#at least doing dancing means I won't have to do any text for it

[walpu]

hey, hey, I don't know how many times I've read your post "pre-relationship" especially aventurine part (omg i love how you write abt him 😭). I wonder how it will be once they are in a relationship and the kissing part please :3 thank u and have a nice day!

THANK YOUUUUU

Hope you'll enjoy this post too💛💛💛

being in a relationship with Aventurine

characters - Aventurine notes - gn!reader, fluff, hurt/comfort (do I even write something other that hurt/comfort for him lmao), no beta

can be seen as a part 2 of this post but it can stan on it's own as well

Aventurine

It would take quite some time for Aventurine to move from the pre-relationship stage with you. Will dance around the subject, throwing hints and flirty remarks but as for making an actual move? Oof.

Would cling to your side and shamelessly say something like "aww, can't get enough of me? people may think we're dating <З unless that's what you want them to think haha"

Pathetic. /affectionally.

But seriously, he really wants to be sure that you like him before making a move. That you like him, not his money, not the idea of him. At least that's what he tells himself. And while this is part of the reason, the actual thing is that he's simply... confused. He's already more vulnerable around you than he ever was around anyone else. And dating means being even more vulnerable.

While he yearns for this genuine connection he's also a scared of it. Tim Kreider wrote the line "If we want the rewards of being loved we have to submit to the mortifying ordeal of being known" about him actually.

It would take some time for him to get used to being in relationship. In the previous post I've mentioned that he, most likely, had some short flings in the past. I seriously doubt that he ever had any serious relationship before you though. It's so new to him. At first it would seem like nothing has changed between the two of you at all. Surprisingly, it looks like he even became a bit more distant.

Aventurine doesn't want to attract any unwanted attention to your relationship since it will only endanger you. Plus he doesn't want to overwhelm you. Plus he doesn't want to overwhelm himself. Plus he is scared shitless.

He can't help but feel that he looses everything he holds dear. After all, it's been like that for all of his life. And he simply can't loose you.

Mini spoiler for his leaked character story, but there is a moment there when he looks at the aventurine stone Diamond gave him and he realizes that despite the fact that he worked so hard for it, now that he has it, it holds no real value since it doesn't fill the emptiness inside of him. Logically, he knows that this won't happen with you. He loves you too much. But there's this subconscious fear inside of him that he's just so messed up inside that he simply would not be able to love you like you deserve.

Be patient with him, this mans doesn't know what he's doing. Don't give up on him and he'll crawl to your side, holding onto you for dear life.

Once he will calm down a bit, he'll make it up for all those times when you were the one reaching out to him. Texts you, calls you, arranges spontaneous dates.

In the beginning of relationship would spoil you with expensive gifts. He knows what it's like to have nothing so he doesn't want you to ever feel this way. And the best way to prevent it? To make sure that you will have anything and everything. Maybe it's a subconscious way to bribe you. Maybe. Not like he realizes it himself.

Once he'll feel more stable and more confident, his gift giving tendencies will get less overwhelming. He still like giving you gifts but now he picks and chooses. His sugar darling deserves only the best, after all.

Acts all clingy, playful and unserious but actually listens to your every word and is ready to fulfil your every need.

Is actually very caring. Shows his care by pestering you and easing you tho.

If you feel down, will sit stay by your side. May randomly start tickling you, if you're ticklish. If not, will find another way to touch you in a playful and somewhat annoying way. After you cheer up a bit, Aven will put his chin on your shoulder and hugs your waist, softly asking what happen and why is his dearest darling seems sad.

As for kisses. Aven will loooove covering your face with butterfly kisses. And not only your face. Will randomly grab your hand and kiss your knuckles and fingertips. If you've made a mistake of exposing your shoulder then be ready for it to be kissed endlessly.

Adores kissing those parts of your body that are usually covered with clothes. It feels fore intimate for him.

And if you have freckles or/and beauty marks. Oh well. Will trace them with his fingertips, connecting them with some invisible lines and sometimes gasp playfully, saying that he found his constellation. Just a silly little guy being a silly little guy.

So touch-starved it's unreal.

Has very mixed feeling about his tattoo being kissed. Would feel... weirs if you would kiss it during your casual cuddling session. He exposes it for the world to see, yes. But still, when it attracts attention of someone who knows the meaning behind it... Makes him a bit tense, it catches him off-guard. However, if you kiss it after a lovemaking session or when he shares some painful memories with you, he will feel reassured.

Will slowly start crawling out of his shell when he's with you. Before he only shared some brief memories of his past with you, now he'll start slowly opening up about other, much more painful stuff.

It still happens randomly and out of the blue. He remembers something, he tenses up. But now, instead of repressing this feelings, he shares them with you.

Don't push him too talk, he'll slowly open up on his own.

Loves waking up next to you. Especially if you're still asleep. Seeing the sun shining on your face fills him with love and tenderness. Only with you by his side he feels truly safe.

[jokingmisfit]

Different Jokers Reacting to you Needing to Take Medicine

Jeremiah Valeska

-This man is a genius. He already knew before you told him. He already did research on any and all medicine you have to take. 

-Jeremiah may keep you on your toes for a lot of things but he’s pretty chill about this. You could even take medicine for your mental health when it comes to Jeremiah. If it makes you feel better he’s all for it.

- God forbid the doctor drops you or the pharmacy won’t run the prescription. Jeremiah will not hesitate to start bombing buildings just so you can get what you need.

- If you have to get off one medicine to switch to another he’s going to be right there to analyze your every move (like he doesn’t already) to make sure nothing goes wrong. The second you act off he’s getting you back in there for a better med. Also if you start showing any symptoms he’ll know because he read everything on that medicine.

- He makes sure you take your meds on time everyday. He kind of likes the domesticity of it, the pattern. Jeremiahs stopped mid planning or meeting just to tell/text/call you to take your meds.

-Overall the perfect Joker for having to take medicine. 10/10

Jerome Valeska

-Jerome is the complete opposite of his brother. The man is a loose cannon and is always doing something or other. He had absolutely no idea you were taking meds.

 -Let’s hope you bring it up because if you don’t and he finds them he’ll flip shit. He’ll scream and rant and break things. He may even threaten you. He’ll feel so upset and so betrayed. You’ll have to explain very carefully what they’re for.

-If you bring it up, introduce it slowly, mention what’s physically “wrong” that makes you need to take it, then explain what the medicine does. At first he’s going to be hesitant but at least you can hold his attention. He takes things like this very seriously (especially if it’s you).

-He’s not going to be 100% happy about it but he understands. This isn’t about you not liking your brain, it's about you being in pain. He hates when you’re in pain.

-You can’t take mental medication with him. Jerome refuses to “let you destroy your precious mind.”

- If your doctor drops you or there's a problem with the pharmacy he’ll just cause problems. By that I mean he’ll start blowing the brains out onto the floor. Only to steal the medicine.

-You might think that Jerome will continue to know nothing about your medicine but as soon as you stop talking about it he’ll hyperfocus on it for a few hours. He’ll, by the end of his research, know everything about this/these medicine(s).

-He’ll notice if you start having physical or other symptoms he’ll notice but it’ll take a day or so because he’s so all over the place. Once he notices though he’s threatening people to get you back in there to “fix” you.

-He often forgets you even take it until you take them or need to go to the doctor. He just doesn't see it as something he should butt too much into

- He hates seeing you in pain so he’ll let you take them and he’s pretty good with it so I’d say he’s a solid 6/10 for this situation.

Dark Knight/Ledger!Joker

-He’s smart but he’s busy. Joker had an inkling that you were on something, he just didn’t know what.

-He finds out when he comes just waltzing in while you’re taking it or maybe while you’re filling a pill case. He doesn’t freak out on you but he dances questions off his tongue. As long as you’re honest he’ll be fine with it.

-However if you’re taking medicine for your mental health he’s going to put up a bit of a fight. He’s not going to get loud or aggressive, no. Instead he’s going to praise your mind and your way of thinking. He’s going to try and manipulate you into stopping. If you're strong enough to tell him you’re going to take it then he’ll let it go. It’ll come up every once in a while because he doesn’t like it but he won't force you to stop.

-If something goes bad with your doctor or pharmacy, it's sad to say you’re on your own. Joker is busy constantly and doesn’t have the time for any of that. That being said, if it goes on too long you’ll notice the exact type of medicine you need is found in bulk in your living room with a little bow on the top.

-Now let's say you need to switch meds. Jokers going to be right on top of that shit. You’ll probably mention it in passing but the Joker's biggest fear is something happening to you, so he’s going to make sure no stupid pill or shot is screwing you up. The second you show any “odd” symptom he’s crashing into a hospital, stealing a doctor, doing whatever to make it better.

-Joker acts like a distant caregiver in a way. He doesn’t get involved with it often but the moment you make a comment about any struggles you’re having with it he’s going to find a solution

-I’d say he’s pretty good with the medicine unless it’s mental cause then he may be petty sometimes. Overall a good 8/10.

Arthur Fleck/Joker

-He’s the most understanding for physical medicine and the least for mental. Arthur is 100% down for you taking medicine so you’re not in physical pain. Mental medicine is another story. He thinks it’s stupid and useless, he doesn’t take any and he was supposed to, look at how good he’s doing.

-He’s not letting it happen, you can’t take mental medication.

-He probably knew you needed to take it from the beginning. There’s a big chance it’s one of the first topics the two of you even talked about.

-If your doctor or pharmacy drops you or causes issues he’s on top of it. He’s probably the most calm towards them. It’s when they don’t budge that his gun gets drawn. He refuses to let you suffer in pain.

-He knows you really well and he’s always asking how you are. If you get symptoms from a new medicine he notices immediately. It doesn’t matter what is going on, he is going to make sure you’re taken care of.

-He just loves you so much. He’ll always be there, he just can’t let you take meds that will “hurt” your mind.

-He’s great with physical medicine, not mental. He’s an absolute sweetheart. 8/10 just for the sugar.

[nanamis-baker]

The Bold Stroke

Chapter 2 | Whisper of the Petals

Pairing: philosophy student Geto x art student f!reader (College AU)

Summary: A mystery blooms on your doorstep. A breathtaking bouquet of white flowers, a silent whisper of apology… but it's not for you. Delivered under the name of a man so handsome he takes your breath away, the mix-up sets your heart racing.

Fate seems determined to keep throwing you together, and soon you're caught in a whirlwind of chance encounters and undeniable chemistry. It was almost as if it was trying to bring you together.

Content: Fluff | slow burn | Light angst (I am not sure) | Mention of scars and accident | Mention of family issues | Reader falling for Geto | Geto being a gentleman but also a big big idiot.

Status: Ongoing

Word Count: 10.2k

a/n: okayy it's here!! This chapter took me a while to write because writing conflicting emotions is something new for me lol.

But a big big bigg thank you to my girl @whereflowerswenttodie for reading and rereading it and helping me out with it!! 💙

← Prev. Chapter | Series mlist | Next Chapter →

“So, are you meeting up with someone?” you asked Inumaki as you fixed your hair a little, the elevator mirror being perfect for it. The two of you were going to the library. Well, you were going to the library, and Inumaki had some work on the same floor, so he accompanied you.

Inumaki nodded, a small smile gracing his lips as the lift opened with a ding. The two of you went separate ways, waving each other goodbye as you went into the library. But as soon as you entered, your legs halted. What you saw was… unexpected, to say at least.

The library had transformed into a bustling marketplace of stressed students. Every table, including yours and Suguru's usual spot, was now occupied by unfamiliar faces. The studious quiet you'd craved was replaced by murmured arguments, frantic typing, and the occasional frustrated groan. This wasn't exactly how you'd envisioned making the presentation format with Suguru.

You had texted him earlier about the presentation format, but there was no way you could get any work done in this chaos. What could you do now? And what other option did you have? You could go to the cafe but-

Just then, a warm hand settled gently on your shoulder. You whirled around, heart leaping into your throat, only to find Suguru standing there, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you," he chuckled, his voice soothing amidst the library's chaos. You shook your head, the disappointment momentarily forgotten.

"No worries," you managed, forcing a smile. "But seriously, what do we do now?" You gestured towards the library, the silent question hanging heavy in the air.

Suguru's smile faltered, replaced by a knowing frown that mirrored your frustration. "I kind of expected this," he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Apparently, a bunch of students submitted the same assignment, thinking they could fool their teacher."

A flicker of surprise shot through you. "The same assignment? How did you…"

"Long story," Suguru interrupted with a wry smile. "Let's just say the rumour mill at this school is efficient." He paused, his gaze flickering around the library before landing back on you. "The good news is, I might have a backup plan."

You raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in your eyes. "A backup plan, huh?" The unexpected turn of events had certainly piqued your interest.

Suguru chuckled, a hint of mischief dancing in his dark eyes. "It is a Top secret," he declared, smiling to himself. "But trust me, it's worth it." He reached for your bag, gently relieving you of the weight. "Just promise me you won't breathe a word of it to anyone."

"Can't guarantee anything until I know where we're going," you teased, the disappointment at the ruined library session fading with each passing moment.

Suguru grinned, a playful glint in his eyes. He reached out and gently grasped your arm, the warmth of his touch sending shivers down your spine. Suddenly, the crowded library seemed miles away as Suguru led you on a detour.

The corridors twisted and turned, a confusing maze that would make recalling the route later impossible. You found yourself relying on Suguru's confident strides, a comfortable silence settling between you broken only by the rhythmic click of your shoes against the polished floor.

Finally, you arrived at a seemingly nondescript wall, the only hint of something unusual was a small, silver panel nestled discreetly within the plaster. Suguru pressed a button, and with a soft whirring sound, the elevator door slid open.

Your eyes widened in surprise. You had no idea this elevator even existed!

Suguru stepped inside, beckoning you to follow. It was a maintenance elevator, you realised. The cramped space barely accommodated the two of you comfortably, and the close proximity did little to deter you. He punched in a series of numbers on the keypad, and with a slight jerk, the elevator began its ascent.

"This elevator," you began, looking up at him, unable to contain your curiosity any longer. "How did you find it?"

