#I love others chiming in and bringing their own thoughts and experiences!

[shadowetienne]

OnlyOneOf be series thoughts

As undergrOund idOl / be series draws to a close, I'm noticing some interesting parallels between the three pairs and trying to think about the messages they are trying to give.

Each pair seems to have one member who is more at peace with his sexuality and one who is still struggling with it on some level.

In "begin" / "be free," Yoojung enters the story line comfortable with himself if unsure if how the world will treat him. His character is open, receptive, and as the song states, "ready to begin." KB's character arc in the two MVs involves him coming to terms with himself enough to accept his attraction to Yoojung and meet that openness, therefore becoming free as the title again suggests: in this case, free from the constraints he put on himself. However, we can also assume that it connects to the constraints that he has experienced from society, especially since even the more open of the two of them is waiting to be approached.

In "be mine" / "because," Junji is ready and comfortable acting on his feelings. He is both the one who initiates the relationship by running after Rie to talk to him, and the one who initiates and levels up a lot of the physicality. One of the points where this is really obvious is taking off the shirts at the pool. Junji is at ease, ready to show off, be seen, and go to the next point, while Rie is hesitant even though he does also take off the shirt. There's a lot more anxiety present in Rie's character when it comes to the relationship.

While "beat" / "beyond" is not complete yet, I feel pretty confident saying Mill is the half of this pair uncomfortable with his sexuality and position in society while Nine has come to terms with himself and is more relaxed. It's pretty blatant in how Mill faces bullying, how Nine and Mill interact in the art room scene. I am really curious to see how that continues to play out in "beyOnd."

The different pairs seem to be telling stories from different life stages/ages.

And we seem to be going backwards in age. Yoojung and KB are telling a story of full adults who have careers or at least jobs, and adult lives. Their story involves at least the implications of clubbing and cruising, and part of their struggle clearly involves being free to be themselves in the world and society without ruining what they already have.

Junji and Rie are showing a story of young adulthood. It's much more centered around the individual and less their roles in the world. They are independent at this point, but not fully invested into their adult lives, and they also seem to know others who are queer, and not necessarily need to hide from their immediate peers. (Junji and KB as friends, the cafe where Yoojung works as a meeting place, which seems to be a soft reference to My Beautiful Laundrette, a queer film.)

The ages of the characters really clicked with the addition of Mill and Nine's story being set in high school. They are in a life stage where they have pretty much adult emotions and reasoning ability without the experience, emotional control, and most importantly agency to really have security. While KB's struggle seems to largely be about his own emotions towards the world and how it views him in "be free," Mill is being faced with the reality of physical threat to his safety shoved in his face constantly through the bullying shown in "beat." It's pervasive, it's out in the open, and no one really seems to have tried to do anything to stop it before Nine. Being a teenager who knows or suspects that you're queer in an environment that is actively hostile towards you for it and you have no power to get out of is terrifying, and that is part of what makes "beat" and its story really poignant. Nine also clearly is facing some of these same potential concerns, but he seems to be coming from a place where he is able to be more secure. He's gotten "beyOnd" that. Either he's supported at home, or I suspect he's already faced what he thought was the worst possibility and he survived and kept going so he believes it will be ok once they get past this phase. I'm really curious what they show in his MV.

The phone booth as liminal space and a point of connection.

The phone booth has shown up in every set of MVs. It's where KB falls into Yoojung's arms. It's one of the places that Junji and Rie meet and Rie was (or was going to be) making a call. It's where Nine stumbles into Mill's arms after having been beaten up (I can't wait for context).

Phone booths are giving me a few different connections here:

Phone booths were a really common place used in cruising, and I do think that this is being referenced intentionally in Yoojung and KB's storyline. Yoojung waiting in a phone booth isn't innocent happenstance.

Obviously, phone booths are a place one can make calls, and reach out to others, and this part plays a pretty clear imagery role in Junji and Rie's story.

But on that front, when I was a queer teenager in danger of being kicked out, one of the things we told each other in our secretive connections between queer teenagers who all had recognized each other, with those of us who were out whether we wanted to be or not at the center of these clusters, was always carry enough change to make at least one payphone call, and have the number memorised for a safe person to call. Maybe this was just my extended circle in the Bay Area, in the early 00s, but it feels like it's a cultural thing I've seen references to. The idea at least, of going to a phone booth to make that call because you have been kicked out and you are reaching out to the one person who you are pretty sure is safe, that seems to resonate with how I see the scene with Mill at the phone booth at the end of "beat."

Paper cranes as a symbol of hope and the future.

Right now, especially with the lack of paper cranes in "beat" (will they return in Nine's MV?), I'm feeling like paper cranes are symbols of hopes or wishes for the future. Yoojung has some to start with, and then there are the small number shared between him and KB. Their hopes are tentative, just starting and building slowly. They aren't on steady footing yet. Yoojung has those hopes for the future of his own accord, but KB needs to connect with Yoojung to start getting his own hopes to match.

Junji and Rie have lots of them, made together, and gathered up and in many colors and possibilities. They're still a little fragile, but even if they get a little crumpled, they can be picked up off the floor and are mostly fine. The use of their respective colors in places for the cranes is a nice touch. Even though the relationship takes a turn and has a struggle, theyve built up the hopes together and it doesn't seem like they are so easily ruined (I'm reading it as them making up at the end).

Mill hasn't had the chance to have hope for his future yet. I think that if Nine's MV marks the return of paper cranes, it says something about Nine bringing hope into the situation. Mill isn't alone, there are other people like him. Even if their high school romance goes no where long term, Nine will have shown him possibility of future. I am hoping that we get that hope in Nine's MV.

I feel like I'm forgetting at least one theme I wanted to talk about, but it's after midnight, so I'm going to leave this ramble here.

[foxy-eva]

Prom Night

Summary: After everyone shared their sad (or non-existent) prom stories, Penelope decided to host a BAU Prom Night, giving Spencer the perfect excuse to finally ask out Reader

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader 

Category: Fluff, Smut

Content Warnings: (18+, minors DNI) a bit of miscommunication, jealous Spencer, heavy kissing, fingering, handjob, protected penetrative sex

Author’s Note: This is my entry for @imagining-in-the-margins Office Party Challenge!

Word count: 2.8k

Masterlist

“And that’s how I ended up with a broken heart on prom night,” JJ concluded her story after a couple of other BAU members had shared their prom experiences in their lunch break. 

“Aww, that’s so sad!” Penelope cooed. 

“I didn’t even go to prom,” Spencer chimed in. “I mean, I was twelve, but still…”

Derek looked at you and asked, “What about you, pretty girl? Did anything exciting happen on your prom night?”

You took a moment to think about it and shook your head, “Don’t even get me started.” 

“You know what!” Penelope suddenly exclaimed. “We should throw our very own prom night! This way we can make up for all those miserable experiences.”

“That sounds fun,” JJ agreed. “I would love to take Will to prom.” 

“Yes, that’s perfect. Everyone has to bring a date!” Penelope locked eyes with Spencer and made herself very clear, “No exceptions. Not even for you, doctor.” 

Spencer cleared his voice as a slight rosy shade spread over his cheeks. It made you smile to see him like this and you wondered if he already had someone to ask to go to prom with him. His eyes met yours for a moment and your heart immediately skipped a beat. 

To everyone’s surprise Hotch agreed to have a BAU Prom Night and made sure that you could use one of the function rooms at Quantico. Over the next few days you helped Penelope figure out the details until the date of your big night was set. 

Everything was going as planned except for one detail - you still didn’t have a date. You were sure that you were the only one at this point, even Spencer seemed to have found someone. At least that was what you assumed after you kept catching him and Derek mumbling about something (or someone) and stopping once you got close enough to eavesdrop. 

Three days before the festivities began, you and Penelope were waiting for fresh coffee in the kitchen while talking about the perfect color arrangement for decorations. Spencer approached and noticed that the coffee wasn’t ready yet, so he joined into the conversation by sharing some facts about color theory. 

“Hey, Y/N,” you turned your head to spot Anderson approaching. “I heard you don’t have a date for prom night yet.” 

“You don’t?” Spencer exclaimed. “I thought you had a boyfriend.” 

You flashed him a confused look and muttered, “What? No.”

“But you mentioned this guy a few weeks ago. I overheard you talking about a date with him,” Spencer stammered. 

“I never heard from him again,” you clarified and turned to Anderson. “And no, I don’t have a prom date yet.” 

The man you had never paid any attention to before smiled at you and said, “Well, now you do!” 

Spencer looked shocked at Anderson’s words and stormed out of the room without saying anything. You had never seen him acting this way and watched as he disappeared in the empty conference room. You flashed Anderson an apologetic look before following Spencer to talk to him. 

You found him sitting at the table, pretending to look through a file when you sat down beside him. “Spencer, what’s going on?” 

“I thought you already had a date,” he mumbled without looking at you. “And now you’re going with Anderson.”

Slowly you got a hunch what all of this was about. It made your heart flutter to realize that he wanted to ask you out. 

“I haven’t agreed to go with him, yet,” you told him. 

He finally locked eyes with you and asked, “Do you want to go with him?” 

“I don’t want to go alone. But the guy I actually want to go with hasn’t asked me yet.” 

Spencer didn’t respond, instead his eyes found the file on the desk again. You couldn’t believe how oblivious he was and realized that you had to spell it out for him. “Spencer, I’m talking about you.” 

“Wh..What?” It took a few seconds until he realized the meaning of your words. “Oh.” 

“Are you gonna ask me out now or what?” You giggled. 

“Yes! Yes. Uhm,” he cleared his voice and took a deep breath. “Do you want to go to prom with me?”

You smiled at him and nodded. “I would love to.” 

A wide grin appeared on his face and you noticed a sparkle in his eyes you had never seen before. Spencer seemed genuinely happy. 

“Should I uhm… pick you up at your place?” Spencer wondered. 

“No, I’ll get ready here because I have to help with decorations. But you could pick me up right here and we’ll walk down to the function room together?” 

“That sounds lovely.” 

After you turned down Anderson’s invitation, you and the rest of the team had to get back to your job for the next few days. It was hard to focus on work as your mind kept drifting off to the fact that Spencer had finally asked you out. Anytime that thought crossed your mind, you felt your cheeks heating up and your heart began beating erratically inside your chest. 

For the first time since you started working at the BAU, Spencer didn't look right away whenever your eyes met his. His glances lingered on you and it made you feel like you were the only person in the room with him.

When the big night finally arrived, you spent most of the day preparing the function room for the evening. About thirty minutes before everyone else would arrive, you hastily disappeared in the restroom to change into your dress, fix your hair and put on some make-up. 

Spencer arrived at the conference room just a few minutes after you. He wore suits most days but you had never seen him wearing anything that fancy. He looked incredibly handsome in his black suit, white dress shirt and bow tie. 

Before you had a chance to tell him how gorgeous he looked, he stammered, “Wow… you look stunning.” 

Your fingertips brushed over the soft fabric of your dress as if to straighten out wrinkles that weren’t there. A wide smile spread over your face at the compliment. It was no coincidence that you picked a purple dress, aware that it was Spencer’s favorite color. 

“Thank you. You look very handsome, too.”

A rosy shade spread over Spencer’s cheeks while his lips curled into a coy smile. The two of you stood there in silence for a few moments until he seemed to remember the item he held in his hands. 

“Here, I got you something,” he said as he let you take a look. 

It was a small corsage with white and lavender-colored blossoms. It matched your dress perfectly. You reached out your hand, implicitly telling him to put it over your wrist. 

His fingertips gently brushed over the back of your hand as he placed the corsage on your arm. His touch was innocent but ignited sparks inside your chest nonetheless. He must have felt it too because when his eyes found yours you noticed that warm glimmer in them again. 

As the two of you entered the function room the party had already started. The dance floor was filled with your coworkers, moving in ways you had never seen before. The colors of the balloons matched the rest of the decor and you were more than happy that everything had worked out so wonderfully.

“So, what do you think about your very first prom, boy wonder?” Penelope giggled as she approached the both of you. 

“It’s perfect,” was all he had to say.

Penelope grabbed you both at your arms to pull you onto the dance floor. Spencer protested at first but gave in once you took his hand in yours. You joined the others in their silly little dances and to your surprise, Spencer did too. That was until a slow song came on. 

As if it was the most natural thing in the world, he turned to you and placed his hands on your waist. You let yours rest on his shoulders and began swaying from side to side. 

“Sorry, I have no idea what I’m doing,” he chuckled as he looked down at his feet. 

“You’re doing great, Spencer,” you sincerely responded as you moved a little closer towards him until there barely was any distance left between your bodies. 

“Is this better than your actual prom night?” He wanted to know. “You never actually told us about it.” 

You couldn't stop your hands from moving to the nape of his neck, gently playing with a few loose curls as you purred, “It’s so much better.”

Just when you thought that he was about to lean down to kiss you, you noticed the high-pitched laughter of your female coworkers. 

“Aah, look! They are exactly like those teenagers in every high school romcom!” JJ chirped as she pulled out her phone to snap a picture of the two of you. 

