#and i think what's even harder about it for both of them is that they just have no choice--and rather few allies besides each other

[elljayvee]

My only comment here is that I don't think the cat and dog difference is a levels of intelligence issue, but much more of a social orientation issue. Dogs and cats, ancestrally, had different social structures -- cats are colony-dwellers and reasonably social, but dogs are family-dwellers and intensely social -- and one of the things that happened when dogs were domesticated is that their intense social behaviors were reoriented from dogs to humans. Domestic dogs, on average, prefer the company of people to the company of other dogs, and are strongly human-oriented. (Socializing a feral cat is much harder than socializing a feral dog. On the downside of this social focus of dogs, unsocialized-to-humans cats are much less dangerous than unsocialized-to-humans dogs, because unsocialized dogs are both larger and significantly more likely to attack humans than unsocialized cats.)

So. I think this is a social orientation effect:

The cats understand their expectation has been subverted, but they don't really care how. They are likely to understand that you did it, but no matter how much a cat might like you, you're just some guy who sometimes does inexplicable human nonsense and that's whatever, to the cat. Cats like people -- some of them love people a LOT -- but 95% of what humans do is not that interesting to most cats. Even cats who love people aren't that interested in what we get up to: they do their thing, we do our thing, it's all fine as long as no one is biting anyone's tail.

The dogs understand you did it, and dogs intensely care about things humans do. Inexplicable human nonsense is a dog's special interest. You have just mentioned their special interest right in front of them. Oh you just did it again. Oh my god you looked!!! at!!!! the dog!!!!!! that's basically the same as agreeing to listen to them monologue about how fascinating human behavior is for the next hour. Oh you did a thing that interacted with the dog this is the best thing!!!! that ever!!!!! happened!!!!!

as a connoisseur of videos of people showing animals magic tricks, I think they show some fascinating stuff about how different animals think and what different levels of animal intelligence look like.

Reptiles, fish, small rodents (i.e. not rats) etc are indifferent. They lack an internal model of the world sophisticated enough to have expectations about the behavior of the things around them.

Cats are startled. They understand that their expectation has been subverted.

Dogs are excited. They understand that their expectation has been subverted by you, and so this is not alarming and must be some kind of game!

Apes are amused. They understand that their expectation has been subverted, by you, in a deliberate demonstration which was intended to entertain them. Apes understand that there has been a trick.

I just think that's neat.

[soleilapproves]

Boxer!Sukuna often thinks about what his future would’ve looked like if he didn’t pick his career over you. (inspired by Sienna by The Marías) afab!reader

The idea of what could’ve been keeps burning in his mind. It’s been burning for years, ever since that day he left you behind with your eyes brimming with tears and heart torn in two.

But he had to move forward. He fell in love with the sport before he fell in love with you.

It was all too late to go back and contemplate over the decision again. Uraume had already popped the good champagne and his friends were busy dancing and boisterously laughing inside his penthouse, celebrating the biggest win of his career. All while the champion was standing in the empty balcony, gazing at the glittering streets as the sun set.

His rise to fame was a treacherous yet rewarding journey. He was proud but he was also empty. Maybe if he had just stuck around and suffered a little longer with you then you would’ve been standing next to him today, clinking your flute with his, and laughing at his romantic and flirtatious remarks. He probably could’ve kissed you right after winning the fight and flaunted your ring to the world to announce his retirement after his final win.

Maybe you both would even have a little one being carried around in his brother’s arms for the night. A child too spoilt and adorable for their own good. Maybe they’d have your eyes. Or his—he doesn’t really care. Simply knowing that the child was a product of the love you both shared was enough to fill him with the happiness of multiple lifetimes.

Much to his chagrin, there was no veracity to his dream.

On the other side of the world, you stared at the rising sun as you thought about the past and the upcoming years of your life. How different they were. You came so far. Made so many developments.

Yet your heart still quickens when you remember your first great love, Sukuna Ryomen.

Like most love stories, it was a whirlwind of a romance. A passion felt like no other. It consumed you till you blindly believed that you were a part of his existence. His existence revolved around making you happy. He even said so, often kissing you like you were going to fade away.

But all good things must end.

You thought your life was going to stop when he bid his final goodbye. You slowly learned to get back up on your feet again, picking up the pieces that he broke.

Your heart was bandaged, and a little guarded, but you still welcomed love for you were full of it and had so much to give. A pattern you were willing to repeat.

The diamond on your finger sparkles when the sunlight hits it, bringing your gaze down to where your hand was resting on the window pane.

You often felt guilty when your fiancé talked about children with an enthusiastic hilt in his voice. While he’d revel on about how he’ll spoil the child, you were busy concealing your true thoughts.

Thoughts that made you feel horribly guilty.

What would’ve happened if you had just fought for Sukuna’s love a little harder, latched on to his legs as your scabby knees dragged across the ground as he walked away?

Maybe you’d already have a child in your arms. Your heart often swells whenever you ponder over an imaginary child with Sukuna’s temper. Tiny lips forming a pout with the most expressive eyes ever.

Lately that child has been living in your mind more often than not, making you long for them with their haunting laugh and toothless smiles.

But you know you’ll never see them. Or him for that matter. You’ve put that part of reality away in a box and shoved it deep in the back of your mind so you’ll never forget it.

And so you can be fair to your fiancé who loves you more than you know.

The only thing that gives you solace is the possible existence of alternate universes—different microcosms of the life you could’ve shared with Sukuna Ryomen had he not given you up like you were a fickle thought.

—

I know I said I wanted to get out of the boxer!sukuna bubble but I was having major writer’s block with my sentient game character ghost fic and this drabble just pulled me out of it 👍

[aetherstorms]

"Hm." Themis sat back, and after a moment, he smiled slightly. "Yes, I remember them somewhat. My father was a rather serious man from a city that had once upon an age been at war with Amaurot, which brought unique insights considered valued by the Convocation and me thereafter. My mother...." He trailed off and frowned before he smiled again more ruefully. "She was an adventurous spirit who had a strong moral code and sense of justice, believing that the ends justified the means, even if it was a painful choice. I learned much from them both, though I could not accurately judge how much I've taken after either."

He arched a brow then. "Different from the rest...." The other two unsundered, he assumed. If so, then he would have to agree that he had certainly been quite different from his colleagues, who had both lost their minds in their own ways, while he....had lost his very self. He shook his head slightly to discourage himself from thinking about that any harder. "I see. A factual enough statement. I will be sure to ask him if I feel I need clarification."

He smiled and inclined his head at the mention of their first face to face encounter. "I remember you threatened me, though I was an Emissary. Though of course we both know that was merely sophistry. Though true on the surface, I had long ago betrayed the truth of that title." Perhaps he should have felt ashamed of that, but it was hard to dredge up any emotion for something he had done only in the most technical sense. Hydaelyn could hold Herself no higher given her own sins, so why should he feel bad for his own actions in defiance? A matter he would likely ponder until he once more returned to the Aetherial Sea.

He liked how she leaned into him when he stroked her arm, and so he did it again, tracing lightly over her skin. "I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us all. For the first time in a very very long time, the mystery of it entices rather than anticipates."

Themis blinked, then huffed a soft laugh and let his head drop back. “Ahh, I see the problem.” He murmured. “I seem to have done the opposite….you are nothing like either of my parents. That seems like quite the combination of personalities for a marriage, though perhaps it’s a hopeful note in this case for Amon and I getting along well enough not to have too much discourse.”

He lifted his head again and smiled crookedly. “Ah, well I suppose I know about some of that. Emet-Selch was ever keeping an eye out for the soul with your particular hue, and before he took a several year nap when he allowed his mortal vessel to die, he alerted us to you. Still….watching was all we did, since the Echo sometimes skipped a lifetime or two and I….” He trailed off and for a moment his expression blanked out before he blinked and shook his head slightly. “Ah….despite not having many memories, I had insisted that you be left alone unless Hydaelyn called upon you.”