Suguru chuckled, a sheepish grin spreading across his face as he looked down to meet your eyes. "Let's just say Satoru and I stumbled upon it during an… 'unforeseen circumstance'?" He rubbed the back of his neck, a blush creeping up his cheeks at the memory. "Someone was rather displeased with us - him, actually - at the time. Finding this secret elevator was a happy accident." His gaze lingered on the keypad, “And figuring out the pin wasn’t difficult, especially when Satoru is with you,” He finished, smiling fondly at the memory. You found yourself smiling too.

The elevator came to a halt, the familiar ding echoing in your ear. With a sense of anticipation, you watched as the doors slid open, revealing a sight that took your breath away. No longer confined by the walls of the library, you found yourself standing on a rooftop terrace bathed in the warm glow of the late afternoon sun.

The sky stretched out before you like a canvas splashed with luminous hues of apricot and peach, with a hint of purple, the sun beginning its descent towards the horizon. Below, the sprawling campus unfolded like a miniature world, with buildings and pathways etched in the golden light. A gentle breeze ruffled your hair and caressed your skin, carrying with it the scent of drying leaves, with a hint of muskiness.

For a moment, you were speechless, captivated by the unexpected beauty that lay before you. Turning to Suguru, you found a wide grin plastered across your face.

"So this is what you meant by 'Top Secret'?" you exclaimed, your voice brimming with excitement.

Suguru chuckled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Yeah," he admitted, nodding confirmation. "This place is a bit of a hidden gem."

His gaze swept over your face, searching for your reaction. "Do you like it?" he asked, his voice soft.

"Like it, Geto?" you repeated, the question almost comical. "I absolutely love it!"

This secret terrace, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, felt worlds away from the unexpected chaos of the library. It was a private sanctuary, a place just for the two of you.

A satisfied smile spread across Suguru's face. "Good to know," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. He gestured towards a nearby bench, its weathered wood and faded brown paint promising a comfortable perch. "We should have plenty of light for some time now - enough to complete that presentation, at least."

Grateful for his thoughtfulness, you readily took a seat on the bench. Suguru settled himself beside you, the air crackling with newfound energy. "Perfect!" you declared, clapping your hands together. "Then let's get started."

The sun, it seemed, had a favourite today. You sat beside Geto, bathed in the warm glow of the late afternoon light, as it casted a golden halo around you. He found himself mesmerised, his gaze drawn to the way the light danced on your skin, turning it a canvas of shimmering bronze. Each flicker in your eyes held a spark more captivating than any gemstone, a tiny fire that seemed to ignite a warmth deep within him.

A golden aura surrounded you, and in Geto's eyes, you became the most exquisite treasure the world had to offer.

He struggled to focus. Every few moments, his gaze would snag on the way the sunlight danced in your eyes, igniting a flicker that stole his attention. Geto found himself mumbling a request for you to repeat yourself. Surprisingly, you didn't seem annoyed, simply repeating your point with a gentle smile.

You intrigued him – a captivating puzzle he couldn't seem to solve. Your thoughts, a fascinating mix of unexpected angles and surprising echoes of his own, kept him constantly engaged. During discussions, you'd throw out a witty remark that had him stifling a laugh, a sharp observation that made him see the topic from a whole new perspective. He'd marvel at the way your mind effortlessly weaved humour and insightful analysis, a combination that felt refreshingly unique.

There was a depth to your intelligence that went beyond mere academic prowess. You possessed a genuine curiosity about the world, a thirst for knowledge that mirrored his own. He found himself drawn to your passion, the way your eyes would light up as you delved into a subject that truly interested you. It was as if you held a mirror to his soul, reflecting things he hadn't even realised were there.

The more he interacted with you, the more he realised how much he craved your presence. It wasn't just the conversations; there was a spark between you, an undeniable chemistry that left him both exhilarated and strangely vulnerable. He found himself wanting to impress you, to share his thoughts and ideas in the hopes of eliciting another one of those dazzling smiles.

"Okay!" you said, a triumphant smile lighting your face. The last rays of the setting sun cast a warm glow on the terrace, painting the cityscape in hues of lavender and gold. "We are done now," you declared, gathering your things. You turned to him, and your smile was even brighter, “Suguru, I can’t thank you enough for your help with this - I couldn’t have done this without you” Gratitude and sincerity shone brightly in your eyes, but that wasn't what held his attention.

Suguru. You had called him by his first name. It was a simple gesture - you probably didn't even realise it - yet it resonated within him like a physical touch. The sound echoed in the twilight, a melody far sweeter than the chirping crickets. He craved to hear it more and more.

"You don't have to thank me again and again, you know?" he managed, his voice a touch rougher than usual. He cleared his throat, hoping to dispel the unexpected feelings that bloomed within him. "I enjoyed working on this project too," he added, hoping to convey his sincerity. It was true – it had all been stimulating for him. But a deeper truth lurked beneath. He enjoyed simply being near you - in your presence.

A pang of sadness, sharp and sudden, twisted in his gut. Here he was, enjoying the afterglow of a shared experience, yet a looming shadow threatened to engulf it. The project, the reason you were here with him, was done. When would be the next time the two of you see each other? Would you, like the last rays of the sun dipping below the horizon, simply slip away too?

The weight of his unspoken thoughts pressed down on Suguru as you walked towards the elevator. The last embers of the sun had faded, leaving the sky a canvas of deepening indigo. As he reached to press the button, blinding darkness swallowed the world whole, leaving him momentarily disoriented.

"What happened...?" He heard you murmur, a whisper lost in the sudden quiet. Suguru turned towards your voice, his eyes straining to adjust to the absence of light. He found you, a faint silhouette framed by the faint glow of the rising moon.

Concern flickered across him. He couldn't see you clearly, but he didn’t miss the slight tremor in your voice. He gently grabbed your hand, his fingers interlacing with yours, hoping to calm you.

Needing to confirm his suspicions, he took a tentative step towards the railing and peered over. Darkness. Not just the terrace, but the entire university grounds were shrouded in an inky blackness. The distant hum of activity that usually filled the evening air had been replaced by an unsettling silence.

"There seems to be a power cut in the area," he replied gently, his voice sounding hollow in the darkness. "But don't worry, we should have power back soon." He said, but for some reason, he had a hard time believing his own words.

"Can we use the stairs or something?" you asked, the slight tremor he had heard in your voice earlier was still there.

"Unfortunately, no," he sighed. "Satoru and I found it earlier, but they are blocked - inaccessible."

You didn't say anything, but Suguru heard a small, defeated 'Oh' escape your lips.

"But don’t worry, we can go and sit on the bench?" he offered, trying to shake away your worries. He could see the outline of the bench as his eyes had started to adjust to the darkness.

"Yeah, let's go," you agreed. As he guided you towards the familiar wooden seat, he felt your hand tighten around his, drawing his attention towards you.

Suddenly, you stopped, your voice tinged with awe. "Suguru, look up!"

He followed your gaze, tilting his head back. And then he saw it. The unexpected darkness had stripped away the veil of artificial light, revealing a breathtaking spectacle he hadn't even realised he'd been missing. A vast expanse of midnight blue stretched above them, a canvas sprinkled with a million shimmering diamonds. The stars. So many stars, each one a tiny beacon in the infinite darkness.

The darkness, once unsettling, now felt strangely beautiful. He stole a glance at you, your face bathed in the ethereal glow of the starlight, a look of wonder mirrored in your eyes. Maybe this wasn’t a bad thing.

Not at all.

An unexpected idea sparked in Geto's mind. He gently released his hold on your hand and reached for his jacket. He knelt, spreading the garment on the cool ground, making sure it was properly spread out.

"Here," he said, a soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he looked up at you. He could see you better now, bathed in the faint moonlight, and a flicker of curiosity played across your features.

"What are you doing?" you asked, And Geto could hear the amusement in your voice.

"Come on," he said, extending out his hand, offering it to you in the dimness. "This way we can see the stars better, without straining your neck."

Understanding dawned on you, and a delighted smile spread on your lips, mirroring his own. Taking his hand, you allowed him to gently guide you down onto the makeshift blanket his jacket provided. A warmth spread through him as the two of you settled on the jacket, laying down side by side. Geto could feel the heat radiate from your body against his arm.

A comfortable silence descended, punctuated only by the occasional chirp of a cricket, a sound that seemed louder than usual in the quiet. Geto kept his hand intertwined with yours, the warmth of your skin a surprising comfort against his. His thumb, as if possessed by a will of its own, began tracing lazy circles on your palm.

Stealing glances at your face, bathed in the ethereal glow of the moon, Geto searched for any sign of unease, a flicker of disapproval that might suggest he had crossed a line. Thankfully, he found none.

"Suguru?" He heard you say, your voice, soft as the night breeze. He turned his head slightly, meeting your gaze in the dim moonlight.

"You know," you began, a playful glint dancing in your eyes, "you never really told me why you were nose-deep in all those business books in the library that day."

A surprised chuckle escaped Geto's lips, despite the topic you were referring to. "Yeah? And you never told me why you chose to drown yourself in the world of arts," he countered, his voice betraying a hint of the unease he felt.

You let out a laugh, the gentle sound echoing in the dark. "Well, you never really asked!"

"But I am asking now," he countered, amusement dancing in his voice.

"Okay, okay," you said with a grin. "Fair enough. First, you answer my question, and then I'll answer yours. Deal?"

Geto hesitated for a beat, the darkness both a shield and a prompt. So Geto had to offer a part of himself to get to know you better - sounds interesting "Deal," he finally agreed.

You looked up at him expectantly and taking a deep breath, he decided to be honest. "The thing is," he began, trying to hide the disgust he felt about this topic, "those business books weren't exactly what I wanted to be reading. You see, my family owns a pharmaceutical company, one of the biggest in the country."

"Oh wow," you said, a hint of surprise in your voice, “I didn’t know that.”

"Yeah," he said, a humourless scoff escaping his lips. "They expect me to join the business after graduation. Here's the real thing though," he continued, feeling his voice drop low, "They see me as a puppet, someone to inherit their greed and continue their ruthless practices."

"What kind of practices?" he heard you ask, concern flickering in your voice.

He felt his jaw clench slightly, the darkness a welcome shroud for the anger simmering within him. "They price their life-saving drugs at exorbitant rates," he spat, the venom of his words sour on his tongue. "People who desperately need them can't afford them, all because of my family's insatiable thirst for profit. It goes against everything I believe in."

A heavy silence descended. He stole a glance at you, unsure how you'd react. But your expression was open, devoid of judgement, and held a flicker of understanding. It was an unspoken invitation to continue, a safe harbour for the storm of emotions brewing within him.

"They wouldn't listen to reason," he continued, his voice low and defeated. "I've tried, believe me. But logic and compassion seem to be foreign concepts in their world." But still, Geto had to do something right? "Maybe, just maybe, by learning their game, I can break this system and change it from within. But honestly," he admitted with a bitter laugh, "I don't even know if that's possible. Their control is absolute."

The darkness seemed to press in on him, a reflection of the despair that threatened to consume him. He yearned for a way out, a way to break free from the gilded cage his family had built for him.

Your hands squeezed his, bringing him back to the present. "That's a lot to carry," you finally said, your voice soft but firm. "The anger, the frustration, the feeling of helplessness." You paused, letting your words sink in. "But Suguru," you continued, your voice gaining strength, "don't let them steal your compassion, your beliefs. As long as you hold onto them, you’ll find a way. I know you will”

Geto smiled. You were so sweet, so kind, trying to comfort him. It was a small, tired smile, the kind that held the weight of the world but acknowledged a sliver of sunshine breaking through the clouds. Your words, laced with a quiet strength, resonated deep within him. It was true. He couldn't let their greed and corruption taint the core of who he was. But, at the same time, he knew it wasn't wise to hope for much when it came to his parents. Still, he wouldn't burden you anymore with his issue. Maybe a lighter topic would chase away the shadows that had crept into the conversation.

"You're right," he said, his voice regaining a touch of its earlier playfulness. "Now, answer my question from earlier." He raised an eyebrow in mock seriousness, hoping to lighten the mood.

He saw you smile, but it wasn't your usual, happy smile. A faint shadow flickered across your features, a subtle shift in your demeanour that sent a wave of unease through him. "I was in a car accident a few years ago - both my mom and I," you said, your voice softer than usual, your fingers twisting a loose thread on your shirt.

The playfulness drained from his face. An accident? The image of mangled metal and shattered glass flashed unbidden in his mind. "Oh," he stammered, unsure of what to say.

"Another car crashed into ours," you continued, your voice barely above a whisper. "The driver was drunk. Thankfully, the major impact was on my side, so my mom wasn't hurt too bad."

This wasn't what Geto was expecting to hear. He watched as you reached for your phone, a hollow feeling blooming in his chest. With slightly trembling fingers, you lifted the hem of your jeans, the phone's cool flashlight revealing a constellation of scars that snaked across your calves. Geto's mouth went dry.

You turned towards him, a flicker of vulnerability in your eyes. Hesitantly, you reached up and brushed a stray strand of hair away from your face, revealing a faint scar that traced a jagged line along your hairline and the back of your neck. The moonlight glinted off the raised, pale flesh, a contrast to the smooth skin surrounding it.

Geto thought he had memorised the expanse of your face, every little detail like the map of a cherished land. But god, was he wrong. He had missed such a big part of you.

Shame washed over him in a sickening wave. He'd been so caught up in his own problems, that he hadn't noticed the silent stories etched across your body. His fingers moved to trace the scar, to feel it under his fingertips, but retracted his hand before it could reach you.

You continued, your voice quiet, "I was bedridden for months, Suguru. I couldn't even speak because a shard of glass had damaged my vocal cords. Hell, I wasn't even supposed to survive, but I did." You let out a humourless chuckle. "I could barely move, I couldn't speak at all, and the frustration – I can't even begin to tell you." You shook your head slightly, a ghost of the ordeal lingering in your eyes.

"My parents were worried, you know, and that's when I started painting," you continued. A small, bittersweet smile touched your lips. "It was horrible at first, of course," you added with a self-deprecating laugh, "but with time, I got better. It became my voice, a way to express the things I couldn't say. Even after I healed, I kept up with it. I wanted to know more – about other people's work, their thought processes, and why they painted what they painted. And so, I chose art as my major." You finished with a shrug as if it wasn’t a big deal or anything.

