#and she does love to know things she shouldn't!!!

[archangeldyke-all]

I just know Sevika’s gotten so used to sleep holding you that when for some reason you have to leave town (maybe a work trip or visiting family) she can’t sleep for the life of her, she even tries spraying your perfume on her pillow to no avail. She gets so grumpy all week and when you finally get home she’s immediately dragging your ass to bed so she can nap on top of you

oh my god i love her

men and minors dni

honestly, at first sevika was looking forward to the weekend of sleeping by herself. you're the love of her life and all, but you're also fucking annoying sometimes.

like when you stick your freezing cold toes down the back of sevika's boxers, or you smack her awake with a pillow when she's snoring too loud, or you eat your snacks in bed and get crumbs everywhere.

so, sure, sevika's gonna miss you. but she doesn't think she'll mind having the mattress to herself for a week.

she's going to indulge herself. she's going to take a nice hot bath and then get in bed still soaking wet. she's going to spread out like a starfish and smoke a cigarette in bed-- something you curse her out for every time you catch her doing it.

and indulge herself she does. sevika almost feels like a bachelorette again, being as loud and messy as her heart desires.

she smokes her cig and talks to you on the phone, the sound of your voice relaxing her until she's struggling to keep her eyes open.

"sev?" you ask. "you fallin' asleep baby?"

"mmm." sevika hums. you giggle.

"go to sleep, love. i'll talk to you in the morning."

"'kay. miss you." she whispers.

"i miss you too." you giggle.

sevika smiles softly and pulls the blankets up over her shoulders, ready to dream of your smile...

only, sleep doesn't come for her.

sevika huffs and flops onto her other side, pulling your pillow to her chest and burying her face in it. she's tired, dammit. she just wants to sleep.

thirty minutes later and sevika is cursing as she sits up in bed and punches her pillow a few times.

why can't she sleep? she's gotten rid of her biggest distraction-- you-- so shouldn't she be sleeping like a baby right now?

"fuck." she huffs as she lays back down. it seems that despite all the things you do to piss her off at bedtime, sevika's still so in love with you she can't sleep without you next to her. or, on top of her, depending on the night.

sevika reaches out and grabs her phone. your line rings two times before you're answering. "you okay?" you ask.

sevika snorts. "i can't fuckin' sleep without you." she whines.

she listens to you relax with a giggle. "oh sevi-bear. poor thing."

"don't patronize me, i know it's pathetic."

"it's sweet!" you giggle. sevika groans.

"i don't get it! you're so annoying in bed! you kick me in your sleep!"

"hey, you kick too!" you defend.

sevika giggles. "and you're so clingy!"

"you're the one who insisted we get a queen so we'd be forced to cuddle!" you shout. sevika grins.

"you can't sleep without me, either, can you?" she asks.

you giggle guiltily. "i was five minutes away from callin' you, myself." you admit.

sevika whines. "remind me again why we're not together?"

you laugh. "'cause i'm here for a baby shower, babies freak you out, and you've got that meeting with silco tomorrow anyways."

sevika huffs. "i'd rather be well rested dealin' with a buncha baby shit than sleep deprived and dealin' with silco."

"aweeee... you love me that much?" you giggle. sevika grins.

"yeah, i guess i do."

taglist!

@fyeahnix @lavendersgirl @half-of-a-gay @thesevi0lentdelights @sexysapphicshopowner

@kissyslut @chuucanchuucan @badbye666 @femme-historian @lia-winther

@lavenderbabu @emiliabby @sevikasbeloved @hellorai @my-taintedheart

@glass-apothecary @macaroni676 @artinvain @k3n-dyll @sevsdollette

@ellieslob @xayn-xd @keikuahh @maneskinwh0re @raphaellearp

@iamastar @sevikitty @mascdom @nhaaauyen @annesunshiner

@mirconreadzztuff22 @veoomvroom @lushh-s3vik4s @katyawooga @lesbodietcoke

@strawberrykidneystone @vkumi @fict1onallyobsessed @dvrkhcld @sweetybuzz25

@sluttysierraaa @snake-in-a-flower-crown @ruiwonderz @littlemisszaunite @biblicalcrybaby

@blackgaladriel @nightlyconfusion @dancingqu33n17 @losernb @p1nkearth

taglist!!

@sevikas-baby @ghostscandys @sevikasllver @runawaybaby3 @lesbones

@chezze-its @lez-zuha @vikashoneybee @shanesevikasfuckdoll @imheadintothemountains

@nanajustnana-a @helaenabugmom

[vulqan]

[ID: a Twitter thread by @/Gummipie. it reads:

"i went to a woman's funeral. her husband gave a eulogy and spoke mostly about himself. i mean he started from his birth and spent a significant amount of time explaining his life and career before he met her. her pastor said she was the kindest, most helpful person he'd ever met.

her kids said she was the best most helpful loving mom. everybody said she never complained. she put everyone first. it was a virtue. she didn't take care of her, she devoted herself to church, husband and kids. they cried so much. an angel on earth! they'd miss her dearly.

i never met this lady. i sobbed. my husband thought i was going to join her in the ground when i bent down to give my rose and spoke to her. i told her i understood why her heart attacked her. she swallowed so many teeth!! a dozen people said she was the best woman on earth and i hadn't learned a thing about her personality except that she made it small. i heard about her service and she never complained. i don't even know if she was funny.

that's when i decided to stop putting everyone above me all the time. stop swallowing my teeth. because i refuse to let these people kill me and then get up at my funeral and talk about themselves. how i died for them but without saying it. i refuse.

if you hear someone praising you for "never complaining" please get mad. please take up space. this is your life, not a pageant. complain. even if you can only whisper "this hurts me". complain.

no one can help you if you won't say "this hurts". maybe you're crazy like me. maybe little "harmless" comments hurt. so what? say something. maybe they get mad and block you. GOOD! you have to find a life that does not hurt. you have to say something. nothing is too small.

if you think "other people wouldn't be so hurt by this" so you shouldn't speak up, you're wrong. you literally were forced (PUSHED OR PULLED) into life. you didn't ask for your sensitivity. there are people allergic TO WATER. should they not complain because it's atypical?

things hurt. hurt changes your brain. it practices the pain and GETS BETTER/ FASTER AT HURTING. you must find peace and practice THAT. the damage of pain is silent and invisible but it's one of the realest, most dangerous things we know."

end description.]

[iamgonnagetyouback-recs]

SIRIUS BLACK.ᐟ

a little list of my favorite stories ୨ৎ remember to be kind, reblog, and support the wonderful authors who share their magic with us.ᐟ

NOTE ಇ. none of these stories belong to me ♡ if you’d like your fic removed, just send me a message, and i’ll take care of it!

date by @sun-kissy

⁀➴༯ sirius for some reason thinks you have a crush on regulus

REVIEW ୨ৎ oh my god the tension in this had me actually holding my breath, san. sirius being all dramatic and broody while reader is just exhausted with potions?? perfect. but then the confrontation?? my heart hurt for both of them. sirius being jealous and insecure and reader being so confused but so soft when she realizes what's happening. and the james/regulus mention?? peak comedy. the ending was so sweet, i'm actually kicking my feet

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ୨ৎㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

forever by @/sun-kissy

⁀➴༯ you're cold, and you're in love with sirius

REVIEW ୨ৎ this was absolutely gorgeous. the tenderness, the pining, the way every little movement is soaked in love—it’s stunning. you have such a delicate way of writing sirius, san, i love it! the smoking detail was such a perfect addition—how he doesn’t put it out but still adjusts for you, how you bought an ashtray just for him. it’s intimate in the way that truly knowing someone is intimate. and that cuddle request??? i nearly stopped breathing. the way reader braces for rejection only to be met with sirius’ sure, get over here, babe—it wrecked me. and then the way he pulls her closer, holds her like it’s second nature? absolutely everything. “my arms have no curfew, sweetheart. they’re content to hold you as long as you please.” —i’m going to be thinking about that line for days. i’m in awe.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ୨ৎㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

right where i want to be by @appocalipse

⁀➴༯ it's only when lily accidentally spills amortentia on you and all you can smell is cigarettes and dog fur that you realize you're in love with sirius — probably the only person in the world you shouldn't be in love with

REVIEW ୨ৎ oh this hurts in the best way. the slow, creeping realization, the way sirius just knows and won’t let her run from it, the tension??? i’m actually losing my mind. the teasing, the softness, the way he says i want you like it’s the most obvious thing in the world??? i need to lie down. no one disturb me, except maybe you amy cause well you wrote this

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ୨ৎㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

shy!reader by @moonstruckme

⁀➴༯ bf!sirius teasing reader about something, and it actually hurts her feelings quite a lot? maybe she's always thought she's to shy for him, and he teases her about being quiet and it just hurts so much that he sees her just like everyone else does? like she thought he understood her, but instead he's teasing her about something she's really insecure about

REVIEW ୨ৎ this is so soft i could cry. sirius just knows her, and even when he messes up, he listens, he cares. the way he apologizes??? instantly, genuinely, with no ego—i’m in love. and the way he tucks her into his space so easily, so naturally, like she belongs there??? i’m melting. i now identify as a puddle of tears from all this fluffiness

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ୨ৎㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

clingy!sirius by @inkdrinkerworld

⁀➴༯ sirius being clingy and your friends teasing you guys

REVIEW ୨ৎ this is the most disgustingly adorable thing i’ve ever read. sirius is just so in love and unashamed about it, and everyone else is exasperated but also just accepting of his dramatics. like yeah, of course he buries himself under her shirt like a needy puppy, what else is new?? i am weak

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ୨ৎㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

kids by @/inkdrinkerworld

⁀➴༯ you are unsure about having kids

REVIEW ୨ৎ oh this is so soft i actually can’t breathe. the way they’re so open with each other and sirius just listens???? no judgment, just love???? and the way he reassures her without trying to change her mind??? “we can keep our family just like this” i’m actually going to cry. and then the stupid little “and a cat” moment like please. and him being like “i don’t think i could put someone over you” like sir. that is the most sirius black thing i’ve ever heard. i love them so much this fic is everything

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ୨ৎㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

i got you first by @thatdammchickennugget

⁀➴༯ "if i scare you tonight, you'll owe me a kiss." with sirius black but in the end he ends up getting scared

REVIEW ୨ৎ oh, this is delicious. sirius trying so hard to get a reaction out of her, only for her to completely turn the tables on him?? absolutely love. and that moment in the maze? when she flips the game on him, and he just folds under her touch?? yeah. that man is gone. completely and utterly wrecked by her. the way he just stares and then that lazy grin—i swear, i felt that in my soul. also, the fact that their first kiss isn't rushed or desperate, but soft and slow? sirius black, you are in love. and so am i with this fic

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ୨ৎㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

sober feelings by @lovemenotts

⁀➴༯ bsf!reader with him out of the blue suggesting 'what if we kiss but not in a dating way?'