He inclined his head then with a wry smile as she explained the problem of her parents. “Ah yes, I do suppose those do add certain complications.” He murmured, seeming a bit amused by it before he smiled more and lifted a hand to trail lightly along her arm with a couple of fingers. “It isn’t how we start, but where we end up. You didn’t intend to become a hero, let alone one to this degree, but that is where your destiny led….and the lives you have touched will not forget you as long as they live, and perhaps even beyond.”

[straylightdream]

red wine supernova

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: kwon soonyoung x afb.reader

𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: coming soon

𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞(𝐬): friends to lovers, childhood friend to lovers, romance, fluff, smut

𝐚𝐮(𝐬): nonidol, slice of life

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 3k and counting

𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: cussing, drinking, body insecurities

𝐬𝐦𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: unprotected sex, cumplay, creampie, multiple positions, almost getting caught, nipple play, oral (both rec), p in v intercourse, soonyoung is obsessed with the mc boobs, dirty talk, teasing each other during sex, mentioning road head

nicknames: bambi, good girl, baby (hers) tiger boy, baby (his)

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 18+ nsfw

𝐚𝐧: if you would like to be tagged fill out this form.

🎧: red wine supernova - chappell roan | like that - keshi | supercut - lorde | me and your together song - the 1975

-PREVIEW-

Soonyoung has been there for you through every step of life. You went to college together, and after graduating you both moved to the city. He was there for the good times and he was there for the bad moments. He was the person you called when you were happy or excited. He was also the one you called when you found out your ex was cheating on you.

No matter how hard you tried you couldn’t help but have a little crush on your goofy best friend. Even when you dated other people there was a little part of you hanging on to the idea of being with him.

It’s the night of your parent’s anniversary party. You and Soonyoung drove home together. You planned on spending the weekend in town. When your mother was telling you about her anniversary party you didn’t expect for them to squeeze over twenty people into the house.

Sitting on the back patio away from the crowd you’re sipping on your glass of red wine.

The back door slides open and Soonyoung appears holding a bottle of wine. He gives you his signature goofy smile.

“Did you steal that?” You tease.

“Absolutely not. I just took it from the cupboard.”

“Does my mom or dad know?”

“It’s hard to say.” Pulling the cork out of the bottle he pours the maroon colored liquid into the glass he brought with him. He sits down at the table next to you.

“No offense to your parents, but this party is exhausting.”

Raising your eyebrows you take a drink of your wine. “What makes you say that? Could it be the constant questions about your career? Or possibly the questions about your dating life?” You know all too well about these types of questions.

“The questions are about my job and a lot of them are about you.”

“What about me?”

He pauses and stares at you for a long moment. “You see people are wanting to know if we're, as our mothers says, finally together.”

“And what did you tell them?”

“I told them I’m still trying to convince you to fall in love with me.” You know he’s teasing you, but deep down inside you wish he wasn’t.

“You have to try a little harder to make me fall in love. Kwon Soonyoung I need to be wooed before I just fall in love.” Tilting your glass back you chug the remaining amount. Without even saying anything Soonyoung fills your glass with the wine he’d stolen.

“You know for once they have left us alone.” He says as he sets the bottle back down on the table.

“I don’t think anyone has ever wanted us together more than our mothers.” Your mother never misses an opportunity to tell you what a perfect match for you Soonyoung is.

“You know if they walked in on us in bed they might cry tears of joy.” He laughs.

“That’s gross.” You instantly frown, rolling your eyes.

“Which part?”

“What?”

“Which part, the idea of being with me or being walked in on by our mothers?”

You take a sip of your wine keeping your eyes locked in him. “The idea of being in bed with you doesn’t sound bad.”

[gulliblelemon]

Young Royals Fic Recommendations 5

Find previous lists here: 1, 2, 3, 4

I also have my own fic list here.

running with wolves by intothelight @enjoythesilentworld 28k words. WIP. Rating E. Wilhelm and Simon are on two sides of a war on drugs and corruption and greed. And yet, they just can’t seem to stay away from each other. (Honourable mention to call ur crush! by the same author).

Met You At The Right Time by itsme_hi_imtheproblem @iwouldnevergetintofanfic 45k words. Complete. Rating M. When their kids get into a fight at school, single dads Simon and Wille are brought together at a meeting with the teacher. As the experienced professional that she is, she suggests a joint craft activity to repair the damage that was caused. Both Wille and Simon expect sticky paste fingers and potential meltdowns but surprisingly enough discover that they have more in common than they thought. Their friendship starts out easy, yet the growing attraction between them threatens to make things a whole lot more complicated. (Honourable mention to Crossing Lines by the same author).

Sabotage by @dreamyelectronicmusic 419 words. Complete. Rating G. A moment on a balcony at a party where Simon's boyfriend confronts Wilhelm. “I see the way you look at him,” a voice startles Wille out of his reverie, “when you think he can’t see you.”

land between our bodies by phnelt @phneltwrites 76k words. WIP. Rating E. Simon holds up his phone on his notes app. He’s been brainstorming. It reads: Hi, Wilhelm. Sorry to message you but I’m having a situation at school with some bullies that I could use your help with. I get if you don’t want to. Thanks. An exes fake dating fic. (Honourable mentions to joy that lights the fire and this life’s for you go outside by the same author).

come closer and see into the dark by @bigalockwood 43k words. WIP. Rating M. A ghost pandemic has descended over Europe, the dead back from their restless sleep to haunt the living. When a case goes horribly wrong, Wilhelm’s agency is thrust into a fight against an unknown opponent – and suddenly, staying alive seems harder than ever. If only Simon cared a little less whether stupid Wilhelm lived or died.

your breath lives in mine, even if it’s been a while by allforyoumylove 45k words. Complete. Rating E. Wilhelm isn’t sure exactly when he fell in love with his best friend. All he knows is that it’s taken root deep inside him, that he loves Simon always and unwaveringly, even when he hates everything else. But the timing is cruel. He’s found what he wants, only for it to slip away before he gets the chance to hold on.

If only you dared to watch by @larrylover3000 24k words. Complete. Rated M. A school camp takes them to the woods, leaving Wilhelm face to face with his sexual awakening - and it’s not pretty.

Never Not You by @pagegirlintraining 81k words. Complete. Rating E. It's been twelve years since Wille publicly denied being in a viral sex tape with Simon, and they've been great friends for years. While Simon's in a committed, long-term relationship and his dreams of becoming a successful musician finally seem to be within reach, Wille's still struggling with his fate of being the Crown Prince, and everything that means for his love life. When nothing goes as planned for Simon, though, and friendly comfort turns into more, how will they cope with the consequences? And what if Wille's been keeping a secret from Simon all these years that might very well destroy whatever it is they have? (Honourable mention to Missing you missing me by the same author).

Now we’re falling like snow by @skibasyndrome 7.8k words. Complete. Rating E. The first heavy snow of the season - what a great opportunity for a slow morning and keeping each other warm.

Fools in a Fable by @unfortunate17 39k words. Complete. Rating E. Simon, a journalist at a left-wing magazine, eagerly accepts the chance of a lifetime to write a scathingly honest piece about the newly crowned King Wilhelm, who has a history shrouded in parties, drugs, and gay allegations. His plans, however, go to shit when he realizes that Wilhelm is nothing like he expected.

Can I be close to you? by @vvachillessongvv 1.4k words. Complete. Rating G. Sitting on the sofa they've sat on together a thousand times before, Wille realizes he's in love with his best friend. (Honourable mention to lovers & friends by the same author).

futile devices by @jordensgolde 73k words. WIP. Rating E. Wilhelm is caught in a consuming infatuation with someone who can never truly be his. Struggling to reconcile his feelings, he tries to ignore the longing, but it lingers, a constant ache beneath the surface. Meanwhile, Simon is overwhelmed by the burdens of his work and the unresolved ghosts of his past, leaving little room for anything else. As he navigates his tangled emotions, love seems like the last thing on his mind — until, perhaps, it isn’t.

