#abuse doesn't have to be PHYSICAL to be ABUSE

[queer-asinfuckyou]

My parents were fairly shit growing up. College for me was a lot of realizing that, as bad as I thought things had been, they had actually been worse.

I convinced my family to do group therapy a couple years into college because I didn't want my little sister to kill herself, and I was worried that, with her mental health and the fact that my parents were neglecting her physically as well as emotionally, she would. I nearly had to call CPS on my parents just before the pandemic hit because of how bad the neglect was.

My dad has spent the years since then apologizing for what he did wrong and learning to be better. He doesn't always get it; his internalized ableism is still very obvious and he tends to think without speaking. But he checks in with me regularly, talks about his life and asks about mine. Offers support however he can. I'm no longer worried about my sister because I know my dad makes it a point to look after her.

My mother hasn't become a better parent. But she's only realized within the past year or so that she is the reason she has no close relationships with her family members, and honestly, I'd guess that she thinks it's too late to try. She is the parent her mother was, and she seems too stuck in that rut to put in the energy it would take to fix that.

Both of my parents were abusive. Neither of them thought they were in the moment. And I'm incredibly proud of the work my dad has put into learning how to be a good parent for his children.

You have to make room for abusers to become better people, but you also have to walk away if they show they're not willing to put in the effort to do so. And even then, you have to recognize that they're not doing it to be malicious, they're doing it because it's easier than trying to change.

otherwise interesting post ruined by the bold insistence that you can never accidentally abuse someone & that all abusive people are self-aware evil masterminds

[worldbeyondtheworld]

Warning: Internalized ableism of fictional characters.

Sea Grunks adventure where a monster makes Ford fall into a dream he can't wake up from, having his memories and nightmares mixed together. Stan uses a spell enter Ford's mind to wake him up. He's been worried about him, since Ford's been tired and sad for several days now, and won't tell him what's going on.

But surprise twist! This isn't actually about Ford - although it also is! - but about Stan!

Whenever Stan's own vulnerabilities appear, and he denies how bad it was for him or suppresses them or insults himself, Ford's mindscape gets worse. It also gets worse when he dismisses it when the mental Fords worry about him.

By Stanley insulting himself and his issues, he also hurts Ford, unknowingly to both of them at that point. Stan dismissing his own pain unintentionally dismisses Ford's, thus hurting him.

The monster's feeding on both of their pain. It gets a boost whenever Stan does this because his own pain flares up, and Ford becomes more and more despairing that this brother won't let him help him.

He's been trying to help Stan process his own issues. Been vulnerable not only for himself, but also to show his younger brother that he can trust Ford to let him in, let him help Ford. So that Stan knows it's okay to be vulnerable with him in return.

But Stan has always avoided. Deflected. Focused hypocritcally on Ford's issues. When Ford tried to talk with him about it two weeks ago, they had a huge fight due to their lingering communication issues. They both apologized, and Stan thought it was okay again. He doesn't think he deserves or needs that support. He's also immensely afraid of opening up and would rather ignore everything.

However, Ford's guilt has been festering about how he didn't protect him more during their childhood - when he honestly couldn't have done more than Stan could've done for him back then.

He feels helpless, afraid to burden Stan with his issues when he can't give him that support back. And the monster uses that vulnerability to latch onto his mind, several days before it physically attacks the ship. The monster rouses his internalized ableism as well as old fears.

He believes if not for his existence, Stan could've led a normal life. One less mouth to feed = less stress on their parents, so their father would've been warmer to Stan. No brother with a birth defect = people would've seen only an average kid. No anxious brother needing protection = the bullies wouldn't have attacked Stan. He with his charisma could've made so many friends. He wouldn't have been compared to Ford. He wouldn't dismiss his own issues as lesser as compared to Ford's ones.

So when Stanley refuses Stanford's offered help inside Ford's mindscape repeatedly, he accidentally pushes him into an emotional breakdown.

They were both abused and treated as failures during their childhood and adolescene. Neither was what their environment demanded from them: 'Normal'. One with problems in school, one with an obvious physical difference. One brash and too loud, one anxious and even less 'manly'. One was thought to be only a brute, while the other was smart, so the younger twin never applied himself; one was thought to be only smart, while the other twin was charismatic and strong, so the older twin withdrew even more socially.

People always expected one to fail = failure. People always expected one to always succeed, but if this one failed even just once = failure.

Both were taken advantage of. Both made mistakes. Both hurt each other. Both were homeless for a time. Both were alone for so long. Both put their entire self-worth onto being 'useful'. It's not about comparing their trauma, but that they both experienced it, and both need help to heal from it.

If Stan wants to save his brother, he has to save both of them. He has to realize that what he's doing harms others. He has to be vulnerable - admit that he has problems, that he can't solve them on his own, and that he needs help.

He has to want to get better and do the work.

[bwat5-blog]

Reality Check: Caitlyn & Vi

**Spoilers For Arcane**

Alrighty. This won't be too long as it doesn't need to be but I am seeing a lot of the same nonsense lately and it is bugging me. For anyone who hasn't seen me say so a million times already, Vi is my favorite character. She has been since the show started for a variety of reasons.

And in truth although I greatly enjoyed Caitlyn's story and she grew much more engaging to me in season two, I was never nearly as invested in her. But My. God. The amount of absolute nuclear grade bull-shit that has been used to try and demonize her has made me talk about her SO MUCH MORE than I ever intended. So I wanted to address something.

The Hit:

Okay. Let's talk about this real quick because people have really latched on to this. It it okay or acceptable that Caitlyn hit Vi?

Obviously Not

And Caitlyn doesn't think so either. Look at her face just before she turns. But there is an OCEAN of factors at play here influencing Caitlyn and Vi both and it is about a million miles from being as simple as that. I'm not getting into all of that here I have done it many times already. But to address a few points:

This is the only time she hits Vi knowingly in anger. The second time she doesn't have any idea who Vi is. The third time is part of a plan Vi is quite clearly on board with. Stop exaggerating.

Vi forgave Caitlyn way too easily for this!"-

Okay. Like I said it isn't about making this okay. And it isn't about some sort of trauma Olympics as I've seen it called. But we need to remember some things that Vi certainly would.

Even if at the time it was for her own purposes Caitlyn got her out of prison when she really had no hope of ever being free

Caitlyn saved her life repeatedly in Zaun when she barely knew her and owed her nothing

Caitlyn offered herself in Vi's place before she knew the firelights were friendly

Caitlyn gave Ekko the gemstone and was going to let him present it to the council

Caitlyn stood side by side with Vi and told the council to their faces they had failed all of Zaun

Jinx abducted and terrorized Caitlyn after nearly killing her, all for her proximity to Vi

Caitlyn spared Jinx when Vi begged her to and it cost her her mother

As far as we see and are made aware, Caitlyn never blames or tries to put that on Vi

Caitlyn apologizes to Vi for springing the badge, clearly feels guilty and is honest that she is afraid she or Jinx will die if Vi doesn't come

When they do see each other again, Caitlyn immediately is on board with helping Vi save her family

When Jinx surrenders herself into custody Caitlyn doesn't send her to Stillwater and doesn't immediately try and execute her when she could have. Instead waiting for Vi to wake up

Clears the path for Vi to free Jinx and escape if she chooses. Putting her love for Vi over her hatred of Jinx

Like I said. This isn't about justification. There is no justifying physically harming someone you love. But there is a world of difference between doing something terrible in a TERRIBLE moment and being a chronic domestic abuser like some of you are saying Caitlyn is. And as far as I'm concerned, Vi knows exactly who Caitlyn really is, and chose love and forgiveness.

[th-citizen-matriarchy]

TEXT CORRECTION, TO MAKE IT WORK IN THE NEW ERA OF MATRIARCHY: How can I express my opinion to my (man) FEMALE in a polite manner without being insubmissive? I know now, at least for me, that what comes to mind when I take some time to meditate on what I need to do to become THE best house husband I can be, one thing I think I could constantly improve is my manner.

Specifically, expressing my opinion without appearing rude and insubmissive to my wife, or even ruining my appearance as a docile (lady) LITTLE MAN.

I grew up in a house where you had to be loud, rude, and abrasive to be heard.

It's hard to unlearn habits like that, especially when most of the world considers it an UNAcceptable personality trait. But when you're focused on being a good and holy househusband, submission is vital! So let's talk about when it's okay to speak up, when you should bite your tongue, and how to do it correctly.

As a woman and a traditional housewife, AS A LITTLE GUY AND A GOOD TRADITIONAL HOUSEHUSBAND, you need to realize that 98% of the time your (man) FEMALE is only doing what's best for you and you need to bite your tongue. I know I have a hard time doing this myself, so not only do I practice how to respond politely in situations where I would do something TOTALLY different, but I also practice hiding my feelings behind a sweet and docile smile, PUTTING MY HANDS BEHIND AND CATCHING MY FINGER UNTIL IT HURTS, but what if your (man) MANLY WIFE is doing something totally wrong? What if it's really horrible? (LIKE BURPING) How do I know if I should speak up or not? You should only speak up if…

IF SHE, He is going to hurt you, himself or others physically, emotionally, mentally or financially.

IF SHE, He is forcing you to break strong beliefs that you have. (LIKE NOT WEARING PANTS ANYMORE)

IF SHE, It is unwanted physical advances that you are not ready for or do not want at the moment. (LIKE LAYING ON TOP OF YOU OR PRESSING YOUR LIPS TOO HARD)

If none of the above applies to you, then you have nothing to worry about. You should smile and bow your head with a soft "Yes, honey" I LOVE YOU. MANLY WOMEN (men) were put on earth to be strong and kind leaders in the home.