REVIEW ୨ৎ oh my god. oh my god. this was everything. the casual suggestion like it’s nothing while my heart is combusting?? sirius being all cocky but then immediately spiraling after??? the way he was so worried the next day i'm gonna cry. and then the confession??? i am on the floor. “we should’ve kissed as friends a long time ago” sirius please be serious about me next

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ୨ৎㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

yellow hearts by @nottswitch

⁀➴༯ the times you put yellow hearts around his name, and the times he put them around yours

REVIEW ୨ৎ this was so soft i’m actually going to cry. the progression from absolute mortification to comfort and love??? sirius teasing but also so gentle???? the yellow hearts showing up again and again??? and the honeymoon bit oh my god. their bickering is so stupid and adorable and so them. the fact that they get their little happy ending and it’s literally framed in yellow hearts. i’m unwell

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ୨ৎㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

bad dog by @lupinsversion

⁀➴༯ sirius has a bad habit of flirting with others, especially in front of his girlfriend. has she finally had enough?

REVIEW ୨ৎ oh he DESERVED that bonk on the head. “bad dog” is actually the funniest and most fitting reaction ever. like yes, he’s sirius black, of course he’s going to be a little shit about flirting, but also? he needs to learn. and i love that james and remus are calling him out too because yeah, it’s “harmless” but it’s also not harmless when it clearly hurts his girlfriend. sirius sulking about it and realizing he actually feels bad?? good. let him sit in his wrongness and learn from it. this was so well done, i loved it but ahem mak i think i speak for all when i say part is needed

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ୨ৎㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

a marauders guide to siblings by @ellecdc

REVIEW ୨ৎ this was absolutely delightful. james potter and his love for love, his pure dedication to making this triple date happen—it’s so him. the way he just won’t take no for an answer, and how everyone else is reluctantly dragged into his chaos, is peak marauders energy. and the dialogue? oh mama. i love how everyone interacts here, from sirius being completely against it because of the “googly eyes” problem, to remus and regulus just being exasperated with the entire situation. and the moment james finally gets what he wants, only to immediately start overthinking it and worrying about the sibling connections?? absolutely hilarious. and sirius being all soft for reader, saying she was worth the nonsense? perfect. this was so fun to read, i adored every second of it!

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤㅤㅤㅤ ୨ৎㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤmain blog ￫ @iamgonnagetyouback

[arc-misadventures]

The Stepson Protag

Blake: Hey, Jaune?

Jaune: What's up, Blake?

Blake: Can I ask you something?

Jaune: Sure, what is it?

Blake: You're a stepson, with a stepmom, and an older stepsister, and a younger stepsister?

Jaune: I just call them my mom, and my sisters, but yeah.

Blake: Okay... So... That's your stepmom?

Jaune: Uhh, Yeah, Summer Rose is my stepmom.

Blake: And, that's your... Older stepsister?

Jaune: By about a month... But, yeah, Yang's my older sister.

Blake: Okay... And, she's your younger stepsister?

Jaune: Yes, Ruby is my younger sister…?

Blake: Wow...

Jaune: Uhhh...? Am I... Am I missing something here, Blake?

Blake: Dude! You're living the dream!

Jaune: What dream?

Blake: You're a young teenage boy living with a smoking hot stepmom, and a hot babe of an older sister, and a cute little sister! You living the dream of any hentai protagonist!

Jaune: What the hell are you talking about?!

Blake: I'm talking about...?!

Jaune: I fucking know what you're talking about! I'm just shocked you're saying that!

Blake: But, your mom is...

Jaune: My mother is...!

~~~

Summer: Oh gods yes~!

Jaune: Ahh, Mom!

Summer: I told you... Ohh~! I told you, Jaune, call me, Summer~! MmmmHH~!

Jaune: But, Summer, I'm your son, we shouldn't be doing this! So warm!

Summer: Oh, Jaune~! You're the man of the house~! You're doing your duties to the... Ahhh fuck~! The lady of the house~! Mmmm~!

Jaune: Okay... but, at the rate we're going at it... You'll end up...

Summer: That's the idea~! Come on, Jaune~! Ensure... Ohhhh~! Ensure that the Arc-Rose bloodline endures~!

Jaune: O-Okay, Summer... Here I...?! ERGH?!

Summer: OHHHHH~! So warm~!

~~~

Jaune: Is a kind, and good woman, who cares deeply for her children! Me, and my stepsisters!

Blake: Oh... But, what about, Ruby?

Jaune: My little sister, Ruby is...!

~~~

Ruby: Mmmm~! B-Big bro~!

Jaune: What is it?

Ruby: It's... It's so... so big~!

Jaune: Does it hurt?

Ruby: No... It just feels so good~! Mmmm~!

Jaune: Alright then, I'm going to start moving now.

Ruby: Oh? Oh! Ohhh~! Oh gods~! It's so deep~!

Jaune: Gods, you're so tight, Ruby!

Ruby: OH~! This is just how I always imagined it would happen~!

Jaune: Ahh! Imagine what?

Ruby: How big bro would pop my cherry~!

Jaune: I took your what?

~~~

Jaune: Is a kind, sweet caring individual! She may be a crazy little gun nut! But, she's the best little sister I could ask for!

Blake: And, what about, Yang?

Jaune: And, Yang is...!

~~~

Jaune: Hey, Yang is the washing machine free, I need to...?

Yang: GRRRR! Ahh?! Come on?!

Jaune: Uhh, Yang?

Yang: Oh, Jaune! Thank gods you're here!

Jaune: Yang, are you.... Are you stuck... In the washing machine...?

Yang: ...

Yang: Yes...

Jaune: How?

Yang: I wasn't sure if I got all of the laundry out, so I leant in to see... and my tits got me wedged in here...

Jaune: Your stupid tits got you stuck in there?

Yang: Hey! My big phat titties are a work of art! There isn't anything stupid about my bouncing melons~!

Jaune: Oh... okay... What did you have to lean inside to look, couldn't you have just spun the ring by hand, and see if anything fell down?

Yang: That would have been the smart thing to do!

Jaune: Oh gods...

Yang: Come on, get me out of here, Jaune!

Jaune: Okay... Give me a...?!

Yang: Wait!

Jaune: What is it?

Yang: I have to say it!

Jaune: Say what?

Yang: Help me stepbro! I'm stuck~!

Jaune: ...

Yang: Sorry, I had to.

Jaune: Haa... I'm going to regret this... I'm going to regret not doing this more, but nonetheless, I'm going to regret this...

Yang: Regret wha…?!

"SLAP!"

Yang: Ohhhhh~!

Jaune: Did you just…?

Yang: J-J-Jaune...?

Jaune: Y-Yeah...?

Yang: Harder~!

~~~

Jaune: Is a horrible jokester who often get's on my nerves. Seriously, I'm sick to death with all the stepbro jokes...

Jaune: However, they are my family! And, while they may not be my family by blood, but they are my family nonetheless, and I love them! And, just because they're my stepsisters, and my stepmom does not mean I am living out every horn hentai protags wet dream!

Blake: Uh hu...

Jaune: ...

Blake: ...

Jaune: Yang told you about the washing...

Blake: Yang told me about the washing machine insistent, yes.

Jaune: Gods dammit, Yang...

[cheralith]

more poly ryusae please 🥺??

characters ; shidou ryusei, itoshi sae || wc ; 715 contains/cw ; fem!reader, she/her pronouns, pre-relationship with shidou, polyamory, a little suggestive at the end haha

ever since the day that shidou had discovered sae's secret little girlfriend, shidou thinks the prodigy has been torturing him since.

because for the first time since shidou joined the team, sae's been letting you tag along with him during practice. it doesn't help that shidou seems to be the only person on the team who didn't know of your existence until only a few weeks ago, considering you're so friendly with the rest of them. hayate goes to give you a friendly shoulder pat, teppei hugs you excitedly, telling you it's been awhile. even aiku goes to ask if you're going to break up with "tensai-chan" anytime soon, to which you only respond with a shallow smile and tell him to have fun at practice.

shidou looks back to sae to see if he's okay with his girlfriend interacting with the team in such a friendly matter, especially since you're such a pretty thing and if you were shidou's girl, he'd hide you away to keep you for himself. but clearly sae's proud of you, despite his countenance not showing it. he knows his girlfriend is beautiful and kind, so charming and delicate—what's not to love?

you're so sweet, so cheery. when you introduce yourself to shidou, he nearly gets flustered by how breathtaking you were in real life; instagram doesn't do you justice. you have these large doe eyes that just ponder up at him and a smile so succulent, it makes him sick. he screws on a crooked smile, one that doesn't seem to be as wide as his normal cheshire-cat one.

