#a group is kind of like an organism that tries to act as one to get sommat done

[kxsagi]

Hey kxsagi😜😘

Out of all the Football clubs in the NEL arc I think Ubers is on the very top for me b/c I just LOVEEEE the way they play against their opponents and the relationship and dynamics they have with each other! Aiku and Sendou are such a duo, my boy niko is such a little brother coded in the team, Don Lorenzo is such an underrated character frfr and also him and Snuffy's father and son like dynamic is so adorable🥺🥺 I'd love to hear your hcs on them.

Ty in advance😘😘💥

“𝐮𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬”

a/n: YESSS ubers supremacy!!! as much as i love bastard munchen, you have absolutely elite taste because ubers has so much heart, honestly it’s like mafia tactics meet found family. their loyalty, structure, and the way they all look out for each other (while still playing to win) makes them so unique compared to the other teams and i am so here for it 🫡

also decided to do this in a different format! 

(their team name ubers reminds me of that one meme where it’s like “uh i never went to oovoo javer” 💀)

ubers team general headcanons

everyone on the team secretly knows they’re the “organized crime” themed squad. they lean into it. their pre-game huddles sound like mafia sitdowns. “you don’t go down unless i say so,” aiku announces, while sendou nods like he’s his consultant. niko has no idea what that means but he goes, “got it, boss.” 

snuffy runs a tight ship, but never disrespects anyone. his “fatherly” energy isn’t loud – it’s quiet, composed, and deeply respectful. he cooks post-match meals like a literal dad. big “who wants more steak?” energy. the boys make fun of him but never to his face because they all lowkey adore him. 

when it comes to chores, niko does the dishes. reluctantly. because the last time sendou did them, aiku got food poisoning + lorenzo is banned from the kitchen because he once tried to make “gains ramen” which was just protein powder, boiled chicken, and pre-workout. snuffy had to call poison control. 

their team group chat is horrific. aiku sends gym thirst traps with captions like “morning motivation.” sendou sends cursed memes at 3 AM (niko replies with “please stop”). snuffy sends quotes from philosophers like “a man who conquers himself is mightier than he who conquers a city.” everyone reacts with 🫡. lorenzo only sends selfies and flex pics with random motivational phrases like “get money, stay jacked.” 

aiku oliver & sendou daiya – the menace duo

literally the worst pair to be seated near on team trips. they will prank everyone. lorenzo once woke up with his chains braided. niko caught it on camera and it went viral in the ubers gc. 

sendou tries to act cool around girls but somehow always fumbles. aiku lets him crash and burn every time. “you’re doing amazing, sweetie,” he deadpans as sendou gets rejected for calling someone “m’lady.” 

despite their chaos, they always have each other’s backs on the field. aiku trusts sendou’s instincts, and sendou follows aiku’s leads without question. it’s instinctual, like they’re synced. they don’t even need to talk sometimes, they just know. 

niko ikki – baby of the team

everyone thinks niko’s this quiet little strategist, but he’s also the most chronically online member of ubers. he runs their meme account anonymously. only snuffy knows. snuffy lets it slide because niko always includes respectful captions under snuffy edits like “our king 🫡” 

lorenzo calls him “kid.” sendou calls him “baby bro.” aiku once called him “squirt” and niko didn’t speak to him for a week. but deep down he’s grateful because he’s never had this kind of camaraderie before. 

sometimes he’ll be sulking in a corner after a rough game and snuffy just walks over, sits down beside him, and hands him a juice box. “you did good, kid.” niko cries. silently. every time. 

don lorenzo – chaos incarnate, misunderstood legend

he eats protein powder raw. sendou dared him once to snort it. he did. it was not a good day. 

he’s rich. obscenely so. he always flashes his gold teeth and quotes, “i only trust two things: muscle and money.” he funds team bonding trips without blinking. his idea of bonding? paintball war in the woods. 

has the softest spot for niko and treats him like a tiny feral cat he found outside and adopted. “he’s scrappy. he’s got instincts. he’s family now.” niko just blinks like 🧍🏻 

snuffy and lorenzo have a dad and rebellious teen son energy. snuffy’s constantly like “don’t do anything stupid,” and lorenzo’s like “no promises, papà.” but whenever snuffy’s serious, lorenzo listens like a soldier. no matter how wild he acts, he respects snuffy like a father figure. 

snuffy – the dad of the year

gives out the gentlest life lectures. “football’s like pasta, boys. you gotta boil under pressure to get good.” everyone’s like “… what?” but then they do get good. 

refuses to raise his voice. instead, he lowers it. when he’s disappointed, everyone feels like they just let down their entire lineage. 

he makes each player write down their goals and reviews them monthly. lorenzo once wrote “get more gains and less enemies.” snuffy nodded like that was a valid mission statement. 

if you cry in front of him, he’ll give you a side hug and pat your back once. just once. but it’ll heal you emotionally. 

© 𝐤𝐱𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐢

[mariamakeslemons]

A Mer meets 141 for MerMay

Soap is the first one to spot you, swimming in the water beneath the lifeboat the 141 scrambled onto as the ship they infiltrated went down. You didn't particularly care, all you knew is that you now had an abundance of food to consume from the humans who drowned. Soap, and by extension the rest of the team, however did care.

Price is the first to reach out for you, trying to coax you closer to the boat in hopes of pulling you out of the water and to "safety". You swim closer, but more out of curiosity. The only others you've seen with fur on their faces are walruses and seals. Once you're in arm's reach, he tries to pull you on the boat, only to nearly fall out when you easily pull away. Then, he realizes you aren't human when you bare your teeth, revealing a row of razor sharp incisors, like a shark.

Next, Gaz tries to speak to you, slow and low. You float over to him, tilting your head back and forth as you stare at him. He's very pretty, the perfect siren to lure prey closer. You float closer again, purring in the back of your throat as Gaz keeps talking, slowly getting more nervous when you reach out to cradle his face. Just as slowly, you pull him towards the water. Only, Price leans over and swats at you, a scolding noise escaping him as you release Gaz and float away.

Soap reaches out to touch you too, babbling rapidly. You stay just out of reach, but you're amused by his behavior. Although, you do float closer occasionally, staring at his blue eyes in awe. The color matches the icy waters of the north, where you've consumed Polar Bear flesh when one falls through the ice above. Soap is the only one to flip out of the boat, but he's just as quick to climb back in, complaining loudly.

Ghost watches you watch them. He stays in the middle of the boat, obviously more familiar with your kind. You recognize him as the obvious predator of the group, the one who acts as the barrier between the world and his pack. As they float, you often bring fish and such to the boat, making sure your fellow predator eats the best cuts. You may have snarled and nipped when one of the others tries to eat the eyes and organs.

Nikolai finally arrives and grins upon seeing you, his hand out for the familiar greeting you always give him. He explains how he met you during a mission gone wrong. Nik had managed to get on a piece of drift wood that you had dragged to shore. He returned, and helped you escape a fisherman's net. Afterward, you would meet him and he'd meet you when his missions took him to the sea.

Price settles in the copter, watching as you shrink as the copter rises, until you dive under the water. Gaz asks Nik if you understand any language that is spoken by humans while Soap complains about not getting to at least pat your head. Ghost clicks his tongue and rolls his eyes. Price declares that they're all going to the beach, to really meet you. If any of them are able to get you into a pool doctored to support you, even better.

[stupidcupid06]

think my greatest problem as a leader is that I truly do not get it when people don't have their shit together

like "I'm under stress and need a break?" just say it. simple sentence. "I don't understand what's going on?" say it. got a deadline? do it now. brain not letting you? tell someone in charge what would work for you to get this thing done.

I get that people are scared of authority but truly the people in authority 99% of the time want to make choices based on adequate information and they want you to be ok, if only so they can keep using you for their projects

like the anarchist deconstruction of authority is that leadership is a brain disease where most people don't consider the needs of the group. I think forcing everyone to consider group needs is an efficiency issue, which is where administrative positions come in. but neither model works without communication and fear is inherently anti-communication. face your damn fear. and trust your administrator will at least try to accomodate you.

[moonlightwritingf1]

The fire between us | LN4

☃️ summary ━━━━━━━ Trapped in a Swiss cabin during a snowstorm, Lando and Y/N, who’ve been friends for less than a year, are left alone. As they play strip poker, hidden feelings surface, leading to a playful, intimate night where their connection deepens.

☃️ pairing ━━━━━━━ Lando Norris x she!reader

☃️ word count ━━━━━━━ 7.4k

☃️ warnings ━━━━━━━ +18, sexual content

It was the week before Christmas, and the Swiss Alps had transformed into a winter wonderland. A luxurious cabin was nestled at the foot of the mountains, offering everything one could dream of—cozy fireplaces, panoramic views, and an atmosphere thick with the promise of festive memories. Lando had been the first to arrive. As the one who’d paid for the cabin and organized the trip, he had eagerly anticipated the getaway with their friend group. He loved skiing, but even more than that, he loved the idea of spending a few quiet days away from the hustle and bustle. More than anything, though, he was excited about being alone with her—Y/N.

From the moment they met less than a year ago through mutual friends, Lando had been captivated by her. She was different, making his heart race just a little faster whenever she was near. He tried to hide it—keeping his feelings buried beneath casual conversations and friendly smiles—but every time he saw her, his heart betrayed him. He couldn't stop thinking about her.

Despite his efforts to keep his feelings hidden beneath casual conversation and playful teasing, they simmered just below the surface, growing stronger each time they hung out.

But Y/N had no idea. At least, that’s what he thought. She treated him like a close friend—nothing more. They’d spent time together over the months, enjoying each other’s company, making memories, but it was always just... friendly. And Lando had become all too familiar with that painful distance—the fine line between friendship and something more that he had no idea how to cross.

That was until this trip.

When Y/N finally arrived, she was the second person to make it to the cabin. And just as she stepped out of her car, the snowstorm began. The storm had been forecasted, but it hit much harder than expected. Before long, the roads were impassable, and their friends were stuck on the other side of the mountain, unable to get to the cabin. Just like that, Lando and Y/N were alone together, stranded in the middle of nowhere, with only each other’s company to keep them entertained.

Y/N was still adjusting her coat, brushing the snowflakes from her hair as she walked inside, her cheeks flushed from the cold. Lando, who had been staring out the window with a faint smile, snapped out of his daze when she appeared in the doorway.

“Hey! It’s freezing out there,” she said, stomping her boots on the mat as she entered.

Lando couldn't help but grin, his heart skipping at the sight of her. “You're telling me. I wasn’t expecting this kind of snowstorm.” He glanced outside. The flakes were falling heavier now, swirling around in the night sky. “Looks like we’re snowed in for a while.”

Y/N laughed. “Great. I hope we’re stocked up on food. I’m not sure I can survive on just wine and Christmas cookies.”

Lando chuckled, holding the door open for her to come inside. "We've got plenty of food. We’re going to be fine. Don’t worry."

“And it looks like it’s just you and me for the next few days,” she said, her voice light but with a hint of something more—something he couldn’t quite place.

Lando smiled, trying to act nonchalant, but his pulse quickened. “I guess so. Should be fun,” he replied, glancing around the spacious cabin. The fire was already crackling in the living room, the tree twinkling with Christmas lights, and everything felt so cozy. But it was also... quiet. Too quiet. Just the two of them.

After they had settled in and exchanged pleasantries about the snowstorm, Y/N collapsed onto the couch, kicking off her boots and letting out a sigh of relief. “This place is amazing, Lando. I could live here.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Lando replied, smiling at her. “It’s the perfect place to get away.”

They exchanged a few casual words, laughing at some of the jokes their friends had sent through text. But as the night grew darker and the storm raged outside, they were left alone in the quiet of the cabin, with only the sound of the fire and the wind howling through the trees.

Y/N stretched out, glancing at Lando from across the room. “So, what now? We’ve got the whole place to ourselves. What should we do?”

Lando’s eyes twinkled with mischievous intent. “Well, we could play a game.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow. “A game? Like Monopoly or something?”

He shrugged nonchalantly, though his mind was already racing with possibilities. “Or something a little more... interesting.”

Her curiosity piqued, Y/N leaned forward. “What did you have in mind?”

Lando’s lips curved into a sly grin. “How about strip poker?”

Y/N blinked, clearly taken aback. “Strip poker? Really?”

Lando chuckled, knowing how she might react. He’d teased her with ideas like this before, but never seriously. Tonight, however, it felt like the perfect opportunity to let the playful tension between them simmer into something more. “What? You scared?” he asked, his voice dipping into a low, teasing tone.

She crossed her arms over her chest, clearly thinking it over. “Scared? Of you? Please.” Y/N shot him a teasing grin of her own. “You sure you want to risk it?”

“I’m not scared. Are you?”

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. “Fine. Let’s do it. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Lando grinned, gathering the cards. He wasn’t entirely sure how they got to this point, but there was no turning back now. He could already feel the playful, flirty energy between them, and it only made him want to tease her more. The game started innocently enough. They each took turns dealing the cards, laughing as they made their moves. At first, it felt just like any other game—light, easy, and full of jokes.

But as they started shedding clothes, something shifted. Lando couldn’t help but notice how Y/N’s eyes lingered on him just a little too long, how her lips curled into a teasing smile whenever he lost a round. And she was good—really good. Each time she won a hand, she would make a show of pulling off a layer of clothing, the way her body moved making Lando’s pulse spike in ways he didn’t want to acknowledge.

When Y/N was down to her tank top and leggings, she shot him a look. “Looks like I’m winning, Lando. Are you sure you’re alright with that?”

Lando could barely keep his eyes off of her. The way she smiled, the way she moved... everything about her made his heart race. “I’m just getting warmed up,” he said, trying to sound casual. “You should be worried.”

“Worried?” She let out a soft, melodic laugh, clearly enjoying the challenge. “I’m not the one losing clothes here.”

Lando grinned, trying to shake off the growing heat that he felt every time she looked at him. He could tell by the way she kept glancing at him that she was feeling the tension too. This wasn’t just a game anymore—it had become something else, something more dangerous, and he couldn’t seem to pull back. “It’s not over yet,” he said, his voice low.

Y/N shrugged, her lips curling up into a smile. “I’m not sure you can come back from this, but we’ll see.”

Finally, it was down to the last round. Both of them were now only in their underwear, the cards spread out between them on the floor. The fire crackled in the background, the only sound in the room except for their breathing.

“So,” Y/N said, her voice low, “you ready to lose?”

Lando swallowed hard. “Not yet,” he replied, trying to sound confident, though his mind was racing. The last layer of clothing between them felt like a barrier he couldn’t cross, but the tension was thick enough to slice with a knife.

They played their final hands, both of them taking risks, both of them desperately trying not to give in. And in the end, it was Y/N who won. She threw down her cards with a laugh, eyes sparkling.

“Well, looks like you’re the one who’s going to lose this time,” she said smugly, leaning back with a satisfied grin.

Lando stared at her, a slow smile tugging at his lips. “I’m just getting started.” Without another word, he closed the gap between them, pulling her into a kiss that was nothing like the playful teasing they had shared moments before. This kiss was slow, deliberate, filled with the intensity of everything that had been building up between them for months.

Y/N froze for a second, surprised by the suddenness of it, but then she melted into him, her hands cupping his face as she kissed him back with equal fervor. The heat from the fire seemed to intensify as they deepened the kiss, their bodies pressed close together, the game now forgotten.

When they finally pulled apart, their faces flushed with more than just the warmth of the fire, Lando whispered, “I think I lost... but in the best possible way.”

Y/N’s smile softened as she traced the line of his jaw with her finger. “I think we both won,” she said quietly.

They decided to keep playing, though the silence between them was heavy, thick with unspoken words and unfinished moments. Lando could feel it in the way Y/N’s breath hitched slightly when he leaned closer, and in the way her fingers trembled just enough to be noticeable as she reached for another card.

This is it, he thought, his pulse quickening. One more round. One more chance to either lose everything or finally claim what he’d been wanting for so long.

“Your move,” Y/N said, her voice low but steady, her eyes locked on his. Her lips curved into a faint smile, teasing but laced with something deeper—something that sent a shiver down his spine.

Lando swallowed hard, his fingers brushing against the edge of the deck. He could feel the heat radiating off her, even from across the makeshift table they’d created on the floor. Her bra hugged her skin, the straps resting delicately on her shoulders, drawing his attention and making it impossible to focus on anything else. His own boxers felt like a damn prison at this point, constricting every thought and movement.

“You’re staring,” she murmured, her voice light but pointed.

He blinked, caught off guard, and forced a laugh. “Am I?”

Y/N tilted her head, her grin widening. “A little. You might want to focus. If you lose again, there won’t be much left to look at.”

Her words were playful, but there was an edge to them, a challenge that made his chest tighten. Focus, Lando, he told himself. But no matter how hard he tried, his gaze kept drifting back to her. To the way her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulder, the way her cheeks were flushed from the warmth of the fire and whatever tension was simmering between them.

“I’m focused,” he said, trying to sound confident even though his heart was pounding. “Just... taking my time.”

“Mmhmm,” she replied, clearly unconvinced. She leaned forward, her elbows resting on the ground, and the movement drew his attention to the way her bra shifted, revealing just a hint of skin.

God, he thought, how is she doing this to me?

He picked up his cards, his fingers trembling slightly as he flipped them over. Two pairs. Not bad, but not great. He glanced at Y/N’s hand, trying to gauge her expression, but she was too good. Her face was calm, composed, her eyes still locked on his with that same spark of mischief.

“Well?” she asked after a beat of tense silence. “Are you going to fold, or are you in this to the end?”

Lando hesitated, his mind racing. He could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him, the knowledge that this wasn’t just a game anymore. It was something more, something that had been building between them for months. And now, here they were, alone in this cabin, stripped down to the bare minimum, their bodies close enough to touch.

If I fold, he thought, then it’s over. And if I don’t...

He looked at her, really looked at her, and saw the faintest flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. That was all the encouragement he needed.

“I’m in,” he said, his voice steadier than he felt.

Y/N raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by his decision. “Alright then. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

She laid down her cards, and Lando’s stomach dropped. Three jacks. He couldn’t believe it. She’d beaten him again.

“Damn,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair. “You’re good at this.”

Y/N laughed, a soft, melodic sound that made his chest ache. “Told you you should’ve folded.”

“Yeah, well,” he said, forcing a grin. “Guess I’ll have to live with the consequences.”

He started to move, reaching for the waistband of his boxers, but Y/N stopped him with a single word.

“Wait.”

Lando froze, his hand hovering above his hips. “What?”

Y/N met his gaze, her eyes dark with something he couldn’t quite place. “Let’s make this interesting.”

His pulse quickened. “Interesting how?”

She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she pushed herself up onto her knees, bridging the gap between them until she was close enough that he could feel the warmth of her breath on his skin.

“Take them off,” she said quietly, her voice almost a whisper. “But not yet. Just... stay like that.”

Lando’s throat went dry. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, in his chest, everywhere. “Like what?”

