#and struggle to maintain her persona

[weekend-g]

the reply about toya helping mafuyu find a childhood book knocked me dead, I love that

they're both comfortable with long silences, so even if mafuyu doesn't feel comfortable letting down her persona, I like to think she gets to relax around toya and likes hanging out with him because of that. and since he is the way he is, mafumom also really likes toya which means mafuyu doesn't need to exhaust herself hiding it

remember when toya said he's drawn towards books about searching for people?? I think about that a normal amount (24/7) which just makes me think mafuyu would be safe and cared for if she decided to relax around toya...like...he GETS IT...not the actual loss of identity but the pressure that drove her to kill her identity, you know?? he'd understand what she needs becuase it's also what he needed

^^also mafuyu doesn't really get anything out of reading books for fun, but when she listens to toya ramble on about books like that, she gets that warm feeling she always gets from kanade

^^and then in class, a group of people are talking about a book they all read...and mafuyu remembers toya talking about it so she joins in. and everyone is shocked by how warmly mafuyu talks about a gruesome murder mystery lol

they have a minecraft server together!!

^^mafuyu only really logs on sometimes...she just likes to see what toya's been up to, what he's built and stuff. she also messages him on there since her mom can't monitor that kind of thing. leaving book and quill messages everywhere...

^^one time, toya gave her a bunch of bones and told her to click the dog, but she accidentally attacked it and it killed her. mafuyu doesn't know what's going on

when toya starts learning to make music, mafuyu is already of experienced with mixing and creating lyrics so she gives him pointers. and toya is really skilled with music theory, so he gives her pointers as well.

mafuyu is incredibly skilled at arcade games, especially ones where you have to aim. together, they collect every plushie in the store and both of them give them all to ena

Alright , I have an Idea ,

Give me all of your MafuToya headcanons you have to make our days better and amazing like cotton candy. :)

[just-aake]

Detecting Love Part 2

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader

Summary: Sequel to Detecting Love. Can a spy who's been trained to lie her entire life show the person with the power to detect lies the truth what it means to be loved?

Warnings: fluff, light angst, hurt/comfort

Words: 5171

Natasha Romanoff lies.

Now, that’s to be expected, considering she is one of the greatest spies in the world. Ever since she was a child, she has been trained to be able to deceive everyone she meets.

Lying comes as easily to her as breathing, and deception is woven into every fiber of her being.

A charming smile here. A flirty wink there. 

Sweet words flow from her lips like honey.

Making everyone fall in love with all of the different false personas that she created for herself.

With a life and a past as shadowed as hers, it makes sense why she never even dared to imagine finding a person who can tolerate, let alone embrace, someone like her.

Then, she met you.

With your unique power to literally see through lies, you can detect the truth from her even when she’s at her most convincing. And despite learning about who she was and how she is, you accepted her unconditionally, not just as a friend, but as a partner.

For Natasha, being with someone who can truly see her is scary, and yet, that feeling is also better than breathing itself.

The two of you have been dating for several months now, and Natasha has never been happier.

Even if she sometimes occasionally struggles to express her affection openly in public.

As the two of you stroll through the compound, her eyes drift down once again in contemplation to your hand swinging casually at your side.

As if sensing her silent deliberation, you suddenly ask her curiously.

“Do you want to hold my hand?”

Natasha straightens at your question and faces forward, responding promptly in an even tone, “No.” 

Now that is sure to sound honest to anyone else who heard it, but you’re different.

Natasha makes sure to trail back slightly behind your line of sight in an attempt to hide the glow she knows you’d probably see around her.

You don’t comment on her evading action, but a faint smile tugs at the corners of your lips as you maintain your pace toward the Avenger’s personal elevator.

The two of you stand side by side, waiting for the elevator to arrive when Natasha suddenly feels the back of your hand lightly graze her fingers before quickly pulling away.

She narrows her eyes in suspicion at you, but you maintain an innocent expression, your gaze fixed on the decreasing numbers above the elevator doors.

Facing forward once more, Natasha is about to dismiss the action as an accidental touch when she feels it again – the fleeting brush of your hand against hers. 

This time, she doesn't hesitate to shoot you an accusing stare. Yet, you continue to feign ignorance, your expression a perfect mask of innocence. 

A couple of seconds pass before your hand makes contact with hers for the third time. 

Before you can retract your hand, Natasha swiftly catches it and intertwines your fingers with hers before letting out a defeated huff.

You don’t utter a word about her actions, but a subtle smile curves your lips, exposing your amusement at her reaction. 

With a soft squeeze of her hand, you pull her into the elevator, the door closing shut behind the two of you.

It's moments like these that remind Natasha why she fell for you — your ability to see past her lies, even the most trivial ones.

Once the elevator door slides open to the private floor, the two of you are met with sounds of a heated argument between the Asgardian Avenger and his visiting brother.

“I know you did it, Loki! This is not the first time you’ve taken and hidden a treasure of mine!”

“Oh, would you stop being so dramatic? We're talking about a mug, not some enchanted artifact.”

You raise a questioning brow at her, silently asking her whether you two should come back at another time, but Natasha shakes her head resolutely in response, not willing to let anything prevent her from missing her morning coffee.

As the two of you walk past the brothers, Thor finally notices the new presence in the room.

“Y/n!” he calls excitedly. 

His hand lands on your shoulder, catching you in place between the two of them which in turn pulls your hand from her grasp.

Thor’s other hand points accusingly at his brother.

“Is Loki lying about taking my mug?”

Realizing that you’re being dragged into the middle of the argument, your eyes dart to Natasha for help, only for her to give you a thumbs up in encouragement as she takes a sip of the coffee that she just poured from the freshly made pot.

The other Asgardian crosses his arms and snickers derisively at his brother.

“Do you really think that this simple mortal can expose the literal god of mischief? I didn’t take your stupid mug, and she can’t prove any—”

“He’s lying,” you answer plainly, seeing the red aura surrounding the Asgardian.

Loki shuts his mouth in surprise, blinking at you for a moment in disbelief, before pointing at you with a disdainful look.

“I don’t like her,” he states bluntly.

“Ah ha!” Thor exclaims victoriously. “You did take it!”

The two continue with their arguing as you discreetly sneak away to Natasha’s side.

She hands you a cup of coffee which you accept with a soft thanks before an alarm on your phone rings, showing your reminder for the day. 

You groan lightly in disappointment, causing Natasha to raise a questioning brow at you as she raises her cup for another sip.

“I have some interviews to get to this morning, so I’ll have to see you later,” you tell her before pressing a quick kiss goodbye to her cheek.

“I love you,” you whisper against her skin.

Swallowing her sip quickly, Natasha turns her head towards your direction, the reciprocating words also on her tongue.

“I—”

But you’ve already rushed away around the corner, disappearing from view. 

“…love you too,” Natasha finishes in a soft disappointed tone, her lips twisting at your action. 

Public displays of affection aside, Natasha has no problem wanting to tell you how much you mean to her.

But for some reason, you always seem to conveniently find ways to escape whenever she’s about to say those words to you.

“Now I’m no expert on relationships, but that right there was some cunning evasion tactic,” Loki comments, smirking at Natasha. “It appears that she’s not really interested in receiving such words from you.”

A slap on Loki's shoulder propels him forward a couple of steps as Thor reprimands, “Stop trying to cause problems for them, Loki.” 

He then turns to Natasha with a firm nod. 

“Don’t listen to him, Nat. Y/n loves you.”

Of course, she knows that. 

You whisper those words against her skin every morning when you think she’s still asleep and then again against her lips when you wake her up. 

The problem is that it seems that she never gets the chance to return the gesture before you find some way to rush away from the room or keep her mouth otherwise occupied and distracted.

A thud on the counter pulls her from her thoughts as Loki leans against the table with a mischievous grin.

“That girl can detect lies, right? Then why don’t you just tell her that you don’t love her, and then she’ll see the truth. That should be easy enough for you. After all, lying is your specialty,” Loki remarks before a smug expression forms on his face. 

“Unless that is, the truth is that you don’t actually love her,” he taunts.

Natasha glares at him silently, refusing to fall for his baiting provocation. Not wanting to give the trickster god any more amusement, she quickly downs the rest of her coffee and leaves for the meeting room, deciding to try again with you later.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

With the briefing finishing early, Natasha decides to visit your office during this break in between her meetings. Conversations flow around her as she walks past the front desk toward the administrative part of the building.

“I’m sorry, miss, but I can’t let you enter without an appointment.”

“Well, is there any way you can just send a message to Y/n to let her know I’m here?”

Natasha’s head snaps up from her tablet at the sound of your name and curiously turns to the person who said it, only for her eyes to widen slightly in surprise at their identity.

Your ex-fiancée 

Stopping in her tracks, Natasha redirects her attention to the two of them.

“What did you need to see Y/n for?” she asks.

Your ex turns to her at her question, and an expression of amazement crosses her face.

“Oh, wow, you’re Black Widow.”

Brushing off her awed exclamation, Natasha crosses her arm expectantly as she repeats, a slight tone of protectiveness entering her voice.

“Why are you looking for Y/n?” 

Noticing her serious gaze and intimidating demeanor, your ex fidgets with her hands nervously as she responds.

“It’s kind of a private matter with an old case that I need her help with,” she explains.

Despite being the one who broke your heart, your mutual break up with her meant that the two of you are still somewhat friends, and as much as Natasha wants to, she can’t prevent your ex from seeking you out, especially since it seems she needs your help.

With an internal displeased sigh, Natasha gestures with her head towards the direction of the elevators.

“I’m heading over to her office right now if you want to come with me,” Natasha offers, nodding at the receptionist reassuringly to indicate that it’s okay, before walking away without another word. 

Natasha hears your ex scramble to follow quickly after her once she processes her words.

As the elevator doors close with the two of them inside, Natasha pulls out her phone to send you a warning text.

I’m on the way to your office with your ex.

A read message quickly appears under her text, indicating that you have seen it, and then a text bubble promptly pops up as you respond.

?!?!?

“So, do you and Y/n work together often?” your ex asks, trying to fill the silence with casual conversation.

Natasha looks up at her question, tucking her phone away. She crosses her arms and leans back against the elevator walls, adopting an intimidating posture, as she gives her a hard stare.

With a calm yet assertive tone, she tilts her head curtly and replies with the truth. 

“She’s my girlfriend.”

An awkward silence fills the small space after her answer, and your ex’s eyes dart around the enclosed space, seemingly realizing she’s essentially alone with the Black Widow who just revealed that she is in a relationship with you. 

Sensing her nervous energy, Natasha relaxes her posture, offering a more friendly demeanor.

“Relax, if I was going to do something, I would have done it already,” Natasha reassures. 

Your ex nods hesitantly, acknowledging Natasha’s attempt to diffuse the tension. After a moment of contemplation, she gathers the courage to speak up again. 

“So, you know about Y/n and her ability?” your ex asks, her voice tinged with curiosity.

“Yes,” Natasha confirms, adding, “And about what happened between the two of you.”

The revelation hangs heavy in the air, plunging the elevator into an uncomfortable silence once again. 

Honestly, Natasha knows she shouldn’t keep putting your ex in these awkward positions with her responses. 

However, just because you are on friendly terms with her doesn’t mean Natasha has to be, especially considering she never held any goodwill toward the woman before.

Natasha redirects her focus to the digital display above the door, silently cursing and blaming Tony for the sluggish pace of the elevator. 

“I-I honestly did love her,” your ex confesses, breaking the silence once again.

At her statement, Natasha regards her with a raised eyebrow, silently prompting her to elaborate on her sudden declaration.

"I mean, Y/n’s great. It’s just…it got hard to imagine being with someone who always knows if you’re telling the truth or not,” your ex explains with a small sigh, offering a tiny sympathetic shrug before asking. “I’m sure you understand that feeling too, right?"

Irritation flares in Natasha’s chest at your ex’s words, her protective instincts surfacing in defense of you.

"Maybe the fact that she can see someone for who they truly are is what makes being with her so special," Natasha counters, her voice firm with conviction.

The remainder of the elevator ride passes in tense silence until the doors finally open with a ding, signaling their arrival at your floor. 

Throughout that time, one part of the conversation continues to bother Natasha, and she finds herself asking, wanting to know the answer.

“Did you tell her often?”

“What?” your ex asks, blinking in surprise and caught off guard by her sudden question. 

Natasha presses her lips together momentarily in displeasure at the topic before clarifying, “Did you tell Y/n that you loved her often, you know, before your feelings changed?”

“Oh, um, kind of,” she admits, a faint chuckle escaping her lips. “It’s actually kind of funny. Y/n would always have this cute little shy smile whenever I said it, so I ended up saying those words to her a lot.”

The irritation in Natasha’s chest intensifies at her answer, and her feelings must be evident on her face because your ex starts waving her hands frantically in a slight panic.

“But I’m positive Y/n won’t react the same way if I said it now,” she adds quickly.

Instead of responding, Natasha leaves the elevator without another word. 

Your ex’s reassurance does little to ease the irritation that she feels at not yet having been able to say those words to you herself.

The two of them arrive at the door of your office, only to find it locked with the lights turned off.

Just as Natasha is about to text you to ask you about your whereabouts, you emerge from around the corner, skidding to a stop in front of her.

Confused at your flustered state, Natasha gives you a questioning look as she asks, “Why are you rushing?”

You take a couple of deep breaths to catch your breath before answering.

“Because…I didn’t want to…to leave you waiting.”

Natasha feels her heart flutter at your words, her posture relaxing for a moment.

“…wow…you look good, Y/n,” your ex comments.

Natasha’s body immediately tenses again at the reminder of your ex’s presence, and she becomes further annoyed when she takes in the state of your appearance that prompted the remark from your ex.

You are in your usual workout outfit, a standard black tank top, showcasing your body with a gleam of sweat still on your skin, evidence of your workout session.

As if sensing Natasha’s increasing irritation, your ex gestures awkwardly in fear toward the waiting area some distance away.

“I’ll just wait over there.”

Natasha watches your ex walk away with a slight glare in her eyes. 

When she turns back to you, her expression instinctively softens with affection and curiosity.

“Where were you?” she asks.

“My last couple of interviews had to cancel, so I decided to go train for a bit,” you answer with a slight shrug. “You know, since you suggested that I try training whenever I’m bored and have some free time.”

Natasha's lips twist slightly in conflict at your response. She's happy you took her suggestion to heart, but now she's also upset that it led to you appearing in front of your ex in such a state.

Gesturing toward your ex, you ask, “Did she say why she’s here?”

Natasha sighs and shakes her head.

“She only mentioned that it was an old case that you can help her with.”

“Okay,” you say, nodding in understanding, probably already knowing what she’s referring to. 

Then you look at Natasha with a cute tilt of your head. 

“After I finish up with her, do you want to go out for some lunch?”

A small smile forms on Natasha’s face, her earlier irritation melting away at your suggestion. 

However, she knows she might not have enough time to wait and go out before her next meeting.

“How about I go ahead and pick up some takeout first, and then we can have lunch in your office when I return?” Natasha offers as a compromise.

You smile at her in response and press a soft kiss against her cheek.

“It’s a date.”

As you’re about to move past her, Natasha presses her hand firmly on your shoulder, stopping you and pushing you back to your original position.

You give her a questioning look in confusion.

“Did you take my hoodie again?” Natasha asks accusingly. 

