trained to listen and obey, aren’t you?”

“No!” Hongjoong said quickly. “No, I can think for myself.”

Seonghwa’s laugh was mean. “No, you can’t. Dumb fucking puppy. I bet you’d do whatever I told you to do.”

“No, I wouldn’t.”

“Oh?” Seonghwa leaned down. “How about we play a game of fetch, then?”

“Fetch?” Hongjoong couldn’t help it, his fluffy ears perked up even as his voice was trembling.

“Yes, fetch. If you do well enough, I might even let you go.”

“Let me go?” Hongjoong whimpered.

“I’m sure you want to be getting back to your owner, don’t you?” Seonghwa said with false sympathy. “I’m sure he’s wondering where you are by now. You don’t want to make him worry too much, do you?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Good boy.” Seonghwa leaned down to ruffle Hongjoong’s hair. “Now go to my bag.” He moved his foot so Hongjoong could get up. When he didn’t immediately move, he kicked him. “Go, mutt.”

It was the second time he’d called him that. “I’m not a mutt.” Hongjoong mumbled, tears coming to his eyes as he got up and made for Seonghwa’s bag.

“Go to the side pocket.”

Hongjoong’s eyes widened, the tears stinging, as he opened the side pocket and saw what was inside. He pulled out the dildo, his mouth falling open as he got a better look at its size and the even bigger knot at its base.

“This is— this will never— please.” Hongjoong looked over his shoulder at Seonghwa with big eyes. “Please, no, my holes are only for my owner’s use, he’ll be so mad if someone else—”

“Did I ask for a speech?” Seonghwa interrupted. “I said fetch. Bring it to me.”

Hongjoong began back over to Seonghwa, holding it in one trembling hand.

“No.” Seonghwa crossed his arms. “In your mouth, show dog.”

Hongjoong didn’t dare to disobey. He tried to bite it sideways, but he couldn’t get a good hold on it with his teeth at that angle, so he put the head into his mouth straight on. He couldn’t help but push it a bit further in than he needed to, just to feel that bit of fullness on his tongue. He crawled back to Seonghwa, sitting at his feet and looking up at him with the dildo still stuffed in his mouth.

Seonghwa took the end with his hand and began to shallowly fuck Hongjoong’s mouth with it. He whined around it, drool bubbling at the corners of his mouth.

Seonghwa laughed. “Cock dumb already.”

Hongjoong thought that if this was all Seonghwa had planned for him, it might not be so bad. A little face fucking… he could deal with that. Not a big deal. Especially if it was with a dildo and not his actual cock.

But Hongjoong should’ve known better than to think that would be all. Seonghwa shoved it back further, till it hit the back of his throat. Hongjoong gagged, but Seonghwa kept it in his mouth. “Hold it there, puppy. Don’t you want to be a good boy?”

Hongjoong brought his hands up to hold onto the base of the dildo, even as the tears he’d been holding back began to spill down his cheeks.

“Aw, so pretty.” Seonghwa said mockingly, patting his cheek in what was just a little lighter than a slap. “But that’s only one hole.”

Hongjoong pulled it out of his mouth. “But sir, I’m— I’m— my owner is going to be looking for me, please, I’m—”

“I’m not even close to finished with you, puppy.” Seonghwa forced the dildo back inside, and Hongjoong choked around it, his hands wrapping gently around Seonghwa’s wrist. But he didn’t make any motion to pull him away, more just holding on for support as he sniffled and gasped for breath while Seonghwa kept fucking his mouth. He was going at a much rougher pace now, the dildo sliding into his throat with each motion of his arm. Hongjoong’s gag reflex had seemed to disappear, and when Seonghwa tilted his chin up to get a more vertical angle, he wondered where it had gone.

“That’s a pretty puppy.” Seonghwa murmured. “See, you just need to be broken in, like any other bitch.”

Hongjoong whimpered. He didn’t particularly want to be broken in, but it also seemed like he didn’t particularly have a choice.

Seonghwa slid the dildo out of his mouth, and Hongjoong immediately began to beg. “Please, sir.”

“What are you begging for?” Seonghwa laughed. “More?”

“No.” Hongjoong whined. “I wanna go back to my owner now.”

“No.” Seonghwa mirrored his tone. “I wanna use you till all you can think about is how much you want my cock inside you.”

Hongjoong could feel himself begin to shake. “Please, sir—”

“You will call me master.” Seonghwa said sharply.

“Please, master—”

Seonghwa interrupted again. “I love that look in your eyes.”

“Huh?” Hongjoong wiggled his hips a bit, trying to ignore the hungry ache between his legs.

“You’re so stupid.” Seonghwa laughed. “I love how scared you look, combined with how horny you are.”

“Horny?” Hongjoong squeaked.

“Yes. Horny.” Seonghwa said, looking pointedly between his legs. Hongjoong looked down, too, and was horrified to see a wet spot on his pants. His nicest pants, his white slacks that his owner had him wear for shows. He knew when he was aroused he got very slick, it was one thing judges usually liked about him in competitions, but it was embarrassing when it happened from being degraded and fucked in his mouth with a dildo.

What would the judges say about the lack of self-control that had led to his ruined pants? What would his owner think? If he knew Hongjoong was getting fucked by someone else, he’d be punished. Hongjoong really tried to be a good set of holes for his owner, and a part of that was being exclusively his.

“Roll over, puppy.”

Hongjoong stayed exactly where he was, trying to be defiant, even when his body was telling him to follow commands.

Seonghwa nudged him with his foot. “I told you to roll over. You don’t want me to get mean.”

“You’re already…” Hongjoong trailed off as Seonghwa started to unbuckle his belt. “No! No, master, I’m sorry.” He rolled onto his back, his shirt riding up his stomach.

