#and that this IS less intense than it used to be

[dovand]

obligatory disclaimer this is all hobbyist knowledge/unprofessional assumptions; if there is anyone who understands this better I would be very interested in hearing corrections! Fabric production is unfortunately quite labour-intensive, as I understand it, unless you have industrial equipment (hence the trend of very old clothes being made using as many straight lines & triangles as possible in an attempt to avoid odd-shaped scraps). Spinning does seem a lot simpler than weaving, but is no less time-intensive (again, as I understand it). Maybe semi-localised clothing industries, using materials appropriate to the area (native plants, livestock that are raised locally, fabrics that are wearable in a region’s climate), with hubs of spinning & weaving? I can’t see a fully trade-based system coming back into style, plus it’s a lot of work for individuals without resources, but maybe if production is decentralised we’d see better results—‘people in an area work to produce clothes that then go out into that area’ sort of thing. It would cut down on international transit costs, too

I'm so pissed right now. I know that fabric has been declining in quality for a while but I just bought new pajamas from kmart and they are literally see through. Not just through one layer of fabric either; I can see through the leg, that is, through 2 layers of fabric. These aren't clothes. I am not exaggerating when I say that I have strained soup through cheesecloth thicker than these pants. These are men's flannel pajamas, the kind people wear in winter, and they are made if shittier thinner fabric than even the most bargain bin bullshit halloween costumes. This "flannel" feels like plastic and is thinner than a chux wipe. Why is this even for sale.

[jingyuans-precious]

the dim light of the room barely illuminates your pretty face, but it was enough to drive your lover insane anyways. his arms rested on either side of you, caging you to your shared couch. your lover’s stare was intense, yet filled with warmth. his gorgeous eyes were focused on your lips, absolutely mesmerizing, it bewitched him. so sweet and juicy, all for him.

“you’re such a tease, my beloved” your lover teases as he inches even closer, the distance between you two becoming even less. he brought his thumb up gently to swipe at your bottom lip, already wanting a taste of them, oh how he had longed for them all day long.

“i didn’t even do anything, my love” you protest playfully, knowing your lover would go crazy even if you truly didn’t do anything to tease him.

“oh, but you did, my beloved” he says with a faint smirk, mirroring your playful energy. he inches even closer, his hot breath hitting your face. your lover’s eyes dart up to gaze into your beautiful eyes, his teasing glint apparent.

“stop looking at me like that” you huff as you gently poke his cheek to distract him, but your lover caught your hand and kissed the finger you used to poke him with, maintaining eye contact as his sweet lips made contact with your skin.

“like what hm? say it, my beloved” your lover teased with his stupidly handsome smile, slowly releasing your hand in favor of caressing your cheek slowly while inching even closer, the tips of your noses touching.

“like you’re gonna ravage me” you joke, not moving an inch to see what he would do next, would he give in and kiss you?

your lover lets out a rich chuckle and decided to tease you further. “that’s not a bad idea, my beloved. i might just do that. are you giving me permission to?”

“you’re so ridiculous” your cheeks were burning at this point, one might say they might catch fire soon with how hot they were getting.

“you didn’t say no, my love. so i’ll ask you again, do i have your permission to?” your lover whispers huskily, staring into your eyes deeply, as if he was dissecting you, already knowing your heart was racing like crazy.

“…yes” you said, finally giving in to your lover. he didn’t have to be told twice, as soon as he heard your answer he leaned in to capture your sweet lips. finally, what he had been yearning for all day.

— JING YUAN, SYLUS, AYATO, CHILDE, WRIOTHESLEY, Alhaitham, Aventurine, Kaeya, Diluc, Neuvillette, Xavier, Marius von Hagen, Zhongli, Blade (because i’m delusional) + your faves ♡

A/N: I CAN ESPECIALLY SEE JING YUAN AND SYLUS DOING THIS, Y’ALL WITH ME JING YUAN AND SYLUS NATION ⁉���⁉️⁉️ i’d pay for them to 🫣

Hope you guys enjoyed this! my first time writing a slightly longer piece than usual, let me know! If you see this, you rock :] Wish you a lovely day!

[floweringrott]

BUG EYED

james f. potter x hufflepuff!fem!reader

summary; james fleamont potter’s less-than-normal attempts to get his other-worldly divination partner on a date.

warnings; alice in wonderland coded reader, pure! fluff!, reader is hinted at being a lovegood, reader has blonde hair, reader is described to have bug-like eyes (think ella purnell), reader being a seer, use of y/n

a/n; this is rlly shitty i just wanted to get my first story OUT! this is more a drabble tho

670 words | masterlist ☾⋆

taglist @rafeyswrd @crescentofthegods

James Potter did not like Divination. It wasn’t that he didn’t fare well in the subject, in fact, he did.

It was just terribly boring, and his Professor didn't even allow for the Marauders to sit together. Instead, each of the brothers had been scattered around the cramped, incense-filled room.

Leading to James being seated next to you.

You, who (somehow) managed to be the centre of James Potter's attention every time he stepped foot into the Divination classroom, only to subsequently lose it the moment he left.

At least that what you believed.

"Oh, and by the way," James began casually, his attention nowhere near the crystal ball in front of him, and your intense focus on that same ball.

You were sitting on your knees, your purple tights in stark contrast to your yellow and black robe and tie. "The boys were planning on going to Hogsmeade this weekend.. and I was wondering if you’d want to c—"

Shhh!

A single finger moved to James' mouth, quickly shutting him up as his eyes trailed quickly behind him to Sirius, who sat with a wolfish grin and a thumbs up.

"Do you see it?" You whispered, your voice light and dreamy, as if you were talking to the crystal itself.

James frowned, turning his attention to the foggy orb. He leaned closer, his dark brows knitting together in confusion.

Whatever you were seeing, he wasn't.

His eyes then trailed to you, losing track of the task on hand as he stared at your messy, pale blonde hair.

He didn’t know when it had started, when his feelings for Lily Evans had morphed into feelings for you.

"Right there." You murmured, leaning so close to the crystal that your nose nearly touched it.

He didn’t reply at first, but let out a yelp as you abruptly grabbed either side of his head and forced him to stare into the ball.

"I'm sorry, Y/N! But nothing is there."

You turned to him with an expression of utter exasperation, as if he'd just declared that the sky wasn’t blue. "You’re not doing it right. Look into the crystal, not at it."

To your surprise, James actually complied. But as he stared into the empty fog, an idea popped into his head, a sly smile tugging at his lips.

"Wait!" He pretended to be shocked, a sly smile lacing his lips from the sound of your gasp.

"I see you. In Hogsmeade."

"Me?"

"Oh, yeah. Totally." He nodded, slightly leaning into your hands; prompting you to move them away.

Ever trusting, you nodded along with his words, your bug eyes larger than normal as you urged him to continue.

James frowned at the feeling of your hands leaving, though, he quickly recovered as he let out a comical gasp. "Well, would you look at that!"

"What?" You smiled cheesily, "What is it?"

Your look didn’t flatter as James seemingly deflated into the velvet cushions behind the two of you.

"I can’t say-"

"What?"

James resisted the urge to smile at your reaction. "I can’t say, it might not come true if I do."

You frowned, your expression as serious as if he'd just insulted the art of Divination itself. "That’s not how these things work, James."

The other boy went quiet, his eyes flickering around the room for effect, then looking back at you.

"I was there."

…

"Oh." Your head tilted to the side, considering his words for a moment. "What’s wrong with that?"

"I.. nothing?"

"Do you want to go to Hogsmeade?" You spoke simply, your fingers absentmindedly toyed with the butterbeer cork necklace that hung around your neck.

James didn’t take a moment to think about it.

"Yes. Definitely." He watched your reaction — which was nothing as if you had expected it.

"Okay." She nodded, her gaze moving to peer through the swirling mist, the image of lightning bolt carved into skin sending a chill down her spine.

"Next time don’t lie. Crystal gazing is a very serious study."

[madamspellmans-met-tet]

what are your lilia calderu headcanons?

this is what I could think of right now! :)

SFW

Backstory

The Maestra was a mother figure to her but she didn’t get everything she needed from her. She wasn’t warm enough since Lilia has always been a gentle soul. The hardened, sarcastic exterior she now puts on with new people she adopted because of her Maestra.

Heavy on the survivor’s guilt. For one, because of her coven in Sicily and also because of her witch sister who were killed during the trials, where she managed to get away after being tortured.

She had a wife who fell victim to the witch trials and who she’s been looking for ever since hoping that their paths will cross again in the form of a reincarnation.

In the comics she has a son apparently whereas in AAA we don’t know. Either she didn’t have children bc a) lesbian and b) she was scared to miss out on too much because of the “gaps” or she lost her son too in a similar fashion where she saw it coming but was powerless against it. In this case, if the son existed in this universe, I believe the vampire Lilia fought and got the scar from turned him and he went on to live with the other vampires since he was afraid he’d hurt his mother if he stayed with her.