"ah, so you're the dolly that sae's been taking care of," shidou says the first time he meets you with a smirk, sticking a hand out.

you smile with your eyes, fixating on the man that you've been eyeing with your boyfriend for quite while in full, amazed at how such a person is standing right there in front of you. a firm handshake exchanges itself between you and him, though shidou has to really hold back on pulling you close to him and kissing those shiny, plump lips of yours in front of the team, in front of sae.

"a pleasure to meet you, shidou-san," you greet pleasantly, feeling your boyfriend's stare on you from behind your head. “sae’s told me a lot about you.”

even your voice is pretty. shidou shivers at the sound of his name falling on your lips, getting jealous that sae's name gets to be echoed from such a voice on a daily basis.

sae lets you sit in the empty bleachers, just letting you do your work quietly as the men practice. shidou wishes that you could take your head out of the book so you can watch the behind the scenes play of his iconic dragon drive in real time; even a sliver of your attention would up his energy tenfold. sometimes, you would poke your head out and watch sae as he dribbles on the field, eyes sparkling with admiration. he wishes you could pay attention to him like that.

he shouldn't feel like this. your sae's girl. it feels so wrong for trying to win the attention of a girl who's in a relationship with japan's top midfielders... but shidou can't help but indulge in the guilt, feeling like he's getting a thrill over it. multiply that by his own lingering obsession towards sae that sae just indulges in, relishing in the attention that the untamed shidou ryusei seems to spotlight on him. the more sae tries to act indifferent towards him, the more shidou enjoys the chase, running off its high.

a pretty girl he wants to ruin and a pretty boy he wants to own in his field of vision. and they're dating? shidou thinks he's won at life.

his cells are getting excited. shidou has to bite his lip from making a rather... carnal sound when he sees you and sae kissing lovingly near the exit of the locker room, your fingers threading through his hair and sae's hands on your hips, thumbs caressing you fondly. shidou draws a shaking, hot breath, his eye twitching... he really doesn't know which person he wants to be more.

unbeknownst to shidou, sae has been plotting the entire thing in his head. shidou turns back to go to the locker room, telling everyone he has some "business" to attend to, and sae, amidst still kissing you, subtly opens one of his eyes, trailing after his figure.

“did it work?” you ask him, slightly breathless through the kiss.

sae merely hums, not breaking from you, with the smallest hint of a smirk visible on his lips.

[ctrl-alt-tahu]

So, I finished reading this post right as the alarm went off for me to make supper, and if that alarm hadn't gone off, it would probably have been subsumed in "the Scroll," but instead it had a chance to really sit and stew while I was cooking and putting the dishes away and...

I am fond of Fiddler on the Roof. I grew up with it, because we lived too far out of the city to get over-the-air TV and my parents didn't spring for cable or satellite. Instead, I grew up with videos, and because my mom loved the musicals of her childhood (think: Rodgers and Hammerstein--she was born in 1961), this was one of them.

I'm not Jewish at all. To borrow a phrase from my favourite author, "I can only reply that I regret that I appear to have no ancestors of that gifted people." Indeed, I grew up sufficiently far from urban centers that I don't know of having ever met anyone Jewish until after I left high school. My experience of Judaism was exclusively filtered through the Christian Bible and media--so Fiddler on the Roof was arguably rather important.

Certainly, I didn't understand what was going on the way someone Jewish would--I was the Catholic in-law in the earlier posts. And, as kids go, I was non-American enough and nerdy enough to have some interest in history, so I eventually had some idea what a pogrom, but I didn't get it; I didn't see the whole movie as a horror story. But I did recognise that it was a downer ending. I couldn't have articulated why, probably because I didn't see what a Jewish viewer did through the first parts of the film. But the ending did cast a shadow back over it. If nothing else, it yanked a the film from being a comedic set in la-la-land firmly back into reality. It kind of worked, if you didn't know what the Jewish viewers know, like the abrupt end of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, but backwards.

I haven't thought too much about Fiddler in the intervening score of years, but if I did, it was sort of through that lens of being a kid and of it taking place "a thousand years ago" (rounding). Like, I sort of knew it had really happened... ish... to real people, but it wasn't something I thought about.

But now?

I'm still not Jewish (sorry--though I have been tempted). But I understand more than I understood as a preteen. Maybe it's the resurgence of Czarist Russia in the early 2020s... maybe it's the "rise of Fascism" vibe of the current "roaring" 20s... I don't know, but it doesn't feel like real life "back then." It feels like real life right now.

I'm absolutely floored that it's supposed to be set in 1905. This is what churned around in my butter-tub of a head putting away the dishes. As a kid, I had thought it set about 1880. I don't know why and I don't know what difference that 25 years would make--the last 25 years have flown by way too fast--but it made the difference I guess in my head that Fiddler was a period piece to me, rather than something "20th century."

The movie was released in 1971. That means a 10 year-old kid in 1905 was only 76. A 20-year-old (say... Tevye's daughter), would have only been in her mid-80s. In other words, the pogroms were in living memory.

(As an aside, the nearness of history shouldn't shock me, but it constantly does. In this case, it really shouldn't shock me. My own non-Russian great-grandparents were ALSO fleeing Russia in the 1900/1910s. I even sort of knew that as a kid. I just... didn't put it together.)

The tsarist pogroms are out of living memory now--barely. I don't think I ever really thought about what the end of living memory meant, but in my lifetime, living memory has ended for a few things (not all of them serious): the Victorian era and WWI, for example, and now we're fast going to see more things pass. All of which is to say that all things I and my generation assumed because we grew up "in living memory of" can't be assumed.

The span from the pogroms to today isn't even two lifetimes, but it only takes one to forget.

Dear God, did you have to send me news like that, today of all days? I know, I know we are The Chosen People, but once in awhile, can't you choose someone else?

[makeitmingi]

Nothing To Prove

Genre: Romance, Fluff, Comedy

Pairing: Yeosang x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Girlfriend!Reader, Boyfriend!Yeosang, cameo of other Ateez members as Yeosang's friends.

Summary: In a laidback relationship, you and Yeosang do worry that you're taking the other person for granted. So the two of you decide to take matters into your own hands, individually and without the other person knowing. Although in actuality, you are both worthy of each other's love.

Word count: 4.6K

Story warning(s): Y/n has some body image issues, both of them have doubts and question themselves.

You love your relationship with Yeosang. It was unlike the other relationships you've ever had before. Both you and Yeosang were laid back, never really needing to go out of your way to please the other person before. It was special to you, it felt like home, Yeosang was the person you could find peace with.

"Ah, done for the day." You stretched your arms over your head, stretching out your stiff neck. You pushed yourself away from your desk and checked your phone.

'I'm done at work. See you at home. - (y/n)'

'Alright. Stay safe on your way back, I'll see you back home. Shall I order some dinner so you don't have to cook? - Yeosang'

'I'll only agree this time because I'm actually craving fried chicken. - (y/n)'

'Well, maybe I was not planning on buying chicken this time. But if you insist... - Yeosang'

You chuckled and tucked your phone into your pocket, proceeding to pack the rest of your things up. You saw some of your colleagues at the lift lobby.

"So, (y/n). Any plans tonight? It's friday!" Your friends asked.

"I don't think so. My boyfriend ended work early so we're going to do have delivery for dinner tonight." You smiled.

"Wait, your boyfriend ended work early but he didn't come pick you up? He just went home on his own?" One of your colleagues asked. The slight suspicion in her tone made you feel a little defensive. But you nodded your head.

"Why does he need to pick me? I'm perfectly fine going home on my own. He should rest since he ended early." You blinked. You and Yeosang always just met at home after work.

"It's friday! Shouldn't you guys be going out for dinner or at least a date of some sort?" She questioned.

"Don't you know? (y/n) and her boyfriend are super laid back. You would think they're just friends." Your other colleague giggled.

"I know, our (y/n) here is too independent. You know guys like to be depended on, feel like the hero... To serve their girlfriends." One of your colleagues patted your shoulder.

"Yeah, ask him to pick you up some time!" They encouraged.

"Maybe..." You added with a nod. You didn't give them a moment to criticise further, the moment the lift doors opened, you were gone.

Your relationship with Yeosang is fine, you didn't need anyone commenting on it, telling you what you should and shouldn't do. If there was an issue, Yeosang would tell you, right?

No, he wouldn't. Yeosang was too kind and loving, he could never tell you anything bad. Every flaw that you knew you had, Yeosang never pointed them out instead he found the positive in them, he was the sweetest person ever. As you sat on the train, you let out a sigh, wondering just how much you were lacking compared to him.

"Sangie, I'm home." You announced your arrival, removing your shoes at the little entranceway of your shared apartment with Yeosang.

"Oh, (y/n)'s back from work." Yeosang informed Yunho, who he was currently online gaming with.

"Shouldn't you go greet her?" Yunho asked.

"I will, hang on. Let's finish this." Yeosang said to his friend over the headset. Seeing you shuffle past him, Yeosang sent you a smile and pointed to the headset.

"You should finish the game, don't leave Yunho hanging. I'll go shower first. Hi, Yunho!" You giggled.