Your eyes dart guiltily to your office before you mutter under your breath with a soft pout, “Maybe.”

Natasha nods slightly in contemplation, her eyes glancing at where your ex was waiting and then back to you.

“Put it on,” she says plainly.

You raise a brow at her in confusion and gesture to your body.

“Nat, I’m covered in sweat. I didn’t get a chance to hit the showers before you texted,” you explain.

“That text didn’t mean that you should come here all hot and sweaty in front of your ex like this,” Natasha remarks pointedly, crossing her arms.

A teasing grin pulls at your lips as a look of understanding crosses your face.

“You think I look hot right now?” you ask happily.

“Seriously?” Natasha deadpans. 

Unbothered by her signature intimidating gaze, you pull her closer by the loops on her belt and lean in with a slight tilt of your head.

“Are you jealous?” you tease lightly, your bottom lip caught in between your teeth as you try to hide your pleased grin.

Natasha rolls her eyes, though her lips quirk up briefly in amusement. She knows whether she responds truthfully or not, you probably already know the answer without the help of your ability, so she responds instead.

“Keep it up, and I’ll just come back with one takeout box for myself,” she warns.

You laugh lightly at her response, nodding your head in concession.

“Alright, I’ll put it on,” you promise, before leaning in to press a soft kiss to her lips. 

As you pull away, you whisper, “I love you,” the words brushing softly against her lips.

Natasha’s eyes had fluttered closed at the touch of your kiss, but they snapped open when she remembered she wanted to say those words back to you too.

However, to her disappointment, before she realized it, you had disappeared from her side. 

Turning around, she finds you already in your office, putting on her hoodie.

A mocking chuckle sounds beside her, and she turns to see Loki leaning casually against the wall.

“Oh, you didn’t even try that time,” he taunts.

Without hesitation, Natasha raises her wrist and shoots a widow bite at him. It flies through his body, dispersing the apparition that he had left there.

Groaning in annoyance at his presence, Natasha quickly leaves to go get your lunches before he can reappear and provoke her further.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

“So this is the one lie detector that you can’t beat,” Fury comments with intrigue, as he examines your file.

Natasha closes the folder promptly and takes it from the table in front of him, stating firmly, “Her name’s Y/n, and no, you can’t have her. She’s just going to help review the list of potential recruits for you. Nothing else.”

She gives him a pointed look, stressing, “Especially not any SHIELD interrogations.”

Leaning back in his chair, Fury chuckles amusedly and raises a brow at her.

“Protective, are we?”

Before she can affirm the lengths she would go to minimize the risks you have to take, the door slams open, and you stroll in, giving her a wave and a charming smile. 

You stop in front of her, taking her hand suddenly in yours and giving it a light swing. 

“Ready to get started?” you ask. 

Natasha’s eyes narrow in suspicion. Something about your behavior was off and unlike you. 

She examines your expression critically, and then in one swift, fluid motion, she grabs your wrist and upper arm, pivots on her heel, and shifts her weight, seamlessly flipping you over her shoulder. 

With a resounding thud, Natasha slams you down onto the meeting table, the impact rattling the room.

Fury whistles lowly with a slight wince, a mixture of sympathy and admiration in his tone.

“Tough love, huh?” he remarks to her.

Natasha rolls her eyes at his comment and shakes her head, reaching to her side to grab something. She takes one of “your” wrists and snaps a golden cuff onto it. 

Immediately, the figure on the table shifts from your face and form to Loki’s. 

His eyes glare at her as he gathers his bearings, giving a slight grunt of pain when he moves.

“As if this woman knows anything about love,” he scoffs, standing up from the table with a groan.

Fury hums curiously at the sight of the trickster god, turning to Natasha.

“Who let him in here?”

Natasha sighs as she crosses her arms, replying, “Unfortunately, Thor and he are on friendly terms at the moment.”

Loki raises his hand and waves his finger at her in reprimand.

“Exactly. Now, is this any way to treat a guest of yours?” he taunts with a smirk before his eyes drift to the cuff on his wrist. His expression falls in recognition. “Where did you get this?”

A smirk forms on Natasha’s face as she answers, “Thor lent it to me when I asked. Since I know better than to just take his things.”

The cuff in question is an enchanted artifact that temporarily blocks the magical abilities of the wearer as explained by the god of thunder.

Loki scoffs in disbelief, placing one hand on his hips while waving his other wrist at her. 

“Hilarious, now take these off,” he demands.

Natasha’s smirk remains fixed as she shakes her head.

“I don’t have the key,” she admits, tapping her chin thoughtfully before revealing, “It must still be with Thor. But I’m sure you’ve already apologized to him for earlier, so you’d have no problem asking him to release you.”

Loki scowls, his expression darkening with disdain, and then he swiftly turns toward the exit.

“It’s no wonder that girl doesn’t want to accept any love from the likes of you,” he spits out angrily.

Natasha’s lips twist downward at his words, but before she can respond, a knock on the door interrupts the tense moment. 

Taking a calming breath, she calls out, “Come in,” already knowing who it is.

You open the door at Natasha’s invitation, only to dodge out of the way as Loki storms past you out of the room, muttering angry curses under his breath.

Turning back to Natasha, you notice the telltale red aura fading from around her and wonder what was the lie that you assume she had just told him.

As you approach her, Natasha’s contemplative, sullen expression quickly shifts to a neutral one when she catches your concerned gaze.

Before you can question her about it, Fury claps his hands firmly, looking between the two of you.

���Alright, let's finish this quickly then.”

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

Seated on your sofa, Natasha hugs a cushion pillow closer to her chest, seeking comfort as Loki’s harsh words echo in her mind.

Is it just a coincidence that you manage to avoid her every time she’s about to say those words to you? Or is it possible that the truth is you don’t actually want to hear those words from her?

You place a bowl of popcorn on the table in front of her, snapping her out of her spiraling thoughts as you finish explaining what your ex needed from you.

“So, I just need to submit my notes on the case so that the court can close it out,” you explain.

Natasha hums absently in acknowledgment, but her mind drifts back to her insecurities.

Was Loki just messing with her or were all of your previous evading actions really on purpose?

Unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, Natasha decides to settle this once and for all.

As you take your seat next to her and start the movie, Natasha initiates her plan. She quickly maneuvers herself over your lap, straddling you as her hands rest on your shoulders, pressing you firmly against the sofa with her body.

Your hand automatically rests on her waist and begins tracing light patterns against her side, but your lips twist into a small pout of confusion as you remark, “As exciting as this is, I thought this movie was your favorite.”

Natasha closes her eyes briefly, internally groaning at your adorable words and how incredibly in love she is with you. 

If only you could hear it from her for once.

Determined to not fail this time, she tries again.

“I lo—”

Her words are cut off, swallowed by you, as you pull her down into a deep kiss. 

Instinctively, she melts against your body, sliding her hands to caress the back of your neck, pulling you closer to deepen the kiss as she gets lost in the feeling of your lips moving against hers. 

Then, realization hits her, and she snaps her eyes open and pulls away. 

“Hold on, I’m trying to tell you that I—”

“I know,” you interrupt, your hand covering her mouth to stop her mid-sentence. 

That’s when Natasha sees it.

The fear in your eyes.

“I know,” you repeat, giving her a look of understanding before swallowing nervously. 

You close your eyes as your head drops to your chest, a sad chuckle escaping from you. 

“You know, in all my life, I have never been afraid to discover if someone was lying to me,” you admit, shrugging lightly. “I’ve always known that people can lie, so it’s never really surprising or hurtful when it happens.” 

You let out a weary sigh and look up to meet her gaze with a sad smile. 

“Except for that one time.”

Natasha knows what moment you are referring to — the night your powers revealed that your ex no longer loved you.

The memory flashes in your mind, vivid and raw, as if it happened only yesterday. The betrayal, the heartache, the crushing realization when the red aura appeared around her after she uttered those fateful three words to you.

Your attention returns to the woman in front of you, the one who helped heal your heart. The one who now holds it. 

The one who also has the power to hurt you in the exact same way, even though you know she won’t.

“I love you so much, Natasha,” you say with breathless adoration and honesty, but your expression pinches in fear as you continue, your voice trembling slightly. “But I don’t think I'm ready to hear it from you yet. Just…not those exact words.”

You sigh sadly, understanding how unfair your words are to her, and your chest tightens guiltily as you apologize, “I’m sorry. Look, I’d understand if you want to leave.”

You look away from Natasha, your mouth pressing together tightly, fighting the urge to cry. 

The silence stretches out in the room before Natasha gently cradles your face, bringing your gaze back to her.

“You make me happy,” Natasha declares firmly.

You give her a confused look at her words.

“Wh-what?”

Ignoring your question, Natasha continues, asking meaningfully, “Am I lying?”

Your eyes observe her for a moment, but you don’t see any indication of a red aura appearing.

“No,” you answer in confusion.

Natasha nods before continuing, “I don’t mind that your powers reveal truths about me, like the moments when I want to hold your hand or when I’m jealous.”

She tilts her head at you in question.

“Am I lying?” she asks again.

Still not seeing any red aura appear around her, you shake your head at her in response.

Natasha rests her forehead against yours, letting out a deep breath, before continuing, “I’m afraid that one day…” she pauses, taking in a shaky breath to prepare herself for what she’s about to admit out loud. 

“…one day you’ll wake up and decide that because of who I was, who I am now is not enough for you to stay with me anymore.” 

Your eyes widen in surprise, and you go to reassure her, “I wouldn’t—”

“Am I lying?” Natasha interrupts, not wanting you to worry about comforting her at this time.

Your eyes soften sadly when you see the vulnerability and fear in her eyes at her words. 

You reach up to cup her cheek, your thumb caressing her face gently in comfort as you whisper, “No.”

Leaning against your touch, Natasha lets out a steadying breath to compose herself for the final part of her point.

“So when I say I can wait…” she pauses, looking into your eyes with a serious and determined expression, making sure you can see the sincerity of her next words. 

“…I’ll wait for as long as you need so that one day I can say those words to you…am I lying?”

You watch her carefully for a moment, but nothing appears to counter her claim. Realizing her intentions to reveal her feelings in another way, your heart fills with love and adoration for her as you answer with a soft smile. 

“No, you’re not lying, Natasha.”

She gives you a gentle grin and cups your face, pressing a soft kiss against your lips before admitting, “That’s because when I’m with you, Y/n, it never feels like I’m living a lie.”

A breathless, awed gasp escapes from you at her words, and you can’t help but pull her in closer, her red hair falling around you like a curtain.

“I love you,” you whisper against her lips, the words filled with genuine adoration for the woman.

Natasha smiles softly at your words and closes the distance between the two of you once again, her kisses tender and filled with all of her unspoken feelings. Her lips move against yours with gentle urgency, conveying everything she can’t yet say aloud.

The warmth of her touch, the sincerity of her kiss, and the way she holds you protectively — all of it reassures you. 

It doesn’t matter that those three words haven’t been spoken explicitly — her actions, her presence, the look in her eyes says it all already.

Natasha may be considered one of the greatest spies in the world thanks in part to her exceptional ability to lie, but even she can’t hide the truth from you.

Without needing to hear her utter those fateful three words aloud, you already know the truth in your heart.

That Natasha Romanoff truly loves you too.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

a/n: Thank you for reading and for all the love that you all gave to the first part! I hope you enjoyed this one too!

[astrocafecoffee]

✨❤️

Astro observation(part 4)