She met Stevie Nicks in LA when she and Lindsey were doing small gigs. Lilia had a little crush on her. More on that here

General

Loves stuff like needlework, knitting, crocheting. Her maestra taught her and it’s her way of remembering and feeling less alone.

She’s also made all the beaded curtains herself in meticulous detail. It kept her company on many nights.

Amazing cook, grows weed, incredible singing (other ppl have mentioned this before so putting it in one point bc I so agree)

She’s worked as a singer in small jazz bars but eventually stopped because the tips dwindled as the centuries went by and the signs of age began to show. The pay wasn’t enough on its own.

Severely touch-starved. When someone touches her she freezes at first and then gets really emotional (without showing it) and will not leave the side of the person who touched her because she hopes they’ll do it again.

At the same time, she’s a recluse by choice. With her psychic business, she can dose human contact so that she doesn’t get overwhelmed with other people’s feelings and the visions she gets about them and the helplessness she feels.

Because she’s been on her own for so long, she’s very much stuck in her ways and particular about how she does things. So when you start dating her, you have to learn and adapt. And she appreciates this greatly.

She buys jewellery every time she visits a new place.

Big on little kisses.

She knows she’s hot.

NSFW

this woman has a thing for being called “mama” I don’t make the rules. Her mommy kink is bigger than reader’s. She started it and she gets off on it. (maybe because she missed out on being a mother bc of her “gaps” cf SFW section)

after having lived for more than 4 centuries, she’s tried just about anything and ended up being almost bored by sex. this is why she focuses more on connection and closeness during sex rather than the act itself. She can be really filthy when the mood strikes her though.

She likes to soft dom but also bottom. And she’s really big on rewarding you, whether that be with praise, kisses, cuddles, or orgasms.

She prefers soft yet intense over rough unless you specifically ask for it.

She likes having her tits played with. It makes her emotional.

Knows how to use her unique nose for your pleasure. Especially loves having you ride her face.

[seventhconsumedsigil]

The discourse between Greater Summon X and Summon Greater X is one about five minutes younger than the subfield of Summoning as a whole. While the inteligibility of this discourse is not helped by the Archmage Xathicus choosing to name the example spells in his magnum opus so close to identically, it's a very important subject for anyone intending to put Summoning to intensive use.

The advantage of Summon Greater is in quality, a Greater Bison being easily half again the mass and far more capable of running over a devil or pulling a heavy load. However, in every other way it is basically identical to the standard Summoning spell, with no increased range, the same inconveniently short baseline duration, everything. All the additional power from the added spell rings is put directly into the summon, at the expense of all other qualities of the spell. In a way it's practically just a rather complicated method of overcasting, though without some of the risks inherant in that particular method.

By comparison, Greater Summon is a far more flexible framework, with the added outer spell ring being a "daisy chain" variety that can fit many different modifications like multiple-entity chaining, or delayed activation, or really anything you can think to fit in. I myself am quite partial to the rather complicated but very rewarding duration extension found in The Conjurer's Charms (3rd edition, page 401 to be precise) which binds it's duration to a specified section of the outer layer of the caster's soul. While this effectively reduces the amount of spells one can cast while it is active, it does provide effectively indefinite duration if properly measured, an endlessly useful thing.

However, it is indefinite duration or whatever other modification you wish for... on an objectively inferior summon, and therein lies the crux of the issue. A Summoner in a formal duel with another is likely to be unceremoniously crushed unless their modification is particularly ingenious and directly useful here, or perhaps eaten by a real magical beast when it just doesn't stand up to the same punishment. But at the same time, the Summoner who's spell fails due to overruning it's duration is no less eaten for it. In the end, they are both tools in a good mage's toolbox, and it's a rare sight that a toolbox be made less useful for additional tools in it. This is not always the case, as with devil-binding, but if the suicidal nature of Bind Greater as compared Greater Binding matters to you, you are already binding devils and thus a fool worthy of no more consideration.

Anyhow, where was I...

Two wizards debate on which is the better spell: "Summon Greater Walrus" or "Greater Summon Walrus"

[countdykulaa]

﹟ ⠀ ⠀ 𝟎𝟎𝟏 ⠀ . ⠀ ⠀ LUXURIOUS⠀ ⠀ ﹕ ⠀ ⠀ ❪ ⠀ spoilt! reader x sevika ⠀ ❫

you're spoiled rotten . you know it . your brother knows it, and sevika's poor wallet sure knows the fact . your mother gave you everything she could though you weren't by any means rich . you went to the best schools a lower middle class family could afford thanks to a scholarship, a fancy pair of shoes bought every couple years in contrast to your peers and even went overseas on your own a few times . this rather ordinary upbringing did little to deter the pit of greed rotting your teeth away with each request .

where your mom fell short your looks picked up . all you had to do was walk down the street on a friday night and all your drinks would be paid for . you don't know what it was about you or where the sudden shift came from , but everyone around you looked at you less like the invisible one , doomed to join the shadows and more like the one with stars dancing on their skin . it took a while getting used to it , but after a while peoples generosity turned less into a gift and more into a quiet expectation . all this to say sevika swears she found you like this .

she swears the entitlement in your eyes was shining big and bright under those fluorescent lights the minute she locked eyes with you at a club with your friends . you were probably half her age , still raw with a rebellious look . she knew the moment her eyes trailed down to the scandalous two piece you had on that you wouldn't give her the time of day if she didn't buy your whole table drinks . sevika knows your type and by the way you tilt your head and gaze at her , unabashed and curious , you know hers too .

what initially started as a drunken one night stand turned into something more but it was by no means an accident . sevika took the initiative , asking you on the date while the taste of your pussy was still lingering on her tongue . she needed to make sure you knew she was serious about wanting to be with you. take care of you the way she knew you expected. you responded with a nod of the head and smile of approval , dragging her in for what turned out to be a long two days.

dating you was nothing short of exhausting in the best way possible. you were nothing like most of the other brats she dated you were something else . you never asked for what you knew she wouldn't give you and that was what made you dangerous . you let her take the lead despite the snark comments that often leave your mouth . she'd guide you down the street with her hand on the small of your back , let you order for the both of thwm and chased off anyone so much as looking in your direction for too long.

you were a pillow princess most of time . loving the way she'd lay her giant hand on your back and thrust into you deep enough to make you speechless . fucked absolutely stupid .

she buys you the best gifts money can buy and stocks up on groceries because she knows how much you love to cook for her. flowers were always a constant presence even in her absence but now they're bigger … brighter , replaced every week instead of every other week . she doesn't just take you to get your nails done and braids platted every month, but also makes sure she waits the whole five hours , phone in hand as she watches the game . her reward is the food from her favourite place , paid by her of course. she took care of you in all the ways that mattered.

...

Your hands weakly wail about only to be scooped by her large hand. She places your hands bove the bedframe, the hard slam echoing throughout the house.

The longer she fucks you the more quiet you get . your eyes flutter shut . a growing intensity settling in your lower half.

“Oh.” you whimper out , voice high pitched and downright pathetic in sevika’s eyes.

...

half the times you toyed with her lips or ran your fingers over her clit was more you playing around than it was making her cum . you swirled your fingers around her bush , felt the wetness running down her thighs . even suck your middle finger on her clit at times . sometimes making her cum was another way to entertain yourself . you especially liked the way sevika would react when your long nails accidentally swiped on her lips . the quick thrust she'd give , etching towards the slight pain . those nights always ended with her blazed out , eyes wide and dazed as you rode her to no end . at times you'd see how many times you could beg her to fuck you while her harness hit her clit in a way that would send her hurtling into another orgasm back to back with minimal stop . she rarely complained , even when it hurt , even when she , the acclaimed brat tamer was on the verge of tears herself .

your definition of topping included shoving her down the couch , lifting your mini skirt up as you straddled her shoulders and riding her face until you got impatient and whiney and made her take over . you'd never outright say it , but she'd know whenever those long stilettos sunk into her hair and grip with a harshness that would elicit a hiss from her occupied lips . she'd sink her blunt nails into your thighs and dragging you up and down her face herself . she knows you , knows you won't give her cock or hardening clit the light of day until you've had your fill . you're spoilt and lazy and greedy and … sevika's pants feel tighter than ever as she gives some aborted thrusts into the air .

she swears she could come from this . from pleasing you . from watching the money leave her bank account the moment a satisfied smile graced your features . and cum she does , right in her pants . you pay it no mind nor the high pitched whines she shudders against your clit .

PLUTO SPEAKS : updated my taglist form so make sure to check it out

TAGLIST : @saycubed

[eiralunaire]

Headcanons of Damian Wayne. Part Two.

12. His Confusion About Love (But He Feels It Intensely).

Damian never understood how others could talk about love so easily. In his world, love wasn't a priority: it had always been training, fighting, and controlling. But with his girlfriend, things were different. Sometimes, in the midst of his emotional intensity, he didn't know how to handle his feelings. While he remained stoic on the outside, inside his head kept spinning: *“Is this love? Is it normal to want to be with someone all the time? It shouldn't be so complicated...”* However, what he did know, for sure, was that he had never felt something so strong for another person.