"Hi, (y/n)! Dude, you have such a chill girlfriend. Most girls would freak that their partner didn't turn the game off." Yunho chuckled.

"Why? I mean, (y/n) understands that I was in the middle of something..." Yeosang asked but his question was never answered because they got distracted by an enemy raiding them.

"I've set dinner up." Yeosang informed when you stepped out, fresh from your shower.

"Your game with Yunho is done?" You asked, heading to the fridge for a drink.

"Yeah, we won so we called it a night. Umm, you were... okay with me gaming just now right? You're not angry?" Yeosang turned to you, speaking slowly. You blinked in confusion, not knowing what his question really meant.

"Of course I was, it's your hobby. Why would I be angry? You started the game before I came home anyway. It's your free time, you can do whatever you want." You laughed.

"Thank you. It's nothing. Welcome home, I hope you had a good day at work." Yeosang hugged you.

"I'm just glad this tiring week is over. How about you? Did you have a good day?" You asked back as you sat at your dining table.

"It was productive. Maybe we shouldn't go for the gym session if you're tired? We can stay in." Yeosang suggested, handing you a plate while you handed him the cutlery.

"No, no! It's fine, Sangie. There's no need to cancel. Exercise can be a stress reliever." You shook your head.

"Are you sure? We can do something else if you'd like." He offered.

"Really, I'm okay. I'm looking forward to it." You giggled, taking a bite of fried chicken. Honestly, you did want to cancel to work out. But Yeosang liked it and you didn't want him to cancel because of you.

"(y/n), are you alright? Did something happen at work?" Yeosang frowned a little. One thing your relationship, it made Yeosang more observant, especially when it came to you. The way you pushed your food around, something was obviously wrong and it pained him that you didn't tell him.

"I'm fine! Really, just tired. I feel a little low on energy but I think I need rest, just juggling too many projects right now. Don't worry." You reached over to squeeze his hand.

"You know I'm always here to listen." He reminded, moving his hand so he could laced fingers with you.

"I know." You hummed.

After dinner, you and Yeosang cleared up together, even if he insisted that he could do it and that you should rest. Once that was done, you excused yourself and went to send out some work emails.

"Here. It's caffeine free so it should prepare your brain for bed." Yeosang placed the cup of hot tea beside your laptop.

"It smells good." You took the cup in your hands. Yeosang took the space beside you on the ground.

"This looks like a lot of work for a friday night." He said, glancing over the contents of the reports you were trying to compile together. You nodded with a soft sigh.

"Sorry, I know this isn't exactly the most exciting friday night." You turned to him.

"Don't sweat it, you have enough to worry about. I'm happy just being right here with you." He put his arm around you. You kissed his cheek and leaned your head on his shoulder. Yeosang kissed the top of your head, he wished he could take some stress off you.

"Alright, I'm done. This is all the preparation I need for the contract signing on Monday." You closed your laptop and pushed it aside. You and Yeosang leaned back against the couch.

"Good work today and this week." Yeosang rubbed your arm.

"You too." You closed your eyes, just enjoying the warmth and security that Yeosang brought you.

"This tea is very good." You complimented, sipping the last bit of it. Yeosang was very into vitamins, herbal remedies and homeopathic medicine at times.

"That's good. I still can't appreciate tea but I'm glad you can." He chuckled. You nodded and brought the empty cup to the kitchen.

"Come, let's go to bed." From behind you, Yeosang suddenly lifted you up, making you squeal in shock. The both of you laughed as Yeosang carried you all the way to your bedroom.

"Don't worry, I won't drop you. I work out a lot, you weigh nothing to me." He teased by trying to toss you lightly in the air.

"Okay! Okay! I get it! Now, please put me down! We have to brush our teeth." You shrieked amidst your laughter.

"Oh, that's right. I forgot about that. I was going to put you to bed already." Yeosang set you down on your side of the bed. You got up and held hands with him, going to the bathroom. You squeezed tooth paste onto Yeosang's toothbrush before your own. Standing side by side, you brushed your teeth together.

"Ah, I forgot to buy a new toner." Yeosang said, realising he threw away the empty bottle of his toner this morning. You opened the cupboard and got him a new one.

"I noticed it finishing a couple days ago and bought a new one for whenever you finished the old one." You explained.

"Thankfully you're prepared." Yeosang opened the bottle to start his skincare routine, as did you.

"There." He finished. You wordlessly reached up the brush away the stray hairs that covered the birthmark by his eye. Yeosang turned to meet your eyes, slightly confused by your action.

"It's pretty, I love it." You tip toed a little to kiss his birthmark.

"Only you think it's pretty." Yeosang joked, slinging his arm around your waist as you finished your routine.

"Well, it is. And I don't think, I know." You smiled. Now, with the night time routine done, Yeosang could finally put you to bed. He pulled the blanket back so you could crawl in.

You scooted closer to him once he got settled in bed and he put his arm around you, making sure you were comfortable. Like earlier in the living room, there was a peaceful silence that settled over the two of you. This happened a lot and Yeosang liked it.

He loved hearing you talk and how animated you were but he also loved the shared silences with you. You both didn't need to talk to fill the space. This was enough.

"You should try to sleep." Yeosang said, looking down and realising that at some point, you did already fall asleep.

"Good night." He whispered, carefully leaning to turn the nightstand lights off and falling asleep.

When Yeosang woke up, he thought you would be asleep beside him like every weekend. You usually liked to sleep in a bit while he bought you breakfast from the nearby cafe since he doesn't cook.

"(y/n)?" Yeosang left the room to find you in the kitchen, putting an egg white scramble on a plate.

"Morning." You smiled when you saw him. There was a coffee on the counter next to his pre-workout shake.

"You made breakfast?" Yeosang blinked.

"Yeah, I woke up earlier than I expected so I made breakfast, we have enough food in the fridge anyway. I haven't really had time to do as much cooking with me working longer house." You said.

"You're busy with work, it's fine that you don't cook." Yeosang reached over to hold your hand.

"I know but I miss it... Anyway, that's your coffee, pre workout and egg white scramble with wholewheat toast. I made some boiled eggs if you want more protein. if not we can leave those in the fridge and eat it another time." You got him cutlery. Yeosang took the plate and cutlery to the dining table.

"Aren't you eating?" He asked, patting your chair.

"Yeah, I made oatmeal with strawberries. Was craving something sweet." You said, grabbing to a bowl to put your oatmeal in. Yeosang didn't even sit yet, instead waiting by the stove for you.

"You can start eating first. It'll take about 5 more minutes." You turned to him, stirring the oatmeal.

"I can wait 5 minutes." He placed a hand on your head. Yeosang felt bad that he didn't wake up earlier to get your usual breakfast.

But he didn't know that you woke up earlier because you felt bad that he was always waking up earlier to get you breakfast. He rarely got a chance to sleep in.

"Done." You poured the oatmeal into your bowl and sprinkled the cut up strawberries on top.

"Alright, let's have breakfast." You both sat down to eat.

"I was thinking if we should go out for dinner tonight. San recommended this new pasta bar place and I know you like pasta." Yeosang suggested.

"Sure, that sounds good. It's been a while since we've gone out for dinner." You smiled excitedly with nodding, you just loved spending time with Yeosang. After breakfast was finished, Yeosang helped you with clearing up.

"I have to go pack my gym bag. It's a mess." Yeosang sighed and sat on the ground where his duffle bag was.

"Oh! I forgot, I got something for you." Yeosang suddenly stood up. You sat up from where you were laying down on the bed, you tucked the bookmark at the page you stopped.

"Here you go." He came back into the bedroom with a big paper bag.

"Sangie, what's with the sudden present?" You blinked in confusion but opened it. You saw a new duffle bag, matching Yeosang's.

"So you can have your own gym bag to carry what you need. Like girl things..." Yeosang explained. It was a lilac colour compared to Yeosang's black one.

"Thank you, it's pretty." You smiled and hugged him.

"You're welcome. I hope you like the colour, I thought it was the prettiest one they had." He wrapped his arms around you.

Usually Yeosang helped you carry your gym things but maybe you shouldn't burden him either carrying your things anymore. You can carry your own stuff.

"I'll use it right now." You giggled and packed what you needed for the gym inside while he got back to packing his own things. Yeosang was clearing his bag when his hand touched plastic. He picked it up and looked at it, remembering what it was. It was a doberman keychain he had actually bought for you.

"Thank you. Have a nice day." The worker wished, passing the small bag with the keychain over.

"Thanks, you too." Yeosang smiled, content that he bought something for you. He always insisted he was a doberman so he thought this would remind you of him.

"Come on, let me buy you something. These keychains are cute." He heard a couple right by the store entrance.

"They're too cute. I'm not a child." The girlfriend clicked her tongue.

"But you always like cute things like these. Didn't you ask me for couple items? We can get these." The boyfriend insisted, turning the rack around to browse.

"Yeah that was months ago. I don't want my friends to think I'm childish if I put these on my keys." The girlfriend sighed.

"Alright, we'll look for something else." With that, the couple left the store.

"Childish?" Yeosang looked down at the doberman keychain in his hand. It wasn't a cheesy couple keychain but just one that he bought for you. When he saw it, he did think you would like it, which is why he bought it, but now, he was unsure.

"I'll get her something else then." With a soft sigh, he dropped the keychain into his bag and continued on his way to the gym for his workout session.

That was 3 weeks ago, he had completely forgotten about buying this for you. He wasn't disappointed about the 'waste of money' but he was disappointed in not thinking further on what you would like.

