#betrail

[skunkox]

Pssst.

Milo simps.

Darlin' lovers.

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE SEND ME LINKS TO MILO X DARLIN FICS????? IVE ONLY FOUND 2 THATS JUST THEM AND ITS BREAKING MY HEART. I LOVE SAM BUT I NEED THIS.

[realspacejunk]

Across the sprawling tapestry of our world, amidst the flat lands and forests, the mountains' solemn peaks, the rugged coasts, sprawling dunes and the silent depths of cavernous earth, there stand monuments of enigmatic grandeur. Reminders of a time forgotten, there lie scattered remnants of the bygone Age of Wonders, veiled in mystery and cloaked in the hushed secrets of heresy. These ruins, wrought of ethereal white stone intertwined with veins of golden and silver, stand as solemn sentinels to an era lost. Their works speak of skill and power beyond our reckoning, a testament to the ingenuity of minds now forever stilled. Tales among the learned speak of a people long vanished, a race of ancients known as the Nairim. Once, they walked beneath the god's golden light, their footsteps echoing through the halls of time, the wonders of their creation inspiring fairy tales of fools. Yet, lust for grandeur and folly marked their days, and they dared to defy the gods themselves, their ambition a flame that consumed them til their race was destroyed and their last bones became dust. They stand as a warning, a cautionary tale of betrail enshrined in words and tongue. To admire the ruins of the Nairim is to court the ire of powers long dormant, to stir the embers of forgotten evil. Thus the voices of the wise counsel against delving too deeply, against unravelling the threads of a past best left undisturbed and buried. Let the ruins of the Nairim, these Humans, stand as silent witnesses to the folly of their hubris, as testament to the fragility of mortal pride. Let them stand, and let us heed the lessons they impart, lest we too be consumed by the flames of our own hubris and the thoughts of heretical darkness.

Thalas the historian, History of the White Towers - Introduction to the Old Cultures of the Continent of Sands Fourth Age

[sbocconichilista]

"I am a warrior, but maybe this is not my fight."

[WWDITS S6EP5 SPOILERS!!!]

Just finished episode 5, and you can bet your ass I have some shit to say. As it is something I've already discussed and like analyzing, I'll go on about the Nandermo situation for now, but I'd like to talk about other topics too, maybe in another post.

This episode was a rollercoaster, and I think all my worries are now at peace (at least the one regarding Nandor's growth). I imagined that Nandor was just about to throw another ginormous tantrum about the stupidest of the things, but I was positively surprised when I saw his attitude towards the situation: he honestly had valid reasons to be angry, reasons I didn't even think about at first, but they came to me as a slap in the face as Nandor spoke, as I can imagine they did to Guillermo. Obviously, the solution wasn't war, but I can see why he would react like this. He was a warrior, after all.

"You live a thousand years, and you think you know what betrail is, what horror is, but then, in a single instant, you find out you haven't the slightest idea of what men is truly capable of."

This is what he says. And although it seems so extravagant and exaggerated, his pain is real. He was so sure about Guillermo's loyalty, not because he expected it as a Master, but as a friend, as a companion, given that he has always been loyal to him: "I may have done a lot of things, Guillermo, but I never got rid of you". He's right when he says so, and honestly I, as probably Guillermo, never really realized how much has probably costed Nandor to protect Guillermo from the vampire world, how much he risked to keep him safe. He really has done a lot for him, and he also finally addresses his mistakes.

Nandor felt betrayed and this time I can do nothing but agree with him. Guillermo tries to justify it all saying that it's the "human world way", but Nandor was human too, and the type of loyalty he shared with his comrades he expected from Guillermo: this makes me understand how he really perceives him in his life. He feels bonded to him, and reserved fidelity to him; not always respect or recognition, but fidelity yes.

Still, I agree with Guillermo about some points. At first he sees the whole thing as another big absurdity came out from Nandor's neediness and I can't blame him for having been prejudiced (i was myself), but then he understands how hurt Nandor felt.

Although, as he said in the previous episode, maybe this thing between the two of them isn't meant to be: he now has a new purpose, and he invites Nandor to start healing and find a new one too.

"I am a warrior, but maybe this is not my fight" it's with this statement that Nandor finally aknowledges that he needs to let it go too. The relationship between them started with all the worst moves, and it can't go any further without continuing to inflict wounds to both of them.