13. The Typical, but Different.

Although Damian is a reserved guy and doesn't usually make the typical romantic gestures, when he's with her, he feels weird, but happy to try. For example, one day, without warning, he takes her to an art exhibition that he knows she's interested in, or invites her to a park to see the stars, even if to him it all sounds a bit cheesy. He does it because he knows she likes it, and if it's something that makes her smile, then it's a worthwhile effort. Sometimes he catches himself thinking that, somehow, those little moments can be more important than a fight or a mission.

14. The Warrior Prince's Insecurity.

Even though Damian never says it out loud, there are times when he feels like he's not enough for his girlfriend. It's not because she's done anything to provoke him, but because, deep down, he can't help but compare himself to the perfection of what he thinks he should be. The son of Batman. The leader of the League of Assassins. The best fighter. And yet, sometimes, he feels out of place when he's by her side, because she has that ability to be light, cheerful, and genuine. He, on the other hand, is so used to carrying the weight of the world that it's hard for him to open up completely. But as she accepts him for who he is, he begins to learn that he doesn't need to be perfect to be enough for her.

15. Simple Details (That He Would Never Forget).

Damien is great at noticing details, and it's not just because he learned it as part of his training. In the case of his girlfriend, he pays attention to the little things that, to her, might seem insignificant: the brand of her perfume, the way she strokes her hair when she's nervous, or how she always has a habit of putting her coffee cup in an exact position on the table. While he won't say it out loud, Damian likes to know that, in those moments, he has a kind of silent power. Not just because he protects her, but because he understands what makes her who she is.

16. Escaping the Darkness Together.

Deep down, Damian is aware of the shadows that haunt him. The darkness of his family, of his training, of everything that comes with being the son of Bruce Wayne and Ra’s al Ghul. But in his girlfriend, he finds something that has nothing to do with that. With her, he can just be Damian: a boy who is falling in love, a boy who feels… good, without having to be the assassin or the leader of the League of Assassins. He likes how she gives him space to be himself, how she is able to bring something as essential as fresh air to his life, even when everything he knows is shrouded in layers of gray and complexity. With her, he feels less trapped in his destiny.

17. Any Excuse is Good to Be Near.

Damian is not the type to go out of his way for texts or calls, but when he is on a mission or out, he always finds the perfect excuse to send a message, even if it is just to say *"I'm here, everything is okay."* It is hard for him to admit it, but he needs to know that she is okay, that she is not alone. If she ever mentions something that's bothering her, he'll think about it for hours, searching for a way to fix it, even if it's something as small as the fact that she's out of his favorite marshmallows.

18. "Don't Let Me Go"

Sometimes, when the situation gets more tense or they're on a mission, Damian has moments where he unintentionally shows a more vulnerable side. "Don't let me go alone," he tells her quietly. He doesn't do it to sound weak, but because he doesn't want to face danger without her nearby. The funny thing is that, despite his image of a strong man, those moments serve to remind him that he doesn't always have to carry all the weight of the world. With her, he has an ally, and that's more than he ever thought he could have.

20. His Way of Saying "I Love You".

Damian would never say those two words in a conventional way. For him, love is not expressed with phrases. It is expressed with actions. It may be that, at the end of a long day, he surprises her with a cup of her favorite tea, or that he defends her from anything that bothers her without her asking. And when he finally says it, if the time comes, it will be something like, "I don't care what happens, but I will never let you get hurt." Because, in a way, that is his way of being vulnerable, of saying what he feels without saying it directly.

21. Being Together Is The Only Thing That Matters.

In moments of calm, when they are at home, everything else disappears. It doesn't matter what happened during the day, or the battles that Damian has faced. The only thing that matters is being near her. Whether it's watching a movie, having a coffee in silence or just talking about any nonsense, he values ​​those moments of simplicity. And although he never says it, in his mind, those are the moments that really make it all worth it. Being with her is his way of escaping, and despite all the chaos that surrounds him, he knows that, finally, he has something that truly belongs to him.

[meeinthesea]

DIVINE FRAGILITY — gojo satoru

outline— the one time you make satoru feel less like a god and more like a human.

contains— gojo satoru x reader, fluff, reverse comfort (?) suggestive ( mentions of sex, not very detailed tho ) established relationship, anxious satoru ( pls give him a hug ) i think that's it...

wc— 1.7k

a/n— i had the vision, not sure if i did it justice. not very proud of this (T^T) anyways, im sorry for any typos ! enjoy <333

gojo satoru.

the prodigy, the honoured one, the strongest sorcerer of the modern age.

it's everything that he is known as.

these titles seem like a luxury to anyone else, but for satoru, they are far from that.

it's not his fault, though, not when you've been revered, put on a pedestal from day one. pushed onto the throne even before you've had the chance to learn and write your own name.

satoru's declared untouchable, protected by the infinity that runs all over him nonstop. a god of its own kind, that not everyone has the mercy of.

that's what his life has become.

well, until you happened.

because right now, at this very moment, he feels the farthest from that.

so restless and so much on edge.

in the soft glow of sunrise, he lies right beside you, well more precisely under you, cocooned in the cozy haven of your fluffy blankets and tangled limbs. you always had this 'weird' habit of rolling over to his side, laying right on top of him, presumably mistaking him for your teddy bear.

usually, it does not matter to him. rather, he finds it adorable how you squeeze him from time to time like he’s your personal plushy. he wouldn't mind being one if it meant you'd hold him, kiss him, and use him to your heart's content.

and he wants to do the same to you, too. things that are reserved only for you, that he does only to you. like every other time, he would've set an alarm at the crack of dawn — waking up hours earlier than you just so he could see and admire your sleeping glory, laid bare in front of him — only for him.

however, not this morning.

today, satoru's still as a rock. unmoving. all the cells in his brain are working overdrive, gravely focused on the feeling of your skin on his. the subtle pumps of warmth permeating through his skin right where the flesh meets, orchestrates his heartbeat.

you feel so soft and plump, reminiscent of the cotton candies he devoured yesterday. shivers run down his body as your natural scent hits his nose every time he inhales. your gentle breathing is barely audible to him. his mind is all fuzzy, and it's too much for him.

there is not a single layer blocking you from him, nothing to shield you from his prying eyes. the reddish marks littering your neck tells of an intense story. heat rises up his neck as the events from last night flash vividly in his mind.

everything remains clear, the painting still fresh in his mind. from the moment you both stepped inside the apartment, unable to keep your hands off each other to both of you, shrugging your clothes off before finally surrendering to each other.

he can still feel the subtle undulating beats of pleasure pumping in his body the moment he pushed into you, chills erupting at the base of his spine. the melodious sounds that left you, the sweat, the breathing. everything.

it was unlike anything he had ever experienced before. so intimate and vulnerable.

connected — souls intertwined.

satoru shakes his head. it is way too early for sprouting a problem he's sure will be a major trouble to get rid of. his blue eyes trace the ridges and hicks of the wooden ceiling before they are flickering to your naked sleeping form.

all curled up on his chest like a small kitten, nuzzling into his skin, seeking his warmth on a cold december morning.

it's a bit of trouble to see past your nest of hair, but he can make out a line of drool connecting your lips to his chest. so adorable, his baby. you look so much at peace, without any care in the world (his favourite version of you).

worried and afraid, he dreads the moment you wake up, not wanting to make you feel scared.

are there any bed etiquette you are supposed to follow after a whole night of passionate lovemaking?

god, he is so lost.

where is he supposed to put his hands? should he just curl his arms around your frame, holding you for a few minutes? or should he poke you here and there so the both of you can get ready for the day? maybe a few kisses along your neck and jaw will ease you a bit.

really, satoru would have no trouble going through the little morning ritual on any other today, and he could commit to it if he wanted to, but today is different.

why is he feeling like this all of a sudden?

aren't the two of you way past this stage now?

right on time, he feels you stir against him slowly, resurfacing back to consciousness. he hears the little happy sigh you always do, and he can picture how your face breaks into a little smile. he has all of this memorized, burned in his mind.

your hand slither across his arms, searching for his own, and he gladly lets you intertwine your fingers together.

“are you awake?”

your words are sluggish, still coming to the realization of the waking world. you breathe against his collar, not daring to look at him right now, which upsets him a little.

satoru hums, voice unusually low and a bit croaky and eyes closed now. his hand itches with an urge to slide across your back, but he holds back.

“morning…” he hears you yawn loudly before you settle beside him once again.

you think you're being sneaky, trailing your hands up his chest, brushing against the hair on his chiselled muscles, but he feels everything, your touch arousing goosebumps in its wake.

“how are you?” you ask him, properly looking at him now still propped up on your arms, leaning over him (he tries not to think of the way your weight is pressing on him, your chest on his).

you poke his face, trying to get him to look at you, “what's going on, toru?” but he doesn't yield.

“baby?”

softly kissing the corner of his mouth, you whisper words directly onto his skin, urging him to look at you

he opens his eyes, granting you with the bluest of blues, heaven skies unfolding to reveal the adoration and love written all over the stars. before he is quickly averting his eyes away from you, deep red running from his neck all the way to his chest.