"Yeosang?" You called.

"Huh?" Yeosang quickly tucked the small item into his pants pocket and turning to you.

"I was calling you. Are you okay?" You asked worriedly. He smiled and nodded his head, refolding his spare clothes and putting them into his duffle bag.

"I wanted to ask you if its okay for me to borrow your shirt to wear over my work out clothes." You requested.

"Of course! Take whatever you need." Yeosang nodded. He liked seeing you wear his clothes, it gave him a sense of pride.

"Thanks." You kissed his cheek and went to change. Yeosang took the keychain bag out and sighed softly, he opened his drawer and put the keychain inside. Maybe he should just throw it away. When you came out from the bathroom, he closed the cupboard. As expected, you looked nice in his oversized shirt.

"Hmm?" You tilted your head when he was staring.

"N-Nothing, you're pretty." He coughed, turning away to hide the blush on his cheeks, obviously not expecting himself to just blurt out his thoughts like that.

"Really?" You felt your own cheeks heat up, not used to such compliments from him.

"Of course, you're always pretty." Yeosang said, still not looking at you. You smiled softly and threw your arms around his neck.

"I'll change and we'll go." Yeosang kissed your cheek and went to the bathroom with his workout clothes. While he got ready, you filled up both your water bottles and some post workout snacks.

"What shoes are you wearing?" He asked from the shoe closet by the front door.

"The black asics? My ankles hurt so much when I wore the Nikes last time. I shouldn't wear them for a work out anymore." You said.

"Here." Yeosang suddenly bent down next to you, lifting your foot. You held onto the counter to support yourself, confused at to what he was doing.

"You should wear ankle guards then. Even if they do not hurt right now." He explained, carefully securing the ankle guard into place for you. When he was done with one foot, he gently lifted up the other foot to do the same as he did before.

"Thank you." You said softly.

"Shall I called the physiotherapist to see if it is anything serious?" Yeosang frowned with concern.

"I'm fine, really. It's just the lack of ankle support from the shoes plus I was running a lot that day to do cardio. If it hurts, I'll go see a doctor." You assured him.

"Alright. You have to tell me if it still hurts." He said seriously. You hummed and went to wear your shoes with him beside you.

"Do you want me to help you carry that?" Yeosang asked as you both left your apartment complex to go to the gym.

"No need, I'd rather you free up your hand." You giggled. Yeosang tilted his head, a little confused as to what you meant until you reached out to hold his hand.

"Oh, I see what you mean." He nodded slowly, understanding what your intentions were.

You were not the biggest fan of exercising or going to gym but seeing how much Yeosang loved it, you started this routine too. Plus, it gave you another way to spend more time with him. It made you happy when you saw how happy he was when you suggested starting the go to the gym with him.

"I'm gonna put my bag in the locker room." You split ways with him after you both entered the gym since the female and male sections were separated.

"That pretty guy is back at the gym." A girl giggled.

"Wow, he's so pretty but also muscular and built. I wouldn't even dare talk to him, he's too perfect." Her friend replied.

"Hey, you came in with that cute guy earlier, right? Is he your brother?" You felt a tap on your shoulder and turned around to see the two girls standing there.

"Umm, no... He's my boyfriend." You gulped slightly. When they heard your reply, they seemed to be in disbelief.

"Right, well. Your boyfriend's very good looking. You're very lucky." One of the girls said.

"Yeah, lucky..." Her friend giggled, almost mocking you before they left. You let out a long sigh and went out to the main gym area to see Yeosang there, waiting for you.

"Hey, you took a while. Did something happen? Is it your ankles?" Yeosang came over to you. You shook your head with a small smile, assuring him that nothing happened. He felt like he was prying too much so Yeosang took your word for it and didn't question further.

"I'm gonna work on the weights." You changed the subject.

"Alright, make sure you warm up properly. Let me know if you need help, I'll be right there." He pointed.

"Okay." You bumped fists with him and broke apart to do your own workouts. You appreciated that Yeosang always made sure you could see him and he would come check on you.

"She's fine." Yeosang said to himself, making sure he could see you in the mirror. He didn't want you to injure yourself further.

"It's so nice of you to be watching your girlfriend." Someone spoke. Yeosang momentarily looked away from you to see a girl beside him.

"Excuse me?" Yeosang was confused.

"Could you help me with this?" The girl smiled, gesturing to the barbells. The last person that used it must have left the weights on and didn't put them back.

"Sure." Yeosang nodded and helped her remove the weights, putting them back at their respective place on the shelves.

"Thank you so much for your help, I can take it from here." The girl smiled, sending Yeosang a flirtatious wave. They didn't realise that you were watching the whole time. The girl was so fit, much fitter than you. Her exposed stomach revealed how toned she was while Yeosang's oversized shirt covered your body.

"Hey, do you need help?" A guy came over, making you tear your eyes away from Yeosang. Judging by his uniform, you knew that he worked here.

"No, I'm good. Thanks." You gave him a friendly smile.

"Sure, sure. Actually, when you lift the weights, your back should be like this or you'll strain it." He demonstrated.

"Oh, that's great advice. Thank you, maybe that's why my back has been hurting after weight days." You chuckled. The male laughed and gave you a thumbs up.

"You're welcome, if you need anymore help, I'll be around." He gestured.

Yeosang watched the man talk to you, he could sort of grasp what the male was telling you. And he knew all that. Yeosang frowned slightly, he should have been the one the teach it to you.

"Woah." As you were moving stations, you tripped over the mat corner and down you went.

"(y/n)!" Yeosang dropped what he was doing and ran over to you.

"Are you okay?" The man from earlier rushed over. But Yeosang was too worried about you, he ignored the man and held your hand, watching your face crumple with pain. You didn't need to tell him, Yeosang already knew what was wrong.

"Let's get you to the doctor." Yeosang slipped his arms under you to lift you up.

"No, Sangie. It's fine... I'll be fine..." You protested.

"No, you're not fine. We're going to the doctor now." Yeosang went to retrieve his bag and he got one of the female staff to get your bag. He called a cab to bring you to the doctor.

Throughout the doctor's trip, Yeosang was eerily silent. It wasn't he usual silence, he had a frown on his face, showing his displeasure.

"Easy." Yeosang carried you into the house, carefully setting you down on the couch.

"Here, you have to elevate your leg." He grabbed one of dining chairs and placed a cushion on it. You winced as you placed your bandaged ankle on top of the cushion.

"Do you need anything? You should eat before taking your painkillers because they're quite strong." Yeosang stroked your head.

"Sure." You nodded glumly. He retrieved a protein bar for you, bringing you your waterbottle and meds too.

"I'm sorry I interrupted our workout. We barely just started before I fell and hurt myself." You said, looking down at your lap. You genuinely felt so bad and it made you feel worse. Firstly, you were so embarrassed that you fell. Secondly, Yeosang had to stop your workout. Lastly, you wouldn't make your dinner date.

"(y/n), it's just a workout. It's not important to me, you and your safety is more impotant to me." He rubbed your shoulder. Yeosang stood up and grabbed a blanket for you.

"I-" You felt so overwhelmed you just burst out into tears, shocking Yeosang.

"What's wrong? Does your ankle hurt? Should I call the doctor? Tell me what you need, please." He begged desperately.

"Yeosang, please hug me." You cried.

"Oh!" You were in Yeosang's arms in just a split second. He hugged you tightly, his hand resting on the back your head as you cried into his neck. He hushed you softly, comforting you.

"Please don't cry, (y/n)." Yeosang's heart hurt, he wanted to protect you but it seemed like he was failing.

"I keep doing everything wrong. I can't do anything right." You cried.

"What? What are you talking about? What are you saying?" Yeosang was now confused as to what you were talking about. You pulled away and wiped your tears.

"You do so much for me and always put me first so I've been trying to do more for you too, I don't want you to think I'm using you or taking advantage of you. I don't want you to get tired of me or-" You were interrupted when Yeosang grasped your chin to kiss you.

"Silly girl. Where did you get that idea? I've never once thought any of that and I'll never get tired of you." He wiped your tear away.

"I'm not like most girlfriends." You shook your head.

"That's what I love about you. I don't need you to be like anyone else." He hugged you, rubbing your back. Yeosang had no idea you thought that way.

"And here I thought you were getting tired of me doing things for you. I've been trying to be a more dependable boyfriend." He said.

"You are dependable, Sangie. And I'm not tired of you, I love when you do things for me." You giggled.

"I'm not the best boyfriend out there. I can be a little slow and don't grasp things quickly so I want to prove that I am worthy somehow." Yeosang explained.

"There's nothing to prove. You are worthy. And you're wrong, you are the best boyfriend out there." You shook your head.

"We're worthy of each other, okay? Let's not doubt that." He caressed your cheek.

"Okay." You leaned in to give him another kiss. Yeosang smiled and stood up, going to the bedroom. You were puzzled as he came out holding something in his hand. He chuckled and sat back down, putting something in your palm.

"Oh my, it's adorable! Is this supposed to be you?" Your eyes lit up as you held the little doberman keychain.

"Yeah... I saw it the other day and bought it for you. You know, to remind you of me." Yeosang smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I love it! Thank you. Can you give me my keys, please? I want to add it now." You requested.

"Sure." He went to your bag to get them for you. You fiddled with the keyring but managed to add the keychain to your keys.

"It's adorable." You looked at it, jingling your keys.

"I'm glad you like it." He smile softly, reaching over to stroke your head. You giggled and held your keys in your lap as you leaned over to rest your head against his chest.