Y/N’s gaze flicked downward, lingering for a moment before returning to his face. “Tease me first. Make me wait.”

The request hung in the air between them, heavy and charged. Lando could feel his heart hammering against his ribs, the blood rushing through his veins. He wanted to protest, to say something clever or sarcastic, but the way she was looking at him—like she was daring him, testing him—made it impossible to think of anything else.

“You’re serious?” he managed to ask, his voice barely above a whisper.

Y/N nodded slowly, her eyes never leaving his. “Very.”

For a moment, neither of them moved. The fire crackled softly behind them, the storm outside howling louder now, as if urging them to act. Lando could feel the weight of her gaze, the way it seemed to pierce through him, stripping away any pretense of control.

And then, without thinking, he reached for the hem of his boxers, tugging it upward just enough to reveal the barest hint of skin.

Y/N’s breath hitched, her lips parting slightly as she watched him. “More,” she said, her voice low and husky.

Lando swallowed hard, his fingers trembling as he pulled the fabric up another inch. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, in his chest, everywhere. “Is this what you wanted?”

Y/N didn’t answer right away. Instead, she leaned closer, her fingers brushing against his thigh. “Almost,” she said, her voice a sultry purr. “But not quite.”

Lando’s breath caught in his throat. He could feel the heat of her hand on his skin, the sensation sending sparks of electricity coursing through his body. “What do you want, Y/N?” he asked, his voice rough with need.

She smiled, slow and deliberate, her eyes locking on his. “Show me,” she said simply. “Show me how much you want this.”

Lando’s fingers brushed against the waistband of his boxers, his breath hitching as he hesitated for just a moment. His eyes remained locked on Y/N’s, her gaze steady and unyielding, daring him to go further. The firelight danced across her face, casting shadows that made her look even more alluring, more demanding. He couldn’t resist—not anymore.

With a slow, deliberate motion, he slid his boxers down, revealing himself completely to her. The air between them seemed to thicken, charged with an electric tension that made his skin prickle. He was fully exposed now, every inch of him on display, and yet it didn’t feel humiliating or uncomfortable. Instead, it felt... thrilling. Dangerous.

Y/N’s breath hitched as she took in the sight of him, her cheeks flushing a deep shade of red. Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out. She was clearly caught off guard, though whether by surprise or arousal, Lando couldn’t tell. What he did know, though, was that her reaction only fueled his own desire. He was playing with fire, and he wasn’t about to back down.

“Satisfied?” he asked, his voice low and rough, practically dripping with challenge. The corner of his mouth lifted into a sly grin as he watched her squirm under his gaze.

Y/N blinked, shaking her head as if to clear it. “I... I don’t think so,” she stammered, her voice uncharacteristically breathless. She leaned back on her hands, her legs crossed at the ankles, trying to maintain some semblance of composure. But the way her chest rose and fell rapidly, the way her eyes kept darting to him and then away, gave her away.

Lando chuckled softly, leaning forward just enough to shift the dynamic between them. “Come on, Y/N,” he said, his tone teasing. “You can’t expect me to believe you’re not impressed.”

She rolled her eyes, though the effect was ruined by the flush that spread across her neck. “Impressed? By what? Your poker skills? Because those definitely left something to be desired.”

He smirked, knowing she was just trying to play it cool. “Oh, I see. So you’re still mad that I lost. Fine. Maybe we should play another round. Even the odds.”

Y/N’s eyes widened slightly, her expression shifting from playful to wary in an instant. “Another round? Really? You’re not exactly... dressed for the occasion.”

Lando leaned back, stretching casually, his movements slow and deliberate. “Who says I need clothes to play? Besides,” he added, his voice dropping to a whisper, “it’s not like you’re shy about winning.”

Her breath caught again, and this time she didn’t try to hide it. The heat in the room had reached an almost unbearable level, and it wasn’t just from the fire. With only her underwear on, every subtle movement was impossible to ignore. Lando’s eyes flicked to the way her pulse jumped at the base of her throat, the way her legs shifted restlessly against the floor as if she was trying to maintain control. She was fighting it, resisting the pull between them, but he could see the cracks forming in her resolve. And honestly? He loved watching her struggle.

“Alright,” she said finally, her voice trembling just enough to betray her nerves. “But this is your last chance. Don’t blame me if you lose everything.”

“Don’t worry,” Lando replied, his grin widening. “I’m used to betting big.”

They shuffled the cards once more, their fingers brushing more often than necessary. Each touch sent a jolt of anticipation through Lando, making him wonder if Y/N was feeling it too. The game began, but it was hard to focus with the way she kept stealing glances at him, her eyes lingering just a little too long on places they shouldn’t.

The first few rounds were tense, both of them holding their cards close to their chests. Lando tried to keep his confidence up, but the way Y/N’s breathing quickened with each passing moment made it difficult. She was getting flustered, clearly struggling to concentrate, and it only made him tease her more.

“You alright over there?” he asked after a particularly long pause, his voice dripping with mock concern. “Need a break? A glass of water, maybe?”

Y/N glared at him, though the effect was softened by the blush spreading across her cheeks. “I’m fine,” she snapped, though her voice wavered slightly. “Just... focusing.”

Lando chuckled, leaning closer until their knees nearly touched. “Focusing on what? The rules of the game, or... other things?”

She swallowed hard, her eyes flickering to his before darting away. “Maybe both,” she admitted quietly, her cheeks burning brighter.

It was the admission Lando had been waiting for. Her honesty, her vulnerability, it was all he needed to see that she was just as affected by this as he was. And with that realization, his confidence surged.

“Well, then,” he said, his voice smooth and assured. “Why don’t we make it a little more interesting?”

Y/N raised an eyebrow, her bravado returning in full force. “Oh? And how do you propose we do that?”

Lando leaned in even closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “How about... a forfeit? For every round you win, I have to do whatever you say. And for every round I win...” He paused, giving her a moment to process. “You have to do whatever I say.”

Her breath caught again, and this time she didn’t try to hide it. The tension between them was palpable, the air thick with unspoken desire. She knew this was dangerous territory, but the way Lando’s eyes burned with mischief and intent was impossible to ignore.

“Fine,” she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Lando grinned, his heart racing as he dealt the next hand. This was it. This was where the real game began.

The cards were shuffled again, the deck slick between their fingers as they settled into another round. The fire crackled softly in the background, casting flickering shadows on the walls of the cabin. The storm outside raged on, but inside, it was warm and intimate, the air thick with unspoken promises.

Lando leaned back slightly, his eyes fixed on Y/N. “Your move,” he said, his voice low and deliberate. There was a spark in his gaze that made her stomach flutter—a mix of challenge and something deeper she couldn’t quite name.

Y/N met his stare, her lips curling into a small smile. She could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on her, the stakes higher than ever before. Every movement, every word, seemed to carry more meaning than it should. She shifted slightly, her legs brushing against his under the makeshift poker table, and Lando’s breath hitched just barely.

She played her cards carefully, her mind working overtime to anticipate his moves. But even as she focused on the game, she couldn’t ignore the way his presence seemed to fill the room. His knee grazed hers again, deliberately this time, and she shivered despite herself.

“Bold play,” Lando murmured as he laid down his hand, a sly grin tugging at his lips. “But I think I’ve got you beat.”

Y/N glanced at his cards, her heart sinking slightly as she realized he was right. She bit her lip, trying to hide her disappointment, but Lando was already leaning forward, his expression teasing yet somehow serious.

“Looks like you owe me,” he said, his voice dropping to a whisper that sent a shiver down her spine.

“What do you want?” she asked, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach. She knew whatever he had in mind wouldn’t be simple, and part of her reveled in the idea of giving him control.

Lando paused for a moment, as if weighing his options. Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingertips lingering against her cheek. “Take off your bra,” he said simply, his tone light but his eyes burning with intent.

Y/N froze for a second, her breath catching in her throat. The request was direct, unexpected, and yet… not entirely unwelcome. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks, but she refused to let it show. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, meeting his gaze with a confidence she wasn’t sure she truly felt.

“That all?” she teased, her voice cool despite the way her pulse quickened.

Lando chuckled, low and deep, the sound sending a thrill through her. “For now,” he replied, his eyes never leaving hers. He was enjoying this, she realized—enjoying the way she fought to maintain her composure, the way she challenged him even as she gave in.

Y/N hesitated for just a moment longer, then reached behind her back. The clasp of her bra came undone easily, and she slid the straps down her arms, letting the fabric pool at her waist. She kept her posture relaxed, her shoulders straight, refusing to let him see how much his attention affected her.

Lando’s gaze dropped to her chest, his expression softening for a moment before he forced himself to meet her eyes again. “Gorgeous,” he said quietly, his voice almost reverent.

“You’re not too bad yourself,” Y/N replied, her tone light as she tried to keep things playful. But there was an edge to her words, a hint of something raw and unspoken that made Lando’s breath hitch.

They sat like that for a moment, the tension between them palpable, the room feeling smaller with each passing second. Then Lando spoke again, his voice low and rough. “Another round?”

Y/N nodded, her heart racing as she picked up the cards. This time, there was no mistaking the electricity between them, no pretending that this was just a game. It was something more, something dangerous and thrilling, and she was all in.

The next few rounds passed in a blur. They teased each other mercilessly, their banter sharpening with every hand. But there was an underlying current of desire now, an awareness of how close they were, how little separated them except for the thin layer of her underwear and the rules they’d set.

Lando won again, his grin widening as he laid down his cards. “Looks like I get to collect my prize,” he said, his voice dripping with mischief.

Y/N’s breath caught as she realized what that meant. “And what exactly is your prize?” she asked, her voice steady despite the heat pooling in her lower belly.

Lando leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “I want to taste you.”

The words hung in the air between them, heavy and charged with meaning. Y/N felt her heartbeat accelerate, her skin tingling in response to his proximity. She should have said no, should have put a stop to this before it went any further. But the truth was, she didn’t want to. Not with him. Not when he looked at her like that, with such fierce intensity it stole her breath.

“You’ll have to be more specific,” she said finally, her voice trembling just slightly. She was playing with fire, she knew that, but she couldn’t bring herself to care.

Lando’s grin widened, and he slid his hand along her thigh, his touch warm and insistent. “I want to make you come,” he said, his voice low and smooth, “with my tongue.”

Y/N’s breath hitched, her entire body flooding with heat at his words. She could feel the flush spreading across her chest, her nipples tightening in response to his nearness. She wanted to say yes, wanted to give in to the hunger that had been building inside her since the moment they’d first kissed. But part of her hesitated, afraid of what it meant, afraid of how far this would go.

“Are you sure about that?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lando didn’t answer with words. Instead, he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, fleeting kiss. “Never been more sure of anything,” he murmured against her lips.

Then, without waiting for her reply, he stood and pulled her to her feet. In one swift motion, he guided her backward until she was sitting on the edge of the couch, her legs dangling over the side. He knelt in front of her, his hands resting on her thighs, his gaze locked on hers.

Y/N’s breath hitched as Lando’s hands slid up her thighs, his touch warm and deliberate. She swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest as she stared down at him. His eyes were intense, almost predatory, and the way he looked at her made her feel like she was the only thing that mattered in the world.

“Tell me to stop,” he repeated, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine. “But if you don’t…”

If I don’t? Her mind raced, torn between the sudden rush of desire and the lingering caution that held her back. But then she met his gaze—those deep, dark eyes that seemed to see straight through her. There was no hesitation there, no doubt. Just pure, unfiltered need, and it was contagious.

“Don’t stop,” she whispered, her voice trembling with anticipation.

Lando’s lips curved into a slow, satisfied smile, and then he was moving, his hands sliding beneath her thighs as he gently urged them apart. Y/N sucked in a sharp breath as he knelt lower, his face now level with her aching core. The firelight danced across his features, casting shadows that made him look both dangerous and irresistible.

“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, his voice thick with admiration as his fingers grazed the edge of her underwear. “I’ve wanted this for so long.”

Y/N’s cheeks burned, but she couldn’t deny the thrill that coursed through her at his words. His honesty was intoxicating, and it made her want to surrender completely. “Show me,” she said, her voice barely more than a breath. “Show me how much you want this.”

His answer was immediate. In one swift motion, he hooked his fingers under the elastic of her panties and pulled them aside, exposing her to the cool air again. Y/N gasped, her body tensing as his breath ghosted over her sensitive skin. Then, without warning, his mouth was on her, his tongue darting out to taste her.

“Oh!” The sound escaped her before she could stop it, a mix of surprise and pleasure that left her head spinning. Lando chuckled softly against her, the vibration sending another wave of sensation rippling through her. He teased her with his tongue, flicking and circling in lazy patterns that had her gripping the edge of the couch for support.

“Lando…” she moaned, her hips twitching as she tried to push herself closer to him. But he wasn’t done teasing her yet. His hands gripped her thighs tighter, holding her steady as he explored every inch of her with his mouth. His tongue delved deeper, curling and pressing in ways that made it impossible for her to think clearly.

Her breath came in short, jagged bursts, each one louder than the last. The fire crackled behind her, its warmth spreading through her body along with the overwhelming sensations Lando was stirring within her. He’s so good at this, she thought dimly, her mind fogging over with pleasure. So in control.

But just when she thought she might actually pass out from the intensity of it all, Lando changed his pace. Instead of the slow, deliberate movements that had been driving her wild, he began to move faster, his tongue darting in and out of her in a rhythm that matched the pounding of her heart. His teeth grazed lightly against her clit as he sucked, creating a new kind of friction that had her arching her back and crying out his name.

“Yes, yes, yes!” she chanted, her words incoherent as her orgasm built and built inside her. Lando didn’t let up, not for a second. If anything, he intensified his efforts, his fingers brushing against her folds as his mouth worked furiously. The dual stimulation was too much—too perfect—and within moments, she was shattered.

“LAN-DO!” Her scream filled the cabin as her hips bucked against his face, her entire body trembling with the force of her release. It felt like everything inside her was exploding, over and over, until she was nothing but a quivering mess. Lando rode out her climax with ease, his mouth never leaving her as he licked and kissed until every last bit of tension had drained from her body.

When she finally collapsed back onto the couch, her chest heaving and her legs still shaking, Lando pulled away slowly, his lips wet and his expression smug. “Better than winning at poker?” he asked with a grin, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

Y/N glared at him, though her smile gave her away. “Don’t get cocky,” she panted, batting his hand away playfully.

“Oh, sweetheart,” he said, standing and towering over her. “Round one was just the beginning.”

Before she could respond, he grabbed her by the hips and lifted her onto his lap, positioning her so that she was straddling him. His erection pressed firmly against her core, already demanding attention, and Y/N couldn’t help but shudder at the sensation.

“Ready for round two?” he asked, his voice low and husky as he nipped at her earlobe.

Y/N’s response was instant. She ground her hips against him, relishing the way his breath hitched and his grip tightened on her waist. “Show me,” she whispered, her voice laced with challenge. “Show me what else you’ve got.”

Lando didn’t need to be told twice. With one hand on her back and the other guiding himself, he lined his length up with her entrance. Y/N braced herself, her heart racing as she felt the blunt pressure of his tip against her slick folds. Then, with a deep groan, he pushed forward, filling her in one smooth thrust.

“Fuck,” she gasped, throwing her head back as the fullness hit her all at once. It was overwhelming—his size, his strength, the way he claimed her so utterly. She’d never felt anything like it, and the realization only heightened her arousal.

“You feel so good,” Lando growled, his voice rough with need as he pulled back and thrust into her again. “God, Y/N, you’re so tight.”

She clung to him, her nails digging into his shoulders as he set a steady rhythm. Each stroke was deliberate, hitting all the right spots and sending sparks of pleasure shooting through her veins. The firelight flickered across their entwined bodies, casting a golden glow that made everything seem even more intimate.

“Harder,” she demanded, her voice breaking as she shifted her hips to meet his thrusts. “Please, Lando. Harder.”

He didn’t hesitate. With a growl of approval, he grabbed her hips and drove into her with renewed vigor. The slap of skin against skin echoed in the quiet cabin, mixing with their ragged breaths and the occasional moan that slipped past her lips. Y/N clung to him, her body writhing as she surrendered to the sensation.

“Yes, yes, yes!” she cried out, her voice rising with each thrust. Lando buried his face in the crook of her neck, his teeth grazing her skin as he fucked her with relentless determination. He was everywhere—his hands, his mouth, his cock—and it was too much. Too perfect.

“I’m going to come again,” she warned, her voice trembling as her orgasm began to build once more. “Lando, I’m—”

“Come for me,” he commanded, his voice a raw, primal demand. “Let go, Y/N. Let me feel you come around me.”

Those words were her undoing. With a cry that echoed through the cabin, she threw her head back and shattered around him. Her inner muscles clenched tightly around his cock as her orgasm tore through her, leaving her breathless and trembling.

Lando’s thrusts slowed as he watched her fall apart in his arms, his own release nearing. He buried his face in her neck, whispering sweet, frantic promises as he continued to move inside her. And then, with a final, desperate thrust, he came undone.

“Fuck, Y/N,” he groaned, his voice strained as he spilled deep inside her. His whole body shuddered as he emptied himself into her, the sensation of being so intimately connected to her overwhelming.

They stayed like that for a moment, their bodies locked together as they caught their breath. Y/N pressed her forehead against his, her heart still racing as she tried to process everything that had just happened.

Lando and Y/N remained intertwined, their bodies still twitching with the aftershocks of their shared climax. The fire crackled softly in the background, casting a warm amber glow over them as they clung to each other, their breaths mingling in the quiet space between their lips.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The only sounds were their heartbeats slowing to a steady rhythm and the occasional pop of a log in the fireplace. The storm outside seemed distant now, its fury muted by the cocoon of warmth and intimacy they’d created within the cabin.

Y/N shifted slightly, her fingers tracing lazy patterns across Lando’s back. Her skin was still flushed, her body languid with satisfaction, but her mind was racing. She couldn’t believe how deeply she had let herself go—how completely she had surrendered to him. And yet, it felt right. It felt inevitable.

What is this? she wondered, her thoughts a jumbled mess of emotions. What are we doing?

Lando pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his eyes searching hers. His expression was soft, almost reverent, as if he were trying to drink in every detail of her face. “Hey,” he murmured, his voice low and tender. “You okay?”

She nodded slowly, her lips curving into a small smile. “Yeah. Just... catching my breath.”

He chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek. “Same here.”

Their eyes held for a moment longer before Y/N broke the silence again. “You’re really bad at poker, you know that?” she teased, her tone light despite the heat still simmering between them.

Lando grinned, the corner of his mouth quirking up in that playful way of his. “I thought I was pretty good at bluffing. Guess not.”

“You weren’t bluffing when you said you’d do anything to win, though,” she said, her voice dropping slightly as she remembered the intensity of his actions.

His grin faded, replaced by something far more serious. “No,” he admitted quietly. “I wasn’t.”

The air between them shifted, the playful tension giving way to something heavier. Y/N’s breath hitched, her heart racing as his words sank in. He wasn’t just talking about the game. He was talking about her.