Falling in Love is a Full-Time Job by signedmeraki @invisiblewille 4.3k words. Complete. Rating T. Wille and Simon are colleagues and roommates and it feels like there's always been... something between them.

The honeymoon suite by @stretchoutfics 14k words. Complete. Rating E. Wille is stuck up in the far north doing his military service, Simon in Stockholm studying. They've come to an arrangement about how they're going to handle their relationship while they can't be together: they're no longer exclusive. After three months apart, Wille has a weekend's leave and they can finally see each other again. They have a lot to talk about. Amongst other things.

[everwhovian]

what remains. | Hwang brothers

(warnings: kidney failure, kidney donation, sickness, hospital stay)

Part 1 | next part | masterlist

Part 9: The kidney disease

Kidney disease.

The words hit like a punch to the chest, knocking the air from his lungs. In-ho had known something was wrong, he’d seen the signs for weeks, but he had tried to convince himself it wasn’t serious. That maybe Jun-ho was just stressed, pushing himself too hard, just a stubborn teenager who didn’t know when to slow down.

But it wasn’t that.

His baby brother, his bright, stubborn, full-of-life baby brother, was sick. And this wasn’t something that could be fixed with rest or a proper meal.

The doctor’s voice became background noise, explaining test results, treatment options, dialysis. But all In-ho could hear was the dull roaring in his ears, all he could see was Jun-ho, sitting there, silent, pale, and far too still.

“We’ll need to find a donor match,” the doctor said, his voice calm, clinical. “A biological relative is the best chance.”

They tested his stepmother first. She wasn’t a match.

The results came in quicker than expected, but that didn’t make them any easier to hear. His stepmother's face fell as the doctor spoke, her fingers curling tightly around Jun-ho’s hand, guilt etched in every line of her face.

“I’m sorry, sweetheart,” she murmured, her voice thick.

Jun-ho, exhausted but ever steady, gave her a tired smile. “It’s okay, Eomma.”

It wasn’t.

And when they asked about his father, In-ho didn’t even waste a second thinking about it. He wasn’t calling him.

Not because of pride. Not because of anger.

Because he already knew what would happen.

“No,” he said flatly. “Not an option.”

The doctor furrowed his brows, pen clicking. “I understand there may be personal reasons, but –”

“I said no.”

He already knew how that would go.

His father hadn’t even picked up the phone the last time Jun-ho had been in the hospital. A broken arm at six years old, sitting in a hospital bed, his small voice asking, “Does Appa know?”

“Yeah,” In-ho had lied. “He knows.”

“Is he coming?”

A pause. Then a forced nod. “Of course.”

But their father never came.

Now? Now that Jun-ho’s life depended on it? The bastard would be harder to reach than ever. No, he wasn’t doing this.

His father had made his choice years ago. He had chosen absence. He had chosen silence. He had chosen to be a stranger to his own son. To both of them.

So this was on him.

He turned to the doctor, voice steady despite the storm raging inside him.

“Test me.” No hesitation. His voice was sharp, unwavering.

And that was it.

The wait for the results was agonizing. He could do nothing but watch – watch Jun-ho’s tired eyes flicker closed, watch his wife hold his hand, rubbing slow circles into his skin, watch his stepmother trying so hard to be strong even as her hands trembled in her lap.

“It’ll be okay,” Yuna murmured softly to his stepmother, her own voice tight with emotion. “He’s not alone.”

And he wasn’t. He never would be.

When the results finally came, the doctor’s voice was careful, controlled. “You’re a perfect match, Detective Hwang.”

Relief hit hard, stealing his breath for a second. But before he could fully process it, the doctor kept talking.

“You have options. You may want to take time to consider –”

What?

A slow, cold anger built inside him as the doctor kept explaining. The options. As if he hadn’t already made his decision. As if he needed to think about it. As if there was a universe where he would choose himself over Jun-ho.

What part of ‘test me’ made the doctor think he needed to hear this? As if he hadn’t already made up his mind? As if there was a world where he would walk away?

And yes, some rational part of him knew that this was protocol. That the doctor was doing his job, outlining risks, making sure he understood what this meant.

But he already knew.

“No,” he cut in, his tone sharp. “You don’t need to explain anything to me. I don’t need time. My brother needs me, so tell me what I have to do, and I’ll do it.”

The doctor hesitated. Then nodded. “We’ll start preparations right away.”

Yuna exhaled, pressing a kiss to his shoulder. His stepmother wiped her eyes. And Jun-ho, still hazy with exhaustion, only mumbled a quiet, “Hyung…”

Just like that, the anger faded. Because this wasn’t a choice. It never had been.

The days blurred together after that.

Jun-ho was put on dialysis while the final tests were run. He stayed in the hospital, hooked up to machines, exhaustion weighing him down.

In-ho called in all the favors he had collected over the years, switching shifts with coworkers, taking all the time off work he could… In-ho wasn’t going anywhere.

But then he noticed the tension in his stepmother’s face as she skimmed through the medical bills, saw the way her shoulders stiffened as she reached for the pen.

Money was tight.

Before she could sign anything, before she could take on debt she would struggle under, In-ho placed his hand over hers.

She looked at him, startled.

“No,” he said quietly. “I’ll take care of it.”

“In-ho –”

“I’m the oldest son. I’ve been there for Jun-ho his whole life. For… the both of you. I’m not stopping now.”

She searched his face, maybe looking for hesitation. But there was nothing to find.

“You don’t have to do this alone,” she whispered.

“I know,” he admitted. “But I’m still going to.”

In-ho had always been careful not to rely too much on his stepmother, but in that moment, watching her try to shoulder something she didn’t have to, he understood something.

He loved her. More than he had ever loved his own mother.

He took the pen from her hand and signed his own name. Any debt would be his.

She exhaled, watching as he pushed the papers away. Then, to his surprise, she reached for his hand.

“Thank you, son.”

The words hit deep, deeper than he was ready for. But he didn’t pull away. Instead, he squeezed her hand, just once, before letting go.

Yuna pulled him aside later, her voice low. “You shouldn’t have to take this all on yourself.”

“I can handle it.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I do.”

She sighed, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

He smirked slightly, tension easing. “You married me.”

“Yeah, well.” She gave him a tired smile. “I guess I’m just as impossible.”

Later that night, after the tests, the paperwork, the endless conversations with doctors, In-ho returned to Jun-ho’s room. His little brother was half-asleep but still awake enough to groggily blink at him. Before stepping inside, he hesitated. Just for a moment.

Just like he had all those years ago. The night he first met Jun-ho, just a fragile thing wrapped in blankets. He had hesitated then, standing at the edge of something that felt too big for him, something he hadn’t been sure he was ready for.

Now, years later, standing outside Jun-ho’s hospital room, he felt that same hesitation. The same weight pressing down on him, the same moment of quiet before stepping into something irreversible.

But just like before, he didn’t turn away.

Before he moved, though, Yuna was there. She had been there through it all – standing by his side, holding his hand, carrying his burdens even when he tried to shoulder them alone. And now, she looked just as exhausted as he felt, rubbing at her tired eyes, her body sagging with the weight of the day.

Without a word, he pulled her into a hug.

Yuna let out a soft breath of surprise, but then she wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her forehead against his chest, holding him just as tightly as he held her.

For a moment, he let himself breathe.

“I’ve got him,” he murmured into her hair.

“I know,” she whispered. “But who’s got you?”

His lips pressed against the top of her head. “You do.”

She let out a quiet huff, squeezing him tighter. “Damn right I do.”

They stood there for a moment, just holding on. No words, no movement, just the quiet reassurance that neither of them were alone in this.

Then, finally, he let go. He cupped her cheek briefly, his thumb brushing against her skin, then turned back to the door.

Stepping inside, he didn’t hesitate this time.

Jun-ho blinked up at him, groggy but still awake. “Hyung…” His voice was hoarse, weak, but familiar in a way that made something in In-ho’s chest tighten.