“it's nothing…”

it doesn't seem like it, though.

before you can say anything, he speaks up first.

“i just feel so…” satoru trails off, not knowing how to continue. what should he even say? he stills beneath you once again.

“whatever it is,” you shift on top of him, so you're straddling his lap, “you’re fine, m'kay?” you take his hand and press a gentle kiss on his knuckles.

he nods slightly, his gaze still avoiding yours.

“look at me,” he feels you squeeze his hand, “please?”

and he does because he can never deny you of something that you deserve.

“i am here always.”

this little assurance has satoru opening up. it's so easy with you, always have been. everything flows like water rushing down a cliff. he can't hide it, his true feelings from the one closest to his heart.

satoru tells of everything. the burden of being the strongest. always expected to be the best of the best — perfect. the weight has been heavy on his shoulders since his birth. it's lonely, unfair to be only seen for the power; the person beneath all the luxury, attention, forever lost to the shadows.

“but you…” he inhales sharply, “being with you, i realized that i don't have to keep up with this act.

i realized that there's much more than all of this.

that i can be just me, ya know.”

you do, and you know how beautiful he is both inside out.

all these years, you have slowly peeled away the many layers of glory and lavish to find a simple man tucked away from the world, his soul so beautiful. he longs for the most mundane things. he's grateful for the tiniest of things, and most importantly, he longs to be a human. just a human.

still to this day, many things about satoru remain unknown to others. that he's not this demi god that most claim him to be, that he's not some untouchable being.

touch him because he's not going to burn your skin. cuddle him because all he wants is just someone to hold him close to his chest after a long, tiring day. let him fall asleep to the rhythmic beats and praise him because he strives off of the littlest of attention.

love him because he deserves it.

tell him, show him that he is, in fact, very much in need of the love. that he is deserving of this — of being a human.

and that's what you do.

when satoru gazes at you, he finds solace in your smile. your eyes shimmer with love and adoration, mirroring the same emotions he holds within. he returns the gesture with a small albeit genuine smile of his own, which makes yours grow even bigger.

“there's my sweet boy,” you giggle, leaping into his embrace, and he catches you effortlessly, wrapping you in his warmth.

“okay, now you're just teasing me,” he murmurs, nuzzling his nose against your neck, trying to divert your attention from the blush spreading across his cheeks and the rapid beating of his heart.

“i love you so much, my whole world,” his voice is raspy with emotion as he adjusts you on his lap, holding you close.

“i love you too,” you reply, leaning down to kiss him softly.

satoru thinks he was being overly dramatic. he now realizes that with you by his side, life doesn't seem so frightening or lonely.

he has never felt this content before.

many new years have come and gone since the happiest times of his life — his blue spring, but it seems like he doesn't have to worry anymore. with you being the very essence of his happiness, he feels like a young boy in love once again.

[munv]

𝗜𝗠𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗦𝗬

𝗜𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗵, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝘁𝗼𝘀𝗵𝗶 𝗦𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂? 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘁 𝗹��𝗮𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼?

P9

Im keeping my promise about posting guys <33

The morning sun slightly blended in through the curtain of your room, it was the weekend and you had no real intentions of waking up. At least, that was the initial plan. 

"Nee-san!"

 You grumbled over your breath in response to the familiarness of the name, rolling over to the other side of your pillow and finding a comfy position before getting ready to double click on the z's again. "Nee-san!" 

A small head of tussled black hair dashed into your room, with a slightly taller head of reddish brown following close behind. "NEE-SAN". The ongoing commotion from the two children managed to wake you up from your slumber, not without irritation of course. "what the hell.." you peeked from under your covers to come face to face with your two so called brothers, and to think that you were safe this morning since you had time before your parents went out. Turns out the time was too little. 

Using your pillow as a support, you manage to sit up successfully and turn to look at your brothers, eyes squinting from the sunlight you manage to get a few words out, "can you guys explain.." you take a pause with a long sigh, "why you two are running around the house like some wild pets that are yet to be vaccinated??.."

"soccer!"

You blinked before coming to your senses. "what?."

"Soccer." Replied the older of the two

The both of them chanted, Little Rin with the biggest smile and Sae behind him with this stare. You thought having one soccer fanatic in the family was enough, but Rin ended up picking up the terrible obsession after hanging out too much with Sae. You make a mental note on how much this is your fault since you were so busy with other things to actually make an attempt to bond with your little brothers. A miscalculation on your end you will make sure not to make ever again. 

Rin stepped forward and presented a soccer ball in his hands with energy and excitement emitting off of his very being. "play with us, please!"

"quit being lukewarm and get your lazy butt out of bed." Sae said with a light glare. You took off the top sheet you used to cover yourself with before facing the little devils. "Quit making an intense overuse of "lukewarm" for me while you get that attitude in check" you snarked back. 

"let's play! please nee-san! You aren't busy right? Lets go, go go!!" It was early as ever this morning and Rin was already raring to go, tugging on your arms and all. You sweat dropped at the sight of the little boy trying to drag you out of bed. "Sorry Rinny..I have plans."

Suddenly it wasn't Rin in front of you, but Sae, "nee-san...surely you wouldn't leave your little brothers all alone" The little brat upgraded to a bastard in less than 10 years..you underestimated him a bit too much. He knew what he was doing, but what hurt even more was that you knew that he was right. You couldn't leave some 4 and 7 year old's to their own devices, especially these two. Sae was a far from normal child and leaving Rin with him was more of a gamble than you were willing to take.

With a depressed sigh you came to a bone crushing conclusion, "get dressed in 5, we're going out." You were going to regret this, not like there hasn't been a moment you haven't. 

"[name]!" A young boy called out. Your meeting today was near a soccer field, and oh the irony, since you've brought the two addicts in the flesh. His blonde hair grew longer since the last time you've seen him, and not to mention he's grown a little taller. "Micheal!" you waved back. He ran up to you from his spot with sudden urgency. His clothes were dirtied more than they would usually be.

you assume hes been practicing a lot more recently with the way he started panting like a dog. “Oh, did you bring your little brothers??” He looked at the small children behind to you. 

Rin looked at him curiously before bursting out into a smile “Hi!! Are you [name]-nees friend??” 

“Too bright”…you sweatdropped at the mini sun introducing himself. Sae, ever the anti-social one, settled to stare at the older boy instead. 

“Lukewarm—“

before he could finish the rest of the sentence you slapped the back of his head while Kaiser doubled back in surprise. 

“Sorry about him. He’s been on this one word tangent for a while and won’t stop. This is Sae” you introduced him.

”aha! Right!” He wondered with the way the youngest didnt react to you slapping your brother if this was a normal occurrence. ”so what did you have in mind today?” 

“You want to walk around? Theres some good as scenery's around here I wanted to take a look at.”

“Sure! Im down for it.” You didn’t want to do anything too exciting today, considering the fact Micheal had to get back home soon. You were aware of his situation at home and tried your best to accommodate the best you could.

the two younger Itoshi’s could only watch you two chatter away with smiles. This was sure to be an interesting evening.

                           ITOSHI OMAKE

sae was, unsure of what to make of this. Him and Rin were walking behind you two as you both giggles and chuckled away. 

Just what the hell was this?

surely this couldn’t be the start of what he thought to be…what do you call it, potential love interest? It can’t be. Its just too good to be true. 

Rin, ever the angel wouldn’t understand the danger their older sibling was in right now. If he didn’t tread carefully, that blue serpent would steal you right from under his nose. 

“nii-san…does nee-san like him?” Good God. If even Rin noticed the new behavior, he knew you were a goner.

”they’re just good friends, Rin.” He remarked, almost as if he was convincing himself. Yeah, just good friends. Nothing else brewing in the pot. 

“Okay!!” He nodded along. Anything his older siblings said was nothing short of truth in little Rin’s head, of course.

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - December 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles for 50% off this month!

1. 7 good things humanity did to combat climate change in 2024

“The UK […] closed its final coal power plant in October. [… In India,] the share of power provided by coal dropped below 50% for the first time since the 1960s. [… A non-profit] has provided solar energy to more than 6,000 of the poorest Nigerians.”

2. California Voters Said Yes to Prop 4, a Win for Birds, People, and Our Shared Future

“[…] Prop 4 will direct millions of dollars for water conservation and habitat restoration [… and] includes a requirement that at least 40% of its funding go to lower-income and climate-vulnerable communities.”

3. This Pennsylvania school is saving big with solar and EV school buses

“Steelton-Highspire’s solar arrangement will save it about $3.6 million over the next 20 years. As for the electric school buses, Steelton-Highspire is one of thousands of districts able to access federal rebates from a $5 billion program created by the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

4. Autism Speaks Canada shuts down in January. Good.

“As Canada’s autistic-led advocacy group […] we are relieved that Autism Speaks Canada will be shutting down in January of 2025. This is an opportunity for autistics and our families to collaborate locally to build new, neuro-affirming spaces and projects.” [If you don’t know why this is a good thing, please click here]

5. LA Zoo hatches first-ever perentie lizards, one of largest lizard species in the world

“The LA Zoo is one of only three institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that have successfully reproduced them[….] Adult perentie lizards can reach more than 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length and can weigh more than 40 pounds (18 kilograms), the zoo said.”