She swallowed, her voice barely a whisper. “You mean it?”

“I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t.” He shifted closer, his hand brushing her cheek with a tenderness that made her pulse quicken. His thumb traced her skin, his touch warm despite the chill lingering in the air. “You’re worth more than winning a game, Y/N. You’re worth everything.”

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding against her ribs. She wanted to say something—to tell him how much his words meant to her—but the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she leaned into his touch, closing her eyes for a brief moment as his warmth enveloped her. For months, she’d ignored the flickers of possibility between them, convincing herself it was all in her head. But now, there was no hiding from it.

When she opened her eyes again, she found him watching her with an intensity that made her stomach flutter. “Lando,” she started, her voice trembling slightly.

But he cut her off with a kiss, soft and lingering, as if he were savoring the taste of her. When he finally pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers, their noses brushing as they breathed each other in.

“Don’t overthink it,” he murmured, his forehead resting lightly against hers. His lips curved into a soft smile, the teasing edge of his usual grin still there, but gentler now. “Just… let it happen.”

And for once, she did. She closed the distance between them, leaning into the warmth of his touch and the quiet certainty in his eyes. When their lips met, it was soft, tentative, but it carried the weight of everything unsaid.

The fire crackled in the background, but all she could feel was him—his warmth, his presence, and the promise held in the quiet stillness of the cabin.

Lando shifted again, rolling onto his back but keeping her close. Y/N curled up beside him, resting her head on his chest as his arm wrapped around her, pulling her even tighter against him. The steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her ear was oddly comforting, grounding her in a way she hadn’t realized she needed.

“So,” she said after a while, breaking the silence with a tone that was equal parts playful and curious. “What happens now?”

Lando chuckled, his chest vibrating beneath her. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” she said, lifting her head to look at him, “we can’t exactly keep playing strip poker. Not without clothes, anyway.”

He grinned, clearly enjoying her teasing. “Maybe not. But that doesn’t mean we’re out of games.”

Her eyebrow arched in question. “Oh? What did you have in mind?”

“How about truth or dare?” he suggested, his voice dripping with mischief.

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. “Seriously? You want to play truth or dare? After all that?”

“Why not?” he countered, his grin widening. “It’s a classic. And who knows? Maybe we’ll learn something new about each other.”

She considered his proposal for a moment, her curiosity piqued. “Alright,” she said finally, sitting up slightly so she could look at him. “Let’s do it. But fair warning—I don’t hold back.”

“Neither do I,” he replied, his tone confident. “Your move.”

She bit her lip, thinking for a moment before deciding. “Truth.”

Lando’s grin turned sly. “Alright... what’s the last thing you Googled?”

Y/N blinked, surprised by the simplicity of his question. “Really? That’s your big question?”

“Yep,” he said, leaning back with a satisfied smirk. “Spill.”

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips. “Fine. I Googled the best places to visit in Switzerland.”

“Huh,” he said, his expression thoughtful. “Planning a solo trip?”

“Maybe,” she said, shrugging nonchalantly. “Or maybe I just wanted to see if there was anywhere else worth checking out while we’re here.”

Lando’s smirk softened into a genuine smile. “Well, if you’re looking for recommendations, I’m your guy.”

“Good to know,” she said, tilting her head as she studied him. “Your turn. Truth or dare?”

He didn’t hesitate. “Dare.”

Her grin widened, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Alright... I dare you to kiss me until I forget my own name.”

Lando’s breath hitched, his eyes darkening as he processed her challenge. Before he could respond, she slid her hand along his jaw, guiding his face toward hers. Her lips met his in a kiss that was slower, deeper than before—a kiss that left no room for doubt about how much she wanted him.

He groaned softly into her mouth, his hands gripping her waist as he deepened the kiss. Every movement, every touch, seemed deliberate, as if he were etching the memory of this moment into his very soul.

When they finally pulled apart, Y/N’s cheeks were flushed, her breathing heavy as she looked up at him. “Okay,” she said breathlessly, her voice barely above a whisper. “I think you win this round.”

Lando chuckled, his thumb brushing across her lower lip. “Careful,” he warned, his tone teasing but with an edge of seriousness. “You’re playing with fire.”

“Good,” she said, her smile turning wicked. “Because I like it hot.”

Before he could respond, she kissed him again, her hands sliding down to his shoulders as she pressed herself closer to him. The fire roared behind them, the storm raged outside, but all that mattered was the connection they shared—a connection that was growing stronger with every passing moment.

They stayed like that for a while, lost in each other, the world beyond the cabin fading into obscurity. And as the night wore on, they continued to explore the depths of their desire, pushing boundaries and discovering new ways to bring each other pleasure.

It was a night unlike any other, a night that would stay with them long after the snow had melted and the fire had burned out. A night that marked the beginning of something extraordinary—something that neither of them could have predicted but that felt utterly, undeniably right.

[purple-babygirl]

don't call me daddy

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x little!f!reader

Word count: 4,826

Summary : In a world where littles are openly themselves, they volunteer to help and be helped by willing caregivers. In spite of himself, Bucky finds himself stuck with one and to keep the nagging away, he has to learn how to be around her with everything that that entails.

Warnings: Bucky is mean, a couple of insults, mistreatment of age regressed reader, crying, mentions of hot liquid getting on skin, crying, mentions of the r-word and the s-word, Bucky's PTSD & nightmares

A/N: so this is an idea I've had for forever and I finally mustered up enough courage to share it with you guys. Please enjoy and let me know what you think and if you have anything you'd like to suggest for the upcoming parts. I love you 💜

~

“This sounds stupid,” Bucky grumbled when Sam suggested the program.

“It's not stupid, Buck and it works!”

“If it worked for you doesn't mean it's gonna work for me, Sam. You have patience and it's in your nature to want to take care of people.”

“Says the one who looked out for Steve all his life!”

“Steve was one person and he was actually dumb, he wasn’t acting like he can't fucking feed himself!”

“They're not acting. They're age regressed.” Sam tried to remain calm.

“What does that even mean!”

“It means—”

“You know what? I don't care because I'm not doing it.” Bucky smiled before leaving Sam's house and going back to hide in his own.

But Sam was persistent. He was determined to get Bucky help that would actually help. So he suggested the program to Bucky's therapist and before Bucky could punch him, she was having him sign the contract.

“Sam, I don't wanna meet anyone. It's not gonna work anyway so let's just pick any of them.”

“They're not service dogs, Bucky!”

“Really? Because that's exactly what it sounds like they are to me.”

Sam glared at him, elbowing his side as a short lady with a kind smile approached them.

Bucky didn't pay her much attention. He didn't want to be here and he didn't care what she was reciting.

Only thing that caught his attention was when she asked him what age he would prefer so she could introduce him to a group of littles.

He was dreading this. It was stupid.

“…what are you looking for?” Bucky caught the end of her talk with Sam.

“I don't know, someone who can talk like they're not retarded,” he answered the lady rudely and she smiled in understanding when Sam apologized.

“They're not retarded. All of them are perfectly healthy and okay. They're age regressed,” she told Bucky and he rolled his eyes so hard he felt they might never return from the back of his head.

He hated those two words. Age regressed, what the fuck did that even mean?

“Maybe we can meet some of the littles who are not so young, like 6 year olds?” Sam suggested and she nodded, leading them to a building with long corridors and lots of doors.

Bucky could see adult women and men playing with dolls, sleeping with pacifiers and some of them even had other people feeding them.

What the hell was this place? Did they expect him to do that? With a person perfectly capable of handling his or her own self but chooses not to?! Was this the 21st century? Because he didn’t like it very much.

The lady led them inside her office and got a group of files out of some organized drawer. She'd barely laid them out on the table before Bucky was slamming his finger on one.

“We'll take this one,” he said, staring at the lady in disinterest.

“But you haven't even seen them,” Sam said between his teeth, kicking his leg under the table. He wished Bucky cared enough to do this right.

“I've seen enough. I pick this file and I wanna leave,” Bucky seethed back.

“This is Doll. She's one of the softest littles I've ever met and I think you've made a great choice, Mr. Barnes.”

“You call her Doll?”

“Yes, real names aren't revealed for the privacy of our littles unless they decide otherwise and she chose the name herself when she joined us.” The lady smiled kindly, making Bucky even madder.

“Whatever, let's get this over with. Tell her to come so we could leave.”

“Mr. Barnes, I have to admit your attitude towards this is very concerning and I fear I cannot risk the peace of our littles who confide in us to find them safe partners! Like I said she's one of the gentlest and I need to know you're going to treat her right before I even let you meet her!” The woman voiced her concerns and Bucky sighed.

He couldn't blow this now. He's come far enough with this whole process and if he went back to his therapist like that she was definitely going to get out her dreadful notebook.

He had to take this girl home tonight or else they would make him go through this same process over and over again.

“I'm sorry. I'm just a little confused, I guess.” Bucky scratched his beard.

“That's okay.” She smiled again, “most of our visitors are, but you can always ask.”

“Well— what is wrong with them?!” He exclaimed, gesturing with his hands in the air.

Sam kicked him again and glared.

“What? She said I could ask!”

“It's okay,” she told Sam with a chuckle.

“Nothing is wrong with them. Them regressing in age is their way to cope and relieve anxiety or deal with other mental illnesses such as traumatic experiences, or even just stress. It's a freer, calmer state of mind for them to return to when it's no longer easy for them to be big.”

Her calm, kind manner while explaining this made Bucky even angrier inside. This wasn’t normal and they should all stop acting like it was.

“So they're supposed to be helping me with my issues but they're dealing with their own issues?”

Like he originally thought, this was stupid.

“Yes, it's a mutual helping program.” The lady confirmed.

“Oh. And what's this Doll's issue?”

“Doll reverts to age regression as a coping mechanism for her depression and PTSD. She's been doing great lately actually!”

“Is she suddenly gonna go grownup or?” Bucky continued, involuntarily asking every question on his mind.

“No, like I said, Doll reverts to little space for the comfort and safety of it and while she can coax herself out of her headspace, she rarely ever chooses to.”

“But she can?”

“Yes. But I need to tell you, Mr. Barnes, that this is not why you're here.” She reminded, wanting to ensure the safety of self expression for the little one.

“I know.”

“I also need you to promise me to be a good caregiver for her. She's a sweet girl and I can guarantee she will be good for you.”

“I promise.” Bucky knew he was lying but he couldn’t care less about his honesty at the moment.

“And it’s never acceptable to make fun of her or try to force her into a more grownup headspace. That only makes it worse and her mind regresses further.”

“So what she becomes younger?!” He was trying so hard not to get frustrated, why make him!

“That's correct.” She nodded.

“How young?” Sam asked.

“The youngest she's ever been is 4.”

“Oh.” Great. Just great.

“She can still talk just fine,” she reassured them, knowing Bucky didn't want anyone who couldn't talk or seemed 'retarded'.

“Okay, good.” Bucky nodded, wanting to get out of the place as soon as possible.

“Would you like to meet Doll now or do you wanna take a look at the rest of the files?”

“I'll meet her.” Bucky stood up, hand already at the doorknob.

~

The meeting thing went relatively well and Bucky was surprised the girl wasn't intimidated by his frown or intense stare. She was mesmerized by the metal arm even.

He wasn't going to lie to himself, he still thought this whole thing was dumb but he needed to convince his therapist and everyone that he was okay again so they'd leave him alone.

She didn’t ask him any questions or have any conditions. She just stared at him with wide, sparkly eyes.

A minute later he heard the girl whisper her agreement to the short lady.

Apparently, she was big enough to make the decision to leave with a strange man she didn't know but not enough to properly dress herself or sleep without a damn toy.

Bucky was relieved anyway; glad she was idiotic enough to choose him so he wouldn't have to meet with any other 'littles'. And she wasn't ugly to look at either.

The old lady had a word with her privately before she was packing a bag and they were on their way to Bucky’s place.

~

“Where do I stay, daddy?”

Bucky hasn’t said a word to her since they’d left the institution. He made her carry her bag from the car to the elevator and from the elevator inside the apartment. He wasn’t going to be nobody’s maid.

She was physically capable and that didn’t need a professional to see it.

“I don’t know, figure it out.” Bucky shrugged, kicking his shoes off by the door and stepping inside.

She followed his lead and neatly placed her shoes at the corner by the door as well.

“Where do you want me to stay, daddy?” she asked politely, wanting to make him comfortable, seeing he was the owner of the house.

He was making her a little nervous.

This wasn’t his energy back at the institution and she tried her best not to get scared.

“I don't want you. I never did,” Bucky told her the minute she sat on his couch, throwing his keys on the wooden coffee table, “We're just gonna pretend your presence here is changing something and then I'm gonna return you.”

I don't want you.

She's definitely heard that before.

Return her. Like she was some sort of item. She wasn't what he wanted and it cracked her trained-to-love heart.

“Yes, daddy,” she replied brokenly, tears threatening to spill over the rims of her eyes.

Nothing was worse than feeling unwanted.

“Don't call me that.” Bucky snapped.

“B— But you're my daddy.” She was seriously confused now. Why would he pick her if he didn’t want this?

“I'm not your anything and stop acting so small, you look grown up enough to me.”

Why did he take her home if he didn’t like her and didn’t want to be her Daddy?

“I'm not acting.” Tears rolled down her cheeks and she felt more insecure than ever.

“Yeah, yeah, you're age regressed. Whatever, just don't call me that. I'm no one's daddy.” Bucky took his shirt off throwing it on the couch beside her, making her flinch.

“But what should I call you if not—”

“Call me Mr. Barnes, if you're so keen on being polite.” Bucky rolled his eyes.

“Yes, Mr. Barnes.” She sniffled.

“And stop crying.” He huffed.

“Yes, Mr. Barnes.” She quickly wiped at her face, holding the rest of her tears inside and forcing the lump in her throat further down.

Bucky muttered something under his breath before snatching his shirt and leaving to the bathroom, slamming the door behind him as she flinched again.

He didn't say she was a good girl for calling him what he wanted, or for stopping her crying when she was told to. He didn't like her and he wanted to return her.

What was she supposed to do until he sent her back? He didn't want her help even if they said he needed it.

Was it going to be like this for the next 3 months? How was she going to do all of the grown up stuff if Daddy Mr. Barnes didn't help her? How was she going to live? And why did she still care to try her best to be good for the harsh, blue-eyed man?

~

She didn’t know what to do so she sloppily changed her clothes by herself, putting her socks in the hamper to be washed like a good girl.

She washed her hands and feet by herself, unknowingly making Bucky think he was right all along about letting her do things on her own as she should.

That was until he put a hot cup of instant noodles before her for dinner though. He refused to help her eat and she accidentally spilled hot soup over her hand and the wooden table. It was chaos.

Bucky cursed out loud and she started crying in pain.

He had enough pity on her to drag her to the bathroom and put her hand under the cold water. If his hold on her arm hurt, she didn’t say anything.

“Keep it there, don’t you dare move.”

“Mr. Barnes, don’t leave,” she sniffled, eyes red and in pain.

“I’m not leaving you in the Sahara desert.” Bucky rolled his eyes, “I gotta go clean the mess you made.” He left her in the bathroom and she kept her hand under the water, not daring to move like she was told.

“How hard is it to eat fucking noodles! It’s not quantum physics!” Bucky muttered angrily as he wiped the soup off the table with a cloth.

“Fuck that age regression shit I am done!” He took their noodle cups to the kitchen and dumped both in the bin.

“What are you still doing in there! It’s not like you got burnt by lava!” Bucky shouted to her, walking to the bathroom.

“I— I— Mr. Barnes, you told me not to move.” She began crying again at his angry demeanor.

“For fuck’s sake,” Bucky groaned, “do you ever stop crying?!”

“I’m s-sorry.” She hiccupped. She didn’t know what to say or how to please him she just wanted him to stop glaring at her. She was scared.

“Get out of there and dry your hands,” Bucky told her, sitting on the couch with a sigh.

“Yes, Mr. Barnes.” Came her chocked whisper.

“Does it hurt?” Bucky asked when she came out of the bathroom, tears drying on her cheeks.

The question surprised her. Maybe he did care after all.

“Burns a little,” she told him, pointing to the back of her hand where the skin got burnt.

“I might have a cream here somewhere,” he said, trying his best to keep an unconcerned expression on.

She took a look around when Bucky stood up to look in the kitchen. It was a cozy place and she wasn’t too needy but she couldn’t help but wonder about where she was going to sleep.

There didn’t seem to be enough furniture in here.

“Try not to touch it and you should be fine in the morning,” Bucky instructed after applying the burns cream to the sensitive area of skin.

“Thank you, Mr. Barnes.” She whispered before absentmindedly pecking Bucky’s cheek.

Bucky’s eyes widened at her guts. He certainly didn’t see that coming. It was her first night here how was she so bold!

His breath stuttered out of his lungs but he quickly recomposed himself.

Bucky’s jaw clenched and he gave her a dark stare.

“Do you have a death wish?”

“N— No.” She quickly shook her head.

“Did I give you permission to do that?”

“No.” She shook her head again, sort of knowing where this was going. She was going to get punished.

“Then why’d you do it?” Bucky sneered through his teeth.

“To th— thank Mr. Barnes.” He made her so nervous she could barely hear herself answer him.

Bucky hated her. She had no sense of boundaries. He hated the way she cried all the time. He hated the way she referred to him in third person.

He hated her.

“You already said that, didn’t you?”

She nodded.

“Don’t do it again.” Was all Bucky said and she was relieved.

“Yes, Mr. Barnes.”

Bucky scoffed and stood up to put the cream back where he found it.

~

Turned out, Bucky had no bed. He slept on the floor and he didn’t need one.

“But where do I sleep, Mr. Barnes?” She asked in a small voice.

“Anywhere that is not next to me,” Bucky replied, not even sparing her a glance.

“Can I sleep here?” she asked, patting the couch.

“Suit yourself.”

“Thank you, Mr. Barnes.” She gave a shy smile.

“I didn’t make the damn couch. Just go to sleep.”

“Bad word again,” she whispered.

“What was that?” Bucky raised an eyebrow.

“Nothing.” She slammed a hand on her mouth.

“Repeat what you just said if you know what’s good for you.” Bucky glared.

“I— Mr. Barnes said a bad word,” she whispered shakily.

“Yeah, well, it’s my house! I’ll talk however I want!” Bucky raised his voice.

“Yes, Mr. Barnes.” She nodded, not even thinking about arguing that he shouldn’t curse in front of a little.

“Go to sleep.”

“Yes, Mr. Barnes.” She quickly plopped on the couch, covering herself with a blanket, and burying her face in a cushion.

Bucky almost chuckled; almost thought it was cute but he shook the smile off his face quickly and sighed, taking his shirt off and getting himself on the hard floor, easily falling asleep.

He always falls asleep so fast because nightmares usually wake him up few hours after; he be waiting for bed time all day.