You turned your head to find her face in the crowd, prompting Penelope to chime in, “No, don’t stop, my two lovebirds! Go on, kiss!” 

You felt your cheeks heating up at the realization that you had an audience in this intimate moment.

“Do you wanna try out the photo booth?” Spencer suggested to get away from the curious glances of your work family. 

“That sounds fun!”

And it was fun. You spent a while posing like those typical prom couples before taking a bunch of silly pictures with the props Penelope had bought. 

“Okay, I think we’re done,” you laughed once your cheeks started hurting from smiling so much. 

Spencer shook his head and pressed the button once more. “One last set!” 

Just when the countdown of the camera reached the number zero, you felt Spencer’s lips on your cheek. Your head was spinning after everything that had happened tonight. It seemed like finally being close to the man you had pined after for months gave you the courage to show some initiative. 

You turned your head to find his mouth, capturing it in a soft kiss with no intention to stop even after the last photo was taken. Kissing him then was chaste and sweet and so, so perfect. 

“Busted!” You heard Derek’s voice as he approached the photo booth with his date. “You two should get a room.” 

Almost in unison the both of you responded, “Shut up, Morgan.”

The next few hours flew by quicker than either of you would have liked. Spencer must have noticed how exhausted you were, so he offered, “It’s getting pretty late. I can drive you home if you want?”

Even though you didn't want this night to end, you knew that it was probably for the best. “Yeah, I would like that.”

Spencer nodded and took your hand as he led you out of the room. The way to his car seemed endless and the need to be close to each other was all-consuming. There was no way you could make it without giving into your desperation.

The elevator seemed like the perfect place for your second kiss. Spencer pushed you against one of the walls, his hands cupping your face as he leaned down to find your lips. This time it was far from innocent, the way he instantly deepened the kiss let you know that he must have fantasized about this moment for just as long as you had. 

“You’re so beautiful,” he breathed against your lips. “I’ll never get enough of you.” 

What followed felt like a haze, between longing glances, sweet kisses and bright laughter you somehow made it to your doorstep. Spencer leaned down to find your lips once more before he said, “I would really like to take you out to dinner sometime.”

You kissed him again and mumbled against his lips, “I would like that, too.”

His smile was soft when he purred, “Goodnight. I had a great time tonight.” 

Right when you wanted to respond, you remembered something. Your facial expression must have given it away, because Spencer furrowed his eyebrows and asked, “What’s wrong?” 

Without really thinking about it, you told him, “I can’t get out of this dress alone.”

His saccharine smile morphed into a playful smirk. “Is that so?”

“I know that sounds like the lamest excuse to… you know,” you giggled. “But it's true. Penelope had to help me put it on earlier. There’s no way I’ll be able to get it off on my own.” 

Instead of teasing you some more, Spencer simply followed you inside your apartment. You lost the ability to form any coherent thought once you turned around and Spencer touched your back to undo the zipper. He opened it all the way down to the small of your back. The way his knuckles brushed over your exposed skin was intoxicating.

Once the dress dropped to the floor, you turned around again. Spencer let his sight wander over body for a split second before he found your eyes. You noticed how his fingers twitched and he licked over his lips. 

“If you don’t tell me to leave right now I won’t be able to hold back anymore.”

You stepped closer to him and whispered, “Stay.” 

That was all he needed to hear. His hands were on you in an instant, exploring the curves and dips of your body while your bodies melted into one another in a passionate kiss. With joined forces you helped each other shed each piece of clothing as you stumbled into your bedroom. Spencer pushed you onto the mattress and you welcomed him on top of you. 

He began trailing kisses down your neck before biting down on your pulse point. Your whole body felt like it was floating on a cloud as you felt his lips wandering over your skin. 

“Would you have let him take your dress off, too?” He mumbled against your neck.

It took you a moment to realize that he was talking about Anderson. “No,” you sighed. “I’m yours, Spencer.”

He moaned in response to your words and found your lips once more. One of his hands wandered down your body, greedily grabbing at your skin until it found its destination between your legs. The moment he noticed that you were already dripping with desire for him, he groaned, “You’re mine.”

Your whole body felt like it was on fire when he began dragging his fingertips through your slick folds. When he focussed on your little bud, you couldn't help but start to grind your core against his hand. Your own hands became curious and wandered from his shoulders down his body until your fingers could wrap around his hardness. 

The sounds of his pleasure spurred you further on as you moved your hand up and down, letting your thumb glide over his weeping tip. He felt hot and heavy inside your palm and you got impatient to find out how good he’d feel inside of you. 

Spencer's eyes followed your hand when it let go of him to grab a condom from the nightstand instead. He was quick to put it on before kneeling between your legs. The way he took a moment to let his eyes graze over your body almost felt more intimate than anything you had done until then. 

When he leaned over you he reached between your bodies to guide his cock to your opening. Your body welcomed him without any resistance and you relished the sensation of him filling you out perfectly. 

“Fuck!” He groaned as you clenched around him. “I have wanted to do this for so long.” 

With your arms and legs wrapped around his body you brought him impossibly close. 

“Take me,” you demanded before kissing him again.

He began pushing into you, slowly at first but with an accelerated pace once he seemed sure that you could take it. The room filled with the sounds of your shared pleasure and your bodies colliding over and over again. 

When he felt you getting tighter around him, he propped himself up on one arm and  reached down between your bodies with his other hand. When he found your most sensitive spot, he instantly began drawing tight circles around it. 

“Are you gonna come for me?” He sighed as if it hadn’t been obvious. 

You were already too far gone to answer him, your climax taking the both of you by surprise. When he felt your walls pulsing around his hardness he praised you, “Good girl.” 

Just a few moments later he fell over the edge himself, throbbing inside you before collapsing into your arms. He began mumbling sweet nothings into your ear while your fingertips danced over his back. 

After cleaning up, you found your home in each other's arms. 

“I’m really glad I got to experience my first prom with you,” Spencer cooed before placing a soft kiss on your forehead. “I can’t believe you almost went with Anderson though.”

“I can't believe you almost didn’t ask me out,” You snickered in response.

“Fair point.”

Please like, reblog and leave a comment! I need your lovely words to stay motivated to write more stories.

Taglist: @nomajdetective @reidsbookclub @gspenc @samuel-de-champagne-problems @matthew-gray-gubler-lover @malindacath @luredwithpretzels @reidselle @alexxavicry @frickin-bats @spencersprettyslut @sebs-oxygen @happymangospot @cynbx @melifluorei-d @hotchandspencearedilfs @kobaltdragon @castiels-majestic-wings @emiliaserpe @thenerdthatwrites @saturnstringz @missabsey @spencerslove @guacam011y @whoopdy-doo @hugyourlungs @reiderwriter @enamoradax @hales-17 @loaksulluyswife @ecneremili @xserenax-13 @grumpyy-bearr @purpledsky @super-nerd22 @velvetthunder93

[lovelyyandereaddictionpoint]

papa, me want more yandere jjk zombie apocalypse!!!

no pressure tho lol love your writing

Me when someone calls me Papa:

But seriously thank you Hope you enjoy! 🖤🖤🖤🖤

Zombie Apocalypse: Yandere Jujutsu Kaisen (3)

1  • 2

When you awaken it’s Nobara and Megumi who retrieve you for another tour

This time taking the time to let you partake in the activities with some of the residents

But it’s all to pass the time before Suguru comes to retrieve you

“Hey (Y/n) we have a few more tests to run and after that, I’ll let you go have fun with Satoru.”

Despite your reluctance to deal with the boisterous man you follow Suguru back to the lab where you first met him in

Chatting about anything you could 

“So I finally wanted to inform you about why you can’t go to the other neighborhood and why you have that wristband.”

“Finally! Even if I can’t be with them I want to see them still–”

“...(Y/n)...I’m so sorry.”

Setting you on the patient table Suguru informs you that your blood is the key to immunity against the zombie disease

Using some advanced technology to find you and put the wristband on you to label you among your group of friends

But that wasn’t all 

Holding you close he confides in you that in separate interviews your friend group had proven to be willing to go to extremes to get their hands on the cure

Said extremes were violent and alarming

all suggesting they’d abduct you and make you a living blood bag for them

It was actually not that far-fetched to you

You knew your friends were loosening their morals

You had to 

Especially after the betrayal from one of your members

It was likely that they may have come off that way

But you wonder if that would’ve applied to you as well

You really had no way of knowing

“(Y/n) I understand that this is difficult to take in…just know that me and Satoru are here for you. We’re going to protect you, no matter what.”

He was holding your chin as he looked into your eyes with promise

Letting him hold you in a hug

Suguru has a hard time holding in a smile that twitches widely on his face

After this Suguru takes the day off joining you to experience the different activities 

Satoru joined you both shortly thereafter

“Yay! My two favorite people are baking so adorably! It’d be a shame if someone came and tickled one of them relentlessly.”

“Sorry (Y/n).”

“Wait what—Ahhhh! Hahahaha!”

They’re pretty persistent when it comes to chasing away the thoughts of your friends possibly being as dangerous to you as they were to the zombies you’d been running from 

Enough for you to miss them when you once again say goodbye to Nobara and Megumi after they lead you to your room 

But before you can completely settle on your bed to sullenly stare at the ceiling the door to your room clicks open

“Heyyo you ready for me to show you what movies we’ve got? Of course, you are! C’mon, sweetcheeks!”

“Hope we didn’t wake you but we figured we’d hate to leave you alone.”

“Uh, thanks, you guys.”

“It’s no problem, the mind on its own is a scary place.”

“Yeah…”

“That’s why we’ll never let you go there! Now are you ready for the ultimate movie night? You’re not going to get a wink of sleep!”

That being said by the time the sun rose you were already resting on the couple your head in Satoru’s lap while Suguru held the rest of your body up

Completely oblivious to the second time the lock to your door opened up 

“You two look cozy!”

“Do not yell someone is clearly asleep.”

“So? I have the key to this door so it’s practically mine too.”

“The urge to decimate you always returns with a vengeance.”

“Ouch so cruel~!”

Suguru groaned and rolled his eyes at the both of them checking if you stirred at all

 while Satoru smiled at the blonde one of the duo only to receive an annoyed push of his glasses

“Nanamin you came back earlier than I expected.”

“Yes, my…partner took a very impulsive approach this time around.”

Suguru figured he’d chime in too, “Mahito did you bring any of them back alive?”

Mahito made a face putting a peace sign up as he posed mocking the anime signage now left as relics of the world before

“What do you think?”

“I don’t necessarily care, it’d just make things easier for them.”

“It is unbecoming of you to lie Doctor Geto.”

“Yeah, I could tell you were just itching to get your hands on those pigs!”

Suguru chuckled reaching to brush his hand against your cheek

“Maybe I was hoping to…enjoy a roast. It’s unfair if you’re the only one to enjoy the results of our labor.”

[shitsndgiggs]

hey Kaya, can you do a story with Arda Güler x fc barcelona stargirl. where they fall in love with each other. fluff

STARGIRL - ARDA GÜLER

Barca’s stargirl has a new love interest

Arda Güler x stargirl! reader

︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿

The atmosphere at the El Clásico was electric. The roar of the fans, the anticipation of the match, and the energy pulsing through the stadium created an unforgettable experience.

I had always loved the thrill of these games, the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid bringing out the best in both teams.

But tonight felt different. As I settled into my seat, I could feel a sense of excitement bubbling within me, though I couldn't quite place why.

The commentators were already in full swing, hyping up the match, and the cameras were scanning the stands.

I was just another fan here to support Barcelona, my heart fully invested in my team. But, I noticed the cameras keep lingering on me.

"And look who we have here tonight!" one of the commentators announced, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "That’s Y/N, the rising star of women's football and Barcelona’s very own stargirl!"

The crowd around me erupted in cheers, and I couldn't help but smile and wave, feeling a bit bashful but also incredibly proud.

It was surreal to be recognized in such a way, but the love from the fans was heartwarming.

The other commentator chimed in, “She’s been making waves lately, not just in Spain but across Europe. It’s great to see her here, showing support for her fellow Blaugranas. The fans are loving it—listen to those cheers!"

The camera zoomed in on my as I smiled and waved to the crowd. The commentators continued, their admiration clear.

"She’s got the whole package: talent, dedication, and now, even more, recognition from the fans. You can tell they adore her, and it’s well-deserved."

______

As the cheers erupted in the stadium, Arda glanced up at the giant screens to see what had captured the crowd's attention.

His eyes widened slightly as the camera zoomed in on a girl in the stands, her smile lighting up the screen.

The commentators' words faded into the background as Arda found himself momentarily mesmerized by her.

There she was, Barcelona's stargirl, effortlessly drawing the attention of everyone around her.

But it wasn't just the fans who were captivated—Arda felt something stir inside him, an inexplicable connection that made him want to keep looking.

______

The crowd’s roar hit a new peak as the referee blew the whistle, signaling the start of the match. I leaned forward in my seat, my heart pounding with excitement.