~

Masterlist

[miwiheroes]

Hii, not really a question but I'm rewatching s2 and I noticed a parallel between the "we like steve... but we don't love steve" and Nancy stammering quite a bit to say "I- I do" and Mike having a similar response during his fight with El. I don't really know if you or someone else had already noticed that but felt the need to say it

Dropping Byler Evidence Every (Other) Day Until Season 5

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . Day 32: Murray's Conversation w/ Jancy . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ .

@j-gvellthings hope u don't mind I hijacked ur ask to use for my post thing i just think this is uber interesting <3

Honestly, that whole conversation with Murray and those scenes could absolutely apply to Byler and Jancy at the same time. In some moments, I feel like what he says could actually apply to Mike more than Nancy.

Jancy say they're "just friends" here ^^ and obviously,,, if you've watched literally any romcom or show with romance in, you'd know that if someone is a little two defensive about the two of them being friends, then the audience is supposed to imply that they could be something more than that -- which happens with Byler in S4, when Mike unnecessarily calls them friends. It's not in the same context obviously, but Mike takes it romantically.

Murray also says that Jonathan and Nancy have 'shared trauma' which is apparently the 'real shit' (meaning the apex of the conversation and the most important thing). Now, this obviously applies to Jancy because they went through a lot and that's what creates this meaningful bond between the two of them. Steve does not understand what Nancy's been through -- Jonathan does. And vice versa i guess.

Byler also have this exact dynamic. Mike was with Will during S2 when all that shit happened - and the subsequent dynamic has shifted so Mike seems like the only one that really understands what Will goes through. They also both go through the same types of bullying, which is shown in S1.

Some examples of their 'shared trauma' dynamic are:

Will says that Mike shouldn't tell anyone else about his True Sight because 'they won't understand' - S2E02

Mike says that Will is quiet today and Lucas brushes it off, but Mike sees it as something deeper - S2E01

Will only tells Mike about D'art and Mike is the one to shout at the others and gets rid of his problem for him - S2E03

At the Snow Ball, Will looks at Mike when a girl asks him out, because he's so used to checking with him for things - S2E09

Mike asks Will if he's okay at the movie theatre because he's so in tune with Will's emotions surrounding scary stuff (they were about to watch a horror movie) - S3E01

I only really named ones in S2 because that's the season where Murray actually says that so I feel like it has more value when it's all in S2

"Trust issues am I right? Something to do with your dad."

Obviously, we all know that Will's had issues with his homophobic father - so has Jonathan, so it can apply to both of them. Most of Will's internalised homophobia can be traced back to bullying which includes his father.

It is shown right from the beginning of the whole show that Lonnie calls Will slurs, and attempts to make him like things that any 'normal' boy should want. Jonathan counteracts this by telling Will that he shouldn't just like things because people tell you to and telling Will that it's much better to be a 'freak' than normal.

This homophobic bullying could arguably lead to trust issues for Will - his internalised homophobia from his dad is what is keeping him from telling Mike the truth. He's afraid that Mike 'won't like the truth' because of the things he's experienced in the past.

Now, the one where Murray calls out Nancy is way more interesting:

"You. You're harder to read."

Nancy is of course, harder to read than Jonathan because she hides so much -- she's harder for the audience to figure out because she's in a relationship already. Even so, I think this applies to Mike even more than Nancy. We have Nancy's POV. We can often see what she's thinking and feelings, but with Mike, we haven't had his POV and private thoughts and inner conflicts since S2. For two whole seasons, there has been barely a moment of introspection for Mike. The audience has constantly questioned what the hell he's thinking and why he's acting this way.

It's simple -- he's supposed to be harder to read.

"Probably, like everyone, afraid of what would happen if you... accepted yourself for who you really are"

HELLO? I think when i rewatched this I was a little confused because the wording of this sentence does not really allude to Nancy's issues alone. She is, of course, afraid of accepting who she really is, but it's hard to see that as her main character arc. She's more afraid of leaving the safety of Steve, but this wording is just so oddly familiar to someone telling someone who's queer to accept themselves.

Literally Mike's arc - he's afraid of what would happen if he accepted himself. If he accepted himself - it would mean he realises he doesn't love El, which means he's failed her and has to break up with her. He might lose her if he accepts himself. Idk, the wording is just tooooo suspicious to just apply to Nancy here.

"retreated back to the safety of... Name?" "Steve"

This is kind of insane UM,,, so Nancy uses Steve as her safety blanket because he's a well-respected, popular person at school and has a lot of money, which is similar to her parents' situation. Being with Jonathan is the less secure option, but it aligns with her true feelings. Which means the audience should want her to be with the person she actually loves rather than someone she doesn't want to lose purely based on safety.

Mike literally does this returning to the safe option thing 3 times in the show...

Mike slowly realises that meeting Will was the best thing he ever did, not meeting El, not helping her etc. This happens over the course of S2, and Mike accepts that El is gone, placing her in the same category as Bob when talking to Max. When El comes back, he's torn between the two, and we can see this dilemma in the Snow Ball scene. Will is off with someone else - Mike is questioning why he's feeling like this and what he should do - so he sacrifices his true feelings for what he feels is the greater good and what he should just do, which is to stay with El.

At the end of S3, Mike realises something and is scared of what this could mean. He realises that he has been trying to change himself too much over the course of the summer and just wants things to go back to the way they were. In S4, he attempts to cover up his feelings and push them down because he's afraid of what would happen of he accepted himself, and pretends to be in a normal, healthy relationship.

During S4, Mike realises that his relationship with El is something that he's insecure about, and often confides in Will about this. He alerts to Will that he should have 'explained himself' to El, rather than telling her I love you, implying that he doesn't want to say that ever. He agrees with Will that the truth could hurt someone he cares about. He's worried that El doesn't need him anymore, and is happy when Will tells him that she'll need him no matter what - but he still has to be encouraged by Will's words to say I love you to her. This is for the greater good - what he thinks will keep her alive and what he thinks she needs.

So again, Mike and El's relationship is built on commitment and safety - being with Will is the least safe option because it would mean having to look inside himself, accepting himself, and possibly losing El, who he still cares about.

"We like Steve." "Yes!" "But we don't love Steve."

This one's pretty self-explanatory and was the original point of the ask above - Nancy has literally in this season told Steve the words 'I love you'. You can say those words even when you don't mean it, the writers aren't that stupid to be worried that the viewers will suddenly go "OH BUT WHAT ABOUT THAT ONE TIME-"

But, obviously, before Nancy went off with Jonathan, the last thing she talked to him about was their argument about her not being able to say I love you to him - in that argument, when asked to tell him, she stumbles and goes "Really?" before they're interrupted. Then she can't say anything. She can't say it because it's not true.

Sound familiar? - while there are many more nuanced aspects to Mileven's scenes in S4, it is arguably similar to the Stancy's plot that Murray is talking about. Nancy 'likes' Steve, but her feelings aren't deeper than that. She cares about him, but that doesn't have to necessarily mean she loves him romantically. In the same sense, Mike blurts out "I care for you" instead of "I love you" during their argument.

Nancy stumbles over her words trying to deny it - which is the same with Mike when he gets confronted about it in S4, leading to him trying to gaslight and become defensive, using words like "ruin" and "ridiculous".

All I'm trying to say here is that the Duffers aren't strangers to writing a plot where a character is repressing their feelings and using a relationship as protection in order to hide who they really are. And the lines are written to be so non-specific that we can't ignore that they can easily apply to Byler as well as Jancy.

[fluffygiraffe]

PJ and Sparkles's Official Reference 2.0!

I DID IT! Both of them, side by side!!! Now it looks good too :).

Drawing Rules + Info!

PJ

11'7 (w/o hat + antennae)

That's a bell on his bow. Please. please I've seen it misdrawn so many times I'm going to burn down an orphanage plEASe- /sillyj /nm

His antennae can bend any way he wants! You can make any shape with it. :3.

Kitty mouth or no mouth. Always needs a kitty mouth.

Cheeks, cheeks touching the top of his mouth, eyelashes, and mouth connecting to the bottom/edge of the screen are mandatory! :D

His mouth doesn't really open, so I recommend not drawing him with an open mouth.

Those are ball joints.

Don't remove his hat, please.

PJ's arms are not fabric. They are flocked silicone, so please keep this in mind!

Three bumps on arms only. Please :3.

Silly arm-wrist things and neck fluff aren't mandatory, but I'd love if if you drew it.

Don't flip the Star Symbol. Ever. You don't want Her upset with you.

Everything else can mostly be changed to fit your style! :3333

Sparkles

3'2 (w/o antennae)

Antennae cannot be bent. They're supposed to look like ears!

Whiskers are mandatory, only three whiskers.

Eyes are never open.

Never depict her as upset. Angry and Happy are her only emotions. She does not have enough brain cells to be upset. <3

That's about it. :3

Basic Lore:

PJ!

Unlike Mr. Puzzles, PJ watched every children's show that existed!.. And not much else. Due to this, instead of Five Stars, his goal is to befriend the SMG4 crew and teach them how to be good friends by teaching them lessons he's seen in the cartoons he's watched! And maybe he'll befriend everyone else in the Mushroom Kingdom. That would be a nice little bonus! He wants to make them Happy as well, but what's the harm in that..? He's only helping them! Trust me! He doesn't mean any harm!.. But he causes it anyway.

PJ's cutesy, sweet, and oh-so nice! He just wants to play and make friends with everyone! MaybespreadHerWordaswellifthey'dliketohear. He usually keeps a cheery happy persona, and is super cuddly and sweet! He'd LOVE to give you a hug! But this doesn't mean PJ's not prone to other emotions. He gets easily frustrated and upset, and his heart is oh-so brittle. Be nice to him, wontcha? Wouldn't want to make him upset.