When Nandor tells Guillermo to go away using Alexa, these lyrics are used: "get out, right now, it's the end of you and me", and I'm starting to think it could really be like it says. Maybe Nandermo will never happen, and maybe it's for the best. Still I keep my hope close, and I wish that all of this was just a big demolition to build a new foundation for a stronger and healthier relationship, but I won't bet too much on it.

This episode was a huge statement fr. I feel like I've left out so many details, but I guess if something comes up to my mind, I'll just post about it later. Also, I wrote all of this as fast as I could, so please forgive me if you've encountered some errors.

"When one is burned, one feels most at home among the ashes" said Nandor, and I think I'll do the same and go cry about this while re-watching the whole series 😔.

[majorproblems77]

dear god the fight is so hard, trying to juggle the two bosses while trying to get hits on them was an adventure and dont get me started on the absolute betrail of one Dionysis when the guy invoked his power and started attacking me I like the audacity how could you, i thought me and the wine gd were buddies but apparently not

hades update

Made it to the boss area of Elysium and got one of the two bossed down, got killed with what I believe would have been 5 hits or so left on the other boss's health bar but I had an almost perfect run before that.

The bow may be my fave weapon to use but dear god the shield is just so damn good I think I'm gonna get my first completed run with the shield. It has always been the one where I make the most progress with

OOOO FIRST, LOVE THAT FOR YOU!!! You’re doing so well major!!! Sosososo proud, and honestly that boss fight is known to ve kinda hard so im glad to hear that you’re getting through it!!!

[sheeple]

Miracles don't exist | 17: Exploding hippogriffs

Genre(s): Riddle!reader / Slytherin!reader / kinda slowburn / little happy moments Fandom(s): Harry Potter Pairing(s): Theodore Nott x Reader / Harry Potter x Riddle!reader Summary: Being the Dark Lord's daughter and raised under the strict supervision of the Malfoy's is no easy life. Especially if you start crushing on your father's arch-nemesis, Harry Potter. And that while being engaged to one of his follower’s sons. Warning(s): Non-con kissing? / angry Harry A/n: I know Death Eaters can't cast a patronus, but I don't care. [Masterlist] [Mini masterlist] [Playlist]

Meet me in the Viaduct courtyard. — Harry

You look up from the letter and meet the boy’s eyes from across the Great Hall. Did he seriously owl you to talk to you? That’s bold. You nod and stand up from your seat at the table. “I’m going for a walk. The pudding isn’t sitting right with me.”

“Do you want me to join you?” Theodore is already halfway standing, but you lay a hand on his shoulder and push him down.

“I’m fine, I just need some air.”

You give Harry one last glance before walking as casually as possible out of the Great Hall as possible. Making your way to one of the secluded areas of the courtyard, you wait for Harry to show up.

And once he does, he immediately rushes towards you. A bold smile grows on his face before he kisses you. It’s not a peck or on the cheek. No. It’s a full-blown kiss.

Surprised, your hands are suspended in the air and eyes blown wide. Finally breaking from your shock, you push Harry away. Before he can question your action, you blurt out the truth. “I’m engaged!”

His shoulder sag and you feel guilty. You clutch a hand in over your mouth. “I-I’m sorry, Harry. I shouldn’t have said it like—”

“To who?”

You flinch at his harsh tone. “Theodore Nott”, you say in a small voice, almost a whisper. You take a cautious step back as the anger rolls off Harry in waves.

Harry’s face hardens. “The git ignored you all last term and suddenly you’re engaged to him? You’re unbelievable, Black.”

“I-I can’t… It was not my decision. If I had the choice to get out of the stupid tradition, I would! Besides, you knew! I told you!”

Shaking his head, Harry turns around. His fists are balled and his nostrils flared. “It’s always you lot that blames your own wrongdoings on ‘traditions’.”

“My lot? Who, Harry? Slytherins? Purebloods?” You cock your head to the side, getting pissed off. You’re seriously taken aback by his sudden demeanour.

“Death Eaters!”

You can feel something snap between the both of you. Both your eyes are wide. You’re shocked. Baffled by what he just said. And Harry’s are wide with shame.