6. Research reveals an inexpensive fix for California's struggling wildflowers

“[… R]aking [“dead, invasive grasses”] is decidedly less labor-intensive and more ecologically friendly [than other management techniques…, but doing so] increased plant diversity overall, reducing invasive grasses […] while increasing both native and exotic wildflowers[….]”

7. A new EV battery could last more than 8 times longer, travel farther

“[… A] typical battery lasts 2,400 cycles, while the new battery lasted more than 20,000 cycles. [… Used batteries could be repurposed] for grid storage on wind and solar farms, the study notes.”

8. Women who are homeless in Boston find safe space and care at 'HER Saturday'

“Women can get lots of other care on the spot — from sick visits and basic health screenings to Pap smears and contraception. [… They also come for] "The makeup, the snacking and the girl talks. And ... picking out a new outfit," said Pinky Valentine [“a homeless transgender woman”].”

9. ‘It absolutely took off’: five UK biodiversity success stories

“[…N]ew methods are emerging to preserve, improve and generate new habitat and, in many cases, attract back or reintroduce species not seen for decades. After a nudge, ecosystems are often doing much of the heavy work themselves.“

10. Personalized gifts really do mean that little bit more to your loved ones, says research

“Research has also shown that receivers of personalized gifts are more likely to take care of them. […] In this sense, gift-giving can be not just an emotional exchange, but also a more sustainable one. A carefully preserved [personalised] gift avoids waste and brings long-term satisfaction.”

December 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[vmrsdias]

Insecure

Pairing: Ruben Dias x reader

Plot: You’re different from those girls Ruben used to go out with

Author's note: English is not my first language

It was a foggy evening in London, and the city lights shimmered through the large windows of the restaurant where a charity event had just concluded. y/n walked beside Ruben, clutching his arm, the sound of her heels on the pavement echoing her muddled thoughts.

“Everything okay?” Ruben asked, noticing her distant expression.

y/n forced a smile. “Yes, everything’s fine.”

But it wasn’t fine at all. During the event, Ruben had bumped into one of his exes, Isabelle, a French model who looked like she had just stepped off the cover of Vogue. Their conversation had been cordial, even warm, and y/n had felt like a piece of furniture, invisible and insignificant next to that perfect woman. Every smile and word exchanged between them had been a reminder of how different she was from Ruben’s world.

Once outside the restaurant, Ruben ran into Bernardo Silva and a couple of other teammates, who greeted him enthusiastically.

“Ruben, as great as ever!” Bernardo said, clapping him on the shoulder. Then he noticed y/n and smiled. “And who’s this beautiful lady? You’ve outdone yourself, as always.”

Ruben laughed, pulling y/n closer. “This is y/n. And please, don’t put any strange ideas in her head.”

“Don’t worry, Ruben, I don’t need him to feel inadequate,” y/n replied with an ironic smile, trying to lighten the tension she felt inside. But Ruben turned to her, raising an eyebrow, sensing the undertone of her words.

After saying goodbye to the others, Ruben helped her into the car. “You were amazing tonight,” he said as he started the engine. “Everyone loved your speech.”

“Thank you,” y/n replied, trying to ignore the knot forming in her stomach. Once inside the car, she stared at her reflection in the window. The dress she had chosen so carefully now seemed too simple, too… insignificant.

When they got home, Ruben took off his jacket and collapsed onto the couch. “What an intense evening, huh?” he said, flashing her a tired but affectionate smile.

y/n nodded but didn’t join him. Instead, she headed to the bedroom, where she began removing her earrings in front of the mirror. She couldn’t shake the image of Isabelle from her mind: tall, elegant, with a presence that filled the room. And then there was her, a simple psychology student who felt out of place in that world of luxury and glamour.

Ruben joined her shortly after, leaning against the doorframe. “Are you okay?” he repeated, this time with a note of concern.

y/n turned to him, unsure whether to speak or not. But eventually, the words spilled out. “How can you be with me, Ruben? After everything you’ve had? After women like Isabelle?”

He stared at her, surprised. “What? Where is this coming from?”

She shook her head, feeling tears sting her eyes. “I stood next to you all evening, but I couldn’t help feeling… less. Less beautiful, less interesting, less suited for you.”

Ruben stepped closer, taking her hands and forcing her to look into his eyes. “Amor, stop it. Don’t say things like that.”

“But it’s true,” y/n insisted, pulling her hands away. “Look at Isabelle! She belongs in your world. I… I spend my days studying and doing internships. I don’t even know how to act in places like tonight.”

“You belong in my world more than anyone else,” Ruben said firmly. “Do you know why? Because you’re real. Because you’re you. Isabelle is part of the past. You are my present and my future.”

y/n looked at him, trying to believe his words. “But don’t you miss that kind of life? Those kinds of people?”

Ruben smiled and shook his head. “No. Do you know what I miss when you’re not around? The way you laugh at silly jokes. The way you get lost in your thoughts while studying. The way you make me feel at home, even when we’re on the other side of the world.”

At that moment, Ruben’s phone vibrated. It was a message in the team group chat. Bernardo had written: “Your y/n is a gem, brother. You’re a lucky man.” Ruben showed the message to y/n, who read it with a small smile. “See?” Ruben said. “It’s not just me who thinks so.”

“But I…” y/n began, but Ruben interrupted her.

“There are no ‘buts,’” he said. “You’re everything I want, y/n. I wouldn’t change a thing about you. Not a single thing.”

She lowered her gaze, torn between wanting to believe him and the voice in her head that kept whispering she wasn’t enough. “And what if one day everything changes? If I stop being enough for you?”

Ruben leaned down slightly, bringing himself to her level. “You’re already enough. You’re everything. And every time you doubt that, I’ll remind you how special you are to me.”

The tears y/n had been holding back finally fell, and Ruben pulled her into a tight embrace, as if trying to banish all her insecurities. But that night, as he slept peacefully beside her, y/n lay awake, staring at the ceiling. She loved that man with all her heart, but every day she fought against the idea of not being good enough. Perhaps, she thought, love isn’t just about accepting the other person but also learning to accept yourself.

[keeperofquestions]

She was giving him space.

Not that he had anywhere else to go. It would be perfectly fine to leave him here and not risk anything actually likely to happen. He had no reason to consider the woman a physical threat despite her magical displays earlier, nor did she believe he would wish her harm. That was one assurance he could rely on. For now, he examined what looked like a large parlour.

The place was stacked high with books. It seemed that Thea's professed role as a member of a family of those who found, deciphered, and kept secrets wasn't understated. There were books on cryptography, spells for locating things, a crystal ball, and several tomes on proper divination as well as how to conceal information. It seemed almost counterintuitive to his own role as a seeker of information. Was that intentional? Were these two things meant to compliment each other? How? Why? He also spied a small handful of paintings and tables that decorated the room. Of course reading lamps were abundant and some books were stacked on a stand near a small plush chair- these were less intensive than any major study material, though. Novels? Who was reading them? A lot of the furniture here was smaller than he would have expected out of a goetia household, but Theadora herself was far smaller than most. However some of it was also imp sized.

This room seemed more casual than a study, however. It was built for comfort based on the furniture and the things around it.

Conclusion: She was who she said she was. No one went through this much detail for a cover. And that imp that he met at her cafe was likely a close confidant.

Again, she wasn't lying. He spied a chair that seemed bigger than the rest. Walking up to it, he placed a hand on the high wooden back. His talon rested on it evenly.

For just a moment, he decided to sit down. The chair was clearly not used often, but it suited him well. He would even dare say it was more comfortable than he anticipated. Then he realized it- this one was supposed to be his.

She watched his face and the subtle movements of expression as he pondered. And then just waited as he looked back at the halls around them. She knew what he would have chosen before, she had a hunch what his thought was now. She made an assumption that he was thinking perhaps she was testing him, if he remembered this place. Which he wouldn't, of course, as it wasn't where they spent time. She had moved in more solidly during the time they were talking simply by letter.

As he turned and spoke she almost, almost laughed. A little chuckled did bubble up and she nodded.

"I'll be in the study. It's near the library. You'll find it eventually. You may go where ever you like. Have fun, do come find me if you have any questions of course." She did not explain where the library was, though he could find it easy enough. It was one of the largest rooms in the house and spanned over two floors. A bit more modest than certain fairytales, but still grand none the less.

She glanced in the direction he went - content to let him explore as he pleased. She would prefer to follow him but it was her house, he was safe. It was comfortable. And at the very least, the portal out would allow her to know he left- she did hope he wouldn't do that.

And then after that, she zipped off. A speed more casual for her but still faster than more. She grabbed a book from the library where she had been reading but took it to her study. A grand desk that held nothing personal. This was simply a place for work and more technical things. The blandest room really, she nearly never used it. She just thought he'd want to explore the more interesting places on his own.

[the-writerwoman]

Ok so this was my 4am brainrot from the other night.