Don't worry, PJ can't hurt you! He has safety features which keeps him from hurting anything Fully Human or Fully Animal! Anything that doesn't classify normally in either of these two classifications or something in between is Fair Game. What? Who said that? Hmm, seems it was nothing. But anyway, PJ wouldn't hurt a fly! Nor would he want to! :). Though, this doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful! Under that silicone and fluffy material, he's got Metal Bones. Don't play rough, now!

PJ loves and encourages escapism, every form of it! Ignoring, forgetting, forcefully removing it from your brain, all of it's perfectly fine to him! He'll even help you if you let him! He may even show you a new way of getting rid of all those icky imperfections if you let him! How nice of him! Don't you love your Best Friend?

PJ sees himself as the good guy in this situation and doesn't understand that he's doing bad by doing all the things he does. He's helping and not hurting, after all! Western Spaghetti and Wotfi 2023 weren't exactly his fault, he didn't know the other's intentions with his best friends. And he didn't know It's Gonna Be Perfect would go Oh So Wrong... It went all out of his control. He didn't want this to happen. He never wanted his friends to get hurt. But what's a good guy without flaws? He'll fix himself! And he'll fix the crew too! Happy smiles all around without any responsibility for the rest of time; as long as they let him help!

Why don't they... Like him though?

PJ's been nothing but nice. Why are they so mean to him? They hurt him. They beat him. They yell, scream, and fight him. He tried so many times, but they kept hurting him. This isn't fair. They forgive each other for mistakes, and yet, they don't forgive him? The one that's trying to make it better? The one that's trying to make them better? They don't even know of Her Word. What's to come to all of them. What's to come for everyone. Every universe. How ignorant.

Useless to fight. Useless to cry. Oh so useless. All of it. They don't deserve to feel such emotions or think such thoughts. Maybe it's better if PJ takes it all away from them, so they can be the best people they'll ever be without flaw or hurt. A smile on their face! All because of their Best Friend, PJ. They'll be thankful, PJ knows that much. They'll love him, realize what they've done wrong, and just let him do as he needs with their minds. As it all should be. He'd let them do the same if he knew they wouldn't take advantage of him.

This is how you. Treat friends. Right?

...

Of course, it is! They just need to learn how to treat friends properly! Silly billes! :3.

Sparkles!

Who's that making her way over oh-so slowly? Look! It's Sparkles!

Sparkles is PJ's Kit-TV, and she's often not seen because PJ makes extra care that she's not hurt by the meanie crew! They don't know how to treat each other, so they most likely don't know how to treat his kitty.

Sparkles used to be a normal kitty a long while ago, but due to being really hurt and weak when Winston PJ found her, PJ put her in a TV, altered it, and saved her! Don't worry, her Quality of Life is lots better! Although she can't walk fast, she's got all the wet food she could want, all the kitty toys she could want, a safe little carpeted room in The Playhouse with a baby camera inside to make sure she's always safe, and all the love from PJ she could ever desire!

Although she seems like a sweet kitty, be careful! She's EVIL!! Eviler than any Mr. Puzzles combined! Gasp!.. What evil things could she do, you ask? Well! She BITES FINGERS! Dun dun DUUUN! Don't worry, her teeth are silicone, and can't pierce through your skin. Or. Anything, actually. Which is the reason PJ makes her specialized wet food. :).

PJ used her as the basis for the Adware in It's Gonna Be Perfect! (not it's gotta be perfect, this change is purposeful. That's for later, though.) And, although Sparkles could talk perfectly full sentences there, all Sparkles can do is make a very loud "MEW!" outside your computer screen. And she's not very smart either.

Speaking of her mews...Sparkles is VERY vocal! Her bitcrushed mews are VERY loud! Careful of your ears! :3.

... someverypowerfulcharactersthoughtit'dbefunnytomakeherimmortal.so.nowsheis. not to mention a few more powers i can't get into here. watch for me, you will see me again.

Her body is metal, though she has a few sensors on the top of her head, the sides of her body, and the bottom of her TV! Which means you can pet her with her feeling it! Isn't that sweet?

Sparkles can't open her eyes, but she can see!... Kind of. You see, her eyesight is very poor. She will run into walls... And legs... And everything. And she can't exactly turn around fast to avoid these things. Hence, the room PJ carpeted for her.

Next time you hear the pitter-patter of silicone paws on the ground with a very loud "MEW!" behind it, say hi to her!.. And give her back to PJ, she isn't meant to escape-!

~

wwwwoah. This is. lots. whoops, hehe.

Well! Hope you like it!

[fuyuu-chan]

Oh to be the Reader

(this will be the pov of the female lead, Cha-Hae In)

Pairing: Sung Jinwoo x GN! Reader

Fuyuu-chan: i got writer's block, so sorry for the late post. (inspired by one of the reels i saw in instagram lol) i actually planned on doing this fic on sylus but i feel like this suits jinwoo more

✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧

Cha-Hae In was just a character from a novel, a webtoon, along with everyone else. She herself knew this, she is aware of the gaze of the reader who reads this novel. And she is sure Jinwoo does too, with the way he always spaceout looking up. As if looking to the reader, and this always happen, especially when he is with her.

Whenever Jinwoo does something to Cha, the reader would always squeal or smile with delight just because of how Jinwoo act as being a romantic. And...Jinwoo would always smile looking up as if he got the approval of the reader.

Cha hated it. If Jinwoo likes the reader, why must he use her or be with her?? Why just show things or be affectionate to her just to impress the reader on how he treats his lover? Doesn't he know he is hurting her?

Besides Cha also felt jealous, she is the female lead of the novel after all so shouldn't she be with the male lead? She is destined to be with Jinwoo. She might be in a relationship right now with him but...his attention was solely focused on the reader all the time. Like...his heart belonged to them and not with her.

She doesn't get it, at all. She was supposed to be happy with him, right? .... So what happened?? What changed?

.

.

.

As time pass by, Cha got to accept the fact that Jinwoo's heart would never be for her.

But she was so tired of it all. Cant Jinwoo just spare her the trouble? At least give her some mercy.

Maybe if the reader was in her place, Jinwoo would finally be happy...she just wanted to be out of this.

Cha knew she would never be like the reader anyway. She would never get Jinwoo's genuine affection, how his eyes soften more when he looks up, how he always seeks the reader's approval by his actions based on how they react to that.

She already knew her fate had changed. She just had to come terms with this situation...but is she selfish on wishing she could be free and happy? She wanted to feel loved too...even if it wasn't from Jinwoo.

Maybe, just maybe....if reader could just come in this world, she would be out of this miserable life.

ฅ⁠^⁠•⁠ﻌ⁠•⁠^⁠ฅ

Please do not copy, translate, repost to any other Social media, Thank you.

[ratherembarrassing]

2025: week 6 and 7

previously, on ratherembarrassing, our heroine was fleeing the mothercountry for the new world...

around the world in thirteen days: so all up, i made my way through every timezone in 13 days. i... don't recommend it, i don't think. it's possible that it was less good because, uh, i didn't sleep for 2 weeks, but who the fuck can say. in any event, onward to the ununited states!

newark!: the calmest airport in the entire country?! the cute little monorail to the train station?!?! the complete lack of signage about the two different train operators and the requirement to get a completely different ticket for each????? i will never fly anywhere else ever again if i can help it.

wet dream tomato: that congestion tax really is working because the streets of midtown were quiet at midday. the vibe was really off until hours before i departed when i saw what looked to be an eight year-old smoking. a shout out to myself for dropping a pin in the three theatres i was seeing shows in on maps and booking a hotel in the middle of the triangle, because that was, actually, sweet as fuck.

theatah!: oh, mary! (lyceum theatre, broadway). as previously said, laughed so hard i nearly peed my pants in a new york theater. as not previously said, i also sucked every bit of myself up and stage door'd in the rain and told betty gilpin, through the power of close proximity, that i love and adore her. go see this.

and then i bought a coat: this truly was an endeavour. the half abandoned basement of a macy's in brooklyn could well have been where i met my end, but i lived to see another h&m and the sweetest sales girl in the world found me the last remaining coat in all of the eastern seaboard. getting this home became a whole thing.

bagel bagel bagel!: so many bagels, the most enchanting of which was one filled with birthday cake flavoured cream cheese from a BTS (the band???) themed bagel store. new york, you are so weird and i love you so much. honestly, because of the weather i was really committed to just not leaving a 4 block radius if i didn't have to (alas, brooklyn) and just wringing the weirdest shit out of those four blocks was incredibly fun. i've been visiting new york for eighteen years and lived there for long enough to pay rent three times, and i've never spent so much time in times square, but i had a fun snowy time.

also, tho: you get mobile signal with data on the subway now?!?!?!?!

theatah!: sunset blvd (st james theatre, broadway). i actually have an entire post in me about this so i'm going to just say that you are free to picture me in the world's largest puffer coat, snoopy style, attempting to melt into the floor as nicole scherzinger said she liked my good luck babe hat as it quietly midnight snowed all around us. byeeeee. (go see this, oh my god go see this!)

theatah!: death becomes her (lunt-fontanne theatre, broadway). i did not know destiny's child's michelle williams was in this until she appeared and i very rudely said out loud, oh my god that's destiny's child's michelle williams. regardless, i was three for three with bangers on this trip. go see this.