❤️ For entertainment purposes only, enjoy ❤️

✨ MASTERLIST

~~~~~~~~~~~~~❤️❤️~~~~~~~~~~~~~

🍁 Venus in Libra peoples tendency to prioritise others needs and and desires over their own can sometimes leads to self neglect or dissatisfaction.

🍁 I have seen most of the pieces rising peoples have large, expressive and sparkling eyes.

🍁The year I received the Best Student of the Year award, my solar return chart showed the 10th house ruler in the 10th house.

🍁 The year my best friend started dating her boyfriend , her solar return chart showed Venus conjunct juno and boda conjunct sun .

🍁 The year she met him she had groom, moon and Hera asteroid in her 7th house and venus conjunct descendant.

🍁 Aries/scorpio/ leo Venus peoples often wears bold makeup.

🍁 Sagittarius placements blunt honesty can sometimes come across as insensitivity or a lack of consideration for other's feelings.

🍁 Scorpio mars peoples enjoy a sense of mystery and are drawn to partners who can keep them intrigued and engaged.

🍁I have seen scorpio/ pieces placements often enjoys horror films.

🍁 leo Venus people often want their love life to be as exciting and glamourous as a Hollywood romance.

🍁 pieces/ cancer/ Virgo /scorpio placements often drawn to counseling careers due to their nurturing qualities and desire to help others.

🍁 Sagittarius placements often mesh well with air sign placements as these signs intellectual and social nature complements Sagittarius's need for excitement and variety.

🍁potential dating difficulties associated with different Venus signs:

Venus in Aries: Can be impulsive and passionate but may struggle with patience and commitment.

Venus in Taurus:Values stability and security but may become possessive or overly stubborn in relationships.

Venus in Gemini: Craves variety and intellectual stimulation but might have trouble with consistency and deeper emotional connections.

Venus in Cancer: Seeks emotional depth and security but may be overly sensitive or prone to moodiness.

Venus in Leo:Desires attention and admiration but may be prone to drama or neediness in relationships.

Venus in Virgo: Looks for practicality and reliability but may be overly critical or perfectionistic.

Venus in Libra: Values harmony and partnership but may struggle with indecision or a tendency to avoid conflict.

Venus in Scorpio: Seeks intense, transformative connections but may grapple with issues of trust or possessiveness.

Venus in Sagittarius: Desires freedom and adventure but might struggle with commitment or maintaining long-term relationships.

Venus in Capricorn: Values seriousness and stability but may come across as distant or overly reserved emotionally.

Venus in Aquarius:Enjoys unconventional and intellectual connections but might struggle with expressing emotions or creating deep intimacy.

Venus in Pisces: Seeks romance and idealism but may be prone to escapism or unrealistic expectations in relationships.

🍁 if you have Saturn in 10th house of your groom pc/ Briede pc/ juno pc then it might mean that your fs might face challenges and hard work in their career for a while. But once they have put in the effort , they'll become super successful and even a leader in their field - basically the boss!

🍁 I have seen so many peoples With 10th house ruler in 6th house/ Jupiter in 6th house getting inclined towards medical field.

🍁 South node conjunct destinn asteroid in your Groom persona chart can indicate that your fs is your past life lover.

🍁 North node conjunct descendant in coalescent chart is a indicator of fated / meant to be connection. As southnode conjunct ascendent so it also a indicator of past life connection.

🍁sun in Libra / Libra rising is a marriage indicator in coalescent chart.

🍁 Mars in 1st house people are very attractive.

🍁 People with Chiron in the 10th house fear being a failure in life. They worry about not being good enough. To avoid feeling this way, they work too much. They are too hard on themselves. They need to learn to accept themselves and their strengths.

🍁 Mars conjunct Lilith in composite/ coalescent chart - great sexual chemistry between partners.

🍁 Prey Asteroid conjunct descendant in synastry means one or both partners may feel vulnerable or trapped in the relationship.

🍁Union in scorpio in composite chart means 1st meeting with them in a private setting.

🍁 people with Libra / Taurus placements ( especially Venus) love doing makeup and always want to look their best when they go out. Also Gemini and Leo's are included in this list too.

🍁 A man's briede asteroid in a woman's 4th house means the man consider the woman as their wife even if they are not married yet.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~❤️❤️~~~~~~~~~~~~~

- BY ASTROCAFECOFFEE(PIKO) ❤️

See you next time ~

[astrow0rldx]

PAC TAROT: Shadow Work

Piles read left to right. Really use your intuition for which one calls to you to read. This Reading will be a little different, because it's ai generated. But hear me out, it's extremely accurate. I pull the tarot cards, and questions and it makes a story using automatic creative writing skills. In the story format it should help understand better.

Pile One

You present yourself as someone grounded and nurturing, someone who has it all together—capable, reliable, and a provider of stability. You wear this mask of self-sufficiency with grace, offering support and care to those around you. There’s a warmth to how you handle life, as if you’re always the one others can lean on. Yet, beneath this persona, there’s a quiet dissatisfaction, an emotional numbness that you don’t let others see. You feel disconnected, like something essential is missing, but you avoid acknowledging it, preferring to maintain the image of having everything under control.

Deep down, there’s a fear of rejection and abandonment that colors how you see yourself and your place in the world. This fear stems from past experiences where you felt left out or unworthy, perhaps from moments when you reached out for support and were met with coldness or lack. That sense of being shut out has led you to withdraw emotionally, burying your desires and vulnerabilities under layers of self-protection. However, this hidden wound shapes how you move through the world—it keeps you from fully expressing the vibrant, fiery side of yourself, the part of you that is bold, passionate, and fearless. While you project strength, this shadow lingers in the background, holding you back from fully owning your power.

Your shadow comes to the surface when you’re confronted by people or situations that reflect confidence and control, especially when they embody traits you’ve repressed. These encounters stir something inside you, triggering internal conflict as your shadow self clashes with the persona you’ve carefully built. The lesson in this struggle is to reconnect with your emotional core, to allow yourself to feel deeply and openly once again. Healing comes through embracing the tension, acknowledging that inner battles are a part of your growth. By working through this, you’ll move toward a more patient and nurturing relationship with yourself, where you invest in long-term growth and understand that healing is a process—one that requires steady effort and care.

Pile Two

She finds herself in a state of suspension, caught between holding onto control and surrendering to the unknown. Outwardly, she appears strong, composed, and authoritative, someone who takes charge with ease and thrives in an orderly world. She presents herself as the one in control, the one who always knows what to do. However, beneath this confident exterior, she’s struggling with uncertainty. She feels stuck, as if the answers she’s searching for are just out of reach, and in order to find them, she knows she must let go of the rigid expectations she’s placed on herself. She wears the mask of authority, but behind it, she is deeply uncertain, torn between what she knows and what she longs to discover.

At her core, she craves connection—a relationship where she can feel deeply understood and loved. There's a romantic within her, yearning for a bond that feels effortless and sincere, as if she’s waiting for that perfect emotional partnership. But she’s haunted by past disappointments, memories of love that didn’t turn out the way she hoped. This loss lingers, making her cautious about trusting her heart again. She often revisits those past moments of grief, wondering what went wrong and fearing that opening herself up to love again will lead to more heartbreak. As much as she wants love, the weight of her emotional past makes her guard her feelings, holding back from diving fully into new connections.

Her fears and vulnerabilities surface when emotions become overwhelming, or when she’s faced with situations that push her to move too fast. In those moments, she becomes protective, holding onto her feelings and resources tightly, afraid of losing control or being vulnerable. Her instinct is to cling to what she knows, but there’s also a deeper truth: her dreams and fantasies about what could be are not just idle thoughts. They reflect her true desires, the part of her that longs to break free from her hesitation and embrace all the possibilities that life offers. To heal, she needs to release the fear of losing control, to trust that even if things are uncertain, the journey ahead is rich with opportunities—ones she’s fully capable of seizing, if only she lets go.

Pile Three

She is moving through a period of transition, quietly distancing herself from past conflicts and emotional turbulence. Her journey, both literal and metaphorical, is one of seeking peace and clarity after enduring a storm. On the outside, she may seem calm, as though she’s finally found her direction, but the waters behind her are still unsettled. Internally, she is recovering from struggles, possibly with others or even within herself. The tension and discord she’s left behind still echo in her thoughts, making it difficult for her to fully let go. While she appears to be progressing, there is a quiet battle inside her, as if she’s constantly bracing for the next challenge.

Her internal struggle centers on patience and the need to balance her desires with the reality of what she’s building. She has invested time and energy into something—perhaps a relationship, a career, or personal growth—and now she waits, unsure of the outcome. There's a restlessness beneath her calm exterior, a feeling of competition, either with herself or with others. She yearns for stability and celebration, for a moment when she can finally relax and feel secure, but she is deeply aware that the foundation she��s working on still needs time to solidify. Emotionally, she is tied to the idea of love and partnership, but her past battles have made her wary. Love feels both close and distant, like something she craves but is cautious about fully embracing.

Her emotional depth runs deep, though she doesn’t always show it. She is someone who feels intensely, yet she’s learned to control and temper her feelings. When her emotions rise, they are powerful, but she channels them carefully, maintaining a composed exterior. Her greatest strength lies in her intuition. She often knows more than she lets on, reading situations and people with a subtle, almost mystical understanding. But this also makes her guarded, as if she’s protecting herself from being hurt again. She’s been through many trials, and though she’s weary, she remains resilient. Her journey is far from over, and while the battles she’s faced have left her cautious, they have also made her wiser. She stands ready to move forward, but she knows the path ahead will require both patience and strength.

[omgthatdress]

Sometimes, the line between "drag artist" and "performer who is queer" becomes incredibly blurry and hard to define.

One of the most famous queer artists of the Harlem renaissance was Gladys Bentley, who was openly a lesbian and who wore men's clothing as a part of her stage persona.

Bentley sometimes used the term "male impersonator" as a way of being able to wear masculine attire on stage, but she was never fully pretending to be male. She was always being herself.

A virtuouso piano player, she was called "America's Greatest Sepia Piano Player" and the "Brown Bomber of Sophisticated Songs" She headlined at places like Cotton Club and the Ubangi Club, and always drew in massive crowds.

Described by Langston Hughes, "For two or three amazing years, Miss Bentley sat, and played piano all night long … with scarcely a break between the notes, sliding from one song to another, with a powerful and continuous underbeat of jungle rhythm. Miss Bentley was an amazing exhibition of musical energy – a large, dark, masculine lady, whose feet pounded the floor while her fingers pounded the keyboard – a perfect piece of African sculpture, animated by her own rhythm."

Gladys Bentley was far from being the only queer woman blues singer of the day. Lucille Bogan, Bessie Smith and Ma Rainey also had sexual relationships with women, and sang songs about same-sex desire and "bulldaggers."

Even still, Bentley stood out for her unabashed queerness. When performing at the Ubangi Club, she had a chorus line of drag queens performing behind her.

As time wore on and America became more conservative, Bentley's career struggled. In the 1950s, she renounced her old ways and claimed she had been "cured" of lesbianism and "become a woman again" through a regimen of estrogen shots. It was the only way she was able to maintain a career through the McCarthy era.

[cremedensada]

I’m gonna need general hcs on interactions with the boy next door… like what if we just moved to town and we first meet him as we’re moving in… Also can they be in like highschool? I don’t know if that’s already the gist but yeah. She’s moving in with her mom and he’s there…

Yandere Boy Next Door

sorry anon i think i went way to far away from what you wanted shdhdh also theyre senior high school students (grade 11 - 12) which is like, two preparatory years for college. so theyre adults bc im much more comfortable with that :33

btw his name is lukas !! he's named now

male yandere + gender neutral darling/reader

lukas is easily approachable - he's got that warmth about him that just draws people in. it's all practiced to maintain his popularity though.

he's also a huge people-pleaser, despite the fact he easily gets burnt out and has his social battery drained.

so when his mom asked him to be a dear and help the new neighbor's kid on their way around the school + neighborhood, he just couldn't say no

sure he's tired, possibly close to having another breakdown just thinking about being pestered by fellow students for answers to homeworks and other menial stuff, but he still manages to say yes and give her another perfectly practiced smile

when he goes over to the house next to theirs - the ones you moved in to, you had no lasting impression on him

now, don't be mistaken, he does think you're good looking but at the end of the day he'd much rather curl up in bed and sleep

so he puts up that perfectly crafted persona and invites you to head to school with him. a new environment is much easier to deal with when you're not dealing with it by yourself! (or something like that)

he tries not to be overbearing, trying to get you to open up while also making sure he's respecting your boundaries and comfort as you made your way inside the school gates

you don't share the same classes, so he asks you for your time table so he knows your schedule

he hopes he's not being creepy or anything, he's just making sure your first day transferring here goes well

sure he's known for being a caring person in general but he does feel like it's his responsibility to make sure you're doing well you know? you're neighbors now, you guys should get along!

it's smooth sailing until it's time you guys finally went home

like that morning, he waits for you and invites you to walk home with him to familiarize with the shortcuts and local lounging spots for students

all the while he tries to get you to talk about your experience today

it must be due to the amount of stress piled up on his plate that lead him to feel... nervous.

his perfect persona cracking as his calm demeanour and collected way of talking slowly devolved into nervous tangents talking about anything at all

were you displeased? his perfection was practiced and polished since he was a kid, was it still not enough for you?

he could handle disappointing people a lot better now but paired with his currently leaning towards unstable, your displeasure is something that's slowly tearing him from the inside

he's jolted out of his thoughts when you suddenly speak up.

"thanks for showing me around. i thought i was going to struggle getting used to things all by myself."

you smiled up at him. "so... yeah. you're... okay."

his heart thumped.

everywhere all around him feels a ton of degrees warmer.

"...okay." lukas was tongue tied.

on the remainder of the journey back home, he walked you to your house, ensuring you got inside safely before making a beeline towards their house and into his room.

normally at this hour he'd be passed out in bed, tired after a whole day of pretending and smiling. today was perhaps the first time he didn't go to bed with his cheeks hurting and aching from smiling so much.

laying in bed, making an excuse as to why he's not going to be joining for dinner, just thinking about you and your words.

lukas grew up living to the standards of being perfect. a perfect son. a perfect student. a perfect friend.

anything less is... unacceptable to say the least. when you do or think of something so often in your day to day life, it becomes a habit. and lukas' habit is perfection.

but you thought he was okay.

okay.

suddenly 'okay' sounds much better than being perfect.

suddenly your opinion towards him becomes much more important than anyone else's.

lukas is a people pleaser, and onwards from that moment, the only 'people' he will ever want to please is you.

i hope this is sufficient? i'm actually v sleepy rn lol but thank you for the idea!

[bitchiswild]

Sweet Whimpers

Dom! Minjeong x F! Reader Ver.

Word Count: 2.6k

Warnings: uhh smut🤓☝️

A/n: smuttt😩🤚

Requested: for Lisa but that's on Wattpad

Minjeong’s POV

The room was enveloped in a charged atmosphere, the air thick with desire and the sound of Y/n's soft whimpers. Her pleas echoed through the space like a haunting melody, and for a moment, it felt like the world outside ceased to exist.

"Please," she whimpered, her voice a desperate plea that seemed to linger in the air. Her vulnerability was like an intoxicating note in the symphony of the moment.

I gazed at her, captivated by the longing in her eyes, a silent invitation that didn't need words. "Please what?" I asked, my head cocked to the side, a subtle smirk playing on my lips as I sensually moved against her, the heat between us intensifying.

Y/n's arm remained restrained, tied to the chair, adding a layer of vulnerability to the scene. Her desperation grew more palpable. "Please touch me," she begged, her words a whispered confession that hung in the air.

The room seemed to pulse with anticipation, the tension building as desire and restraint collided. In that charged moment, the power dynamics shifted, and the symphony of their shared desire played on, each note building towards an inevitable crescendo.

I tsked, rising gracefully from her lap, a sinister amusement dancing in my eyes. "Look at you," I remarked disdainfully, my tone dripping with derision. "So pathetic. Where's the fierce CEO everyone knows? Because all I see in front of me is a pathetic, whimpering mess."