“That’s a good boy.” Seonghwa murmured, leaning down to rub his belly. Hongjoong closed his eyes at the pleasure, almost immediately opening them again when Seonghwa’s hand drifted down to his pants and began to unbutton them.

“That’s only for my owner!” Hongjoong whined, wiggling.

“Do you think I give a shit?” Seonghwa said. “I’m gonna use your holes however I want.”

“Sir, I— Master!” Hongjoong squeaked as Seonghwa found his clit. “Master, stop, it— it feels too good.”

Seonghwa’s laugh was dark, dangerous. Predatory. “I know it feels good. I want it to feel good. I want you to feel so good you forget about your owner, about the competition, about everything except for your new Master.” He took his hands off Hongjoong, and almost without thinking—almost—Hongjoong bucked his hips up, chasing Seonghwa.

He laughed, the sound harsh in Hongjoong’s sensitive ears. “Does puppy want me touching them now?”

Hongjoong didn’t want to say yes, but he couldn’t say no. “I want my owner.” He whimpered. “I want him to touch me.”

“Aw, did I turn you on?”

He didn’t want to say yes, but he couldn’t honestly say no, so Hongjoong just wiggled his hips, biting his lip.

“Be a good boy and answer me. Good boys get treats.”

“Treats?” Hongjoong’s bottom lip had started quivering, but his eyes widened.

Seonghwa grinned. “Maybe. Now answer my question. Did I turn you on?”

“Yes, Master.” Hongjoong squirmed.

“See, that wasn’t so hard, was it?” Seonghwa sounded pleased. “Like I said, made to take orders, and cock, for that matter.”

Hongjoong swallowed. “Cock?”

“Of course, puppy. You’re even stupider than you look.”

“‘M not stupid.” Hongjoong whined.

“Of course you are.” Seonghwa laughed as if this were the most obvious fact, starting to pull Hongjoong’s pants off. “Stupid little pets like you were made to please their masters.”

Hongjoong shivered as Seonghwa fully yanked his pants off, exposing him to the cool air. His thighs were sticky with slick, and he could barely resist touching himself as he lay, panting, on the floor.

“Look at that cunt.” Seonghwa murmured. “So pretty. So needy.”

Hongjoong just whined, his hips erratically jumping against the air. “Need… need…”

Seonghwa laughed. “What do you need, mutt?”

“No.” Hongjoong gasped. “No, I don’t need— I don’t need— ngh, Master, I… Master…”

“What can I do for you?” Seonghwa whispered, and it might’ve sounded sweet if Hongjoong didn’t know exactly what he intended to do to him.

“Owner.” Hongjoong moaned as Seonghwa’s finger came down to circle around the rim of his sloppy, wet hole. “Want— want—”

He was trying to say that he wanted his owner, but the sentence came out fractured, broken, in the same way Seonghwa was trying to fracture and break him.

But Hongjoong was strong. He wouldn’t submit to Seonghwa’s orders, wouldn’t—

He let out a long moan as Seonghwa sank one finger deep inside him.

“Is that what you wanted, puppy?” He simpered. “Is that what you needed? Something deep in that cunt, filling you so full?”

Hongjoong whimpered, closing his eyes. “More.”

Seonghwa paused. “What was that?”

“More!”

Seonghwa pulled his finger out, completely silent. He picked up the dildo from earlier.

“Please, no, Master.” He began to plead. “Please, my owner will know if you fuck me with something that big, please, please, pl—”

Seonghwa pushed two fingers into his mouth, but the dildo shoving deep into his cunt was enough to shut him up on its own.

Hongjoong’s eyes rolled back. He felt so full, so good. All coherent thoughts had rushed out of his head like water, leaving only a desire to please in their wake.

Seonghwa’s laugh was much closer to a giggle this time. “Look at you, braindead on cock already, and I haven’t even started using you for my own pleasure.”

Hongjoong managed a moan before Seonghwa started to fuck him, hard, with the dildo.

He squirmed on the ground, Seonghwa pulling pleasure out of every part of his body. He had goosebumps all over from the sensations, radiating out from where one of Seonghwa’s hands held firm to his hip, holding him steady.

Hongjoong’s eyes were squeezed shut as he panted and moaned, but he could feel Seonghwa’s gaze on him like a physical weight. His breath sounded almost louder than Hongjoong’s own. He was everywhere, everything.

Seonghwa continued to pump the dildo in and out of Hongjoong, the copious amounts of slick Hongjoong produced squirting out onto the floor. Hongjoong was on the edge. He was so close to coming, so close to letting himself go…

Seonghwa pulled the dildo out.

Hongjoong whined long and loud. “But… Master, I was about to….”

“I know, puppy.” Seonghwa murmured, setting it down. “I know you were about to come. But I want you to come on my cock, now, don’t I?”

Hongjoong wiggled a little more. “No, no, no…”

“No what?”

Seonghwa unbuckled his belt, setting it gently to the side before getting out of his own pants.

Hongjoong’s mouth dropped open, a little drool at the corner of his lips as he got a good look at Seonghwa’s cock. “Master…” He whispered.

“I thought your stance was ‘no, no, no.’” Seonghwa mocked. “But now you want my cock?”

“I— I—” Hongjoong didn’t know what to do.

He wanted it inside him as it kissed his hole, so badly, he ached and throbbed and needed. But… his owner. What of his owner?

And then all thoughts of Hongjoong’s owner were physically pushed out of his head as Seonghwa’s cock pushed into him. His mouth fell open in a silent gasp, his vision going blurry, like a camera lens that had been twisted by an unpracticed hand. He was so big… not quite as big as the toy, but he was warm, he was real, he was twitching and he was going to come inside Hongjoong and breed him so full and—

“Do I feel good?” Seonghwa asked, cruelly, finding Hongjoong’s tail and giving it a gentle tug. “Tell me I feel good, puppy.”