“Yeah?”

Jun-ho licked his dry lips, watching him carefully. “You’re really giving me your kidney?”

A smirk tugged at the corner of In-ho’s lips. “No, I thought I’d let you keep waiting on dialysis just for fun.”

Jun-ho rolled his eyes, the smallest, sleepiest huff escaping him. “Hyung.”

“I am giving you my kidney,” In-ho said, quieter now.

Jun-ho’s gaze softened. “Really?”

“Really.”

A quiet hum, his eyelids slipping closed. “That’s kinda gross.”

A chuckle rumbled through In-ho’s chest. “Then give it back when you’re done with it.”

Jun-ho’s hand weakly swatted at him, missing by a mile. “Mmm. No thanks.”

“Thought so.”

For a moment, he just sat there, watching his little brother drift off. The decision had been made.

Just like that first night in the darkened room, when he reached into the crib and never let go.

Jun-ho was his. And he always would be.

❛ ━━━━━━･❪ ○△□ ❫ ･━━━━━━ ❜

Part 1 | next part | masterlist

[reccyls]

The Robin Who Grazed the Reaper’s Secret Eagerly Awaits His Words (Part 2)

My translation of Victor's 2025 birthday story

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Epilogue (Victor's POV)

---

In the sitting room of an orphanage, we sat opposite of the young man who was in charge of the facility.

Victor: If you have any difficulties, feel free to share them with us.

According to William’s mission report, the previous orphanage director and his associates had been dealt with.

(The former director had abused the children here, and even taken part in human trafficking.)

Orphanage Director: I know I’ve only just become the director recently. Orphanage Director: But there are still some children who are wary of me…

The troubled director had no clue about what his predecessor had done.

(William’s fake mission was to verify whether or not the new director had any connection to the previous one.)

But Victor had already determined the man’s innocence.

Victor: If it’s all right, could we meet with the children?

…

The director showed us to the orphanage’s garden, where I could hear excited voices chattering.

Kate: They look like they’re doing well.

Victor: The most important thing for children is that they’re happy.

Victor’s profile as he watched over the children was overflowing with affection.

Victor: When these children grow up, they will be the foundation that supports this country. Victor: Just like you.

His hand was still holding mine. Aside from his warmth, there was something else that made my heart race. And right then, a boy pointed at us.

Energetic Boy: Those grownups are being lovey-dovey!

Kate: L-Lovey dovey!?

At the boy’s shout, the other children began ooh-ing and aah-ing as they gathered around. However…

(Ah.)

At the periphery of my vision, I could see a girl with a guarded look in her eyes. Victor noticed her too, and he smiled.

Victor: Everyone, look closely! On the count of three, flowers are going to fly out of our hands!

Raising our joined hands high in the air, Victor encouraged the children to count along.

Victor: Three! Two! One! Abracadabra!

Children: Wow!!

I was as surprised as the children were when flowers began raining from our hands.

Victor: Oh? I think today’s a good day for me. Victor: That’s not all I’ve got!

Flowers sprouted from Victor’s sleeves, and doves flew out of his coat.

(That girl looks a little more relaxed now.)

I looked over the girl, who was now looking directly our way.

Victor: Kate.

I realized that Victor had slipped something into my hand, and then I slowly approached the girl. When I reached the nervous girl, I crouched down and opened my hand.

Wary Girl: Wow…

A flower unfurled in my palm.

Kate: That mister over there is really good at magic tricks. Kate: Do you want to watch some more with me?

It took some time, but the girl eventually nodded and put her hand in mine. Making sure she was okay, I stood up.

Kate: Let’s go!

…

In no time at all, we’d gotten close to the children and played with them in the garden. However…

(I’m… at my limit… Victor’s amazing…)

He was the exact opposite of my exhausted self, still overflowing with energy as he played with the children. Even the children who were initially wary were now happily running about hand-in-hand with Victor.

(The mission may have been fake, but I’m glad we came here today.)

Even if Crown punishes the wicked, the wounds of those affected by their evil don’t disappear. But life goes on.

(So that no one will ever hurt anyone like these children have been hurt…)

Kate: I need to work harder.

Victor: I think you already work hard enough.

Kate: Victor! I thought you were still playing with the kids?

I didn’t notice when Victor had sat down beside me. He gave me a self-pitying smile.

Victor: I’d forgotten that children have infinite energy.

He let out an enormous sigh, and as I laughed, I placed my hand over his.

Kate: You shouldn’t work too hard either, all right?

Victor: Hm?

Kate: Both Crown and I care about you a lot. We don’t want you to push yourself too much. Kate: When you find yourself overwhelmed, it’s fine to reach out to someone else for help.

Victor normally works so hard that we’ve had to resort to creating a fake mission to get him to take a break.

(It really does worry me…)

Victor: You’re the same as ever.

A gentle, yet somehow melancholy, smile found its way onto Victor’s face as he brushed my cheek. When I realized he was touching me, I felt my face heat up. But then–

Kate: Oh!

I suddenly remembered something important, and stood up abruptly.

Victor: Kate? What’s the ma-

Kate: I- I, um. I have to, uhh, wash my hands!

Throwing out the first excuse to cross my mind, I raced away, ignoring Victor’s calls behind me.

…

(William helped make the reservation, but I’m still amazed at how well it turned out. I’m glad.)

Carefully packed in the box I was holding to my chest was Victor’s birthday cake. The important errand I had to run was to pick up the cake William and I had ordered.

(Victor must be pretty worried right now after I ran off…)

The cake shop was only a few minutes away from the orphanage. However, the sun was now beginning to set, so I quickened my pace.

Kate: I hope Victor likes it.

Absorbed by my thoughts, I didn’t notice the hand reaching out to me from behind.

Kate: Wha-

The moment I realized that something was being pressed against my mouth, I felt myself growing weak. The box slipped from my grasp.

Kate: Vic… tor…

The world went dark.

[kyouka-supremacy]

shin soukoku sleepy headcanons? 👀

Hi thank youuuuuuu ♡♡♡♡♡♡ I'm taking this literally and delivering sskk sleeping habits headcanons:

Okay okay about their sleeping schedules, those are mostly supported by the second guidebook. I agree Atsushi wakes up at dawn because that's what he was used to at the orphanage, and the habit stuck with him.

I also agree that, at least as far as canon goes, Akutagawa sleeps awfully little (around two or three hours per night), if at all; so he's BOTH the night owl and the early bird. I gotta add that at least once every week he'll just pass out for several hours because a routine like that is physically impossible to sustain. It's the trauma + hypervigilance + just the feeling that he hasn't done enough and that he needs to do more. All hail the self-destructive habits king!!

That's the reason why, in the first period after they got together, Atsushi had to take on the habit of just. forcing Akutagawa to go to sleep. Use a blanket to capture him like he was a wild beast if you wish. Akutagawa retaliated using Rashomon so that ended up backfiring, but the point stands that they had to have actual physical fights just for Atsushi to overpower Akutagawa long enough to force him to bed. “You know, you wouldn't have been so easy to knock out if you had been well rested, so get. some. sleep.”

That leads to Atsushi being the big spoon, half solely because that way he can keep Akutagawa from running away. It gradually gets better though, eventually Akutagawa learns to just deal with it.

That said, I would really like Akutagawa to answer to his real nature of someone who wakes up very late... Even though as of canon right now this feels too much of wishful thinking... But maybe in the future one day......... (╥﹏╥)

Both of them are ridiculously light sleepers. That's what trauma and years of compulsory hypervigilance does to you. There's no way of moving near them without immediately waking them up.

Atsushi is the one who reads in bed!!!! I'm once again pushing my Atsushi likes to read / Akutagawa doesn't agenda.