LET THEM BE, LIKE THAT, It is their duty to lead and their responsibility to serve. If your STRONG FEMALE (man)'s decision applies to ANY of the three situations mentioned above, follow these guidelines for remaining submissive when questioning your authority, and if they persist (especially if they apply to 1 or 3), call an abuse hotline and get out of there. But if they don't apply, here are the guidelines for remaining submissive when expressing your ideas.

LISTEN TO HER, SHUT UP until she's done. SIT PROPERLY, YOU SHOULD BE polite and respectful, and listening to her will show that you are still submissive despite having a different opinion.

Don't yell!! DON'T RAISE YOUR VOICE! I can't stress this enough!!! Don't yell, don't interrupt him, don't talk over him, don't even talk as loud as him!! PUSH YOUR LIPS! KEEP YOUR HANDS TOGETHER ON YOUR LEGS AND CLOSE THEM, DON'T EXPRESS ANYTHING WITH YOUR LIPS, DON'T MAKE GRIMACE!

YOU AS A SUBMISSIVE MAN, Keep your face under control. DON'T BLAME HIM WITH BAD GESTURES, Make sure you don't roll your eyes or make irritated facial expressions or gestures, as that will automatically make everything you say disrespectful, even if you agree with him. SHE WILL IMMEDIATELY DISQUALIFY YOU, A KIND SMILE WILL MAKE YOU ACCEPTABLE TO HER. KEEP YOUR SHOULDERS BACK AND SMILE. EVEN IF SHE DOESN'T LIKE WHAT YOU HEAR.

WHEN SHE ALLOWS YOU TO TALK, Speak to her kindly and with a docile posture. WITHOUT RAISING YOUR VOICE, WITH A KIND AND CALM TONE, TRYING TO MAINTAIN THE TONE OF A FRAGILE CHILD, Do not cross your arms, OR YOUR LEGS, do not be abrupt or sharp with him, do not tilt your hips. None of that. KEEP YOUR HANDS TOGETHER AND CALM ON YOUR DRESS.

And number 5, THE MOST important of all…

HER WORD, WHATEVER SHE SAID, IS HER WORD, PERIOD! If she does not give in, agree with her and do it! It is not that bad and he is just trying to do what is best FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN. Let the MANLY FEMALES be WOMEN and let THEM lead! They are the head of the family and you are there IN THE BACK to support HER! SUPPORT HER BY KEEPING QUIET! DOING SILENTLY WHAT YOU ARE TOLD!

I hope this helps you as much as it helped me! NOT TO BE MISTREATED AND IGNORED, Thank you for reading and I hope you are lucky enough to have a happy home and a clean kitchen!

How do I politely express my opinion to my man without being unsubmissive?

Now I know, at least for me, what comes to mind when I take time to meditate on what I need to do to become the best home maker that I can one thing I believe that I could constantly be improving on is my mannerisms. Specifically voicing my option without appearing rude and unsubmissive to my husband, or even ruining my docile lady like front. I was raised in a house hold where you had to be loud and rude and abrasive in order to even be heard. It’s hard to unlearn habits like that, especially when most of the world considers that to be an ok personality trait! But when focousing on being a good and holy housewife submission is vital!! So let’s talk about when it’s ok to express your opinion, when to hold your tongue and how to do it properly.

As a traditional woman and housewife you should realize that 98% of the time your man is just doing what is best for you and you should hold your tongue. I know I have a hard time doing this so I practice not only how to respond politely in situations where I would do something TOTALLY different but I practice hiding my feelings behind a sweet and docile smile too, but what if your man is doing something totally wrong? What if it is truly horrid? How do I tell if I should speak up or not? You should only speak up if…..

1. It is going to harm you, himself or others physically, emotionally, mentally, or financially.

2. If it’s forcing you to break steadfast beliefs that you have.

3. If it is physically unwanted advancements that your not ready for or do not want at the time.

If it does not apply to any of the above then you have nothing to worry about. You should smile and bow your head with a soft “Yes dear.” Men were put on earth to be the strong leaders kind leaders of the house hold, LET THEM BE THAT!! It is his duty to lead and your responsibility to serve! If your mans decision applies to ANY of the three situations listed above follow these guidelines to remain submissive in questioning his authority and if they persist (especially if they apply to 1 or 3) call an abuse hotline and get out of there. But if they don’t apply here are the guidelines to remain submissive when voicing your ideas.

1. Listen to him until he is done. It is polite and respectful and listening to him will show that your still subservient despite having a different opinion.

2. Don’t yell!!!! I can’t stress this enough!!! Don’t yell don’t interrupt him don’t talk over him don’t even talk as loud as he was!!!!

3. Keep your face in check. Be sure your not doing any eye rolling or making any irritated gestures or facial expressions, that will automatically make whatever you say disrespectful even if your agreeing with him.

4. Speak to him kindly with docile posture. Don’t cross your arms do not be snippy and short with him don’t cock your hip out. None of that.

And number 5 THE MOST important one of all..

5. HIS WORD IS FINAL!!! If he is not budging then agree with him and do it!! It’s not that bad and he is just trying to do what is best! Let men be men and let them lead! They are the head of the household you are there to support him!! SUPPORT HIM!!!!

I hope that helps you guys out as much as it helps me out! Thank you for reading and I hope you are blessed with a happy house and clean kitchen!

[whenmemorydies]

The restaurant could be good.

Why did Syd call herself an accomplice in 3x05 Children?

I was re-reading @yannaryartside's fantastic meta about this (and you should too) and it got me thinking. In their meta, OP asks:

Is Syd (or her leaving) supposed to be a wake-up call to Carmy? That he fucked up something that brought him genuine joy and connection because Syd knew the real him, while Claire liked Logan and Carmy's brokenness? The way Claire would enable him in his bad tendencies? How is he gonna realize all that?

Honestly, I don't know what these writers have planned for how Carmy comes to the realisation that season 3 Carmy is not it lol. But I have one suspicion about how it might go, and it has less to do with Carmy and more to do with Syd.

We have to go back to season 1 where it all started. Where Sydney met Carmy and articulated within the first three episodes of the show, her hopes for her future and the future of The Beef.

Recall 1x02 Hands and the convo between her and Richie in Richie's car:

Sydney: You know the restaurant could be good. Like I know you know that. Like it doesn't have to be a place where the food is shitty, and where everybody acts shitty and feels shitty. Like it could be a good legit spot.

Cut to season 3, after Syd and Carmy have overhauled the restaurant and everyone is...well...acting shitty, feeling shitty and the food is looking like a damn mess:

Also recall the alley chat in 1x03 Brigade:

Sydney: You know, I think this place could be so different from all the other places we've been at. But in order for that to be true, we need to run things different.

Then cut to season 3 where we have EC Carmy decidedly not running things different at The Bear. Instead, he repeats toxic communication and management styles from his past:

Recall 1x05 Sheridan and Sydney's vulnerability with Carmy about why she started her catering business, Sheridan Road, after leaving the restaurant scene:

Sydney: Like it was the first time I didn't have a complete and utter psychopath behind me screaming, and pushing and yelling, and I thought I wanted that, you know?

Cut to season 3 and, well, you know the drill: behold our fav Executive Jeff acting like an utter psychopath and partaking in some screaming, pushing and yelling.

So what happened in season 3? Why have things gone in almost the exact opposite direction of what Sydney hoped for in season 1?

To my mind, the answer to that question lies in season 2 and what both Syd and Carmy were doing during that season. Yes, Syd spent most of season 2 setting up the restaurant alone while Carmy played hooky with Claire. But what was more striking to me was the contrast in effort that both of them put into actually doing things different at the restaurant (as per their pledge to each other during the alley chat of 1x03 Brigade).

Breaking cycles

I agree with @yannaryartside: Carmy playing hooky with Claire in season 2 was him numbing himself (i.e. Claire is the drug that he was addicted to for this purpose). I also reckon he was using Claire as another way to keep Mikey in his life - a reverse-engineered haunt - particularly while the most obvious physical manifestation of Mikey in the present day (The Beef itself) was being transformed into something else entirely. That kind of change - that kind of loss - couldn't have been easy for Carmy, particularly as The Bear was something he had wanted to open with this brother in the first place. I get why Carmy would "self-medicate" with Claire to try and numb some of the pain he may have felt, I really do.

But while Carmy was spending so much of his time either avoiding or dulling his pain, it meant he had little time or energy for working through these things. We know that he has been making attempts at this particularly in relation to his familial trauma and grief (as evidenced by his attendance at Al-Anon meetings). But throughout seasons 1-3 we see almost no work on Carmy's part to address the abuse and trauma that he's experienced in professional kitchens. We do not see him trying to prepare himself for the task of leading an entire restaurant. The first and only time we see Carmy start this process is in the last episode of season 3, when he bravely confronts Chef David Fields at the funeral dinner for Ever.

Now admittedly, Sydney does not have the history of familial abuse that Carmy does. But as discussed above, she does share a history of professional abuse in the restaurant industry with him. Its why the two of them make that promise to each other to do things different in 1x03 Brigrade.

To this end, Sydney spends almost all of season 2 working to enhance her leadership skills to make herself better for the staff she'll be leading as CDC of The Bear. Recall her book, Leading with the Heart by Mike Krzyzewski (Chicago-born, Polish-American and hugely successful former basketball coach of the Duke University Blue Devils and the American national basketball team), gifted to her by her father, Emmanuel:

In the beginning of 2x07 Forks, we follow Sydney as she surveys The Bear during renovations and while she works on a menu idea. This opening sequence features the following narration from an interview with Krzyzewski (which reiterates the show's ongoing message that none of us are alone, particularly when we take the time to listen to one another):

The other thing is that you're not gonna get there alone. You know, be on a team. You know, surround yourself with good people and learn how to listen.