“So that’s how you think about me.” You take a step away from The Boy Who Lived, betrail tasting sour on your tongue. “Guess Weasely was right. There are no nice Slytherins.”

Shaking wildly his head, Harry tries to grab your hand, but you’re quick to snatch it away from his touch like he burns you. “N-no! You’re not one of them! You’re good! I don’t… I don’t know why I said that.”

“You wouldn’t say it if you didn’t mean it. I know who my family is, and what they have done. Not everybody is like their family. Not everybody is amazing Harry Potter, whose parents are considered heroes.”

You raise your head high and turn to walk away. Yes, you have so much more to say to him, but that would only lead to pain and heartbreak. And you do not have the energy to do that right now.

Even later that day, when you're laying like a sea star on your bed. Theodore's sitting at the foot, actually studying for once. You're still hurt by Harry's words. You should have said those words to hurt Harry just as much as he has you.

But you want to be better. You don't want to be the person they expect you to be.

"Theo", you say suddenly, wanting to talk about anything else. The dark-haired boy hums as a sign that he is listening. "Why did you join the Inquisitorial Squad?"

Theo's quill hovers a couple of inches above the parchment as his neck turns a blotchy red. "Do you promise to not laugh?"

That pulls your attention and you flip onto your belly, you head next to Theo's. You nod and keep your face as neutral as possible.

"I knew you joined that illegal DADA study group of Potter's, and I want to... I don't know. I was so irritated with that. And once Malfoy and the others spoke about joining Umbridge's squad to catch Potter, I joined too."

A smile grows on your face as you lean up on your elbows. "Theodore Nott, were you so jealous that you joined Umbridge's ass-kissing force?"

A vibrant blush colours Theo's cheeks and he turns his face away embarrassed. You roar with laughter, rolling onto your back. Theo jumps up from his position on the ground and jumps on top of you.

His hands find your sides and he starts to tickle you. Uncontrollable laughter rings loudly through the dorm room. You trash wildly, trying to take hold of Theo's hands to stop his assault.

Finally, when Theo stops, he's hovering over you. One hand next to your face and the other resting on your side. He has a look in his eyes, one you recognise from Harry. A pit forms in your stomach and your smile drops, turning your head to the side.

A concerned frown grows on Theo’s face. He softly and slowly lays a hand on your cheek, making you face him again. “I won’t force you. No matter how much I am dying to kiss you, I will never do it if you’re not one hundred per cent okay with it.”

You gaze into his eyes, seeing nothing but sincerity in the dark-haired boy. A shy smile grows on your face and you reach up, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. "Thank you", you whisper, grabbing his elbow and squeezing it.

Harry won't look at you. And to be fair, you're relieved. Ron also seems to give you dirty glances and you figured that he told his best friend. Of course, you would do the same. If you had one. On the other hand, Hermione looks at you in pity. If Ron knows, so does Hermione. You haven't had the chance to speak to her, as the next DA meeting is in fifteen minutes.

You're moving as swiftly as you're possible through the hallways, all to avoid Filch and the Inquisitorial Squad. You hear footsteps getting near so you move to the furthermost corner of the hallway. Hidden in the darkness you spot Goyle, some guy from the Slytherin quidditch team, and Theo pass by you.

Whsipering his name, you make Theo stop in his tracks. His eyes search around until he spots you. You sign for him to keep silent as the two dum heads keep on walking.

"What are you doing here?", he whispers harshly as he grasps both your arms. He looks over his shoulders, seeing the two boys disappearing behind a corner. "Listen, I don't know how or why but Umbridge is planning something for Potter's study group. You should not go tonight."

Frowning, you lay a hand on top of his. "I have to go. He's teaching the Patronus charm tonight. It's important..."

Theodore sighs but relaxes his hold on you. "Fine— just stay safe okay? I'll try to hold them off as long as possible but I can't promise anything."

With a nod and a smile, you press a featherlight kiss on his cheek before hurrying down the corridor and to the suddenly-appearing door.

You try to get Harry's attention, try to speak to him about Umbridge's plan, but the Griffydor boy is dead set to dodge you. After half an hour you give up and focus on the lesson at hand.

"Make a powerful memory, the happiest you can remember." Harry walks across the room, helping people raise their wands. 