She peeked from under the blanket when she heard Bucky snore, carefully tiptoeing to her bag to get her stuffie. She took one look at shirtless Bucky, her cheeks heating up, before sliding back under the covers on the couch.

Her Daddy that didn’t like to be called Daddy was beautiful.

~

It has started again. He’s chasing a person, he corners them to where they could not run anymore, his left hand wraps around their throat, they struggle and beg and then snap. He kills them.

Bucky startled awake, having a hard time taking his breath only to find her on the floor next to him.

Her eyes were full of worry and maybe even sympathy as she clutched a stuffed animal. Bucky didn’t like it.

“It’s okay, Daddy— Mr. Barnes. ‘T was just a bad dream.” She whispered, dropping her stuffie to wrap her short arms around Bucky.

He wouldn’t admit it but it felt nice to be held. Something inside him wanted to succumb to the gentleness of her gesture. But Bucky shut that down at once.

“Get off,” Bucky huffed tiredly as the girl clung to him and rubbed his sweaty back.

“But—”

“Get. Off.” He repeated, grinding his teeth and she reluctantly slipped off his lap and went back to her spot on the floor.

She stared at him as he panted and frowned for a second before leaving the room.

Bucky scoffed, rubbing a hand down his hot face. She probably went to cry in the bathroom again; such a crybaby.

Except she didn’t.

She returned with a relatively cool glass of water, only half full. She didn't want to be bad and spill.

“I got you water, Mr. Barnes.” She carefully got on her knees and offered him the cup.

“Stop saying my name so much.” Bucky snatched the cup out of her hand, gulping down the water without showing an ounce of gratitude.

She pouted, crawling to her bag to get him tissues because she didn’t see any around.

“So you do know how to act around liquids after all.” Bucky taunted, still not over the fact that she spilled soup over his table before taking the tissues from her to wipe his forehead.

“Do you want me to sing you a lullaby, Mr. Barnes? It helps me after bad dreams.” She suggested, desperately hoping he would let her help.

“Not all of us act like kids to flee our nightmares.”

“Mr. Barnes.” Her eyes filled with tears and it was the last thing Bucky wanted to deal with, “I’m not acting.”

She was hurt but he didn’t care. He said what he said.

“Get back on the couch, I wanna go to sleep.” Bucky dismissed, pushing the empty glass against the wall.

“Yes, Mr. Barnes.” She whispered dejectedly, taking her friend and crawling back to the couch.

~

The same thing happened every night for another four nights. At this point she was really worried about the man she started singing lullabies anyway, not waiting for his permission.

“Hey, you!”

“Doll,” she corrected.

“Whatever! Shut up already. I told you I don’t need your stupid singing.” Bucky growled into his pillow.

He was lying. He hated admitting it but he was. Her voice was actually angelic. He never went back to sleep again after a nightmare but that changed when she ignored his wishes and started singing. Bucky could drift off again to her soft voice.

He could get more hours of nightmareless sleep because of her lullabies. But he was too stubborn to admit anything that came from her was working for him.

It must be a coincidence. He probably fell asleep again because he was exhausted from being mad at her all day.

“I know Mr. Barnes doesn’t need it. It’s for me.” She lied as well. She knew lying wasn’t good girl like but she was helping Mr. Barnes; it was for good reason.

~

“Mr. Barnes,” her small voice called to him but Bucky was ignoring her.

He was pretending he couldn’t hear her and continued staring at the TV because she talked too much for his liking.

“Mr. Barnes.” She ever so lightly touched Bucky’s arm.

“What!” he spit suddenly, making her jump.

“We— We need to go shopping. Mrs. Morrison will visit tomorrow.”

She knew the process and for some reason didn’t want to be taken away from Bucky.

If Mrs. Morrison came and saw the way the apartment was or the way Bucky treated Doll, she was definitely going to make her leave with her.

“What?!”

“It’s day five.” She reminded, tilting her head to the side.

“Yeah, so?” Bucky’s body fully turned to face her.

“Tomorrow’s visit day. We have to go shopping.”

“How do I know you’re not lying just to get me to buy you things?”

“I don’t lie, Mr. Barnes.” She assured him, looking hurt at even the suggestion.

“It’s in the papers,” she told him, referring to the contract he’s signed as well as the guide he was provided with her file before leaving the institution.

Bucky narrowed his eyes at her, but stood up to look at the papers he’d carelessly shoved in a drawer in the kitchen a few days ago.

“Shit,” he muttered when he saw she wasn’t lying. He heard her whisper bad word but chose to ignore it.

There were scheduled visits listed with different time intervals between each visit for the next three months.

Bucky groaned, throwing the paper sheet back in the drawer and slamming it shut.

“Put your clothes on, we’re going fucking shopping.”

“Bad word.”

“Don’t even—” she ran to the bathroom to change before Bucky could get angrier.

What has Sam gotten him into?

~

“Why’s your hair so messy!” Bucky asked, shoving her out of his way to grab a jar of peanut butter and put in the cart.

“I don’t know how to do it on my own an’ Mr. Barnes kept telling me to hurry up.”

Her voice was so small and if Bucky wasn’t so infuriated by the situation he would’ve felt bad for how he spoke to her.

“You’d think you’d actually look decent enough after taking forever to get ready.” Bucky huffed.

She remained silent, looking down and closing in on herself.

“Do you eat this?” Bucky asked, waving a box of corn flakes in front of her.

“Yes, Mr. Barnes.”

Bucky nodded, throwing the box in the cart.

“Didn’t I tell you to stop saying my name so much?”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Barn—” Bucky’s cold stare stopped the word on her tongue.

“Call me Bucky.”

He didn’t want her to call him Bucky. But if that Mrs. Morrison was visiting tomorrow she couldn’t know he made her speak to him formally.

“Bucky?”

“Bucky.”

“Yes, Bucky.” She smiled shyly, feeling one step closer to the man.

Bucky didn’t know his life would turn upside down so fast.

He never cared about grocery shopping because he didn’t need that much stuff and he mostly ate at restaurants or diners or bought take out. He mainly just had beer filling his fridge.

But with her tied to him now he was buying all kinds of food: fresh vegetables and fruits, juice boxes, snack bars and way too many Oreos. Not to mention the toiletries he had to pay for because aside from her tooth and hair brushes, she came with nothing.

“Bucky, can we please get this?” she asked, pointing to a stuffed white wolf.

“No, you already have one at home. I see it every night.”

“Please, Bucky, please. Pretty please,” she begged, giving puppy eyes and pressing her palms together even.

“Okay, fine, shut up. God!” Bucky grumpily put the toy in the cart and got them to the nearest cashier before she could pick anything else.

She was so happy and was going to cherish her new stuffie more than ever.

~

Bucky was pacing back and forth in the living room. He needed to find a way to convince her not to tell Mrs. Morrison or whatever her name was how he treated her.

He didn’t want her to know she had any type of power over him because of the situation.

Bucky definitely wasn’t going to say please, but he also knew he couldn’t scare her into saying what he wanted.

“Bucky, please go to bed. Wolfie can’t sleep.” She whined, hugging her newest stuffie to her heart.

Bucky gave her yet another hard glare. She made him so angry that sometimes he forgot how to function. She was so spoiled and oblivious.

“I won’t say anything to Mrs. Morrison,” she whispered.

“You think I care what you have to say?! They could take you right now for all I care!” Bucky replied angrily.

“I know…” she mumbled, “I don’t want them to.”

Her words left Bucky without a reply. He was confused. She didn’t want to leave? Why not? Bucky hasn’t said one kind word to her since she’s been entrusted to him.

Was she some type of masochist?

“I wanna stay with Bucky. Sing him lullabies and eat noodles with him,” she said, her voice soft and heavy with sleep, before her eyes shut as she drifted off.

Her words put Bucky at ease for now and he got on the floor to finally try to get some sleep. He tried to ignore the way they affected him though.

~

“Bucky,” she called gently.

“Hmm.”

“I need to shower,” came her timid whisper.

“Do you see me using the bathroom?! Help yourself.” Bucky huffed, stirring the sugar in his mug.

“I can’t.”

“What do you mean you can’t?!” he snapped, throwing the spoon in the sink.

“I need Bucky’s help.” Her face was on fire with embarrassment of having to say this out loud.

“For fuck’s sake,” Bucky rolled his eyes, pushing his mug aside before grabbing her arm and pushing her to the bathroom.

She whimpered as they stood before the glass door of the shower.

“This, because you’re not stupid you’re just age regressed, opens the hot water.” Bucky pointed to the tap handle on the right. “This opens the cold water. And this—”

“Bucky, that’s not what I need help with.” She shook her head, biting down on her lip.

“What do you want from me then?!” Bucky had no patience and her bashfulness wasn’t helping.

She raised her arms up before whispering, “I need Bucky to gimme a shower.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Bad word.”

“Don’t start now! You don’t know how to shower?!”

She shook her head, pouting as her eyes got teary again, “not when little.”

“This is bullshit. I didn’t even wanna do this. Damn you, Sam Wilson!” Bucky said, walking out of the bathroom angrily as she trailed behind him like the lost puppy she was.

“Bad word.”

“Stop!” Bucky boomed and she put her hands behind her back timidly.

“Please, Bucky,” she begged, getting hold of his hand.

“No! On my dead body!”

~

“Stand straight or I swear I’m gonna leave you here and go!”

“Yes, Bucky,” she giggled, the water trickling down her spine tickling her.

“Now what?” He huffed, trying not to stare at her naked chest.

“Now, this.” She held up the bottle of conditioner for him and Bucky sighed before taking it and squeezing some on his hand.

He was about to smooth it down her scalp when she moved away.

“No, no! This goes on the ends or else it gives you dandruff,” She said and Bucky would’ve facepalmed so hard if it wasn’t for the slippery matter covering his palms.

This was going to be long.

~

She was fast asleep on Bucky’s couch after her shower, so peaceful and without a care in the world.

Bucky envied her as he got in place on the floor. He really wished he had enough flexibility in him to accept help and care from someone.

But no, he didn't need her. He didn't need any of this. He just had to go through tomorrow and the rest will figure itself out.

Yeah, yeah just tomorrow for now, Bucky thought as he drifted off.

part II

~

• Tag List:

@harrysthiccthighss

@tinystudentfirepurse

@lavendercitizen

@tumblin-theworldaway

@pretty-pop-princess-hs

@lilymurphy03

@idontwannagomrstarkk

@glxwingrxse

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@canned-rootbear

@pandaxnienke

@loveisallyouneed1125

@floral-recs

@littlemoonkiller

@hallecarey1

@vespasianphantom

[solxamber]

Hi! I want to request a platonic Sam and student reader who works at the mystery shop part time. Reader is shy and quiet, and spends most of their shift restocking shelves and checking inventory in the back. Sam has to step away from the counter for a moment and leaves reader to take his place. A group of students who are known for causing trouble comes in, they've been caught by Sam for trying to shoplift before, and when reader calls them out for trying to steal again, they start trying to fight reader. Sam pops up behind them after getting alerted by his friends on the other side and you can decide how he handles them. After all that, Sam offers reader a hug with a reminder they've got Sam on their side. Thank you if you write this one!

Platonic! Sam x Reader

I haven't ever written anything full length for him, it was fun!

Working part-time at Sam’s Mystery Shop is usually quiet. You prefer it that way. The backroom, with its musty scent of herbs and candles, is your safe haven, where you spend most of your shifts counting inventory or restocking the shelves. Sam doesn’t mind; in fact, he seems to appreciate your detail-oriented nature, saying it keeps things running smooth as silk. He handles the customers, and you make sure the shop stays well-stocked and organized.

Today seems no different—until Sam’s voice drifts into the back.

“Hey, kiddo!” Sam pokes his head into the stockroom. His ever-present grin is wide, showing a row of perfect teeth. “I’ve got to step out front for just a sec. Mind keeping an eye on the counter?”

Your heart skips. “Uh, I—"

“You’ve got this! Just for a minute. I’ll be back before you know it.” With a wink, Sam disappears before you can protest.

You take a deep breath, slowly making your way to the counter. No big deal, right? Just ring up anything if someone comes in. Easy. You stand awkwardly behind the register, shifting your weight from foot to foot. Hopefully, no one will come in while Sam is away.

Naturally, that hope shatters about thirty seconds later when the door jingles.

A group of students strolls inside, and your stomach twists. They’re the kind of students who bring nothing but trouble—loud, cocky, and notorious for trying to shoplift from the store. You recognize them immediately. Sam had kicked them out once before, and now they’re back, grinning like they own the place.

The tallest one snickers when he notices you at the counter. “Well, well, well. Look who’s on duty today.”

They split up, spreading through the store like sharks circling prey. One heads toward the potions shelf, another fingers through the trinkets near the front. Your throat tightens as you watch them drift toward the things Sam usually keeps a sharp eye on—things small enough to slip into a pocket.

“Need help?” you ask, voice wavering.

“Nah, we’re just browsing.” The one at the front offers a grin too wide to be innocent.

You grip the counter, forcing yourself to stand straighter. When you glance toward the potion shelves again, you spot one of them slipping a small vial into his jacket.

“Put that back,” you say, more firmly than you thought you could manage.

The student freezes, caught mid-act. His grin slips, replaced by a sneer. “What’d you say?”

You meet his gaze, your heart hammering. “I said, put it back.”

The other two immediately close in, flanking their friend. “Who do you think you are, huh? Sam’s little stockroom goblin?”

You swallow hard but hold your ground, though your palms are damp with sweat. “I know you tried to steal before. Don’t think I won’t—”

Before you can finish, one of them takes a threatening step forward. “Or what? You gonna rat us out?”

Your pulse skyrockets, and your mind scrambles for a response. Maybe calling them out wasn’t the best idea, but it’s too late to back down now. You glance toward the door, hoping to see Sam’s familiar grin, but there’s no sign of him.

Just as the tallest one steps closer, looming over you with a malicious smirk, the temperature in the room seems to shift. The air grows heavier, colder—and suddenly, you feel the presence of someone behind the group.

“You boys lookin’ for trouble?”

The voice is low, smooth, and far too cheerful for comfort. All three students stiffen. They turn slowly to find Sam standing directly behind them, his wide grin stretching even further. But this time, there’s a sharpness in his eyes that wasn’t there before.

“I’ve got friends who keep an eye on things for me,” Sam says, his smile never wavering. “They told me something mighty interestin’ was happenin’ in my shop.”

The students exchange nervous glances. The tension in the room is palpable, like a taut string ready to snap.

“Now,” Sam continues, clasping his hands together, “we’ve had this talk before, haven’t we? About what happens when folks try to take what doesn’t belong to them?”

One of the boys stammers, “W-We were just—”

“Just about to leave, weren’t you?” Sam finishes smoothly. He steps aside, gesturing toward the door with a flourish. “Go on now. And don’t let me catch you tryin’ anything funny again. Or else...”

He doesn’t finish the sentence, but the gleam in his eyes is enough to send them scrambling toward the exit. The door jingles as they rush out, not daring to look back.

Once they’re gone, the atmosphere in the shop shifts back to normal, the chill lifting as quickly as it had arrived.

You exhale a shaky breath, the adrenaline leaving you feeling light-headed.

“Not bad, kid,” Sam says, coming to stand beside you. His smile this time is softer, warm with approval. “You handled that better than most.”

“I—I didn’t really do much,” you mumble, rubbing the back of your neck. “They were about to—”

Sam cuts you off with a laugh, clapping a hand on your shoulder. “But they didn’t. And that’s what matters, right?”

You manage a small nod, still feeling the lingering tension in your limbs.

Sam tilts his head, studying you for a moment. “C’mere,” he says suddenly, pulling you into a quick but firm hug. His arms are strong, and there’s a sense of safety in the gesture that catches you off guard.

You freeze for a moment, then slowly relax into the embrace.

“You’ve got me on your side, you know,” Sam says quietly, patting your back. “Ain’t nobody gonna mess with you when I’m around. And even if I’m not, you’ve still got what it takes to handle ‘em.”

The words are reassuring, and the warmth of his hug helps ease the knots in your chest.

When he pulls back, he gives you a wink. “Now, how ‘bout you head back to the stockroom, huh? I’ll handle the front from here.”

You nod, a small, genuine smile tugging at your lips for the first time that shift.

“Thanks, Sam,” you say softly.

He grins, giving you a playful nudge. “Anytime, kiddo. Now, get back to your shelves before I have to do your job for ya!”

With a light heart and a newfound sense of confidence, you slip back into the stockroom, feeling just a little less shy than before.

And as you reorganize the shelves, the comforting thought lingers: you’re part of this strange, wonderful place—and you’ve got Sam on your side.

Masterlist

[blueishspace]

Lucky Life session 3

Blueishspace (He/Him) + @a-sociopath-do-your-research aka Oli (Xe/Void/It): 💛💛

@bendy8me aka Bendy (She/Her) + @juno0n aka Juno (She/Her): 💚💚💚

@raeistrying aka Rae (She/Her) + @silverorchideon aka Orchid (He/They): 💚💚💚

@communistcatboi aka Catboi (He/They) + @theblackglitch aka Glitch (She/Her): 💚💚💚

@kazanfamily aka Kazan (He/They) + @max05nb aka Max (They/Them): 💚💚💚

@twisttea aka Twisttea (She/Her) + @cowgirlginger aka Ginger (She/Her): 💛💛

@italianbiscuit aka Manu (She/Her) + @lizzlylou aka Liz (They/Them): 💚💚💚

@thatoneloudintrovert aka Floracica (She/Her) + @not-ready-for-gaster aka Bee (She/They): 💛💛

@whats-she-gonna-post-next aka Starfall (She/They) + @frostywisp aka Fros (They/Them): 💚💚💚

@the-local-pineapple aka Tessa (She/Her) + @spectresharmony aka Ari (She/Her): 💚💚💚

@astoriagalaxy aka Astoria (All) + @3-pots-of-soup aka Soup (Any): 💚💚💚

Session 3 time!

This is the wheel for this session:

Twisttea, Ginger, Glitch and Catboi meet up. Glitch and Ginger keep bonding over hating Kazan for the whole wolf stunt. Twisttea and Catboi just... akwardly third and fourth wheel the two for a while before discussing a possible alliance.

Tessa and Ari visit the Fros/Starfall/Bendy/Juno group...it doesn't go well, they attempt to scam them, they get into a discussion, they are forced to leave.

Kazan pranks their allies Manu and Liz by re-arranging all the items in their shared base. The other two end up not noticing tho as their chests were never organized to begin with.

Orchid and Rae attempt to find some resources by mining but find themselves falling in the deep dark and barely manage to survive.

Oli accidentally looks an enderman in the eyes, void don't get to safety in time and get mauled to death. Blue (Me) dies to the soulbound immediately after. The game from now on changes. ❤️ (Murder and Trap chance increases)

Soup and Astoria scam Floracica with an offer of liberating her from her soulbound, they don't actually have plans to get rid of Bee, they are lying.

Max encounters Bee, they are quick to offer her the powdered snow. Bee refuses.