Both big on separation anxiety– I'm a firm believer that Atsushi wouldn't have separation anxiety for Akutagawa if only he didn't experience watching Akutagawa die in front of him. Now, at least for the first few months after the doa events, he gets very apprehensive when he's not around Akutagawa + is scared of sleeping without him in case something happens while he's away + would panic if he was to wake up without him by his side. It gets better with time, but I think it will stick within Atsushi the fear of losing Akutagawa, a fear that he wouldn't have had if not for the events of the fight against Fukuchi.

Akutagawa has abandonment issues in general because of the day Dazai left the Port Mafia. I'm really attached to the headcanon that because Atsushi leaves earlier for work, he does his very best to make it so that when Akutagawa wakes up it will be the least upsetting for him, sending him texts, leaving post-its and notes around, preparing him breakfast / lunch to find, making his passage as evident as he can, so that he can reassure Akutagawa as much as possible that he'll be back. I think Atsushi would be the kind to have that sort of sensibility.

Both of them have frequent nightmares! Hurray! (Unrelated related note, but if we count in Beast, we've seen akuatsu both having nightmares in canon material). Atsushi dreams of the orphanage, of the ada insulting and rejecting him like the orphanage director used to do, of Akutagawa dying in front of his eyes. Akutagawa dreams of the night his family was killed, of Gin being hurt or taken away from him, of Dazai.

Akutagawa is the silent type who's gotten used to nightmares over a very long time, so it's harder for Atsushi to notice when it happens; but when Atsushi does notice, he takes great care of verbally reassuring Akutagawa until he's calmed down, because he's a good person.

Atsushi's nightmares are a little more sporadic but very intense, and he'll wake up having full-blown panic attacks. Akutagawa isn't good, at all, at comforting others (please please peoples stop making Akutagawa speak like he's just swallowed a psychology book), but he does what he can to make Atsushi aware that he's by his side, and oftentimes that's everything that Atsushi needs. I really want to stretch that even though Akutagawa doesn't do much that would comfort a normal person, he always ends up being of great moral support for Atsushi, even with his presence alone– and that's canon. What wouldn't work for normal people works for them, because they're Just Like That.

Cliché trope I know but one I'll never get tired of, Atsushi calming down by laying his head on Akutagawa's chest and listening to his heartbeat. Akutagawa's heartbeat sounding especially strong and real to Atsushi due to his tiger sense of hearing, and grounding him. It's important for Atsushi because it reminds him that Akutagawa is a live, and that he's not alone. I really want to stretch the second point: Atsushi fears being left alone greatly, and it's always - and perhaps only - Akutagawa's presence that can reassure Atsushi that he isn't.

[tonysbed]

Secrets I keep | Part 17

Max Fewtrell x Norris!reader

summary: You and Max have been dancing around your feelings for years but jealousy gets the best of us all..

series masterlist | previous | next

-

“You should’ve told her” Oscar’s glare is piercing through Max. Max kept his eyes on the table in front of them. Oscar swirls his glass around, making a little tornado with his drink.

Max pressed his lips together “For what have you guys gone through all that? For you to throw it into the trash? Real mature.” Oscar scoffed, and in a long time, Max heard the venom dripping from the australians voice.

Oscar could be chaotic and scandalous but also sweet. And Max had been used to the more sweet side, which makes hearing all this from him even harder.

“If you wanted reassurence, you should’ve gone to someone else” Oscar said after max still hasn’t said anything.

The doorbell rings and Oscar gets up to open the door. Max hears a frantic voice and footsteps “I’m an absolute idiot, Oscar!” Lando steps into his view, but not noticing him.

Oscar puts his hands on his hips, raising an eyebrow at his teammate “Really? I haven’t noticed” “Yn was right, fuck. I should’ve listened to her” “About?” “Daniel”

The room falls silent and Oscar’s eyes flicker to Max, making Lando turn around. Max sits there, arms crossed.

“Max..” He clenched his jaw and looks at Lando. “Not that that matters anymore. He’s as idiotic as you” Oscar scoffs and Lando tilts his head “What?Why?”

“He broke up with her. Because of some..I don’t even know what the hell you were thinking?!” Oscar’s voice gets a bit louder “Do you guys even know how much she loves you?”

“She tried to push her feelings down to not stab you in the back. What do you do? Stab her in the back. She does everything for you to feel comfortable and loved? You leave her. How can you two be so-“

Oscar sighs as Lily lays a hand on his shoulder, having heard the commotion from her desk “Shit, I forgot you were studying. I’m so sorry” He turns to her “It’s okay. I needed a break either way” She smiles “But I must say, seems as if you’re everyone’s.. solution place” She chuckled.

“Have we finally realised that Daniel is not who he seems to be?” She asked lando, who nods embarrassed. Lily sighs and looks at her phone.

She looks at Max “Go home. Talk to her. Lay all your cards open. Don’t use that as an excuse. Make a proper apology. Let her decide. I know she will understand, and probably take you back. And she’ll kill me that I’m telling you all this, but fix it. You guys got something special.”

Lily’s tone is gently, yet serious. “She’ll forgive you both, probably. Because she loves you.”

-

Max’s nerves had been through the roof as Oscar stood with him at your door. A few moments later, the door swung open, Alexandra eyeing the men.

“What do you want?” Her tone was cold and sharp, eyes piercing through Max. He looks at Oscar, who crossed his arms and looks at him pointed.

“I wanted to talk to yn..” Max says quietly “If she’s okay with that” Alexandra crosses her arms as well, eyeing him up and down but sighs.

“Wait here.” She closed the door, and they hear footsteps and voices.

-

“Who’s there?” You ask, as you take a bite of your cake “Uh..Oscar..” You raise an eyebrow “And Fewtrell” You turn to her fully now “What?”

“He wants to talk to you” You look at Kelly, who shrugs “Why?” “With the look on his face? To make things, hopefully, right” Alex says.

You sigh and get up to walk to the door.

-

The door opens once again, Max eyes lightning up slightly as he saw you. He looked as miserable as you. “So? What do you want?”

“Can I talk to you..please?” You look at Oscar “Ignore me. I’m just making sure that he’s actually here on lily’s behalf.” He raised his hands.

You look back to Max “Fine.” Oscar waves “So my job is done. For now…Don’t do anymore stupid shit. Lily will rip your head off personally next time” He points at max, who nods.

You gently close the door behind you, stepping into the hallway. “So?”

“I..Do you really wanna have this conversation in the hallways?” Max questions “Kelly and Alex are here. I’m not gonna throw them out just because you decided to show up.”

Max nods and looks at her “I don’t even know where to start..” “Maybe with, why?” Max pressed his lips together “I got into my head. And the whole Franco thing- It fucked me over. And Inknow that’s no excuse but you don’t know what it’s like in my head. It’s as if there’s someone else telling me all these things.”

He drives his hand trough his curls “As if I’m not me. I know I can trust you but whatever or whoever that is, keeps telling me you’ll leave. Like..like you did with Daniel” You scrunch your eyebrows together “Like with Daniel?”

“We almost kissed, then you ran off with him. I lost you” Max chocked up and your eyes soften “And you thought that I..Franco..? But I never gave you a reason to be concerned.. I kept my distance from him. I know how it feels I..”

You look up at him and step closer “Max. I am right here.Ive been right here. Do you think I go against my own brother in every way to just..throw you away?”

“He was okay with this” “Not entirely..there were a few moments of backhanded comments.. I just never said anything” Max nods “I’m really sorry for just leaving”

“Can you answer me one question honestly?” Max nods “Did someone tell you that Franco likes me? Or that I like him?”

Max stays quiet, eyes shifting around “Max.” “Yes” His eyes meet yours and you don’t even have to ask the ‘who’. It was crystal clear.

“I know you may not forgive me yet and everything, but I need you to know that I am sorry. And that I love you and If you want me to wait, I’ll wait an eternity. I can’t-“ He breaths out but huffs in surprise as your arms wrap around him.

“Don’t ever do that again. We’re talking things out. We don’t run, okay” You mumble into his chest. Max closes his eyes and holds you thighter “I promise. I promise I won’t ever hurt you on purpose again” He kisses the top of your head.