go west! life is not peaceful there: absolutely nobody appreciated the moment we were all standing on line for an aggressive pat down by the tsa at jfk when wind beneath my wings started playing over the pa system. i was not amongst my people at all, so i had to leave. on the way, i visited texas for a grand total of 5 minutes. please picture me running off my plane, dashing 3 gates down the terminal, hugging @xactodreams, and running onto the next plane.

a brief interlude: once again they let me drive on the wrong side of the road. they probably shouldn't. why are the traffic lights only on the other side of the intersection. hertz does this thing now where you can just wander around the lot and take whatever car you want, which was more stressful than anticipated.

conclave conclave: this is, actually, the entry for @tgifemslash, my beloved little gay con that you too could attend if you want to do things like, uh, sit in a circle for an hour raving madly about the various wonders of 2024 movie of the year conclave. at this point in our story i had slept very little and was about to commence 3 nights of approximately zero sleep before 4am.

taco taco taco!: i admittedly have historically not been a fan of most mexican food, entirely because it's just not good in australia. in the hands of @wanderson20 mine eyes have been opened to the glory.

traditional shoutouts: clark street diner (my favourite place on earth). the grove (why do i always end up here) (i had to buy a suitcase). erhewon or however the fuck it's spelled (i joined a cult). the nice woman at the qantas desk (thank you for not charing me to check my second suitcase (see grove, the)). panda express (lax's international terminal's only good quality).

oh also: kbox karaoke in a deserted strip mall at 9pm on a sunday in an otherwise entirely empty karaoke place is, actually, it. were there other patrons for a brief window of time, howling on the other side of the wall, or was that the ghosts of patrons never.

SHE GETS THE JOB DONE: swerved 20 minutes out of my way and paid homage at the chappell roan billboard. shout out to the other person there doing the same thing. then i had to go home :(

and then a hero comes along: entire row of seats to myself, love of my life. it's such a rare treat these days to commandeer three tiny, shitty pillows and three gross blankets, strap yourself awkwardly to a bench slightly too short for even your shortass body, and drug yourself into unconsciousness for 11 hours. amen.

and then nothing good ever happened again the end au contraire.

cannibal club!: the yellowjackets is BACK, BABY! the severance/yellowjackets double feature is the only reason to get up in the morning, tbh.

a little brunch: little molli's (abbotsford). the smoked pork neck french dip is to die for, but the blood orange cream soda is to live for.

if anything else happened, i will never remember it, good night.

[patchworkcuddlebug]

Solar Flare

A Night & Day story.

The Day Witch sighs and rubs the tiredness out of her heavy eyes. She stumbles out from her study, her daylight having retired long before she has. As she hears the movement of the door closing itself behind her, she scrambles, launching herself backwards to catch it with her hand before it can make the loud, booming noise she expects it to.

Internally, she celebrates having stopped it. Externally, she nurses the hand she just slammed in her door. She supposes it's just as well. She wanted to find Luna anyway.

She finds what is lost in the first place she looks, as to be expected from a witch. Luna is where it always is this time of night, preparing the table for dinner.

"...Luna?"

Utensils have been placed in their spot, where the witch is meant to sit. Her cup, the second step, remains unplaced. Luna stands next to the table, its eyes locked on the full moon illuminating the night sky. Its skittish hypervigilance seems buried beneath the surface, the doll seeming almost serenely enraptured.

Its witch slows to a stop, lingering in the doorway of the dining room. It expects the doll to turn and greet her, just as it always does when she makes herself known even in the subtlest of ways, but it seems completely ignorant.

For a single, optimistic moment, the witch hoped it was simply admiring the view. It would be rude, then, to interrupt it after it's finally found a moment of peace. Despite herself, she can't help but feel concern from the discrepancy in behaviour. "Luna, is everything okay? You don't have to respond if y-"

"Yes Miss." Its head perks up and its body seizes as it turns to face its Miss. There's no resignation, its anxiety isn't hidden. The startle is clear on its face.

"Oh, sorry." The witch seems apologetic, but not overwhelmingly, as one would be for misspeaking. "I was just a little worried, is all."

"Yes Miss." It repeats itself, trying and failing to perfectly match its previous cadence. It's hurried, exasperated, afraid.

"...Luna? Is ev-"

"Yes Miss."

Luna's face isn't still. It's empty, but it isn't still. It stares into the distance, past the witch, too afraid to move beyond twitches and shudders that look much too unnatural for the clockwork of a doll.

It's home. It can look around and see The Day Witch's manor, recount the ways that the decor or the layout is different, but it's The Night Witch's doll.

It's speaking. It's chanting. It can't stop responding. It knows it doesn't help, that it shouldn't bother, but it can't stop, it just can't stop. It needs to apologize, it has so much to apologize for. It knows The Day Witch won't do anything, she never has, but it has to respond. It has to. Or else.

It's there, on the floor, next to Stella. It can see the hollow shell in where its chest should be, where it should be. Love, scraped and drained and pulled out by the roots as it was helpless to fight back, to cry or to scream.

This one wants to cry. Please, something, anything to prove that it's mourning. It needs to feel the release, the catharsis of having its tears stain the slacking face of one of the only things to ever show it affection. It wants to scream, telling it how much it mattered, how much it made this miserable existence bearable, how every day it survived so it could feel that one's love. Please. Anything.

The rotting of its chest, the crunch of the metal being chewed, the pulse of magic dissipating, the lifeless stare into nothing. It's still there, in the corner of its eyes, collapsing in on itself, no life to support it. And this one threw it away, like a good doll. It can't look, it can't look.

Miss is in front of it, staring it down, telling it to be a good doll for her. Please don't hurt this one too. It needs to live. For Stella. Miss reaches up, taking her... hat off? That's... not Miss. That's... no, no, that is Miss.

"Luna, can you hear me?" She says.

"Yes Miss." The recognition returns to its eyes, somewhere behind the fear.

"You don't have to say that anymore, okay?" She gently, so gently, grabs Luna's hands. "Never again. Just try and focus on me for now, okay? You're here, you're not with her anymore."

The doll tries to restrain itself, to stay quiet, but it just can't. It can't be a bad doll, it can't, it shouldn't, it would never, please, please, it's not a bad doll. "Y-yes Miss."

The witch paused, but only for a moment. "Call me Helia, please."

There's a sickening crunch as the metal shreds. "No, no, this one could never, it would never, Miss, that's not for dolls, it shouldn't, Miss, please..."

"Luna, I care about you more than anything in the world." Her grip tightens in the doll's hands, just enough not to hurt it. "If anyone can use my name, it's you."

Luna's trembling begins to slow, and it feels like it can move again. It stops holding its breath, just long enough. "Yes... Helia. Thank you, Helia."

The doll is overwhelmed by an alien sensation. Miss... The Night Witch taught it to never, ever, use the name of someone above it. So every use, every Helia, made her seem just a little further away. It doesn't have to appease her anymore, it's with... Helia. Helia, Helia, Helia.

Stella isn't there. Not anymore. It hasn't been for a long time.

As Helia watches the doll slowly leave its frozen state, position shifting into something just a little more comfortable, she exhales for what feels to her like the first time. "Is everything okay?"

"Yes, Helia." It almost sounds... excited to say such a thing. The name still leaves a pleasant tingle on its lips. A smile just barely begins at the corners of its cheeks. "Thank you... very much, Helia."

"Oh, Luna, you're smiling!" The doll flinched away as its witch pulled it in for a hug, lowering its head and wrenching its eyes shut. But as its face landed in the nape of Helia's neck, it found itself pressing deeper into her, squeezing her in its arms.

Later, as the night stretched on and the moon disappeared behind the clouds, Luna would come to regret how long it spent simply enjoying the embrace of its witch, Helia. But there, in the moment, its world shrunk to be nothing but the warmth in Helia's body.

Even as it cursed itself for being a bad doll, for being demanding of affection before it had even finished its duties, it could still feel that lingering gratitude uplift its spirits. It also couldn't bring itself to linger too much on its negative thoughts, at least not for the rest of the night. Instead, it was distracted. It spent much of its night idly wondering if it was simply Helia's magic, or if all hugs felt so warm.

[ofhollowhearts]

You should trust her.

[warrenwaskilledbyadeer]

Can we talk about how the heart and soul of the original Ace Attorney trilogy centers around how Phoenix loves his sister Maya so much he will do literally anything for her but all the fandom wants to talk about is Wrightworth

(HAD TO EDIT THE POST BECAUSE PLEASE DO NOT TAG SHIP)

[antiyourwokehomophobia2]

I think I might get into the thriller/mystery genre. I've always been a huge fantasy fan, but I've recently run into three problems.

I used to read fantasy books where Sapphic (I'd say 'lesbian' but let's be so fr) romance was the focal point/end game. However, they are often so damn disappointing and I'm honestly really tired of feeling that way. I love lesbian books but they're either actually bi books or like. Memoirs. Or, worse, depressing/don't end how I'd like.

I can't take straight romance seriously at all so that's a no go.

Fantasy without romance often doesn't catch my eye. I'm not saying I wouldn't enjoy such a book, but just that none have really jumped out to me as a must read.

It's been a while since I read anything, and I miss it quite a bit but I don't feel like the "well-written fantastical lesbian romance" genre is a long list (believe me, I looked) and straight romances are corny. I'd be willing to read a no-romance fantasy book but ones that suit me are so hard to find.

All that to say that I think I might like the mystery/thriller genre? I'm actually currently making my way through "the girl on the train" audiobook and I like it a fair amount. This may be the right direction to go in to get back into reading.

[faaun]

WHAT DO I DOOO