The room seemed to shrink under the weight of my words, and a tense silence settled as I circled her like a predator, my steps deliberate and purposeful. My fingers traced a sensuous path along her shoulder, the touch both intimate and menacing.

The dim light accentuated the shadows on her face as she struggled to maintain composure, a futile attempt to conceal the vulnerability I had exposed. The power dynamic had shifted, and the once formidable CEO now found herself ensnared in a web of vulnerability and desire.

I leaned in, my lips grazing the curve of her ear, my voice a low, dangerous whisper. "Tell me, where did that confident persona vanish to? Or was it just a façade all along?" My words hung in the air, a calculated challenge that punctuated the charged atmosphere.

Her response was swallowed by the silence, the room pregnant with unspoken tension. As I continued to circle her, the darkness in my gaze mirrored the shadows that danced on the walls—a stark reflection of the power play unfolding in the intimate space between us.

Y/n's shaky breath hung in the air, a visible manifestation of the desire that pulsed between us. The room seemed to vibrate with tension as her plea reached my ears, an urgent invitation that stirred the already charged atmosphere.

"Touch me, Minjeong," she whimpered once more, her voice a desperate plea that echoed in the shadows of the room. Her attempts to move her restrained arm were met with frustration, a visible struggle that added another layer to the magnetic pull between us.

I observed her, the subtle rise and fall of her chest betraying the anticipation that gripped her. The air seemed electrified with longing, and in that moment, the boundaries blurred between dominance and submission.

A predatory grin played on my lips as I yielded to her request, my fingers tracing a teasing path along the contours of her skin. The touch was deliberate, a dance of desire that left no room for escape. The room held its breath, and the sensation of our bodies colliding with unspoken passion set the stage for the unraveling of a desire that had been simmering beneath the surface.

My hands moved with deliberate intent, navigating down to Y/n's pants, unbuttoning them and pulling them down with a controlled, measured motion. The room seemed to pulse with the heightened tension, the anticipation palpable as a growing wet patch on her panties betrayed the desire that simmered within her.

"Turned on, baby?" I questioned her with a smirk, reveling in the control that hung in the air. Y/n let out a shaky sigh as my fingers caressed the warmth between her thighs, the physical response to my touch evident.

Getting no verbal response, I decided to tighten the hold on the reins of our encounter. Gripping her hair, I pulled it back, forcing her to face me. Y/n's pupils dilated, a testament to the desire that coursed through her veins.

"I asked you a question, baby, and I want an answer," I whispered, my voice low and commanding. The hardening of my gaze mirrored the intensity of the moment, as if the question held a significance beyond the physical act unfolding between us. The silence hung heavy in the room, broken only by the unspoken exchange of desire and the unrelenting tension that bound us together in that intimate dance.

As Y/n struggled to find her voice, the air crackled with a potent mixture of desire and anticipation. Her breath hitched, caught between the pleasure building within her and the demand for a response. My grip on her hair tightened, a silent insistence that she answer the question.

"Y-yes," she finally managed to gasp out, her voice a soft admission that hung in the charged atmosphere. Her confession seemed to ignite a spark, the flames of desire flickering higher.

Satisfied with her response, I released her hair, my fingers tracing a sensual path down her neck. I could see the hunger in her eyes, the need for more, and I reveled in the control I had over her desires.

My hand returned to its previous exploration, fingers dancing along the edge of her panties. With a teasing motion, I dipped beneath the fabric, feeling the warmth and wetness that awaited. Y/n's breath hitched again, a mixture of pleasure and longing escaping her lips.

"Such a good girl," I purred, my voice a sultry whisper that added to the intensity of the moment. I held Y/n's face, drawing her into a sensual kiss. Our lips met in a heated dance, a meeting of passion that seemed to ignite the very air around us. The warmth of the embrace intensified, and the world outside faded away.

Breaking the kiss, I traced a path of soft kisses down her neck, savoring the shiver that ran through her body. A low, guttural groan escaped her lips, a symphony of pleasure that echoed in the charged atmosphere. The room seemed to pulse with the rhythm of our shared desire, a private dance that unfolded in the intimate spaces between kisses.

As I reached down to untie Y/n. The moment her restraints were released, she stood up, a hunger in her eyes, and without hesitation, she carried me towards the bed. With an unexpected force, she threw me onto the mattress, a mix of excitement and passion fueling the movement.

As I lay on the bed, Y/n wasted no time getting on top of me, her lips planting a trail of kisses down my neck. The sensation sent shivers through my body, and unable to contain the building desire, I instinctively bucked my hips into hers, a silent plea for more.

Her attention focused on the rhythm of our shared passion, I seized the opportunity to shift the dynamics. With a swift move, I managed to flip us around, now taking the dominant position. The power balance tilted, and I hovered over Y/n, our eyes locked in a fierce exchange of desire.

"Let me please you, baby," I murmured, my voice a sultry whisper that hung in the air like a promise. Leaning down, my lips brushed against her earlobe, sending a shiver down her spine. As I spoke, my hand trailed sensually down her body, my touch igniting a fervent response.

Her hips bucked against me in response to my caress, a silent plea for more. The room seemed to pulse with the shared anticipation of what was to come. I could feel the intensity building between us, a magnetic force pulling us into a realm where desire reigned supreme.

My hips moved in a rhythmic grind against her clothed pussy, the friction eliciting a deep, guttural groan of desire from her.

My movements continued with a deliberate sensuality as I descended, positioning my face near her cunt. A charged anticipation hung in the air as I inhaled her sweet scent, savoring the intimate fragrance that enveloped her. The tip of my nose brushed against the fabric covering her pussy, a teasing caress that hinted at the pleasure to come.

"You smell amazing, baby," I whispered, my words a heated murmur against the fabric. The acknowledgment of her enticing scent added an extra layer of desire to the already charged atmosphere. "I can't wait to touch you."

With that declaration, my tongue traced the damp patch on her covered crotch, the fabric now a testament to the building intensity between us. The taste of her desire lingered on my tongue, and a low, throaty moan escaped her lips—a symphony of pleasure echoing in the intimate space we shared.

I began to pull down her panties, savoring the gradual reveal. As the fabric slid down, exposing her wet cunt, a low, needy sigh escaped her lips.

My fingers, now freed from the constraints of fabric, caressed her soaking cunt. "Fuck, baby, you're soaking," I remarked with a smirk, my voice low and edged with desire. The room hummed with the electric tension between us as I began to insert my fingers in her wet, responsive pussy. My fingers moved with purpose, thrusting in and out, while my thumb played a teasing dance on her clit. “Who makes you this wet, hmm?”

As pleasure surged through her, Y/n moaned loudly, her voice echoing in the room, a symphony of arousal and surrender. "Y-You!" she confessed, the admission a mixture of need and pleasure that fueled the fire between us.

Her breaths quickened, a silent plea for more, as my fingers continued their relentless assault on her wet cunt. The rhythm of our shared desire intensified, each movement building towards a climax that hung in the air, a promise of ecstasy that lingered on the precipice of release.

I pulled my finger out of her pussy, a calculated pause that heightened the anticipation in the room. Lying down on my stomach, I grabbed Y/n by the thighs, pulling her closer to my face. A moment of tension hung in the air before I spat on her cunt, a bold move that evoked a gasp from Y/n as my saliva trickled down her ass.

Her hands went down to grip my hair, fingers tangling in the strands as I delved into her cunt with my tongue. The room filled with the symphony of her loud moans, the echoes of pleasure resonating in the intimate space we shared.

With each skillful movement of my tongue, I assaulted her cunt, navigating the delicate balance between pleasure and intensity. The air seemed charged with the electrifying energy of our connection, every moan and every touch pushing her closer to the edge of ecstasy.

"F-Fuck, yes, just like that," Y/n moaned out loud, the room echoing with the raw intensity of her pleasure. My fingers found their way back into her cunt, thrusting in and out with a deliberate rhythm while my tongue continued its assault, drawing out the sweet taste of desire.

As I continued the dual stimulation, Y/n's moans escalated, a symphony of ecstasy that resonated through the room. "F-Fuck Minjeong, I'm gonna c-cum," she squealed, her legs trembling as she teetered on the edge of release. Undeterred, I intensified my assault, bringing her to her edge.

"S-Shit Minjeong!" Y/n screamed, her body convulsing in pleasure as she succumbed to the waves of ecstasy. I helped her ride out the high by gradually thrusting my fingers, maintaining the rhythm that had brought her to such heights.

Once the intensity of her climax subsided, I looked up at Y/n. Her eyes were dilated, staring down at me with a mixture of satisfaction and lingering desire. Pulling my fingers out, I moved up to her, kissing her passionately. Our tongues danced, and I let her taste herself, a moan escaping her lips at the intimate exchange.

In that post-ecstasy embrace, the room held the scent of passion, and the taste of desire lingered on our lips. The connection between us deepened, and as we savored the aftermath of our shared intimacy, the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the echoes of pleasure in the quiet space we occupied.

I got up to grab a wet towel for her, a gesture of care in the aftermath of our shared passion. Returning to Y/n, I found her going through her purse, and she handed me a stack of cash. Accepting it, I left it on the nightstand, the transactional aspect of our encounter handled with a silent understanding.

I got closer to her, wet towel in hand, and began to delicately wipe down her body. Y/n sighed contently, a moment of intimacy that transcended the physical act we had just shared. "Thank you," she whispered, her eyes fixed on me. I looked at her with a grin, pulling her chin up for a tender kiss.

"Of course, baby," I whispered back as I went to put the towel away. When I returned to Y/n, I was already changed, settling down next to her to enjoy the quiet companionship that followed the storm of passion.

In the post-ecstasy calm, the room held an air of intimacy, and as we sat together, the world outside seemed distant.

As the lingering quiet settled between us, I began counting the cash Y/n handed me, the sound of each bill rustling through the room, a stark contrast to the intimate symphony that had unfolded just moments before.

"Same time next week?" I asked casually, glancing up from the counting, my tone betraying none of the complexities that danced beneath the surface. The question lingered in the air, carrying with it the unspoken acknowledgment that what had transpired was more than a mere physical exchange.

"Y-Yeah," Y/n sighed out, her response carrying a mix of uncertainty and anticipation. The vulnerability in her voice hinted at the emotional aftermath of our encounter. As she met my gaze, there was a shared understanding, a tacit agreement that went beyond the transactional nature of our arrangement.

The exchange of money, an unspoken acknowledgment of the transaction, emphasized the delicate balance between desire and detachment that defined our connection. The room held the weight of unspoken complexities, a space where the lines between pleasure and business blurred.

With the cash neatly counted and our agreement sealed, I leaned back, a smug satisfaction playing on my lips. "I'll see you then," I purred, the words laced with a sensual undertone. My eyes met Y/n's, a brief but charged exchange that hinted at the complexities beneath the surface.

A slow, deliberate wink accompanied my words, a playful gesture that added an extra layer of intimacy to our parting. In that moment, the room seemed to hold its breath, the lingering energy of our encounter hanging in the air.

As I rose from my seat, the air crackled with a shared understanding—an unspoken acknowledgment of desires met and an agreement to reconvene. The atmosphere, thick with a heady mixture of satisfaction and anticipation, seemed to pulsate as I made my way to the door.

With one last glance over my shoulder, I left, the click of the closing door marking the end of our encounter. The outside world awaited, but the echoes of our shared intimacy lingered, a subtle promise that transcended the confines of the room.

[no-psi-nan]

One thing I never see people talk about is that canonically, Terusai is super one-sided...

From SAIKI'S side.

Over the course of the series, Saiki's respect for Teruhashi grows with every interaction. He bends over backwards to prevent her feelings from being hurt, he puts less and less effort into avoiding her, he looks after her safety and happiness, he risks his reputation by publicly rescuing her, he's fascinated by her beauty the one time he gets to admire her, she galvanizes him into action when he's in shock about the meteor and the "return" of his powers.

On the other hand, Teruhashi starts caring about the fake fanboy version of him she invented, and over time, grows comfortable with the fake silent glum mask he projects. She doesn't find him physically attractive and she struggles to compliment him to his grandfather. She likes how safe he makes her feel, and finds his presence comforting, but at no time does she know his actual personality, nor does she really make any real attempt to get to know him better, instead focusing on ways to impress him and make him "offu". She knows that her fanclub could put him in danger (hence tossing her chocolates out the window) but still calls on them to force him to hang out with her on multiple occasions.

In order for them to have a real relationship, Teruhashi would have to learn Saiki's actual personality and decide whether she likes it as much as the fake versions she fell in love with.

But for that to happen, Saiki would have to reveal his powers (prerequisite for showing his real personality), which would immediately force Teruhashi to face three MAJOR crises:

The INCREDIBLE mortification of blindly chasing after someone who could hear every one of her mean/rude/bizarre/thirsty thoughts and who was trying to let her down gently the whole time for SIX FUCKING YEARS, all while she made SO much trouble for him

The subsequent reckoning about what it means to be a "perfect pretty girl" after finding out someone was watching her struggle and fail at it, plus the possibility that people only like her because her beauty is a magical power like Saiki's ESP, and NOT because any inherent goodness or effort on her own behalf

The fact that her fans almost killed both Saiki and Nendo when he was "powerless", and the realization that the Kokomins (whether part of the club or not) have almost certainly hurt many people on her behalf, and that she herself has mobilized them against Saiki before. Also the fact that they actually control her almost as much as she controls them, because she has to work so hard to meet and exceed their expectations

While Saiki already knows and likes her for who she is, Teruhashi (who regularly goes to mental and physical extremes to maintain her persona) is going to have to grapple with her own sense of self before she can even really find out what Saiki's actually like, much less have a healthy relationship with him.

And meanwhile Saiki knows that dating Teruhashi would be a major risk for him, as much as he might like to, because she attracts so much attention that it would constantly risk his identity.

There's so much baggage they have to work through in canon in order to finally be on the same page, and so much to explore psychologically, especially when you remember that Teruhashi is also apparently only 5 minutes away from starting a cult based on like every canon AU hsfjdlshfks.

She's under a huge amount of stress! Has been for a long time! And then if the guy she thought she knew turned out to be a god, sometimes even The God she prays to, what's that going to do to her psyche??

Anyways this post got away from me but there's so much fertile ground for really interesting analysis and character development! But I've never seen anyone tackle any of this so I figured I'd type it up in case people didn't realize just HOW bonkers it all is lol!

[strangertheories]

I've been seeing people saying that platonic Stobin is only benefitting Steve or that Robin only exists to redeem Steve from past homophobia and I'd like to politely disagree. I don't think enough people realise just how crucial their friendship was to Robin's character development outside of Steve, so I'll just spell it out here in this long post for the four year anniversary of Robin coming out to Steve.

At the start of S3, Robin is deeply sarcastic and jokingly rude, but this is not entirely what she is actually like deep down and the true Robin doesn't emerge until her and Steve are talking to each other in the bunker. She says that she acts like she doesn't care and that she floats above it all (in reference to popularity) but deep down, she just wants to feel normal and accepted.

But Robin knows she could never be accepted fully because of her attraction to women. If she acts like she doesn't care and holds Steve at an arm's length, it keeps her safe. Robin can't be rejected if she doesn't let him in. She doesn't believe anyone could ever be friends with her if they knew her secrets, so constructs this personality around herself, however deep down she is just insecure and struggling with internalised homophobia.

A lot of people talk about Robin's coming out scene, rightfully so, but I think we need to talk more about what happened before. When Steve tells Robin he's attracted to her, she looks devastated. With her guard let down after a near death experience and drugs, she was finally able to bond with someone who she now has to reject.

At first, she tries to talk Steve out of liking her. She tells him that he doesn't know the real her and that if he did, not only would be not want to date her, but he wouldn't even want to be her friend. This is where it all becomes clear that Robin's sarcasm and refusal to let her guard down is not linked to her sexuality but rather because of it.