You sigh, knowing this will be a difficult task. Hermione, next to you, looks at you and gives you a sympathetic glance. "You have one in mind?"

"One... maybe two could work", you shrug, "you?"

"Let's try!"

"A full-bodied Patronus is the most difficult to produce but shield forms can also be equally useful against a variety of opponents. Just remember, your patronus can only stay as long as you are focused."

Okay. Focus. You've got this. Happy memory. Happy memory... ah! You start to envision the Yule ball. Dancing with Theodore and Gjol. Weak white whisps come out of the tip of your wand. No, not good enough.

You look at Hermione and see that she has conjured up a full-bodied Patronus. An otter.

Determined to do better, you search for a happier memory. Theodore... the muggle film theatre... popcorn... kissing Theo on the cheek... Something powerful travels through you and out comes a- a hippogriff?

The majestic beast struts through the chamber, spreading its wings and knocking two people off their feet. Everybody stops to stare at you and your hippogriff.

Just as you want to reach out and touch your Patronus, the room starts to shake. Like it's an earthquake. But the trembles are too rhythmic. Too controlled. The lights flicker and you all slowly walk towards where the booming comes from- the entrance.

The mirrors crack and fall, revealing a small hole in the wall. And just Harry goes to look through it, you all head, "bombarda maxima", and Harry can jump out of the way just in time before the wall explodes.

Through the gaping hole in the wall stands Umbridge with her squad and Cho Chang looking like she wants to cry being held by Draco. At the far back, you see Theo and you make eye contact. He gives you a look that says he's sorry. And you nod. You understand. It's not his fault. And it's not yours, for wanting to do the right thing for once.

Taglist (bold means I couldn’t tag you): @the0doreslover @lqndkxlmqma @st4rrry  @choppedpartymuffinwinner @ledtassoo @literallyobsessed @lestat-whore​ @vanishingcherry @harrysnovia @pietrobae @ireallywannasleep127 @yeolsbubbles @fruityfrog505 @fluffybunnyz @theroyalmanatee @shinrjj @hegdus @kermits-bitch @m1kasawps @noah-uhhh-what @mypolicemanharryyy @fals3-g0d @decapitated-coffee

[glitch--mouse]

Something that I find interesting is that Megatron did not only ally himself whit the autobots, he swore an oath of fealty to Optimus Prime.

Is that why they all hate him??? It seems that in Earthspark based on the dialog between Megatron and Shockwave that they started as a rebelion, perhaps from the prevous Prime, and here Megatron swears before another Prime. That would really feel like a betrail and why no other Decepticon that we know of followed him.

[princess-of-the-corner]

New world for Chloe to get hucked into! Chloe gets dropped into Arcane.

The real question is WHEN does she land? Pre-Zaun’s attempt at independence and the betrail of Vander&Silco? When Vi’s crew brake into Jayce’s apartment? Post timeskip when Caitlyn and Jayce are tracking Silco/enacting orders from the council.?

If she drops pre-timeskip can she unlock the good timeline without Vi having to be martyred? Does Chloe know about Arcane/League of Legends lore? Is she flying blind and acting on her own feelings?

I haven't watched Arcane yet so I have no idea lmao but I feel like putting her and Jinx in the same room is both a fantastic idea and and awful idea.

[2much4me-4ever]

I can't get over how (intentionally) brilliant the lines from God Games are.

Apollo [I]

Athena apeals both to his reason ("they tried to do him worse") and his personal priorities ("the'yll thread with caution first", "sing another verse") as the god of arts, giving him both a solid argument and a scapegoat so he doesn't seem to shallow

Hephaistos [II]

Hephaistos is bothered by Odysseus betrail, and one of the most popular story's he is involved in is the betrail through Aphrodite's infidelity (she's his wife, in some versions), and being thrown from the Olymp becourse he was too 'ugly', only regaining respect for his craftsmanship.

Plus the wordgames!! ('trust is forged' and 'build a future')

(((Also, his voicing(?) just perfect. He seems to heave, and the voice sound a little mechanic? which could be playing into the disabillity he is sometimes portrayed to have)))

Aphrodite [III]

She hold a grudge against Odysseus for breaking his mothers heart, showing both her petty side and portraying her as a godess of all love. Additionally, we can't forget that this was shortly after the Trojan war, which she technically started by winnig a competition against Athena and Hera, so there is definitly bad blood between the two. (Still, a little dissapointing)

Ares [IV]

Brilliant! Part!