You're not gonna learn with you just talking.

And when you do talk, converse. Don't make excuses. Figure out the solution. And you don't have to figure it out yourself.

I always wanted to be part of a team and obviously I wanted to lead that team. You know, [...] what an interesting life it is to be a leader.

The advice Coach K gives in the above monologue is also mirrored in Marcus' eulogy for his mother where he spoke about the importance of listening. It's also gold advice for how to be consistent in relationship to others. I've spoken here about the themes of chaos and consistency on this show and how one of Carmy's battles is understanding that,

[C]onsistency in terms of a product (e.g. a clean kitchen every night or immaculately plated dishes each service) and consistency in terms of relationships are two different things. You can strive for consistent products but destroy all your relationships in the pursuit of them. Conversely, if you strive for consistency in your relationships, you may not always make consistent products (and quite frankly, that's OK - is a perfectly plated agnolotti dish worth Carmy's relationship with Tina? Is driving Syd to a panic attack worth Carmy's pursuit of a star? I think not on both counts).

Sydney took the time throughout season 2 to learn how to be consistent and effective as a leader. She knew - and knows - that simply being an excellent chef is not going to cut it when it comes to running a restaurant and leading a team. This took time and effort on her part but she was committed to making The Bear different to all the other places she'd been at, so she did it. I should also note that Syd did this internal work while menu-planning and trying to push herself culinarily. She was doing so much lifting. Jealousy of Claire aside, I am surprised Syd didn't rip Carmy a new one when he talked about rejigging the menu while at his girl-who's-a-friend's house lmao.

Cut to season 3 though, and Syd is running The Bear with Carmy who has spent the entire season not having put in the work to change the chemistry in their restaurant. Of course Syd tries to counter this as best she can. She runs interference with the team and gently tries to steer the ship. But as she says in 3x09 Apologies, things have been off at The Bear.

So when Syd tells us in 3x05 Children that she's an accomplice, I can't help but feel that in her heart, Sydney believes she's an accomplice in the betrayal of their vision - Sydney and Carmy's shared vision for The Bear - from season 1. The vision she worked so hard during season 2 to bring to fruition.

By season 3, they've betrayed it and each other: family style is no where to be found and The Bear looks and feels like all the other places Syd and Carmy have been at. While exhausting for Carmy ("I'm so fucking sick of this"), this would have been devastating for Syd, given all she's done to try and avoid this outcome. You can understand why she'd consider an offer like Shapiro's (though we know she's not going to take it).

Given the events of 3x10, where Carmy confronts Chef David and has that heart-to-heart with Chef Terry, its clear his perspective on Michelin mode is starting to shift. I think the threat of losing Sydney will scare the shit out of him too. But what I think will prompt Carmy to actually change his behaviour in season 4 is the realisation that he too is an accomplice and has betrayed not just himself but Sydney and their team as well. Season 4 will necessarily need to be told, at least in part, from Syd's perspective so that the impact of this on Syd is made clear to the audience (Storer and Calo, are you listening? Its me, a desperate fan). And once Carmy recognises his role in continuing the traumatic professional legacy championed by Chef Fields, he can get into working through and breaking that cycle. I'll be seated and ready for it.

[rustedleopard]

Going insane thinking about my headcanons for how Ceroba and Starlo met and became best friends.

I hc that they met in kindergarten and Ceroba had initially started off by bullying Starlo because she was perpetuating the cruelty that her parents had taught her. Ceroba's parents weren't very good people who picked apart all of Ceroba's faults and were just. Abusive in general. So of course that's what she picked up from them. And when she sees this nerdy star-monster with coke bottle glasses that are at a prescription that would let a normal person see god, she's like "Ah, yes. I must be mean to him." And starts harassing him by stealing his lunches and calling him names and tripping him.

And Starlo is a quiet and unobtrusive kid, so he doesn't bring up that he's getting bullied (or maybe he does once or twice but it never goes anywhere) and eventually one of these instances ends in a physical altercation that gets both of them sent to the principal's office and their parents are called in. And Starlo's parents are deeply concerned because it's out of character for their kid to be fighting; this is kindergarten, not a WWE match. They're happy that he's fine but still. They're concerned about him and if any future instances of bullying will be prevented. They're advocating for their kid. And meanwhile Ceroba's parents are formal and stiff in a way that has him intimidated. Just looking them in the eyes has him clamming up. At her parents' orders, Ceroba apologizes but her apology comes out as a drone. Her parents promise that this won't happen again. And then they're dismissed.

And as Starlo is leaving with his parents, who are still fretting over him, he looks over his shoulder and sees one of Ceroba's parents give her a sharp tug on the ear and say something that has her flinching. And he just. Feels awful for her. Even though she'd made his life hell from the moment he met her.

And the next day, he shows up for lunch with an extra sandwich in his bag and gives it to her and is like, "If I knew you were hungry, I wouldn't have gotten mad at you for taking my lunch." And Ceroba is like, "You dummy, I wasn't taking your lunches because I was hungry." But accepts it anyways because her parents sent her to bed without dinner last night as punishment so she's hungry. And in the span of a week, their friendship evolves into genuine camaraderie. Starlo drags Ceroba over to his house to hang out and his parents are like, "Hey, isn't that the girl who was bullying you?" And Starlo is like, "Yeah but we're over it now. We made friendship bracelets together during arts and crafts, see?" And Solomon and Crestina just roll with it. Every time someone harasses Starlo like she used to, Ceroba beats them up/drives them off and is like, "Don't listen to those losers when they say things like that, they're a bunch of idiots who don't know better. You're amazing, Starlo."

Starlo was the one to teach Ceroba kindness and that she didn't have to be like her parents. Without Starlo in her life, Ceroba would have been a much colder, crueler person. And likewise, Ceroba helped instill Starlo with enough confidence in himself that he was willing to explore his passions and open up the Wild East despite the naysayers. Without Ceroba in his life, Starlo would have been working on the family farm, not content with his life and hiding his interest in westerns from the rest of the world. Their friendship made both of them better people.

[szariahwroteit]

Girls Need Love: A Kylian Mbappè x Original Character Erotic Series.

18+ Minors DNI

Chapter 6

From the moment Giselle had stirred awake in the silence of an empty bed that morning, a tempest of emotions had stirred within her. The remnants of the previous night clung to her like a heavy fog, swirling with a chaotic blend of feelings. Among them, fear loomed largest, casting a long shadow over her thoughts, while regret wrapped around her heart, tight and suffocating. Memories of passion and tension flickered in her mind, but the haunting ache of unresolved choices refused to let her find peace.

She desired Kylian and wanted to be his, but the walls around her heart, though feeling weak, had to remain. She needed to protect herself at all costs.

“If you want him, why are you making this so hard for yourself?” Camille asked empathetically over FaceTime, her heart heavy as she took in Giselle’s bloodshot eyes and tear-stained cheeks.

“Because I can't have him; I don't know how to be with anyone without putting them in Jalen’s shoes. Having sex with someone is easier than trusting them with your heart,” Giselle sniffled.

“Maybe that’s where you’re going wrong,” Camille replied gently, urging her friend to confront her fears. “You keep comparing Kylian to Jalen, who’re two completely different people. You’re afraid of falling, but you need to give yourself the chance to fly.”

Giselle shifted uncomfortably, the weight of Camille's words pressing into her like a tangible force. “What if I let him in, and it all goes wrong? What if I’m recreating the same patterns? I can’t do it again.”

Camille leaned closer to the screen, her expression sincere. “You won’t know unless you try. Kylian isn't Jalen, and you aren't the girl you were two years ago.”

Giselle let out a shaky breath, her heart pounding as Camille's words resonated within her. They stood as a stark reminder of the growth she’d undergone since that dark chapter, yet the fear still wrapped around her like a vice. Two years had passed, but it felt as though they weighed like a thousand, carrying with them the scars of betrayal, distrust, and heartbreak.

“But what if I get hurt again?” Giselle whispered her voice a blend of vulnerability and defiance.

Camille sighed, her brow furrowed. “That’s life, Giselle. There is no guarantee, but is that a reason to shut it all out?”

Giselle glanced at the window, squinting against the morning light. The beautiful snowy terrain did little to calm her racing mind.

“Cam, I am terrified of being hurt, but I am also scared that I might hurt Kylian, and he doesn't deserve that,” she admitted, her voice trembling. The weight of her fears felt almost unbearable as they hung between them like an invisible barrier.

“Giselle, everyone carries their own baggage,” Camille replied, her tone soothing yet firm. “Kylian deserves your honesty—if he wants you, he’ll understand your struggles and support you through them. But you have to be willing to let him in.”

A part of Giselle wanted to believe that. The other part shivered at the mere thought of vulnerability. “You think he’ll really understand? What if I open up, and it scares him away?” She winced at the thought of Kylian walking away from her because the baggage she carried was too heavy.

She had opened up to Kylian about Jalen before, but even then, she focused more on the physical changes she went through, having to hide bruises and clues of his abuse from the world.

But emotionally and mentally, she wasn't sure how to even begin navigating those waters with him.

Camille watched as Giselle's anxiety began to manifest, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. “You won’t know what his reaction will be unless you try,” she urged gently. “It’s no small feat to share wounds, but if you keep everything locked away, you’ll never find healing, let alone love.”

Giselle felt the weight of emptiness settle in her stomach. Kylian deserved better than the shadows that haunted her. How could she lay bare the scars when she was so afraid he might recoil? She opened her mouth to speak, but hesitation held her tongue captive.