Glitch is sparated from the others as night comes and is shot by a skeleton too many, dying and bringing Catboi down with her. 💛💛

Manu, knowing Liz is going to be the first target for the red lives considering previous...horse shenanigans... And begins trapping their base.

Kazan visits Blue and Oli's base in an attempt to steal from them, the two catch him in the act and a good aimed shot from Oli takes their first life. Max respawns immediately after. 💛💛

Ari and Tessa meet up with Twisttea and Ginger to discuss an alliance but it doesn't go anywhere as the two are afraid of the others turning red in the near future.

Astoria stumbles onto Bee, they take pity on her and offer them an alliance. Bee is unsure but agrees.

Soup meanwhile is absolutely killing it in the Nether, like genuinely getting all kinds of things...including 2 wither skeleton heads.

Floracica manages to do something no one else could, she gets to the deep dark and steals the enchanting table.

Juno and Starfall separate from their respective soulbounds as a safety precaution, telling them to eat food if their health lowers, as they venture into the Nether once again. They meet Soup which tries and fails to hide the wither heads.

Fros and Bendy, meanwhile, dig tunnels under the map and accidentally find the already looted mineshaft. They set up a secret emergency base inside.

Max attempts to get in the deep dark to find the enchanting table only to discover it has already been taken. He does find a skeleton spawner however.

Orchid and Rae stay behind to fortify their base.

Middle of session event (Ooh lore, big wow #2):

Kazan has been blessed by the all seeing eye with regeneration for the rest of the session.

Fros goes to Liz and Manu's base but accidentally springs the trap they placed earlier this session and gets blown up taking Starfall down with them. 💛💛

Manu panics and when cornered pretends she didn't place the trap and that instead it was Bee who went insane by not having a soulbound.

Tessa, while mining, finds Fros and Bendy's secret emergency base and, without knowing who it belongs to, robs them blind.

Soup encounters Glitch as she's stealing from Kazan's base, they try to stop her but fails and inadvertently ends up killing one of Kazan's wolves. Glitch then kills the other before running off.

When Kazan reads the death messages he's sneakily following Catboi, when they do read them they get angry and attack Catboi before setting fire to Glitch and Catboi's base.

Astoria, while deep in the mines, finds a creeper spawner which immediately turns into a very rough gunpowder farm.

Starfall sees Kazan as they are running from the burning remains of the base they just burnt. They offer him protection with ulterior motives.

Bee ventures into the nether and manages to get a wither skeleton head, Floracica sees them and accuses Bee of being insane and wanting to summon a wither.

Bendy attempts a late monopoly on sugarcane by stealing It from Soup and Astoria, unaware that they have more on them and that Oli and Blue have some too.

Astoria meanwhile is done with mining and is instead fishing.

Juno finds and kills Catboi's zombie villager before he gets a chance to cure him.

Ginger and Twisttea meet up with Catboi who seeks to strenghtem the alliance against Kazan, Twisttea is now the only member without some reason to hate Kazan.

Oli manages to corner Liz, Oli and Liz have a long fight and when Oli is amost dead Blue joins in as well killing Liz and with the soulbound Manu.💛💛

Orchid explores the Nether with very little success.

Rae and Max go in the Nether soon after Orchid and manage to find a curse of binding book which they use to prank Orchid by binding leather leggings to him.

[crab-people-overlord]

Stan & Kyle. Kyle & Stan.

I’ve written a lot on their differences, but that’s mainly because I often write them paired up, so… I think about these differences a lot. About their dynamic. And when you write them together long enough, you start to notice just how different these two boys are. Not just in behavior, but in how they see the world.

There are plenty of episodes where they clash and argue, even some where they completely drift apart. And yet...  there are even more moments where they come back together. Always.

Because despite everything, they choose each other to be super best friends. Again and again. 

I’ve written about their differences between their neuroticism and how those are completely different (Kyle more internally chill yet externally anxious, yet Stan much more externally chill but internally more depressive and sensitive). And I keep meaning to make a post on here about their differences in Agreeableness when it comes to the Big 5 (something very interesting when comparing the two, which I’ll probably share later on). 

But something I often ask myself is… why are they best friends despite seeing the world so differently? They are SO different in how they process the world, yet canonically they’re ride-or-die best friends, so… why?

When it comes down to it:

Stan is more internal, emotional, disillusioned, cynical. Not good at consistently tying general societal moral issues together, yet great at one-on-one empathizing. His emotions often overwhelm him to the point of inaction, though when he does act, it's from an impulsive and often deeply emotional standpoint.

Kyle is external, he brings the fire- he's morally intense and CONSISTENT about his morals - but he can be terrible at one on one empathizing. He tries to stay ultimately positive about future implications. He’s idealistic. He's organized and consistent about his actions. You can count on him to stand up for what he feels is wrong.

Despite this, it’s clear they both care deeply, just in wildly (and at times flawed) different ways. This causes their core friendship at its best to run heavily on mutual respect, honesty, and loyalty. And at its worst cause massive misunderstandings and dramatic breakdowns.

Kyle brings the fire. Stan brings the calm. Kyle can get Stan to finally fucking act. Stan can help Kyle to take a deep breath and pause. 

When they clash the most: 

Kyle fights the world. He wants justice and group harmony. And he can be selfish from a standpoint of getting preachy and self-righteous, turning things quite black and white and disregarding some perhaps more nuanced views. He’s positive there’s always a moral way forward. And he desperately wants to be seen as an believes he is correct, not just morally, but also logically. When Stan checks out emotionally or becomes nihilistic/selfish? This drives him fucking insane. 

Stan withdraws from the world. He just wants authenticity and inner peace. And he can be selfish from a standpoint of just being… internally selfish lmao. Like he knows what he wants personally, and can zero in on just that, without thinking about, say, why Kyle may be so hurt about Cartman being anti semitic because Stan at times doesn’t care unless it impacts him personally. He doesn’t always show up for the moral crusade, and Kyle notices this. 

Kyle externalizes stress. Stan internalizes it. That contrast causes rifts, but also shows how different kinds of emotional pain can look. Kyle can get pissed off at Stan because Stan doesn’t as consistently demonstrate the same group moral standpoint moral crusading he expects Stan to, and sometimes Stan is so inwardly focused that he doesn’t even consider the impact on the greater group. And Stan can get pissed at Kyle because sometimes Kyle completely misses individualistic points and can be a bit self-righteous while perhaps not being great at 1:1 empathy (at times even getting pissed at Stan’s depression, such as in Raisions and You’re Getting Old/Assburgers). 

But here’s the thing… 

When they respect each other and just let each other be who they are, they both are at their very best. Kyle reminds Stan that the world is worth caring about and that he can get out of his microcosm of himself and focus on the greater group. And Stan reminds Kyle that he doesn’t have to carry it alone, and that sometimes there are some more individualistic factors at play. He shows Kyle what deep emotional empathy can feel like, both on the receiving and giving end.  

They both are emotionally intense, just in different ways. They both are disgusted by injustice - Kyle from a more idealistic standpoint, Stan from a more individualistic/realistic standpoint. They both are quite pragmatic and feel disillusioned at times (often bonding over this feeling of disillusionment). They both can be fucking stupid and basically just be 10 year old kids. Yet they’re both wildly smart beyond their ages and often act as the adults in the wild situations they find themselves in. They both can be selfish, though in different ways.

And yet… they both get each other in ways most people dont; and they are at their best when they don’t ask each other to change themselves while still calling each other out when they need to. They have the same sense of humor; they can banter back and forth in both their immature ways and their more understanding ways; they share a similar wide array of hobbies and will both shred current media to pieces together.

They clash often and yet… they believe in each other. Not in a naive way. Not blindly. But in a ‘I’ve seen you at your worst and still want you around’ kind of way.

They’re equals. Even when they argue. Even when they don’t understand each other. They challenge each other constantly, and still trust each other to come back. That’s not just friendship. That’s earned, forged through fire and still water alike.

They fucking respect the hell out of each other. Kyle may yell at Stan for being too detached, and Stan may side-eye Kyle for moralizing too hard - but when push comes to shove, they instinctively turn to each other first. You can see it, this desperate need for validation from the other, like when Kyle practically begs Stan for moral absolution in crack baby athletic association, or when Stan goes to Kyle as his final lifeline in You’re getting old.

They care deeply about what the other thinks of them above anyone else. And not in a performative way. They want each others approval not because of ego- but because they respect and know the others standards actually means something to them. They want each others judgement not because it’s kind, but because it’s true.

When everything falls apart- when the town loses its mind, when things don’t make sense, when the adults become parodies of themselves- Stan and Kyle keep showing up for each other. they don’t always know how to help, but they try. They’re consistent in their inconsistency, in the way only flawed childhood best friends who’ve grown through chaos can be.

Kyle is the fire. Stan is the still water. Kyle will fight the system. Stan will wonder if the system is even fucking worth fighting for. They both argue, and they sometimes clash, and they are both STUBBORN AS FUCKING HELL. 

And yet… they believe in each other. Not blindly. Not perfectly. But completely.

They challenge each other. Call each other out. Clash hard.

But they also trust each other more than anyone else. Because…

They're equals. They highly depend on each other. They call bullshit on each other without hesitation. They fucking respect the hell out of each other, and they care highly what the other thinks of them. At the end of the day, they depend on each other, and when at their best, they balance each other out.

And that’s why, after everything… 

They’re still super best friends. And they continually choose to be super best friends. 

[pragmaticide]

The mortality model of DRDT characters in Ch3— Using mathematical methods to determine their death rate!

Below is the final formula and their rankings:

Final Formula:

Raw Mortality Score =

(Character Development × 0.1) + (Counterarguments × 0.8 + Agreements × 0.2) + Foreshadowing × 0.4 + (1 - Plot Relevance) × 0.5 + Gender Adjustment + other adjustments

Total Mortality: 300.0%

No.12 Teruko Tawaki: (Mortality Rate: 0.000%)

Character Development: 45%

Teruko's life is like a black comedy—chosen by fate to endure extreme misfortune, yet this curse has made her the most tenacious survivor.

She managed to escape death under Xander's knife but couldn't escape the fate of betrayal. This "constant dance on the edge of life and death" makes her very existence the most pungent satire of "hope"--when luck becomes a shackle for survival, hope is nothing but a slow-acting poison that prolongs pain. The moment she was stabbed not only tore her body but also severed her last shred of trust in humanity. From that moment on, she built a defense with sharp words and a cold attitude yet secretly licked her wounds of betrayal at night. Unlike most protagonists, she would choose to watch a murder for survival and expose others' scars for the truth but was still briefly shaken by Eden's embrace--this contradiction of being "cold on the outside and warm on the inside" exposes her longing for and fear of emotional connection: she is afraid of being hurt again but also yearns to be redeemed by warmth.

This girl cursed by fate is piecing her own crown with broken glass. When all lies and betrayals turn into dust later on in the story, Teruko's soul will still shine--that is, the courage to fight after recognizing the absurdity of the world and the stubbornness to maintain dignity after being repeatedly trampled by fate.

Counter-argument or Agreement CG Display: Number of counter-arguments=0, Number of agreements=0 (She is the protagonist, after all)

Foreshadowing: -100% (Just kidding) A remarkable girl with super bad luck and is basically unlikely to die. Her death will definitely not occur in the middle of the plot.

Relevance to the Main Plot: 100%.

No.11 Eden Tobisa: (Mortality Rate: 9.019%)

Character Development: 30%

She seems like a gentle, lively, and extremely energetic cute girl. She likes to hum songs while baking cakes and tries to make friends with everyone, even Teruko when she was in a state of self-isolation. However, she always inadvertently triggers disastrous plotlines: be it baking activities that leads to a bloodshed, or organizing a team-building activity that results in people fighting... But even when someone pointed a scalpel at her throat, she could still cry and deliver words of encouragement, having the strange, saintly mindset of "although I can't forgive you, I want to help you turn over a new leaf" towards the murderer.

However, this little girl, who is less than 150 cm tall (after the height adjustment) and has "I choose kindness" engraved in her DNA, stabbed one of the tallest and strongest person in the whole group; and gouged out his eye and while crying... Not to mention her high degree of fit with the theme of "despair time"... (Eden... Why on earth did you do this?) All in all, there are still many mysteries surrounding her, and we look forward to further revelations in the future.

Counter-argument or Agreement CG Display: Number of counter-arguments=0, Number of agreements=0

Foreshadowing: None

Relevance to the Main Plot: 75%. She has a completely opposite personality to Teruko but loves everyone, seemingly embodying the characteristics of a traditional female protagonist.

No.10 Whit Young: (Mortality Rate: 11.333%)

Character Development: 10%

The most mysterious man in the whole story. So far, all we know is that "his family includes a cold and neglectful father and a deceased mother whom he loves deeply." We don't know whether he grew up beside his father, whether his father abandoned him, whether his mother was as kind as he thought, whether his mother committed suicide by hanging (at what age this happened) why he can be so indifferent to others' deaths and even make terrible and inappropriate black jokes about Min's death, why, as a "Matchmaker" who should be very empathetic, he says so many things without considering the atmosphere, why, with his extremely sharp intuition (it's impossible that he didn't sense Xander's killing intent towards Teruko), he still tried to match Xander and Teruko together and even strongly encouraged everyone to vote for Teruko at the beginning of the trial, and why he only showed such a terrifying expression after the elevator to the infirmary couldn't be opened...

Everything is a foreshadowing. I like this character precisely because of this; he gives me infinite space for imagination and reasoning. Rushing the 90% of development in Chapter 3? Seems not very likely.

Counter-argument or Agreement CG Display: Number of counter-arguments=0, Number of agreements=0

Foreshadowing: None

Relevance to the Main Plot: 50%. He has an extremely close relationship with Charles, who is a foil to Teruko; and is a foil to David, the "antagonist".

No.9 Rose Lacroix: (Mortality Rate: 17.453%)

Character Development: 40%

As the Ultimate Art Forger, Rose captures the world in photographic detail—yet her gift becomes a prison, ensnaring her in a labyrinth of recollections. The paradox of her genius lies in this duality: the very skill that elevates her artistry condemns her to relive every memory with unforgiving vividness.

Beneath her lazy facade, she is a prisoner of her own mind. Min’s execution haunts her like a recurring nightmare, while Nico’s betrayal shatters her already fragile trust. Sleep becomes her sanctuary—a drug to numb the onslaught of hyperthymesia—yet even dreams cannot escape the ghosts of chromatography and familial debt.

The killing game forces her hand. When art transforms from a livelihood to a weapon, Rose must confront her deepest demons. Will she seek redemption on the canvas… or let her talent consume her?

Unanswered questions still linger: What binds her to XF Tech? How can she ever untangle the knot of hyperthymesia? Chapter 3 will force her to face these truths—for in a world where memories are both treasure and torture, the only escape may be through the act of creation itself.

Counter-argument or Agreement CG Display: Number of counter - arguments = 0, Number of agreements = 1

Foreshadowing: None

Relevance to the Main Plot: 50%. She is the only character that has an esablished connection to XF tech in the canon plot.

No.8 Arturo Giles: (Mortality Rate: 18.263%)

Character Development: 35%

Arturo is one that uses a surgical mask to conceal his fear of his own mediocrity and builds class barriers with his caustic words. In his distorted value system, beauty is divinity, and ugliness is a sin. As is expected, this arrogant man who regards "commoners" as ants is actually a coward haunted by the shadow of his sister's suicide. When Eden uncovered his hidden scar, his anger and fear exposed the most festering wound in his heart—the paranoid pursuit of "perfection" ultimately backfired and became a cancer that devoured his humanity.

However, when the usually cowardly Ace grabbed his collar and roared at him, even Arturo himself couldn't stay out of the "mortal" affairs. Presumably, what happened between Ace and Levi will teach him something about his immature character.

Counter-argument or Agreement CG Display: Number of counter-arguments=0, Number of agreements=0

Foreshadowing: None

Relevance to the Main Plot: 25%

No.7 Levi Fontana: (Mortality Rate: 19.174%)

Character Development: 40%

He killed three people and committed patricide, yet in the killing game, assumes the role of a "protector", which exposes the nihilistic nature of his moral system—he determines the rightness or wrongness of actions based solely on social labels rather than inner principles.

Lacking empathy, he maintains a veneer of normalcy by imitating social norms. He is one that feels guilty about Ace's violent behavior but fails to understand Teruko's grief; one who can accurately analyze others' outfits but cannot read the complex spectrum of human nature; one that admits that he "does good deeds" to gain a sense of security and group recognition rather than out of kindness.

However, when he voluntarily revealed his motive, the group recognition of his completely disappeared, and pretending to be kind was of no use--still, when the bullet was aimed at Teruko, he protected her. Is this a mechanical execution of the "good guy" script? Or did he suddenly realize something else? At least, his complex character image makes it highly likely that he will survive within the first three chapters.

Counter-argument or Agreement CG Display: Number of counter-arguments=0, Number of agreements=0

Foreshadowing: None

Relevance to the Main Plot: 25%. Currently, there is no clue indicating his connection to XF.

No.6 J Rosales: (Mortality Rate: 21.903%)

Character Development: 85%

As the Ultimate Theater Special Effects Expert, J weaves stage illusions with pyrotechnics and light—yet her true artistry lies in manipulating reality’s contradictions. She loathes actors’ flamboyance, viewing their performances as mere escapism, while her own existence becomes a paradox: a street-smart survivor who weaponizes rationality to mask trauma. Her hoodie isn’t just attire; it’s armor, shielding memories of her mother’s rigid femininity drills.

Caught in a psychological maelstrom, she oscillates between calculation and chaotic emotion. She dissects Ace’s murder motives with detachment, yet spirals into irrational vengeance over Arturo’s harassment—a duality driven by her fear of losing control. Her disdain for "girly shit" isn’t mere rebellion; it’s a war cry against the mother who tried to mold her into a doll. Yet beneath the tomboy bravado, Arei’s playful barbs reveal a flicker of vulnerability—a girl desperate to be seen, not as a gender experiment, but as a human.

When the curtain falls, her illusions crumble. The same pyro skills that once dazzled crowds now illuminate her personal hell: a tightrope walk between hating and being hated, sanity and unraveling. Her quest for equilibrium isn’t just survival—it’s a scream against the hypocrisy of a world that demands she choose between authenticity and annihilation.

Counter-argument or Agreement CG Display: 0 counterarguments, 0 agreements

Foreshadowing: None

Main Plot Relevance: 25%. J is closest to Arei, but we all know what happens to the other party… unless you wanna count Arturo (not)!

No.5 Nico Hakobyan: (Mortality Rate: 24.375%)

Character Development: 75%

While they can understand the anxiety of pets; they fail to misinterpret human malice. Their enduring violence with the patience of a veterinarian treating animals ultimately turned into a murder weapon.

This transformation from a "healer" to a "perpetrator"; from an "extreme doormat" to a "rational avenger" exposes the fluidity of the identities of oppressors and victims, accompanied by a complete disappointment in human nature. Although the motive for the attempted murder is sympathetic, the group's condemnation of their actions reveals the cruelty of the survival rule—in a confined space, any overstepping behavior may become the fuse for everyone's demise.