This is why Steve accepting her is so crucial for her character from then onwards. For the first time in her life, Robin let someone see her true self, knowing that she would be rejected and lose her only friend. And yet she wasn't. Robin let Steve in and his acceptance finally enabled her to realise that just because she is gay it doesn't mean that she's abnormal or could never be happy. Obviously, there are safety concerns that prevent her from running through the streets of Hawkins with a pride flag, but I believe this acceptance is crucial to the version of Robin we see in S4.

After S4, there were a lot of complaints that the Robin we saw in that season wasn't like S3 enough and felt like a completely different character. Firstly, Robin was shown to speed talk, be unhelpful and miss social ques when nervous in the final episode of season 3, so I disagree with that criticism. But most importantly, the reason that S4 Robin is different to the one in S3 is because S3 Robin was never real. It was a character she built in order to avoid dealing with the pain of rejection or accepting that she cares about what other people think of her. But due to Steve, Robin is able to realise that she doesn't have to be someone else, hence her personality shift.

That's also kind of why I dislike the idea that her relationships with Nancy and Vickie are better than her one with Steve because she wouldn't have had those relationships if it wasn't for him. Steve enabled her to open up and let down her cool and sarcastic persona. Robin is anxious and awkward with Nancy and Vickie from the get go unlike with Steve, which ends up enabling her to ultimately make more real bonds with them much quicker. She would not have been able to do that if it wasn't for the value his acceptance brought into her life.

I'm going to get a bit mushy and personal here, so feel free to skip to the end, but platonic Stobin isn't just meaningful to the fictional character of Robin. I'm an autistic lesbian and I have had a lot of struggles with making and maintaining friendships. For a while, I didn't have any friends at all and I was very depressed. But now my mental health is so much better because I was able to find a friend who fully accepted me, who I didn't have to mask around, who I easily came out to. Becoming friends with her has enabled me to become way more comfortable with unmasking my autism outside of that one relationship because being more vulnerable is what enabled that friendship to be so much better in the long term.

Robin is a character I relate to a lot, and I've written a lot of posts on autistic Robin in the past. I think seeing friendships portrayed on screen where a girl is able to let down her mask, learn to become herself and become much less distant to the point that she explicitly feels comfortable telling someone she has issues with social ques is great for all kids. So many people, especially autistic people, struggle with being themselves and with finding friends. Maybe Robin did just exist to redeem Steve or whatever, but I know seeing that friendship on screen meant a lot to me. It's so difficult to find someone who accepts you and to open up to someone, but I think that platonic Stobin shows that it can be worth it.

Sorry for the mushy side tangent at the end, but I hope this post explains the importance of Steve's acceptance to Robin's character development. Acting like she only exists for Steve is dismissive of the impact that friendship had on the development Robin has and will have, especially if you view Rebel Robin as being somewhat canon. Not to mention, clarifying a loveable character is no longer homophobic feels like a pretty good thing.

[okthatsgreat]

had a great conversation today about danganronpa ultimates and the idea that so many of those ultimate talents come with a massive time limit, but this ESPECIALLY applies to sayaka maizono. her entire life is dedicated to being a pop idol to the point she considers her band her family and will go to extreme lengths for them. being a pop idol has quite literally defined her persona and personality for years as a means to survive in that industry. but as a pop idol she only has years left of relevancy because as much as she might fight against it she will eventually grow up and out of the typical age range for idols. best case scenario she becomes a mildly relevant independent singer who still struggles against the pressure of the industry but with far less reward, worst case scenario she is removed from the public eye entirely. and THEN what? hopes peak academy as a replacement for a typical high school experience can be quite terrifying at times just because it focuses in on ONE talent. YOUR talent. but what if your talent comes with an expiration date? what do you do then?? it's not as if you've been prepared for any other career path. you're stuck there

anyways, i just think the idea of a time limit on ultimate talents is both fascinating and pretty devastating. it really emphasises sayakas personal fears as well, considering how little time she has in the spotlight and her desperation to maintain her idol personality, but it also provides a pretty awesome look into a few other ultimate talents as well. athletes (swimmer, gymnast, baseball star, dancer etc) have got time limits ESPECIALLY if they injure themselves, ultimate fashionistas will eventually age. just interesting to think on

[morbidology]

This creepy photograph shows serial killer, Joachim Kroll, reenacting one of his murders.

Joachim Georg Kroll was born on April 17, 1933, in Hindenburg (now Zabrze, Poland), during a time of significant upheaval in Europe. The youngest of eight children, Kroll grew up in a poor family, facing the hardships of post-World War II Germany. His father was a soldier in the German Army during the war and was captured by Soviet forces, never returning home. The loss of his father and the subsequent financial and emotional strain on the family deeply affected Kroll's development.

Kroll was reportedly a slow learner and struggled with school, dropping out early. He had a low IQ, estimated to be around 76, and was considered mentally deficient by those who knew him. Despite these challenges, Kroll eventually found work as a factory laborer, living a solitary and unremarkable life on the surface.

Kroll's reign of terror began in 1955 when he committed his first known murder. His victims were primarily young girls and women, although he occasionally targeted young boys. Kroll would lure his victims into secluded areas, where he would assault, murder, and in many cases, mutilate them. What made his crimes particularly gruesome was his practice of cannibalism; Kroll admitted to eating parts of his victims' flesh, which he claimed helped him save money on groceries.

Kroll's method of operation was chillingly methodical. He would often dismember his victims, keeping parts of their bodies for later consumption and disposing of the rest in rivers, forests, or other remote locations. His killings were not driven by a need for material gain or revenge but by a deeply rooted compulsion.

For years, Kroll evaded capture, in part due to his unassuming appearance and demeanor. He was described as quiet, polite, and somewhat simple-minded, which allowed him to fly under the radar of authorities and those around him. Moreover, the police were unable to connect the murders due to the wide geographical spread and varying victim profiles.

Kroll's killing spree finally came to an end on July 3, 1976, after the disappearance of a four-year-old girl named Marion Ketter. Her parents reported her missing, and a large-scale search was initiated. During the search, a neighbor of Kroll’s reported a disturbing incident: Kroll had mentioned that the waste pipe in his apartment was clogged with "guts."

When the police arrived at Kroll's apartment, they discovered a scene of unimaginable horror. The remains of Marion Ketter were found in his kitchen—parts of her body were cooking on the stove, while other parts were stored in the refrigerator. Kroll was immediately arrested, and during his interrogation, he calmly confessed to the murders of at least 14 people over the previous two decades. He provided chilling details of his crimes, showing no remorse for his actions.

Joachim Kroll's trial began in 1982, and the sheer brutality of his crimes shocked the public and the judiciary alike. He was charged with eight counts of murder, as the evidence for these cases was the most concrete, though he admitted to many more. Throughout the trial, Kroll's mental state was a significant point of discussion. He was diagnosed with a severe personality disorder, and his low intelligence was considered by the defense, who argued that he was mentally unfit to stand trial.

Despite these arguments, Kroll was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment on April 8, 1982. He spent the rest of his days in prison, where he reportedly lived quietly, maintaining the same unremarkable persona that had allowed him to elude capture for so long. Joachim Kroll died of a heart attack on July 1, 1991, while still incarcerated.

[sepublic]

Given Luz’s arc in the Boiling Isles was about expecting fantasy only to encounter reality underneath, I find it fitting her villain follows a similar trajectory. We are introduced to the enigmatic Emperor Belos, a strange and mysterious villain wielding arcane magic. Many of us understandably speculated that he was some sort of lich or other type of demon, and in the end…

He’s just some guy; Just another bigoted human. Even with his human persona Philip Wittebane, he attempts to frame himself as some tragic character unfairly hurt by society…

But again, there’s the simpler truth; He’s just an immature jerk. That’s why he’s disliked. And it’s interesting, how instead of the romanticized, sympathetic, larger than life villain, we have one closer to reality, and accurate to the actual people in power that Belos is based off of; Entitled (wo)manchildren with delusions of grandeur. It’s fittingly mundane and literally what Luz struggled with back home.

Belos is every conservative politician who thinks he’s been deeply wronged by minorities, and blames them for “taking away” a loved one who clearly made their own choice and was happier for it, because self-perceived victimization provides a handy excuse for their banal actions. They say they’re maintaining the sanctity of society but really they just want to control their perfect little worlds, and have more than enough devil’s advocates. Think of guys like Elon Musk; Some mediocre white dude who thinks of himself as particularly exceptional and self-made, when really he just stood on the shoulders of others and stole, and throws a tantrum whenever he doesn’t get his way.

He’s the suburban middle-class white dude who’s bored and thinks shooting lions in Africa makes him a big man. He’s the sweet little brother who started watching a misogynistic streamer and is now a raging bigot who refuses to grow out of it, worshipping other mediocre white men. He’s a mundane bully among Luz’s peers with no greater reason than that it’s easier to hurt others and put them down to make himself feel taller by comparison; Not so much because he’s been hurt (if at all), but because he doesn’t care.

He’s the bully who cheers for Dumbo because he lacks the self-awareness to realize he’s the villain onscreen. And people like that often don’t accept help, and sometimes they never needed it to begin with because their issues don’t come from a lack of compassion from others. You should try to understand others, but sometimes all you’ll find in some is banality. Belos isn’t some type of made up creature, at his core he’s the exact kind of person you’ll encounter in real life, hence his mundane parallel in Jacob Hopkins; He’s the jerk online who wants to debate.

And this is all very fitting for Luz’s arc; Luz went to the Boiling Isles expecting some form of escapism, but in the end, the exact same problems she encountered at home followed her there. The same type of person that contributed to Luz being deemed deviant in the U.S. also plays a role in Luz feeling unwelcome in the Demon Realm; A Puritan white man, one of the progenitors for the founding fathers of America, and its evangelical culture. And just like the jerks online who want to debate, Luz realized the only response to give was silence.

The friends Luz meets, and the people she resolves conflicts with (some of whom do fulfill the sympathetic antagonist niche), are just like you and I. There’s no real difference between witches/demons and humans. What Luz learns in the Boiling Isles still applies to her human life; She didn’t succeed in running away, but actually unwittingly grew to handle it and meeting new people. She developed the self-awareness needed to avoid becoming like those who originally hurt her, and after helping so many others was allowed to realize she was also entitled to setting boundaries and prioritizing her own health.

Luz finding the isles is fundamentally no different than a person in real life moving somewhere else, and/or finding a community of other humans like them, with the presence of kids like Masha and their friends displaying how that applies in real life. Luz still learned how to deal with reality, she had it in herself all along. She didn’t ignore her problems in the Boiling Isles, she faced them there with support. The Demon Realm and Luz’s problems there aren’t all that different from her ‘real’ life, they’re just as real and that’s why they still matter and are good for Luz. It’s all one big metaphor in the sense that it’s equivalent and applicable, and Luz figured that out like the audience did; Her ‘escapism’ was just her life back home but with a different coat of paint, and that’s good.

[misskattylashes]

The Ballad of Miles Peter Kane

I’m writing this because 80% of the speculation in the AM/TLSP/MK fandom is about Alex – ‘he shags groupies, he’s gay, he’s bi, he’s autistic, he’s an arrogant bastard’....the list is endless. Because he is our master of deception and subterfuge, he opens himself up to speculation.

But on the surface Miles is so different. Happy, smiley, seemingly open Miles, sharing his home and his dog and his family on social media. Chatting away in interviews like a little bird. People think he has it together.

But dig a little deeper and read between the lines, and I get a completely different picture of Miles from the Rascal of 2008 to our One Man Band of 2024.

I have been watching some early interviews with Miles recently and he shoehorns the topic of women and girls into them far more often than Alex ever has. A simple question about if he likes meat is met with a ‘not in a gay way’. At a time when Alex was being photographed looking like Alexa’s little brother or Arielle’s hot gay pal, Miles was being ‘papped’ with his tongue down the throat of the latest hot model or Page Three Girl. There was a sexy girl in every video. And before you say it, yes there were in AM’s videos, but find me one where Alex interacts with them. There was also Miles’ relationship with Suki Waterhouse which I find hard to believe wasn’t real, unless he is far better than Alex at faking a relationship.

Controversial as this may be, but in my opinion, early videos of baby Al flirting openly with Andy, and pressing himself up against Miles, and a bit later on, even AM Alex flirting with that hunky male interviewer, does not point to someone battling too much with their inner homophobia. I think Alex – as ever – has two personalities. The Alex known to the inner circle is out and has been for many years. But Mr Schwartz - the public facing Alex, struggles with his sexuality and the effect it will have on his career and that of his three ‘brothers’.

But read between the lines of their lyrics from the AM/Don’t Forget Who You Are era. AM is filled with longing, of someone who doesn’t know where they stand with this secret - keeping lover who treats them differently at night than during the day. DFWYA is still full of ‘she’ and ‘her’ songs, although ironically the lyrics to Out of Control are so Milex coded it’s funny. I will always maintain Give Up is about Alex (I think ‘stand so tall’ is a figure of speech rather than literally lol) lyrics like ‘you’re pretty good looking but I’m looking for a way out’ and ‘stop tainting my soul’ scream Alex. Don’t forget both albums will have been written around the same time, so I am guessing that they were going through the conflict of Miles not knowing what to do, and him somehow blaming Alex for his confusion, but at the same time unable to keep away from him.

So we reach 2015 and the recording of EYCTE. Something happens. Once on stage and once in an interview, Alex talks about them falling in love whist recording the album. Traditionalists will choose to think he means with their ‘girlfriends’ at the time, but once on tour it is obvious there has been a change in the dynamics. Alex is coquettish and sexy, but his stage personas have all been a variation on this since Humbug, but Miles is different. Miles can’t keep his hands off Alex, Miles follows Alex around the stage like a lovesick puppy. In interviews gone are the playful lusty looks of TAOTU era, instead Miles gazes at Alex like he’s the most beautiful and wondrous thing he’s ever seen.

I think Miles had finally seen the light and realised he was in love with his best mate/casual fuck buddy. He could no longer go on treating Alex like some dirty little secret, and he could no longer deny his sexuality.

What happened afterwards? Who knows, I guess they’re the only ones who know the full truth. But they both came out of EYCTE depressed (the two interviews recently posted on here show this), but Miles admitted to having a mental breakdown, and all I can do is speculate why I think this happened. Imagine being a young man fighting inner demons about your sexuality, you finally realise you’re in love with your best friend and promises are made (see Someone to Rely On and Wrong Side of Life) and he leaves you to go off to France to record an album and keep up his ‘relationship’ with his girlfriend. You have laid yourself on the line and taken a huge step for him and he's gone.

In Alex’s defence, he probably had years of Miles letting him down and also the responsibility of AM etc, but this isn’t about Alex.

But time is a great healer and I think Miles came out of the whole period a different person. By Change the Show, we lose the ‘she’ pronouns (just one ‘girl’, and Suzie and Caroline) and sexy girls in videos. Gone are the models and page three girls. There is a brief ‘romance’ with Nadya Duke, but that is it.

So we come to One Man Band. Apart from one ridiculous tongue in cheek podcast with his friend James Buckley, where he goes on about women (incidentally just before the Ireland gigs with AM), Miles has changed. In early interviews, his childhood heroes are Lennon and Oasis…no mention of Baggio. With One Man Band we suddenly get Baggio and in interviews he talks of how eight year old Miles thought Baggio and the Italian football team were sexy. Old Miles would have followed that up with something like ‘the sort of sexy that pulled birds’, but there was nothing like that, instead he was admitting that part of his sexual awakening was admiring Italian men.

The video for The Wonder had a sexy woman, his friend Didem, but somehow the dynamic felt different, the general vibe was more two mates mucking about.