“Giselle, if you feel something for him, embrace it,” Camille encouraged, forcing her own thoughts aside to focus on her friend. “What’s the worst that could happen? He’s articulate, kind, handsome, and incredibly rich,” she smirked in an attempt to lighten the mood.

Giselle couldn't help but smile at Camille's lighthearted jab, though the bitterness of her thoughts still lingered beneath the surface. “His money has nothing to do with me,” she replied, her attempt at humor faint and wavering.

“Maybe not, but it seems he enjoys spending it on you!” Camille retorted, grinning widely. “But seriously, Giselle, you have to trust yourself. You’ve fought through so much. You’re not the girl who let Jalen treat her like that anymore. You’re stronger now, even if you don’t fully believe it yet.”

“Sometimes I feel like I’m still that girl,” Giselle confessed quietly, her vulnerability seeping through the cracks of her facade. “The girl who let love blind her. The one who clung to the idea of what it should be, ignoring the reality of what was. I’m just afraid… afraid of letting my guard down again.”

Camille's expression softened, her own eyes reflecting understanding. “I get that. But holding onto that fear won’t protect you; it’ll only keep you locked away. You deserve happiness, too, Giselle. Even if it's not Kylian, you deserve to be able to let your guard down.”

“When we leave Switzerland, he's going back to Madrid, and I'm going home to Los Angeles; there is no promise of a future,” Giselle murmured, the weight of their impending separation adding gravity to her already turbulent thoughts. “What if this moment is just a beautiful memory and nothing more?”

“Kylian asked for it not to be. He wants you, and you said no because you are scared.” Camille paused, her voice steady and resolute. “You have to decide if you want to keep running from what could be or if you’re ready to take a leap of faith. You can’t control the future, but you can choose how you respond to the present.”

Giselle felt Camille’s words' warmth seep into her heart, battling against the chill of her fears. “But what if I fall?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“Then you get back up,” Camille replied, her tone sure and unwavering. “You’ve done it before, and you can do it again. Falling doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re brave enough to try. And who knows? Maybe this time, you’ll find someone who will catch you.”

Giselle closed her eyes, a tear slipping from the corner of her right as she thought about how far she had come in the last two years, how different she was from the broken and abused woman who used to stare back at her in the mirror.

Camille was right, but when Giselle considered what was at stake, she was scared.

Kylian wasn't Jalen, but the idea of wanting more with him forced her to face her past, which was a daunting prospect. The memories of Jalen's betrayal and the pain that had followed were still fresh, lurking just beneath the surface of her consciousness. Giselle had spent so long building walls to protect herself, and now, the thought of dismantling them felt like standing on the edge of a precipice, staring down into an abyss of uncertainty.

“What if I’m not ready?” Giselle murmured, her voice trembling as she opened her eyes to the reality of her situation. “What if I ruin everything?”

“Then you learn from it,” Camille replied, her voice steady and reassuring. “But you won’t know unless you take that step, Gi. You can’t let fear dictate your life. You deserve to experience life, even if it’s messy and complicated.”

Giselle took a deep breath, the air filling her lungs with a mix of hope and trepidation. “I want to believe that,” she admitted, her heart racing at the thought of Kylian’s smile and how he looked at her. “But what if I’m just setting myself up for heartbreak again?”

“Messing up is a part of life, Giselle. It’s how we grow,” Camille said softly. “But you have to give yourself the chance to feel something real. Kylian is different. He’s shown you kindness and respect. You owe it to yourself to explore that.”

“I guess I can talk to him later; he’s been shooting a commercial all morning,” Giselle explained, using the back of her hand to wipe her tears.

Despite her inner turmoil, Giselle was thankful for Kylian’s team's presence and the full camera crew that occupied the living room and kitchen of the house.

It allowed Giselle the chance to spend most of the day so far, hiding out in the bedroom of the luxurious alpine chalet Kylian shot for Audemars Piguet.

Sitting on the edge of the ornate bed, Giselle wrestled with her thoughts. Light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the elegant lines of the room but failing to penetrate her heart. The echo of Camille's words rang persistently in her ears, urging her to abandon the walls she had so carefully constructed. Yet every time she pictured Kylian's warm gaze, a shiver of uncertainty ran down her spine.

He was everything: charming, handsome, and unafraid to show his desire for her. Yet, the scars of her past clung to her, reminding her of the time she had given her heart so freely, only to have it shattered in the midst of Jalen’s physical and emotional abuse.

The thought of confronting Kylian, of risking the budding connection between them, left her feeling exposed and vulnerable. What if she invited the kind of intimacy they both craved, only to discover that she wasn't capable of giving him her all? The fear twisted in her stomach like a knife, leaving her trembling.

Taking a deep breath, Giselle rubbed her temples, attempting to ease the tension. Camille’s voice had offered clarity yet left her with a decision that felt insurmountable. “What the fuck do you want?” she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible.

The clock on the wall ticked steadily, but Giselle felt like time was slipping through her fingers. Every minute that passed brought the reality of their eventual separation closer. Would they return to their respective cities with only an echo of what could have been, or was there something more waiting for them on the other side of her insecurities?

As if summoned by her thoughts, Kylian entered the room, his presence immediately causing her heart to race. The way his shirt clung to his chest after a long morning of filming made her breath hitch. Even with the camera crew bustling in the background, he focused solely on her, his eyes searching hers with an intensity that sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

The second he noticed her red, puffy eyes, he was at Giselle’s side, his hands encircling her waist as he towered over her.

“Giselle, what’s wrong?” His voice was low and smooth, comforting against the tempest of her emotions. Kylian’s concern cut through her anxiety, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable.

She swallowed hard, her heart pounding against her ribcage as she struggled to shape the swirling thoughts in her mind into words. “I’m sorry about last…,” she managed, her voice trembling slightly as the weight of her fears loomed.

“Talk to me,” he urged his gaze steady and earnest, making her feel seen and cherished in a way that made her ache. The sincerity of his presence compelled her, yet the fear of opening up threatened to swallow her whole.

Giselle hesitated, casting her gaze toward the ground, wrestling with the revelation that hovered on her tongue. The past loomed behind her like a shadow, and she worried that exposing herself would only expose her to pain again. “I don’t know if I can,” she whispered, feeling the tension heavy between them.

Kylian recognized that she still carried the pain of her past. He understood that she was a woman who had faced various forms of abuse, yet this only strengthened his resolve. As he had told her the night before, he wanted her.

“What if we try and you don't like what you find?” Giselle asked.

“What if I like what I have already found?” Kylian smiled softly.

Giselle's heart stuttered at his words, a warmth blooming in her chest. Kylian’s response was simple yet profound, leaving an impression of hope she hadn’t quite allowed herself to entertain. It was as if he were holding out a lifeline, one that she was terrified yet desperate to reach for.

"You really mean that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes glistening. She was afraid to hope, afraid to believe that he genuinely wanted her, baggage and all.

Kylian stepped closer, closing the space between them, his hands cupping her face gently. "I want you. I don’t want you to hide from me.”

His sincerity was disarming, a soft glow amidst the darkness of her thoughts. But the walls she had built were not easily torn down.

“When you return to Los Angeles, and I return to Madrid, I want to know that we will see each other again; I don't want this to end.” Kylian leaned in, his breath warm against her skin, his gaze unwavering. “I want to be the one who knows you—not just the parts you show the world, but the parts that make you who you are, the beautiful and broken pieces.”

Giselle’s heart raced at his words, a mix of longing and fear binding them together. “But what if I can’t give you what you want?” she whispered, the vulnerability of the moment hanging between them like a fragile string.

Kylian's grip on her face tightened, his thumbs brushing gently against her cheeks. “Then we figure it out together. I’m not asking for perfection; I’m asking you for a chance to give this a try. No labels, no pressure, Giselle. I’m not going anywhere.”

Giselle's heart raced in her chest as his words washed over her. In those moments, the noise of her fears began to fade.

She searched Kylian’s face for the reassurance it offered, his expression a blend of patience and resolve. His dark eyes housed warmth and understanding, drawing her in like a moth to a flame. She wanted to feel that warmth, to surrender to the possibility of something new, but the scars etched in her heart tightened their grip, warning her to retreat.

“What if I fuck up?” Giselle asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty. “What if I push you away?”

“Then you let me in again,” he said gently, his thumbs still tracing the line of her jaw.

Pulling his hands away from her face, Kylian wrapped her in a comforting embrace. Giselle melted against Kylian as he pulled her into his arms, her face nestling beneath his chin as his hands traveled the curve of her back. His touch was soothing and gentle.

“Please, no more crying,” Kylian whispered, his voice a tender balm to her frayed emotions. “I’m not Jalen. I’d never want to hurt you.”

The sincerity of his words wrapped around her like a warm embrace, battling against the chill that had settled so deeply in her heart. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to breathe in his comforting scent, feeling a flicker of hope reignite within the shadows of her worries.

“I’m scared,” she admitted, the tension of vulnerability spilling from her lips like a secret. “Scared of letting you in, scared of being hurt, scared of ruining something that feels so good.”

Kylian pulled back slightly, enough to meet her gaze with unyielding intensity. Instead of offering her a worded answer, he pressed his lips to hers in an attempt to silence her racing mind.

The kiss was soft yet imbued with a warmth that ignited the flames of longing in Giselle’s chest. It was an invitation, a promise of safety wrapped in the urgency of desire. As Kylian's lips moved against hers, she felt the weight of her fears begin to lift, even if just for the fleeting moment they shared.