When the healer is no longer needed and kindness becomes a fatal weakness, they are forced to write a new survival fable on the boundary between bestiality and humanity with their hands stained with human blood. But at least after attempting to kill someone in Chapter 2, we hope their performance in Chapter 3 will be better.

Counter-argument or Agreement CG Display: Number of counter-arguments=0, Number of agreements=1

Foreshadowing: None

Relevance to the Main Plot: 25%

No.4 Charles Cuevas: (Mortality Rate: 37.131%)

Character Development: 90%

Can’t believe it's already been over a year since I started watching DRDT... Back in February 2024 he was my favorite character. However, Whit's prophecy about him, "Pronounced dead at three", always made me extremely worried. At that time, when I talked about this with my friend, they comforted me by saying, "At least the identity of his elder brother is still a mystery!" Then in March, Elliot's music video came out...

Initially, he was sure an isolated jerkass; an arrogant student who believed himself to be above his classmates, often isolating himself and looking down on others. Nevertheless, after being framed in Chapter 1, he realized that secluding himself was not the best way to survive. By Chapter 2, he became much less antagonistic and was willing to talk and work with others. In the trial, he made full use of his intelligence and proved himself smart, like when Teruko initially dismisses his advice about time but later admits he was right, and when Hu agrees with him about her unreliable testimonies.

In terms of his relationships, he has developed a unique dynamic with Teruko. In episode3,  he mentions that despite their personality changes, they will continue to make snide comments (a very big death flag). He also forms a gay relationship with Whit in Chapter 2 after Whit respects his fear of blood and tries to hide it from others.

To sum: in terms of both character development (achieving in two chapters what all Byakuya-style tsundere characters usually achieve in five chapters) and backstory development (regarding his brother and family), Charles definitely has the most well-rounded development among the living characters. Even if we include the deceased characters, only Arei has a more comprehensive development than him... Yeah, he’s at extremely high risk.

Counter-argument or Agreement CG Display: Number of counter-arguments=1, Number of agreements=0

Foreshadowing: 100%. There's no need for me to elaborate on this. Everyone is familiar with that well-known line, "Charles Cuevas, pronounced dead at three."

Relevance to the Main Plot: 75%. He serves as a direct foil to the female protagonist, Teruko. If he survives Chapter 3, with his intelligence, he would no doubt be the best support, similar to Kyoko Kirigiri.

No.3 David Chiem: (Mortality Rate: 39.680%)

Character Development: 80%

This is a man who uses honey-sweet speeches to anesthetize the world, yet when alone; rips open the festering sores of human nature, leaving them bloody.

However, his danger lies not merely in hypocrisy but in the surgical precision of his methods. Knowing exactly how to wrap oppression in the guise of "positivity" and mask control with "change"; in Chapter 2, under the pretext of "revealing secrets to stop the killing game", he actively incited the group to expose their private information, turning human weaknesses into fuel for violence. This means of "committing evil in the name of good" makes him a more dangerous presence than the murderer Ace—for when the victims voluntarily jump into the trap, the executioner's knife seems relatively clean.

Yet his psychology runs deeper than mere villainy. When he mocked the deceased during the trial and his pupils turned to grey; those hopes he once regarded as stars were nothing but self-deception to cover up the void of the universe. Admitting that Xander is "the only one worthy of respect"; he longs for sincerity but chooses to destroy out of fear of being hurt. In contrast to Arei, who self-destructs due to the longing for love, David destroys others because he hates being loved.

Ultimately, his smirk during the trial—"I'm a lying, manipulative, scumbaggy piece of shit"—marks the completion of his role transformation from an actor to an audience member. This former self-help inspirational speaker ultimately completed the rebellion against social discipline through self-destruction. His downfall is not a matter of moral corruption but a violent treatment of the social illness of "having to be positive"—in a world where positive energy is used to gloss over the truth, David's madness might be the clearest cry.

Counter-argument or Agreement CG Display: Number of counter-arguments=2, Number of agreements=0

Foreshadowing: 100%. The exploded chair and bloodstains in the LGI MV? "I will disappear at chapter 3?" We can only wish him good luck. At least we should hope that "disappear" doesn't mean vanishing.

Relevance to the Main Plot: 75%. He stands directly opposite the female protagonist, Teruko, during the class trial. He is considered the antagonist by most people.

No.2 Veronika Grebenshchikova: (Mortality Rate: 50.047%)

Character Development: 65%

As the ultimate horror fan, Veronika's soul seems to be soaked in a palette of blood and screams. She is proficient in the psychology of fear and can use precise language to probe others' weaknesses (such as her psychological analysis of Ace), yet she admits that she is afraid of making an irreparable mistake. This contradiction of "manipulating fear but fearing the consequences" forms the core tension of her personality.

Simultaneously, her behavior oscillates between sadism and self-preservation. She hates hypocrisy but takes pleasure in exposing others' scars. Her very existence is a source of unease in the group—for instance, her excitement when talking about the details of the execution and her morbid appreciation of Arturo's evil deeds make her a catalyst for the horror atmosphere. However, when horror turns from fiction into reality, she falls into cognitive dissonance.

The real turning point arrives with Min's execution. She realizes that "death outside the script" cannot be aestheticized, and "fiction is fiction. In the back of your head, you'll know that it'll never happen." This abrupt confrontation with reality forces her to confront her own detachment: she sees through everyone's essence but chooses to stand by because she can't empathize. Ironically, this kind of clarity only exacerbates her sense of alienation.

Now, this girl who worships fear as a religion stands at the critical point between fiction and reality. With horror no longer just a seasoning in the script but a survival rule, and her alienated yet fascinated attitude driving others away, the question looms: can Veronika find redemption in the horror narrative she has constructed?

Counter-argument or Agreement CG Display: Number of counter-arguments=0, Number of agreements=1

Relevance to the Main Plot: 25%. Unfortunately, although Veronika's personality and intelligence are fully capable of playing the role of an antagonist, there is no direct evidence in DRDT to prove that she has a close relationship with the protagonist.

No.1 Hu Jing: (Mortality Rate: 51.622%)

Character Development: 70%

She protects her companions with maternal ferocity. However, her overbearing protectiveness—exemplified by her "smothering" of Nico—breeds resentment. The paradox of her selflessness is rooted in an underlying fear of losing control, a trauma etched by three failed suicide attempts.

Her quest to impose order on chaos backfires when her blind defense of Nico stalls the Chapter 2 trial. This act of "sacrificing truth for safety" exposes the fragility of idealism in desperate times. (In a way, she mirrors Sayaka Miki: both cling to the myth of selflessness while refusing to acknowledge their own complicity in perpetuating harm.)

The inevitable breaking point arrives with David’s betrayal and Nico’s révélation. As her emotional armor cracks, the girl who once sought solace in guzheng melodies now weaves her final redemption from fractured strings.

Yet as the butterfly’s wings begin to crimson, a haunting question persists: Can she transcend her role as a "guardian" to complete the final 30% of her evolution into an "awakener"? The answer may lie buried in the next chapter’s bloodstained pages.

Counter-argument or Agreement CG Display: Number of counter-arguments=1, Number of agreements=0

Foreshadowing: 50%

Relevance to the Main Plot: 25%. Unfortunately, Hu doesn't seem to be the kind of character who can make it to the end.

Summary:

Why this works:

First, the plot relevance inversion mechanism serves a crucial role in enhancing the narrative complexity and realism of the story. Non-main characters are usually seen as supporting elements, but in reality, they can have a significant impact on the overall outcome. For example, in a crime thriller, a seemingly insignificant witness (a non-main character) might hold the key to solving the case, and their actions or fates can completely change the direction of the plot. By giving non-main characters a higher chance of being involved in critical plot points related to mortality, the model creates a more balanced and engaging story. It also encourages the exploration of secondary characters' backstories and personalities, adding depth to the overall narrative. Secondly, The foreshadowing nerf aspect of the model is a vital safeguard for maintaining the integrity of the plot. In storytelling, foreshadowing is a powerful tool, but it can sometimes be overused. When there is a "100% implication” for characters like Charles and David, it can make the story too predictable. Therefore, chances that their foreshadowing is just a red herring are high. Overall, this mathematical model as a whole is a carefully constructed system that balances multiple aspects of storytelling. It takes into account narrative logic, the need to avoid obvious red herrings, and gender-related constraints.

P.S. It's important to note that this model is only an estimation. While it provides a framework for creating a story, the actual success of a narrative depends on many other factors.

[cheesechilifreye]

hi there! I wonder if you do hc request cus this thought came to my mind

how would the eltingville boys react to the covid 19 pandemic and what do they do during the lock down?

OOOOO I love this!!

Headcanons for Covid 19 lockdown!

(I’ll be doing pre epilogue for context!!)

Bill

He’d be ecstatic to know that school was out for two weeks. That meant he’d be free to spend time gathering stuff for his collection. Then was royally butt hurt over the fact everything was closed.

Refused to wear a mask. Claimed it was “hard to breathe” and “useless.”

Went outside once out of spite. Immediately caught Covid. I like to think he has a weak immune system

Very clingy when sick and strangely kind. Enjoyed being around his brother and sister when he could be.

By strangely kind— just didn’t cuss at his siblings often, begrudgingly joined games of their, and often times was happy to have someone else to talk to.

I know for sure he tried to argue he wasn’t sick while looking like death. Then became a clingy mess when his mom got him into bed.

Chicken noodle soup enjoyer. Specifically his mom’s. Hates literally any other kind of cooking, but especially loves his mothers when he’s sick.

You have to hold him down to get him to drink water. Say it hurts his throat.

kitten sneeze. No I will not argue. He hates it.

Spent most of his day on the internet, banned from Reddit more times than he can count.

Didn’t know how to shave so he got scruff early.

Would attempt to sneak out to see his friends or make a club meeting. Always failed since he sucked at sneaking out and being quiet.

Closest person to actually ever attend a club meeting was Josh since they live so close.

Was mostly bored during Covid.

Almost cried over when the ban was lifted and immediately tried to hold a meeting.

Everyone got Covid after said meeting.

Once during a fever, ripped open a limited edition figurine and played with it. When his fever broke he threw a hissy fit at his actions.

Would lay around most days doing nothing because he couldn’t do much.

Yknow Rodrick from DOAWK. Yeah he momentarily became him during Covid before turning back into his regular jerk self to his siblings.

He would beg to walk the dog just to see the outdoors.

Josh

Calls his friends often. The reason why his parents phone bill was so high.

Ended up mailing them for awhile.

He surprisingly took care of his hair more during the lockdown.

Shocked his friends when they saw his curls. A week later they were hidden by his greasy locks.

Was kicked out of a mall because he threw a hissy fit over wearing a mask.

Wears them begrudgingly so he doesn’t get his mom sick.

Was the first member of the group to get Covid. Let them know through his mother through the landline.

Becomes a vegetable when sick. Doesn’t argue, doesn’t move much, sleeps, eats, etc.

Spoiled beyond belief while sick. He wants a popsicle, done. Another box of tissues, you got it. Random video game, sure and here’s some controllers.

Probably got hospitalized at some point because his fever just wouldn’t break.

He was fine thought.

Became a bit of an hypochondriac. Got the vaccine immediately.

Wouldn’t eat after most people. Always got food first. He’d hog most of it because he wouldn’t know if this was his last meal or not.

All failed because he wound up sick because of Bill’s meeting.

Likes to be around people when he’s sick because he doesn’t like being quarantined alone.

Had his “first” panic attack over his dad getting Covid. He was fine. Josh was grateful.

Organized and re-organized his collection. Got bored very quickly.

Tried to pick up new hobbies but was limited because of the lack of the objects in his home and he couldn’t exactly order them.

Became more social because his parents were his only physical company. He ended up picking up some cooking skills from his mom.

Made breakfast for them one day, tried to act aloof but was very happy when they enjoyed it.

Pete

Whole family got sick, including Pete.

Was pretty helpful because he didn’t think he was too “sick,” was actually the worst one of them all.

Fell asleep in awkward places, his siblings only knew where he was by his wheezy breathing.

Once everyone was done being “sick” they assumed it was just a one off thing.

They got sick many MANY more times.

Surprisingly Josh and Pete called the most. Second was Pete and Jerry.

Usually would call one of the two so they can watch a new movie of some sorts together and make commentary over it.

His dad was not happy about the phone bill.

Pete’s immune system is pretty strong because of where he grew up. Just gets hit with symptoms hard.

His little sister definitely covered him in her stuffed animals so he’d get better. It helped him a lot— mentally.

Fight me, Pete’s a cuddler. He likes to hug something while he’s sick. Won’t remember it but his family does.

They tease him over it.

Freaked out when his hair was growing too long. Doesn’t like it when it touches his neck. So he cut it himself instead of letting his dad do it like usual.

He ended up having to get it all buzzed off. But Pete didn’t care, just happy it wasn’t touching his neck.

Didn’t wear a mask throughout Covid.

He didn’t believe it was real (even though he caught it many times), thought masks wouldn’t help (he wore them wrong), and just would decline them.

Him and his siblings resorted to any social interaction with one another. Leading to a lot of game and movie nights.

Uno, Sorry, Monopoly, and even gold fish are banned. 3 holes in the wall are the reason, plus a broken table.

It was never a boring day during Covid since they’d argue over anything.

Everyone caught cabin fever.

Jerry

Last person to get Covid. First caught it through his mom.

His parents forced him to wear a mask, wash his hands, and were on top of his hygiene.

Mostly because they didn’t want to lose already limited work days because of Covid.

Jerry took care of his mom through her sickness, she definitely felt upset over this but grateful. Scolded him when he caught it from her.

They have a specific routine for every sickness Jerry gets: specific pajamas, soups, drinks, etc. His mom believes this order will always cure him in a week flat.

Always succeeds.

Called Bill once to ask him about his day. Bill understood nothing since Jerry’s voice was so raspy.

Buried himself under blankets because he’s always so cold.

Watches movies over and over since he falls asleep through them. Wore out his “Dark Crystal” tape.

Eh he hallucinates during his fevers. Nothing scary just thinking he’s in some fantasy adventure.

His mom caught him on the bed babbling about some dungeon mission. To his stuffed animals that were: Josh, Bill and Pete.

She walked out immediately.

When she came back. He was asleep in bed and curled up around the stuffed animals that were his “friends.”

After his Covid meeting, he definitely became more aware of how easy it is to catch.

Was a bit iffy on seeing the guys after the lift on quarantine.

Regretted immediately when he caught it again.

Convinced his parents to play D&D. Actually went pretty well. They had a campaign going for a few months.

Art skills improved DRASTICALLY.

Would take any social interaction as win, outside of his parents.

Probably taught himself something silly. Like juggling or balloon art.

Sorry if this isn’t what you meant 0.o but I tried to make it sound like them.

[bunnysnuff]

Teen dad!Nick Nelson headcannons:

Pairing: teen dad! Nick Nelson x Kid!reader.

Trigger warnings: feelings of overwhelming feelings, vulnerability and parental stress.

Request.

Loving but Overwhelmed Dad: Nick’s the kind of teen dad who puts his heart into everything, even though he’s still figuring it all out. He’s super hands-on but often feels overwhelmed, balancing school and being a dad. You’ll often see him with his textbooks open while rocking you to sleep, trying to juggle it all.

Early Mornings with Cuddles: Nick is naturally an early riser, and his mornings are often spent with you in his lap, watching cartoons while he eats cereal. He makes sure you have your favorite breakfast too, probably something like fruit and waffles cut into little pieces because he’s super cautious about choking hazards.

Playful and Affectionate: He’s always down for playtime, even if he’s tired. He’ll roll around on the floor with you, letting you climb all over him. You’re his little shadow, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Sometimes he lifts you onto his shoulders and walks around the house, making airplane noises to make you giggle.

Protective Yet Soft: Nick is fiercely protective. Even as a teen, he’s constantly worrying if you’re okay, double-checking your car seat or making sure you’re bundled up in the cold. But he’s also incredibly soft, reading bedtime stories in silly voices or singing you to sleep when you’re fussy.

Charlie as a Co-Parenting Support: Charlie is always by Nick’s side, acting as a co-parenting partner. He’s the calmer, more organized one, helping Nick when things feel chaotic. They share parenting duties, so while Nick handles playtime and meals, Charlie might help with doctor appointments or nap schedules.

School Struggles: Being a teen dad means Nick sometimes struggles to keep up with school. He often stays up late to finish homework after you’ve gone to bed, feeling the weight of responsibility. Despite this, he refuses to let his grades drop because he’s determined to build a better future for you.

Always Wearing Matching Outfits: Nick loves dressing you up in little rugby jerseys or matching outfits. He thinks it’s the cutest thing, and he loves taking pictures with you in matching beanies or sweatshirts. It’s something small that brings him joy and helps him feel like he’s bonding with you.

Supportive Family and Friends: Nick’s family, especially his mom, helps out when things get tough. She adores you and is always offering to babysit. Nick’s friends also pitch in whenever they can, treating you like the little mascot of the group.

Emotional Vulnerability: Even though Nick tries to stay strong for you, there are moments when he’s emotionally vulnerable. Sometimes, after a particularly hard day, he’ll sit with you in his arms, tears welling up because of the pressure, but your little smile or laugh makes everything worth it.

Learning as He Goes: Nick’s always learning new things about being a dad. Whether it’s how to change diapers faster or figuring out which foods you like, he takes it all in stride. He may be young, but he’s dedicated and determined to be the best dad he can be, even when it’s hard.

Endless Patience: Nick has incredible patience, even during your tantrums or sleepless nights. He never raises his voice, instead choosing to talk to you softly or distract you with your favorite toy. He’s gentle, always trying to understand what you need.

Bringing You to Rugby Games: When Nick has rugby games, he brings you along, bundled up in a tiny jacket. Charlie usually holds you on the sidelines, cheering him on while you wave at him. After the game, Nick always scoops you up and lets you pretend to play with the ball, even though it’s almost as big as you.

[mariacallous]

In late January, a warning spread through the London-based Facebook group Are We Dating the Same Guy?—but this post wasn’t about a bad date or a cheating ex. A connected network of male-dominated Telegram groups had surfaced, sharing and circulating nonconsensual intimate images of women. Their justification? Retaliation.

On January 23, users in the AWDTSG Facebook group began warning about hidden Telegram groups. Screenshots and TikTok videos surfaced, revealing public Telegram channels where users were sharing nonconsensual intimate images. Further investigation by WIRED identified additional channels linked to the network. By scraping thousands of messages from these groups, it became possible to analyze their content and the patterns of abuse.

AWDTSG, a sprawling web of over 150 regional forums across Facebook alone, with roughly 3 million members worldwide, was designed by Paolo Sanchez in 2022 in New York as a space for women to share warnings about predatory men. But its rapid growth made it a target. Critics argue that the format allows unverified accusations to spiral. Some men have responded with at least three defamation lawsuits filed in recent years against members, administrators, and even Meta, Facebook’s parent company. Others took a different route: organized digital harassment.