Ares and Athena are both rivals as the god of war and the godess of (battle) strategie, and their connection is portrayed perfectly by her challenging chant of his name at the beginning of his part!

He also doesn't really cares a lot more about the 'cowordly' tactics of Odysseus (Athena), which lessen the brutality and bloodshed of war. The vocalisation of ["didn't even TRY TO KILL SKYLLA"] is just *chefs kiss* (Still, he is a god of the people, and of armies and rebellion as a whole, so it makes sense for him to rafe at Odysseus betrail rather than the groups.

[Hera] V

Hera just Rocked

The motherly vibes, the royal tone. (One person on Tumblr said Athena listed traits of Zeus ["He's kind of funny","Eh"] to make Hera think of him before delivering the last (and first) blow, which sound plausible, but idk) There is not much to say, so straight toooo

Zeus [+I]

I think it's safe to say Athena knew (or at least guessed) her father woudn't be satisfied if he won. Zeus is made to portray a King, and those are predictable and prideful. She must have known beforehand he would let her 'play a game' or challenge something of her, and that he would be able to take that hit to his pride.

I think she gambeled that, while he coudn't just balantly favour her, or let her hurt his pride, a begging, (maybe half dead) daughter would be enough for his role to allow him to take mercy on her.

(Especally when all the other important gods are present)

(Not saying that he knew what she was up to, that guy definitly shat on her when he fired that lightning.)

[lightfin]

Ok so befor I start going on hear, I’m sorry, I’m just sorry that I even thought of this but the dynamic would be realy interesting.

SO! What if, in Wizards, where the gang (Douxie, Claire, Steve, Jim) return to the present, Jim gets corrupted, the team have to flee and Douxie comes up with his plan to save everyone, it backfires and everyone gets captured.

What if, instead of Author Killing merlin, it was Jim!

Arthur using Merlin’s champion as a show of betrail, that even Merlin’s greatest strength, his creations, can be the very thing that would cause his down fall, and his inevitable end at the hands of the hunter he neglected, one of the reason They corrupted Jim, or as they only saw, the Troll hunter.

Douxies and Jim’s relationship after, Jim Human or half troll you decide, would end up being a mixture of anger and distrust, but enviably overcoming it, both discovering who each other realy are, and opening up to the ordeal, becoming stronger allies, and friends.

Insert epic King and wiszard team up fight against the Order.

_

Also the emotions, the character development of the twos relationship, ( which honestly wasn’t much in cannon, missed opportunity, but that’s just my opinion.)

Douxie having to tangle with sides, one. Blaming Jim for the loss of his father figure and mentor, but the other trying to remind him it was just the corruption, making Douxie make the tough desition to live with his emotions to rise up as a leader in order to save the ones he still has( Archie and Charlie playing a big roll in that part). Finally confronting Jim in Rise of the Titans, with either a firm hand shake like they did before returning to the present, or even a hug, apologising that he had to endure the challenges of merlins visions, and not get to see the side not filled with pride. Fighting along side there new King not built from the wrath of the past, but the hope in the future.

Jim on the other side of this story, goes like this.

Jim freed from enemy control, pretends for his friends everything is fine, the truth is anything but that.

Traumatised and more afraid then ever, When Douxie suggests someone flame exgalaber, everyone agreeing it should be the trollhunter. Jim reluctant to pick up the blade, tries for his friends, but fails. Not because he can’t, but because he doesn’t believe it should be him.

He never tells anyone but he remembers everything he did as the beast, but more importantly how it felt. He would fear himself more then ever now because of how much a part of him enjoyed the Kill, and how it felt freeing, even though it was wrong. I feel there would have been a real distancing scenario hear, until someone, I vote Toby, snaps him out of it.

And at some point in the climax of the film, Jim decides to accept his fears, and embrace all that he is, beast and all, showing the enemy that saw him as nothing more then Merlin’s pawn, that he is more then what Merlin made him, his divisions his own, his heart his own, and that he was hero for any of it. He also admits to his fears to Douxie, and the two become friends, and then the epic show down happens.