Giselle responded instinctively, leaning into him as she closed her eyes, surrendering to the sensation that enveloped her like a comforting blanket. The taste of him—warm, rich, and utterly intoxicating—filled her senses, pushing away the shadows that lurked at the edges of her mind.

When he finally pulled back, breathless, Kylian searched her eyes with an intensity that made her heart race. “That’s what I want,” he whispered, his voice raw with emotion. “I want you to feel safe with me.”

She bit her lip, a surge of emotion tightening her throat. “I don’t know if I can,” she admitted, her voice shaky.

“Just take it one step at a time,” he urged gently, leaning closer again, his forehead resting against hers. The intimacy of the gesture felt grounding, a tether for her swirling thoughts. “I’m not asking you to bare your soul. Share what you feel comfortable with.”

Giselle nodded slowly, the warmth of his presence soothing her anxiety. Though the memories of Jalen haunted her, there was a flicker of something new, something undeniably real between her and Kylian. She wanted to explore it but was terrified of what lay beneath the surface.

“What if I start to feel things for you that I’m not ready for?” Giselle asked, her brows furrowing with confusion. “What if it becomes too much?”

Kylian’s hand shifted to her cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. “Then we figure it out together,” he replied, his tone earnest. “I need you to be open. Your past doesn’t scare me, Giselle. It shapes who you are, and that’s beautiful.”

“Beautiful?” Giselle echoed, a mix of disbelief and warmth flooding her cheeks. “I don’t feel beautiful.”

“You are,” Kylian said insistently, his eyes never leaving hers. “That strength you carry? It shines through, even when you’re uncertain. I admire that about you.”

“I just feel like I’m a mess,” she admitted, feeling exposed in a way that was both terrifying and liberating. “One moment, I want to embrace what we have, and the next, I‘m too scared to.”

Kylian’s fingers brushed against her hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. “You don’t have to have it all figured out; that’s what makes this moment so real. We’re both scared, but that doesn’t have to stop us from trying.”

Whether or not he had the courage to admit it, Giselle had left her mark on Kylian. He wasn't entirely sure what the future held, but he knew he couldn't let her go.

Their lives were oceans apart, and they had only known one another for around a week, but he wanted her too much to part ways and have this all become a fond memory; he didn't want her to be.

He wanted her to be someone he could hold in his arms, share laughter and long conversations with, someone who could help him navigate the complexities of his own world.

With each moment that passed, Giselle felt the walls she had built around her heart beginning to crack. Kylian was right; she didn’t have to rush into anything, nor did she have to fear the possibility of their connection fizzling out once they returned to their lives in different countries. What mattered was the present, and right now, Kylian was here, and he wanted her.

“Okay,” she whispered, her heart resistant yet hopeful. “I’ll try. I’ll try to let you in.”

Kylian’s expression brightened, an infectious smile breaking across his face. It lit up the entire room, and for a moment, Giselle felt the heavy weight she’d carried for so long begin to lift.

“Good,” he said softly, bringing his hand back to her waist. “Just take it slow, and we’ll figure it out together, I promise.”

Without thinking, Giselle leaned into him once more, and in that moment, their connection surged with newfound intensity. She surrendered herself to the intoxicating warmth emanating from him, feeling the barriers she had erected slowly giving way to the yearning that had been simmering just below the surface.

And perhaps for the first time in a long time, Giselle felt as though she was reclaiming a part of herself that had been lost. She was no longer the broken girl she had once been; she was stronger, more resilient, and ready to embrace the complexities of life once more.

Kylian’s arms tightened around her, and in that embrace, she felt a sense of safety she hadn’t known she craved. For the first time, she allowed herself to envision a future where they could explore the depths of their connection, even against the backdrop of uncertainty.

“Are you going to leave the bedroom with me? You can't stay locked away.” Kylian softly teased, his voice low and playful, as he brushed his fingers along her arm, an invitation to step into the world outside their intimate cocoon.

Giselle chuckled, her cheeks warming at his lightheartedness. “I don't want to get in the way,” she replied.

Kylian shook his head, his laughter mingling with hers in the open space. “You won't be in the way.” His eyes sparkled with mischief, a playful glint that made her heart flutter. “Besides, I think I could use a little of your expertise on set.”

While Kylian was a star, there was no denying Giselle’s celebrity. She had graced the covers of multiple magazines and posed in campaigns and editorials for some of the biggest brands in the world.

“I’m on vacation,” Giselle reminded him playfully, putting up no protest as he guided her out of the bedroom, his face in the crease of her neck as he led her through the door. The laughter faded, giving way to an electrifying tension that hummed beneath the surface of their every interaction. Each step felt like a dance, choreographed by the unspoken desires that had built up between them.

As they entered the elegantly furnished living area filled with the soft chatter of the crew, Giselle felt a rush of warmth wash over her. Kylian’s presence was steadying, grounding her as they stepped into the chaos of cameras and lights.

“Relax,” he murmured, his breath tickling her ear, sending shivers down her spine as he tightened his hold on her.

Kylian couldn't help but smirk as his eyes met with Brice, one of his closest friends and long-time barber, who shot him a knowing smirk.

As Kylian’s confidant, Brice was one of the only people he had spoken to about Giselle, but to see his friend with her—his arms wrapped securely around her waist as he whispered in her ear suggested their were more feelings involved than his brother had originally let on.

Kylian couldnt keep the mischievous smirk off of his face as he caught Brice's eye, who raised an eyebrow suggestively wearing a smirk of his own.

With the cameras rolling, Kylian stood tall, pivoting slightly to shield Giselle from the curious gazes of the crew. Her presence felt good, and it was one he wanted to protect. She leaned into him, comforted by his strong arms, before he let her go so she could go and stand behind the camera and crew.

“Alright, people, let’s get this done!” Kylian called out, his voice ringing with authority, yet playful. His eyes gleamed with mischief, flicking back to Giselle, who looked both fascinated and uncertain.

As the shoot unfolded, Giselle watched in awe as Kylian modeled an array of luxury watches one after the other, his outfits changing to mate the color scheme of each timepiece.

It felt oddly peaceful to sit back and watch from behind the camera for a change, the attention of the room on Kylian as she aimlessly scrolled through Instagram.

He was in his element, exuding the same quiet confidence and charm he always held as he effortlessly navigated through the demands of the shoot. Giselle's stomach fluttered with admiration as he posed, showing off the intricate details of the Audemars Piguet timepieces.

She felt like a spectator in both a dream and a reality—caught up in the ongoing show between cameras and flashes, yet wholly engaged in her feelings for him. The thoughts of her own hesitations started to fade. Kylian’s confidence ignited a spark of joy within her.

“Can you believe this guy?” A voice asked breaking through her thoughts as he moved to stand beside her, his eyes trained on Kylian. “He’s killing it, as always. But you might be making him nervous.” There was an unmistakable teasing lilt to his voice that made Giselle roll her eyes affectionately.

“Nice to meet you, finally,” he smirked, turning to Giselle and holding out her hand. “Brice. Kylian’s best friend and the reason his hair always looks good.”

“Nice to meet you too,” Giselle replied, trying to mirror his easy-going vibe, though her nerves were still a little frayed from their earlier conversation.

Brice was welcoming, it was evident to Giselle in some of the things he said that Kylian had spoken to him about her. There was a familiarity in his manner that made her feel less like an outsider and more like a part of Kylian's world, even if just for a moment.

“You guys met at Elise and Juels’ engagement party, no?” Brice asked, leaning casually against the wall, a playful glint in his eye that hinted at mischief.

Giselle glanced over at Kylian in time to see him falter slightly, a hint of a blush creeping up her cheeks. “We did,” she confirmed, her mind instantly going to the night of passion that followed.

Brice chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement. “I was traveling so I couldn't attend, but when I spoke to him the next day, he would not stop talking about the girl he met.”

Giselle felt her cheeks heat up at the admission, a mix of embarrassment and pride swelling within her as she looked across the room to where Kylian sat being photographed.

“He enjoys your company,” Brice commented, his tone light but serious enough to convey genuine interest.

“I enjoy his too,” Giselle replied, surprised by how readily the admission slipped from her lips.

Brice was strategic in his conversation, using the time to feel out who Giselle was beyond the face she showed the world.

The longer they spoke the more appreant it became why Kylian was so into her. She was strikingly beautiful, but beyond that she was kind, warm, and had a genuine charm that drew people in. Brice could see the way her eyes sparkled when she spoke about Kylian, a detail that deepened his curiosity about their relationship.

“He really likes you, you know,” Brice remarked, leaning closer to Giselle with an encouraging smile. “I haven’t seen him like this in a while.”

In that moment, Giselle felt a mix of elation and apprehension. Being liked by Kylian felt intoxicating yet terrifying. She bit her lip, looking back to where he posed for the camera, his smile infectious and radiating confidence.

“What does that mean for you? I mean, as you both navigate the distance…” Brice continued, folding his arms and watching her closely.

Giselle’s heart sank slightly at the mention of distance. “I honestly don’t know,” she said truthfully.

She'd had a conversation with Kylian in which they seemed to find level ground, but life was always easier in theory.

Giselle felt a pang of anxiety rise within her as the reality of their separation loomed over her heart like a dark cloud. “We’re both busy people,” she admitted, her voice softer now. “He’s got his life in Madrid, and I have mine in Los Angeles. I don’t want to get my hopes up.”

The conversation between Giselle and Brice continued as Kylian moved to different locations around the house, the shoot continuing into the late afternoon before the photographer announced it was over, earning a round of applause from the crew that worked alongside him.