His stage persona is more ‘fruity’, he is using ‘she’ pronouns but to address himself, and whilst he isn’t ‘out’ - he may never come out publicly, it is entirely his choice - there is definitely a change in Miles, he seems more settled and happy in his own skin. He said he had therapy during the bad period and hopefully that helped. Interestingly he has posted songs about difficult relationships with fathers, and without casting aspersions on Miles’ dad, I wonder if part of his earlier issues were about him trying to please him. Liverpool has quite a macho culture – especially 20-30 years ago. Let’s not forget Miles liked and commented on that beautiful poem about men who know they are gay even when they are children. Maybe it resonated….

Miles story is a fascinating one, a look at a young man fighting his inner demons to get to a point where he knows his true self. I always think Troubled Son is the counter to Body Paint. But Troubled Son is about Miles coming to terms with who he is and accepting his own faults, Body Paint is Alex keeping on his costume, which he doesn’t look like taking off any time soon. Hopefully private Alex is as happy as Miles, and it’s just that public face that looks as though their world is ending.

[cynic-spirit]

Night Window

batman x soulmate

bruce wayne soulmate

warnings: too long because I dont know how to break chapters. fluff.

In a world where soulmates' first words to each other are etched permanently on their wrists, the words serve as both a mystery and a revelation. For Y/N, these words are "go home," a phrase that seems to hint at a past connection or a direction yet to be understood.

Far away, in a grand and meticulously maintained mansion, Bruce Wayne, the enigmatic figure known as Batman, stands poised for action. Alfred Pennyworth, his loyal butler, adjusts his attire, ensuring every detail is perfect. Bruce glances momentarily at his concealed wrist, where the inscription "yes sure Mr. Batman sir" is etched in neat, unassuming script. The words, seemingly mundane, are a stark contrast to the dark and mysterious persona he presents to the world. They are a subtle reminder of the person who once spoke them, a hint of normalcy in his otherwise intense and secretive life.

In the opulent Wayne Manor, Bruce Wayne, known for his dual life as the vigilante Batman, carefully conceals the words etched on his wrist. These words, "yes sure Mr. Batman sir," are a hidden detail Bruce deliberately keeps from public view. His wealth and the complexity of his dual identity make him wary of deceit and exploitation. To protect himself from potential impostors seeking to exploit his fortune or uncover his secret identity, Bruce ensures the inscription remains hidden from prying eyes.

Alfred Pennyworth, his ever-watchful confidant, helps prepare Bruce for his nocturnal duties, ensuring that every aspect of his appearance is impeccable. The weight of the hidden inscription represents more than just a potential connection; it signifies Bruce's ongoing struggle to maintain control over his life and shield himself from those who might wish to manipulate or harm him. The words, though seemingly innocuous, serve as a reminder of the complex balance Bruce must maintain between his public persona and his clandestine operations.

As Batman roams the dark alleys of Gotham, he engages in a fierce battle with a group of thugs. Amidst the chaos, his gaze briefly locks with a woman who seems to be caught in the crossfire. Reacting instinctively, he shouts, "Go home!" The woman, clearly startled, responds without hesitation, "Yes sure Mr. Batman sir," before quickly retreating to safety.

Later, as Batman regains his composure and regroups, Alfred's voice crackles through the comms, cutting through the tension. "Were those your soulmate words, sir?" Alfred inquires, his tone a mixture of curiosity and concern. Batman pauses, the weight of the question settling over him. The connection between the woman's response and the words etched on his wrist is undeniable, leaving him with more questions than answers as he continues his vigil over Gotham.

Bruce, grappling with the realization that the woman he just encountered is his soulmate, feels a mix of surprise and intrigue. His protective instincts and wariness, shaped by his dual life and past experiences, compel him to consider the implications of this newfound connection carefully.

Meanwhile, Y/N, who has been trying to navigate her life with the unsettling words "go home" etched on her wrist, finds herself in a state of fear and confusion. The abrupt encounter with Batman and his subsequent command has left her disoriented. The realization that her soulmate is Gotham's dark guardian raises questions and anxieties about the dangerous world he inhabits and the implications of their connection. Struggling to process her emotions, she wonders what this means for her future and how she can reconcile her ordinary life with the extraordinary presence of Batman.

In the quiet confines of the Batcave, Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth engage in a rare and intimate conversation. The flickering lights from the computer screens cast shadows over their faces as Bruce reflects on the startling revelation of finding his soulmate.

Bruce’s voice is tinged with a mixture of determination and vulnerability. “I can’t ignore what happened tonight, Alfred. There’s something about her—something real. I’ve felt alone for so long, but now… there’s this pull, this connection I can’t deny.”

Alfred, ever the sage and supportive presence, meets Bruce’s gaze with a reassuring nod. “Sir, you’ve been through so much. The fates have given you this chance to experience something beyond the shadows. You’re allowed to feel this emotion. It’s a sign that someone was meant for you, that there’s more to life than this endless fight.”

Bruce’s eyes, usually steely and guarded, soften with the weight of Alfred’s words. “But what if I can’t protect her from the dangers of my world?”

Alfred places a steady hand on Bruce’s shoulder. “You’ve always fought for justice, Bruce. You can fight for this, too. Embrace it. You’ve earned the chance to find happiness. Don’t let fear or duty make you push away what fate has brought you.”

The affirmation from Alfred settles over Bruce, a new resolve forming within him. As he looks toward the city’s skyline, he acknowledges that this connection might be the key to filling the void he’s long felt. The path ahead is uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, he is willing to embrace the possibility of something beyond the shadows.

As Bruce delves into the life of Y/N, he uncovers details that paint a vivid picture of her world. He discovers that Y/N is a kind and gentle soul, working as an English literature professor at Gotham University. Her days are spent immersed in the world of classic literature and guiding her students through the complexities of language and storytelling.

Her academic and personal interests reflect a deep passion for knowledge and an unwavering dedication to her craft. Despite the pressures of her profession, Y/N remains grounded and compassionate, qualities that stand in stark contrast to the darkness Bruce navigates as Batman. Her life in academia and her inherent kindness offer Bruce a glimpse into a world far removed from his own, and he finds himself increasingly drawn to her.

As Bruce learns more about her—her favorite authors, her teaching philosophy, and her quiet moments of reflection—he becomes more resolved to bridge the gap between their worlds. The contrast between their lives highlights the profound nature of their connection, making him more determined to protect and understand Y/N, and to see where their fated bond might lead.

Late into the night, the Gotham Library stands eerily silent, its grand architecture casting long shadows across the vast rows of bookshelves. Y/N, determined to escape the unsettling reality of discovering Batman as her soulmate, seeks solace among the pages of classic literature. She immerses herself in the books, her eyes scanning the text with fervent concentration, as if trying to erase the memory of her encounter.

The library’s quietness is punctuated only by the soft rustle of turning pages and the distant hum of the library’s air conditioning. Y/N’s efforts to lose herself in literature are both an escape and a refuge, a way to push aside the confusion and fear of her newfound connection with Batman. The weight of her thoughts is visible in the furrow of her brow and the occasional sigh that escapes her lips.

Despite the comforting familiarity of the library, Y/N can’t shake the nagging feeling that the night’s stillness is a stark reminder of her isolation in this situation. The emptiness of the library mirrors the solitude she feels in grappling with her new reality. As she turns another page, she wishes for a moment of clarity, hoping that her escape into books might somehow provide answers or relief from the swirling uncertainties of her life.

As Y/N reaches for another book, a sudden chill runs down her spine. The hair on the back of her neck stands on end. Her hand freezes mid-air, and she slowly turns around, her heart racing. Standing in the deep shadows of the library, Batman’s imposing figure emerges. His silhouette is barely discernible against the dim light, but his presence is unmistakable.

Y/N’s breath catches in her throat, and she nearly drops the book she’s holding. The stark contrast between the serene environment of the library and the dark, foreboding figure of Batman creates a jarring effect. Her mind races, trying to reconcile the calm, orderly world of literature with the intense reality of the vigilante before her.

Batman steps forward, his voice a low rumble that cuts through the silence. “I didn’t mean to startle you,” he says, though his tone lacks any hint of apology. “I needed to see you.”

Y/N’s eyes widen in a mix of fear and confusion. “Why are you here?” she manages to ask, her voice trembling. The suddenness of his appearance and the gravity of his presence leave her feeling vulnerable and exposed in the otherwise safe haven of the library.

Y/N’s eyes widen, her breath hitching as she takes in Batman's imposing figure standing in the library’s shadows. The sight of him—so out of place in her sanctuary of books—leaves her momentarily speechless. Her mind struggles to process the surreal encounter, and she stands frozen, her eyes locked onto him with a mix of fear and bewilderment.

Despite the fear coursing through her veins, there is an undeniable pull, a magnetic force she can't ignore. It tugs at her heart and mind, drawing her closer to this enigmatic figure. The intensity of the connection she feels is overwhelming, almost as if her very soul recognizes his presence, regardless of the danger or confusion it brings.

Batman steps forward, his movements deliberate and calculated. His dark eyes, hidden beneath his mask, seem to pierce through the dim light, reflecting a mix of determination and something softer—perhaps concern or longing. Y/N, feeling the depth of the connection, bites her lip, her emotions a tangled mess of apprehension and inexplicable attraction.

The tension in the air is palpable as Y/N murmurs softly, almost to herself, "Oh dear." The words escape her lips as a reaction to the shock of his sudden appearance and the strong, inexplicable pull she feels towards him. The softness of her voice contrasts sharply with the intimidating presence of Batman, highlighting the vulnerability she feels.

Her gaze wavers between him and the books surrounding her, the familiar comfort of her academic world now overshadowed by the stark reality of this encounter. The pull of their soulmate bond, though unsettling, is a powerful reminder of the bond that exists between them, making the situation all the more confusing and profound.

Batman’s voice cuts through the library's stillness, deep and resolute. “You are my soulmate,” he declares, the words heavy with the weight of his revelation.

Y/N's eyes widen even further, her lips pressing together in a tight line as she processes his confession. The mixture of emotions—shock, confusion, and an inexplicable pull—leaves her reeling.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she gathers a sliver of confidence and meets his gaze. “You know, Mr. Batman sir…” Her voice wavers, struggling to maintain composure. “And then, before he can respond, she turns and dashes towards the exit, her footsteps echoing through the empty library.

The suddenness of her flight mirrors her inner turmoil. As she runs, she tries to escape the intense emotions and the overwhelming reality of their connection. The library, once a refuge, now feels like a maze, amplifying her desire to flee from the truth she’s just faced.

As Y/N’s footsteps fade into the distance, Batman's comms crackle to life with Alfred’s voice, tinged with amusement. “Did you drive her away, sir?” Alfred asks, a note of teasing in his tone.

Batman, feeling the weight of the situation and the awkwardness of his own admission, replies sharply, “You shouldn’t eavesdrop, Alfred.”

Alfred’s voice comes through, still amused. “It was not intentional, sir. I was merely monitoring the situation.”

Batman huffs softly, his frustration mixed with a begrudging acknowledgment of Alfred’s light-hearted approach. The silence that follows is filled with the realization that the night's events have set a complex, emotional chain in motion.

As Y/N hurries away from the library, her mind racing to process the encounter, she mutters to herself, "This is not happening." The words escape her lips in a whispered, disbelieving tone, reflecting the surreal nature of the situation and the internal struggle to reconcile her feelings with the reality of Batman's unexpected revelation. The library’s quiet corridors seem to close in around her, amplifying her sense of isolation as she tries to make sense of the intense emotions and the daunting connection she now faces.

As Bruce stands in the Batcave, lost in thought about the recent encounter with Y/N, Alfred’s voice comes through the comms with a note of formality. “Sir, just a reminder about the gala at Wayne Manor this evening.”

Bruce's response is a grumble of reluctance. “I’d rather skip it, Alfred. You know how I feel about these events.”

Alfred, with a hint of mischief, adds, “I happened to glance at the guest list. It appears someone named Y/N will be attending.”

A small, genuine smile spreads across Bruce’s face, a rare sight. “Well, in that case, maybe I’ll reconsider.”

The prospect of seeing Y/N again, coupled with the unexpected connection they share, gives Bruce a new sense of purpose for the evening, shifting his attitude toward the gala from one of disinterest to one of eager anticipation.

At the elegant Wayne Mansion, the gala for preserving old languages and books is in full swing. The grand ballroom is adorned with exquisite decorations, and the air is filled with the hum of sophisticated conversation. Y/N, dressed in an elegant gown, mingles among the guests, captivated by the evening's cause.

As she navigates through the crowd, she encounters Bruce Wayne, the charming playboy billionaire known for his public persona. With his warm demeanor and effortless charm, Bruce engages Y/N in a conversation. The two quickly find common ground in their shared appreciation for literature and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Bruce listens intently as Y/N passionately discusses her work and the importance of safeguarding historical texts. Their conversation flows effortlessly, with Bruce genuinely fascinated by her insights and enthusiasm. For nearly forty minutes, they are lost in their discussion, completely absorbed in each other’s company.

As the conversation continues, Alfred, ever observant, subtly reminds Bruce through a discreet message on his comms, “Sir, there are other guests waiting for your attention.”

Bruce, reluctantly pulling himself away from the captivating conversation, smiles at Y/N with genuine warmth. “It’s been a pleasure, truly. I hope we can continue this conversation another time.”

Y/N, feeling a bit starstruck but thoroughly enchanted by Bruce's attentiveness, smiles back. “I’d like that.”

As the night draws to a close and the guests begin to trickle out of Wayne Manor, Bruce stands near the entrance, his eyes instinctively searching the crowd. When he spots Y/N preparing to leave, something stirs deep within him.

Watching her walk towards the exit, her figure illuminated by the soft glow of the mansion’s chandeliers, Bruce feels a tightness in his chest. The knowledge that she doesn’t know who he truly is—that he is both the masked vigilante who startled her and the man she just shared a wonderful conversation with—fills him with a deep, unspoken longing.

For Y/N, tonight was an encounter with Bruce Wayne, the billionaire. But for Bruce, it was so much more. He’s found his soulmate, the person who effortlessly brings him a sense of peace and connection he’s never known. Yet, she leaves tonight unaware of the depth of the bond that has already begun to form between them.

As Y/N steps out into the cool night air, Bruce silently vows that he won’t let her slip away. She’s become everything to him in such a short time, and even though she doesn’t know the full truth yet, he knows that he will do whatever it takes to protect and cherish her, both as Bruce Wayne and as Batman.

“Miss Y/N,” he calls out gently, stopping her in her tracks. She turns to face him, her eyes curious as she meets his gaze.

Bruce hesitates for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “I was wondering,” he begins, his voice smooth but with a hint of tension beneath the surface, “if you’ve found your soulmate yet?”

Y/N tilts her head slightly, surprised by the question. The night has been full of unexpected moments, and this is certainly one of them. She thinks for a moment, her heart fluttering as she considers her answer. “I might have,” she says softly, her voice honest and uncertain. “But I’m not sure if I actually have.”

Her words echo in Bruce’s mind, his heart thumping loudly in his chest. She’s talking about him—or rather, about Batman. But she doesn’t know, and he can’t tell her. Not yet.

Y/N, unaware of the storm of emotions raging within Bruce, offers him a warm, polite smile. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Wayne.” She bows her head slightly in a gesture of respect, her elegance and grace captivating him all over again.

Bruce watches as she turns and continues to her car, the distance between them growing with each step. His mind races with the implications of her words, the possibilities of what could come next. She might have found her soulmate, but she’s not sure—and that means there’s still time, still hope.

As her car pulls away, Bruce remains standing there, the weight of the evening settling over him. He knows, with a certainty that’s almost frightening, that he won’t let her slip away. She’s become everything to him, and he’ll find a way to show her that she doesn’t need to be unsure anymore.

As Y/N drives back through the quiet streets of Gotham, her mind is a whirl of emotions and thoughts she can’t quite shake. The evening had been far more eventful than she’d anticipated, not just because of the gala but because of Bruce Wayne.

She finds herself replaying their conversation in her head—the way he listened to her, the ease with which they connected, and the subtle charm that seemed to draw her in. There’s no denying it: Bruce Wayne has a magnetic personality, a presence that’s hard to ignore. For a moment, she even wonders what it would be like to get to know him better, to spend more time with him.