You look up at him and take his face in your hands “But you’re right, you’re not forgiven just yet. And..” You look towards your door “We got two girls here, and one at the alpine headquarter who want to chop your head off”

You both chuckle “I know, I know.” You press your forehead against his “Even tho it’s only been a day, this was the worst time ever” He mumbled “That’s your fault, not mine”

“I know that” Before you can answer, the door opens and Alex stands there with a spoon in her mouth. She takes it out with a pop and raised an eyebrow at him.

“So he’s forgiven?” “No, but apology accepted” You say, clinging to his arm. Alexandra nods “Pull something like this again, and you won’t see another day” She hissed towards max, who nods and looks at you scared.

-

Max fidgets with his hoodie strings “It will be okay. He wronged us, not the other way around.” Max nods, relaxing a bit.

There was a knock on the door, which you went and opened.

Lando stood there, looking rather pale and nervous. You stepped aside to let him in and lead him to the living room. Max stayed in his position and only watched Lando take a place at the couch opposite of him.

You sat next to Max and looked expectedly at Lando. The brit sighs “I know there’s not much I can say to fix what i’ve done but I wanted to apologise for believing him. I didn’t realise how much he loved you in so many wrong ways, and how easy he manipulated me..” Lando starts, fidgeting with his rings.

“But I want you to know that I’m sorry.” He says, his voice more steady this time. You nod softly “I know. And I know how easy it is for him to manipulate someone” You look at Max, who looks down.

“And no, It doesn’t fix anything yet. But it’s a start. And i’m very glad you took this step towards us” You smile a little “Now what about Daniel?” Max asks, more into the room than anyone specific.

“It’s not hard to cut him off.” Lando says “He’s no longer in Formula one, so it doesn’t matter” You nod “We already did that. It’s your turn.” Lando nods “And you have to tell everyone the truth.” Max says, his arm tightening around your waist.

Lando nods “I’ll fix this, no matter what it takes. I was a dick, there’s no excuse” You smile and get up. You pull him up to his feet and into a hug.

He melts into the hug “Thank you” You whisper.

-

landonorris

liked by yn, maxfewtrell, oscarpiastri and 2m others

lando There is only one truth, and that is, that these two deserve everything. I have interfered when I shouldn’t have, I have said things I shouldn’t have. And I couldn’t be more sorry. I know nothing is forgiven or forgotten, and it will take time to be how it used to be, but i am hopeful.

Yn is a person that puts you before herself. She’s one of the most loyal people I know, so no. She would never go behind anyone’s back and hasn’t.

Same goes to Max. I couldn’t imagine someone else with her. You didn’t need my permission to be with each other but still waited till you officially had it to really be with each other. And I am so happy that you two have finally found your way to each other.

I am holding myself accountable for the things I’ve done. And so should you. The media has thrown everything at these two, even tho they have done nothing wrong. Be kind to those around you. You had no right to judge them. You had no clue about their relationship and ran with the first thing that you say as ‘news’.

You both mean a lot to me, and thank you for letting me back into your life.

user okay this is cute

yn ❤️❤️

maxfewtrell It will all be okay 🧡

user it’s so sad it came this far

charlesleclerc 👏👏

oscarpiastri finally

lando I told you I wouldn’t chicken out!!

oscarpiastri I know but I know you..

-

Okay..We’re slowly coming to an end to this story AHHH. It will be about 3 more parts and we’re done, I am not okay 🥹

[docholligay]

sounds like you successfully argued to have migrants put in PRISON instead of the equivalent of a hurricane/emergency evac center :/

So i had a whole, really cutting takedown of this statement, and, in general, the smattering of bad faith engagement I've had with a post that went far beyond my usual reach so wasn't written with as many protections against folks looking for a crack in the wall.

But being mean to someone, who, in any case only believes what they are saying so far as they can be anonymous while doing it, isn't helpful. It doesn't inform you any better, it doesn't inform anyone of how to go about this stuff, it just makes feel good that I, what? Made someone on tumblr look silly? Everyone claps? Jesus Christ what a waste of life.

So, let me tell you what actually was successfully argued. What was argued was that the one place in the state that had been offered up by the politicians was rejected by its people. There may be one someday, but not here and not today.

The prison that guy mentioned? (It was not me, but you'd be forgiven for thinking it--this went around with an INSANELY, fox newsbite level, bad faith crop that made me immediately regret not editing better) It's not owned by the state. I went and looked it up later. It's owned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Supposedly they are running it for their own use. It's gonna be a lot harder to get them to use that.

What we successfully argued, is delaying the implementation of anything. Delaying is a huge part of resistance. Every headache you give people, every hour you cost them, is a win. We cannot afford to wait for utopia, and perfection, and a savior. Some of our greatest weapons in life are delaying, and feigned incompetence, and picking at threads. Especially if you live in a red area, sometimes you gotta go, "Oh sure, yeah, but you know, not THERE, and...no, not there either, cause of X, and, man, Y is almost a perfect place but I just can't sign off on it because..." you see what I'm saying? Oskar Schindler was arguing he needed Jewish children to polish the insides of gun barrels.

The other thing that was argued, is when the commissioner said, 'We'll bend over backward to accommodate your orders," we said, "No we won't." And that goes much further than any site. It sends a small message, that, even in a red part of a red state, not everyone is falling into line. This is why action matters.

I'm not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, and my work in political arenas is not either. But, I have been doing stuff in political arenas since Obama, and, I have always worked here, in this very complicated place. I am an extremely pragmatic worker. I do what works. I don't care much about the appearance of goodness. Sometimes delaying a project is what it takes. Sometimes, in life, you lose anyway. But that doesn't make the delaying worthless. I have lost a lot of fights, and I am going to be set up to lose a lot more. But, today? An offer had to be withdrawn. And that's something.

I hope you come back, and reread both the post and this response, and, even if you disagree with me, have a different perspective on how political action can be approached. More than that, I want it to give you hope that even small, imperfect actions matter. The perfect is the enemy of the good. And the good is the enemy of the literally accomplished.

[juullllssss]

Selected

prev Part 2

TW: Kidnapping, Manipulation

The next time the door opens another man enters. Were the other was handsome in a rough, boyish way this one is straight up beautiful. More like a model then a kidnapper. Again everyone receives their food portion. For all that it's worth the food is delicious, in another situation you would have been thankful for a home made meal.

The other women don't talk to you, seemingly stuck in their own thoughts but you don't mind that much. Your mind is working overtime, trying to find a way out of this situation. There is not much else to do anyway. For now you are to exhausted to put up a fight. You will try to bid your time. Maybe even gain the trust of one of the men.

The next time both men step in, right behind them another men. First you didn't even register what you saw. In the dim light he appeared like a shadow, he was even taller then the other two men. They step in front of the three of you, opening your chains. And as luck would have it, the man with the mohawk is the one in front of you.

"Ye must 'ave been scared, bonnie, be'ave an we will take care of ya, aye?" You stay silent, looking at him like a prey at a predator, trying to figure out what will happen to you all. His hands are calloused again confirming your suspicion that he must have some kind of job which requires a lot of hard labor.

The men bring you up the stairs. In front of you, you can hear one of the women crying. Maybe the red head, you had heard her before. You had played with the thought of talking to her, she seemed so scared the past days. But her gaze never swayed in your direction. You wondered if someone from your friends was already searching for you. How many days had it been? Was your family worried? Shit you didn't tell anyone where you were going.

It seems the room you were staying in was in reality a basement, connected to a huge house. The men guided you through a kitchen passing into a hallway. Dragging you into the room on the other side, which seemed to be the living room. And there on a big couch sat another men. You were scared of the others before but seeing the man sitting on the couch, waiting for your arrival, did something else to you. You could not make out if you were in awe or stuck in terror. He waited, like a king would wait on his subjects. Gaze firm, with a air around him that screamed authority. He was leaning forward his elbows resting on his thick thighs. The other Men lined you up, you held your breath waiting what would happen next.