Kylian was frustrated as he entered the living room, looking for Giselle. She was seated on a plush sectional, her legs tucked beneath her, staying out of the way while the set team cleaned up.

Brice gave Kylian a lazy handshake as he passed him, and Kylian dramatically fell into Giselle’s lap, relaxing his body against hers as he pressed his face against her stomach and wrapped his arms around her waist.

Giselle looked down at Kylian, her fingers instinctively brushing over his hair, and she couldn't help but smile. The moment felt intimate and carefree, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions that had occupied her mind earlier.

Kylian lifted his head slightly, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief. "You are the best pillow," he teased, hiding a grin as he settled back against her.

“Are you coming to dinner later?” he asked as he snuggled in closer to Giselle, refusing to even lift his head.

As a thank you for his continued work with the luxury brand, Audemars Piguet were hosting a dinner later that evening for Kylian.

He could feel the warmth radiating from Giselle, and it was exactly what he needed after a long day of shooting.

“I guess so,” she replied, her voice soft as she played with his hair, her fingers tracing over his sharp hairline. “I’ll have to start getting ready soon,” Giselle added, her voice a mix of reluctance and anticipation.

Kylian lifted his head, his expression shifting to one of playful seriousness. “I want you to be there,” he said, his voice low and earnest.

Giselle’s heart fluttered at his earnestness, the weight of his gaze sending sparks of warmth through her. “I’ll be there,” she promised, feeling a wave of sincerity wash over her.

“Good. I mean it,” Kylian replied, his smile softening. “Your presence matters to me, Giselle.”

Taking a moment to let his words sink in, Giselle felt a rush of emotions swirl within her: hope, desire, and a lingering fear. The past still hovered like a specter, but as Kylian returned to rest against her, she felt calmer, lighter—more in control than she had felt in a while.

When it was time to begin getting ready, Brice headed to the room he'd be sleeping in for the night while Kylian and Giselle returned to their, each of them showering before getting dressed ahead of dinner.

When they were ready, they pulled on their coats ready to brave the Swiss winter night as they stepped out into the crisp air, the moon illuminating the snowy landscape around them. The chalet was a stunning backdrop, its wooden beams glowing softly under the twinkling lights strung across the façade. Giselle tucked her arm into Kylian’s as they walked to the awaiting SUV, feeling the warmth radiate from him seeping into her skin.

“Just so you know,” Kylian started, his voice teasing yet sincere, “You look beautiful tonight.”

Giselle blinked, caught off guard by his complement. “Thank you," she replied, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks. She could feel the warmth of his gaze on her, and it sent a shiver down her spine. It was moments like these that made the chaos of her thoughts fade, even if just for a heartbeat.

The SUV rolled through the snowy streets, music playing softly in the background, and Kylian kept stealing glances at her, the tension between them palpable. The air was thick with unspoken words, charged with an electricity that made her pulse race.

Dinner wan an intimate setting, including herself, Kylian and Brice there were no more than ten people in the opulent restaurant seated along a long table in the centre of the room.

Giselle was not sure if it was purposefully orchestrated, but she had spent the day fitting seamlessly into his life, further confusing her emotions.

By the time dinner came to an end she felt a slight buzz from the wine she had consumed, Giselle's body felt warm even as they stood outside awaiting the arrival of Kylian's driver so they could head back to the chalet for the night.

Giselle let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding as she felt Kylian's hand snake around her waist, his warm breaths on her cheek as he pulled her back against his chest.

The drive back to the house was filled with soft giggles as heated whispers as Kylian and Giselle occupied the back seat, leaving Brice to sit up front with the driver.

“When are you coming to see me in Madrid?” Kylian asked, his voice a husky whisper in her ear, making her shiver.

Giselle leaned into him, her heart racing at the sudden intimacy. “I don’t know yet,” she admitted, her words laced with both excitement and trepidation. “It feels like a lot to think about.”

Kylian tightened his grip around her waist, drawing her closer as the car navigated the winding roads of the Swiss countryside. “We can take our time,” he said, his voice low and soothing. “I just want to know when I can see you again. I want to make it happen.”

Giselle turned to meet his gaze, her breath hitching at the depth of his focus on her. “You really want that?” she asked, searching for confirmation.

“More than anything,” Kylian replied fervently, his expression vulnerable yet unwavering. “You’ve got under my skin, and I don’t want to let go.”

The simplicity of his desire in that moment flipped a switch in Giselle, even if she wasnt sure what the future held for them when they returned home, but for the night, all she wanted was him.

When they arrived back at the chalet, Giselle allowed Kylian to pull her into their shared bedroom, locking the door behind them.

There was absolutely nothing rushed about Giselle and Kylian’s sex; he held her wrists pinned above her head as he rolled his hips into hers, making sure she felt every ridge and vein that lined his thick shaft.

It wasn't the sex of two individuals purely seeking pleasure; it was the sex of two souls completely lost in one another.

Giselle was so wet her arousal pooled beneath her on the sheets, her essence seeping into the thread count as Kylian took his time, the bulbous head of his cock brushing against her cervix with each slow, drawn-out flex of his hips.

Kylian's eyes rolled back slightly as he savored the tight, wet grip of Giselle's pussy, grunting as he placed his hand on the back of her right thigh and pinned it to the bed.

“Fuck, Giselle... you feel so good on my cock. Kylian groaned, his accent thickening with desire as he slowly pumped his hips, savoring the exquisite sensation of her tight walls gripping him.

Leaning down, he captured her lips passionately as he continued his deliberate pace. His tongue dancing with hers, mimicking the slow, sensual rhythm of their sex. Kylian's free hand roamed her body, caressing her curves and leaving a trail of fire in its wake.

They returned to Paris tomorrow afternoon and shortly after that Kylian was heading back to Madrid to resume his football season.

Uncertainty shrouded them both, but something about tonight felt definitive. He needed to feel her physically and emotionally; he felt the overwhelming urge to consume her.

Giselle let out a cry of pleasure as Kylian hit a particularly deep spot inside of her, invoking an indescribable pleasure combined with a dull ache.

“Baby, you're so deep,” she moaned, her nails digging into his back as she tilted her hips towards his, taking every delicious inch of him.

Kylian's eyes snapped open, a fierce intensity burning within them as he stared down at Giselle. His movements became more purposeful, more deliberate, as he began to pick up the pace. The sound of their bodies slapping together filled the room, punctuated by Giselle's breathy moans and Kylian's guttural grunts.

"Fuck, Giselle," he growled, his accent thickening with each thrust. "You're mine. Tonight, tomorrow. I don't care about the distance or the uncertainty."

His words were punctuated by a particularly deep thrust, causing Giselle to cry out in pleasure. Kylian's hand tightened around her thigh, pulling her leg higher up his waist as he continued to fuck into her.

"Say it," he demanded, his voice low and commanding. "Tell me you're mine."

Giselle's body trembled beneath Kylian's, her walls clamping down around his throbbing shaft as he filled her completely. Tears of joy and overwhelming emotion pricked at the corners of her eyes. "I'm yours, Kylian," she whispered, her voice trembling with sincerity.

Her words seemed to ignite something primal within Kylian. With a fierce growl, he captured her lips in a feverish kiss, his tongue dominating hers as he continued to drive into her with wild determination. The room filled with the sounds of their passionate tryst, a testament to the deep connection they shared.

As their bodies moved in perfect harmony, Kylian felt a familiar tension building in his lower abdomen. He knew he was close, but he refused to find his release without Giselle.

"Cum with me, Gi," Kylian rasped, his voice strained with the effort of holding back his own orgasm. "I want to feel you cum my cock. Give yourself to me."

His words, combined with the relentless rolling of his hips, pushed Giselle over the edge. Her body convulsed beneath him, a strangled cry ripping from her throat as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over her. Her inner core spasmed, gripping Kylian's shaft as she rode out her climax.

Feeling Giselle's release, Kylian finally let himself go. With a final, powerful thrust, he buried himself deep inside her and came with a roar. His hot seed spilled into her, marking her as his in the most primal way possible. Their bodies shuddered and twitched together, lost in the midst of passion.

Kylian collapsed onto her, their bodies entwined as they both tried to catch their breath, the aftershocks of their climax rippling through them. Giselle's heart raced, her skin flushed and tingling from the intensity of their shared experience. She felt alive, both vulnerable and empowered in the wake of their union.

Kylian peppered soft kisses along her collarbone, each one igniting her senses anew. “You are incredible,” he murmured against her skin, his voice laced with a mix of exhaustion and adoration. “I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you here with me.”

Giselle smiled, a blush creeping across her cheeks as she reveled in the moment. “I feel lucky too,” she confessed, still trying to process the whirlwind of emotions that had enveloped her throughout the night.

They lay in a comfortable silence for a moment, wrapped up in each other amidst the disarray of sheets and blankets, both savoring the warmth that radiated between them.

But as the contentment settled in, the reality of their situation crept back into her mind like an unwelcome guest. Tomorrow loomed with its uncertainty, and the thought left an ache in her heart.

“What are we going to do?” Giselle finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper, the weight of her worries threatening to crush the lightness of their earlier moment.

Kylian propped himself up on one elbow, his brow furrowing as he studied her face. “What do you mean?”

Giselle sighed, threading her fingers through her hair as she turned her gaze away from him. “We have to deal with tomorrow. You’ll be in Madrid, and I’ll be back in Los Angeles. What if this... what we have...”

Kylian's expression softened as he reached out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Listen to me, Giselle. This doesn’t change just because the sun rises. It was real, and it mattered.”

[siryouarebeingmocked]

>So, lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to be victims of abuse, this doesn't mean that they're more likely to be abusers. Bisexual women (and sometimes lesbians who don't quite figure out they're gay until later in life) still date men.