Hongjoong gasped at the sensation on his tail. No one had ever pulled it quite like that, and it hurt, but it hurt good.

“Hongjoong.” Seonghwa said sternly. “I asked you a question.”

“You feel so big.” Hongjoong whined. It took a moment for the first part of what Seonghwa had said to sink in. “Hongjoong? You know my name?”

“Yes, I know you.” Seonghwa rocked inside him, smirking at the look on his face. “You’re Yunho’s bitch. I’m taking you for a test run.”

All Hongjoong could do was huff out a confused sigh as Seonghwa continued to fuck him. He tried to form the words to ask what a “test run” meant, exactly, but he couldn’t, couldn’t make himself do anything more complex than feel.

“Is the puppy trying to talk?” Seonghwa simpered. “Is the puppy failing? Is the puppy’s brain melting on my cock? Is the puppy done pretending he doesn’t want to be fucked?”

Hongjoong nodded furiously, hiccuping for breath now as he pushed his hips up as far up onto Seonghwa’s cock as possible.

“Needy bitch.” Seonghwa’s hands were going to leave bruises, Hongjoong thought, but he didn’t care right now, all he cared about was the stretch of his hole around his length and the feeling of it pushing in and out, punching the air from his lungs with each thrust. “You’re probably wondering what a test run means.”

“Ye—yeah.” Hongjoong managed to get out, a whine overtaking the end of the word.

“Yeah what?”

“Master!”

Seonghwa snickered, but answered. “Means I want to buy you off Yunho. Would you like that? Is my cock better than his?”

Hongjoong didn’t know how he should answer that, because the answer was yes, or maybe he just liked it rough, maybe he liked being forced down and made to take it, so he just panted.

Seonghwa pulled on his tail again. “Answer me.”

Hongjoong moaned, his eyes rolling back at the pain.

Seonghwa’s voice grew stronger. “Hongjoong.”

“Yes!” He gave in. “Yes, master! You’re the best— the best— the best—” His brain got stuck on the words, like a broken record that kept skipping the same lyric.

“The best, huh?” Seonghwa sounded pleased. “The best cock you’ve ever taken?”

“Yes!” Hongjoong cried. “Master, I want to come, can I come, can I— you’re the best, the best— please let me come!”

“Flattery will get you nowhere.” Seonghwa fucked him harder.

“I’m not— not— you’re the best!” Hongjoong was close to tears at this point. “Really!”

“Hm, fine.”

“Fi— fine?”

“Come, if you must.”

It was like he’d flipped a switch. Once he had permission, Hongjoong was coming, so hard he could see stars. “Master!”

“Good boy, Joongie, good boy, come for me.” Seonghwa grunted as he buried himself in Hongjoong, and then he was moaning as he came too. It prolonged Hongjoong’s own orgasm, and they both trembled before falling limp.

Hongjoong hummed happily at the weight of Seonghwa draped over him, wrapping his arms around him and nuzzling into him.

“Is puppy happy?” Seonghwa murmured, absently petting his hair. “Does puppy feel good?”

“Mhm.” Hongjoong smiled, then sighed as Seonghwa began to scratch one of his ears.

“Good boy.” Seonghwa whispered.

Hongjoong closed his eyes, falling into the pleasant floaty space he always got into after coming. He was so warm, and Seonghwa was so warm, and his ear was being scratched…

He was dimly aware of footsteps towards him, and a familiar smell reached his nose.

Hongjoong’s eyes flew open. “Yunho!” He yipped.

“Hongjoong.” Yunho was smiling fondly down at him. He squatted down beside Hongjoong and began to pet his other ear.

Hongjoong was in heaven. He closed his eyes, listening to Yunho and Seonghwa’s conversation.

“How did you like him?”

“Oh, he was perfect. So well trained, and loyal, too.”

“He likes you, I can tell.”

Hongjoong hummed in agreement. He did like Seonghwa. Both of the men laughed, and Hongjoong smiled. “I was a good boy?”

Yunho stroked his hair. “Such a good boy.” He turned back to Seonghwa. “Would you like to go through with the sale?”

“I think so.” Seonghwa pulled out of Hongjoong and stood.

Hongjoong whined at the sudden emptiness. “Where are— master? Where are you going?”

Seonghwa smiled at him. “I’ll be back, puppy, but for now, you have to go be evaluated at the show.”

Hongjoong had nearly forgotten he was at a show. He jumped up. “I was a good boy though?”

“Such a good boy.” Seonghwa pet him again. “Now go make me and Yunho proud.”

Hongjoong watched him leave, then looked back to Yunho, his tail wagging. “Seonghwa?”

“So you know his name.” Yunho smiled. “I’m gonna miss you, puppy, but this was always going to be temporary. I know you don’t… get along with the cats.”

“They don’t like me.” Hongjoong grumbled. “It’s not my fault.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Yunho smiled. “Seonghwa and I are friends, though, and I’ll definitely see you again.”

Hongjoong’s tail wagged faster. “I get both of you!”

“Seonghwa will be your owner… but I won’t disappear, I promise. Now, let’s get you cleaned up for the show.”

“I’m going to make you and Seonghwa proud.” Hongjoong said. “He wants me to.”

“I know you will, puppy.”

[howlingday]

If I may get on my soap box.

I don't think a lot of people actually understand that Ozpin is probably the most neutral good a character has been.

While Ozpin has made questionable decisions most of them stemmed from wanting to avoid causing harm, he didn't tell anyone minus the ones he trusts about Salem, because he knew it would cause mass panic, he didn't tell anyone about his history with Salem to ensure that nothing stops the mission of taking down Salem.