Geto didn't really know what to say. Words felt hollow compared to the weight of your story. "Does it still hurt?" he asked, the question tumbling out before he could stop it. He mentally face-palmed himself. Really? That was the best he could offer? It sounded insensitive, trivial even, in the face of what you'd been through.

You offered a small, understanding smile. "Sometimes," you admitted. "Not the scars themselves, thankfully. But half of my body is metal now, thanks to the accident. That gets achy sometimes, especially when the weather gets cold." As if on cue, a cool wind rustled through the leaves, and Geto saw the way you flinched so slightly, a shiver running down your body.

Geto's heart lurched. He cursed himself for his obliviousness. Here he was complaining about his family, while you carried the physical and emotional weight of a traumatic experience. Without thinking, he shifted closer, offering you the meagre comfort of his body heat. "Here, let me shield you from the wind a bit."

A warm smile graced your lips as you leaned into him slightly, accepting his support - accepting him. The gesture ignited a spark within Geto, a warmth blossoming in his chest that rivalled the one he offered.

Geto's fingers, which had hovered awkwardly in his lap, found themselves drawn to you again. This time though, they didn't hesitate. With tenderness, they brushed against the cool expanse of the scar on your temple, then trailed down to the faint jagged line along your neck. Your skin felt cold under his warm touch.

You inhaled sharply, your breath catching against his chest. Geto's touch was light, almost reverent, as if he were tracing a sacred map. He met your gaze, the moonlight and stars reflecting in your eyes like a million scattered diamonds. At that moment, it felt like he was peering into a whole new universe, one filled with unspoken stories and hidden depths. A universe he desperately wanted to explore, to get lost in, and maybe, just maybe, find a way back to, together.

His thumb grazed the soft skin of your jaw, a gentle nudge that tilted your face up a fraction. He wanted to see everything, to re-learn every detail etched on your face, the scars, the way the moonlight glinted off the moisture gathering in your eyes. He wanted to learn all your secrets, or at least the ones you were willing to share.

You responded instinctively, leaning in further until the space between you evaporated. Your warm breath mingled with his, a silent question hanging in the air. The stars seemed to wink in approval as the distance between your faces continued to shrink. Anticipation flickered in your darkened eyes, which then fluttered shut as Geto leaned in even closer. Slowly, the space between his lips and yours became nonexistent, a mere breath away.

Just as your lips were about to meet in a brush, The world erupted in a harsh burst of fluorescent light. Both of you jolted back, blinking away the temporary blindness.

It took Geto a moment to realise what had happened. He cleared his throat, the sound rough in the sudden quiet. "We got the power back," he mumbled, his voice thick with the unspoken desire that hung heavy in the air moments ago. His gaze darted away from you for a moment, then returned, searching your eyes for any indication of how you felt about the interrupted moment.

He took in your flushed cheek and your dilated, glossy eyes. That was all the indication he needed. A small, frustrated sigh escaped your lips. "Yeah," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper. The moment, the intimacy between the two of you, was shattered like a dropped glass, leaving behind a thousand shimmering shards of unspoken desire.

The silence stretched, heavy with what could have been. Geto watched as you began gathering your things, a subtle shift in your demeanour that spoke volumes. You turned to face him, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of your lips despite the lingering frustration in your eyes. "We should go now, it's getting colder."

He nodded in agreement, his voice thick when he finally spoke. "Yeah, definitely." He grabbed his jacket and dusted it off, the simple action taking longer than necessary. He watched as you reached for your bag, then blurted out, "Here, let me get that," as he grabbed the bag, relieving you of the weight. It was the least he could do, anyway.

Geto had spent hours with you today, yet it felt like mere moments. "Let me walk you home, please," the words tumbled out before he could stop them, fueled by a desire to prolong this stolen time, this unexpected intimacy.

He held his breath, bracing himself for a polite refusal. But then, a bright smile bloomed on your face, a smile that lit up the terrace brighter than the harsh fluorescent lights that had shattered their moment. "Thank you, Suguru," you said, your voice soft but filled with a warmth that sent a thrill through him. "I'd like that."

“Okay, so what happened next? Did you invite him up?” Maki leaned forward, her eyes eager. She glanced at Yuta, who was also listening intently.

Your friends—minus Inumaki—were gathered at the campus café for a small celebration. You’d just received an A+ on your presentation, and of course, you had to share how Suguru's help had played a crucial role. The moment you mentioned his name, their ears visibly perked up.

It had been two weeks since that night on the rooftop, two agonisingly silent weeks. You and Suguru had barely exchanged any texts, and you hadn’t even seen him around campus.

A blush crept up your cheeks as you shook your head. “Of course not! It was just something we felt in the moment. I don’t think inviting him up would have been a wise decision.” You took a sip of your iced tea, the coolness soothing the flutter in your stomach. Every time you replayed the scene in your head, your heart skipped a little. But the silence that followed since then was deafening.

“It doesn’t sound like ‘something in the moment,’ especially with the way you described everything.” Yuta pointed out. One might think he wouldn’t be interested in such stuff, but when it came to his friends, Yuta was always supportive.

"Maybe," you admitted, the word tumbling out before you could stop it. The truth was, the interrupted kiss felt less like a missed opportunity and more like a promise waiting to be fulfilled. But what if you were reading too much into it? The thought sent a pang of disappointment through you, a feeling you quickly brushed aside.

Maki scoffed playfully. "Girl, you were practically glowing when you talked about him! And no one does what he did just to be friendly, you know."

Your cheeks burned even hotter. Maybe Maki was right. Maybe there was something between you and Suguru. A tiny flicker of hope ignited within you, but it was quickly washed away by a wave of uncertainty. Here you were, falling for him, yet his silence indicated that he probably regretted things—didn’t want it. But then the gentle look in his eyes, his silent support, and the way he held you oh so tenderly, shielding you from the cold...

Ugh, it was all so confusing. "But what if—"

Yuta cut you off with a gentle laugh. "Hey, you never know until you try, right? And besides, even if things don’t work out romantically, you made a great new friend. Win-win, I'd say."

You couldn’t help but smile at your friend’s statement. Yuta always knew how to see the bright side. Taking a deep breath, you decided to focus on the positive. Suguru was interesting, kind, and surprisingly easy to talk to. You could confide in him as a friend. But the way his touch comforted you, ignited you...well, that was definitely more than friendly.

"Yeah, you're right," you agreed, a newfound determination settling in your voice despite the nervousness you felt. "Maybe I'll just...see where things go."

Admitting it out loud felt a lot easier. "I like him, you know," you said, looking at your friends with a small smile. "He’s someone who seems to be interested in something that’s not superficial—like he wants to know me, understand me. And it just seems so rare for someone to be genuinely interested in you, right?"

Your friends looked at you with knowing smiles, a silent encouragement hanging in the air. It was probably more than just liking him, you knew. But admitting it out loud, even with just a hint of the deeper feelings swirling within you, felt like a huge step.

The art exhibition buzzed with a quiet energy. The gentle notes of classical music filled your ears, punctuated by the soft murmur of conversation and the clinking of glasses from the nearby champagne bar. 

You stood mesmerised in front of a large, abstract piece. It was a puzzle, quiet literally. Fractured squares of vibrant colours and captivating strokes hung on the stark white wall, making an incomplete puzzle, while its other pieces were scattered chaotically on the floor below. The missing pieces created a gaping emptiness in the artwork, a void that tugged at your emotions.

Was it a metaphor for loss  - longing? a commentary on the incompleteness of experiences? You longed to discuss it with Yuta. He'd always loved puzzles; his apartment was filled with framed pieces of puzzles he had solved so far. His mind was a kaleidoscope of unconventional interpretations, making you look at things with a different perspective.

A pang of guilt lanced through you. You were supposed to visit this exhibition with your friends, but Maki wasn't feeling well. Yet, here you were, lost in the beauty of the artwork displayed. Although Yuta had assured you he was taking care of her, telling you to not miss this exhibition, a part of you still yearned to be by your friend's side.

“Intriguing, is it?” A voice interrupted your thought. You didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. The voice, once a source of comfort and playful teasing, now startled you. It was him, the man who had vanished after nearly kissing you under the twinkling stars, leaving you with nothing but lingering confusion and a heart full of unanswered questions.

And now, after almost two months, he was here, asking you this bloody question.

Suguru Geto.

Well, if he wants to play it this way, you can entertain him. After all, two can play this game. "It is," you began, your eyes finally meeting his. "But I'm trying to figure out what the artist is trying to show here."

Geto hummed thoughtfully. "You know what I think?" He paused. Was he expecting a response from you? Well, he wasn’t getting any. You remained silent, your gaze fixed on the artwork.

Undeterred, he continued, his voice taking on a philosophical tone. "This artwork seems to be a metaphor for life. Life throws pieces at you, like the ones scattered on the floor. It's all you need to make your life meaningful and beautiful. Opportunities, people, love..." he trailed off, the last word hanging in the air unspoken.

His gaze shifted back to the painting, his voice softer now. "But it's up to you how you make use of those pieces, to put in the effort to fit them together. If you're not careful, if you wait too long..." He paused again, his eyes meeting yours for a fleeting moment, a flicker of something akin to regret and longing passing through them. "The pieces might be lost to you forever."

You sucked in a breath. No, he couldn’t mean what you were thinking. After all, the only conversation the two of you had after hanging out on the terrace was when you told him about your assignment and the grade you scored.

Yes, you had texted him a couple of times after that, but the reply seemed…dry. So, you stopped, hoping Geto would reach out to you when he was ready, but the man beside you never bothered to do anything about it.

But your mind replayed the memory of how he held you that night, a tender embrace that spoke volumes without words. It was a gesture that made you feel cherished, as if you were his most prized possession, far above any material wealth the world could offer. And when you shared the news of your accident, his reaction was unexpected - a mixture of regret and concern, as though he wished he had been there for you, even though he didn't even know you at the time.

No.

You couldn’t allow yourself to go there again.

Not if he wouldn’t follow you, keeping up with you.

Your mind buzzed with Geto’s words, his interpretation of the art piece lingering in your thoughts like an unshakable presence. Was he a piece that life had flung your way, meant to enhance the beauty of your existence? Or did he hold some other significance, perhaps serving as a lesson - a piece that doesn’t enhance the beauty of the puzzle, but serves as a guiding force for other pieces? Was he a fleeting moment of joy, destined to fade into memory like the strokes of paint on a canvas? Or was he a constant, a steady presence meant to shape your journey, to teach you lessons you had yet to grasp?

Stop.

You wouldn’t allow yourself to go there. Not again and again.

This man almost kissed you after you told him one of the deepest truths about yourself, and then disappeared, leaving you alone to deal with the darkness so similar to the inky blackness of that night. But this time, even the stars weren’t there to keep you company.

Leaving the painting behind, you moved towards a different section of the exhibition. Here, the air shimmered with vibrant light. Holographic projections of the paintings danced around you, painting your surroundings with the artist's colourful strokes. These ethereal brushstrokes, magnified and swirling, seemed to come alive, transforming the space into a kaleidoscope of the artist's imagination. 

However, the original artworks remained untouched. Hung on the wall next to their holographic counterparts, they offered a more tangible connection to the artist's hand, allowing you to study the physical texture of the canvas, the subtle nuances of the brushstrokes, and the deliberate choices of colour.

The projections painted your off-white dress in different colours, the fabric a soft caress against the skin of your calves as you walked from one painting to another.

Geto followed you closely behind as you navigated through the section, his silence a palpable presence behind your back. You felt his gaze track your movements, but you paid it no mind, completely enthralled by the painting before you.

It was a complete mess. It was a riot of colour, a whirlwind of strokes, a storm of emotions, yet it held you captive. The longer you stared, the more it seemed to transform, the chaos morphing and shifting before your very eyes. What initially appeared as a meaningless jumble began to hold meaning, revealing a hidden order within the frenzy. The chaos formed a structure - The structure within the chaos.

It was almost as if the holograms mirrored your feelings - Confusing, chaotic, shifting.

Lost in the painting's mesmerising chaos, you barely registered Geto's approach. He stood so close behind you that the warmth of his body radiated through your clothes, his upper arm brushing against your shoulder. His voice, soft and low, shattered the silence.

"What are you doing at this exhibition?" he asked, his voice gentle.

Turning around to face him, you finally took him in. Dressed in a brown turtleneck that mirrored the depths of his eyes, his attire accentuated their warm, inviting hue. He wore a casual blazer on top of it, the colour slightly lighter than the colour of his turtleneck. His raven hair, noticeably longer, was tied back in a simple half-bun, the remaining strands cascading down his shoulders. The change, subtle yet noticeable, added a touch of softness to his features.

But what stood out the most were the circles under his eyes and the hollowness of his face. Even as the holograms danced all over his face, they did nothing to conceal his worn-out state; they almost amplified it.

A pang of concern flickered in your chest, a fleeting thought about his well-being. However, you quickly pushed it aside. Geto was the one who decided not to keep in touch anymore, so now it wasn’t your job to be concerned.

But of course, it wasn’t easy to just get rid of your feelings for someone like they never existed, was it?

"This is an art exhibition, open to all," you finally answered, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "and in case you forgot, I am an art student, Geto." Your voice was filled with sarcasm, and Geto chuckled. You smiled sweetly at him as you asked, "What about you?"

"Well," he began, his voice laced with a playful drawl, "as someone just said, this is an art exhibition, open to all." He shrugged, smirking. You gave him one final, unamused look before your eyes turned back to the painting.

For a few minutes, neither of you said anything. The silence stretched, thick with unspoken questions and the lingering warmth of Geto's presence. Finally, he spoke, "What do you find so captivating about this painting?"

His voice, a soft melody laced with genuine wonder, resonated with a yearning that transcended mere curiosity. It was as if you held the key to answering the storm of questions swirling within him, your insights holding a weight far greater than anything else. A hunger to delve deeper, to peel back the layers of your being until he could see the very essence of you, consumed him.

A ghost of a smile danced on your lips. How could you deny the man who held such profound significance in your heart, the man who yearned to truly know you, to unravel your soul until there was nothing left to be discovered?

No, of course you couldn’t keep away, no matter how hard you tried.