But as the city lights blur past her window, Y/N is reminded of the truth that sits like a weight in her chest. It’s not Bruce Wayne’s name that’s etched into her wrist. It’s Batman’s. The Dark Knight—the mysterious, brooding figure who watches over Gotham from the shadows—is her soulmate.

A shiver runs down her spine at the thought, and she grips the steering wheel a little tighter. How could someone like her, an ordinary literature professor, be connected to someone like him? A man who lives in the darkness, who faces danger every night, who carries the weight of an entire city on his shoulders.

The pull she feels towards Batman is undeniable, as if some invisible thread ties her to him. And yet, she can’t quite shrug off the connection she felt with Bruce Wayne either. It’s confusing, overwhelming even. How could she be drawn to two people who seem so different? And why does it feel like there’s something more she’s missing?

As she finally pulls into her driveway and turns off the engine, Y/N lets out a long breath. She knows one thing for certain: her life has become far more complicated than she ever imagined. The Dark Knight is her soulmate, but tonight, Bruce Wayne has made his way into her thoughts in a way she didn’t expect. And now, she’s left wondering how she’ll ever reconcile the two.

After the guests have all departed and the grand halls of Wayne Manor have fallen silent, Bruce finds himself in his study, lost in thought. The evening’s events replay in his mind, especially his conversation with Y/N. He’s still grappling with the complex emotions she’s stirred in him when Alfred enters the room, carrying a tray with a glass of scotch.

Alfred places the tray down with his usual precision, but there’s a knowing glint in his eyes as he looks at Bruce. “I must say, sir, it’s been quite some time since I’ve seen you so… distracted,” Alfred remarks, his tone laced with amusement.

Bruce glances up, raising an eyebrow. “Distracted?”

Alfred nods, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Indeed. It was quite clear to anyone paying attention that you were thoroughly captivated by a certain young lady this evening.”

Bruce attempts to maintain his usual stoic expression, but he can’t quite hide the small, sheepish smile that forms. “She’s… different, Alfred.”

“Different, indeed,” Alfred agrees, his teasing tone softening. “And might I add, it’s rather impressive how she handled your attention tonight. Not many would brush off the charm of Bruce Wayne so easily, especially when they’ve found their soulmate.”

Bruce’s smile widens slightly. “It did impress me. She didn’t seem swayed by the usual flirtations, and I respect that. It’s clear she’s not easily won over by superficial gestures.”

Alfred’s expression softens, his amusement giving way to genuine concern. “It’s clear that Miss Y/N has made quite an impression on you, sir. And if I may be so bold, you’ve been alone for far too long. Perhaps it’s time you allowed yourself to explore this connection, no matter how complex it may seem.”

Bruce leans back in his chair, staring at the ceiling for a moment. “I’ve always kept people at a distance, Alfred. It’s easier that way, safer for everyone involved. But with her… I feel like that’s not going to be an option.”

Alfred smiles gently, placing a reassuring hand on Bruce’s shoulder. “The fates have seen fit to bring someone special into your life, Master Wayne. You deserve to have someone who truly knows you, both as Bruce Wayne and as Batman. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.”

Bruce nods, a sense of resolve beginning to form within him. “You’re right, Alfred. I can’t let her go. Not without trying to figure this out.”

Alfred steps back, satisfied. “Very good, sir. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll see to it that the rest of the manor is locked up for the night. And perhaps you should get some rest as well—you’ve had quite the evening.”

Bruce watches Alfred leave, a small smile playing on his lips. He knows Alfred is right; Y/N is different, and the connection he feels with her is unlike anything he’s ever experienced. The fact that she didn’t fall for his charm speaks volumes about her sincerity and the depth of their bond. He can’t ignore it, and he won’t.

Y/N often found herself lost in the quiet solace of the college library long after most had left for the day. The rows of ancient, well-worn books provided a refuge from the bustling world outside, and she took comfort in the company of literature.

One evening, as the dim lights cast long shadows across the shelves, she was deep in thought, scanning the spines of books in one of the far corners of the library. She traced her fingers along the titles, her brow furrowing slightly as she tried to recall where she had last seen the book she was after.

“Now where is that book on Edward Said?” she murmured to herself, her voice barely more than a whisper in the vast, empty space. The quiet hum of the library was her only response, the silence broken only by the occasional creak of the wooden floors as she shifted her weight.

She continued her search, unaware that someone was watching her from the shadows nearby, someone who had been drawn to her ever since their fateful encounter.

Y/N finally found the book she’d been searching for, tucked away on a high shelf. With a satisfied smile, she pulled it down, feeling the familiar weight in her hands. As she turned to head back to her study spot, she was once again startled by a looming figure emerging from the shadows.

“Holy shi…!!” she gasped, her heart leaping into her throat. She stumbled back a few steps, clutching the book tightly to her chest as if it could somehow protect her.

Batman stood there, silent and imposing as ever, his presence almost blending with the dark surroundings.

She exhaled sharply, trying to steady her racing heart. “You want to kill me, do it in one go, stop giving me heart attacks like these, please,” she chided, her voice a mix of exasperation and lingering shock.

Despite the fear he always seemed to inspire, there was a hint of defiance in her words, a spark that caught Batman's attention. For a moment, the corner of his mouth almost twitched into what might have been a smile, hidden beneath the cowl.

“Well…?” Y/N asked, her voice still carrying the remnants of the shock. She raised an eyebrow at the silent figure before her, a mix of curiosity and frustration evident in her gaze.

Batman remained motionless, his dark eyes observing her with an intensity that made her feel both seen and scrutinized.

“You might want me to go home again,” she added, mimicking air quotes with her free hand. There was a slight edge of sarcasm in her tone, though it was clear she was still trying to calm her racing heart.

“But I really have work right now,” she continued, her hand still pressed against her chest as if willing her heart to slow down. She took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. “So, unless you’re here to help me catalog some books, I’m kind of in the middle of something.”

Her words hung in the air, a tentative challenge to the vigilante who had disrupted her quiet night. Even as she tried to sound firm, there was an undeniable tension, a pull between them that she couldn’t quite explain.

Batman stepped closer, his presence almost overwhelming in the dim light of the library. In his characteristic hoarse voice, he spoke with a gravitas that made the air feel heavier. “We are soulmates,” he said, the words carrying an undeniable weight, as if spoken from a place deep within him.

Y/N’s eyes widened for a moment before narrowing in a mix of disbelief and frustration. “Yeah? No kidding…” she shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She shook her head slightly, as if trying to process the absurdity of it all.

With a sigh, she folded her arms across her chest and leaned back against one of the library tables. “This whole soulmate thing… It’s just—” she began, searching for the right words, “It’s just a little hard to believe, especially coming from the Dark Knight himself.”

Her eyes searched his, trying to find some hint of what he was thinking beneath the cowl. The tension between them was thick, a strange mix of connection and resistance, as if she was trying to make sense of something that felt too surreal to be true.

“So,” Y/N added playfully, a spark of mischief lighting up her eyes, “what do you want me to do about it, Mr. Batman?”

The playful challenge in her voice caught him off guard, and for the briefest moment, Batman felt something he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in a very long time—his heart fluttered. The sensation was foreign, almost startling in its intensity. A smile nearly crept to his lips, threatening to break through his usually stern demeanor, but he suppressed it with all his willpower.

As she turned her back to place the book on the table, the playful energy still hanging in the air, Batman took that moment to retreat. When she turned around again, expecting some kind of response, she found herself staring at an empty space.

“Serves me right,” Y/N muttered to herself with a mix of amusement and exasperation. She shook her head slightly, a small smile tugging at her lips as she thought about the mysterious vigilante. “He’s straight out of an Edgar Allan Poe novel,” she added, the humor in her voice softening the strange tension that lingered in the air.

What she didn’t realize was that Batman was still within earshot, hidden in the shadows just beyond her sight. Her words reached him, and though he remained cloaked in darkness, her playful comment brought a flicker of warmth to his otherwise steely resolve. For a moment, he allowed himself to silently revel in the fact that this woman—his soulmate—had a way of seeing through his enigmatic exterior, finding something to be amused by rather than frightened of.

Hidden in the shadows, he watched her for just a moment longer, that almost-smile lingering on his lips before he finally turned to leave, disappearing into the night with a newfound lightness in his step.

As Batman moved through the shadowy streets of Gotham, Alfred’s voice crackled through the comms, laced with his usual dry humor. “The courting of the soulmate is off to a good start, I see,” Alfred remarked, amusement clear in his tone.

Batman sighed, though there was a hint of reluctant acceptance in his voice. “It would help if I didn’t have you hovering over me, Alfred.”

Alfred’s chuckle was soft but audible. “How about we start with a hello next time, Master Wayne? It’s old but classic,” he suggested, his voice full of gentle, teasing advice.

Batman couldn’t help the small smirk that formed under his cowl as he responded, “I’ll take it under advisement.”

Alfred’s voice softened with affection, “Very good, sir. Just remember, even the Dark Knight needs a little charm now and then.”

Y/N found herself lost in thought as she walked back from the library that night, her mind inevitably drifting to Batman. The idea that he could be her soulmate was something she never in a million years would have expected. She had always imagined her soulmate as someone ordinary, someone who lived a normal life—maybe a fellow academic or someone who shared her love for books and quiet moments. But Batman? The dark, brooding vigilante of Gotham, whose mere presence sent shivers down people’s spines?

The thought was almost absurd, yet she couldn’t shake the feeling that it was right.

There was something undeniably powerful about him, something that went beyond his reputation as Gotham’s protector. Even though she had never seen his face, there was an air about him that drew her in, a magnetic pull that made her heart race and her thoughts scatter. He was strong, not just physically, but in the way he carried himself, in the way he moved through the world with such purpose and determination.

But what surprised her most was how much she wanted to tease him. There was something about the way he stood there, all serious and stoic, that made her want to poke at him, to see if she could crack that impenetrable exterior. She had never been the type to be intimidated easily, and with him, she found herself almost wanting to provoke a reaction, to see if he would drop that intense façade even for just a moment.

His presence commanded attention, no doubt about that. When he was near, the rest of the world seemed to fall away, leaving only him in sharp focus. It was overwhelming at times, but in a strange way, it also felt… right. As if, deep down, she had always been meant to be by his side, to challenge him, to bring some light into his shadowed world.

And yet, even with all these thoughts swirling in her mind, there was still a part of her that couldn’t quite believe it. How could she, a simple literature professor, be destined for someone like Batman? The very idea felt like something out of one of the novels she taught—a story too fantastical to be true. But the more she thought about it, the more she realized that maybe, just maybe, fate had a way of surprising you.

As she continued to ponder, she couldn’t help but smile to herself, a small, secretive smile. The next time he appeared out of nowhere to startle her, she’d be ready. And maybe, just maybe, she��d have a few more teasing words ready to see if she could coax even the smallest hint of a smile from him.

part 2

[bengiyo]

BL 2023 Review

I wasn’t sure how I wanted to write about BL for this year. I was originally going to do a The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly framework for it, but that feels meaner than I actually am about it. Instead, I think I’ll just write out some sections and unpack some things I felt along the way.

I Watched Too Much Again

Last year I engaged with about 92 productions around the world. This year it was 99 (I tracked stuff I completed here). Sure I dropped 18 of them this year, but goddamn. The problem with watching as much as I did this year is that I worked full time this year and also maintained a separate hobby. I also continued my twice-weekly watch sessions with my friend Emily, so there are an additional 100-ish watch sessions in here of rewatching, plus a few other rewatches (Theory of Love and My Ride most notably).

One of my struggles at this point is I’m far too familiar with the genre, and find myself feeling impatient and irritable with shows that aren’t to my taste the way I used to. Throughout the late summer and fall I found myself increasingly grumpier about the genre, and it didn’t get better until I had a holiday and basically slept a day to get some energy back. I also found myself growing apart from fans I’ve known and followed a long time. It’s been a difficult year for me as a long-time fan because my tastes, habits, and friendships in the genre have changed even if the amount I watch hasn’t really.

I Wrote a Lot This Year

I recently converted my watch tag away from my gaming internet persona to just my shortname, so all near-1000 of my Stray Thoughts posts can be found under #ben watches now. I’ve also been going back and adding #ben writes to some of the standalone pieces that I really liked. In reviewing them, the pieces I’m happiest about are my ode to Framboise from Kabe Koji Nekoyashiki-kun Desires to Be Recognized, my post begging everyone to watch La Pluie, my post about what it means to actually like queer men, my SBS ep 10 post that ended up being wrong, my post about the Lavender Scare and Be My Favorite, my Tokyo in April is… post about the breaking of the BL line,

However, the two posts I am most proud of is my half-joking response about why I think tagging each other back and forth across Tumblr in our writing is so important. and The Knowing: Being Queer in BL because I had so much great conversations with folks as a result of both of these posts.

Looking back at my own blog, this is probably the most active I’ve been in my entire time on this website, so thank you to everyone who interacted with me this year, because it really is people talking to me that gets me most inspired to write things down. Big shout out to @lurkingshan who will bug me repeatedly until I blog something that I said in passing.

We Started a Podcast!

After hanging out with @shortpplfedup since Bad Buddy, she got inspired and really wanted to bring something different to the BL podcasting sphere. I had time, and liked talking with her enough, so we started @the-conversation-pod. Now we’re a full year into it and planning out future stuff. It’s been so much fun being able to get things off my soul and break poor NiNi in our recording sessions.

From this year, I think my favorite episodes we did were The Moonlight Chicken Episode, the Eighth Sense episode, the ITSAY Anniversary Episodes,  The Wedding Plan episode, , and The Holiday Clip Show. Huge shout out to @ginnymoonbeam for anchoring the transcription process, and @lurkingshan for editing.

The VIIB Awards will begin airing soontm so look forward to that.

Favorite New Term: Business Gay Performance

Let’s be clear, Bump Up Business is not good. It is an obvious BL cash grab from OnlyOneOf that seeks to comment on the fake nature of BL while doing everything it can to trick the audience into believing that the BL pair is real.

Before we got deeper into this year, I was a big fan of a certain pairing, and then their fans took it too far and it affected the way I engaged with their performances and their work. I like that we have a new term for “fanservice” that communicates that you understand that this is for work. (thanks to NiNi for this comparison) I can look at the latest behind the scenes video from Last Twilight and say that I think Sea really understands the work they’re doing, and he and Jimmy have a very relaxed and mature version of BGP without feeling like I’m feeding into shipping.

Do I think they’re dating? No. Do I like the way they fake it? Absolutely!

I can look at one of @respectthepetty posts about Yin and War having personalized, color-coded mics, and we can talk about the next level BGP between the two and both communicate that we know that this is a performance.

It actually makes the extra PR work fun for me again, because now I can just shout “BGP! BGP! BGP!” and it not feel like I’m giving myself brainrot.

Thai BL Needs to Finish Stronger Next Year

Let’s get into some of the show stuff. This year was defined for me by Thai BL starting strong with good premises and then squandering them by not focusing on the details that mattered or leaning into baseless melodrama. Time for some reads. Some of these shows were generally good, but they failed at these things:

609 Bedtime Story: The world building crumpled in the back half and both endings are flat.

A Boss and a Babe: Cher is a pro gamer who worked for a gaming company and there was no plot point about this at all, or collaboration between the two groups.

Bake Me Please: Why was a show about cake so lacking in flavor?

Be Mine SuperStar: You had a real opportunity to explore a fan and idol romance and had Punn show so little growth. I hope the footage of First’s range is helpful now that Ja is out of BL.

Be My Favorite: You redid that whole amusement park date and muddled so much of what the hell happened on that day.

Between Us: You had years to make this interesting. Why are there five pairs and why is the end of this a JC Penny catalog photoshoot?

Dangerous Romance: What the fuck happened to the Sailom we had in episode 1 and 2 before that gun incident?

Hidden Agenda: Tee, what the hell was this? Twelve weeks of this?

I Feel You Linger in the Air: You may be the most beautiful show, with some of the most impressive performances of the year, but you absolutely botched this ending. Finish the goddamn season next time.