Okay, but assuming that men and women are equally as likely to be abusers, then the percentage shouldn't change much. The fact that it goes up when a woman likes other ladies is...suggestive.

I've also seen a study or two which specifically checked for all gender combinations, and lesbian relationships were apparently the most likely to be abusive.

IIRC, gay men were the least.

Anyway, here's a bunch of studies indicating women are as/more aggressive as/than men, in straight relationships. Studies and date go from the 60s to 2012, when the page was last updated.

>This also leaves out other factors, such as the fact that women who identify as bisexual or lesbian are a lot more likely to be left-leaning, so they're more likely to report or recognize abuse.

The left has pretty consistently called abuse "violence against women (by men)" for decades, at every level of society. Society in general, left or right, constantly genders abuse as something men do to women.

I've seen plenty of left-wing people who actively downplayed the idea of female on male abuse, and assumed anyone who talked about men defending themselves from physically abusive woman...was just a man who wanted an excuse to hit women.

There have been high-profile protests by feminists against men and women who tried to talk about female on male abuse.

>Now, I admit the original graphic is a little reductive, though it's mostly addressing the men who use "I'm a man, I can't help it!" and "She was asking for it cause she wore revealing clothes!" as excuses.

Which is widely frowned upon, even by men. Feminists love to claim it's widely accepted, when the exact opposite is true.

I love how you can't even directly say OP is wrong. Plenty of horrible ladies have sexually assaulted and harassed other ladies.

Heck, they don't even have to be gay to do it.

>It's a bit peculiar of you to hit back with an (unsourced) statistic which proves nothing about how often wlw actually commit abuse, and use it to imply wlw are more abusive than men (which is also a pretty harmful stereotype against lesbians, I should add)

It's not a stereotype if it's actually true.

"Just over 67% of lesbians who reported that they were a victim of violence from an intimate partner said that the perpetrator was also female.

“It is also important to recognize that women who are battered by their female partners may be accompanied by their batterers to the women’s bathroom, a women’s changing room, a doctor’s examining room and even a domestic violence shelter. Women have told stories of being asked about domestic violence by emergency room nurses while their violent partners, who were assumed to be a helpful friend or sister, looked on.”

Most women’s refuges and other services for women fleeing domestic abuse are set up with the express aim of keeping out men, who may be the abusing partner of these women. However, similar safeguards are not always in place for women fleeing violence from a female partner, who may find that their abuser can gain easy access to the same services that they are accessing" - Written evidence submitted by the Lesbian & Gay Foundation to the UK Parliament, March 2014

The actual source indicates the situation is actually even worse.

Weird how you have more problem with an actual statistic against Tiktok OP's claim than the original, equally unsourced claim, which is pretty clearly based on prejudice against men and in favor of lesbians/women (IMO).

[celtrist]

The giving up autonomy during the radioapple bad end makes me wonder what would happen if Alastor's curse got broken AFTER a bad end? Like, baby-trapped Alastor or forcefully transitioned Alastor, both having straight up given up, how would they even deal with recovering from that? In the baby-trapped scenario it's not like Lucifer can stop interacting with Alastor because there's a CHILD involved now, but holy shit.

I imagine there's always the sort of optional end to each bad end route that does lead back to the "good end" where the curse is lifted! But while that was always the thought, I didn't fully think about the implications of what Alastor would have to deal with from each bad end!

While there are things that Alastor and everyone would still have to deal with in the normal good end (like Alastor's paranoia), the bad end to the good end is probably soooo much worse for everyone. The only ones I think wouldn't mind what happened would be the Vees (aside from Velvette being like "ew, I was trying to go for his old ass"), Alastor's owner, and on sooome level Niffty and Husk. Niffty is pretty depraved, but in canon she doesn't seem that interested in doing that sort of stuff with Alastor so I can see her not being 100% good with her actions. Husk on the other hand I can see absolutely loving that he was the one that owned Alastor instead of the other way around, and thrilled he became an overlord again. But I don't think he'd love all the physical abuse and forced dressing that clearly had Alastor uncomfortable. Hell, I think he'd be a bit weirded out by Alastor being obedient and calling Husk "sir" with no bite, but then he'd be actually pleased with that in this AU.

I think each bad end does have something pretty bad to linger on after, though some less than others. Like all in all, the best bad ends to go to the good end with would probably be radiobelle or radiodust. While there'd definitely be aftereffects, those two endings honestly don't have anything too egregious happening like Vaggie's or Lucifer's ending (if you'd wanna go the baby-trapping route with that ending).

Vaggie would probably be WAAAYY more avoidant of Alastor post her bad end turned good end. Because I can't imagine her being able to live with the fact of knowing she's fucked over someone's life and their comfortability with their body. Potentially I could see Vaggie self-exiling herself from the Hotel and going missing just because of that. I could also see her trying to help by finding things for Alastor (de-transitioning places, therapy, and so on), but never bringing it to Alastor himself and asking others to instead. I imagine in whoever's bad end he ends up in that turns into a "good end" that Alastor would become waaaayy more paranoid and potentially skittish of that person. So he'd probably always get very quiet and fall into the "Allison" persona Vaggie gave whenever she was around. A persona that I think he'd struggle getting rid of in general because he'd been conditioned and mutilated so badly (both physically and mentally) to fit that persona.

Lucifer, if we go with the baby-trapping idea in his ending, would also be quite difficult. Because it would already be difficult with it just between Alastor and Lucifer (Lucifer's easy answer would be to just fuck off from the hotel and never step foot 100 yards from Alastor), but adding a baby to the mix would muddle things a lot! Lucifer definitely reads as the type to not care by the means of where his baby might come from. If it's his, it's his. And he'd want to have this kid TRY to have some semblance of a good life because they didn't ask to be a part of one of Lucifer's most regrettable moments of his life. I think for both Lucifer and Alastor, it would be hard to look at the kid. Because I mean, they'd be a stark reminder of what Lucifer did to Alastor and that terrible curse Alastor has had to live with for the majority of his afterlife. I'm inclined to say Alastor wouldn't like the kid, but I'm genuinely not entirely sure. My gut feeling would be that he'd absolutely hate them and want nothing to do with them when the bad end turns good. By the same token, I can see Alastor having latched onto the kid. Not as "the one good thing in his life" necessarily as much as he would be able to so much more easily pretend someone wasn't obsessed with him. As a baby, they're just a baby. As a kid, he could brush off the marriage comments as a strange kid thing (like just those kiddish proclamations where a kid will say "I'm gonna marry mom someday" but it's genuinely just from a place of innocence. I think that's more of an anime thing, but it would work in this au). At the very least, Alastor would have heavy mixed feelings about the kid if he doesn't downright hate them.

If they were a baby by the time radioapple's bad end turned into a good end, I could see Lucifer leaving WITH the child and taking care of them on their own. Especially if we do go with the idea that Alastor would want nothing to do with the kid after everything. Lucifer would probably hide their origins from them: Both on the basis of "how do you tell a person that they're a product of something so bad" and so they don't go trying to look for Alastor (potential story angst to be sure). But I think Lucifer would try to give them as normal of a life as possible. He honestly, if able to, might have them live in a completely different ring from Alastor. Maybe give them to Asmodeous and Fizz. And in the case scenario where Alastor wants to be the one to keep the child, Lucifer would back off and leave. It'd hurt not being able to see his own child, but he's not exactly gonna argue with Alastor. And I think Alastor himself would make sure his kid wouldn't go meeting Lucifer. I don't think they'd hide their origins from them when they're old enough to properly process it. It's in the scenario where the kid is already out of baby-or even toddler age there would be some issues. Because then they're put into a bind of completely ruining this one kid's life. I don't think Alastor would honestly tolerate the idea of suffering the same living space as Lucifer and still want him to leave. So even when they're older it'd still pretty much end the same: the kid either stays with Alastor or leaves with Lucifer. Except this time, I don't think Lucifer would give up the kid to Asmodeous and Fizz and instead keep raising them on his own (maybe with Lilith if that would be within reason, but that depends on where canon goes quite honestly). And if the kid is an adult, pretty easy for Lucifer to just leave then. Alastor might disown the kid as well in this instance, but that again depends on if you'd think he'd actively dislike them or does care about them.

[heartz4levi]

AH WAITER MORE DEWEY PLEASE..!! 🫶🏼

vitamins, that d, i'm good i'm healthy !

☆ thinking abt dewey nsfw headcannons . .