As the players took their positions, my eyes naturally scanned the pitch, soaking in the energy of the moment. That’s when I first noticed him—Arda Güler.

His presence was almost magnetic, drawing my gaze to him even though he was just one player among many on the field.

There was something about the way he moved, with such fluidity and focus, that made it hard to look away.

The game kicked off, but I found myself distracted. My attention kept drifting back to Arda. He was fast, skillful, and completely in sync with the rhythm of the game.

But it wasn’t just his talent that caught my eye; it was the intensity in his expression, the determination that seemed to radiate from him.

He played like every moment mattered, like he was carrying the weight of the match on his shoulders.

I tried to focus on the game, to cheer for my team, but Arda had already planted himself in my thoughts.

It was strange, how quickly he had captured my interest. Every time he got the ball, my pulse would quicken, and I’d find myself holding my breath, waiting to see what he would do next.

The match ended with the usual intensity, both teams fighting hard until the final whistle. Barcelona won, and the stadium was in an uproar.

I cheered along with the fans, but part of my mind was still back in that moment when Arda and I had locked eyes.

As I made my way out of the stadium, still buzzing from the win, my phone buzzed with a message. I glanced down and saw an unfamiliar number.

"Hey, it's Arda Güler. I hope you don’t mind, but I asked someone for your number. I saw you at the game tonight… I’d love to meet you properly."

I stared at the message in disbelief. How had he gotten my number? But more importantly, why was my heart racing at the thought of seeing him again?

Without overthinking it, I quickly typed a reply.

"Hi, Arda. I don't mind at all. It was amazing seeing you play tonight. Where should we meet?"

He responded almost immediately.

"There's a quiet café not far from the stadium. Meet me there in half an hour?"

Half an hour later, I found myself standing outside a small, cozy café. The lights inside were warm and inviting, and through the window, I saw Arda sitting at a corner table, his attention focused on the door.

As soon as I walked in, his eyes lit up, and he stood to greet me. He was even more handsome up close, his boyish features softened by a warm smile.

"Hi," he said, a little shyly, as he held out a chair for me. "I wasn’t sure you’d actually come."

"Of course I came," I replied, smiling as I took a seat. "You played really good tonight, after all. Kinda like a mini Ronaldo.“

He chuckled, and the sound made my heart flutter. "Yeah, but you were definitely the highlight of the game for me."

I felt my cheeks heat up at his words. "I could say the same about you."

The conversation flowed effortlessly, and the more we talked, the more I realized how much I liked him.

"I’ve always admired Barcelona," he admitted at one point, "but tonight, you’ve given me a whole new reason to respect the club."

I laughed, a little embarrassed. "Well, I could say the same about Madrid, but I’d never admit that publicly."

He grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Our secret, then."

As the night came to an end, Arda walked me back to my hotel. We stood outside the entrance, neither of us wanting to say goodbye.

"This doesn’t have to be the end," he said, almost as if reading my thoughts.

"It doesn’t," I agreed, smiling up at him.

We exchanged another look, one filled with unspoken promises. He leaned down then, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to my cheek.

"Goodnight," he whispered.

"Goodnight, Arda."

As I watched him walk away, my heart felt light, filled with a hope that maybe, just maybe, this was the beginning of something incredible.

[zapreportsblog]

❝my child❞

✭ pairing : poly lost boys x reader

✭ fandom : the lost boys

✭ summary : (y/n) is a vampire and a member of the Lost Boys, a powerful gang of biker vampires who control Santa Carla's boardwalk. Despite her immortal nature, Y/N yearns for the impossible dream of having children, much like human women. Her fixation shifts to a lone traveler, whom she believes is destined to be the child of her and the Lost Boys, setting the stage for a unique and unconventional tale of desire and destiny in the vampire underworld.

✭ authors note : ooh aged down star here and I think ima start writing for something other then twilight because no offense twilights taking up my page 😂 I’m not just a twilight franchise writer, I write for various movies, tv shows and series

✭ the lost boys masterlist

The Santa Carla boardwalk was bustling with life as (Y/N) walked hand in hand with her four vampire companions: Marko, Paul, Dwayne, and David. They were known as the Lost Boys, the notorious group of nocturnal creatures that ruled the night in this coastal town. For (Y/N), they were more than just companions; they were her mates, her official but unofficial husbands in the eyes of their vampiric society.

As they strolled among the neon lights, a sense of melancholy crept over her. Children ran by, laughter and joy emanating from their every move. Parents watched over them with love and pride, and the longing in (Y/N)'s heart deepened. She knew that as a vampire, she could never experience the joy of parenthood. Vampires couldn't reproduce, and that realization weighed heavily on her.

(Y/N) glanced at her boys beside her, their immortal beauty accentuated by the boardwalk lights. Their existence was eternal, but it was also devoid of the simple pleasures of human life. While they didn't age, they were forever frozen in time, unable to grow, change, or have children of their own. A pang of sadness washed over her as she wished for something she could never have.

Later that night, as they returned to their hidden lair deep in the cliffs overlooking the Pacific, (Y/N) nestled herself in the makeshift nest of blankets and pillows. She was wrapped up tightly, seeking comfort from the emotional storm brewing within her. Unbeknownst to her, the Lost Boys could feel her emotions, her sadness radiating like a palpable energy in the room.

Dwayne, always the most observant of the group, spoke up. "Did anyone else notice (Y/N) unusual behavior today on the boardwalk?" His voice was soft but laced with concern.

David, the leader of the Lost Boys, nodded. "Yes, I did. She seemed...distressed."

Marko and Paul exchanged glances, equally troubled by the apparent sadness in their mate's heart. "You think she's craving something?" Paul asked, voicing the thought that lingered in all their minds.

Dwayne sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "It's possible. She was watching the children and their families."

David's eyes darkened as he considered the implications. They all knew that satisfying this desire wouldn't be easy. They couldn't simply snatch a random child, not only because it would be cruel but also because it would anger (Y/N) beyond measure.

"We need to find a way to make her happy," David said finally. "We owe it to her. She's given up so much to be with us."

Marko nodded in agreement. "Let's figure this out, together. (Y/N) deserves our best efforts."

Paul chimed in, determination in his voice. "We can't give her a child, but maybe we can find something else that will fill that void in her heart."

As the boys huddled together, their bond as strong as ever, they were united by a single goal: to bring happiness to the woman they cherished above all else, even if it meant navigating the complex emotions of parenthood they could never truly understand.

The night was still young, and only a few hours remained until the dreaded sunrise. The boys knew they had to act quickly to address the longing that had gripped their mate, (Y/N). With determined hearts, they mounted their motorcycles and rode down to Max's store on the boardwalk. The neon lights of Santa Carla painted the night in an eerie glow as they approached the familiar establishment.

Maria, Max's human employee, greeted them with a warm smile as they entered the store. "Hey, boys. Max is in his office."

The boys nodded in thanks and headed toward Max's office. They didn't waste any time with pleasantries when they walked in, their faces etched with worry and anxiety.

Max, reclined in his office chair, raised an eyebrow at their seemingly disrespectful entrance. "What's got you all so riled up?" he asked, his tone tinged with annoyance.

David stepped forward, his voice steady but full of concern. "Max, we need your advice and assistance. (Y/N) is going through something, and we don't know how to help her."

Max leaned back, his curiosity piqued. "Go on."

David took a deep breath and explained the situation. "Our mate wants a baby, Max. She's been feeling this emptiness, a desire that we can't fulfill. We can't just take someone's child; that's not who we are."

Max nodded thoughtfully, steepling his fingers. "It's not uncommon for a female vampire to experience these feelings from time to time," he mused. "Left unchecked, it can become problematic."

Marko, his anxiety growing, couldn't help but speak up. "So what do you suggest we do?"

Max regarded them with a knowing look. "Santa Carla is teeming with runaways and lost souls, boys. Finding an unsuspecting victim on the streets should not be a challenge. It would be a temporary solution to ease her pain."

The boys shifted uncomfortably in their seats, the weight of Max's suggestion settling on their consciences. It was a dark and morally questionable path, one they had always tried to avoid.

But as the seconds ticked away, they realized they were running out of time to make a decision. The coming dawn reminded them of their own immortality and the fleeting nature of the night.

"Thank you, Max," David said, gratitude in his eyes. "We'll consider it."

Max nodded and leaned back in his chair. "Remember, boys, sometimes the choices we make for the ones we love aren't easy."

With that, the boys left Max's office, the weight of their decision heavy on their shoulders. They knew they had to find a way to bring happiness to (Y/N), but at what cost? The night held its secrets, and they had a long, dark road ahead of them.

The next night, the boys and their mate, (Y/N), found themselves once again on the bustling Santa Carla boardwalk. (Y/N) leaned against Dwayne, her head resting on his shoulder, as they walked in sync with the rhythmic ebb and flow of the crowd.

David, always watchful, scanned the surroundings, his eyes darting from person to person. (Y/N) noticed his vigilant demeanor and furrowed her brows. "Is everything okay, David?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

Paul, never one to hide the truth from (Y/N), stepped forward, his voice gentle but firm. "We need to tell you something, (Y/N). Max suggested a solution to your...desires. David is likely keeping an eye out for a child."

(Y/N)'s expression shifted from curiosity to a deep frown. She gave Paul a sad smile and shook her head. "You don't have to do that, boys. I appreciate your efforts, but we don't need to..."

Her words were cut short as she suddenly stopped walking. A bewildered look crossed the faces of the boys as they watched her go silent. Concern etched lines into their brows as they approached her.

"What's wrong, (Y/N)?" Dwayne asked softly.

Her gaze was distant, her senses focused on something they couldn't perceive. "Do you hear that?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the din of the boardwalk.

The boys exchanged puzzled glances. "Hear what?" Marko questioned.

"My child," (Y/N) said, her voice quivering with emotion. "It's calling out to me."

With newfound determination, (Y/N) moved quickly through the crowd, following an invisible pull that only she could sense. The boys exchanged glances again, realization dawning upon them.

"Guess the hunt's on," David remarked, and they followed her, careful not to lose sight of her in the bustling crowd.

As they ventured deeper into the night, they lost sight of (Y/N) for a moment. Anxiety gripped them until, finally, she reappeared with a bright smile that illuminated her face. She held the hand of a young girl, no more than seven or eight years old, with big, innocent eyes.

"Boys, meet Star," (Y/N) said, her eyes shining with happiness. "She wants to hang with us tonight. Is that alright?"

The boys gazed at the child, their hearts heavy with the weight of their decision. But when they saw the genuine joy in (Y/N)'s eyes, they couldn't deny her this moment of happiness.

"Yeah, baby, she can hang," Paul said with a reassuring smile, and then the rest of the boys welcomed Star into their nocturnal world, hoping that this newfound connection would bring solace to (Y/N) and fill the void that had haunted her for so long.

[rhiaghostriley]

Hey, you've been asking for requests, so here's what I'm craving to read and perhaps you like it :)

I'm so tired of stories where reader is super young (like, 20?) and Ghost is doing everything for her, to the point where she's barely allowed to even pay her own bills or leave the house on her own or whatever. And of course she's absolutely submissive in bed too.

Nothing wrong with that, but I'm a grown ass woman in my 30's who proudly handles her own shit, so I can't really relate. Where are the stories with an independent af reader who can be strong for Simon if necessary? Who is close to his age, with her own life experiences and the baggage that comes with it and who wants a relationship on eye level with him, who can take the lead if he struggles to adapt to civilian life when he's on leave and so on. You catch my drift ;)

I gotcha ;) I hope I understood what you wanted and that you like it.

A bit of slice of life, no drama for once, just love <3

Simon is the impersonation of strength. Independance. Invulnerability. This man needs no one's help, not a weak spot in his 6'3 ft and 220 pounds of muscle persona. Always mumbling something along the lines of "Got it covered" when someone offers to do something for him. Little did they know...

So obviously, when Simon ended injured after a mission, right arm and left leg broken - who would have thought that jumping out of a second floor window could be dangerous ? Not Simon - the whole team showed up at the hospital, ready to put some sense into his thick skull and explain him that no, he can't just refuse any help when he can barely go piss alone.

That's how you found yourself in Simon's hospital room, standing in front of three military men - probably his team, you never meet them before - eyes wide and mouth hanging open. Walking toward the guy in the middle - a mohawk and arms like your thighs, must be Soap - you smile widely and hold your hand out.

"Hi, Simon told me you would probably come. Johnny, I presume ?"

Simon's gruff voice can be heard in the background, even more slurred than usual due to the painkillers. "Told ya got it all covered..."

The first one to regain his composure is Price, taking your hand in his and shaking it gently. "Hello ma'am, I am Captain Price. You can call me John." Then Gaz chimes in, shaking your hand too, and nudging Soap's shoulder to bring him back to life.

With a polite smile, you ackowledge the three men and get back to Simon's side.

"I'm going to go to your place, Riley needs to be fed and taken out. Your landlord called me this morning about the renovations, but I told him it would have to wait. And I picked up the mail, a few things that need to be handled, but nothing you have to worry about. Bills mostly." You stop, just to put a kiss on his forehead, and wink at him with a smile. "I got it covered, yeah ?" He smiles back - a small one but rare enough so you know it means a lot - and nod. "Yeah, as usual."