I saw a post a few days ago about Prince/Princess Wade and knight or noble Logan and it got me thinking. So ta-da!

We have Prince Wade, who’s being married off to horrible King Francis, and Logan is his personal bodyguard/knight his parents hired to take him to the castle, but along the way they fall in love. This is after Francis had just hit Wade because he knew Wade was sneaking around with someone. He just didn’t know it was Logan.

————

The door to Wade’s chambers closed with a soft click, the lock sliding into place as Logan turned it with deliberate care. The weight of the evening hung heavy between them, the only sound the faint crackle of the fire in the hearth. Wade sat down heavily on the edge of the bed, his hand still pressed against his bruised cheek, his expression tight with exhaustion and frustration.

Logan knelt in front of him without a word, pulling a small cloth from his belt pouch and wetting it with water from a basin on the nearby table. His movements were careful, controlled, but Wade could see the tension in his jaw, the fire simmering just beneath the surface.

“Let me see,” Logan said gruffly, his voice low and steady. Wade hesitated for a moment, then lowered his hand, letting Logan gently tip his chin up to examine the damage. The bruise was already darkening, an angry red-purple mark spreading across his cheekbone.

Logan’s eyes softened for a brief moment, a flicker of tenderness breaking through his usual stoicism. He dabbed at the bruise with the damp cloth, his touch impossibly gentle despite the roughness of his hands.

Wade winced slightly but didn’t pull away. “It’s not that bad,” he muttered, trying to downplay it. Logan’s eyes snapped to his.

“Stop.”

Wade closed his mouth and tried not to fidget or wince at the cool cloth on his face.

Logan finished dabbing the area, then set the cloth aside. Without thinking, he leaned forward and pressed a feather-light kiss to the edge of the bruise, his lips lingering for just a moment. Wade’s breath hitched, his heart skipping a beat at the unexpected tenderness.

“Logan…” Wade whispered, his voice trembling slightly.

Logan pulled back, his dark eyes meeting Wade’s. There was no mistaking the anger still burning there, but it wasn’t directed at Wade, it was a protective, furious kind of anger, one that seemed to harden his entire demeanor.

“There’s nothing we can do,” Wade said softly, his voice resigned. “This is my life now. I can’t—”

“I could kill him.” The ice in Logan’s voice almost made Wade want to shiver.

“That’s very noble of you, but you’d be punished, or worse, killed.” Wade hung his head. “There’s just nothing we can do.”

“No,” Logan interrupted, his voice sharper than Wade expected, making him look up. His eyes turned steely, his usual calm giving way to something fierce and unyielding. “There is something we can do.”

Wade blinked, his stomach twisting at the intensity in Logan’s voice. “What are you talking about?”

Logan stood, towering over Wade now, his arms crossed over his broad chest. “We can run,” he said firmly, his voice steady and sure. “Leave this place. Leave Francis. Leave all of it behind.”

Wade gasped, his eyes widening. “Run? Logan, we can’t just… run. Do you have any idea what would happen if we did?”

“I do,” Logan said, his tone resolute. “And I don’t care.”

Wade stared at him, his mind racing. “Logan, you don’t understand. They’d come after us. Francis would send men—my parents would send men. We’d never be safe.”

Logan knelt in front of him again, his hands resting on Wade’s knees, grounding him. “I’ll protect you,” he said, his voice quieter now but no less determined. “I’ll keep you safe, Wade. No one will touch you.”

Wade’s throat tightened, his chest aching at the sincerity in Logan’s eyes. “Logan… I can’t ask you to do that.”

“You’re not asking,” Logan said simply. “I’m offering. You don’t deserve this life, Wade. You deserve to be safe. You deserve to be happy. You don’t deserve to be scared every night, wondering if your husband is going to leave you with bruises. And if that means running, then we run.”

Wade shook his head, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. “It’s not that simple.”

“It can be,” Logan said, his hands tightening slightly on Wade’s knees. “If we make it simple. If we leave tonight, no one will know until it’s too late.”

Wade’s heart pounded in his chest, torn between fear and hope. The thought of escaping, of leaving behind the life that had been forced upon him, was thrilling

[miraculouslbcnreactions]

I've been rereading your "Gabriel redemption/corruption/canon mess of ideas post", and I remembered an old idea of mine: Gabriel driven insane by the Butterfly miraculous.

This is an artifact that allows you to sense the negative emotions of All of Paris. And then mentally connect to the person in whom the negative emotions are currently strongest.

It's less about "can this power drive anyone insane" it's more about "is there a chance this power wouldn't drive anyone insane?"

Worse, Gabriel uses this power constantly. Gabriel uses this power for shady purposes. Gabriel uses this power when already in an unstable state after losing his wife.

From a storytelling point, this neatly explains:

1) why Gabriel could go worse and worse as time progresses

2) why Gabriel's behaviour may be inconsistent (consistent behaviour doesn't combine well with sensory-overload magical madness and he is saner when untransformed)

3) why Butterfly Miraculous is so powerful (because this power is balanced with the great risk of using it)

At the same time, it is a trope known well enough to work well even in children's shows. In fact, I thought this idea may be canon, but then season 5 happened.

What do you think of this idea?

P. S. As always, thank you for your analysis, you are a treasure for the fandom!

Thank you for the lovely words! I'm flattered that you enjoy the blog so much!

I'm on the record as saying that evil Kwamis are about the only way to fix canon, so of course I love you idea! That post was about fixing canon post season five, though, so let's focus more on the butterfly itself.

Canon doesn't really explain how the heck the butterfly works. We get moments like this one from Sandboy:

Hawk Moth: I feel an emotion of great intensity. So pure… (turns a butterfly into an akuma) Fly away my little akuma and evilize him!

But why this happens is confusing. The butterfly isn't the miraculous of Emotion. That's the peacock. The butterfly is Transformation. Which is silly, so we're ignoring that. The butterfly is absolutely written to be Emotion in terms of almost everything about how it functions, so as far as I'm concerned, it's Emotion. Gabriel senses emotions with it and is even implied to have to pick what powers he gives based on the person's emotions as we see in Risk:

Shadow Moth: I need a villain who will force Ladybug to take risks, and without even realizing it, (corrupts a butterfly into a Megakuma) she'll make a mistake! (Shadow Moth closes his eyes to search for any strong negative emotions.) Extra 1: Great, of course my keys disappear from my bag just when I have to go out. Xavier: Now even benches have empty pigeon spikes on them? Oh, my poor friends... Froggy's Dad: Froggy, come back! It's too dangerous! Froggy: Why are you always scared of everything? I want to ride my bike without a helmet, without training wheels! Shadow Moth: (Open his eyes.) Perfect! Fly away, my Megakuma, and plague that deceived heart!

You could absolutely take this setup and use it to craft a narrative where Gabriel's actions are at least partially driven by the effects of feeling everyone else's emotions weighing down on him. This is extra true when you remember that Gabriel is supposed to be grief stricken. We are rarely at our best when we are mourning profound loss and the show really failed to lean into that fact even though the writers clearly wanted Gabriel to be sympathetic.

In my own rewrite, I heavily rely on these elements to shape Gabriel and Nathalie's characters. She may not use the butterfly, but she's also supposed to be mourning Emilie (or, at least, she is as of season five. I'm pretty sure that's a retcon, but it's something I changed to make her character work, so I'm cool with it.) That is a much stronger basis for Nathalie supporting Gabriel than the tired old trope of women doing stupid things because of men. (Don't get me wrong, we do, I just find it boring in most situations. It would only work in canon if the love square was supposed to be positive romantic love and Nathalie was supposed to be toxic romantic love, but the love square is toxic as hell and even "ends the world" so bleh )

I will peel back the curtain a little bit and give you one of my favorite ideas for making something like this work: if you have Emilie in a coma and not dead, then her brain would still be active. She'd still be experiencing emotions. Doesn't it make perfect sense for Gabriel to stay transformed 24/7 so that he can sense what is left of his wife, assuring himself that she's still there? And if the magic needs to stay secret, then of course that would mean that he never comes out of his home office because that's the only safe place to transform. And if you add in Gabriel being weak to the emotions of others, well, I think that has potential for something interesting, don't you?

[deprivedreality]

Katsuki Bakugo never expected to feel like this. Helpless.

He stared at the ceiling of their apartment, the steady ticking of the clock on the wall reminding him that time was slipping away. He could feel the weight of his fiancée’s absence next to him, the bed now cold on her side.

She hadn’t been sleeping in their bed for weeks now. She spent most of her time on the couch, curled under blankets that barely seemed to provide warmth against the chill that had taken over their home—and her.

Her diagnosis had come out of nowhere, a cruel twist of fate that Bakugo couldn’t even begin to process. One minute, everything was normal. They were planning their wedding, dreaming of their future together. The next, he was standing in a sterile hospital room, unable to do anything but listen as the doctor explained words he couldn’t even understand.

Cancer. Terminal.

It’s not fair.

He clenched his fists, his palms pressing against his eyes. He could still feel the heat of her hand slipping away from his as she’d been wheeled into surgery. The thought made his chest tighten—he couldn’t even remember the last time she smiled at him like she used to.