And I think it's best shown in volume three where pyrrha is being taken to be transferred the fall maidens magic.

Looking at the scene, outside of Pyrrha being nervous, no one on that elevator even had a smirk, no one genuinely seemed like they were 100% ok with this, especially Ozpin as he looks as if he just accepts that this has to happen. But he still doesn't like it.

A lot of times when I see arguments about oz it's usually either demonizing the guy and infantilizing all the students who were in beacon (especially the main four specifically ruby- my god can we all just agree that Ruby's mindset from the jump was gonna comeback to bite her in the ass or are we going to blame a single character for everything- and even Pyrrha to an extent)

Or on the opposite end, glorifying the guy and demonizing everyone else (big example is saying pyrrha was being ungrateful for not immediately accepting the maiden powers- no she wasn't because as much as I hate her if I was in her situation I would do the same thing)

And to me, that's missing the point. Ozpin isn't a heartless monster nor is he a radiant saint.. he's human, he is so PAINFULLY human. Because despite everything the guy has been through, dying in your wives arms, coming back only to find your wife having gone insane, being told by arrogant toddlers who acted like gods to do the hard work so they can come down and be glorified again (can you tell I hate the brothers yet? Because I do.) watching hundreds of people die before your eyes over and over again and being betrayed by people you had faith in, it's a miracle he still tries to think of others.

He's not perfect but he's sure as shit not a monster. He just makes decisions thinking they're for the best when they may not be.

Ozpin is human.. so extremely human and I think that's why I have a preference for his character because I empathize with the guy and hope that his story doesn't end in him being treated like Satan™ and being told to die. Because well, Rwby kinda has a track record unfortunately with certain characters and I genuinely hope that they do stick the landing with oz.

Alright, I'm getting off my soap box, I've been arrogant, now I'm fucking off. Have a good day my guy.

I completely agree. Honestly, reading this, I kinda remember a meme that was going on that went something along the lines of...

"We need more morally gray character" / Bitch, you fuckers couldn't even handle Ozpin!

Ozpin is definitely human, and yes, while his plans have had flaws like a lack of security around the Maiden, his letting slip four students who look nothing like students, and letting RWBY get away with everything up to and including domestic terrorism... I get it. I completely understand his reasons.

Ozpin's greatest flaw, as I understand it, is his trusting people. While he knew the Maiden was important, I could see him forgoing using security, including cameras, because he knew how easily someone could slip past him. Along with that, though, he also put way too much trust into his inner circle by letting Lionheart enroll four of his students into the Vytal Festival. And as for Team RWBY, let's face it; everything was going to be going tits up when they graduated, and their hearts were in the right place. He trusts them to learn better in the future.

Ozpin is human, and his flaw is trust.

And I guarantee somebody's gonna argue with us regardless of what we say.

[aidenlydia]

hey ho!! the 09 simon sh anon here (what a weird title. anyways) first of all, thank you for replying! didn't know you hc simon as autistic, which makes him, in a way, even more relatable to me <33

i have another question, this time about simons and johnnys relationship. you mentioned that johnny helps simon cope, especially with his aggression / sh. do you have any specific headcanons how simon does that? do they have any specific rituals for when simon starts struggling? and also, the other way around, when johnny starts struggling with his OCD and depression?

cw: self-harm

Oh boy do I have a lot of thoughts about this. But first some definitions for those who are unfamiliar:

Autistic Meltdown - a intense response to overwhelming stress or dysregulation, leading to loss of control over behavior and difficulty calming down. Common signs include crying, yelling, rocking, pacing, dissociating, intense stimming and aggressive or self-injurious behavior (hitting, biting, kicking).

Shutdown - a form of meltdown where a person becomes extremely still, silent and withdrawn rather than outwardly aggressive.

Stimming - repetition of certain physical movements or vocalizations that autistic people use to calm themselves down or express their feelings.

Intrusive thoughts - unwanted thoughts that pop into one's mind without warning, at any time. They're often repetitive and can be disturbing or distressing.

Obsessions - intrusive thoughts that are hard to manage, get stuck in one's head and have a negative impact on daily life.

Compulsions - repetitive things one feels they have to do (mentally or physically) in order to reduce distress and anxiety caused by obsessions (to make things feel right again). One might know that it doesn't make sense to carry out a compulsion, but is unable to resist doing it.

I think the first step is being patient and not judging each other.

The way Ghost feels during and after a meltdown is complete loss of control, accompanied by shame. That's why SH is so easy to fall back to. It re-establishes some sense of control, which can be both a relief and a punishment at the same time.

Similarly with MacTavish, when his intrusive thoughts get the better of him and he starts spinning his wheels (getting stuck in compulsions and increasingly agitated) he knows he's both out of control and unable to stop it while probably being judged if witnessed.

It boils down to not being understood and feeling like everyone thinks you're crazy. Your self-esteem and sense of belonging take a massive hit. But having someone witness you at such a low point and support you through it, without thinking less of you afterwards, already makes a huge difference.

I don't think MacTavish knows he has OCD, he's probably only aware of the stereotype (obsession with being clean and organized) and thinks of his own symptoms as "a weakness" he needs to hide and overcome by sheer willpower to be able to keep his job and the respect of his colleagues.

Ghost isn't blind to it, he notices a lot of MacTavish's quirks and insecurities that others don't. He takes them seriously, wants to understand and help.

Part of MacTavish's depression is connected to his OCD - it makes him very anxious and tired. If anything goes wrong his depressed mind will find a way to blame himself and his compulsions get worse in response to his new intrusive thoughts/obsessions. Anything can become an obsession and the excessive misery caused by it makes him feel even more depressed. And on it goes.

At first Ghost falls into the trap of wanting to help and relieve MacTavish of some of his distress by accommodating one or more of his compulsions - it seems to make him feel better. However the more you give into compulsions, the stronger they get and end up making the symptoms worse in the long run.