You nod back, and wave everyone goodbye before you leave. It only takes a few seconds after you left for you to finally hear Soap's voice as he shouts "What in the actual fuck ?!" eliciting barks of laughters among his teammates.

Yes, little did they know. Little did they know that Simon has never been alone. That you were always here for him, making sure that his place is clean and he has something to eat without having to cook when he comes back from deployments. That Riley doesn't suffer his absence too much. That mundane things are handled. That he feels loved, supported. That he has a home and not just a house.

Little did they know that "I got it covered" in fact means "I have someone taking care of me". That refusing other people's help doesn't mean he is invulnerable, but just that he knows that if he needs something, you'll have his back, without him even having to ask. Because that's what a partner does, right ?

A little after you left, Price, Soap and Gaz are gently asked to get back to base and take care of what you can't do. Job related stuff. That's where they can help. And they'll happily oblige, even more so now that they are reassured, knowing that Simon is not alone. He can't cook, he can't walk, will need help showering for a few weeks, and someone to take care of Riley ?

You got it covered.

[thefundiemuseum]

Jill vs. the Coveretts: A Timeline of Events

While there have been vagueposts on both sides prior to Tim + Heidi's wedding, and Hallie has been pretty open about her opinions on Jill, I'm going to focus on the social media back and forth around Tim's wedding.

As far as I can tell it starts here, with Jill posting about the wedding.

She says that pics will follow once Tim + Heidi give the go-ahead. At first, that seems like a huge step forward for Jill and Tim. A boundary set by one of her children that Jill respects? Even though it could deny her social media engagement and the opportunity to talk about marriage? HUGE. Big if true.

... It was (probably) not true. Also at the wedding, Jill takes some pictures of of Samuel + Brianne. More on that later.

Within a couple of days, Jill broadcasts to the world about Tim + Heidi's purity with some (unflattering) video and images from the wedding. It is unclear if she actually got that approval from the bride and groom, or if she couldn't resist posting about the wedding. If they did approve of her posting, it's unlikely that they approved of the whole "purity" thing, given Heidi's family's reaction.

"We are so thankful that Timothy and Heidi chose purity in their relationship. It brings God great glory!"

Ellen and Hallie Coverett have Thoughts about Jill's post. Ellen says "Some things can be left private and don't need to be plastered all over facebook. Especially if it's about someone else. Private decisions between a husband and wife is not the world's business. JS We need to stop making preferences, commandments. Stop making others feel bad or dirty for having a different opinion.""

Heidi's grandmother weighs in with "TMI. This should be left private."

At this point, Jill could remove the video per Heidi's family's requests. She could apologize for crossing a boundary. She could even do nothing, which might be better than what she chose to do. . . The Double Down.

David also posts in her defense. I'm not including the full things because I'd probably hit my limit of images that I'm allowed in a single post.

Hallie (Coverett) Judge is done with Jill's shit.

Several Rods come to Jill's defense, however.

Nurie writes about her own experience saving her first kiss for the wedding. It's giving "well I never wore a seatbelt growing up and I turned out just fine, what are YOU so worked up about?" (Guess who just remembered Nurie's track record with seatbelts. . .) It's like that weird aunt who says at family reunions "my mother commented on my weight all the time and I turned out fine, so I don't understand why you're making a big deal out of all this."

Jonathan and Kaylee chime in. They're a little more subtle than Nurie in their support for Jill, but they're still pro "save the first kiss for the altar, and then tell everyone about it."

And then Timothy finally gets involved. He starts by untagging himself from his mother's FB post. Jill appears to then edit his name out of her post to hide the fact that he was originally tagged there.

Tim posts on Facebook thanking everyone for the well wishes. He includes a scripture that commands men to "leave his father and mother and be joined unto his wife." Often shortened to "leave and cleave," this verse is typically used in Christian circles to, among other things, emphasize the importance of growing up and establishing your own family separate from your parents'. While a secular person might say "cut the cord" in response to an overbearing MIL, a conservative Christian might say "leave and cleave."

Renee writes a poem and posts it to Jill's FB (allegedly, I'm still not convinced that anyone but Jill ever writes for her socials). The poem is quite long and all about how important it is to listen to your mother, how your mother's love is there to protect you. Some highlights:

"As the toddler reaches for an object on the shelf, / Not knowing that it may bring harm or danger to herself, / Her mother quickly scolds her as she leads the babe away."

"In each mistake or wilful [sic] sin and choice to disobey, / Her mama still is standing near, to guide, correct, and pray."

"The soul inside her daughters [sic] heart is far too great a price, / To keep from saying something, for the sake of being 'nice'."

As poetry goes, it's pretty mediocre. Maybe someday I'll do a full analysis of Rodlet poetry, but for the time being, just know that it's what you'd expect. A singsong meter, AABB rhyme, fairly juvenile language.

I think Brianne is the last to jump in on all this. She is in full support of Jill. If there were any question as to how well Brianne will fit with this family--not anymore.

We have another vaguepost from Ellen Coverett about the ways our children grow up and grow away from us.

Update! On October 3 (he asked me what day it was I'm sorry I can't help myself), Jill posts pictures she took of Samuel + Brianne for their "official courtship photoshoot."

Eagle-eyed viewers may notice that Samuel is in his wedding attire.

This photoshoot was done AT the wedding.

Brianne went to this wedding with her princess dress presumably stowed in the car, took the time to change (during the reception, I guess?), and had a whole photoshoot with Samuel while they were there to celebrate and support Timothy + Heidi.

AND THEN JILL TAGS IT #RESPECTFULTOPARENTS.

Ok, Jill. We get it. You have a favorite, and it's the gal who won't set boundaries with you.

Miscellaneous

I wasn't sure where to put these in the timeline, but I think it's worth noting that Jill seems to pick out the photos that are specifically the most unflattering to Heidi.

Heidi's eyes are closed! And Jill is stepping on her dress! (The labels for the in-laws, the arrow pointing to Newman(?), the photoshopped Phil--there's so much going on.)

Also, Jill posts about the mocktail bar at the wedding, and Hallie reveals that not everyone was drinking mocktails that evening.

What Now?

As far as we can tell, there is no great schism in the Rod family. Ellen Coverett is still in Jill's downline, still selling Plexus and touting its benefits.

I hope Tim continues to set boundaries and establish distance from his mom. I hope he and Heidi are enjoying married life and not getting bogged down in social media nonsense. I hope he finds a healthier example of what a family can look like in the Coveretts. I hope he continues to grow.

(And yeah, it's so cathartic to see Hallie call Jill out on her BS.)

[suljaffs]

“S e c o n d c h a n c e s”

Synopsis: You and Katsuki are past lovers who didn’t have the best relationship nor mental stability for a relationship. When you come cross eachother at his family owned coffee shop, you both take the chance to reconnect.

Warnings: This is not nsfw!! It is Angst!!

Tags: GN!Reader, facialhair bakugou 🫦🫦🫦🫦🫦🫦🫦, breakup, adult!Bakugo adult!reader

The clock struck 5:00 and despite all the workload and stress that you felt you should be focusing on, the only thing you craved was a cup of coffee. Naturally so, you decided to pause your 3 hour work bender and take a walk down to the coffee shop for not only your desired coffee but also a nice fresh of air. I mean, It was 5 in the morning, who was going to be out this early?

Five, ten, twelve, and so on. You always counted the murals around town on your walk because it helped pass time quicker. After all, there’s only so many things to keep you entertained when you’ve decided to sacrifice paying your phone bill. Times are getting hard but you manage, somehow. With the shop that you were going to, you frequented there since middle school, being a close customer to the Bakugo family, the family who owned the shop. Every time you went, it was a wonderful experience of laughing and sweet conversations about life that never seemed to get awkward. When you first began to go back to the shop around three years ago, 2 years after the breakup, you always had a thought in the back of your mind that you would run into your ex, Katsuki. Sooner or later, that feeling subsided as each day you made your way into the shop and was only introduced by Mitsubishi and Masaru Bakugo. Some days, it was other employees they hired, fired, and replaced over time. It wasn’t something that made you sad. In fact, it was bittersweet. You didn’t have to worry about awkward interactions with a boy you once cried for because he was off pursuing his dreams of being a Hero.

As you made your way into the coffee shop, the chime of the bell signaling your arrival, you noticed it to be a few other people in the coffee shop. The look on some were exhausted, tired, and worn out. On others, it was smiles and laughs among a small group. You stepped up to the counter after the person in front of you was done, your head down, preparing to pull out a couple dollars, the amount u always spend. “Didn’t expect for it to be anyone but me.” A small laugh following your statement. A raspy, almost familiar voice rang out. “Yea, not sure, might be some kind of special day.” Even though the voice sounded assuring, you couldn’t bring your eyes up from your hands, scared it was indeed the face you associated with that voice. “What can I get for you today?” “Iced coffee, oat milk please.” Your tone was stern and though the people in the shop were still laughing, working, and living, the ambiance in the room shifted, everything felt awkward. “…..$5.00” you slid him the money, ignoring his tone which almost sounded reminiscent, and standing off to the side of the counter.

As you stood off to the side, you couldn’t help but watch him make your drink. It had indeed been him. Even though his hair was slick backed and he no longer had that look on his face that made him look like he never was content with life, he still had those same beautiful eyes you fell in love with. You couldn’t help but think that his new look was actually a step up from the last time you seen him: The way his rolled up sleeves accentuated his muscles, the conspicuous goatee that you can tell he takes prestige care of, and his sculpted eyebrows which you always had to fight with him to trim. It was all things that were oh so subtle but just so important and prominent to you. All things you tried to deny you missed.

“Here you are.” He handed you your drink. You decided to finally look at his face, taking the cup from his hand. However, he wasn’t looking at you, he was looking down. Just like you were. “Thanks.”

You decided to drink at one of the outside tables, needing time to come to terms with your emotions before you decide an appropriate approach. “Should I approach him?” “What if he doesn’t miss me like I do?” “Bullshit, he obviously does.” “But what if he doesn’t?” Too many thoughts at once, which you knew could only be soothed with a distraction. Work. “I’ll just go home and finish up that essay, worrying about this won’t do much.” You thought to yourself. It had been a prominent trait for you to avoid things unless it was psychically productful no matter how much your feelings yearned for otherwise. You got up with a sigh and made your way back down the street. You were a good distance from the cafe before you heard a calling: “Y/n.” That voice…

You hesitantly turned around to the sight of Katsuki only a couple feet behind you, breathing rapidly in an attempt to collect himself. Was this real life? “I just.. I had to say something, Y/n… I don’t want to act like I don’t know you.” His anxious tone provoked something in you. You wanted to say something back, anything, but your mind couldn’t come to a conclusion as fast as you could open your mouth. “I know I was the worse but I just want you to know I’ve never stopped thinking about you. Never” He paused. Almost looking as if he regretted what he said. “I know it doesn’t mean much to you because we’re adults now and you probably hate me, but every time I’ve been on the brink of death,” he swallowed “And even now… i think of you.” You smiled at his speech, it was a bittersweet feel. The boy who u cried over for not communicating enough was now a grown man who was admitting to you his feelings. You couldn’t help but let out a small laugh, wondering where he’d learned that.

“What an approach… but I like the new look you got going on.” A soft smile creeped its way onto your face. It wasn’t that you dismissed what he said but you knew you couldn’t handle a conversation like that. Not so sudden, not now. “Oh this… yea, you know, I’ve changed… a lot.” His tone was soft, but just loud enough for you to hear. “Yea the hair changed drastically!” “Hey! It’s just to look presentable for my parents.” You both giggled like you were little teenagers again, sitting at the playground together because with you both going to two separate high schools, it was the only time you two met. Once the laughing segment was over, Katsuki had that look again, that sad look. “Y/n, please. I need to know, do you think about me too? Just as much as I think about you?” He paused, his jaw seemingly locking up. “Y/n.. do you hate me?” His voice trembled more and more. “Slow down..” you hushed him with a reassuring laugh. “Katsuki, I could never hate you.” You took a couple steps closer to him, hesitation in every step. “I’ve thought about you too. All those days walking home, stopping at that shop after school just to see you.. free coffee as well but also yk, the days where you cried in my arms about how tired you were of UA…” you took a deep breath to keep the tears from flowing. “We were kids, Katsuki.” You couldn’t resist the urge to take his hand, your hot hand grabbing his, cold. You fondled with his fingers whilst the sun rose, peaking through the clouds. “Tell me, y/n. Can we do It again?” His eyes closed, his head resting on top of yours. A big part of you wanted to say yes, do it over again and do it right. But the other half of you knows that it won’t be the same. The days where you stood outside his house, waiting for him to come outside just for him to text you saying he forgot about the plans and went out with friends instead. It won’t be the same, for the better. But is that a chance you’re willing to take? “I’m not sure, Katsuki.” Your tone was sniffled though you weren’t crying… yet. He intertwined his fingers with yours, taking your hand to his mouth. “I’m sorry.” He said with a whisper as he planted a deep kiss on your hand. “I was dumb and stupid.” He placed another. “But if it’s not what you want, I won’t force it. Just know that I love you y/n. Always will. And I feel like a fool but I miss you so so so much. if I had a chance to get back that pure love you gave me, I would take it without hesitation.” “Me too… me too.” You closed your eyes too, leaning into him whilst taking in the moment for what it’s worth because you both understood sooner or later, you had to let go.