Primarily using Telegram group data made available through Telemetr.io, a Telegram analytics tool, WIRED analyzed more than 3,500 messages from a Telegram group linked to a larger misogynistic revenge network. Over 24 hours, WIRED observed users systematically tracking, doxing, and degrading women from AWDTSG, circulating nonconsensual images, phone numbers, usernames, and location data.

From January 26 to 27, the chats became a breeding ground for misogynistic, racist, sexual digital abuse of women, with women of color bearing the brunt of the targeted harassment and abuse. Thousands of users encouraged each other to share nonconsensual intimate images, often referred to as “revenge porn,” and requested and circulated women’s phone numbers, usernames, locations, and other personal identifiers.

As women from AWDTSG began infiltrating the Telegram group, at least one user grew suspicious: “These lot just tryna get back at us for exposing them.”

When women on Facebook tried to alert others of the risk of doxing and leaks of their intimate content, AWDTSG moderators removed their posts. (The group’s moderators did not respond to multiple requests for comment.) Meanwhile, men who had previously coordinated through their own Facebook groups like “Are We Dating the Same Girl” shifted their operations in late January to Telegram's more permissive environment. Their message was clear: If they can do it, so can we.

"In the eyes of some of these men, this is a necessary act of defense against a kind of hostile feminism that they believe is out to ruin their lives," says Carl Miller, cofounder of the Center for the Analysis of Social Media and host of the podcast Kill List.

The dozen Telegram groups that WIRED has identified are part of a broader digital ecosystem often referred to as the manosphere, an online network of forums, influencers, and communities that perpetuate misogynistic ideologies.

“Highly isolated online spaces start reinforcing their own worldviews, pulling further and further from the mainstream, and in doing so, legitimizing things that would be unthinkable offline,” Miller says. “Eventually, what was once unthinkable becomes the norm.”

This cycle of reinforcement plays out across multiple platforms. Facebook forums act as the first point of contact, TikTok amplifies the rhetoric in publicly available videos, and Telegram is used to enable illicit activity. The result? A self-sustaining network of harassment that thrives on digital anonymity.

TikTok amplified discussions around the Telegram groups. WIRED reviewed 12 videos in which creators, of all genders, discussed, joked about, or berated the Telegram groups. In the comments section of these videos, users shared invitation links to public and private groups and some public channels on Telegram, making them accessible to a wider audience. While TikTok was not the primary platform for harassment, discussions about the Telegram groups spread there, and in some cases users explicitly acknowledged their illegality.

TikTok tells WIRED that its Community Guidelines prohibit image-based sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and nonconsensual sexual acts, and that violations result in removals and possible account bans. They also stated that TikTok removes links directing people to content that violates its policies and that it continues to invest in Trust and Safety operations.

Intentionally or not, the algorithms powering social media platforms like Facebook can amplify misogynistic content. Hate-driven engagement fuels growth, pulling new users into these communities through viral trends, suggested content, and comment-section recruitment.

As people caught notice on Facebook and TikTok and started reporting the Telegram groups, they didn’t disappear—they simply rebranded. Reactionary groups quickly emerged, signaling that members knew they were being watched but had no intention of stopping. Inside, messages revealed a clear awareness of the risks: Users knew they were breaking the law. They just didn’t care, according to chat logs reviewed by WIRED. To absolve themselves, one user wrote, “I do not condone im [simply] here to regulate rules,” while another shared a link to a statement that said: “I am here for only entertainment purposes only and I don’t support any illegal activities.”

Meta did not respond to a request for comment.

Messages from the Telegram group WIRED analyzed show that some chats became hyper-localized, dividing London into four regions to make harassment even more targeted. Members casually sought access to other city-based groups: “Who’s got brum link?” and “Manny link tho?”—British slang referring to Birmingham and Manchester. They weren’t just looking for gossip. “Any info from west?” one user asked, while another requested, “What’s her @?”— hunting for a woman’s social media handle, a first step to tracking her online activity.

The chat logs further reveal how women were discussed as commodities. “She a freak, I’ll give her that,” one user wrote. Another added, “Beautiful. Hide her from me.” Others encouraged sharing explicit material: “Sharing is caring, don’t be greedy.”

Members also bragged about sexual exploits, using coded language to reference encounters in specific locations, and spread degrading, racial abuse, predominantly targeting Black women.

Once a woman was mentioned, her privacy was permanently compromised. Users frequently shared social media handles, which led other members to contact her—soliciting intimate images or sending disparaging texts.

Anonymity can be a protective tool for women navigating online harassment. But it can also be embraced by bad actors who use the same structures to evade accountability.

"It’s ironic," Miller says. "The very privacy structures that women use to protect themselves are being turned against them."

The rise of unmoderated spaces like the abusive Telegram groups makes it nearly impossible to trace perpetrators, exposing a systemic failure in law enforcement and regulation. Without clear jurisdiction or oversight, platforms are able to sidestep accountability.

Sophie Mortimer, manager of the UK-based Revenge Porn Helpline, warned that Telegram has become one of the biggest threats to online safety. She says that the UK charity’s reports to Telegram of nonconsensual intimate image abuse are ignored. “We would consider them to be noncompliant to our requests,” she says. Telegram, however, says it received only “about 10 piece of content” from the Revenge Porn Helpline, “all of which were removed.” Mortimer did not yet respond to WIRED’s questions about the veracity of Telegram’s claims.

Despite recent updates to the UK’s Online Safety Act, legal enforcement of online abuse remains weak. An October 2024 report from the UK-based charity The Cyber Helpline shows that cybercrime victims face significant barriers in reporting abuse, and justice for online crimes is seven times less likely than for offline crimes.

"There’s still this long-standing idea that cybercrime doesn’t have real consequences," says Charlotte Hooper, head of operations of The Cyber Helpline, which helps support victims of cybercrime. "But if you look at victim studies, cybercrime is just as—if not more—psychologically damaging than physical crime."

A Telegram spokesperson tells WIRED that its moderators use “custom AI and machine learning tools” to remove content that violates the platform's rules, “including nonconsensual pornography and doxing.”

“As a result of Telegram's proactive moderation and response to reports, moderators remove millions of pieces of harmful content each day,” the spokesperson says.

Hooper says that survivors of digital harassment often change jobs, move cities, or even retreat from public life due to the trauma of being targeted online. The systemic failure to recognize these cases as serious crimes allows perpetrators to continue operating with impunity.

Yet, as these networks grow more interwoven, social media companies have failed to adequately address gaps in moderation.

Telegram, despite its estimated 950 million monthly active users worldwide, claims it’s too small to qualify as a “Very Large Online Platform” under the European Union’s Digital Service Act, allowing it to sidestep certain regulatory scrutiny. “Telegram takes its responsibilities under the DSA seriously and is in constant communication with the European Commission,” a company spokesperson said.

In the UK, several civil society groups have expressed concern about the use of large private Telegram groups, which allow up to 200,000 members. These groups exploit a loophole by operating under the guise of “private” communication to circumvent legal requirements for removing illegal content, including nonconsensual intimate images.

Without stronger regulation, online abuse will continue to evolve, adapting to new platforms and evading scrutiny.

The digital spaces meant to safeguard privacy are now incubating its most invasive violations. These networks aren’t just growing—they’re adapting, spreading across platforms, and learning how to evade accountability.

[barbswo]

THIAM prompt: “PDA”

They weren’t really big on PDA—public displays of affection, that was. Stiles knew that there was nothing wrong with that, after all, all couples were different, but.

They were Liam and Theo.

No, sorry, not like that.

They were LiamandTheo.

As in, together.

When Stiles first heard about it, he was still in Washington, and it happened during a group call they tried to put together at least twice a month, which was a real bitch to accomplish, counting different time zones and personal schedules. Stiles was peacefully organizing some documents, listening to Malia complain about weird french customs, when Mason let out a mocking whistle, and Stiles lifted his head.

Of course, he knew that Theo was hanging around Beacon Hills. He knew that Liam’s parents, being real-life saints, let Theo to stay with them, knew that the chimera got close to the Puppy pack (Liam still hated that nickname, but Stiles thought that it was hilarious and on point), but knowing and seeing were two very different things.

Theo never joined their calls, acted like he didn’t even exist, always silent, hovering on the periphery of everybody’s minds. Theo was the blurry picture one deleted before trying to focus their camera, a word in a dictionary with no definition attached. And now Theo was just there, shirtless, a towel wrapped around his hips, walking around Liam’s room like it was the most normal thing to do.

“There is a naked chimera of death behind you,” blurted out Stiles, and it was fascinating how fast Liam’s head whipped around. Laughter pulled the lines of his mouth when he turned back to the camera, shaking his head.

“You almost got me there.”

Stiles blinked. Frowned. That wasn’t the reaction he was expecting.

“Stiles, I swear, you don’t want to be around Liam when there is a naked Theo nearby,” grinned Mason from his square on Stiles’ laptop, Corey’s head on his shoulder. Even cut by the camera frame, they looked so disgustingly sweet Stiles wanted to lick their faces.

Liam flipped Mason off. Scott nervously chuckled on his end, looking away for a second, and Stiles felt like he had to fight for his life while putting two and two together. It was his thing—to know stuff. To see it before everyone else did.

And maybe it would’ve been more obvious had he been around more after Theo’s… resurrection?.. but instead, realization hit him in the middle of the pack call, and Stiles almost fell off his chair.

“For all that’s sweet and pure, Liam, are you two an item? And why is everybody acting like you knew, did I miss the announcement of Theo seducing our baby wolf, and why in hell—”

“You didn’t tell him?” Asked Corey, lifting his head. “Liam, you said you would weeks ago!”

“Weeks?” Squeaked Stiles.

Liam sighed like someone had deposited the weight of the world on his shoulders. “First,” he lifted his index finger, “not your baby wolf. I’m eighteen, thank you very much. Second,” there went the next finger, “us dating is our business, and there was no announcement, Stiles, for god’s sake…”

“You called me in the middle of the night and wouldn't calm down for two hours,” dryly reminded Mason, and somewhere behind Liam’s back, Theo scoffed.

“Two hours, really? That’s kind of pathetic.”

And hey, maybe it was a little bit pathetic, but Stiles still remembered how it felt when he realized that the girl he’d been crushing on for ten years liked him back, and he wasn’t the one to judge, not really. Even if the subject of Liam’s affections was a murderer raised in sewers. Tastes differ.

But, because the subject of Liam’s affections was a murderer raised in sewers, Stiles couldn’t help but take his sudden revelation with a grain of salt. After all, he’d watched the kid grow, and in some ways, felt protective not only of Liam overall, but of Liam’s heart, too.

And Theo was known for stealing those.

“Pathetic, huh?” Liam turned his head, presenting everyone with the view of his sharp jawline, “Says the guy who whimpered when I—”

A book that looked like it could’ve taken Liam’s head off if thrown at a slightly different angle hit him in the nose, and Liam yelled, waving his hands around to steady himself. That, unfortunately, resulted in him knocking off his own laptop, and the picture of his room circled around, blurred and went totally dark.

“Maybe they will kill each other and we won’t have to deal with their weird flirting anymore,” concluded Malia, and Stiles gaped at her.

“Flirting? You call that…” he struggled to get the rest of the sentence out by choking on his own tongue, “are you absolutely sure they are together-together, because that didn’t look—”

“Oh, we are sure,” Corey wrinkled his nose, “more sure than we’d like to be.”

“I second this,” chuckled Mason, and just like that, no matter how hard Stiles tried to circle back to the potential danger of Theo dating Liam, conversation shifted to the future summer break, plans, hang-outs and trips.

And honestly? Ever since that call Stiles couldn’t wait to be back home.

Not because of the summer break. Summer, of course, was good as a concept, and it highlighted Stiles’ freckles and made his skin strawberry pink while Scott paraded around with the most picture-perfect tan ever, and it smelled like ice-cream and all-night hangouts and freshly cut grass, and for some reason made Stiles’ dad smile more, as if all the warmth and sun brought him back to the good times with less monsters and cares.

However, Stiles had a talent for getting obsessed with things he didn’t understand. No, even better—he had a talent for investigating the things he didn’t understand until he could confidently say that if needed, he could write a whole book on the subject. It just happened so that currently, LiamandTheo made absolutely no sense.

Stiles recognized that his tendencies of going deep into the trenches of “observe, think, pin down, look, understand” weren’t… well, common. Normal kids didn’t spend their nights reading every article on hair follicles just because they were fascinated by how age turned black and red and gold into silver and wanted to know how and why it happened. In Stiles’ line of life and work, meticulousness never hurt anyone.

And it wasn’t that he thought Theo would go off the rails and slit all their throats one night. It was nothing like that. Stiles was stubborn, but he wasn’t an idiot, and neither was Theo. He had countless opportunities to turn his back on the pack, yet he stayed—as Stiles was well aware, to drive Liam around and help him to do his homework.

Homework didn’t have an evil ring to it. Stiles could’ve subscribed to the idea of Theo being a chauffeur and a tutor, but Liam’s boyfriend? Theo Raeken? The same nine-year-old kid who once looked Stiles dead in the eye and said that he believed love was nothing but a concept invented by desperate people? The teenager who grew up in the sewers of dozens of cities and was raised by three faceless psycos? Same Theo who killed his own packmates because he was hungry for power before recognition?

Granted, Theo had changed, and Stiles even admitted it once, but still. Theo didn’t do anything unless there was something he could gain from it. His ever-calculating, manipulative mind would never allow him to be just selfless. It had been injected into Theo’s veins to be a perfect weapon and to survive no matter what, so excuse Stiles for not buying the cute-caring-honest-boyfriend act.

Liam certainly had a thing for mean people, but Liam was a freaking golden retriever puppy. He would let Darth Vader pet him. Stiles was not trusting his judgment, because while Liam wasn’t exactly dumb, love did weird things to human brains. Stiles would know. He was friends with Scott McCall.

Thus, upon arriving at Beacon Hills, Stiles started doing what he did best. Investigating.

And that was how he ended up glaring in frustration at his current dilemma. Also known as the pack’s movie night.

You see, Stiles was an awkward person, and he sure as hell couldn’t keep it together around his crush, but even after he did a lot of thinking and grew up, there was still a part of him that wanted to reach out to Lydia and just touch. Make sure she was real. That he hadn’t imagined her by his side like he used to do before Scott got bitten and Stiles was fourteen and helplessly in love with the most popular girl in school.

And Stiles wasn’t even a werewolf, or chimera, or—anything freaky. But he knew how it was when a lupine creature found a mate (the term tasted like pure cringe in his mouth, but there was nothing Stiles could do about that): scenting became a primal instinct, a tradition to follow of sorts. He was fairly sure every member of the pack started smelling at least a little bit like Scott on the second day of their summer break, because Scott was the alpha and they belonged to him (there was that cringe again, but Stiles’ entire life had become cringe so... whatever), but it tended to be even more intense when romance was involved.

And Stiles was starting to question whether there was any romance between Liam and Theo, because really—they didn’t act like it.

At all.

“No, we are not doing Lord of the Rings marathon,” Mason rolled his eyes at Liam’s offended face, “each movie is like, three hours long, Li, nobody has that strength of will!”

“Those movies are classic,” argued Corey, and Mason’s gaze shifted to him.

“You will be the one to fall asleep on me in twenty minutes.”

Corey sent Liam an apologetic smile. “That’s true.”

Liam let out an irritated breath and pulled Theo’s sleeve to get his attention. “Help me convince these idiots that the best saga of all time should be savored whole—oh, and we can watch the director’s cut, too!”

Theo threw Liam the most unimpressed glance Stiled had seen in his entire life. “I don’t want to know what the director’s cut even is. You and your nerdy brain should’ve really stayed home.”

Liam scoffed. “It was you who wanted to stay home, Theo.”

“Hoped to get a break from you, really.”

Stiles immediately felt offended. He, of course, believed that the best saga of all time was Star Wars, but he wasn’t going to argue on the topic, because his mind was elsewhere.

Now, sarcasm might’ve been Stiles’ first line of defense, but there was a balance between being sarcastic and mean. He wasn’t sure Theo got the memo of the said balance.

Stiles wasn’t sure what he was expecting to change, having given the idea of LiamandTheo quite a lot of thought, but he certainly didn’t expect to encounter… that. Theo behaved like he was forced to be in Liam’s presence. Reserved, cold, irritated nine times out of ten, Theo was willingly waving red flags in front of Liam’s very nose, Liam turning a blind eye on every single one of them.

It was the first time Stiles got to hang out with not just Liam and Theo, but with LiamandTheo, and he didn’t like it. They ended up watching the first Narnia movie, (which was Lydia’s favorite, so Stiles knew it by heart,) and instead of keeping his eyes on the screen, he found himself studying the new happy couple. Or, “happy” “couple”. Quotation on both words for the irony.

And that was how Stiles discovered they weren’t big on PDA in the first place.

And listen, it wasn’t like he yearned to see the chimera of death sucking on the beta’s tongue. Stiles was many things, but a creep wasn’t one of them, and in his head, Liam was still a freaking baby. He didn’t even expect to watch them make out like the world was ending—but he was starting to think that they barely did at all.

There was no peck on the lips when Liam grabbed a cherry coke not only for himself, but for Theo, too. No touch of gratitude, not even a glance, just a dry “thanks” that must’ve escaped Theo’s lips by some gruesome mistake. They sat next to each other, but didn’t even touch—not their shoulders, not their knees, not even their knuckles. Nothing.

If Mason had kept his mouth shut during that call, Stiles would’ve never guessed they were something more than enemies turned allies. And it was messing with his head.

“Something is wrong,” blurted out Stiles when the pack started migrating to their respective houses, leaving him, Scott, Malia and Lydia in the McCall kitchen.

Scott, who was stacking pizza boxes atop one another in a way that made them look like the Tower of Pisa, turned his head, his eyebrows raised. “What?”

“Theo,” pressed Stiles, and Lydia sighed a small “here we go again” from where she was sitting at the kitchen island. Stiles passed by her, his hand involuntarily brushing over her shoulders, because it was the most normal thing to do and because Stiles was allowed, and nodded at the window. There, the Puppy Pack gathered around Theo’s truck, talking about… something.

Scott followed Stiles’ gaze and shook his head.

“I know you don’t trust him—”

“It’s hard to trust someone who did what he did,” snapped Stiles, “but it’s not his loyalty to the pack I’m worried about. It’s…” he paused, staring at the window. Mason and Corey, apparently, were giving Nolan a ride, their trio getting in Mason’s car and leaving Liam and Theo to their devices.

Technically alone, the couple didn’t try and move closer—if anything, they drifted further apart and, if gestures and body language were anything to go by, arguing. Liam’s side was pressed into the truck’s hood, and Theo was leaning onto the driver’s door, leniently responding to Liam’s remarks.