The key to truly support MacTavish is to help him resist his compulsions. Ghost learns firsthand that endorsing the behaviors does more harm than good, including giving reassurance, which is a common symptom of OCD (and the most heartbreaking for both parties. It feels like a rejection to MacTavish and Ghost feels so mean for doing it, but it is for MacTavish's own good).

You can read more about it here: If You Love Someone With OCD, You May Need to Stop Reassuring Them That Everything Is OK

Of course Ghost can still validate his feelings, recognizing how upset it makes MacTavish and remind him to be patient and compassionate with himself while also staying consistent in his encouragement to keep resisting. Instead of trying to make the distress go away, Ghost helps him to accept it and ride it out together. Sometimes while in the thick of it they resort to distraction (doing something else to take his mind off it, which isn't exactly the best go-to coping skill) and physical affection (for emotional support). During a crisis situation Ghost will usually fold and let him give into a compulsion, he still has to learn how to deal with those.

Another thing that helps MacTavish a lot is when Ghost starts telling him about some of his own intrusive thoughts (everyone can have them). It makes him feel less alone/more normal, helps him open up more about his worries and reaffirms his belief that Ghost doesn't think he's crazy or a bad person. Remember, he doesn't know he has OCD yet.

I'm not sure Ghost would know or even suspect he has Autism either, autistic afab kids don't fit the "typical" stereotype and are often overlooked. He probably got called weird and off-putting his entire life, as well as being bullied without even realizing it. He only knows he isn't like the others and prefers to be alone because everyone understands the world and communication in a way he just doesn't.

He embraces his weirdness instead of hiding it, doesn't care if people think his mask is corny or that they should keep their distance from a freak like him. He's tired of not being understood, so he isolates himself and doesn't try to change anyone's mind anymore.

Nobody really gets him until MacTavish. He tends to leave a negative first impression; being perceived as rude, aggressive and disrespectful because of missed social cues. His meltdowns are mistaken for childish tantrums or manipulation. MacTavish can tell he's definitely odd, but he appreciates Ghost's straightforwardness and blunt honesty instead of being offended by it. Ghost responds well to MacTavish because he needs very clear and direct communication without it being condescending and patronizing, which MacTavish is naturally very good at. No mind games, no reading between the lines.

It's also why Ghost doesn't mind taking his mask off in front of him, not only does he trust MacTavish enough to be vulnerable, but he doesn't fear being off-putting or having his facial expressions (or lack thereof) misunderstood. They are similar in that regard, MacTavish has resting angry face and is often mistaken as aggressive, intimidating or confrontational because of it. Ghost sees there's a much more sensitive and thoughtful man underneath the hard exterior.

MacTavish doesn't have much experience with meltdowns, but can tell Ghost isn't escalating on purpose. It starts with Ghost showing signs of anxiety - pacing, rocking or becoming very still and quiet. He tries to calm himself down by fidgeting/stimming, bouncing his leg, grinding his teeth or biting at his lip. Sometimes he will ask repetitive questions, seeking reassurance, or become increasingly nonverbal. He is easily frustrated and has difficulty communicating or expressing himself clearly.

Meltdowns can be triggered by many things at once, a mix of distress intolerance, emotional regulation issues and sensory overloads. Meaning lack of sleep, stress, too many unexpressed emotions, change in routine/big life changes, too much noise, being touched too much, bright lights (that's why he wears sunglasses), too much smell, not getting enough air, ect. It can be completely overwhelming.

MacTavish responds by staying calm and quiet, not talking over Ghost and moving slowly. Any additional stimulus makes the overload worse. He gives Ghost space, doesn't touch him without permission and never punishes him for "losing it" during his meltdown or afterwards. He gets Ghost into a safe, quiet room or place until it's over. Things that help Ghost calm down is silence, a cold compress on his forehead, noise canceling headphones, laying down with the lights out and MacTavish's entire weight laid on top of him or something cold to drink.

After meltdowns Ghost feels exhausted and either needs some time alone to recharge or becomes very clingy for a while. He often doesn't remember what exactly happened and is very self-critical, but MacTavish won't allow him to be ashamed of himself or engage in his typical SH behavior, opting for calming affection and distraction instead.

If Ghost's urge to SH is coming from a place of anger they tear paper in little pieces together, go for a run or exercise. If it's from sadness they hold each other, listen to music, let MacTavish massage him or get out into nature. If it's from feeling numb, he's allowed to flick an elastic band on his wrists or hold ice cubes.

To prevent a meltdown or SH the trigger needs to be recognized early enough to be either removed in time or given a coping strategy. They develop a code sign for Ghost to use when he feels unstable, so MacTavish can help him regulate or get him away to somewhere quiet where they can properly communicate. The more Ghost trusts him, the easier it is for Ghost to communicate and disclose his distress. When Ghost becomes nonverbal they either write or speak in sign language to navigate the situation.

After leaving the military they struggle more with their relationship and gain a deeper understanding of each other by finally getting diagnosed. They end up going to therapy together where they learn how to properly manage MacTavish's compulsions and get him treatment for depression. They develop relationship strategies and identify Ghost's meltdown and SH triggers as well.

I think this is a good place to stop for now. Perhaps one day I'll get into my DID Ghost headcanon/ideas, but my fingers hurt from typing so it will have to wait lmao

This is a continuation from a previous post

[canirove]

Pedri x Ferran Torres Imagine

Author's note: This is my first time writing something like this, so I don't know if pepople will like it or not or if I will write more in the future 😅 But I saw that first pic of Pedri and Eric I'm using in the header, and instantly thought about them looking at Ferran and couldn't help myself 😁 I don't know either if I'm using the right tags or if I'm missing some so it reaches more people, so if you can think of some please let me know! Hope you like it, and thank you for reading! 💜

Little summary: Pedri and Ferran have had a crush on each other for a while, but neither of them have been brave enough to ask the other out until…

Masterlist

“Look at him, bro. Isn't he simply gorgeous?”