“Bye.” His words struck you as he untwined his fingers, retreating himself from you. As you watched him walk the opposite way, you could feel the tears in your eyes start to form. There was so much more you wanted to say but it would amount to nothing, so much you wanted to tell him. You shrugged it off and turned away from him, continuing your walk back home against your will. Five, ten, twelve, and so on. But one thing that struck you on your walk now was that he wasn’t by your side. After all, before it was just you waking alone, it was him teaching you how to use the murals as direction, and in the back of your mind you sometimes feel 16 again, with him counting by your side.

[khaire-traveler]

whenever i see Aphrodite in visions she is associated with fire. i don’t remember her having any specific association with it, but she always appears to me with some form of fire: (Magma, Flames, Warm glowing light.) this isn’t a very pressing or serious ask, just something i’m curious if you have thoughts on or not

Khaire, Nonny!

It's certainly not unusual for deities to present themselves atypically. I've heard of Apollo presenting himself to others with aspects of darkness, Dionysus presenting himself as extremely serious and stern, and Aphrodite presenting herself using a different appearance each time. Know that it's entirely normal for deities to change things up between worshippers; it's very common. c:

Regarding the fire association specifically, I also can't recall a specific historical connection, but I will say it strongly reminds me of Aphrodite's war aspect, as well as her connection to passion. Maybe these are aspects of hers that she'd like you to explore. There could be some kind of lesson she wants to teach you regarding passion (for life, for a career, for a significant other, etc.), assertiveness, inner strength, or ambition. It makes me think of the message "Fight for it because you deserve it," as in don't give up on something you're passionate about because you're worth the end result - your happiness is worth the end result. I obviously have no idea if this is what she's actually trying to convey; it's just the first thing I thought of. XD

I can definitely see making connections to her and fire, though, be it of your own accord or through visions she's given you. Although her origins tend to involve the ocean, I feel that love - in all its forms - has an element of fire to it. The secure warmth of hug shared, the roaring flames of a passionate kiss, the toasty comfort of good self-care - all of these things and more are all expressions of love. This is a perspective of Aphrodite that I'm honestly surprised isn't talked about more; I'm very glad you brought it up from your own experience, and it's extremely awesome that she brought it to your attention.

I wonder why she specifically chose to present herself in such a way. 🤔 I'd say it's uncommon enough for it to stick out. I actually don't think I've ever heard of someone describing an experience with Aphrodite relating to fire, but I'm sure it's happened before. I'd be shocked if no one else has either made their own connections like this or seen her present similarly. Maybe someone reading this can chime in with their own experiences! Regardless, I encourage you to look more into this. You could try divination, or whatever communication methods you use, to ask her if there's a specific reason that she presents herself this way. I'd be curious to know her answer if you're ever comfortable sharing it!

I will say that sometimes when a deity presents themselves in a form that is remarkably different than usual, it's because they have come with a specific purpose relating to the change. I had a friend (remaining anonymous) who is trans and struggled with comparing himself to "manlier" men. Apollo purposely presented to him with a more feminine appearance, usually looking extremely AFAB, to help him slowly move past his limiting expectations of himself. Essentially, "I'm still a man, right? So why wouldn't you be?" A very touching and beautiful story that makes a great example of how deities will sometimes use atypical presentations for a specific purpose. If she has a purpose for this, I hope you're able to figure it out soon!

Thank you for sharing your interesting vision! I definitely think this is a really cool and special experience to have with Aphrodite. I hope she brings plenty of warmth and comfort in your life. Take care. c: 🩷

[nitaekook]

Give You Love

by nitaekook | 3/? | NR | 12,531

Bokuto starts his day with his usual energy, but his thoughts keep circling back to Akaashi. As their friendship deepens, Bokuto’s exuberance contrasts with Akaashi’s quiet, controlled demeanor. A teasing comment at lunch forces Akaashi to reflect on his growing connection with Bokuto, leaving him unsettled but intrigued. During volleyball practice, tensions rise with the team, but Bokuto’s focus remains on Akaashi, especially when he offers to help him study for an upcoming exam, bringing them closer in unexpected ways. Both start to realize that their bond is becoming more than just teammates.

-

Chapter 3 - Pressure Points

Bokuto had always been an early riser.

Before the sun even touched the sky, he was out of bed, lacing up his running shoes. The air was cool and crisp, the streets still quiet as he darted through his neighborhood, the steady rhythm of his footsteps and the sound of his breathing the only company he needed at this hour. Early morning runs had become a ritual—something that allowed him to clear his mind, to focus, to feel the day before anyone else was truly awake. There was something about being the first to experience the quiet world before the chaos of school and practice set in. It grounded him, centered him in a way that nothing else quite could.

The route was familiar—down the street, past the small park, around the block near the school, and back home. By the time he returned, the sky had turned a soft pink, and the warm light of sunrise was beginning to spread over the rooftops, casting long shadows over the quiet streets. The feeling of fresh sweat cooling against his skin left him invigorated. His muscles hummed with that satisfying ache of exertion, and he could already feel the day unfolding before him.

Bokuto wiped the sweat from his forehead as he stepped back inside his house, kicking off his shoes by the door. The scent of breakfast drifted from the kitchen—his mother’s signature tamagoyaki and miso soup, the comforting smell filling the air. He could already hear the familiar sounds of his sisters chattering around the table, their lively voices mingling with the soft clinking of dishes.

“Good run, Kou?” his mom asked as he slid into his usual seat at the breakfast table, her eyes warm with the kind of affection that could make even the busiest of mornings feel comforting.

“Yeah!” Bokuto beamed, grabbing a piece of tamagoyaki from the plate in front of him, “Best way to start the day!”

His older sister, Miki, rolled her eyes from across the table. “You say that every morning.”

“And it’s true every morning!” Bokuto grinned, completely unfazed by her teasing. “I don’t get why you won’t just join me already.”

Miki scoffed lightly, shaking her head as she poked at her own breakfast. “I prefer to sleep like a normal person, thank you.”

“Boring,” Bokuto shot back with a grin before turning to his younger sister, Natsumi, who was watching the exchange with a bright, eager smile.

“I’m gonna start running with you one day!” Natsumi announced proudly, her small hands gripping her chopsticks with the same kind of determination Bokuto saw in himself.

“I’ll hold you to that,” Bokuto said, tousling her hair as she beamed up at him. “You’re gonna have to wake up way earlier, though.”

Natsumi nodded slowly, her enthusiasm faltering slightly as the reality of early mornings sank in. Her face scrunched in mild disgust at the thought, earning a laugh from Bokuto and his other sister, Kana.

Breakfast at the Bokuto house was always lively. His two older sisters, Miki and Kana, would trade playful jabs, teasing Bokuto for his boundless energy, while Natsumi tried to keep up with the conversation, often chiming in with her own innocent commentary. Bokuto loved it—the noise, the energy, the constant hum of life. It was home.

His mom, ever the calm anchor of their family, would occasionally chime in with a gentle reminder about finishing breakfast or getting to school on time, but mostly she let her kids’ chatter fill the room. It was moments like these that made Bokuto realize how much he cherished the everyday, the simple routines that made life feel steady.

As Bokuto inhaled another bowl of miso soup, his mom gave him a fond look, her gaze lingering on her son with the kind of softness that came from years of watching him grow into the person he was. “You’ve got a big tournament coming up soon, don’t you?” she asked, her voice tinged with a quiet pride.

Bokuto nodded enthusiastically, practically bouncing in his seat. “Yeah, we’re getting ready! Practices have been intense, but we’ve got a good shot.”

His mom smiled, the lines around her eyes crinkling in that familiar way that always made Bokuto feel like everything was going to be okay. “I’m sure you’ll do great, Kou. Just make sure you get enough sleep, okay? I know how you get when volleyball’s on your mind.”

“I know, I know,” Bokuto said, waving her off, though secretly appreciating the concern. It was true—volleyball was constantly on his mind, buzzing around his thoughts like a live wire, keeping him awake at night as he replayed games in his head, imagining spikes and blocks, sets and serves. But his mom always knew when to remind him to slow down, to take care of himself in the midst of it all.

Breakfast wrapped up quickly, and soon Bokuto was heading out the door, his school bag slung over one shoulder and his volleyball shoes tucked neatly inside. The early morning quiet had given way to the bustling sounds of students heading to school, and Bokuto was already buzzing with energy, ready to tackle the day.

-

School came easily to Bokuto—not that he bragged about it. Most people only ever saw the loud, energetic side of him, the side that thrived on volleyball and laughter. But there was another side to Bokuto, one that wasn’t as obvious to those who didn’t know him well. He didn’t feel the need to announce his academic success to anyone, but the truth was, he excelled in school without much effort.

Advanced math, science, literature—he absorbed it all like a sponge, his sharp mind effortlessly retaining information. His grades were consistently at the top of his class, though most people assumed his brain was solely occupied by volleyball. He didn’t mind the assumption. It wasn’t like he cared what people thought about his grades anyway. Bokuto was the type of guy who lived in the moment, focusing on the things that made him happy.

As Bokuto settled into his first class of the day, the hum of students around him faded into the background. The early morning run had left him energized, and he was already looking forward to practice later. But as his teacher began writing on the board, Bokuto’s mind drifted.

Akaashi.

Lately, he found himself thinking about Akaashi more often than he’d expected. It wasn’t weird, he told himself. They were friends—good friends. Bokuto had taken to seeking Akaashi out during breaks between classes, hanging around his locker or waiting for him after school. They walked to practice together almost every day now, and sometimes, they stayed late after practice to work on drills, just the two of them. It wasn’t weird at all.

But… there was something different about Akaashi. Something that made Bokuto feel like he wanted to be around him more than anyone else. It wasn’t just that Akaashi was an amazing setter, or that they worked well together on the court. There was something else—something Bokuto couldn’t quite put into words.

He shook his head, trying to focus back on the lesson. No point in overthinking it. Akaashi was his friend. His teammate. That was all.

The hours passed quickly, as they always did for Bokuto. School was a comfortable rhythm—less exciting than volleyball, sure, but still something he enjoyed. He thrived in routine, finding comfort in the predictability of it all. But by the time lunch rolled around, his excitement to see Akaashi again had built up, and he practically bounced into the cafeteria, his usual enthusiasm on full display.

Akaashi sat at the usual spot—near the windows with Bokuto, Konoha, and Komi. It had become their regular lunch table, a place where Akaashi had found himself more often than not over the last few weeks. Somehow, without him fully realizing it, he had seamlessly integrated into their group, like a puzzle piece that clicked into place. And though he wouldn’t admit it out loud, it felt… nice.

He wasn’t sure when it had started, but Bokuto had this way of pulling him into everything—sitting together at lunch, walking to practice together, staying late after school to work on their spikes. They had developed this unspoken routine, and Akaashi found himself getting used to it. It was easy to be around Bokuto, easy to fall into his orbit without resisting. And maybe, just maybe, he didn’t mind that.

“Hey, Kaashi!” Bokuto greeted, his voice bright as he dropped into the seat beside Akaashi, the warmth of his presence immediate. Akaashi could already feel the familiar heat creeping into his chest. Bokuto’s closeness had become a constant in his life, but it never failed to catch him off guard. He was always touching, always finding a reason to bump shoulders or clap Akaashi on the back, and lately, Akaashi found himself looking forward to those moments of contact.

“Bokuto-san,” Akaashi greeted in return, his voice even, though a slight smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He quickly busied himself with unpacking his lunch, trying to ignore the small flutter in his chest.

As they started eating, Konoha leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand with a mischievous grin that Akaashi had come to recognize all too well. “So, Kaashi… you and Bokuto seem to be getting pretty close lately, huh?”

Akaashi’s chopsticks paused mid-air, his stomach flipping at the comment. He glanced at Konoha, his face carefully neutral, but the heat rising to his cheeks was undeniable. “We’re teammates,” he replied, his voice calm and measured. “It’s natural.”

Konoha chuckled, exchanging a look with Komi, who was already smirking. “Yeah, teammates. But the two of you are like an old married couple these days.”

Akaashi’s fingers stilled over his chopsticks. Married couple? His pulse quickened slightly, though he kept his expression neutral. Was it that obvious? Did other people see it too? He could feel the warmth rising in his face, and he quickly focused back on his food, trying to push the thought away. It didn’t mean anything. It was just Bokuto being Bokuto. He was always this affectionate. Right?

“It’s nothing like that,” Akaashi said, though the slight edge in his voice betrayed him. He tried to sound dismissive, but Konoha wasn’t letting it go that easily.