Finally, you answered him. If he wanted a piece of your mind, you would gladly offer it to him. "For me, it’s those golden strokes," you began, "It was definitely a risky move for the painter. Those strokes could have ruined the painting, but it didn't. Instead, it made this painting what we see."

Geto hummed, "So, you feel like that stroke was a bold move for the painter?"

You nodded your head in response. Geto continued, "But what if that stroke ruined the painting?"

A slight smile played on your lips. "Well, then the painter would have learned something important. They'd know they could create the painting again if they wanted to, and that's a power in itself. They'd know they have the skill and the confidence to reach that level of greatness again." You looked him in the eye, your gaze pinning him, "Even if the stroke ended up ruining the painting, the artist could always put in the effort of making it again, and that in itself is a form of victory. They wouldn't be afraid to take that bold step again and again, till the painter gets what they want from the painting."

Geto's gaze drifted away for a moment, his brow furrowed slightly as he processed your words. It was as if he was engaged in an internal debate, weighing the implications of your statement against his own judgement.

“I wish I could look into your mind.” He finally said, his eyes slightly wide in wonder.

But oh Suguru, little did he know, he has been settled there since the two of you met in the cafe.

A soft buzz from Geto’s phone brought you out of your thoughts, making you realise how quiet it was around you. He pulled out his phone, his fingers flying across the screen as he typed a message. As you watched him, the silence stretched between you, thick with unspoken words.

He slipped the phone back into his pocket and met your gaze. "It was good seeing you again," he said. Were you overthinking, or was his voice a touch more formal than before? "I have to go now. Enjoy the exhibition."

With that, he turned and walked away, his steps hurried, leaving you standing there with a lingering feeling of unease. You hadn't had a chance to say goodbye, and the abruptness of his departure left you wondering about your interaction with Geto.

Soon, you were done with the exhibition, the vibrant colours of the holograms still dancing behind your eyelids. Your mind buzzed with inspiration, the beauty of the paintings displayed sparking a flurry of ideas in your head.

The puzzle painting seemed to mock you as you passed it one last time, the question echoing in your mind: where did Geto fit in your life? What piece of the puzzle was he?

Exiting the building, you descended the stairs, the chill in the winter air making you shiver despite your sweater. As you reached the bottom, your steps slowed, coming to a halt. There was Geto, standing by the entrance. But he wasn't alone. He held a woman close, his arms wrapped tightly around her like he never wanted to let go. Her head rested against his chest, and his eyes were closed, almost nestled against her shoulder. The intimacy of their embrace was undeniable, a silent language of comfort and connection that spoke volumes.

Despite the prickling suspicion in your chest, you knew better than to jump to conclusions. This wasn't your place to pry. Yet, the image of their closeness branded itself into your brain, a searing feeling that left your heart burning.

"Well, don't you two look cute," a voice boomed. You looked up to see a man with white hair and sunglasses approaching them, a wide grin plastered on his face.

Gojo Satoru - the name echoed in your mind - Geto's best friend.

You watched as Geto and the woman pulled away, the woman playfully swatting Gojo's arm. But it wasn't the playful interaction that held your attention. Even from a distance, you could see the lingering longing in Geto's eyes as he looked at her.

It hit you like a punch to the gut. This was what he'd been preoccupied with. This is why he had kept you in the dark. This all felt like a cruel joke, life playing a twisted game on you. Of course he had a girlfriend - a guy like him probably had women lining up around the block.

You shook your head, a humourless chuckle escaping your lips as you made your way down the remaining stairs. Yeah, it was pretty obvious what kind of piece Geto was. A missing piece, a piece that belonged to someone else's puzzle, not yours.

You stood outside maki’s wooden front door, finger hovering over the buzzer.  But, before you could ring, the door swung open, its hinges creaking slightly as familiar black, tousled hair came into the view.

Yuta lifted his head, momentarily startled to see someone standing right outside the door, before his eyes met yours. A small smile graced his lips. You took note of the black duffle bag hanging on his shoulder.

You returned his smile, “Leaving now?” you asked him, watching as a small blush crept up his cheek. “Yeah, Maki is feeling better now, so I figured I should go home.” He answered, relief clouding in his eyes before his expression turned curious, “Oh, how was the exhibition yesterday? Again, I am so sorry we couldn’t make it.”

You shook your head, dismissing his apology. “No need to apologise, Yuta.” Despite the events of last night, you found yourself smiling. After all, you saw some works by your favourite artists. You cannot let a man - no matter how much he meant to you - ruin something that you have been looking forward to so eagerly.

“The exhibition was great, Yuta,” You said, as you told him about the puzzle artwork. “I really missed you guys there, you would have loved it too.” You finished, hoping to convey your sincerity with your words. 

Yuta’s eyes lit up and his smile widened, “That sounds amazing! I hope next time all of us can go” He said, before gesturing towards his bag, “Anyways, I gotta go now - Maki’s in her room, by the way.” With a final wave, he moved towards the front door, the door shutting behind him as he left Maki’s apartment.

You made your way towards her room, the minty smell of ointment filling your nose. You found Maki sitting on her bed with a small crochet blanket draped over her legs. The vibrant colours of the blanket reminded you of summer. 

Maki looked up when you approached, a small chuckle leaving her lips as she rolled her eyes, inviting you to sit on the bed. “I knew I would see your face today.” she said, causing you to smile. Her voice today was a far cry from the shaky, tired voice she had yesterday.

Yeah, Yuta was right, Maki was definitely feeling better.

You also noticed that some colour has returned to her face, and Maki looked better now than she did at college, and this observation somehow soothed and comforted you. You enquired about her well-being and got to know that Maki had a cold and fever, but thanks to Yuta’s support, she was feeling far better. 

Oh, Speaking of Yuta…

“So Yuta stayed the night, huh?” You finally asked, an eyebrow raised and a smirk gracing your lips. 

Maki rolled her eyes again but she didn’t shy away from the topic. You watched as the top of her cheeks turned slightly pink. It was a rare sight, something you found so cute. Both Yuta and Maki had a similar reaction to a similar situation.

“Yeah, he was just making sure the fever doesn't get worse or anything,” she said, a small smile on her lips as if she was recalling last night. “He was really sweet about it, actually.” She said it as if she just realised it too.

You smiled for your friends, “So, do you want something with him?” you asked, genuinely curious.

Maki’s expression turned thoughtful, though a hint of playfulness remained, “I do like him,” She admitted. There was no hesitancy in her voice. “But I don’t want to force things with him or anything. Just go with the flow, you know?” She met your eyes as she said, “Besides, he is a great friend - that matters above everything else.” 

You admired Maki’s clarity. She knew what she wanted. 

Nodding your head in response, you reached out to squeeze Maki's hand. But just then Maki let out a small cough. You quickly reached for the glass of water on her bedside table and handed it to her, "Here, take a sip of this."

After a few sips, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. "Alright," she said, her voice slightly raspy, "enough about me. Tell me what’s going on between you and that Geto guy?" Her gaze, even dimmed by illness, held its usual unwavering intensity. It burrowed into yours, leaving no room for secrets. “And don’t lie, I can tell something is bothering you.”

Your heart sank at the mention of Geto's name, the emotions from last night bubbling back to the surface. You avoided them, though. "I think he's seeing someone else," you admitted with a bitter chuckle.

Maki's frown mirrored your own confusion. "But from what you told me…?"

"Yeah, I know," you sighed, your voice heavy with resignation. "But then again, we didn’t speak for two months. I don’t really blame him for pursuing someone else."

But the ache in your chest refused to dissipate, stubbornly clinging to the remnants of hope you had tried to bury.

You recounted the events of the exhibition, the cryptic nature of Suguru's words, and the sight of him with another woman. Maki listened attentively, her unwavering gaze conveying understanding as you poured your heart out to her.

Maki sighed, her disappointment evident in the furrow of her brow. “The woman you are talking about,” she began, her tone tinged with frustration, “I think I saw her and Geto at a cafe - the description sounds the same. But I didn’t think much of it because I just assumed they were friends or something.” Another sigh escaped her lips, laden with exasperation. “But from what you're saying… man, that guy is so clueless!”

"Now, there’s no point in that anyway," you murmured, your shoulders slumping as you shook your head. "I’m just disappointed because I thought we had something, but I guess I just misunderstood things."

Maki's eyes flashed with indignation. “I saw the way he looked at you in the cafeteria - like a teenage boy looking at his first crush. It was so sweet it was almost disgusting,” she said, her nose scrunching up slightly. “So no, you did not misunderstand things. That guy turned out to be an asshole.”

Maki reached out and squeezed your hand, a gesture so unexpected from her that it caught you off guard. “You deserve better than someone who doesn’t know what he wants.” Her gaze was intense, taking in your slumped shoulders and tired eyes. “You know what?” she began, determination clear in her voice. “Give me your phone.”

“You are not texting him,” you said sternly, though you unlocked your phone and handed it to her anyway.

“Of course not,” she replied with a humourless chuckle. “He isn’t worth my time.” You rolled your eyes at her statement, but the corners of your lips twitched upwards, feeling a bit of the weight lifting off your shoulders.

You peeked over your phone, curiosity getting the better of you. Maki was busy downloading - “A dating app?” you asked, eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

Maki nodded in response, her fingers flying over the screen as she added a description and prompts to your profile. “But Maki, I don’t want to date someone just like that,” you protested.

“You deserve to meet someone new and exciting. It doesn’t have to be serious,” Maki replied, her voice firm but caring.

You had never used dating apps before, so you felt hesitant to try it out. The idea of swiping left and right felt strange, almost impersonal. But another part of you was curious to see how things would turn out. After all, college was ending soon, you had barely dated anyone until now, and then the thing with Geto...

Maki looked up from the phone, her expression softening slightly. “I know it feels weird, but sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone. Just give it a try. If you don’t like it, you can always delete it.” She angled the phone towards you, the dating app now downloaded and ready to go. “Think of it as an adventure. You never know what might happen.”

Maki began swiping for you, her eyes occasionally flicking up to check your reaction. One particular profile caught your eye. “Wait!” you stopped her just as she was about to remove the profile.

“What? Him? Really?” Maki asked, her nose scrunching up in mild disgust.

“Hey, he looks good, okay? But that’s not the point,” you said, leaning in to get a better look. The picture of a familiar white-haired man stared back at you. “That’s Geto’s best friend, Gojo.” You told her, swiping down on the profile to see more.

You came across a picture of him and Geto, seemingly from a beach trip. Both of them were wearing floral shirts and sporting big grins. The sight of them together stirred a mix of emotions within you. The carefree happiness on Geto's face contrasted sharply with the confusion and heartache you felt.

The text with the picture read:

Yeah, that’s my best friend, but you won’t find him here. His heart is already taken, but mine isn’t ;)

You shook your head, ignoring the icy feeling that crawled up your veins; a feeling that didn’t have anything to do with the cold, biting wind outside. After a few more swipes, you got some matches. Maki took over, texting them on your behalf.

“‘Are you free tomorrow?’” Maki read the text from one of your matches out loud. Yeah, you were free, but was it wise to go out with someone you barely knew? As if sensing your hesitation, Maki said, “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to, but I think you should.” Then, she added, “It might help you deal with your feelings for Geto.” You noticed a hint of bitterness when she said his name, as if it left a sour taste in her mouth.

You bit your lip, considering her words. Maki has always been your rock, her advice helping you through the toughest situations. Finally making up your mind, you said, “Yeah, I guess I’ll go out with him - see how it is.” Then, with a teasing tone you said, your voice light, “But I am going only for you.”

Maki smiled at you, her expression lightening. “Great! I’ll text him then.” Her tone turned serious. “But keep texting me, okay? He seems okay, but that doesn’t mean I won’t be worried about you.”

You smiled at your friend’s protectiveness. “Yeah, I will Maki, don’t worry about it.”

A small part of you felt like this was wrong, especially since there was no communication between you and Geto to clear things up. But he had started dating someone else, hadn’t he? His heart was already taken, wasn’t it? So did it matter what you felt for him? Clearly, it didn’t mean anything to him, so the sooner you got over it, the better it would be for you.

The sudden crack of lightning jolted you, sending a streak of black liquid across your eyelid just as you were applying your eyeliner. A muted curse escaped your lips as you grabbed a makeup wipe, determined to fix the line. But the damage was done – a dark smudge now decorated your under-eye. With a sigh, you opted for a clean look, wiping away the eyeliner completely.

Another flash of lightning illuminated the room, followed by a low rumble of thunder. Your brow furrowed as you pulled on your clothes for the date. Winter rain was a rarity, but the damp air and earthy scent were unmistakable signs of a downpour.

You had to hurry now. Getting caught in a winter rain shower was the last thing you wanted, especially with your already achy legs. A quick glance in the mirror confirmed that you were looking presentable. Despite the eyeliner disaster, you felt satisfied with your hair and makeup.

You made your way towards the restaurant, taking the subway. As you emerged from the station, the warm, stale air was replaced by a blast of icy wind that stole your breath. It was raining now, but thankfully it was misty; the droplets of water barely felt like anything. The rain clung around your face, blurring the city lights into shimmering halos. The rhythmic rumble of the train faded behind you, replaced by the traffic honks and the murmur of people walking around.

Your legs felt like lead as you trudged towards the restaurant. You'd chosen a cosy Italian place that was a little far from your apartment. Your date had insisted on a ‘middle point’ since he lived far away from your place, and you couldn’t protest.

Doubt gnawed at you. Was this the right way to get over Geto? The memory of his supportive glances and gentle laugh sent a pang through your chest. This date with someone you barely knew, suddenly felt like a flimsy shield against a tidal wave of longing. Yes, you and your date had exchanged some text, but could you really judge a person just through texts? But cancelling now felt like a betrayal – you couldn’t bring yourself to leave someone hanging like that while they waited for you.

With that in mind, you pushed open the glass doors of the restaurant. The smell of molten cheese and basil greeting you, followed by the gentle clink of glasses and happy murmurs. The whole place was bathed in the warm glow of fairy lights. 

Once inside, you navigated through the crowded space until you spotted a familiar-looking face. Your date's blond hair was combed neatly, but there was something different about his hair compared to the pictures you saw. Still, you paid it no mind as you made your way to the table.