“I guess.”

“You guess? C'mon, Pedri. Look at him. Look at that smile. At the dimple on his chin. At those muscles.”

“Eric, did you just sigh?” Pedri chuckles.

“How not to” he sighs again, his eyes fixed on Ferran. 

He had signed for Barcelona and been part of the team just for a few months, but basically everyone in the team already had a crush on him. Pedri included. Though unlike everyone else, who had already tried to make a move on him, he had done nothing because he was too shy even if he felt there was some kind of connection between them. 

For example, every time Ferran has caught him looking at him, instead of rolling his eyes and telling him to mind his business or focus on training like he does with the others, he smiles at him, making him feel funny things in his stomach. One time he even winked at him, catching Pedri so by surprise that he tripped with the ball he was playing with and ended up on the floor, his teammates teasing him about his fall for a week. And while with them he gets all serious when they try to joke with him during training, usually telling them that he is there to work and play football, with him it is completely different. Pretty often it is Ferran the one joking with him or teasing him about something, both of them laughing together and having what Pedri would call, a moment. 

So there definitely is something between, but what? He doesn't know.

“Do you think he would say yes to going out with me?”

“What?” Pedri says, trying to stop looking at the way Ferran is biting his lip while Flick shows him some papers and explains something to him. He has noticed he does it when he is focused on something, and he can’t help but find it extremely sexy. More than once he's imagined how it would be to bite Ferran's lip while kissing him, which is something he should not be thinking about a teammate, but…

“If I ask him to go out on a date with me, do you think he will say yes?”

“He's made it very clear he isn't interested in any player, Eric. That he's here to play football, nothing else.”

“I know. But just because he's said no to the others doesn't mean he will say it to me too, you know? Besides, what if he's just playing hard to catch?”

“Doesn't look like something Ferran would do, to be honest.”

“And how do you know, uh? Are you bffs with him now?” Eric says with a teasing smile.

“No” Pedri replies, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Are you sure? Because I've seen you talking and laughing together, and you seem to get along quite well. Are you hiding something from us, Pedri?”

“Something like what?” he says, trying to act normal while praying for his cheeks to not turn bright red.

“I don't know. Maybe Ferran ignores us all because he's interested in you. Because you two are seeing each other in secret.”

“Don't be stupid, Eric” Pedri laughs. “I don't like him and he doesn't like me unless it is to tease me. The relationship I have with him is the same I have with any other teammate.”

“If you say so…”

“Yes, I do. So stop imagining things.”

“Ok, ok…” he says. “But if there isn't anything going on between you two, then you won't mind if I go and ask him out, will you?”

“No, I won't” Pedri says. Though he does mind. Because if for some reason Ferran says yes, they go out and things work out between them, seeing one of his best friends dating the guy he likes won't be easy. At all. 

“Then I'm gonna go shoot my shot. Wish me luck, bro” Eric says, getting up from the cooler where they both were sitting.

“Good luck” Pedri mutters while hating himself. Why can't he be as brave as Eric and be the one asking Ferran out? Why does he have to be such a coward? Why… “Urgh” he groans, picking a ball to have something to focus on that isn't Eric and what he is about to do.

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“Is Flick's handwriting that bad?” 

“Uh?” Ferran says, looking up from the papers on his hands.

“That” Eric says, pointing at them. “I saw you reading that with the gaffer. Did he write it?”

“Oh, no. I did.”

“What?”

“It is a gym plan I made for myself to help me improve on some things.”

“Wait a minute… You can't understand your own writing?” he says, trying his best to not laugh.

“I can't, no” Ferran sighs.

“Wow” Eric chuckles.

“Yeah, well. Can I help you with anything?”

“You definitely can” he smiles. “Are you free tomorrow?”

“I… yes. Why?”

“Well, a friend of mine just opened a new restaurant and he has been asking me to go pay him a visit, so I was wondering if you would like to come check it with me.”

“Eric, are you asking me to go on a date with you?” Ferran says, arching an eyebrow.

“I am, yes.”

“Oh, wow” he laughs. “That was a very confident answer, you know? I've liked it. The others usually start mumbling when I ask them.”

“The others aren't me” he shrugs. “So, would you like to accompany me to my friend’s restaurant? We can first have a drink and then have dinner.”

“I…” Ferran says, looking past him at where Pedri is. If only he was the one asking him out… 

Since he had signed for Barcelona, basically everyone in the team had tried to make a move with him. Everyone but Pedri, the one Ferran he had a connection with. The one he liked and that sometimes made him feel and especially behave like a teenager around his crush. Like when he teases him just to have his attention and make him laugh or smile. 

Because he's cute and hot all at the same time, nice, funny, hearing him talk with that Canarian accent of his makes him swoon, they get along quite well, are comfortable with and around each other… Though maybe not as comfortable as Ferran thinks since Pedri doesn't seem to care about Eric asking him out, something he definitely knows is happening because he saw them talking together and looking his way before he came. So maybe he should stop wasting his time waiting for him and just say yes to one of the other boys since he doesn't seem to care. Or maybe he should be the one asking him out, the one making the first move. Maybe…

“You…” Eric says, bringing Ferran back to the real world.

“Ok.”

“What?”

“I'll go on a date with you” Ferran says, not quite believing the words that are leaving his mouth.

“Wait, really?”

“Yes, really. We can meet tomorrow after training, first go have that drink and then dinner. Though you are driving, your car is nicer than mine.”