“Uh-huh,” Konoha continued, his smirk widening. “You’re always sitting together, walking together, staying late at practice together… if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you two were—”

“What? What?” Bokuto interrupted, looking between Konoha and Akaashi with wide, curious eyes. “What are you talking about?”

Konoha shook his head, clearly amused. “Nothing, Bokuto. Don’t worry about it.”

Bokuto shrugged, completely oblivious to the implication, and went back to his lunch without another word. Akaashi, on the other hand, found himself staring down at his bento, trying to ignore the heat still spreading across his face. It didn’t mean anything, he reminded himself again. It was just Bokuto. Bokuto, who touched everyone. Bokuto, who treated him like a friend, like a teammate. That was all it was.

Still, as the lunch hour continued, Akaashi couldn’t quite shake the thought from his mind.

-

The afternoon sun cast long shadows over the gym as the team gathered for another intense practice session. The upcoming tournament loomed large in everyone’s minds, and tensions were higher than usual—especially between the third years and Bokuto. It was a subtle thing, but the friction was there, simmering just beneath the surface.

Sugimoto, the third-year setter, had seniority. He was solid, dependable—but Akaashi could feel the difference in the way the team played when Sugimoto was setting for Bokuto compared to when he was on the court. The chemistry just wasn’t the same. Not like it was with Akaashi.

But still, Akaashi held back. He wasn’t one to make waves, especially not with seniority at play. It didn’t matter if Sugimoto started the games in the tournament. At least, that’s what Akaashi told himself. But deep down, there was a part of him—the competitive part—that wanted it. He wanted the chance to show everyone what he and Bokuto could do together.

Throughout the practice, Bokuto’s frustration was more obvious than usual. His timing with Sugimoto was off, and each missed spike seemed to add another layer to his growing agitation. Akaashi could see it in the way Bokuto’s jaw clenched, in the way his eyes darkened with each failed connection.

“Come on,” Bokuto muttered under his breath after another set fell short. He wiped the sweat from his forehead, his frustration written all over his face. “This isn’t working.”

Akaashi, who had been watching from the side, could feel the tension radiating from Bokuto. He knew him well enough by now to sense when things were starting to boil over.

“Bokuto-san,” Akaashi said quietly as they moved into the next drill. “It’s fine. I don’t mind who plays in the tournament.”

Bokuto turned to him, his eyes flashing with frustration. “But it’s not fine! You should be the one out there with me. We’ve been practicing for weeks now—our timing is perfect. I just don’t get why they’re—”

“Don’t let it get to you,” Akaashi interrupted, his voice calm but firm. “We’ll have our time. Just be patient.”

Bokuto sighed, running a hand through his hair as his expression softened slightly. “Yeah… I guess.”

But the tension didn’t disappear. Throughout the rest of the practice, Bokuto’s frustration simmered just beneath the surface, threatening to boil over. Akaashi could feel it, even from across the court. But he did his best to keep his own emotions in check. He didn’t want to add fuel to the fire, even though part of him burned with the same frustration.

As practice came to a close, Coach gathered the team together, his voice cutting through the lingering tension in the gym.

“Alright, listen up!” Coach called, and the team fell into a loose circle around him. “After the tournament, we’ll be hosting a summer camp. We’ll have teams from around Tokyo coming to Fukurodani to train with us. It’ll be a great opportunity for us to get more game-time experience.”

A murmur of excitement rippled through the team. A summer camp meant more chances to play, more opportunities to improve. Bokuto, in particular, looked like he was about to explode with enthusiasm at the idea.

But as Akaashi stood there, listening to the coach’s announcement, a small knot of worry twisted in his stomach. His mind flickered back to his last science exam and the conversation he’d had with his parents afterward. If his scores didn’t improve, there was a very real possibility he wouldn’t be allowed to attend the camp. His parents had been clear about that.

“I’ll need to pass my next science exam,” Akaashi murmured, half to himself. “Or I won’t be able to go.”

“What?” Bokuto turned to him, concern flickering across his face. “You won’t be able to go? What are you talking about?”

Akaashi sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “My science scores. If I don’t improve, I won’t be allowed to participate.”

Before Bokuto could respond, Komi chimed in from behind them. “Oh, that’s no problem. Bokuto’s a genius. He can help you study.”

Akaashi blinked, surprised. “What?”

“Yeah,” Komi continued, grinning. “Bokuto’s one of the top students in his class. Didn’t you know?”

Akaashi turned to Bokuto, who was scratching the back of his head with an awkward laugh. “I mean, yeah, I guess. I’m alright at school stuff.”

Akaashi’s mind raced as he processed the information. Bokuto? A genius? He hadn’t expected that.

The gym was nearly empty as the team finished packing up their gear, but Akaashi’s thoughts were still swirling with the unexpected revelation.

“Bokuto-san,” Akaashi started as they walked toward the exit, the cool night air greeting them as they stepped outside. “About the science exam… would you really be able to help me?”

Bokuto grinned, his usual confidence returning full force. “Of course! I’d love to help you, Kaashi! We can study together, and you’ll crush that exam in no time.”

Akaashi smiled, something warm settling in his chest at Bokuto’s easy reassurance. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

Bokuto clapped him on the back, his grin wide. “Don’t worry about it! We’re a team, right? I’ve got your back.”

As they walked home, their steps falling into an easy rhythm, Akaashi couldn’t help but feel that something had shifted between them again. The line between friends, teammates, and something more had always been blurred—but now, with Bokuto offering his help so freely, so effortlessly, it felt even more unclear. The boundaries were becoming harder to define, and Akaashi wasn’t sure if he wanted to define them anymore.

And maybe, just maybe, Akaashi was starting to be okay with that.

-

As they neared the usual spot where their paths split—Bokuto’s house a few blocks down the road to the right, and Akaashi’s to the left—the conversation naturally began to fade. The night had settled comfortably around them, the air cool and quiet, only the occasional hum of a passing car interrupting the stillness. Streetlights cast long shadows on the pavement, their dim glow adding an almost peaceful weight to the quiet walk.

Bokuto slowed as they approached the corner, turning to Akaashi with a grin that hadn’t left his face since practice. “So, when do you wanna start studying? Tomorrow after practice? We can hit the books before your exam.”

Akaashi shifted his bag on his shoulder, nodding lightly, though his mind was still processing the fact that Bokuto—Bokuto, of all people—was going to help him study. It felt… strange. But not in a bad way. If anything, it was a little reassuring to know that someone had his back, even when it came to something as mundane as academics.

“Tomorrow works,” Akaashi replied, his voice steady, though his thoughts were swirling with questions he hadn’t yet found answers to. “Thanks again, Bokuto-san.”

Bokuto shook his head with a laugh. “No need to thank me, Kaashi! Like I said, we’re a team. And once you pass that exam, we’ll crush it at the summer camp!” He shot Akaashi a wink before starting to bounce on his toes, clearly full of energy despite the late hour. “I’ll see you tomorrow! Get some sleep, okay?”

Akaashi watched as Bokuto gave a final wave before turning down his street, the sound of his sneakers tapping against the pavement slowly fading into the night. As Bokuto disappeared around the corner, Akaashi found himself lingering a moment longer than usual, staring at the empty stretch of road ahead.

It wasn’t until the night air pressed against his skin, cool and insistent, that he finally turned to make his way home. His thoughts, however, didn’t dissipate as easily as the sound of Bokuto’s footsteps had.

The walk back was quiet, the kind of quiet that let Akaashi’s mind wander far more than he intended. Normally, he enjoyed the silence—the calm, predictable nature of it. But tonight, his thoughts were tangled, threads of uncertainty weaving through his mind in a way that made his chest feel strangely tight.

It wasn’t just the upcoming exam that weighed on him, though the pressure from home was always there, a constant reminder of the expectations he needed to meet. It wasn’t even the tension at practice, though that had certainly made things more difficult recently.

It was… Bokuto.

Akaashi frowned, his pace slowing as he neared his house, his fingers tightening around the strap of his bag. The quiet street seemed almost too still, the weight of his thoughts heavy in the silence.

He couldn’t quite explain what it was about Bokuto that left him feeling like this—this strange mix of confusion and warmth that settled deep in his chest whenever Bokuto was near. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it was unfamiliar. Bokuto’s constant presence, his boundless energy, his casual touches—it was all so… overwhelming at times. And yet, Akaashi found himself drawn to it, to him, in a way that made him question everything he thought he knew about himself.

It was the little things that lingered in his mind, like the way Bokuto’s grin could light up a room or the way his voice softened whenever he spoke directly to Akaashi, as if they were sharing some unspoken understanding. Bokuto made things seem easy, uncomplicated—like their bond was natural, something that didn’t need to be questioned or defined.

But Akaashi was starting to question it.

He couldn’t stop thinking about the way Bokuto had offered to help him study, the way he had said, “We’re a team,” like it was the most natural thing in the world. As if helping Akaashi was just another extension of their partnership on the court. But this felt different. It felt personal.

Akaashi stopped at the front gate of his house, his gaze drifting up to the second-floor window where the soft glow of his room light spilled out into the night. His feet felt heavy, as if the weight of his thoughts had anchored him to the ground.

He wasn’t used to this feeling. This uncertainty. Akaashi had always prided himself on his ability to control his emotions, to keep things compartmentalized and manageable. But when it came to Bokuto, nothing felt manageable anymore. The lines between teammate, friend, and something more were beginning to blur, and Akaashi wasn’t sure how to navigate that.

Was it normal to feel this way about a friend? To feel this constant tug toward him, this inexplicable desire to be near him? To feel his absence like an empty space that couldn’t quite be filled?

Akaashi exhaled slowly, his breath fogging in the cool night air. He had spent so much time trying to keep things under control, trying to stay focused on school, volleyball, and everything else that was expected of him. But now, with Bokuto in his life, things were shifting. He wasn’t sure if he was ready for that shift, but it was happening, whether he liked it or not.

Tomorrow, he reminded himself. Tomorrow, they would study, and things would go back to normal. Whatever normal was.

With that thought, Akaashi pushed open the gate and made his way up the path to his house. The familiar click of the front door as he entered was a small comfort, the quiet stillness of the house welcoming him like an old friend. He slipped off his shoes and padded up the stairs to his room, his thoughts still trailing behind him like shadows that refused to disappear.

Once inside, Akaashi dropped his bag by the door and sat on the edge of his bed, his hands resting on his knees as he stared at the blank wall across from him. The silence of the room was a stark contrast to the noise in his head, a noise that seemed to grow louder with each passing minute.

Bokuto’s face flashed in his mind—his grin, his laugh, the way his eyes softened when he talked to Akaashi. He could still hear the echo of Bokuto’s voice in the back of his mind: We’re a team, right? I’ve got your back.

Akaashi closed his eyes, letting the weight of those words settle over him.

We’re a team.

But what did that really mean? What did it mean for him, for them?

He wasn’t sure if he had the answer. But as he lay back on his bed, staring up at the ceiling, one thing was clear.

Bokuto wasn’t just his teammate anymore.

And that realization… It scared him. But at the same time, it filled him with a sense of anticipation—a quiet excitement that he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Because if there was one thing Akaashi knew, it was that Bokuto had a way of turning the most ordinary things into something extraordinary.

-

Are we vibing?

[chilling-seavey]

Now we have determined that Alex and Lily are the favourites and godparents. What are the relationships between the children and the other drivers? If you got any hc, I would love to hear it!! 🤍🤍

Ahh, this is the way to my heart, anon!! I'll share my thoughts but any of yall can feel free to chime in with your own ideas and opinions on this! :)

Yes, Lilex must be the godparents and they're definitely around so much that the Russell kids are just so familiar with them so it's easy for them to recall them as their 'favourites'. But ofc they'll also be just as familiar with any other names on the grid...especially those closer to George!!

My ramblings and thoughts are under the cut

I feel like baby boy Russell is a lot like Oscar in his demeanor...at least in the little bit that we have explored his character thus far. Calm, collected, expressive. I can see the lil guy being so at ease with Oscar right off the bat, just matching each other's energy. Oscar feels so easy to be around and he's so gentle and patient with kids...he'd make him giggle so much too. Dare I say baby boy Russell develops a little crush on Oscar's Lily? Ripe age of 7 just completely heart eyes every time they're around...holding George's hand through the paddock and yet still almost tripping over his feet because his eyes are just GLUED to the pretty lady in the pink sweater.

Leo is probably the reason that baby boy Russell was drawn to Charles in the first place. I definitely see it like the kid is barely able to walk, its one of his first times in the paddock, and suddenly he's running because there's a puppy (and then for the rest of the weekend its "Dada, puppy?" until George has to carry the kid over to Ferrari and let his son pet the dog again to make him shush). But as time passes, I can see baby boy Russell confiding in Charles a lot and appreciating his guidance almost like a second god-father in a way. (And when Pierre is around with them, he definitely doesn't teach the impressionable and clueless boy how to swear in French)

I can't help but see baby girl Russell being so totally obsessed with Lando. He's such a character and so much fun and yet so kind that's its hard not to like him. She's like 4 years old and just enamored by him and wanting to follow him around everywhere and wanting to wear his McLaren merch (much to the horror of George—"where did we go wrong?!") and ofc Lando would eat that up. He'd be just as smitten with the sweet girl. Little girl would 100% ask him to be her boyfriend and Lando would rub that in George's face for the rest of time. I know that Lando and George are already good friends but I somehow see the kids bringing them even closer? Especially likely that Lando would get along well with reader. Like to the point where George comes home from the gym and Lando's on his couch with his feet up and his kids under each arm watching TV like he lives there.