The eyes of the older man drifted over the three of you, studying, judging. the red haired women was still crying but not saying anything, not wanting to repeat what happend to the first women. The black haired women was silent, looking down, you could swear her jaw would break if she clenched any harder. Then the man on the couch spoke up. "You must be wondering what you are doing here, i 'm Captain John Price, these are my men, Johnny, Kyle and Simon." He gestured to the men behind you, in the order of their names. "you were picked by us, we wanted.. to know more about you...." He seems to keep his words wage, trailing of in the end. For a moment you think you heard him wrong, what did that even mean? With a quick look to the other women you made up your mind, he told them his and his men names, that must mean something right?

"You are not trafficker's? What does all this mean?" You try to keep your words steady, strong. You nearly apologize when 'Johns' Gaze lands on you. Lucky for you he doesn't seem to take offense to your questions, a small smile on his face. "No, we won't give you away and it means that you will live here for a while... until everything is decided." Again some wage answer in the end. Why did that sound so threatening? But for now it doesn't sound like they would hurt you, well not all of them. With a quick look back you can see this 'Johnny' smiling back at you. Damn if you didn't know what he can do you could be fooled by that killer smile.

John emphasized that nothing would happen as long as you all behaved, promising to take care of every need. Well every need except freedom of course. A 'Hypocrite' floods through your mind at that. This time it is the model 'Kyle' taking you by the arm and guiding you towards the stairs upwards. How big was this house? You tried being discreet while looking around, mapping out the house inside your head. Apparently not discreet enough, a press on your arm makes you look up to Kyle, "Don't even think about it, lovie. Believe me we are faster." His gaze is nearly pleading, mixed with his soft brown eyes it gives you the feeling he was disappointed in you. for a moment you feel guilt bubble in you, before giving yourself a imaginary pinch. Is this what Stockholm Syndrom is?

Your mood is already a lot better after a long, hot shower. Scrubbing the dirt away makes you feel like a brand new women. You could nearly ignore this whole situation, but a knock from your "bodyguard" brings you back. When you step out in your new clothes, Kyles eyes drag over you appreciatively. "Looking good in our clothes, they suit you." Suddenly you had the urge to strip everything of again.

He guides you towards the end of the hallway. With a apologetic smile he turns towards you, "For now you will all stay together, try to get some sleep, must have been a hard time" His words sound so sweet and again you have to remind yourself that this is on of your captors. Then he closes the door behind you. With the sound of a lock you are again captive.

[deadtired-highkeyenergetic]

Bucky's Valentine

Yes yes I know I'm late to the party but better late than never. I was also busy with assignments (still am) cos they were due on Valentine's Day itself. I also know Silco won that poll but I'm having some difficulty coming up with more than 200 words at the moment so here's my Bucky brainrot.

Got inspiration from this prompt list, much thanks to @/creativepromptsforwriting for the list.

You really need to stop drinking.

Even so, you reach for yet another bottle, drowning your sorrows in the clear liquid as the music fades to a low hum, your mind buzzing from the alcohol. It's a party, celebrating this famous occasion called Valentine's Day but there's this stupid ache in your heart that won't go away.

Each time you lock eyes with a certain super soldier, his ice blue eyes piercing into your very soul, you pull away behind your wall of sharp remarks, afraid of exposing your heart. So of course he finds someone else, why would he think you were interested in him? Still, it hurts to see him laughing with someone else, leaning in close to whisper something into their ear that makes them giggle.

You want nothing more than to feel his lips brush against yours, his voice a deep murmur in your ears but you keep pushing him away, even on Valentine's Day. You can't risk being hurt like that again, your heart can't take it. You're better off watching from afar, keeping him safe from your demons, seeing him happily live the life Hydra has stolen from him.

Your vision is starting to spin, but you keep knocking back more bottles, eager to escape the yawning feeling in your chest that threatens to bury you alive. Tomorrow everything will go back to normal, there won't be a party to remind you of what you can't have, of the person you keep at arms length for his sake.

"Friendly reminder, I will laugh my ass off if you fall out of that chair like an idiot." A hand rests on your shoulder, steadying you.

"I'm not going to. Sheer spite will keep me on this chair." You scowl, slamming the now empty bottle on the counter and reach for another. A metal hand moves the nearest bottle just out of your reach and the chair next to you shifts to make space for the newcomer.

"Sure it will, doll, but I don't think sheer spite will keep you from face-planting the table. You're almost there anyways." The newcomer pushes all glass out of your reach, ruffling your hair. "I'm going to record it when that happens."

"In your dreams," you mutter, shoving his hand away. He laughs when each attempt misses by a mile, your intoxicated movements a far cry from your usual precise ones.

"If I said I was dreaming right now?" He leans in, a smirk plastered on his face. His soft brown locks sway forward, framing his handsome face and gentle ice blue eyes filled with amusement come into view.

"Then you need to dream harder." You push his face away with a huff, leaning over the table to reach for any bottle that hasn't been emptied and nearly fall over when a pair of arms wrap themselves around you, catching you before your body dips.

"I think you've had enough for today." His voice is laced with a concern you've never heard before, and his movements are gentle, nothing like the rough housing he usually does. "Let's go outside, we both could do with some fresh air."

"Don't need your help. I can walk by myself." You shove him away, harder than intended and stalk out the door, grabbing a drink along the way.

Steve looks over, worried, but Bucky waves him away, shaking his head and follows you out. You're standing at the balcony, the wind blowing at your hair and even in your drunken state, you look ethereal.

"Don't go jumping off either," Bucky hums, walking over to stand next to you.

"If I jumped off I'd be dragging you along with me. Can't go about dying before you." You look away, staring at the empty glass in your hand. Your chest is bursting from how close he is to you, hands mere inches away from each other and your heart is pounding in your ears.

"Well, that's quite the tall order. I happen to have the super soldier serum, I don't recall you having any superpowers aside from being the most spiteful person to ever exist." He raises an eyebrow at you and you roll your eyes.

"I also have gravity manipulation, if your old man memory can keep up. Which, by the way, means I can't exactly die from jumping off a building."

"Wouldn't take my chances while drunk." He glances down, grimacing. "Nat's going to have my head on a gold platter if anything happens to you while I'm around."

You snort, "good thing I'm here to save your skin then."

"You have my utmost gratitude." Sarcasm drips from every word of his, accompanied by a flick to the forehead which you return with some difficulty due to the height difference but it's not a problem that can't be solved by a little jump.

"So what sorrows are you drowning today?" He probes gently, prying your fingers from the empty glass.

"All of them, clearly." You lean against the railing, letting out a deep sigh. "Including you."

You don't know why you said that, but it's a bit hard to take them back now. His facial expression shifts, going through surprise, confusion, then sadness. You really shouldn't have said that, Bucky being sad is the furthest thing you want for him.

"Did I…what did I do wrong? Please, tell me doll. I need to know, I promise I won't do it again." There's desperation clinging to each word, a strained plea that begs for your forgiveness. You take the empty glass from him and clench your fist, causing it to shatter. Glass shards fall to the ground at your feet as hot angry tears stream down your cheeks. Bucky takes a step back, warily eyeing you and you let out a scream of frustration into the empty night.

"What did you do? Everything and nothing!" You snarl. Glass shards dig into your palm, drawing blood. "You know what your problem is? Making me actually care about you! I can't stand it!"

You inhale sharply, bloody fist shaking as you take a step towards Bucky. "I hate that I care so much about you! I hate that giddy feeling in my stomach whenever you talk to me, the way I scan the area for you every time I step into a room, the way I think about your safety first and foremost whenever you're on a mission!"

Tears fall faster now, blurring your vision. "I hate that I can't stop having feelings for you, that I can't confess them to you because it'd only put you in more danger, that I need you so badly but I also want you to be happy and live the proper life you deserve."