“Yes, of course! Great” he smiles. “Great! Tomorrow after training, then?”

��Tomorrow after training” Ferran repeats more to himself than to Eric.

“Cool. Ok” he says, his smile even wider as he walks back to join the others. To join Pedri, who quickly looks away when he notices Ferran is looking at him. 

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“God, Eric. Do you really need to wear so much perfume?”

“Of course I do. I must look my best for my date” he smiles.

“Smelling as if you’ve showered in perfume isn't looking your best.”

“If you are jealous just say it, Pedro” he smirks.

“I'm not jealous” Pedri replies, focusing on tying up his shoes. But he is. Of course he is jealous. 

To his surprise and everyone's in the changing room, Ferran had said yes to going out with Eric. And judging by what he had been implying while telling the others about his date, he was planning on also ending the night with him. So if he had already said yes to going out with him, who says he would not also say yes to… to… 

“Enjoy your night” Pedri says, picking up his things to stop thinking about Ferran and Eric together. “And don't be a dick. He doesn't deserve it.”

“I will behave, bro. I promise you” he says while putting on even more perfume, making Pedri roll his eyes before leaving the changing room. 

━━━━━━❃━━━━━━

“Oh, shit!” Ferran says after bumping into someone. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, don't worry. I… Hi.”

“Hi.”

“You look great” Pedri says, looking at Ferran from head to toe.

“Thank you” he replies, focusing on adjusting his shirt to ignore the way Pedri checking him out was making him feel. Why did he have to cross paths with him on his way to meet with Eric? Why couldn't it be someone else? 

“Does wearing perfume give you a headache?”

“What?” Ferran says, the oddity of Pedri's question making him look at him. Since it is Friday and they don't play until Sunday, he hasn't shaved yet and… God. He looks so good. Someone should keep all the razors away from him.

“I just left Eric back in the changing room showering himself in perfume. I'm pretty sure I can smell it on myself” he chuckles. “So if it is something that bothers you…”

“I think I'll survive.”

“Oh. Ok. Then I… Umm…” he says, running a hand through his hair. “Enjoy your date. He's a great guy.”

“Thank you.”

“Yeah… umm… Bye” he says, walking past Ferran. 

“Pedri, wait.”

“Yes?” he says behind him.

“Eric… Eric is a great guy even if he showers himself in perfume, you are right. But he… he isn't you.”

“He… what?”

“I wish it was you the one taking me on a date tonight” Ferran blurts out, still giving his back to Pedri.

“What?”

“That I…” he says, taking a deep breath before turning around to look at him. “I wish it was you, Pedri. I wish I was going out on a date with you, not Eric. Because I…” like you. Those are the words he would have said if Pedri hadn't suddenly closed the space between them and was kissing him, his hands cupping his face. Because he is kissing him. Pedri is kissing Ferran and… “Did you just bite my lip?” 

“I… sorry” he says, his cheeks turning bright red while Ferran tried his best to not smile. Blushed Pedri, either during games or because of his shyness, is one of his favourite things in the world. “I just… I got carried away, I… I'm very sorry.”

“No, no, it's ok. But now I'm gonna have to bite you back” he smirks. “I've been thinking about doing it since the day I met you.”

“What?”

“You have very kissable and biteable lips, Pedri.”

“Oh, well, umm… Glad to know we have something in common” he says, the tiniest of smirks showing up on his face. “Your lips also are very kissable and biteable, you know?”

“Kind of guessed it since you just kissed me and bite me” Ferran chuckles. “But I think we have more things than that in common, you know?”

“We do?”

“Yep” he nods. “Fancy finding out about them all while having dinner?”

“Having dinner… as in a date?”

“Yes. A date. Another thing I have been wanting to do with you for a long time.”

“And another thing we have in common” Pedri chuckles. “Though I haven't been as brave as you.”

“It doesn't matter who asked who. What matters is that it is happening. Shall we?” Ferran says, putting some space between them. They were in the middle of a corridor, and anyone could see them.

“Let's go” Pedri smiles. “Though wait. What about Eric and your date with him?”

“I'll text him telling him that I'm not feeling well and that I have to cancel, don't worry.”

“Ok... I just hope he doesn't get mad at me when he finds out the truth. He's one of my best friends.”

“I’m sure he won’t” Ferran says. “Because don't ask me why… but I have the feeling everything is going to be alright.”

And the thing is… that he wasn't wrong. Because as they would find out months later when they make it official that they are dating, there had been someone watching everything that had happened between him and Pedri on that corridor. Someone who had only asked Ferran out hoping that it would make him and Pedri stop being two cowards and finally make a move. Someone who was smiling from ear to ear as he watched them walk together and leave to go on their first date. 

Someone, who wasn't other than Eric.

[sevensoulmates]

Buck, Eddie, Love Interests & Vulnerability

So I noticed something interesting while I was watching a romcom with my friend tonight and I wanted to share my thoughts.

I remembered that in writing romance, whether for screen or in written format, one of the fundamental keys to making your characters establish a deep relationship is to have them share vulnerable moments.

Why is it important for two characters to be mutually vulnerable to develop a romance? Because if your potential partner is not able to see the most vulnerable parts of yourself and love you for it even more, then that's not the partner for you. Most of us are aware of this, and that's why those moments in any romance where two characters open up and let each other in are extremely important.

Now I want to talk about Buck and Eddie's relationships with their various LI's (hopefully as briefly as I can) and analyze the relationships and the audience's reception to them.

With Buck, his relationship with Abby, love it or hate it, definitely included many vulnerable moments with the two of them opening up to each other. Buck felt like Abby could see him, and he was able to be vulnerable with her about how he felt. Abby was very open about her struggles with her mom. This bonded them together quickly and allowed the audience to at least understand why they were into each other if nothing else. I still believe Buck's relationship with Abby was the strongest of his female love interests in the show (even despite all the faults).