The last time they had really talked.

Bakugo’s schedule had only grown more intense after the diagnosis. His hero duties demanded his attention; his commitment to saving people wouldn’t just stop because of his personal life. But it was getting harder and harder to focus on anything else. Every explosion, every mission felt hollow without her.

And she, ever the strong woman he’d fallen in love with, had pushed him away.

He could see how engagement ring he'd given her lay loosely on her ring finger. She played with it as she sat on the couch, her face pale but composed as the lights of the television loomed, her eyes avoiding his. It was like the woman he loved for almost a decade had become a stranger.

Bakugo walked into the room, carrying a bag of groceries. “I brought your favorite,” he said, though the words felt hollow even to him.

She didn’t respond.

He let out a sharp sigh, setting the bag on the counter. “I’m trying, damn it. What more do you want from me?”

Her gaze flickered to him, the flicker of annoyance almost a relief. It had been too long since she’d looked at him with anything other than indifference or anger.

“You think you can fix this?” she sneered, her voice weak but cutting. “You can’t. So stop pretending like you can. I’m dying, Katsuki. I’m not some damsel in distress. You don’t need to save me.”

Her words sliced through him like a blade. He knew she was angry, scared—hell, they both were. But that didn’t make the sting of her words hurt any less.

“I’m not trying to save you!” he snapped, slamming his hand on the counter. “I’m trying to be here for you. I want to be here. I need to be here.”

She turned her face away, a sharp inhale escaping her lips. “But you can’t be. You have your job, don’t you? Your hero work. You always put that first. And I’m just supposed to sit here and wait for you to come back when you’ve got time?”

Bakugo’s heart clenched at the accusation. “It’s not like that, you know it’s not.” He stepped toward her and kneeled in front of her, reaching out for her hand. But she jerked it away, as if his touch burned her.

“You don’t get it,” she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t want your pity. I don’t want you to change everything just for me. I don’t deserve that.”

He swallowed hard, his chest tightening with the guilt he hadn’t realized had built up. “You deserve everything, damn it. Don’t say that. You’re not a burden. I’m not going anywhere.”

She looked at him then, and for the first time in weeks, her eyes were soft, but her expression was tired. “I don’t want you to see me like this.”

It was the truth she had been hiding from him. She didn’t want to be weak in front of him—didn’t want him to watch her deteriorate day by day.

But Bakugo was stronger than that. His heart broke, but he couldn’t leave her alone in this. He wouldn’t.

"I love you, y/n." His voice was breaking, his eyes started to fill with tears. As his lips trembled, he buried his face down her lap. "I don't want this."

Bakugo spent most of his time on missions, but his mind was never far from her. Every night, he came home to find her in the same position, the same quiet sadness in her eyes. She no longer ate the meals he’d make, and most nights, she simply stared at the wall as if waiting for the end to come faster.

He’d find himself standing in the doorway, unsure of what to do. He wasn’t good with emotions, never had been. But this—this was different. This was beyond him.

One night, after a particularly grueling mission, Bakugo found himself staring at the empty side of the bed again. His body ached from exhaustion, but his heart ached more from the distance between them. He dragged himself out of bed and found her on the couch, her eyes closed in a restless sleep.

He stood there, watching her for a long while, his hand clenching into fists at his sides.

She wasn’t the same. And neither was he.

But he wasn’t going to leave. He wasn’t going to stop trying.

He stepped closer, kneeling beside the couch, his hand gently brushing a strand of hair away from her forehead. She stirred, opening her eyes slightly.

“Katsuki,” she whispered, her voice strained but familiar.

“I’m here,” he muttered, his voice thick with the emotion he hadn’t allowed himself to feel.

She looked at him, her gaze softening just a little. “I don’t want you to watch me die.”

He took a breath, leaning closer to her. “Then don’t. Don’t give up. I’m right here. And I’m not going anywhere.”

But the truth was, he wasn’t sure how much longer he could keep fighting against the ticking clock. She was slipping away from him, and no matter how many explosions he could throw, he couldn’t save her from this.

Bakugo stood by the window in the hospital room, his gaze fixed on the skyline, watching as the last traces of the sun disappeared. He turned his head to see her resting on the bed, the pale light casting long shadows across her face.

He swallowed the lump in his throat. He’d fought so hard. But in the end, all he could do was be here. With her. Until the very end.

“I’m still gonna fight for you,” he whispered to the stillness of the room, even though he knew she couldn’t hear him.

Because that’s all I know how to do.

Based from 'My Wife Whom I Love Dearly'

ᓚᘏᗢ @deprivedreality 2023 | all rights reserved.

[starealm]

Cursed To Slay

SUMMARY: nico pissed off drew, so she put the worst curse on him: ✨glamour!✨

WORDS: 2,510

TAGS: fluff, lowkey gender identity questioning (like when you squint), boys kissing, one shot, canon compliant, leo shows up at the beginning (!!!), permanent makeup, boy in makeup

inspired by this post

─── ✹ ───

The first inkling that something was wrong came as Nico di Angelo made his way toward the pavilion for breakfast. Campers turned to look at him—not the usual fleeting glances he’d grown used to as the son of Hades, but lingering stares that prickled at the back of his neck. Some even whispered to each other, their voices too low to make out. A knot tightened in his stomach. He’d endured plenty of stares over the years, but this felt different. 

As he passed a group of Demeter kids, they giggled, their heads ducking together like they were sharing a private joke. Anxiety flared, and he snapped at them. “What?”  

They froze, wide-eyed, before muttering hasty apologies and scattering like startled birds. The interaction left him even more unsettled. His discomfort grew with each step, his shoulders hunching as he tried to ignore the attention that seemed to follow him.  

“Chico Nico!”  

Leo Valdez’s cheerful voice rang out, cutting through the tension. The son of Hephaestus jogged up, slinging an arm around his’s shoulders with his usual casual ease.  

“Hey, Valdez,” Nico muttered, shrugging off Leo’s arm.

“Ay, still so distant. At least call me—whoa!” The Latino’s words faltered as he leaned closer, studying the younger demigod’s face with a tilt of his head. Then he whistled, his grin widening. “Looking sharp today. What’s the occasion?”  

“What are you talking about?” Nico asked, frowning.

Leo gestured vaguely at Nico’s face, his expression equal parts amused and impressed. “The makeup. Got an anniversary? Or are you just trying out something new?”  

The son of Hades froze. “What makeup?”

“Uh, all of it?” Leo tilted his head. “Or are you telling me you just woke up like this?” He laughed lightly, but Nico didn’t share his amusement.

Panic rose in Nico’s chest. Without another word, he bolted toward his cabin, ignoring Leo’s confused shout behind him. His heart pounded as he slammed the door shut and rushed to the bathroom. Flipping on the light, he stared at his reflection.

His stomach dropped.

Leo wasn’t joking. 

Smoky eyeshadow framed his dark eyes, sharp eyeliner accentuated their intensity, and his lashes looked impossibly long and thick. Highlighter shimmered on his cheekbones, making them look sharper than ever, and his lips were painted a deep, rich burgundy, completing the look. The makeup wasn’t subtle or understated. It was full glam and flawless, as if applied by a professional.  

“Tanaka,” he snarled, his hands gripping the edge of the sink. 

It could only have been Drew Tanaka. He’d bumped into the daughter of Aphrodite on his way to breakfast, and their brief exchange had been anything but friendly. Of course, she’d curse him over something as petty as telling her the truth. Immature as always.  

He stared at his reflection, the weight of the situation sinking in. No wonder everyone had been staring. A boy in makeup? This was practically begging to be laughed at. He felt his stomach churn with humiliation. As if being gay and the son of Hades wasn’t already enough to ostrich him, now he had to look like a girl too?

“This is so embarrassing,” he muttered. “How long is this supposed to last?” He splashed water on his face, scrubbing furiously with soap, but the makeup didn’t budge. Not even a smudge. It was as if it had fused to his skin.  

He groaned in frustration, leaning heavily against the sink. There was no way he could go out like this.

And yet, as his gaze lingered on his reflection, a small, treacherous thought crept into his mind. The longer he looked, the less horrified he felt. The makeup… didn’t look bad. He… actually looked nice. The eyeliner made his eyes look even more striking, and the lipstick gave him an air of elegance he’d never associated with himself before. 

‘No,’ he shook his head violently, as if trying to dislodge the thought. ‘This is ridiculous. Makeup is for girls.’

Running a hand through his messy hair, Nico walked back to his room and grabbed Will’s old hoodie (one he had outgrown) from his closet. It was oversized and worn, the kind of thing he liked to steal because it smelled of his boyfriend and comforted him. He pulled the hood over his head, hiding his face from the world—even though he was in the safety of his cabin. 

He sat on the edge of his bed, pulling his knees to his chest and resting his chin on them. His mind raced as he debated his options. Should he stay hidden until the curse wore off? Maybe he could walk around wearing a mask and sunglasses? No, that would draw even more attention.  

Brooding, the son of Hades stared at his blanket, his thoughts spiraling.  