Honestly, I see baby girl Russell just as obsessed with Max too. As we know, Max has some experience with little girls and we can see how good he is with them so I feel like even if he wasn't even trying it would just come naturally to him that baby girl Russell gravitates to him. I see him even being a little soft for the kiddos, suddenly offering to babysit without being asked once or twice [because who can say no to baby girl Russell's pout and big blue eyes?]. And I feel like once the kids are a little older and if they take an interest in karting, he'd want to offer some help and George would have to put his foot down once Max shows up to one too many of the races with one too many annoying suggestions.

And although Daniel is no longer on the grid, I think George is close enough to him at least somewhat that he's not a stranger to the kids. Except he was only allowed to babysit once because he gave the kids far too much sugar and then couldn't get them to sleep until George and reader came home to find the kids overtired and crashing hard from a sugar high at like midnight.

And with Ollie starting to be more present around the grid, I think he would be another person to take to the kids. I can see one of them just scurrying over to him in the paddock and silently just taking his hand to walk alongside him :')

[theharrowing]

Hey babes.

Just wanted to chime in and share my experience with bi men lol (I found the anons take so interesting).

My experience is the total opposite of this anon, as a bi (somehow clostet woman at least). I’ve dated a bi guy like 6 years ago back when I was very ignorant and homophobic (I’m so ashamed of those days) and I thought I was strictly straight so I just rejected him. He then told me he had like 90% preferences for women only.

And since I’ve realized I’m bi I’ve dated few bi men here and there and they’ve all told me they had stronger preference. And since I have 0 chance of ever coming out lol I’m mostly open about it if someone brings up the topic so I’m always glad when I encounter a bi guy that is willing to be himself with me and let me trust him to open up.

So basically what I’m trying to say is all these men mostly told me that even though the women to men ratio wasn’t the same, it was almost easier to hook up with men. Men are easier and less complicated about these things and that straight women can be biphobic towards them (hurts me that I someday was that straight woman yikes 🥴).

Bisexual men are so precious to me and they deserve all the love and acceptance in the world. I’ll fight the world for them 🥹 and I hope bi men with strong preference for men are still valid and wanted and that they should never be questioned about their bisexuality and attraction for women💙💓💜

i think that, when we’re young and we don’t have things all the way figured out, we tend to be problematic. especially if we are grappling with our own feelings? when i was dealing with heavy gender dysphoria, before i knew i was non-binary (or agender or whatever, i still don't fully know how i feel in my skin and bones) i had some intrusive thoughts/feelings that i feel would have been transphobic. i don't even really know how to verbalize them, but i think it had to do with "passing" and "looking/acting" a certain way, because i had a lot of negative feelings about myself that i was projecting onto others (i never expressed these thoughts to anyone!!!!! i have always done my best to be understanding and a safe person for others. but the fact that i had these thoughts does haunt me.) and this is not to say that your experience is anything like that, but i think that for people grappling with these very personal feelings, there are often similar things going on.

going to put this under a cut bc my feelings are big.

gosh, it's been so long since i have heard anyone talk about their attraction on like a ratio basis, but i remember my ex girlfriend in college (the first time) making fun of me because i told her i thought i was "at least 75% attracted to women" alskdjaslkdjasljd like what does that even mean??? but i guess some people may look at it in terms of percentages. i am also interested in non-cis and non-binary people so i wouldn't be able to pie chart my feelings as easily. 😅😂

if we do speak in terms of mostly the gender binary, i think that bi men/amab who like women/fem-presenting people get the same amount of biphobia as bi women/afab who like men/masc.-presenting people, because i have only ever experienced it while dating men and masc-presenting people. and it's so so so frustrating like what part of "i am attracted to my gender and other genders" is hard to understand??? that includes literally anybody i want it to.

i don't know if pansexuals get this same kind of hate, but if you do, i am sorry and i love you.

BISEXUAL MEN ARE PRECIOUS TO ME. everyone is precious to me. cishets are on thin ice but if you show me that i can trust you and that i am safe with you, then you are precious to me too.

ALSO YOU JAZZY mentioned you can't come out, and i am sorry to see that. if you ever need to talk about anything, please dm me! day and night! i'll likely be awake!!! 💖💖💖

[prismaticpichu]

It's the weekend and Seph and Zack have a free schedule! How do they spend it?

YESSS!!! The weekend!!!! Oh man oh man, it’s been a decade and a half since the last one! Zack’s eyes are glued to the clock as the seconds tick by, and once their shift is over… HALLELUJAH!! Can we get a kool-aid man OH YEAH?! He is freeeeeeeee!

“Until Monday,” Sephiroth always reminds him. “Please step away from the paper shredder.” (Ofc said through the simmering desire to mutilate his own papers—a completely foreign and corrupted thought that he will not take responsibility for.)

A quick eenie meenie miney mo decides whose apartment they’ll be heading to. If it lands on Seph’s, then Zack just has to make onneeeee pit stop! Seph returns home to shed those bulky pauldrons and Zack comes bouncing in minutes later holding his favorite plushie, Muffin. Seph’s the only one in Midgar who knows that Muffin exists; Seph would never judge him, or laugh at him, or treat him like a baby. He accepts Muffin as the third member of their companionship!

No matter whose place they go, that’s where they’ll settle in for the night. Sephiroth has no interest in partying, or restaurants… or *choke* restaurant parties: putting on a disguise feels like he’s impersonating someone and inevitably encountering hordes of people would mar whatever “normal” experience he was supposed to have. And Zack knows this good and well. He does get Seph outta the base whenever he can, but for small things- small things like getting groceries or going book shopping, staying right by his side and squeezing his hand whenever he gets The Looks (it’s just General Sephiroth with a can of cream cheese calm the heck down).

On Fridays though? Fridays, the happiest day of the week? He just wants his friend to feel safe and sound <3 And besides, he spends so much time during the week out and about with Aerith, Cloud, Kunsel, and 54 of his other friends. There’s nothing better in the world than quality time with his best buddy <3

Work hours also cut evilly close into dinner. Time to order in! Zack insists on letting Seph reward himself after a long week of military miltarying, and there’s always at least oneeeee thing Zack can find on a menu that brings out Seph’s “oooooh” look (that’s slightly dilated kitty eyes and eyebrows rising 2%. Zack understands that not everyone speaks fluent Seph). They grew a habit of eating on the coffee table, Zack mostly dominating the conversation while Sephiroth chimes in with his take on something, orrr engaging in metaphysical debates that thrum the strings of the known universe.

“I was wondering,” Zack says after a bite of bbq chicken pizza, “if cars could drive themselves, would they need windshield wipers? Only people need that to see.”

Sephiroth swallows his own bite of mushroom pizza. “Hmm… but what if the person misses their destination and the rain is too thick to see?”

Sephiroth loves listening to Zack and contributing ideas, no matter how outrageous Zack’s discussions may be. Zack is outrageous. Zack is ridiculous and irreplaceable and always wants him to laugh. Never would he have a conversation as in depth as this in a board meeting.

Dinner time is always followed by a movie! Seph has a toothbrush for Zack to use and sleep clothes he always keeps in an extra drawer, so once they’re all nice and snug, Zack in fuzzy pajamas and Seph in something loose, they spend abt 10 minutes searching for the best thing they can find. (Horror flicks are off limits though, on insistence of Sephiroth. Seeing his friend so shaken by a and wounded by a film one time was enough. It was a miracle the TV was still in once piece from the RAGE he felt at it. Hmph.)

So they watch the movie, Zack always swaddling himself in Seph’s throw blankie that he fell in love with. He usually doesn’t make it through the movie, though, not when he’s as snug as a pug in a rug. The credits always roll with Zack slumped into his best friend’s arms—the place on the entire face of the planet where he feels the safest—Muffin squashed between his arms, his x-uped cheek pressed against his buddy’s heartbeat <3 It’s the silver lining of everything. Seph would always be right there, right on the ground with him when he woke up. And Zack would never ever leave his side.

Sephiroth knows exactly what to do. He gently lowers Zack onto the couch and tucks in the corners, making sure Muffin is tucked in too (Zack would want him just as warm). Somehow the sight is always so surreal, no matter how many times he sees it. But he’s grateful. Grateful everyday that he’s not alone, and that he’ll never be again. He doesn’t know what he ever did to deserve such a thing… through all the battles and all the bloodshed… but he would always cherish it.

A loving head pat goodnight, and Sephiroth heads off to bed himself <3 He always looks forward to weekends with his best friend, whatever Zack has in store for the next two days. Grocery shopping, book perusing, road trips… all the things that made him feel human. As long as Zack was by his side, he was willing to do them all <3

~

Oh. OH I see. Sorry, my bad! I set the magnifier to zoom in +300% percent. Lemme just adjust that and properly answer this lovely ask.

- Friday: movie and sleepover

- Saturday: a walk around the city and sleepovers

- Sunday: tutoring Zack on school subjects he missed out on due to joining SOLDIER. And sleepover <3

[countenanceblog]

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

The spacious living room was filled with an electric atmosphere as the group gathered around the large screen, where Xander and Corey engaged in an intense fighting game. The crowd of spectators cheered and shouted, adding to the excitement.

Rufus, with his characteristic caustic humor, leaned over to Yuki and Maggie, smirking. "Watch this. Xander is about to suffer another humiliating defeat."

Yuki chuckled mischievously, her dark eyes twinkling. "Oh, I love watching him get all worked up about this game. It's hilarious."

Maggie couldn't help but join in the amusement as they watched Xander's character fall victim to Corey's skilled gameplay. When the match ended, Xander stood up, clearly frustrated, and then he noticed Maggie, who was standing nearby with Yuki and Rufus. Corey followed Xander's gaze, intrigued by the new face in the group.

"Hey, I'm Xander," he said with a hint of awkwardness, running a hand through his messy brown hair. "Nice to meet you."

Maggie smiled warmly, shaking Xander's hand. "I'm Maggie. It's great to meet you too."

Corey spoke up next: "I'm Corey. Good to have some fresh blood in the mix."

Yuki, always the devious one, chimed in, "Yeah, Maggie's Gwyneth's cousin. Me and Val are protecting her from you two." Xander and Corey looked at each other.

Rufus, ever the witty one, couldn't resist adding, "Oh, yes, the long-lost cousin. The prodigy among us."

Maggie blushed slightly, feeling a mix of amusement and self-consciousness under Rufus' teasing gaze. "Well, I'm not sure about that, but I'm excited to be here. You really did make a scene of your own."

Xander, seemingly not bothered by the playful banter, leaned in with genuine curiosity. "So, what brings you to Fort Retard? Ready to dive into the chaos?"

Maggie chuckled, feeling a sense of ease with the group. "Yeah, I'm ready for some chaos and adventure. College life seems like a rollercoaster."

Xander grinned, clearly enjoying the conversation. "Oh, you have no idea! Of course, uh, neither do I. I only went to community college for a couple semesters."

"And I technically have a ninth-grade level education," said Rufus with a wide smile.

As the conversation flowed, they discovered more about each other. Xander, despite his awkward demeanor, revealed a passion for ancient mythology and folklore. He spoke animatedly about his favorite myths and legends, captivating the group with his extensive knowledge.

Corey, with his charismatic storytelling skills, shared hilarious anecdotes from his athletic endeavors and his adventures with friends. He had an infectious energy that drew everyone in.

Gwyneth, with her composed demeanor and intelligent insights, steered the conversation with thoughtful questions, sparking engaging discussions about various topics.

Rufus and Yuki, well, they poked fun at everyone. And Maggie, being the introverted observer, quietly soaked in all the interactions, content to listen and learn from the fascinating individuals around her. She felt a sense of camaraderie with the group, a feeling of being accepted and valued for who she was.

As the night wore on, the group moved from the living room to explore other areas of Ralph's mansion, each room offering a unique experience. There was a cozy study filled with books and curious artifacts, a game room with a pool table and vintage arcade games, and an enchanting garden courtyard illuminated with fairy lights and hidden spots for private conversations. At just one of these spots, in this case a very undersized bench, Maggie and Rufus found the palest girl Maggie had ever seen. She was sitting by herself, not smoking a cigarette or anything. She had long silvery dyed hair and absolutely stunning features. Rufus smiled widely at her.

"What's up, Beth?," he asked her.

Beth Somerset glanced up from her spot on the small bench, her sharp eyes locking onto Rufus with a mix of amusement and skepticism. "Well, well, well. Look who we have here," she said, her voice laced with dry sarcasm. "Rufus, my man, what are you doing with a freshman girl? Aren't you supposed to be the seasoned, sophisticated twenty-three-year-old here?"