“I don’t think he is good to him,” he said at last, his gaze drifting back to Scott. “Liam.”

“Want me to punch him?” Malia lifted her head, and Scott shook his head.

“Nobody is punching Theo,” he looked at Stiles, “it’s their relationship. I don’t think we have a say in who Liam dates, Stiles.”

Stiles narrowed his eyes. “But you agree that if we had, Theo wouldn’t have made the list?”

“He changed,” spoke Lydia, snatching the last piece of brownie from the plate before Malia could swallow it whole, “I know you don’t like him, and nobody is forcing you to, but Theo is different now. More… real.”

“We thought he was real senior year, and look where it almost brought us,” mumbled Stiles, reaching out and grabbing the Tower of Pizza Pisa (ha-ha) before it could fall down, “look, I know he isn’t a psycho maniac anymore—but you can’t convince me that Theo has an inch in all 5’8 of him that actually cares for Liam. As in, wants to hold his hand and stare lovingly into his eyes and kiss him until the moon dies. You know, typical teenage romance shenanigans?”

Lydia chewed her brownie, looking thoughtful. “But do we think that Theo—and Liam too, actually—are typical teenagers?”

“Exactly,” sighed Scott, closing the dishwasher soap dispenser and pushing the door shut, “I can sense Liam in my head, remember? And he is happier than he ever was before, I promise. I don’t... really feel Theo, because he is an idiot and keeps pushing me away, but what I do feel doesn’t alert me—quite the opposite, actually.”

Stiles bit his lip, looking between his friends. He did trust Scott’s senses, but it was also true that Scott had been wrong before. Crucially wrong. And it was water under the bridge now, because they all found a way to move on, push past their offenses and differences and mistakes, but it didn’t change the fact that Scott trusted people easily and was as naive as a princess in a tower.

And Liam, obviously, turned out exactly the same.

Maybe Theo didn’t want to really hurt him. Maybe he had what he always wanted to—a pack, but he realized that he needed some sort of validation, admiration, actually, and twisted and turned Liam’s barriers until the boy fell in love with him. Liam always liked people who were mean to him. And had a tendency to fall for his anchors. Theo surely knew that and used it for his own advantage, like he always did.

Of course, there was no way Stiles could say his thoughts out loud without coming out as paranoid, and to be honest, he didn’t want to burden anyone with his raw theories. His dad always said that proof was steel that nothing could break, so Stiles would have to look for that before making further advances on the topic.

After all, it was summer break. They all deserved a little rest.

The problem was, Stiles was restless.

[enden-k]

short story summary here, again

im including some of my old, traditional art of the og comic i drew years ago to the recent ones BWAHHAH

[the nobody] vindrael lyndis

age: around 23 in human years

height: ~163cm

species: high elf

the protag. vin was born in a small village in the kingdom of Morgana. hes a high elf, a species that is known for their intelligence and masters of the summoning arts. all elven species are known to be very tall and ethereal and beautiful; they are born with both sets of reproductive organs and are not assigned a gender at birth (going agender by default) until they choose it themselves if they wish to do so. vin identifies as male. unlike the average high elf, vin is much shorter and bland looking which troubled him all his life. he was and is often overlooked by others as he doesnt stand out. to make up for that, he possesses extreme intelligence and a talent for the summoning arts much surpassing an average high elf. he studied and worked extremely hard and became one of the greatest summoners in the kingdom until the king himself ordered him to the court to make him his personal summoner. the king was the first ever person who truly noticed and praised him for his talents and vin started to develop feelings of romantic nature. when he learned of the betrayal, hes even more shocked and hurt than titus. he failed to see the kings change and manipulation due to his feelings clouding his eyes and mind and it shook him deeply. he comes off as timid and polite but has actually quite the temper and bad mouth. he overthinks a lot and is always stressed and on the verge of losing it. despite his rational thinking, he tends to act impulsively when hes teased and messed with too much. everyone else in their group is crazy strong and op and vin often feels like he doesnt fit in there, constantly doubting his worth and powers. he often envies others and its a trait he hates about himself; he envies zydonia specifically for the confidence he wishes he had himself. after the kings betrayal, vin feels extremely lost and insecure in the world and latches onto titus as his new meaning of life. he puts his well-being over his own, considering it to be his duty to his prince, and would follow him everywhere even if he often gets upset with titus rash decisions and empty head. titus considers them best friends and treats them both as equals but vin still treats him as a prince, putting some distance between them. only when zydonia makes him learn to prioritize his own needs and well-being and stop putting titus on a pedestal does vin grow more secure and their friendship truly turns into a warm and mutual, equal one.

[the worlds enemy] zerevni-ir yggdra dragonya ova-akhyn nggdragryl i-ihm avna (Z Y D O N I A)

age: in human years around late 20s/early 30s estimate

height: ~194cm

species: goldhorn dragon

the last dragon of his kind. a jailed king with no clan to rule anymore. the dragons are mythical beings living "above the world" and are divided into 4 clans; the goldhorns, the whitetails, the redclaws and the blackscales. each clan possesses a unique ability, ancient magic, which is passed down from king to king. the goldhorns magic is restorative, healing; the ancient magic is "resurrection" zydonia is not of royal blood. he was a common dragon and had loving parents. due to a tragic event caused by his carelessness as a child when he barely learned how to fly, he fell off the edge of the world to the mortal realm, broke his left horn and lost his parents when they tried to retrieve and protect his dying form from human hunters who were attracted by his fall. bc of his broken horn, zydonia lost a part of his dragon powers and his dragon form, turning into a much smaller, humanoid form. his parents death set off his berserker mode, a state a dragon goes in when overwhelmed by intense emotions and unleashing their powers in an extremely mass destructive burst. zydonias wrath was the most powerful and destructive anyone has ever witnessed and it led to him unintentionally wiping out the entire region. the goldclaws were attracted by his powers and came to the rescue; he was healed and brought back by the king who adopted him as his own son, fascinated by his powers and potential. despite his lost dragon form, the dragons still considered him as one of their own. even when he took over his deceased adoptive father and became king, he was loved and respected. he inherited the clans magic but is unable to use it bc of his broken horn, making him a flawed and unworthy king in the eye of another, specific dragon clan who soon came up with a plan to get their claws on his magic, murder him and take over (leaving this all out so this wont get any longer than it already is) back to the present, he was jailed in a dungeon when he got careless and was eventually busted out by titus and the others. ofc his jailbreak didnt go unnoticed and soon hes wanted all across the lands since hes considered a threat to the world due to the annihilation of an entire region when he was a kid a long long time ago; his powers as a grown dragon are much more destructive now and he possesses just one horn. he made a deal with titus; helping him grow strong and stop his father in exchange for busting him out of the dungeon and helping him find his lost horn to regain his form and powers. zydonia is very proud and confident and shameless. he comes off as easygoing, seeking amusement and always speaking his mind, no matter how naughty or "unkingly" it might be. despite his behavior, he still carries himself with a kings aura so its pretty clear he has royal manners and knows how to behave. he simply chooses not to, for the fun of it. hes stronger and more powerful than anyone else but does not brag about it and rather teaches the others how to "suck less" and get better. he only steps into fights when he knows the enemy is outclassing the others. zydonia has his eyes set on vin and loves to banter and tease. it seems he prefers people who dont like him at first and are not afraid to be honest and speak rudely to him.

[the failed prince] titus von morganastatt

age: 21 years

height: 187cm

species: human

the failed 2nd prince of Morgana. he had an older brother who he loved dearly and a onesided relationship to his father; his father neglected him a lot and didnt pay him much attention, rather favoring his brother aris who was way smarter and more capable than titus. his brother always tried to shield him from their father, willing to take on all the royal duties so titus could have a much more innocent childhood without his fathers sharp eyes and strict hand. its why titus never had to bother much with politics, diplomacy or all the "paperwork" that comes, only focusing on honing his body and eager to fight exciting battles. he doesnt understand much of such things and his father regards him as stupid and not capable to follow into his footsteps and run a country like the strict king he is himself. when aris died, it destroyed both titus and his father. unlike titus tho, his father let the grief consume and corrupt him and soon he started to plan to sacrifice his remaining son to zydonia to resurrect aris, offering a hundreds bodies for the magic to work, including vin and bell who were accompanying titus. he wasnt aware tho that zydonia is unable to use the ancient magic bc of his broken horn. titus was already aware that his father had some wicked plans and knowing for certain now makes him want to stop and save him. he pretends to be dead and starts a new life, learning how to be a proper king unlike his father and growing stronger so he can confidently return to his home and face him and end whatever he started. titus is a very purehearted and kind prince; always believing in the good of people even if someone wronged or insulted him. hes naive and a little dumb at times and always needs a bit to fully understand things. he admires vin a lot bc of his intelligence and considers him his best friend since he always stuck around him. he also looks up to zydonia and learns a lot from him, both useless and useful things in all kind of matters. when he becomes king later on, a lot of the way he handles things is how he learned from watching zydonia since hes also a king.

[the assassin] bell

age: 22 years

height: 168cm

species: human

originally hailing from an assassin clan, she was ordered to join the royal army as an undercover knight and assassinate the royal family. however, she was assigned to titus own knights and when they met, they immediately became friends. just like titus, bell is chaotic and easygoing. the way she talks might be considered rude which is smth titus finds amusing and refreshing. she behaves very bold and doesnt care what others think. when they make their deal with zydonia bell is the first who announces she will follow titus and "beat the kings ass". she was ordered to assassinate the family but after becoming friends with titus, she doesnt want to carry out that order. the clan always kept her in the shadows and theres many things she wasnt allowed to do or enjoy; titus, vin and zy are her first friends and she decides to follow their light and do the things she wants and not what is expected of her. so, pretending to have died in that dungeon is also freeing her and allowing her to live a life she always wanted. bell is really strong (both physically and verbally) and skilled; shes often considered to have "bad manners" but doesnt care how others think of her. she doesnt hesitate to kick someones ass if theyre becoming annoying. shes perceptive and a quick thinker but still a bit silly at times. she and zydonia share the same chaotic energy and combined they definitely destroy vins nerves in record time.

[eriochromatic]

I love your Silco takes so I was wondering if you could share yours on Vander and the drowning incident because no matter what angle I look at, it doesn't make sense.

As far as I can tell from what we're shown, the riot was well under way before Silco threw that molotov, and it's confirmed that enforcers killed Felicia. Thing is, it's implicit that Felicia chose to participate in the riot because a.) Why else would she be there, and b.) She was down with Zaun being independent for HER KIDS. Also, anyone who participates in a riot, or even a peaceful protest, knows they're putting their life on the line. So while I understand reacting to loss with intense grief, it's not exactly a surprise? It's something you have to mentally prepare for when you take a stand against an oppressor?

But then, if you go the ideology route with Silco taking it too far and the riot was Silco's idea, that stunt on the bridge was most likely pre-planned, organized resistance. This means a sizable number in their community, including Felicia and Connol, supported it. Even if Vander had doubts, he went along with it. Otherwise, why does the show open with him beating an enforcer on the bridge? Vander had other options: he could have split the resistance group down the middle by sitting it out and/or trying to stop Silco, neither of which he did!

The letter highlights the loss of Felicia as Vander's triggering event, and Vander admits that there's blood on both their hands. To be honest, I kind of like this because it hints that Silco's violence was acceptable to Vander within the context of revolution, and he thought he could handle the sacrifices required. Ironically, when he couldn't handle it, HIS violence pushed Silco towards any-violence-necessary because you can't trust anyone ever anyway!

Anyway, I know this is the fault of flimsy writing in S2 and what feels like internal censorship with challenging political status quo during production, but two drowning attempts (which for Silco came out of nowhere), followed by expulsion from the Lanes (which he helped build), the guilt of Felicia's death, and the total loss of the friends and community he was fighting for ... I mean, at least Silco's villain era makes complete and total sense???

Ugh honestly I try not to think about the drowning incident or even make sense of it anymore because every time I do, it's just so obvious to me that the writers themselves had no idea what they're doing. Timelines are completely off, character motivations make no sense, so why is it up to me to untangle the mess they made?

I have a huge love hate relationship with season 2 because on one hand, I didn't expect as much Silco crumbs we got in the first place and I'm SO HAPPY we got to see him normally in episode 5 and thriving in episode 7. But the retcon… I was so pissed when Act 2 dropped because the whole bridge incident just stopped making sense like you said.

Then when Act 3 happened, it all clicked together, but not in the "ohhh the story makes sense now" way but in the "oh the writers needed to set up smth previously so this would work." and it completely took me out of it. Like. The writers wanted Vander and Silco to make up with each other. But they don't know how to do that. Let's add some underlying sentimentality between Vander and Silco and Vi's mom, then kill Vi off. That'll make them go back together (along with that STUPID LETTER Vander wrote). Sure that's a bandaid solution and on surface level it works, but I don't think the writers really thought we would think about Silco this much so the moment you peel back the layers nothing makes sense anymore. I think they could've crafted a way more interesting story if they ACTUALLY SAT DOWN AND TRIED to have Silco and Vander reconcile without using Felicia as a crutch, but season 2 has an overarching problem of "lets have all the important things happen offscreen and only imply that they happened" which is just… so lazy…. so I'm not surprised that this happened.

It just weakens so, so many parts of the story and raises way more questions than answer them. Why does Silco pull away and distance himself from Felicia's family? Surely Vi should know him from before? Does Silco only take in Powder because he knew she was Felicia's daughter? Why, WHY does Vander go like "there are worse things than enforcers out there" (implying Silco) in s1 while talking to Benzo????????? when he's apparently felt guilty this whole time ??????? what happened to "I've looked everywhere????" etc etc idk man. from s1 I always thought the bridge incident happened way, way earlier from Felicia dying bc Vi looked like she was about 7 years old during the bridge and around 14 during act one, but then if you see Silco during the s2 warwick flashback he looks like he's 25. maybe 30 at the maximum. aint no way he aged that much in 7 years, in act one he and Vander both feel like they're in their mid 40s idk.

This is lowkey why I kind of only want to draw young Silco.. I love old man yaoi but like. If everything I draw is just flashback version of him, I don't need to worry about logistics of the bridge thing bc it hasn't happened yet lmfao. Or the AU version where everything is solved and no one rlly thinks about that time anymore.

Honestly I've tried to write this response several times trying to spell out my version of the timeline but just. nothing makes any fucking sense. I don't like thinking about how badly the writers fucked up on this part. Silco magically gets an eye injury caused by Vander and they had yaoi divorce but it's fine now. That's just how it is for me and if I think about it even a little more in depth my head will explode and I have better things to do with my time like draw zaundads yaoi

[tillichan]

❀˖° [Fluffy Flowers] for @fourtyfourcatss °˖❀

Lilac — What are they like when they're in love? Is it obvious for others? How do they express their feelings?

Having Kuroo Tetsuro as a boyfriend means that you got a lover, a best friend and a partner in crime in one person. The two of you always look like a silly besties duo, but his major crush on you is still very obvious for others, especially for his friends and teammates. They are well aware that their friend is head over heels for you. Every time they see you and Kuroo together, they sigh with understanding, leaving you two alone. No matter if your couple are one-on-one or in a group of friends, this feels like you and Kuroo are in your own world. Inside jokes understandable only for you two, his mooning gaze fixed on you, he can't keep his eyes off you, light comfortable touches filled with tenderness, all this never failed to make your friends cringe as they ask you two to take a room.

"How mean", answers Kuroo grinning from ear to ear as he holds our hand gently. "We weren't doing anything".

Actually, the two of you don't do anything to make your friends feel uncomfortable, but Kuroo neither can nor wants to hide his feelings. In addition, he finds it funny to tease them that he got a girlfriend before they do.

Freesia — Firsts headcanons. Where/when/how was your first meeting, first date, first kiss, first time they said I love you.

♡ The first time you and Tetsuro met was when you two worked together to organize a school festival. A group of students included you and him huddled together to discuss the organizational issues. And to be honest, Tetsuro didn't particularly want to be there and do this. That was, until you introduced yourself.

His first thought was that you were intelligent and responsible, maybe the upperclassman, that turned out to be wrong because you and Tetsuro were the same age. Your stoic and tired expression faded as soon as you started talking, pouring out the very creative ideas with unsuppressed enthusiasm. And as soon as the two of you started talking, Tetsuro was hooked. He looked at you with interest, his eye was on you as if there were just you and him in classroom. You talked, tripped up over what you were going to say and kept talking. The ideas you put forward were logical and well thought out, but also interesting. And Tetsuro couldn't help but glommed onto your enthusiasm.

Also, he found you very pretty, but can't threw this thought out of his head no matter how he tried. Oh, this was bad, he thought he was kind of falling in love with you.

♡ Time passed and with it Tetsuro's feelings for you grew and developed. No longer able to avoid the truth, he confessed you during the festival. And became the happiest man in the world because his crush, the love of his live, you, agreed to be his girlfriend.

Tetsuro took you home holding your hand and wishing this day would never end. He reluctantly let go of your hand when you two reached your house. And as a first date Tetsuro asked you to meet this weekend.

Your date was chill yet full of fun. The first destination was a cinema. Tetsuro always had a lot of fun analyzing the characters and people around with you, so watching a new movie and discussing it after sounded very good. Especially since you mentioned that it was your favorite franchise.

Despite planning everything, Tetsuro found out that something as simple as holding your hand takes a lot of courage. Even if he's done this before. He was so nervous to make you feel uncomfortable and overthought a lot of things until his hand accidentally brushed against yours. A power surge of courage enabled Tetsuro to grab your hand acting nonchalant. He was just lucky that it was dark in the cinema and you didn't notice how much he blushed.

Knowing that you enjoy taking walks, Tetsuro asked you to go for a walk in the park after the two of you finished watching the movie. This was a good chance to discuss it too and eat some street food.

Ah, Tetsuro wished this day would never end. He caught himself thinking about it not for the first time.

♡ Even such a strong and respected captain like Tetsuro has the moments of self doubt. Even worse, he rarely shares it with anyone, preferring to keep it inside. But you... You always saw right through him. As if you gained an ability to read his mind. There was nothing Tetsuro could hide from you and it delighted and terrified him.

Every time it ends the same. You never failed to find the right words to help him to open up. This time was no exception. And so Tetsuro ended up sitting with you in the empty classroom and reluctantly spoke of his doubts while the two of you were filling out documents.

You listened attentively, without interrupting. You found the right words to cheer him up, you always did. And just knowing that you you support him so much made Tetsuro's heart swell with an overwhelming love.

His eyes widened as he listened to your words of encouragement. Oh, how dare you to be so adorable. Seemingly entranced by you, he leaned down in the blink of an eye to plant a kiss on your lips. Then pulled away just as quickly to look at your face, searching you eyes for something. And kissed you again, trying to put his grateful feelings, the love and adoration he felt into the kiss.

♡ Tetsuro pulled away first and rested his head on your shoulder. His heart pounded hard, he felt a buzzing in his ears.

"Thanks for being by my side", Tetsuro whispered in your ear. "I love you".