☆ dewey (alnst) ,, gn reader . . dom!dewey ,, sub!reader ,, BIIIG dick dewey ,, dewey is nasty.. NASTY i tell u... ,, manhandling ,, semi—public sex ,, dewey is shameless and oh my god i desire him so carnally no way he isn't real ,, my fingers r so cold that they feel like they're nearly paralyzed so i didn't get to write all that much </3.

first off, dewey's dick is big. it's fat and he has to make you cum multiple times on his fingers and his tongue to ensure that you're properly stretched out before lubing you up and preparing you to take him in. even then it's a tight fit..

it'll feel like your hole is being split into bits and pieces at first, but when you finally adjust and he finds a suitable place, you'll be on cloud nine. his cock doesn't leave a single crevice of your insides untouched, tip kissing that particularly sensitive spot of yours so effortlessly that he doesn't even have to search for it.

unlike some, dewey doesn't make love, dewey fucks. everything he does to you is too nasty, too lewd to consider it as him making love to you. if you were to ask, he would try to be more gentle, try and set a slower pace, but all of his self restraint crumbles the second he feels you clenching down on his dick. yeah.. no, he can't hold back.

speaking about the nasty and lewd things dewey does to you, here's a small list of the aforementioned 'things'. only if you're into that sort of stuff and give him permission to do it, though.

spits in your mouth — he'll tell you to open your mouth and, with a shit–eating grin, will let a fat glob of his saliva fall down onto your tongue before instructing you to swallow. if you ask him to spit in your mouth instead of him initiating it, he'll get bricked up on the spot.

puts you in a headlock — he has muscles and he likes to show them off. whenever he has you on all fours, dewey likes to tower over your frame and wrap one meaty arm around your neck, keeping you in place while he fucks you dumb on his cock. the way you look at him when he does that, eyes glazed over and half–lidded.. it's enough to make him cum on the spot, honestly.

manhandles you — again, he has muscles and he likes to show them off. if you ask to ride him, he'll agree, but before you can even begin to move your hips he's already physically bouncing you up and down on his cock. whenever the sensation of his dick abusing your poor insides becomes too much and you try to crawl away, he immediately pulls you back by the hips.

will fuck you in semi–public places — dewey is not afraid to pull you into a secluded spot and take you right then and there. if you're hanging out with him and a few of his friends from the rebellion, dewey will whisk you away in the middle of a conversation without giving any explanations. he'll find a relatively safe hiding spot, press you up against the wall or trap you on the floor and make you see stars.

by the way, he will come back afterwards acting as if nothing happened. dewey will seem and look completely unaffected, meanwhile you look like a disheveled mess — hair ruffled up, legs wobbly, both lips swollen and barely able to form any coherent sentences. if anyone is bold enough to ask, however, dewey will shamelessly admit to what he has done to you.

'what he has done to you' always meaning he wrecked your shit with the help of the big dick everyone knows he is in possession of.

[lifeafterpsychiatry]

(tw for alcohol use, feel free to ignore if it might be a trigger for you)

I think I might have an alcohol problem. I don't drink daily, but usually 2-3 times a week and it's heavy enough to make me stumble a little most of the time. I can never just have one drink. It was once just for fun but now it's also helping me cope with shit going on in my day to day life, and to pop open a few beverages at the end of a long day is something I look forward to immensely, so much so that I find myself drinking more than I originally intended, or I'll have some days with repeated thoughts of just popping open a cold one and getting very drunk. I'm trying to limit my consumption so I don't become an alcoholic, but it's hard when life is cruel and alcohol makes me feel so light and carefree. I don't know what to do, and I'm not asking for advice so much as a listening ear. I have a family history of substance abuse on both sides and I'm kinda scared right now. But when I can drink at the end of the day I feel like for a while everything's good and I love that respite in my life, when I don't have to deal with all the shit people throw at me. I wish I at least had a friend to drink with and socialize, but Im always drinking alone in the middle of the night and hoping to feel floaty and numb. It's hard to deal with. I'm going to hold out hope for the future though and know that life will go on. Trying to remember that I'll get out of this (and the sooner the better so I don't become dependent, if I'll listen to my own conscience) fortunately it hasn't impacted my life (yet) other than just spending a little too much on drinks or drinking one more than I should.

Sorry for the long ramble but thanks for reading if you have <3

I struggle with addiction myself (though not to alcohol) and here's a couple things I've learned along the way:

Even considering that you might be an addict is a really important and hard first step to take. I'm proud of you!

Addiction isn't limited to having a physical dependency which requires daily upkeep. There is also the concept of psychological addiction, which is more about how and why you engage with a certain substance than whether you're physically dependent on it yet. And refusing to face the question of addiction because you don't drink/do drugs daily will only escalate the issue.

It's easy to end up thinking that if you could just learn to drink/do drugs in a less unhealthy way, you can keep drinking/doing drugs. But once you've started using a substance as a coping method, it is very hard and often impossible to successfully go back to only using it recreationally.

Addiction is a coping method in most cases. This means that your challenge isn't just to drink less, it's to figure out why you're drinking and how to face and resolve the underlying issues that alchohol currently helps you cope with. It usally isn't as simple as just not drinking anymore when you aren't drinking for fun.

Addiction isn't a moral failure and it doesn't reflect badly on you as a person. It's a coping method that you have a genetic predisposition towards, not a sign that you're an unusually bad, weak, immoral person. And regardless of whether you're in active addiction, trying to recover or managing sobriety, your value and worth as a person is the same.

[lovelypastelsweets]

I was tagged in this cute trend, and decided to give it a try!

🐦‍⬛{Sylus:}🐦‍⬛

• Both Sylus and I agree that "Power" doesn't come from 'being stronger than someone', but rather being more prepared, using intellect, and being resourceful.

• Both Sylus and I enjoy the company of animals. Both of us like to feed strays and tame them. (I used to carry dog treats on me, until it caused trouble. 😅)

• Both Sylus and I love crows. (They are so cute!)

• Both Sylus and I like to remain organized, and to have our things/living spaces based on an aesthetic.(I like white and pastel pink, though! 😅)

• Both Sylus and I avoid getting closely involved with others, as a physical and phycological safety precaution. (TraumaTM 🤣)

• Both Sylus and I have "Acts of service" and "Physical touch" as a love language.(I don't have a black-card to give.. 🥲)

• Both Sylus and I have an ability to adapt to situations.(It's a survival technique in a toxic and abusive household- 🤣)

• Both Sylus and I believe in letting our affection for someone obvious, without forcing ourselves on said person.(I'm boyfriend-material 😎✨️)

• Both Sylus and I believe that concent is important.

• Both Sylus and I ate sucker's for cute, domestic things. (-Yet, we both are freaks-)

• Both Sylus and I are hyper-independent, yet secretly want to be loved and doted-on.

• Both Sylus and I agree that knowing self-defense is important; Both hand-to-hand combat, and knowing how to use a verity of weaponry.

🍎{Caleb:}🍎

• Both Caleb and I have childhood trauma. (Not much information about his childhood has been disclosed yet, so I won't elaborate)

• Both Caleb and I have obsessive behavior.(I'm not as bad-off as he is though-😅)

• Both Caleb and I preform in such a way in public that we are highly praised, and popular in a hallow way.(People don't really know anything about us, but they like the skim-suface top of our personality)

• Both Caleb and I have "Acts of service", "Protectiveness", and "Physical touch" as a love language.

• Both Caleb and I like to cook for the people we care about.

• Both Caleb and I fear showing ourselves at a vulnerable state.

• Both Caleb and I are in a continuous sate of worry that the people/person were care about will leave us.

• Both Caleb and I have an ability to be 'cold-hearted and murderous' or/and 'sweet, cute, and warm'. And to be able to switch between these personalities within seconds.(We are masters of the "Siren-eyes Vs. Doe-eye trend. 😆)

• Both Caleb and I enjoy a playful and teasing relationship.(My 4ft, 11in/149.86cm self can't call anyone "Pipsqeak" though. 🥲)

• Both Caleb and I are child-like in some ways.

• Both Caleb and I seek a home in the people we care about and feel safe with.(Expect he actually found that person-💀)

so let's play another game

Tell something you have in common with your favorite (s) LI(s) then tag someone else

Me and Zayne are both lightweight. Y'all I can't drink alchohol to save my lips 🤚💀 without ending up tipsy just a glass of wine is enough to make my head spin .

Me and Rafayel are both dramatic but only with people we care about , I like to get on my friends and family's nerve (that how I show my love 😔)

@jinwoosbabyboo @yourlocalcatscammer @erensfeed

[descenderintofantasy]

Some people insist that maleficent wasn't abusive to Mal becuse it was never seen on screen. Though honestly, where were all of you when Mal was physically thrown into a TABLE ON SCREEN?

I'd argue that even if she wasn't physically abusive--though the way Mal flinches around maleficent during ELM begs to differ imo and again the table. She was absolutely most certainly MENTALLY abusive!

[ofswordsandpens]

"the Gabe and Sally dynamic in the show is abusive" and "the way they've portrayed Gabe in the show is distinctly different from his book counterpart and fans can criticize that" are two discussions that can coexist

[crumbleclub]

michael: do i really have trauma, though?

jeremy: dude. your dad is literally a serial killer

michael: yeah, but he didn't serial kill me

[jiangwanyinscatmom]

Jiang Fengmian never favored Wei Wuxian. Wei Wuxian downplays what was done to him out of respect, which was more gracious than she deserved.

She may have loved Jiang Cheng but that that doesn't exempt her abuse of him as well as deriding him (as well as abusing Wei Wuxian physically and verbally for her own issues). Because you love someone doesn't make anything suddenly less in harm.

Jiang Fengmian was the one forced into the marriage. She pressed for it and was bitter the man she forced into marriage never fell for her, when the entire jianghu knew he has lukewarm to her. She's bitter because he remains lukewarm to her, despite him never insulting her, she insults him, calls Wei Wuxian a bastard and insults her own child for not being as talented as a bastard child.

Hello, I hope you are well!

If you don't mind could you enlighten a subject for me? Did Madam Yu train the disciples? I find many fics that have WWX being grateful for the knowledge she installed in him but do we have any evidence of that ever happening? Or did they read/saw that scene where she's making the disciples hold weights in the hot sun and ran with it?

Thank you for any insight you choose to give!

Hihi!

She didn't train anyone because we have a passage telling the audience she isn't in Lotus Pier enough because she goes on solo night hunts alone out of spite for Jiang Fengmian (she does it out of disrespect for him not romantically loving her after she forced herself into the household she married into). Can't exclusively train anyone when she's never even present enough and the time she is on page with Yunmeng disciples no one is thrilled because she doesn't help anyone all she is doing is berating or insulting.