Anyways that is basically a little AU idea I came up with, tell me your thoughts, and whether you would be interning seeing this as a fanfic.

[elevant39]

Narrative in ACZ

So this time I want to talk about the narrative in ACZ and why I personaly love it. So what I love about ACZ (and the reason why it´s my favourite in the main line series) is how it kinda works like a legend or a fairy tale. What I mean by this is that there is not a single "correct/canon" version of the game. This is possible because the gameplay isn´t actually taking place durring Belkan war. What we are playing is what Brett Thompson´s documentary thinks happened in it. The problem is that he doesn´t really have all the details. The closes he can get to them is Pixy, since he actually knew Cipher more personally and was with him the longest time, the only other people being Eagle Eye and PJ and.... yeah... But even then it´s been 10 years so most Aces will not remember everything. All that remains it´s their emotions and memories about Cipher and the effect that he had on them by shoting them down.

Even Pixy himself isn't really that reliable (It´s funny because he is also partly a narrator of the game with Thompson). Not only did he knew Cipher only up to Stage of Apocalypse, but Cipher literally changed his life by preventing him from launching V2 (and causing all the suffering that he later witnessed on the ground Zero). Cipher in a way saved Pixy, by stoping him from something he could never come back from. So I wouldn't be surprised if Pixy´s view of Cipher probably isn't completely objective. And this ties to Cipher and the Ace system. Cipher isn´t really a character. He is a perfect vessel for player, he is like a rorschach test. He is what ever we want him to be. And this is thanks to the Ace system and how it allows the player to roleplay Cipher how ever the player wants. Do you believe Cipher was a total merc?; Do you think that the Razgriz route is the one for you?; Or do you want a mercenary that becomes a knight but after Pixy´s betrail falls back to his merc ways?; Or maybe you like a knight that becomes merc and after a lot of retrospective after Pixy´s betrayal becomes a soldier? All of these and infinite more are possible. Which is why I kinda hate when some people in the fandom insist that there must be canon route. Because having one defined route would kinda kill all of this. Sure people might still talk about them, but why waste your time on all of these non-canon routes? When merc is totally canon because of AC5? Why try to analyse your story in your own route when the only that matters is the canon one? So why I am bringing this up? Becuase this (infinite interpretation) combine with complete erasure of who or what Cipher did is what makes ACZ acts almost like a legend of fairy tale. Because the only way Cipher can live on is throw the stories of others like Pixy and other Aces. But since it´s been so long nobody will ever trully know how it all went down. Simular thigs happens with fairy tales and legends like Cinderella, there isn´t one true story. In some versions the fairy godmother doesn´t even exist and she got her dresses from hazel nuts. In others there were 3 nights with balls that Cinderella went to. Sometimes she has help from all sotrs of animals others it´s just pigeons. Sometimes her step mother locks her up, other she is given the task to separate peace from ashes perfectly. But still there are some constants, because these constancs are what make it a tale of Cinderella. And same could be said about the Belkan war. Cipher and Pixy will always win in B7R. They will liberate Directus and destroy Excalibur. Pixy will always leave for AWWNB. PJ will always buy flowers for his girlfriends. And Cipher will always fight Pixy in the end. But everything else? We simply don´t know and more importantly can´t know. And that is what is so beautiful to me. Because then the interpretetion of the story and Cipher can be anything you personally believe. And the story doesn´t force you to one interpretation of it. But it encourages you to think about the story and why your version is the one that you like specifically. So yeah this is why I love this game so much and why it´s my favourite in the series. Thanks for reading.

[el-yon]

Personal Bleach Positivity time for a good week.

So here I am, struggling with being a mentor/supervisor to late teens/early twenties while still figuring stuff for myself (not a real adult! i'm six kids in a trenchcoat!), and I am appreciating Bleach themes again -- this time, this is about mentorship.

I related so hard to the damaged Lieutenants ensemble in my school and workplace life, dealing with various awful situations, and now I find myself constantly wondering: "ok I am not an Aizen, but geez, how does one not screw this up?!". How do you build trust with someone who depends on you without overstepping? how do you know when to step in, when to step back?