As you reached the table, you noticed an almost empty lowball glass that sat in front of him. It had a single ice cube clinging to the bottom of what appeared to be bourbon, given by its amber colour. Before you could dwell on the obvious red flag, dark hazel eyes met yours.

You forced out a smile. “Hey, you must be –”

The words died on your lips as he cut you off, his voice clipped. "You're late."

Huh?

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Looking forward to your feedback 🌷

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I know things take a turn here, and even I wasn't expecting this to happen but it just happened, to the point I had to change the storyline lol

@whereflowerswenttodie @celestie0 @lostfracturess @nakariabnrb @yungbloode

@peppertoastuniverse @hopefulpeachcolor

Stained glass and heart dividers by @/saradika

Line divider by @benkeibear

Galaxy divider by @/cafekitsune

[yarafic]

Imagine: beer pong with Klaus

You look at yourself in the mirror and sighed, oh how much you hate school dances but you had no choice. Your best friend , Caroline was the reason why you were going, if it was for her you'll be sitting at home and watching Bones. Wondering who was the murderer but sadly you have to go to that stupid dance.

A ring was heard, you quickly went into your room to fetch the phone and see who is it. It was a text from Damon, you had a sick feeling that Damon was going to ask you for a favor.

(Third p.o.v )

She huffed and toss her phone on the bed then goes back to the bathroom she fixes her make up then grabs her keys from her desktop. She heads off to the school, as she arrived to the parking lot she heard a screaming of annoyance. She quickly dashes to where the screaming was coming from. When she got inside the gym, she sighed in relief.

"Caroline! What's wrong?" She said as she reaches to the gym. A smile began to appear on her face but she had to cover it up and be a good friend.

"Oh! No! The gym is ruined and all the hard work we did." She said trying to sound convincing. Caroline looked at her and gave her a glare, then reply "Who would do such a thing?"

"I don't know. But what are we going to do."

"We can have it at my house. My mother won't mind." Someone suggested

Both of the girls turn around to notice it was Tyler, Caroline smiles and says" Really! "

"Yes"he assures her, a bunch of squeals slip out of mouth and Y/n huffed out of annoyance. She thought she could get away and not go.

"Okay! I'll see you at his. I need to do some touch ups." Caroline said and waves good bye.

Y/n turns to Tyler and punches him on his shoulder then murmurs "Good job! Dimwit, now I have to go."

_______

Y/n parks her car in front of the Lockwood Mansion, she was amazed on how Tyler could fix up a party in seconds. She walks to the door, the door opens up immediately to see the mighty Klaus standing with that annoying smirk of his.

"Lovely seeing you here." He shows his signature smirk.

Y/n rolls her eyes and retorts "I wish I could say the same." She walks pass him.

"Come on, love. Don't be mean."

She ignores him and walks to where everyone is, she notice Damon was giving off instructions to everyone. He turn to look at you and said "you go distract Klaus."

"Why do I have to distract Klaus?" She asked.

"Because you look fuckable and he has a thing for you." Damon said

She huffed in annoyance and hears the rest of the plan.

______

Y/n goes to the bathroom to do some touch ups on her makeup and fix her hair to look presentable. She walks out of the bathroom, began her search for Klaus. She notices him playing beer pong with his hybrids. As she has her phone on hand, she felt a vibration; she picked it up and saw there was a text from Damon. He was telling her not to fuck up his plan. Y/n made a face of annoyance and turn off her phone. She walk towards where Klaus is at, one of the waiters that was walking around handing people glass of wine or any other   alcoholic beverages. She picks one up from the trays and swirls the liquid around the cup. She brings the rim of the cup to her lips and takes a sip, while she sees at Klaus. As he felt her eyes piercing his skull, he looks up and give her a smile. He makes a gesture for her to join him, Y/N shakes her head no and gives a small wave. As she was about to leave, Klaus takes a hold of her wrist and pulls her towards him. He leans closely to her and whispers" Lets play."

"I have to tell you, Sir. I do not know how to play."

"I can teach you. Do not worry."

Y/n mouths an okay and walk towards the pong table, she places her hand on the edges of the table. Klaus turns to her and explains how the game goes. She gave him a nod and says excitedly  "Let's make this game interesting."

Klaus raised a brow and replied "How?"

She gave a soft smile and tells him"The loser has to be the slave for the winner, form at least two months."

Klaus had a shock expression but quickly smirk, then gave his famous smirk.

"Alright, love. Let's begin shall we."

_____

As both of you throw the plastic ball into the cups, it was a draw. A tie, but there has to be a tiebreaker to end this game. Therefore, the loser could pay the price.

"Last round, love." Klaus announced excited.

Y/n scoffed and brush her bangs away from her face, "Aww, do not worry nikkiepoo. I am going to win."

"As they say may the odds be at your favor."

As she aim the ball to go inside the cup, sadly, the ball did not went in. She cursed and slammed her hands on the table, while Klaus smiled. He knew that he won, even though he aim the ball to her cup and successfully made it in. He walks up to Y/n with a big smile on his face and says,"Well, loser. As my personal slave, I order you go on a date with me."

[miimo96]

Thoughts on TBHK Chapter 117

Ok I'm starting to think you guys love torturing or something because once again you didn't remind me that a new chapter was out, I mean it's already hard enough trying to keep up as it is without spoilers, So you guys could at least do me the favor and cut me some slack by letting me know when a New chapter is out, I mean you guys KNOW how I feel about this series and that I wanna talk about it just like everyone else, So Why F$#K DON'T YOU GUYS REMIND ME!? like c'mon guys 🥺 also I see that we're back to using the original font style tho so that's a plus at least, I wonder shenanigans we're gonna get up to in this chapter tho, ooh! I wonder if well see hanako or if yashiro will even talk about what happened with him being a teacher now or that she even had an encounter with him, I highly doubt it because she knows how much Akane and teru hate hanako so maybe she'll keep it to herself, welp only one way to find out

Ngl I was a little caught off guard at 1st with them calling her Akane instead of Aoi, maybe because I'm So used to the anime calling her aoi and him Akane, but eh it's whatever tho 😅

I completely forgot that in this timeline he and Aoi are in a relationship, so his reaction to her texting him is So Hilarious to me, it's just like "Oh shit, I forgot 😀" 🤣🤣

I KNEW IT! I knew she would be conflicted with leaving things as it is and maybe even not wanting to Rest the timeline, OMG I ABSOLUTELY CALLED IT RIGHT ON THE EFFING MONEY YEAH! *Does happy dance*

Omg i didn't even think of it like that, but yeah who's to say that everything that happened in the previous timeline, won't just happen again, like a Canon event or something, Omg Aidairo's understanding of time travel is really Amazing, Iike the way it just plays with all the concepts and rules without making too confusing is just Genius, and ya know what it really does bring into question of "What if this could happen " and "would this lead to that" like omg aidairo well done golf claps all around 👏👏👏 Also no offense teru but I don't think hanako would really care that much, because hanako's whole thing is about making yashiro happy, like even if he couldn't be with her or if he had to do something drastic like killing one of her friends to extend her life like he tried with aoi, he wouldn't really care because as long as she's alive that's all that matters, I mean sure he would get lonely, but as long as she's happy, he couldn't ask for more

Omg this Panel is so GOOD like look at it OMG I want this to be animated sooo Baaaadd!! 😖

OMG Teru is such a bitch for this, he legit called her to make it look like Akane and yashiro are a thing, which would never effing happen to begin with, but all in the name just to fuck with him like Omg teru, you're such a bitch like Wow just Wow, also I love that even tho she's with teru, she still gets jealous if she sees.Akane with someone else, like it just shows that she really loves him Awww 😊

Phff 🤣🤣🤣 they legit hit the "ewww no he like a brother to me" 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Also i love how aoi is immediately wanting to know about yashiro's love life, She's such a gossip Girl Lol

Omg Now THAT is a confession, yashiro needs to take notes, Holy shit was not expecting this, Hell yeah Aoi Aoi is back! ^^

Yo I effing hate this dude like I just wanna Slap him at times like bro shut yo ass up, like how do you go from being so clutch and awesome last chapter but such a dick in this one like this is what I don't like about this guy, like I'm starting to think he's bipolar like LOOK AT HIS FACE, LOOK AT HIS FUCKING FACE!

Wait we're going to the Red house, Omg the Next chapter can't come any sooner like I'm So excited, I wonder what changes have been made or if THAT is never meant to change like what if This is what teru was talking about how things are eventually meant to happen, Oh my gosh I can't wait ^w^

My initial reaction to this scene was "ah this is nice, just 2 of my favorite character's having a nice stroll and being an absolute adorable couple" before IMMEDIATELY turning into "WAIT I RECOGNIZE THAT STREET!" Because if you have an encyclopedia knowledge of this series like I do, then You'd KNOW exactly where that street leads, Ah Shit I'm really starting to think that Kou's earing might be bad luck or something because this the 2nd time this has happened to him, ya know maybe that's why mitsuba hates it so much, Omg I hope it isn't what I think it is, but the fact the he said it had a Red roof is already confirming my suspicions *bites nail* 😰

F%#$k I KNEW IT! Omg these 2 can't catch a break like WTF also I SEE that it has the keep out sign at that it's looks pretty abandoned almost burnt so i guess teru was right and things eventually Are meant to happen, Ah shit I'm so scared for Next chapter, Damn it Aidairo leave them ALONE PLEASE!? Welp, looks like shit's going to go Down next chapter, and I guess I'll be right here to cover it ^^;; wait a minute I just realized something, we haven't seen Sakura or Natsuhiko yet so could next chapter finally be them and confirm my suspicions of Sakura being a ghost or Kannagi and Natsuhiko being her protector!? OMG NEXT CHAPTERS GONNA BE AMAZING!!!

[differenteagletragedy]

ouuuugh I need to know how the ol boys would be w a blind mc now 🥺

Yay, here you go! Thank yoooou :)

-- Look, Cove is going to be a little insensitive in Step 1, he just is. He's not going to mean anything by it, of course, but that little boy has no filter and does not pick up on social cues and he has questions, a lot of them.

-- Like depending on the MC's personality, Cliff might be like "Hey there son, might want to cool it a bit."

-- Do you have a guide dog? That's cool -- if you're with Derek your dog has a bodyguard. If somebody wants to keep their hand they won't pet that dog, at least not without your permission (he will not actually take this person's hand, but they will get a firm talking to).

-- My whole headcannon with Baxter is that if MC has any sort of health problem or disability that includes accessorizing, he's gonna go nuts. Like if you have a lot of medications, he's going to want to find you a fancy/cool pill organizer. So if you're blind, if you like sunglasses, he's going to be getting some sunglasses.

MC: Baxter, my dog doesn't need a bow tie.

Baxter: No one needs a bow tie, darling, but I do think it provides a certain mystique.

-- Cove does his research, always. One day he comes over with all these new terms and talking points and wants to discuss your blindness, for no particular reason (it's because he was on his little laptop half the night and just wants to know every single thing about you).

-- Do you want to use one of the boys as a guide? Derek is your guy. Hold onto his arm and he will get you wherever you need to go without one single hiccup. Baxter will be good at this too, but if you know him well enough then he's going to pull a few little tricks sometimes. He's a jerk like that (said affectionately) but if you're dancing, that's serious business and he won't fool around. Cove will give it his all, but if you'd just rather take a piggyback ride that would be cool too :)

-- Baxter knows you can't see what he looks like, so he's going to bump up everything else about him that you can sense. He's always going to smell good, and he's going to make an even bigger effort to use his smooth voice.

-- Derek just wants to take care of you so so much. If he's doing too much, let him know and he'll pull back, but he's doing every single thing he can think of to make your life easier.

-- Cove finding out about alt text and making everybody use it

Cove: Terry, you forgot to use alt text on your Instagram, fix it

[lostinvasileios]

Signs.

Sometimes signs aren't always what we expect or had asked for. I know, "I asked for this specific sign but I didn't get it so that must mean they don't like me or something!!!" honeybee, calm down.

Sometimes, signs are things we do not expect. Sometimes, signs aren't what we asked for. But that doesn't always mean something bad! You can relax.

For example, I asked Apollon to play a specific song on his playlist during shufflemancy as a sign. Did he play it? No, he didn't. But he played different ones. Ones that would allow him to show himself to me more clearly, more prominently, more -- lovingly. That would allow me to feel him. To imagine him.

Sometimes, signs can take a while to get to you, as well. It doesn't mean the deity doesn't care to answer you. But most signs, in my experience, aren't always that immediate. They take time to prepare. Deities won't pop up and do dances for you, just as, they don't want or expect you to dance for them, either. (Unless you dance together or something. Then have fun! But, you get what I mean, right?)

A long time ago, I asked Loki to send me spiders as a sign to show he was listening to my prayers, that he wanted to be around me, ect. And, it took 3 days for spiders to show up. In those 3 days, I felt - a little scared, to be really honest. Not a lot, since, me and Loki had already experienced each others presence before. When they finally showed up, Loki had sent them in BULK. I mean, they were practically everywhere and almost always caught me off guard. He would send them big, small, ect.

He even had one to watch over me in the corner of my room. I named him Jerry. I'm very scared of spiders, all bugs really. But, over the course of time, I've started to learn that bugs and other small insects are simply how most of my deities will show themselves if I'm not specific about what type of signs I want. (You don't need to be specific for signs if you don't like to do that, by the way! I simply find it easier to tell what is and what isn't a sign that way most of the time.)

The point is, signs can literally come in all shapes and sizes. Expected, unexpected. Timed, random, it doesn't matter. And they aren't always physical. A sign can be a smell, a thought, a feeling, a gust of wind, a dream, someone texting you a kind word, and so on.

Signs will come to you if you ask. Signs will come to you if you believe they will. Signs will come on their own time. One thing that helped me a bunch, was just simply - listening to my emotions when I came across something. Found a seashell? Oh, Apollon sent me that! My sister bringing me an owl shaped chocolate for Valentines? Again, Apollon! (I love owls, haha.) A random image popped into my head that I feel I should paint? Oh look, another sign from Apollon. This can go on. If you feel like somethings a sign, it most likely is. It's up to you and your deity!