You choke back a sob. "I've always loved you. But I will never tell you."

Bucky catches you again for the second time tonight as you collapse, body wracked with sobs. He holds you tightly, ignoring the way your blood stains his suit and buries his face into your hair.

"I've always loved you too, I was just too afraid to tell you. I wasn't sure if you returned my feelings, wasn't sure if I was really the best choice for you." His words come out as a whisper but you catch them all. "Tomorrow, I'm going to ask you out, properly, and hopefully you won't be too hungover to reply."

His fingers gently run through your locks as he presses a kiss to the top of your head. "We can just stay like that tonight if you want, but I'd like to bandage that pretty hand of yours before it bleeds out, alright?"

"No." You choke out but let him carry you to his room anyways, eyes squeezed shut. His warmth feels nice, and his embrace is even better than you imagined. His touch is gentle, safe and he's careful when cleaning out your wounds.

Through the drying tears, you can make out his blurry image focused on bandaging your hand and let out a sniffle. He presses a small kiss to your neatly bandaged hand and rises, letting your hand drop onto your lap.

"You should rest. You can use my bed, I'll just steal yours in return. Nobody will bother you, promise." He smiles, giving your body a gentle push onto said bed and you lie there, staring up at him.

"Stay." You say after a while, swallowing thickly. "Please."

He blinks, taken aback but gives you the biggest genuine grin you've ever seen and nods.

"As you wish, doll."

"Thank you, James."

Bucky tucks you and himself in, watching as you drift off to sleep with a giddy feeling in his chest. Maybe he should get you drunk more often if it means hearing you say 'thank you'. Besides, he likes the way his name rolls off your tongue, it makes him the happiest man in the universe hearing it fall from your lips.

"You're welcome, Y/N."

[mysteriousxgirls]

Jasmine’s heart sank a little as she heard the softness in his voice, the understanding that seemed to reach deeper than just words. She could feel the warmth of his touch on her arm, even though it was brief, and it felt like a quiet reassurance she didn’t know she needed. The pull of his kindness made her want to stay, to hold onto this moment longer, but reality was already knocking at the door, louder than her desires.

Her lips parted, her gaze flickering between his eyes and the lavender still held gently in her hands. Her smile returned, albeit a little sadder now, as she fought to keep her emotions in check. She didn’t want him to see the weight she carried, but something in his words made it impossible to hide. "Thank you," she whispered, the words feeling like they held more meaning than just gratitude for his understanding. She swallowed, the lump in her throat making it harder to speak, but she forced the words out. "I’ll come back for them... I promise." She meant it, even though part of her feared the promise she was making might be harder to keep than either of them realized. Jasmine stepped back slowly, still holding his gaze, her fingers lingering for a moment longer on the lavender. "Take care of yourself too, okay?" she added quietly, as if it were a plea more than a simple wish. The weight of leaving was heavy, but she had to go. With one last, lingering look, she gave him a soft, almost imperceptible nod and turned to walk away, the cool air around her feeling somehow colder now, her thoughts already miles away from where she had just been.

________

The weekend felt like it had dragged on forever, each passing hour stretching into what felt like a lifetime of silence and isolation. Jasmine’s body still ached from the bruises that her mother had left behind, but it was the emotional weight that lingered the most. Every time she closed her eyes, she could still feel Dan’s warmth, his quiet understanding, the way he made her feel seen and heard in a way no one else ever had. She clung to that memory, letting it be the only thing that kept her going through those dark hours spent locked in her room.

By the time Monday morning came, her entire body felt stiff, both from the physical pain and the emotional exhaustion. But she couldn’t let it stop her. She couldn’t let her mother’s cruelty trap her in that small, suffocating room any longer. She had to get out, even if it was just for a few hours.

Jasmine slipped out of her bed, wincing slightly as she moved, and quickly gathered herself together. She couldn’t allow herself to stay in that cage any longer—she had to go to university. She needed a distraction, something to focus on that wasn’t the echoing sound of her mother’s drunken shouts, or the hollow, bruised feeling she carried with her. She got dressed quickly into a black hoodie and some jeans to cover her bruises, the act feeling almost mechanical, but she couldn’t shake the longing that had been building up all weekend. She thought about Dan constantly. His smile, the way his eyes had softened when he’d spoken to her, his quiet presence that made her feel like she mattered, if only for a brief moment. She missed him in a way that surprised her. It was more than just missing the excitement of the date—it was the way he made her feel safe, even when she didn’t know she needed it.

The bus ride to university felt like it took forever. Jasmine stared out the window, her fingers tapping anxiously on her knee, her thoughts a swirl of hope and uncertainty. She couldn’t help but wonder if he was thinking of her too.

Dan watched her intently, his gaze tracing the subtle tremble in her fingers, the way her breath wavered ever so slightly, like a leaf caught between stillness and a coming storm. He didn’t need to ask—he could feel the hesitation, the unspoken war within her. The lightness that had danced between them only moments ago had dimmed, replaced by something heavier, something unsaid. He couldn't help but wonder whether it was the friend calling again from before but he wasn't going to pry. His chest tightened, though he willed his expression to remain steady. He had been selfishly savoring this moment, not ready for it to end, not ready to let her go just yet. But endings were inevitable, weren’t they? He only hoped this wasn’t one of them. 

His voice was low, gentle, a thread of warmth against the cooling air between them. “You don’t have to explain, Jasmine,” he murmured, a small, knowing smile ghosting over his lips. “Just… take care of yourself, yeah?” As he spoke, his hand found her arm, his fingers brushing over the fabric of her sleeve before resting lightly against her bicep—a fleeting touch, warm and grounding, before he let it fall away. He wanted to say more, to ask if she was okay, to tell her that she didn’t have to bear this weight alone. But he knew now wasn’t the time. Instead, he let his words carry what he couldn’t yet say. “I’ll save a few more plants for you,” he added, his voice laced with quiet promise, something unspoken resting in the space between them. “For when you’re ready.”

[turtleblogatlast]

Been thinking about how Donnie and Leo’s insecurities juxtapose each other.

Donnie is insecure about his place in the family, but confident in who he is outside of it.

Leo is secure about being a part of the family, but thinks he’s nothing outside of it.

I think it’s a very interesting comparison that reflects their respective personalities, Donnie’s “Will all I have to offer be enough?” versus Leo’s “Do I even have anything else to offer?”

[sysig]

Caughtcha, gotcha, not letting go ♥ (Patreon)

[spacedlexi]

so often i see people try to downplay violet and minervas relationship like it wasnt Real enough or was some Inferior Romance that her relationship with clementine could Never compare to, and i find it so annoying and boring

she LOVED minerva!! and its okay that she did!! she was her first love!! childhood best friends turned girlfriends!! seeing her being so heartbroken and miserable about what happened to minnie, how deeply and desperately she missed her, hugging that bed frame so pathetically. but clementine makes her CARE again. makes her LOVE again. slowly violet becomes comfortable with the idea of opening her heart up to people again, after trying so hard not to because the pain of losing people she cared about was too much to bear (especially when she blamed herself for them being gone)

then she learns minnie didnt die. shes falling in love with clem while grappling with the fact that minnie might still be out there??

then she meets minnie in the woods. but minnie has changed just like she has. theyre both different people now. and slowly violet is forced to come to terms with the fact that the person she loved so deeply isnt that person anymore??

violet at the beginning mourning minerva and blaming herself, to shooting her to save clems life. she LOVED minerva once, but she doesnt like the person she is now. and shes not gonna let her hurt anyone else she cares about. shes done mourning her by the time they get to the bridge, only crying out for tenn

like idk i just find their relationship evolution to be so interesting and sad as shit. the fact that they once loved each other so much and it has now come to this?? but violet makes her choice and she Chooses clementine, because she admires and loves clementine, probably similar to the way she used to admire and love minerva if the way she talked about her is any indication

i just think "i never thought i would ever feel this way again" is way more interesting than "wow minnie Never made me feel like This"