With Ali, the only time we see Buck be vulnerable is right after the truck explosion, and instead of that vulnerability being accepted, it is rejected by Ali, hence why their relationship does not continue.

With Taylor....this relationship was lopsided. Taylor managed to open up to Buck during the pandemic episodes, and about her past, and Buck accepted her and supported her, but the same could not be said vice versa. With the exception of the scene where Taylor tries to help Buck after Eddie is shot (and even that has him rejecting her and her insisting but I digress), when Buck opened up about things, his insecurities, etc, they were almost always met with skepticism, mockery, and even exasperation, even though she was no longer outwardly cruel. Buck made a lot of mistakes in their relationship too, but all of this (in my personal opinion) was done because he knew, subconsciously, that he and Taylor were not fully connecting on the emotional level they both needed, and that led to their ultimate breakup.

With Natalia, the girl wasn't comfortable with any part of Buck's life, and I don't think either of them really shared any truly vulnerable moments at all. Even though they were talking a lot about Buck's death. I think at first, Buck misunderstood Natalia's interest in his death as acceptance of his vulnerabilities (exactly what he was missing in his last relationship with Taylor) but in the end, he realized that once again, they were not connecting the way they needed to, and he ended it.

Now, I'm going to shift to Eddie because he's interesting. The first relationship we see him in is with Shannon. We see moments between the two of them where Shannon is able to open up about her vulnerabilities with Eddie...but (in my opinion) I don't know if Eddie was ever able to truly accept them, as evidenced by him being "unable to trust her" even after he's already begun sleeping with her. In contrast, I don't think we ever really see Eddie open up to her, not really, not even during the very last time they have dinner together. His speech to Shannon is less about him being open and honest with his vulnerabilities, but more so a promise to stifle his worries about their relationship, his fears about what she could do to Chris (and Eddie) emotionally, to fall back into the comfortable nuclear family they'd made, to keep his issues to himself all in the pursuit of "making it right" with her. In Eddie Begins, we also see that when Shannon tries to make vulnerable connections with Eddie they are shut down, and when Eddie is given opportunities to open up to Shannon and let her in on how he's feeling, he denies them. I understand why some people find their relationship fascinating, but I think most people agree these two were never right for each other because Eddie and Shannon are never able to make the true, deep vulnerable connections necessary in order to really truly be there and accept and love each other as true forever partners.

Next, we have Ana. Good lord the only vulnerable conversation these two ever had on screen was their breakup. They have awkward dates where they talk about math, and when Ana tries to get Eddie to start talking about Shannon ie "I know there's not been anyone in his life since his mom" Eddie very promptly shuts down that convo. Later on, even after Eddie is shot, they still don't have any vulnerable conversations. Then, when Eddie has his panic attacks, still nothing. The only time Eddie is ever 100% honest with her is when they break up. And that's why literally no one watching had any investment in these two as a couple.

I want to spare a brief interlude for Felisa Valdez and Vanessa. I hypothesize a lot of the reason why people think Eddie "had chemistry" with these two was not just because they are all hot individuals or had any sort of special connection (let's be real they were all virtual strangers to each other). But there is one thing that sets both of them apart from Eddie's other two love interests. Felisa was able to be very open and honest with Eddie about why she stays in not-so-healthy friendships, and in turn, Eddie shared with her about the tsunami and Chris. They were able to connect through mutual vulnerability (even though it wasn't too deep on Eddie's end). Similarly, Vanessa is able to be open with Eddie about how she was hurt by her ex-fiance in the past and that she wants to protect her own feelings now. Eddie both admires her honesty and connects with her vulnerability (as it is a shared one even though Eddie doesn't tell her so onscreen). But because of that vulnerable moment, most of us actually really liked Vanessa and thought she and Eddie were cute.

Moving on to Marisol, it could be argued that Eddie sees Marisol in her most vulnerable moment (when she thinks her brother is gonna die), but that was not really a moment where Marisol chooses to be vulnerable with Eddie, he just happens to be there witnessing it. Then fast forward through the rest of the scenes they have in season 6, there are no moments of them being open and vulnerable with each other (and no I don't count the asking-out scene that was just awkwardness). Then we head into season 7, she's been in one scene, and that was all surface level too. In fact, the person that Eddie's being most vulnerable with in that same scene is Buck. For that reason, and external reasons related to the actress, most people are not interested in Eddie/Marisol at all.

Which brings me to my next and biggest point.

The person that Buck and Eddie have been able to share most of, if not all, their biggest vulnerability moments with is each other. Yes, Buck has vulnerable scenes with Maddie (but that's his sister), and both of them have vulnerable scenes with Bobby (but that's their father), but even those moments are outshined by just how deeply vulnerable Buck and Eddie are able to be with each other.

I could go on to list each and every moment Buck and Eddie have been vulnerable with each other and then found equal and reciprocated acceptance each and every time, but that's unnecessary because most of us already just flash-forwarded through all their scenes at light speed, so I don't need to tell you what you already know. But I think the sheer amount of times that Buck and Eddie have been vulnerable with each other in ways that are EXCLUSIVE to each other, is why a fuckton of us in this fandom are so down bad for them as a couple and will fight tooth and nail for them to get their happy ending together.

So, with that being said I'm interested to see where the rest of season 7 goes. Are we going to get some actual real moments of vulnerability between Eddie and Marisol (or Buck and *maybe* Tommy)? Or are they just going to remain surface level, never actually developing their relationship into anything worthwhile. And if what the endless amount of articles on Buddie keep saying is true, then it's Buck and Eddie who are going to keep being open and vulnerable with each other, getting closer, and seeing their relationship develop into new territory.