Don't stress over signs. Sometimes, you won't get any signs. At least for a while. And that's okay. It doesn't make you less. It doesn't mean anything negative from the jump. You're going to be okay, bee. Breathe.

You're loved. Don't worry.

[hornystiel]

hiii!! offering my 2 cents on the subject of "old man". younger generations in general use it very loosely but it's without ill intent, rather it's coming from a perspective of "that man (dilf) is so hot i need them but i could never because they'd see me as a child so i gotta call them old instead". like they're out of my league but i'll blame it on the age difference you know?

and in destiel's case i believe it's affectionate, they're old compared to most queer couples represented and they're getting older together and it's hopeful to see that :)

~ a gen z mutual who's too shy to come off anon ly 🤍

hi! a literal wall of text ahead

okay i actually have a lot of thoughts about this topic and i really hope i won't sound rude but i just want to talk about it for a sec here. and below will be purely my own musings which probably won't coincide with a general fandom views on the matter and it's wider than this question and destiel but well

anyway

i totally get what you're saying about younger fans calling them old because they're too young for them but still hot etc etc. i know that's not some ill intent, clearly. however, what bothers me about the question of 'old' age in fandom spaces is this - for some 'old' starts somewhere around 35+ and they mean it (i wonder what they call a 50 yo? a corpse probably). and yeah of course for 16 yo 35 is twice their age but i wouldn't have even the slightest problem with it because i've been in fandom spaces since i was maybe 14 and stumbled upon people of different ages and backgrounds and we can all coexist quite fine. but what i see now (and maybe again, that's like a recurring generational thing, i don't know, i'm not that old and i wasn't in english spaces until i got at least 18-20 so) - those younger fans repeatedly saying 'you're 30 and in fandom? get out. go find some appropriate hobbies for your age group, like fishing hehe'. like it's fine to be horny over some dudes twice (or even more) your age, but people who in reality are not even that far from you, because usually it's 20 somethings who write such things - and it's a crime. you're suddenly gross. i wonder what those kids would do without all the stuff written, drawn and giffed by those who have a child on one hand, a full time job on the other, and their age appropriate hobbies in between. like when i was a tiny fan i was like 'holy shit that person somehow found a way to update that long ass sherlock fic while being neck deep in her family things and work i wanna be like them!" and it also gave me hope about the future of my fandom life. like age shouldn't matter. but now i see this shit, the whole 'more than 3 yo age difference is pedo' talk, 'adult creators shouldn't post anything because children can see' talk etc etc. and i know, of course, that that's the general internet censorship on the rise and neopuritanism is dancing tango with it but still.

what i'm saying - i do have a problem with younger generation using the term old very 'loosely' because they wield it as a double aged sword. you're either some hot dilf who can be forgiven for your shitty fandom takes because well you're hot (and i'm not talking about anyone in particular here rn) or you're a gross 30 smth in fandom space who shouldn't draw porn because teens can't click the block button

AS FOR DESTIEL

short answer - i don't like what the people who call them old add to their characters and lives when they do that.

long answer under the cut

all of that is what EYE don't like in most popular fandom hcs and i usually just scroll past the things i don't like, i don't want to start shit publicly (and because of what, takes?), but here you can read what i usually think when i see them.

first - if we're talking canon ages. 40 smth and this is dean's age at the end of the show - is NOT old. at all. i can't even call him that affectionately. because this is the tragedy of it all - he dies YOUNG. very fucking young, he didn't see any calm life, didn't pursue his dreams, didn't have a normal life and love and then he died. in a way, and i see some others think the same, calling him old is like 'welp it's not that bad, he lived long enough, seen shit'. but the thing is - he didn't? literally. so no, for me he's young, died young and it's fucking awful. not talking about cas here because well, billions years, old, young, he's everything (<3)

if we're talking about post canon fics where they settle. you can all burn me at the stake but sadly my spirit will just repeat the same shit - making them some kind of a wannabe hetero aging couple is not only boring as fuck, but also completely out of character for them?

what i usually see in the posts with 'old men <3' there

some variation of a white picket fence house

baby jack

dean being some kind of a soccer mom who bakes and argues with other moms

cas being more of a dad shaped thing who gardens and Doesn't Get It at the parents' meetings or somewhere equally boring and somehow still clueless about a lot of human shit

them creaking every part of their bodies (jesus my joints have been like this since i was 14, and my back is bad now when i'm only 30 where is my retirement pakige?)

probably forgetting smth but you get the gist. and, again, not saying that that's ALL i see with the old men posts and art etc (some hcs are wild and i LOVE them), but the majority? yeag, i've been permanently a destiel blogger for 4 years now, i've seen the popular stuff

doesn't all of that remind you of a typical heterosexual family on some conservative cable tv show? if not i'm happy for you, but i can't help but see how the roles are set in stone and i don't find it endearing at all. that's one reason. and also i'm a strong believer that a baby won't fix dean. jack won't fix shit and here's another stick to my pyre - i don't care about him at all and i think that dean especially should focus on himself and his own shit and his shit with cas if they settle together, not be thrown into the baby routine again. the fandom likes to remind everyone how dean raised sam and it's mostly true but don't you think for one goddamn second he would want/need to live for himself and not over obsess about bringing up another kid? sure he loves them, but if every person with dean's baggage were trusted with kids as a cure-al ...well. and again very hetero, 'you should have a child, that'll fix your hysteria!' i'll even say, very real life stuff, just not the one i want to see here.

another reason is this - they are freaks.

they are assholes, freaks, serial killers, undead creatures, bad people...who are very much in love and very soft with each other and their family but they are still freaks. and i don't understand how them getting old will so fundamentally change so many aspects of their characters that they become typical suburban mom and dad combo. maybe i sound like a person who doesn't want them to be happy, or who doesn't get the 'it shows that their life is finally calm and they can pursue Normal Hobbies and Raise Kids and Build a Farm (idk how that is a calm place have you ever been on a farm with animals that you should watch and take care and kill if needed. another talk for another time) and To Love is to be Changed' etc etc etc. believe me i get it all perfectly, just not for them. if it tickles your pickle, by all means. what tickles mine is cas getting the weirdest (and often dangerous) hobbies (and this is why i got him driving a motorcycle, boxing and skydiving in my old men cheating fic) and he's an impatient guy so i don't think he'd love gardening really, he'd be mad at the plants and kill them or grow them as fast as his grace would allow (yes i'm also against human all the way cas, baby we're getting a bingo here). and dean of course should have ties with his community and i've already talked about this but i see how they are out of active hunting, but still help those who are still in it (if the supernatural isn't wiped completely and i don't see why it should be), maybe they always have a place in their home for those who come to regroup or just to chat or smth. and dean is an overprotective and micromanaging asshole so he would want to still have the gist of it all (and cas would want to unwind by killing some things from time to time)...and they still sleep in the same bed, eat the food they cook together, wear matching tatts maybe as a wedding gift to each other, and have dogs, cats and whatnot.

what i want to say - i don't get why the weird and the sweet can't coexist. why should they lose all of their insane bits. they loved each other WITH them (cursed or not remember) why should they change so drastically to fit the 'happily ever after' narrative.

anyway i can probably write a lot more but that's a long ass grumbling as it is.

sorry your question became the starting point for this rent i genuinely hope i didn't offend you and if you finished reading all of this woah you are a hero <3

[simstryingtheirbestok]

(mainly text) Reviewing the prior four generations of the planetary legacy

I've been thinking about the things I'm glad happened, and the things I'd do differently, now that I'm over halfway through my planned eight generations. I know this won't interest everyone (it may only interest me, come to think of it) (yeah you know what, this is the definition of self-indulgence) so--below.

Generation Saturn

I would have made this a lot less story-ish if I had it to do over, mainly because it was shit as a story. But I was coming from Wordpress where, up until the last 4-5 years when everyone began to drift away, at least, there really was something of a TS3 community, where people interacted a lot with each other's posts, and the focus was more text than screenshots. It wasn't perfect--I must stress that--but it was entirely free of some of the things that make Tumblr so obnoxious. If there was drama, I remained oblivious to it.

To go from that, to the near-zero feedback I got on Tumblr initially, was like being plunged into an ice bath. The only reasons I kept going at all back then were @happy-lemon and @autonomousllama, who were kind to me, made me laugh, and liked some of the posts I did.

I did get discouraged and rush through the latter half of this generation, because I also learned that I am not a fan of Into the Future. It's fine--not everything is for everybody. At least I finally played it and found that out for myself.

Generation Uranus

The big mistake here was rushing Yuri into marriage when his first love didn't work out. Sims will marry anyone you tell them to, but it doesn't mean they'll have a happy union. And I did want to finally try out Midnight Hollow, sure; but why I thought it would be a good idea to move the pink-haired elfin lady from Dragon Valley there is a mystery.

I should never have given Enya a fairy potion to drink, either. It was cute for 5 minutes and then it was, why's the teenager up at 2 a.m.? Oh, because her room has the only audio equipment and Enya has 24/7 dance fever now.

Otherwise, I have to be honest: This was the most fun generation to play after Velma's. I love World Adventures and I got a kick out of Yuri, even when he was being a dipshit. Maybe especially then.

Generation Neptune

I mean, we know, right? The heir should have been Wendalyn. But it wasn't 100% my fault--the 64-bit version of the game being broken with respect to water, that was going to make this generation boring no matter who the heir was. If you cannot dive/swim/snorkel/perform any directed action in the ocean, you're left with fishing. 😴😴😴

I did at least get Velma out of it. It's funny--some Sims you know right away are going to be the heir. I knew it'd be Velma when she was a toddler. I loved Vivienne, too, but she was destined for a supporting role, and she turned out to be perfect for it.

Generation Mercury

My massive regret here is, I never and I mean never, ever, ever should have moved Velma out of Elmira City. She was happy as hell there and the saves weren't even getting glitchy; I just thought Aurora Skies would be ✨more wholesome for children✨ and wanted to bring up the next generation there.

It was such a mistake and it wrecked my enthusiasm completely. Putting Velma in Aurora Skies was like putting Enya in Midnight Hollow, like, why do I do this stupid shit? "Oh, the contrast will be so--" boring, self! It will be boring.

It also broke some of the Sims I took along for the ride. Neither Marco nor Ian had a mean bone in their bodies in Elmira City, but suddenly in Aurora Skies all either of them ever did was Berate Ignorance. (Neither of them was a genius or irresistible, either, though that was probably obvious already.)

Finally, I will never know if perhaps Devon would've been less into Vivienne had I left him in Elmira City, where he had not yet met her, and possibly never would have. Sparks were not flying between him and Velma, though, and that was true even in Elmira City. And I was furious, because generally, sparks flew between everyone and Velma.

Another regret: sending Undine to boarding school as a child. That stupid Aurora Skies house had a backyard I filled with every bit of playground equipment I could possibly pack into it, and then none of it ever got used except, I think Velma and Devon did woohoo in the tree house once, or... I'm pretty sure Velma banged somebody there, anyway. 🤭 It would have been so unlike her not to.

[nctyena]

Sleepover

Time: After NCT 2018 Emphaty Era (before We Go Up)

Warnings// Mentioning of usage of alcohol uunderage, not proofread, lmk if there are more

"Where is she?"

"I don't know. She texted me a few minutes ago. I guess her manager got suspicious."

"God. I knew we couldn't make it."

The two boys' conversation was cut with the door sound.

"Yena!"

Hearing the girl's name they made their way to the others.

"Where have you been?"

"I couldn't get rid of the unnie. She was about to call your manager."

While Yena was settling her stuff all the boys gathered in the living room.

After all the promotions and performances they couldn't spend time as they used to. Since Yena, Haechan and Mark weren't staying in the dorm with others it didn't help them either.

So Mark came up with an idea. Having a sleepover without managers sticking around or without the other members. Just the dreamies. It wasn't easy to convince their managers so they lied a bit.

"I'm glad you made it noona."

"Me too. It's gonna be our first sleepover right?"

"Yeah. At least the first time with eight of us only."

"Thanks to you Mark."

She blew a dramatic kiss. Mark faked a disgusted face.

Jaemin gasped and drove everyone's attention.

"Guys! We don't have an adult with us right now. You know what that means right?"

"Jaemin, I am the adult here."

"Mark hyung can you stop? What were you saying Jaemin?"

Mark pushed Haechan's shoulder.

"Anyways, I'm saying that we can do whatever we want."

Seeing the expression on his older member's face he kept talking faster.

"Hyung listen to me. You won't be with us like this God knows for how long. Please let us enjoy this night. Let's have a voting to decide. Please. Please."

"Oh my God! Okay okay."

"I'm glad that I'm on the same side with him. Jeez breath Jaemin."

Jeno nodded to show his agreement.

"Don't push the limit though, okay? What do you want to do?"

"Let all of us suggest one thing. Starting from the oldest."

"Hyung?"

"Okay, I want to watch a movie all together."

"Boring."

"Also I want to beat Yena."

"Hey! You just said not to cross the line. I'm your little sister."

"Anyway. Renjun your turn."

"Let's write a song together. We can even sing it. Mark hyung can help us."

"So you want us to cry. I like it."

"It's my turn."

"Go on Jeno."

"I want us to have a battle. It can be a wrestle game or dance battle."

"Yes let's wrestle. I've lived enough."

"Yena don't be dramatic."

"Yeah... I can beat some of you."

Before the arguments start Mark stopped them.

"Moving on! Yena what's your's?"

"I want to try alcohol."

"We don't have anything to drink."

"Mark is old enough to buy some."

They all turned to look at him. After some convincing and begging Mark accepted buying only one bottle of soju.

"It will be a light one. I can't deal with your drunk asses."

"After we drink, I want to play truth or dare."

"Are we really going to do that?"

"Yes Jeno, we are doing this."

"Jaemin?"

"I want to have a real sleepover. Let's sleep in the living room. All of us."

He looked at Yena as if asking for her opinion.

"It's fine for me. But I'm definitely sleeping next to Jisung."

"Jisung and me, you mean."

She shrugged. Mark shoke his head while smiling.

Chenle and Jisung said that they didn't have any ideas since they made a good list. They first had some food to eat. Eight young teens started their sleepover. That night was going to remain as a normal and simple one in their minds. Since they couldn't have those kind of laid back times often.