Love in Translation: I love you, but that whole kidnapping plot was so stupid at the end.

Low Frequency: I like your OST. That's about it.

My Dear Gangster Oppa: No examination about how gaming friendships become close quickly because of the combination of anonymity and teamwork (shout out to @twig-tea for this excellent summation).

My School President: Saving your gay commentary for the final episode felt like a conservative choice. I want more from you next time.

Naughty Babe: You retconned your own characters to tell a worse story. Unforgiveable.

Never Let Me Go: You didn’t know if you wanted to be a high school BL or a mafia story. It was difficult to watch.

Only Friends: I cannot believe you did Boston like that at the end. Either give Force’s character a clear personality next time, or keep him enigmatic; half measures make him and Book look worse. Sand was absolutely embarrassing. Boeing was a waste. Ending on all of them paired like that felt so unearned.

Step By Step: You forgot to ground Jeng’s external dreams at the end, so the final two episodes are just frustrating.

I’m glad I got that off my chest. We can go into the next year now.

Korea Put in the Work This Year

I really like the efforts from the various Korean studios this year. I really hope we get a Strongberry joint next year, but I want to acknowledge that we had 18 Korean BL dramas I watched this year, and at least three of them I think are must watches: Our Dating Sim, Sing My Crush, and The Eighth Sense. Beyond that, I think Love Tractor, Unintentional Love Story, and A Breeze of Love are easy recommendations.

It’s really impressive how the complaint for me this year with Korean BL is not about them using their time poorly. It’s more about normal drama concerns, where I think characterization is a little weak, or a theme doesn’t land squarely. This rapid iteration from the Korean studios is really impressive to watch, and I’m excited to see what some of the recognized players do next year.

Taiwan and The Philippines Have Been Quiet for Me

I wasn’t really able to connect with much from the Philippines this year except for The Day I Loved You. I never wrote about The Day I Loved You, but this beautiful and heart wrenching show is one of my favorites from this year. I wasn’t too keen on the Oxin Films offerings of this year, and I’m still chasing down the ones from The IdeaFirst Company.

As for Taiwan, this new BL project from the end of the year just isn’t hitting. Kiseki: Dear to Me also ended up really hurting me with the way they used Wayne Song and Huang Chun Chih. I love that angry little man with the white hair, but I’m still salty about Wayne and the general mess of that show.

Japan was Busy This Year

I watched 16 new shows, a few older ones, and a few movies this year from Japan. We haven’t gotten this much from them ever. I continue to love the Drama Shower project from MBS, and my beloved What Did You Eat Yesterday? returned this year. We had pretty stellar outings with Our Dining Table, If It’s With You, and I Cannot Reach You.

I think a third of the Japanese BL I’ve tracked on MDL actually released this year. That’s huge.

Still, I am going to side eye Minato’s Laundromat 2. You were the show that let me down the most this entire year. More than Only Friends, more than Step By Step, and even more than Kiseki. You absolutely blew it. You were telling a great story about a man with an acute case of internalized homophobia coming out of his shell and learning to love his younger partner and you blew it for stupid amnesia nonsense. I will never forgive you for this.

Where Were All the Uncles This Year?

Really, without Jim from Moonlight Chicken, and without the men from What Did You Eat Yesterday? we had an alarming dearth of older gay characters passing on knowledge and wisdom to the youngsters this year. What the hell happened?

Rare Dynamics Won: Second Chance Romance and Friends to Lovers!

We had so much second chance romance this year. It’s really my favorite version of gay romance because gays don’t always have ideal settings when they’re young. We had Our Dating Sim, Individual Circumstances, Jun & Jun, The End of the World With You, Tokyo in April is…, Be My Favorite, Love Class Season 2, and A Breeze of Love. I am satisfied.

Friends to Lovers is actually so rare in romance and we have so many to choose from this year! The best examples are I Cannot Reach You and Sing My Crush, but we also have one of the pairs in Love Class Season 2.

Gay Thoughts

I had a couple of ongoing thoughts this year about queerness in BL.

First, I want to return to my post about Sing My Crush and La Pluie, and how I assert that Men Need to Be Angry Sometimes. More than giving men grace to be righteously angry or upset about things, along with letting them express it in ugly ways, I really want to get into how we engage with these shows. I will stop engaging with moralistic reads on characters in 2024. I will no longer engage with asks, reblogs, or meta gripping the fandom where we're judging the moral fiber of the character.

The question that really only matters for me at this point is: Is this act from the character justified from their characterization, the narrative, or genre conventions; and is it interesting? Whether or not the character is good or bad reeks of the lame arguments about good and bad representation, and I am not watching BL like I’m being graded in Sunday school.

The second thing I really want to acknowledge at the end of the year is that the gay sex is finally getting better again. I watched The Novelist this year, and we have taken so long to get back to the space that show took us on the portrayal of male-male intimacy. We are in the genre about people with dicks. It should feel like it. There should be a masculine component there that feels specific to queer intimacy.

I will acknowledge 2 Cutie 2 Pie, A Boss and a Babe, Be Mine SuperStar, Bed Friend, Candy Color Paradox, For Him, I Cannot Reach You, Kiseki: Dear to Me, La Pluie, Love Class 2, Love in Translation, Love Mate, Middleman’s Love, Naughty Babe, Only Friends, The End of the World With You, Tokyo in April is…, and Wedding Plan for your contributions.

Final Thoughts

I like how broad the genre felt this year, and I enjoyed how much speculative fiction is entering into the conversation. I don’t know how I feel about there being five vampire stories in the works next year, but overall I’m glad that we’re getting more experimental concepts. I’m burnt out on the college engineering BL, and would like to see more shows about working adults.

Despite how grumpy I was for at least three months, I think this has genuinely been one of the best years we’ve ever had in the genre. I made a lot of new friends in BL this year, and I’m excited to see what comes next. Thank you all for spending some of your time with me this year and I’ll see you in the next one.

[jubileemon]

Lumity Analysis: Why They're Perfect

"Lumity" refers to the ship between Luz Noceda and Amity Blight from the Disney animated series "The Owl House." Disney has made strides in LGBTQ+ representation in recent years. Historically, the company has been criticized for a lack of diversity in its characters, but there have been notable developments toward inclusivity.

Their Introduction

In the first season of "The Owl House," Luz Noceda and Amity Blight are initially introduced as classmates at Hexside School of Magic and Demonics. Amity is a skilled and popular student, while Luz is an enthusiastic human girl who lacks magical abilities. Their relationship starts with Amity being dismissive and condescending towards Luz, especially due to Luz's unconventional approach to magic.

As the season progresses, particularly in episodes like "Understanding Willow" and "Enchanting Grom Fright," their dynamic begins to shift. Luz learns more about Amity's struggles and challenges, and Amity starts to see Luz in a different light. The development of their friendship and eventual romantic undertones forms a significant part of the first season.

Understanding Amity Blight

Amity Blight is portrayed as a prodigious young witch attending Hexside School of Magic and Demonics. Initially portrayed as a competitive and dismissive character, the show explores the reasons behind her behavior, delving into her struggles with family expectations and her own desire to fit in. Instead of sticking to a one-dimensional "mean girl" persona, Amity's relationships with other characters, especially with Luz and Willow, showcase a more nuanced personality.

She once had a close friendship with Willow Park, but due to peer pressure and her desire to fit into her family's expectations, Amity distances herself from Willow. This storyline is explored in the episode "Understanding Willow," shedding light on the complexities of Amity's character.

Family Life and Abuse

Her parents, Odalia and Alador Blight, are portrayed as strict and demanding figures, particularly her mother, Odalia. The show hints at emotional abuse from her mother, adding layers to Amity's internal conflicts. Amity has older siblings, twins named Emira and Edric Blight. They play a significant role in the series, as they really love their little sister and occasionally offer advice to her. While they share the Blight family ambition, they also display a more carefree and rebellious attitude compared to Amity.

Being the more overtly abusive parent, Odalia sets unrealistic expectations for Amity by pressuring her to conform to the Blight family's high standards. This constant pressure to excel and meet these expectations contributes to Amity's initial behavior as an arrogant rival and her internal struggles. Odalia's emotional manipulation and criticism shape Amity's sense of self-worth and contribute to her insecurities. The fear of disappointing her mother and the desire for approval become driving forces in Amity's life, affecting her interactions with others, including her peers like Luz.

On the other hand, Alador's neglect also plays a role in Amity's development. His lack of active involvement in her life might leave Amity feeling overlooked and contribute to a sense of loneliness. The absence of positive attention from a parental figure could impact her emotional well-being and contribute to her seeking validation elsewhere, whether through academic achievements or conforming to societal expectations.

Early Behavior

At the beginning of "The Owl House," Amity was introduced as an arrogant rival and a bit of a bully. Driven by her desire to excel academically and meet her family's expectations, she initially sees Luz as a threat and behaves dismissively and competitively.

One example of this was when she almost got Luz dissected by Principal Bump, mistaking her for an abomination. This incident shows her willingness to use any means to maintain her status, even if it means putting Luz in danger. This showcases the extent of her dedication to conforming to her family's standards.

Similarly, in the episode "Covention," Amity's actions, like stepping on King's cupcake, illustrate her inclination to follow the expectations set by her peers and her mother. These instances lay the groundwork for her eventual realization and character development as she begins to question the values she once upheld and develops a more authentic sense of self.

Why Luz Is A Positive Influence?

Amity's transformation into a better and more compassionate person was strongly influenced by her friendship with Luz Noceda. When Luz entered Amity's life, she challenged the rigid expectations set by Amity's family and offered genuine friendship. Luz's positive influence on Amity stems from her acceptance and encouragement. Since Luz doesn't judge Amity based on her family background or talents, this acceptance allows Amity to gradually break free from the toxic influences of her parents. Through various adventures and shared experiences, Luz helps Amity rediscover her own values and passions.

As their friendship evolves into a romantic relationship, Amity learns the importance of authenticity and staying true to herself. Luz's influence empowers Amity to challenge societal norms and expectations, fostering a sense of independence and self-discovery.

Her Friendship With Willow

"Understanding Willow" is a pivotal episode in "The Owl House" where Amity confronts the regrets and pain she caused Willow due to her past actions and toxic friendships. In this episode, viewers witness the depth of Amity's character as she reflects on her role in distancing herself from Willow and succumbing to the toxic influence of her friend group, particularly Boscha and Skara.

This episode also marked a turning point for Amity as she decided to make amends with Willow. This act of vulnerability and apology demonstrates her willingness to break free from the toxic patterns in her life, thanks to Luz. It sets the stage for Amity's broader character development, paving the way for her eventual growth into a more better person.

Luz Is Amity's First Crush

Amity's revelation of her attraction to women, particularly her crush on Luz, in "Enchanting Grom Fright" can be relatable to many teenagers discovering their own sexuality.

Amity's realization and expression of her feelings for Luz capture the uncertainty and excitement that often accompany one's first crush. When Grom attacks her, and Amity's worst fear is seen as being romantically rejected by someone unspecified, shown by Grom tearing up a note, Amity was seen throughout the episode. Luz reassures her it's alright and offers to go to Grom with her instead, as that's what friends do.

Amity and Luz then team up and fight Grom by dancing together, where they are portrayed to be extremely close while doing so. After their dance, it is revealed to the audience that it was Luz who Amity had been planning to ask out to Grom but didn't out of her fear of rejection.

Certainly, the intensity of Amity's feelings for Luz has been a notable and recurring theme in both Season 1 and Season 2 of "The Owl House." The blushing moments between Amity and Luz serve as visual cues to emphasize the romantic undertones of their relationship.

How They Fell In Love?

At first, Amity sees Luz as a rival and is dismissive of her unconventional approach to magic. Amity's uptightness and desire to maintain her status as the top student clash with Luz's spontaneous and chaotic nature. Despite their differences, Luz's persistence and kindness slowly break down Amity's initial resistance.

As Amity and Luz spend more time together, they begin to form a genuine connection. Amity starts to appreciate Luz's unique perspective and adventurous spirit, which contrasts with her own practical and regimented approach to magic. Throughout their adventures, these experiences deepen their bond and allow Amity to see Luz in a new light. As their friendship evolved, Amity began to realize her feelings for Luz. Despite her initial resistance and the societal expectations placed upon her, Amity embraces her love for Luz, recognizing that their differences complement each other. Ultimately, it's Luz's uniqueness, kindness, and unwavering support that lead Amity to fall in love with her.

Will They, Won't They?

The show subverted the common "Will They, Won't They" trope by providing a more nuanced and progressive approach to the development of romantic relationships, particularly the central one between Luz and Amity. Rather than drawing out the tension over multiple seasons, the show addresses Amity's feelings for Luz relatively early in the series. This allows for a more extended exploration of their relationship beyond the initial stage of uncertainty.

The show also doesn't rely heavily on misunderstandings or miscommunication between Luz and Amity to create drama. Instead, it focuses on their genuine connection, allowing the relationship to progress organically. This subverts the common trope of prolonged miscommunication, leading to unnecessary tension.

While the romantic aspect is crucial, the foundation of Luz and Amity's relationship is built on a strong and supportive friendship.

Becoming An Official Couple

In the episode "Knock, Knock, Knockin' On Hooty's Door ", the Tunnel of Love scene shows the depth of their characters and the relatable challenges they face in expressing their feelings.

Luz's Perspective: Luz's awkwardness and reluctance in the Tunnel of Love stem from her past experiences of being mocked for her unconventional behavior. This fear of rejection has likely been exacerbated by instances where her crushes didn't reciprocate her feelings, making her cautious and hesitant in expressing herself romantically.

Luz's attempt to stop the ride and dismantle the romantic setting reflects her desire to show Amity a grand and unique romantic gesture. She may feel that Amity deserves something more extraordinary than what the Tunnel of Love provides, inadvertently overlooking the fact that Amity finds the gesture charming.

Amity's Perspective: On the other hand, Amity was seeking confirmation that Luz reciprocates her feelings. The romantic setting of the Tunnel of Love, despite its cheesiness, is a sign to Amity that Luz might share her romantic interest. Amity's genuine flattery and blushing indicate that she appreciates the gesture, but Luz's reaction misleads her. Amity's fear of rejection, rooted in past experiences such as Grom taking Luz's form and tearing her note, resurfaces. Luz's destructive response triggers Amity's trauma, as she believes Luz is rejecting her. The heartbroken expression mirrors the pain of potential rejection.

The episode hints at Luz's past experiences of bullying on Earth, likely due to her neurodivergence and inability to conform to societal norms. Amity's socially inept behavior is a result of her strict upbringing, making both characters relatable to those who have faced similar challenges.

Their First Kiss

The first kiss between Luz and Amity in "Clouds on the Horizon" is a heartfelt moment in their relationship. Amity's vulnerability, coupled with Luz's genuine concern, sets the stage for a deepening emotional connection when Luz used vines to climb to Amity's room and the privacy provided by Amity's siblings leaving emphasize the intimacy of the moment.

Amity's uncertainty about Luz's safety adds a layer of tension that is beautifully resolved when they run to each other with joy upon realizing they are both safe. Luz's promise to take Amity on a real date showcases her commitment and care for Amity beyond the immediate circumstances. The unexpected kiss between Amity and Luz is a culmination of their growing feelings for each other. The blushing aftermath reflects the natural and tender awkwardness of two characters navigating new romantic territory.

Amity's decision to defend Luz against Odalia's dismissal is a powerful declaration of their relationship, marking a turning point in Amity's willingness to stand up for her feelings and challenge familial expectations.

Conclusion

Finally, in the series finale, "Watching and Dreaming," Luz and Amity's love for each other shines through as they confront their greatest challenges yet. From supporting each other in the dream realm to sharing a heartfelt reunion after the final battle, their bond remains unbreakable. The tender moments they share, including a kiss on the cheek and their affectionate embrace, affirm the depth of their feelings and the enduring nature of their relationship.

From their initial interactions marked by misunderstandings to the development of a deep and supportive connection, Lumity stands out for its positive representation.