─── ✹ ───

At noon, his solitude was interrupted by a knock at the door.  

“Nico? Are you in there?”

“Go away!”

There was a pause, long enough for Nico to think he’d been left alone. But then the door creaked open anyway, and Will Solace stepped inside, because of course he did. When did he ever listen? Sometimes he hated his worrisome boyfriend. Why did he have to care so much, to the point of checking on him in person? Stupid Will.  

“Well, you are awake,” the son of Apollo said, closing the door behind him with a quiet click. He sat on the bed beside Nico, without being invited. “What’s with the hoodie? Are you sick?”

The Italian teen shook his head, his voice flat. “No, I’m fine.” 

“Then what is it? You weren’t at lunch. Or breakfast, for that matter.”

Hesitantly, he turned to face Will, face still hidden. “Promise you won’t laugh.”

Will’s brow furrowed, his tone softening in worry. “I promise. What’s going on?”  

With a reluctant sigh, Nico tugged the hood down, revealing his painted face. He closed his eyes immediately, bracing for the worst. The silence stretched, and he felt the heat of Will’s gaze on him. Then, finally, a gasp broke the quiet. Cautiously, he opened his eyes.

“Wow,” Will breathed, his voice filled with awe. For a moment, he seemed at a loss for words. Then his lips curved into a wide smile. “You look amazing, Angel!”  

Nico scowled, heat rushing to his cheeks. “It’s a curse,” he said quickly. “Tanaka did this to me. I didn’t choose it.”  

The blond tilted his head, studying Nico’s face with a mix of awe and admiration. “Maybe you should. Curse or not, this look suits you.”

The son of Hades glared, yanking the hood back up, though his blush deepened despite himself. “Are you messing with me right now? Boys don’t wear makeup, Will.”

“No, I’m serious,” Will countered, gently pulling the hood back down. “Look, I get why you’re upset, but there’s nothing wrong with guys wearing makeup. Anyone can wear it. If I had the time or skill, I’d totally try it. And you—” He gestured at Nico’s face. “You definitely got a face for it.”

Nico’s glare faltered, his expression softening into uncertainty. “What’s that supposed to mean? Do I have a girly face?”  

Will cupped his lover’s cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against the skin. “No. It means you’re beautiful, Nico. And the makeup just highlights that.”  

Before Nico could respond, Will leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. 

The touch was brief, but it left him reeling. He blinked up at Will, his heart pounding, and found him grinning, a mischievous glint sparking in his eyes. He knew that look all too well. “What are you thinking?”

“Oh, nothing much. Just wondering…”

“About?” Nico prompted, narrowing his eyes.  

Without warning, Will pushed the younger down onto the mattress, his hands firm on his shoulders. Nico let out a startled yelp, his heart racing as his boyfriend loomed over him.  

“Will—” he started, but his words were cut off as the medic kissed him hard. There was no hesitation, no explanation, just the press of Will’s lips against his own. Nico’s initial shock melted into something warmer, and he found himself kissing back, his hands clutching at Will’s shirt. The kiss was unhurried yet intense, their movements perfectly in sync.  

When they finally broke apart, Will sighed dramatically, still hovering over his lover. “Well, that’s disappointing,” he said, his tone laced with mock dejection.  

Nico blinked up at him breathlessly, his mind still catching up. “What?”

“I was hoping the lipstick would smear,” Will replied with an exaggerated pout. “But nope. It’s still perfect.”  

For a second, Nico just stared at him, stunned. Then, to his own surprise, he burst into genuine laughter. The sound was light and unrestrained. “You’re ridiculous,” he said between chuckles.  

“Hey, a boy can dream,” Will quipped unabashedly. “In books, love and kisses always break spells!”  

The son of Hades rolled his eyes but couldn’t stop smiling. He reached up, wrapping his arms around Will’s neck and pulling him closer. “Shut up and try again already,” he whispered, his voice low and playful. “Try harder this time. Or better.”

Will hummed, his grin turning into a smirk. “Is this a challenge, darling?”

“Maybe it is, amore mio,” Nico replied, his tone daring.

The blond didn’t need more encouragement. He leaned down again, closing the last inch between them, and their lips met once more. This time, the kiss was slower, deeper, filled with a quiet intensity that made Nico’s chest ache in the best way.  

They easily lost themselves in the moment, tangled together. Nico’s fingers tangled in Will’s hair, and Will’s hands cradled Nico’s face as he kissed him again and again. Each time, the younger teen would pull back, breathless and laughing, only to have Will pull him close once more.

Despite Will’s greatest efforts, the makeup remained perfectly intact.

“You’re terrible at this,” Nico teased, grinning, when they took a break and Will inspected his face with furrow brows.

“Or maybe the curse is just too good.” Will sighed defeated, but still smiling.

“Or maybe you don’t love me enough to break it.” Nico feigned offense.  

The son of Apollo gasped theatrically, clutching his chest. “You wound me, Di Angelo. How dare you doubt my feelings for you.”  

With that, he dove back in, peppering his lover’s lips with quick, playful kisses that made him giggle uncontrollably. 

The world outside the cabin and the curse itself faded into the background. All that mattered was the two of them, their laughter and whispered words mingling as the sun slowly moved across the sky.

─── ✹ ───

Later that evening, they lay tangled together in comfortable silence, Nico’s head resting on Will’s chest as he listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. He absentmindedly fiddled with the older teen’s fingers, unsure whether to voice the thoughts swirling in his mind. Meanwhile, Will’s free hand gently carded through his messy black hair, the motion soothing and familiar.

“Will?” Nico eventually called out, his eyes still fixed on their hands.

“Yes?”

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Nico looked up at his boyfriend, his fingers still fidgeting. “Does… Do I… really not look foolish?” He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Will’s hand stilled, and he met Nico’s gaze with a gentle expression. “Not at all,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “I think you look stunning, Nico. Red looks really good you.” He took his hand into his own, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “But more importantly: what do you think?”

Nico hesitated, his gaze dropping back to their hands. “I… I don’t hate it,” he admitted after a moment, his voice laced with uncertainty. “Maybe. I don’t know. This is all so new to me.”

A soft smile curved into Will’s face. “That’s okay. You don’t have to decide anything right now. But for what it’s worth, I think you should experiment—try new things—once the curse wears off. Even if it’s just for yourself here in the cabin.” His hand slid from Nico’s hair to rest on his hip, pulling him closer. Leaning down, he pressed a tender kiss to his lover’s forehead.  

The younger teen considered his words. The idea was strange, foreign, but not entirely unappealing. The thought of exploring this side of himself felt daunting, yet… intriguing. “I’ll think about it,” he said finally, his voice carrying a note of quiet confidence. Then, closing the small gap between them, he pressed a soft kiss to Will’s lips. “Thanks, amo.”  

Will smiled against his lips, his arm tightening around him. “Always, Angel. Just remember, whatever you decide, I’ll love and support you.

Nico’s lips twitched into a small smile and a teasing glint appeared in his eyes. “Even if I decided I wanted to be a girl?” He asked, half-joking but with a hint of genuine curiosity.

“Babe, I’m bi,” Will pointed out amusingly. “I’ll like you no matter what. Even if you decided to shave off all your hair and walk around in a potato sack.”

Rolling his eyes, Nico let out a snort. “I’m not shaving my hair. Don’t worry. Nor will I ever walk around in garbage.”

“Good. Because I love your hair. It’s so soft.” Will ran his fingers through it again for emphasis.

“I’d never do it,” Nico assured him, leaning into the touch.

Unfortunately, their peaceful moment was interrupted by a knock on the door. Without waiting for a response, Kayla’s voice came through. “Will, it’s time you got back to the infirmary. You can be all lovey-dovey later.”

The medic sighed dramatically. “Duty calls,” he said, pressing one last kiss to Nico’s lips before detangling himself.

Nico sat up, watching as Will headed for the door. The daughter of Apollo stood there, arms crossed, but as he stepped out, she handed him something. Then she turned and tossed an object at Nico, which he caught reflexively.  

It was an apple.  

“Eat that,” she commanded.

Nico raised an eyebrow, holding the apple up. “What am I, a horse?”

Kayla smirked, crossing her arms again. “Nah, horses don’t sulk as much as you do. But you’ve been hiding in here all day, and Will won’t be able to focus knowing he left you hungry and alone.”

“That’s… true,” the son of Apollo agreed with a chuckle, already munching on his own apple.

Nico rolled his eyes, biting into the apple with an exaggerated crunch. The apple was sweet. “Happy?”

“Ecstatic,” she replied, while Will also hummed approvingly. They said their goodbyes and turned to leave but Kayla paused, glancing back at him. “By the way, the makeup? Kinda badass.”

Caught off guard, Nico blinked. “Thanks, I guess.”  

Then they were gone, leaving the son of Hades alone with his thoughts—and the apple. He shook his head, a small smile tugging at his lips despite himself. Maybe having people who cared wasn’t so bad.

And in the end, the curse didn’t feel much like a curse at all. More like a blessing in disguise.

Maybe.