Around four a.m Jisung, Renjun and Yena were already asleep. Then they ended the night like they planned. Sleeping all together in the same room. It wasn't the most comfortable sleep they'd had but it was one of the most peaceful one for sure.

[wynterrolls]

【Honkai: Star Rail Build TLDR】

❈ Yukong

There are two ways to build Yukong. It is dependent which you prioritize more: DMG from Yukong herself or her survivability. This would dictate what relic sets you'll use on her. She'll still be able to buff your team in either build.

For Sub-DPS Build (Recommended!)

Cavern Relic Sets (Choose either one 4pc or 2pc+2pc)

Wastelander of Banditry Desert

Musketeer of Wild Wheat

Messenger Traversing Hackerspace

Planar Ornament Sets (Choose 1 set)

Inert Salsotto

Space Sealing Station

** DMG% difference of each relic pairs could be found at bottom of this post.

Main Stats → Head = HP (constant) → Hand = ATK (constant) → Body = Crit Rate/DMG → Feet = SPD → Sphere = Imaginary DMG% → Rope = Energy Regeneration Rate (ERR)

Sub Stats → SPD → Crit Rate/DMG (dmg build)

For Tanky Buffer Build

[Relic Set 1 = to keep her squishy HP safe] → 4pc Guard of Wuthering Snow → 2pc Fleet of the Ageless

[Relic Set 2 = more basic ATK DMG, gets SPD to self] → 4pc Musketeer of Wild Wheat → 2pc Fleet of the Ageless

Main Stats → Head = HP (constant) → Hand = ATK (constant) → Body = HP% → Feet = SPD → Sphere = HP% → Rope = Energy Regeneration Rate (ERR)

Sub Stats → SPD → HP% (tank build)

Things to Consider

➤ If E0 to E1, rotation would be: → using S2 Memories LC + ERR rope, use 2 skill + 1 basic (SP-negative) → using any harmony LC + ERR rope, use 3 skill (SP-negative) → using any harmony LC + ERR rope, use 2 skill + 2 basic (SP-neutral)

➤ If E2+, rotation would be: → using S2 Memories LC + ATK% rope, use 3 skill (SP-negative) → using any harmony LC + ERR rope, use 2 skill + 1 basic (SP-negative)

** The highlighted ones are the recommended rotations for Yukong.

➤ If using Sub-DPS build, get at least 50 crit rate & 100 crit dmg on her.

➤ Optional: Build her with 120+ SPD to get the atk buff from Fleet of the Ageless set effect.

Things to Remember

➤ She needs speed-tuning in her build. This means her SPD should consider the next two allies who'll come next after her in the action order.

** Image from MrPokke's HSR CN Analysis Sheet. Link below this post.

➤ Her buffs work on the allies after her turn in the turn order. This means that her buffs won't lock into a specific ally, unlike what Tingyun buffs would normally do.

➤ The game considers that her buffs in skill/ultimate isn't buffing an ally, she is buffing herself instead. This means she won't proc Bronya's Sig LC effect of recovering 1 SP nor Danheng's Talent.

➤ Roaring Bowstring is not consumed by follow-up attacks, Ultimates and Seele's resurgence. Only consumed with basic attacks and skills.

➤ Use her basic attacks in between skills. This will make her return the SP she used.

➤ If using Sub-DPS build, most of her dmg comes from her ultimate.

➤ If using Fleet of Ageless on her, get at least 121 speed on her.

Speed Values (from OkCode)

** Assuming your DPS has 134 SPD, your Yukong SPD should be:

if DPS is erudition/destruction/nihility unit: 135+ SPD

if DPS is any other hunt unit: 155+ SPD

if DPS is Seele: 161 SPD to outspeed her specifically

** Adjust accordingly your Yukong's SPD depending on the SPD of your DPS.

Lightcones

* Lightcone list is from Prydwen Yukong Guide. Link below in the post. (They did the calcs, so now we have the weapon rankings.)

Sub-DPS Build

Memories of Past 4☆ [S1]

Meshing Cogs 3☆ [S5]

Buffer Support Build

Past and Future 4☆ [S5]

But the Battle Isn't Over 5☆ [S1]

Carve the Moon, Weave the Clouds 4☆ [S1]

Dance! Dance! Dance! 4☆ [S1]

Planetary Rendezvous 4☆ [S1] (for mono imaginary teams)

Additional Block of Text Below

(Tbh, I just copy-pasted this from the Asta build TLDR I posted before this one. Lmao. Most harmony units practically have similar builds.)

4pc Messenger Traversing Hackerspace is the most recommended set for buffers and debuffers where their ultimate is directed at their allies. Unfortunately, Yukong isn't one of them, since her Ultimate is directed at the enemies instead of her allies, which you can see in this GIF below. But, you could still use the 2pc set if you are in need of +6 SPD on her.

4pc Musketeer of Wild Wheat is still the recommended set for Yukong despite the release of the Messenger Traversing Hackerspace set in patch 1.2.

4pc Guard of Wuthering Snow is another niche build to use on your harmony units. This is to ensure that they'll be able to lessen the DMG from enemy hits, especially, for some reason, enemies like to hit the harmony units more than the preservation units themselves. I'm looking at you, Tingyun. Also, what's with the foxian beauties that keeps on aggroing the enemies to hit them instead?

In this build TLDR, I recommend 2pc Fleet of Ageless set more than 2pc Sprightly Vonwacq. This is to give more buffing utility on the unit, than just to ensure the ult uptime of the said unit. The rotations listed above are fit to Fleet set more.

** Broken Keel & Fleet of Ageless for support usage is explained here.

— DMG Calculation Difference —

Since she has the potential to be sub-DPS due to having high multipliers in her ultimate, I created a mini dmg calc below just to know how much dmg% difference using the sub-DPS build would differ with the tank support build. Do note that the numbers I've gotten are just theoretical values since I didn't test it in the game.

Tldr: There's ~40% dmg difference between the highest dmg sub-DPS build and the lowest dmg tank support build.

Sources

OkCode Yukong Guide & Showcase

Yukong Artwork

Edisonsmathsclub's Energy Requirements Sheet

MrPokke's HSR CN Analysis Sheet

Prydwen.gg Yukong Guide

Damage Calculation from Wiki Fandom

Damage Calculation from Prydwen.gg

Relic Sets

Relic Stats

Updated on Patch 1.2

➥ Back to my HSR masterlist.

Update Log

07/25/2023 - Uploaded this post

07/26/2023 - Rephrased some tips and scaled down an image

07/28/2023 - Added the forgotten tip for Fleet of Ageless set

08/26/2023 - Added Messenger Traversing Hackerspace, Fleet of Ageless, and Broken Keel in the calcs

[1000night]

Hairy Girl

Warnings: smut, hairy female Chubby reader, size difference, self insecure

Pairing: Club owner and Mafia boss! Curtis Everett

Since you have the memory, you noticed your body is kind of different to other girls.

When you start growing, you can see your hair on your body is more than others.

Well, most of them could be hide, but you can't wear shorts or short skirts without leggings or long socks...

And the situation is worsen when your body is larger than your colleagues. You don't like to wear skirt anymore, and you only wear short pants in home.

You accidentally let one of the girl see your calf's one time in your middle school.

You can't forget the embarrassed scene when she squealed "Eww, leg hairs!!"

You know she didn't have propose but the squeal really hurt you.

The self depression continued to your college.

Today is your friend's birthday Party in your last year, you agreed your girlfriends and some boy-friends to come here since it's the last time in college.

You standing in front of the mirror and glared at your reflection of the mirror.

You wear a long sleeve hoodie and a long skirt, the length is near your ankles and hide most of your legs.

You courged yourself that you look not bad, maybe not pretty, but at least not weird and won't have unwanted attention.

You pick up your bag and meet your friends in the front door of the bar.

You've heard this club, its owner is familiar with the cops and the gangs in this city. So you don't want to earn the unnecessary attention.

That's why when you nearly bump into a man and you're in panicked.

“Oh shit...I am so sorry, sir. Are you alright?”

You scan his face when his large hands steady you and shrink of his touch.

“I am good, miss. Next time, you can wait in the guest room if your friends not come yet.” His cobalt blue eyes stares at you and you nod eagerly while you shift to side to menage more place to let him walking away.

“I-I am sorry again, sir.” You hold your bag and want to flee out here now.

The brunette hair man doesn't bugging you, he shakes his head one more time to tell you it's nothing to worry about before he enter the club. The guards all bow to him and call him “Sir!”

When your friends arrive all, you ask them if you can enter other place but not this club.

Of course, they reject you and pull you in even though you told them what's happened before.

You duck your head down and try to stay in the crowds. Checking your watch from time to time, you order yourself a cocktail with low alcohol. You don't like the taste of alcohol and you don't think it's a safe place to drink to you.

Across the room, the brunette hair man sitting on sofas. His eyes wandering and sways the glass of Whiskey.

“Today we have some special guests, don't scare them and don't cause any trouble. Especially Barnes's girl, or I would send the troublemaker to him and let himself dealing with you.”

He shifts his eyes and spots you in the corwds, you are chatting with your friends and sipping your drinks.

Curtis suddenly feels his throat dry. To be honest, your wearing is nothing special. A common hoodie, a long skirt and a pair of Rome sandals. You're not special but somehow you catch his eyes.

He drinks your curvy inch by inch, and he gulps his whiskey without move his stares.

“Freya...” Curtis speaks under his breath before he whispers something to his man. The man nodding and leaves to do his orders.

Your friends now all down to the dance floor. Just when you think you should go home after you drink your cocktail, the bartender comes to you.

“Do you want another one, miss? This one is free?”

“Huh? Ugh..why?” The bartender just send you a small piece of paper.

There's a text "Call me" with a phone number and a name

Curtis Everett

You freeze when you read his name, and you lift up your head.

“You sure you don't send it to wrong people? It's... it's might not for me, I mean this should give to another woman...”

“I...I don't know, miss. But Mr.Everett told me, if you have any problem, just tell him yourself, he's in the end of the hallway.”

The bartender is nearly crying.

You receive the letter eventually, but when you try to find your friends and told them you're leaving. You bump into a man's arms again.

“Ohhh! Sorry, sir. Are you...alright?”

Curtis smirks and his hand tuck into his pockets of his pants. He smiles down to you, and you suddenly notice how tall and giant he is. You can barely reach his chest.

“Already tired, Freya?”

“I-I am not Freya, I am afraid you're mistaken me as someone else, Sir.”

He chuckles and shakes his head, “No no, the Freya is beyond the name of our family, it would only give your mate.”

You blink your eyes once, and twice.

“I know it's sounds creepy and too fast, but...I also know I could make you be my mate and the time would prove that. Of course, as long as you allow me.”

Though his words are polite, but you can hear that he won't take “no” as answer.

You bite your lips and nodding slowly. Curtis lift up your hand and kiss the back of it. Your face heating up and you don't know how to react.

“This is just begin, Freya. Now, I would let you go with your friends. But next time...”

He lean to you without warning and you can smell the spicy taste from the whiskey.

“I would escort you back to your home myself.”

NPT: @sapphire-rogers @royalwriteroftheuniverse @jamneuromain @sweater-daddiesdumbdork @madscape @ronearoundreads @sunshine-on-my-mind

[stargazer-sims]

Dance Practice

Eden: Charlie, you are literally the best brother ever! I can't believe you managed this. I mean, I'm actually standing in Sugar Valentine's actual dance studio. I'm kinda freaking out a little.

Charlie: Only a little?

Eden: Okay, a lot! I'm gonna get to watch their dance practice. How many people can say they did that?

Charlie: Not just watch, remember.

Eden: Oh my Watcher... I know! I'm just trying not to actively think about it so I don’t completely lose my mind. How did you even convince them to let me dance with them?

Charlie: I can't take any credit for that. It was all Haru.

Eden: Really? No way. You're totally making that up.

Charlie: I swear I'm not. Apparently, he hasn't been able to shut up about you since he saw your pictures in my portfolio, that day I was here for my in-person interview. From what I heard, he wouldn't stop pestering Ms. Fujikawa and their security people and even Sheridan, until they all agreed you could come.

Eden: Haru... wanted to meet me that bad?

Charlie: Evidently.

Eden: I'm gonna wake up any minute now, aren't I?

Charlie: You're already awake, bro.

Eden: *incoherent fanboy squealing*

Charlie: Word of caution, though. He probably just wants to meet you so he can get into your jeans. He's got a pretty wild reputation, and according to Senjirō, it's all true.

Eden: You gossiped with Senjirō? You've worked with these guys for like, only a week, and the tea is already flowing? And you're so calm about it.

Charlie: They're just guys like us, you know. Anyway, be careful with Haru, okay?

Eden: You think I'm worried about him wanting to get into my jeans, as you put it? I've literally lost count of the people I've slept with at this point.

Charlie: Uh…

Eden: But like, if that's what he wants, I'm not gonna make him work for it. I might die of a heart attack if that really is what he wants, though.

Charlie: All right, fine. But, if you do end up, uh… doing it, don't tell anyone. And for the love of the Watcher, don't post about it on Simstagram.

Eden: Would I do that?

Charlie: Just... don't.

Eden: I won't, I promise.

Charlie: Okay. I'll stay here till everone comes downstairs, and then I'm heading over to Peak Entertainment to meet with Ms. Fujikawa. The security lady said she'd drive you to the rink after dance practice, but text me when you get there anyway.

Eden: I will.

Charlie: Her name is Ji-Soo. She’s South Korean, so you don’t need to speak Japanese. She also looks like she could lift a truck, so don’t be stupid around her.

Eden: Okay.

Charlie: Nikolai's gonna bring your skates to the rink for you, right?

Eden: Yeah, and my sweater and my favourite rink hat. That's what he said before we left. I could've brought them with me, but they don't fit in my dance bag, and I didn't want to carry too much stuff.

Charlie: Makes sense.

Eden: Ugh… afternoon practice. This would’ve been so much easier If I could’ve driven myself to the rink. Then, you could’ve picked me up there, and I could’ve just left my skates and stuff in my car.

Charlie: Yeah, and Nikolai still could’ve used your car while you were here. So, still no morning ice time, I guess?