Rufus laughed heartily, undeterred by Beth's teasing. "Oh, Beth, you always know how to pop this balloon," he replied, nudging Maggie playfully. "This is my dear friend Maggie, and yes, she's a freshman. But trust me, she can handle herself just fine in this chaotic world we call college." Beth caught Rufus eyeing her fishnets.

"You aren't even remotely an academic."

Maggie, though caught off guard by Beth's caustic demeanor, found herself intrigued by the enigmatic girl before her. "Hi, I'm Maggie. Nice to meet you," she said with a friendly smile, trying her best to overpower Beth's dry wit.

Beth's lips curled into a sly grin as she observed Maggie. "Oh, nice to meet me, huh? Well, I suppose I'll take that as a compliment. I'm Beth, the vampire girl, in case you were wondering," she said, gesturing to her dark and mysterious attire.

Rufus chuckled, enjoying the interaction between his two friends. "Beth here is the queen of sarcasm and mystery. You'll get used to it, Maggie. She's just being Beth."

Beth shrugged nonchalantly, "Can't help it. Sarcasm is my first language." She then turned her attention back to Rufus. "So, are you introducing all the fresh faces to the chaotic circus you've created here?"

Rufus nodded, looking pleased with himself. "Of course, I need to share the magic of Fort Retard with everyone. And Maggie here is already fitting in like a pro. She's got that quiet observer thing going on, which is perfect for our quirky bunch."

Maggie smiled, feeling a sense of acceptance from Beth despite her biting comments. "I'm just trying to take it all in and learn from the best," she replied.

Beth raised an eyebrow. "Well, you've got quite the crew here. I guess that makes you one of us now. Welcome to the madness, fresh blood."

Yuki and Valarie, who had been wandering around the courtyard, joined the conversation, their eyes lighting up when they saw Beth. "Beth! You're out of hiding!," Yuki exclaimed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Who's this poor soul you're tormenting?"

Beth chuckled, "This is Maggie, the freshman who had the unfortunate luck of encountering Rufus today."

Valarie chimed in, "Poor thing. We should throw her a welcome party. Actually, I guess this is it right now."

Before Maggie could respond, Gwyneth approached the group, her calm and composed demeanor contrasting with the energy of her friends. "I heard there's a manhunt for Nemo Davis," she said, her tone serious. "The authorities are getting desperate, and they believe he might be hiding in Air Town. Everyone needs to be cautious."

The mention of Nemo Davis' name brought a momentary hush over the group. The prospect of him hiding in their town was more than unsettling, given the nature of his crimes . . .

Rufus broke the silence, "Well, it looks like the chaos just got a little more intense. We'll have to keep our eyes open and be extra cautious. But for now, let's enjoy the night and keep the good vibes going."

Beth nodded, "Agreed. No need to let fear ruin the fun. Let's continue the circus and show Maggie how we do things at Fort Retard."

With that, the lively atmosphere returned to the courtyard as the group carried on with their adventures and shenanigans. Maggie felt a sense of excitement mingled with caution, as she embraced the camaraderie of her newfound friends.

As the night wore on, the group continued their explorations through the mansion, their laughter and silliness echoing through the halls. Aleister Fawkes, with his characteristic coolness and charisma, effortlessly glided through the rooms, eventually finding the group.

Beth, the enigmatic vampire girl, seemed to have a particular magnetism around Aleister. Their interactions were filled with playful banter and teasing remarks, creating an atmosphere of playful romance that didn't go unnoticed by the others.

In the game room, as Corey and Yuki engaged in an intense game of air hockey, Beth sauntered over to Aleister, a sly smile playing on her lips. "So, Aleister, are you here to sweep me off my feet with your enchanting tales again?"

Aleister flashed a charming grin. "Ah, my dear Beth, I'm always at your service with tales of wonder and mystery. But I must admit, it's you who has a way of sweeping me off my feet with your captivating aura."

Beth raised an eyebrow, pretending to be unfazed by Aleister's smooth words. "Oh, save the flattery for someone who falls for it. I'm not so easily charmed."

Rufus, who was nearby, chimed in with a laugh. "Come on, Beth, we all know there's a spark between you two. It's like watching a classic in black and white."

Yuki, who had momentarily paused her game, joined in with a mischievous grin. "Yes, you're the sassy and mysterious heroine, and Aleister is the charming rogue with a heart of gold."

Aleister chuckled, playing along with the teasing. "Ah, so I'm the rogue now? I suppose I can't argue with that. But every rogue needs a partner in crime, haven't you ever heard of Alley and Cat?"

Beth rolled her eyes, but a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Fine, fine, if you want to play the rogue, then I'll be your daring accomplice in this circus."

As they continued their playful banter, Maggie watched the interaction between Aleister and Beth with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. There was something undeniably captivating about the way they teased each other, a dance of words that seemed to hide a deeper connection.

In the enchanting garden courtyard, bathed in the soft glow of fairy lights, Aleister and Beth found themselves seated on a stone bench, away from the rest of the group. Their conversation took a more intimate turn, with moments of shared laughter and stolen glances that spoke volumes.

Beth, usually guarded and reserved, seemed to let her walls down around Aleister. She leaned in closer, her eyes holding a glimmer of vulnerability.

"Aleister,” muttered Beth. "Do you know what happened with my last boyfriend?" Aleister didn't budge.

"No, my sweet, you never did tell me.”

"He cheated on me with three different girls. Years ago, now. I've been saving for myself for someone who won't use me. And you know what, Alley-boy?"

"W-what's that?," asked Aleister, his facade cracking.

"You want to use me, I can see it when I follow your eyes. They glide across me, or maybe they slither like snakes. You want to fuck me. And you know what? I'm tired of waiting. I'm going to let you use me."

[tasmiq]

Jumu'ah Khuthbah: 5 May 2023

After being humbled numerous times gasping for air between episodes of dry coughing, Alhamdulillah that I live to this moment. Ya Shakur (gratitude to Allah) for our big-hearted Paupat (Mahfouz) for wanting to help, as well as your Aunty Bongie. Allah please reward them both!

In the first congregational Zikr after the month of Ramadan, Shaykh Nishaat spelled out our spiritual aspirations:

#1. It is a requirement for Sufis to discover our respective "sulook". I had to know deeper into the matter.

Sulook is the way to reach God through clear intuition, not by logic or rationalism. The traveler on this path is called a salik. At special moments the beginner experiences complete absorption in the remembrance of God and a detachment from all mundane thoughts. This is an attraction from God, which paves the way for further progress.

Exactly describing what I have been blessed with, as a result of my accident, Subhana'Allah! This is where we tell Abbu that in our everyday, nightly dua'a ritual; we specifically asked Allah to restore Ammu's normal bodily functions but without needing to return to a job - so that she can more actively serve our family than before - Ameen, Ameen, Summa Ameen as Aunty Farzana always chimes!

#2. The second pertinent point Shaykh Nishaat made is something that your Ammu has heard echoing from many Muslim Students Association (MSA) halls. "Why do we need a Shaykh, when we can simply follow our own way...?!"

However, Allah sent us a manual in the form of the Qur'an and guides (The Prophets / Al-Anbiya) to explain it to us. As humans, we need help because living with our nafs becomes more and more difficult!

#3. There are many things we do as outward responses which reflects our surrender in Islam. Do we say like Nabi SAW, "I hear and I obey!"

We are each in our respective level of nafs, so our focus should be on ourselves and not others. In Sufism, we never stop learning and every moment of our lives are lived in surrender!

#4. Ultimately our external experiences in Zahir should be pointing inwards to the Batin. It reflects our relationship with Allah and we learn more with the help of a Shaykh or Shaykha.

Our Tariqa is a system where we have our global spiritual leaders who guide our local Shaykh / Shaykha, Khalifa, Rehbir and they are all working for us, as Mureeds! If we are not making progress, we only have to ask ourselves why, when we are supported by such a comprehensive system..?

#5. Mureed Nawaaz, our equally thoughtful son to Sadia, asked a salient question, "How will we know if an answer to our question is from our nafs or our spiritual hearts?"

Our spiritual mentors as a Shaykh or Shaykha will certainly help us figure that out, but we will gain the certainty with our everyday living experiences and service. The leader of the people is the servant of the people, Islam is about being of service because our nafs is not involved! The Sufi path is an act of service, and our purpose is to serve by living and bringing our nafs into submission.

When our limbs become Allah's, Allah begins to love us, where everything that we do is Allah's action, Insha'Allah. Our sincerity brings purity and we cannot bluff Allah!

This comprised some aspects of the soulful sohbet of the moment delivered by Shaykh Nishaat, in how the first post-Ramadan Zikr commenced, Alhamdulillah!

Shukran Ya Allah (gratitude to Allah) for returning our Abbu from fulfilling work ventures, safely back to our spiritual home in our Tariqa!

[sixthwater]

Love & Tarot 💌

This is not anti-love readings, future spouse readings, etc, but I wanted to talk about our perception of love, how it transfers into readings, etcetcblahblah let's get into it

So I've been thinking, and as the story goes I get lost in thought, and I wondered how our perception of love can transfer into our readings. Which is to be expected; the way we live our lives will change the way we view the world, which can be extremely beneficial considering you might hold advice that's difficult to find! It's sort of like if a card consistently pops up for unfavorable situations, you start to associate that card with negative meanings no matter what. So if you're a romantic, would love readings tend to lean more positively no matter what. Same thing with poor experiences, would conflicts be more prone to popping up? I'm actually more curious about if this overlaps with readings and experience so if you want to chime in feel free--

In another circle, for those that feel their decks come to life or have a personality: same concept?? Do you notice some decks tend to paint people or situations in a certain light? I mean obviously that's why people get darker decks for shadow work or obscure decks for light work etcetc BUT in a sense of skirting around certain things bc of how the deck itself acts. Like if you have an intense deck, they might sometimes not be as objective as they need to be since that's not the point. Example bc I'm not explaining this well, I'm going to pull some cards on me as a partner with three different decks (will refer to myself as a third party):

RW (Objective) The Hermit Rx, Ten of Wands, Queen of Cups, Wheel of Fortune, The Chariot Rx, Four of Wands, Eight of Swords, Three of Pentacles Rx, Three of Cups Someone who doesn't like to always stay in, will feel stifled. They tend to carry the brunt of the relationship or it's issues in silence and try to intuitively guess how their partner is feeling. Very emotionally in tune with themselves but picky with who gets to see this side. Extremely relaxed with how the relationship plays out. Not worried about the destination or when they get there, but has a flight reflex if they pick up on family issues playing out in relationships/if it reminds them of childhood trauma. This person gets themselves trapped worried about their own insecurities and might ruin things for themselves, and they can be very stubborn. More signs of them enjoying nights out and being playful or not shying away from merging friend groups. Hearing giggling so they might like teasing their partner or play fighting. Divine Tarot (Positive) Temperance, Page of Swords Rx, Three of Pentacles, Six of Swords, Two of Swords Rx, Seven of Pentacles, Ace of Pentacles, Judgement, Two of Cups Rx This person will bring balance to their relationships, give and take. They will do everything they can for their partner. There's a tendency to be daring and bold, even if it might ruffle a few feathers (even their partner's). They're willing to work with their partner but they'll make some witty remarks about the process sometimes. They will stick with their partner and make sure they reach more stable horizons together. They are not afraid to make difficult or harsh decisions if the other party cannot, and they don't shy away from the boring work that will pay off later within the partnership. They only approach those when they have their mind made up, and they are ready to weather the worst storms with them. Their partner will leave with new perspectives on themselves and in life. This person however is unsure of if they'll ever find their other half. Horror Tarot (Negative) The Hermit Rx, Temperance Rx, Nine of Cups Rx, Seven of Swords Rx, Four of Cups, Page of Pentacles Rx, Queen of Cups Rx, Queen of Pentacles Rx, Judgement Rx Shut in, don't like nights out and you won't find them in a club. Difficult to open up in relationships as well. Someone who usually will approach a situation feeling dissatisfied with what's shown regardless of how great it is. Tend to get swept up in their emotions. Way too blunt without realizing it. Tend to let their lethargy and apathy get the best of them. Repeats the same cycles over and over. Personification of Pity Party by Melanie Martinez. Cunning and not as nurturing as they seem.

See the difference. In the eyes of the Divine Tarot I'm a savior and I'm so precious and you shouldn't hurt me :(( or I'll cry :((( but to the Horror Tarot I'm a loser who needs to get a grip. Honestly it was hard to do this bc I'm so used to rationalizing these decks but it was neat to do them side by side.

Obviously this is not for all readers, because a good amount of readers don't resonate with this! A good lot of readers I enjoy and trust are actually very logical and don't vibe with the whole 'decks have personalities' thing, so keep that in mind. This is just a topic I've been thinking about because I've noticed the slight difference in love readings from some people I follow and thought it was interesting. However you know what's more interesting? The topic of love itself and I will simply just leave this video here because I think it's neat