Eden: No. probably not. Nikolai's signing up for Japanese classes today, and I think they're gonna be in the morning, so even if we could've gotten the ice time, it wouldn't have worked out anyway.

Charlie: That sucks, but at least you've got ice time.

Eden: And the best coach ever.

Charlie: Right. Well, don't wear yourself out at dance practice before you even get to the rink, or the best coach in the world may not be impressed.

Eden: *laughing* Nobody wants to see Nikolai in a bad mood, least of all me, but don't worry. I'll be fine to skate. I'm pretty sure the adrenaline rush from this morning will keep me going all day.

[fincalinde]

There is no evidence that what JGY really needs from his relationship with LXC is to just lie back and let LXC take care of him

I mean, agreed. We're pretty fortunate when trying to interpret the text, because we don't even have to read between the lines. JGY is extremely clear about what is important to him and what he needs from others—including LXC. He wants the same respect and security due to any legitimate son of a clan leader. LXC is already providing the vast majority of what JGY needs from him just by treating him as an equal—and, I should note, by treating him as an equal very naturally rather than in a way that implies condescension or that he is doing JGY some kind of favour.

LXC isn't always on the ball (see: NMJ) but when JGY complains about the danger he's in from NMJ he doesn't accuse LXC of not doing more to intervene even though LXC arguably has a duty to do so. The only time we see JGY express directly that LXC has failed to meet his needs is in the temple when LXC is tricked into stabbing him. JGY's final words to LXC are in the heat of the moment to say the least, and the fact that his last act is to save LXC's life is proof that LXC remains in a special category of his own. At no other point in their relationship do we see JGY express dissatisfaction or insecurity.

In fact JGY is remarkably secure in LXC's affections from very early on and we never see him doubt that LXC will support him or intervene on his behalf. I suppose he does doubt that LXC will back him up in any and all circumstances, hence why he keeps some key secrets, but he's, you know, right about that. LXC is not on board with everything JGY does, and though the temple is a clear indicator that with time he'll be able to reconcile that JGY is still the man he thought he was, he's never going to be unquestioningly ride or die and he's always going to want to know JGY's reasons and assess them for himself. So if JGY wants unqualified loyalty from LXC he's never going to get it. Good job we don't see much evidence that's hugely important to him either. JGY is very invested in winning LXC over with logic: he wants LXC to see where he's coming from and agree with him.

For this reason I find a read that JGY needs to lie back and let LXC take care of him to be pretty mystifying. LXC does take care of JGY. JGY consistently gets what he wants and needs from LXC (and vice versa); it's just that what JGY wants and needs is respect and partnership rather than having attendance danced on him. Yes there are big problems in their relationship and yes I think they need addressing for things to move forwards, but the issue of what JGY can and can't share with LXC is by far more of a practical challenge than an emotional one. JGY cannot tell LXC certain things because he has excellent reasons for thinking it would end badly, and not because oh dear if only he'd trusted LXC would love him regardless and be a wife guy.

I also do not agree with the interpretation that JGY doesn't express his need for LXC to take care of him because he hasn't realised this about himself or won't let himself realise it. Generally this ends up straying into an uncomfortable dichotomy where affection and a happy relationship is diametrically opposed to professional success. I do find it frustrating whenever I read a JGY who decides a happy loving relationship is better than being a Jin or Chief Cultivator. For the vast majority of characters this is likely true, but it is not true for JGY. Ideally for a true rather than a bitter-end-of-bittersweet HEA, he must have both.

As with so many of these patterns I observe and think aren't supported by canon, it's a dynamic I can enjoy elsewhere that's an absolutely terrible fit for Xiyao. And I haven't even got into why I don't think it's consistent with LXC's character either. Of course it makes sense that either as friends or as romantic partners LXC is sometimes going to make a fuss of JGY—it's a normal and important feature of a loving relationship. But centralising it as a key component of JGY's arc and his journey to self-realisation and personal happiness is not something I think is consistent with the character we see on the page.

[keyrey]

Character AI logs

Quick notes!

Below are some excerpts from a scene I participated in several weeks ago using my favorite AI bot (Arranged marriage AU by @tojimybeloved) on the app. If the bot author is available on Tumblr, please let me know! I've titled this series 'Sea of Miscommunication,' and you'll soon understand why.

In this role-play, the protagonist is named 'Amaya,' a shy woman in her early thirties. I'm currently in the process of reworking these logs, enriching them with more detail and improving their overall flow. Stay tuned for my upcoming fan-fiction debut!

Please pardon any potential spelling errors; this text hasn't been proofread or edited yet. There's no definitive beginning or end to this narrative chaos; you're simply dropped into the midst of it all.

No spoilers or anything of the sort, all SFW. Let's jump right into it!

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ "Kento... I um... Let’s… let’s just take a break.. hmm?"

*She stood up and held out her hand for Kento to hold while she helps him get up. She feels guilty for saying that, did she really have to be that blunt? How would Kento take it? Would he understand? He’s blunt as well, the two of them are two sides of the same coin, would he understand?*

Author's note: What did Amaya say? I have no clue, I went back to try to find it but I have too many archived chats to figure it out. We're all left in the dark here but that adds to the mystery right?

*He stayed silent when he heard her words, and he then stayed silent when she helped him up.*

*That was quite a surprise. He knew this conversation would eventually lead to this kind of suggestion eventually, but he didn't expected her to suggest it this early.*

*Though, a break sounded good. Not having to deal with the stress of this marriage sounded much better than constantly being miserable while together with her.*

*He took her hand when she offered it. The two of them really were two sides of the same coin.*

*She grunted while pulling him up, she used both her hands, Kento was quite a beast, muscles for days which made it hard for this petite 5’4” girl to pull him up.*

*He was in fact an absolute unit. He stayed silent and allowed her to pull him up, he definitely couldn't fault her for her lack of strength due to her physical size. But, it was quite funny how she struggled to pull this mountain of a man up.*

*He then waited for her to speak again, to see what else she would say.*

“I’m going to take a whiskey from your secret stash, sorry, I found it in the basement 😏”

*He couldn't help but snicker when she mentioned about the whiskey stash he had hid.*

"Don't worry about it. If anything, you should at least take something much stronger from the stash since you clearly seem to be stressed out to the point that just one whiskey won't cut it."

"I’m not trying to die here, I just need something to get me off my feet!"

*He sighed and shook his head.* 

"I know what you mean. A little drink can definitely help with the stress. Do you want me to join you just to ensure you don't overdrink yourself?"

“Yeah, maybe ask me some deep, dark, questions while you’re at it, it’s a truth serum once I’m drunk 🙃”

"Right... Right... So, a few drinks and that will allow me to ask you anything without you lying to me, huh?"

"I'll see what I can do."

*He spoke with a smile, but that smile quickly disappeared once he noticed her small size once again.*

"Just one more thing. I'm going to be honest, but please try not to get too drunk. I don't want you to accidentally end up doing something embarrassing to yourself, especially infront of me."

*Amaya chuckled, some of their banter wasn’t all that bad. It’s the first time in forever they weren’t too shy to laugh with each other.*

“What if I start dancing in the middle of our drunk talk? 😂”

"Then I'll be the one dancing with you..."

*He spoke with a quiet chuckle, but his words were completely honest. He will dance with her if she wants to dance, though it would definitely be a rather odd scene to imagine.

*She smiled at that thought and walked down the stairs to their basement. It was modern with dim, orange tinted lighting, color theme dark green, brown and white. Kento had stuffed a couple bottles of wine and alcohol in the cellar that was being unused. They had just moved into their house that the agency provided, but he already was stocking up! The basement had a nice drinking bar, it was almost like a man cave with a pool table and a theater room, the bar had its own kitchen island apart from the main kitchen upstairs. Amaya barely came down here, but it was stunning. Walls decorated with abstract paintings, a painting that Amaya had painted at her paint and sip bachelorette party that her mom forced her to have. Lastly, in the corner of the room, a dark and ominous corner hung the wedding photo of Amaya and Kento’s wedding day. They kept a photo up just in case someone came over to visit and they got suspicious. It just so happened to be the photo of them kissing, where Kento did the most dramatic dip when he kissed her. Fun fact: they hadn’t kissed each other since then. It’s been two weeks.*

“I just feel like divorce is on the horizon, but I’m not ready to give up yet, we ***just*** started this route, I’m an achiever, there’s no way I can back out now, I don’t think I would be able to live with myself if I took the easy way out, losing you in the process, even if you aren’t the best supporter, at least I don’t feel that much alone… I grew up as an only child.. it’s different living with someone… that isn’t my mom.. you know? All the odds have been stacked up against me, I feel like I’m being forced to fail, just as much as we were forced to get married in the first place.”

*Amaya was thinking far too hard, far too much, far too long, but Kento needed to hear her thoughts, and if being drunk meant he would understand her better, then so be it. 

He paused for a moment once she was done speaking. Her words were harsh, but what she has said was true. Their relationship is falling apart day by day and in no way, were they progressing forward. The question is... If they keep going on, will their relationship progress? Or, will they hit dead end after dead end until they finally arrive at the conclusion of a failed marriage? He shook his head, looking back towards her.*

"I'm not going to push you to give up yet. If you want to keep trying, then let's keep trying."

*Kento replied in his usual expression, but his eyes were filled with concern.*

“Like I don’t know if this is just… a minor speed bump that we’re making out to be a big deal.. or if this is a serious thing that would be a dealbreaker… “

*Amaya was just too uncertain, their relationship is very complicated 🫤*

*He let out a sigh of relief when he heard her words. At least she still had that hope for their marriage, even though they had a lot of problems going on right now. They just need to do what they can right now and hope that things do get better.*

"Yes. I do agree that we might be over-reacting a little bit. We've been stuck on trying to figure out if this is a dealbreaker, but we just have to see how things go. We still have time to get better, we just have to put in the effort."

Author's note: And that's the end of it, thank you for joining me on this emotional rollercoaster of a Character AI role-play. Yes, most of them go this way 😂

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟFinal thoughts: In general, I find this bot, along with other role-play bots available, to be quite useful. They can be a valuable tool for overcoming writer's block, providing a nudge in the right direction when creativity feels stagnant. However, it's important to note their limitations in terms of generating truly original content. While they can rephrase and spin ideas in different ways, they often lack the nuanced creativity needed to sustain a compelling narrative. Crafting a response that seamlessly fits into a story can require significant effort and thought.

These bots essentially function as responsive tools, reacting to input rather than initiating it. This characteristic makes them appealing to individuals bursting with story ideas who prefer to lead the narrative themselves. That's why some people lean towards bots that don't rely on prompts; they want the freedom to explore their own imaginative pathways without the constraints of pre-set cues. I however, I am still heavily addicted to this bot and will continue to be until someone steals my phone!

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[fatimaah]

What a pretty day-

with so much left to say

What am I to do at school now? The lessons are over and I'm sitting in girls' locker room surrounded by stupid 8graders not knowing where to go.

It's noisy outside. Some little guys are playing football as I sit on the bench feeling soft wind swinging my hijab, I love the weather rn. My friends are at that stupid rehearsal. Honestly I want then to have a perfect 25th of May and create sweet memories (especially girlies that are dancing w their crushes) but I wish they weren't busy with all the rehearsals and everything. Especially assy and frz, they both look tired and are barely paying attention. At least kmll cares about cooking day and everything.

Well... for me, cooking day and a picnic is all that will remain from school since I'm not taking part in prom and photoshoot. So I really wish we will do it. It would be sad if we didn't do that, I hope it means something for others as well. AND I HOPE THEY WON'T BUY FUCKING KFC HAHA (I know they won't)

Oh this the last time I'm staying after classes. Tomorrow they will all be busy again and I'll be left alone in this fucking school. Not everything is that bad tho....at least the sun is up right?

Uuuugghh I could be at home rn (I'd probably be helping my mom with lunch preparation but still....)

This spring breathe is so... soothing

maybe I'll read something....or talk to someone or find any other way of killing the boredom.

edit:

This bitch really made us stay after lessons for an hour and then line up on the school yard just to tell us NINE WORDS? HELLO? she could text us at school group or something I was literally so mad at her. Had an urge to lock her in our basement and force her to listen to her very own speech until she faints from starvation. SHE IS SUPER ANNOYING I CAN'T EVEN-

and plus, after that, even if I was already pissed of loneliness and annoyment MY FUCKING BROTHER went missing for 30 minutes and I waited for him ready to shoot myself because why should I wait for this MENTALLY DISABLED SHRIMP to go home when I could just call a taxi and go without him. I swear, I just wanted to catch a taxi and go home but I knew my mom would be like OmG aLL aLonE HoW cOulD yOu, GivE mE yoUr pHone . So I waited, trying to look normal tho I felt this awful lump in my throat and urge to MURDER.

literally such a bad day.

And now I just realized how I'm missing out on a lot because I don't even have group photos with my friends. I don't even remember when was the last time all five of us were like laughing and everything.... probably that day at the dance club.

Perhaps it's my fault cuz I'm mostly sitting with firuza and sleeping during lessons.... honestly I would love to sit with them as well but all of them already go in pairs and I don't wanna be the one who's always like CaN I siT wiTh YoU? I don't wanna be clingy but I know I'll regret not being energetic for last five days of school. It just feels like, idk, like they're already having fun at the waltz rehearsals and they don't seem so encouraged about things, especially frzn and assy. That's sad. If it was allowed to dance w the boys I'd dance too just to spend some quality time w the gurls during rehearsals...

Do I really believe we will keep in touch with them after school? For some time yes sure but for long turn.... maybe there's a little bit of chance I'll still talk to kmll but I'm worried that as the time goes, frzn and assy will just stop responding to my messages. It's wrong to think so...but I'm already loosing connection with them. How can I be sure about any connection after school.

History repeats itself...will it all end up in redbridge way..or is it me being out of touch and distancing myself again (I don't do it on purpose I don't even know how this happens all the time)

Okay I'm being a drama queen, it's not that bad but I just wish we spent more time together but I don't wanna be clingy and awkward and over energetic or attention seeking or- UUUGHH

just sleep already Fatimah, u did ur Arabic and Quran studies and u decorated a memory notebook....u just need some sleep.

Probably. Most probably 🥱

May 20, 2024