And wow, I am loving Shinji and Momo more than ever

Because you know, Shinji's initial approach to Ichigo was bad - he was also hiding stuff from him, pushing for him to join them and manipulating Ichigo's doubts and struggles to get him to where Shinji (and the Vizards) wanted him to be. But that changes as he realizes Ichigo's not part of them, and Shinji's not going to make up for the damaged Captain-Lieutenant relationship with Aizen by training this new superpowerful kid.

Shinji gets a second chance with Momo and OH do they get it right! I have this feeling that were it not for Momo, Shinji might have not re-joined the Gotei, and were it not for Shinji, maybe Momo wouldn't have been able to fully get back either - Kubo did a wonderful job here. Aizen damaged Shinji, his Captain, and Momo, his Lieutenant: in a cascading and ripple effect that reached most of the Divisions, his betrail severed the very bonds that make the Gotei work, which is the emotional trust (not just hierarchy/discipline) between mentor/mentee, chief and subordinate. Aizen never let himself be mentored (by anyone, I'm assuming), and never mentored. Shinji meets Momo in the worst of the circunstances and he sees the damage in her that mirrors his own, and he chooses to re-builds that bond that has been severed.

We don't know how long it took, but Shinji read Momo, her hardworking self, her talent, her kind and helpful nature, and figured out how to bring the best in her - he was finally mentoring someone. On the other side there is Momo, displaying one of the most phenomenal example of strenght of heart in all worlds, who found it in herself the will to get back on her feet, back to work, and most of all, to trust again, let herself be mentored, and would you look at how amazing it is when it is done right.

Same goes for the healing and rebuilding processes of Rose and Izuru, Kensei and Shuuhei (even though Kensei takes a cof cof different approach), other cases such as Byakuya and Renji, or Yoruichi and Soi Fon, and even Rukia -- who was stripped of the mentee position from Kaien, pushed into a mentor position with Ichigo. But Ichigo is not her subordinate, and she re-teaches herself how to be a supportive friend to both him and Orihime (Rukia stepping up to train her is very important to me so it goes here).

Mentorship is a relationship, is a bond, and even if it has a time frame, it requires equal levels of respect, empathy, dedication, ethic, and trust from both sides -- and I'm talking from the toxic-filled environment of Academia but this goes for all mentor/mentees bondings out there.

[kiwi2229]

Engraving in the stone

(James Potter / Regulus Black | 537 words)

For @jegulus-microfic prompt: Glimpse

CW: Referenced to past MCDs

Say that being back at Hogwarts after so many years is hard is an understatement. When Remus accepted the job, he didn’t think about how the memories would haunt him, how every corner would be a reminder of how alone he is. No, he thought that Hogwarts was the only place he felt happiness. Fortunately, the students kept him busy for his mind to drown in melancholy. But tomorrow is Christmas and that means the castle is almost empty.

Remus wonders around and it feels like he can see a glimpse of his past life behind every corner. For a moment he allows himself to live in denial. He pushes all the sad memories away. All the war and betrail, death and heartbreak.

Instead, he focuses on laughter that echoed in the halls. James had such a bright smile. It brightens the room instantly. In retrospect Remus has to admit that James was the happiest in their 6th year. Remus never understood why James fell in love with Regulus out of all people. But he didn’t need to understand. All it took was to remember the way James’ eyes sparkled so full of life. How he talked to Remus about his boyfriend, because he just had to share it with someone.

He saw them only a handful of times together. They had to keep their relationship a secret. But the times he witnessed them he can swear it was love. James always loved with his whole heart. Remus never had a doubt. It was Regulus who surprised him. He watched James like he was the eighth wonder of the world. He touched him in such a delicate way like James was the world's most valuable treasure.

Remus sits at the hidden enclave way at the abandoned part of the castle. He traces the old stones that have been here for centuries and will stand here way after all of them are dead. Unchanging constant. Walls of this castle witnessed children grow up, and lovers fall in love in the most surprising way, they laugh and kiss, cry and argue. It remembers them breaking up and trying to move on. Most of the people are gone now. Their footsteps will never echo in these halls.

Remus traces the scratched R + J into the stone wall in the enclave. It was their hiding spot. They spend hours here just being in love and young. Remus wishes to go back in time and stop them from leaving. Not to rush through it. To tell them to stay here even five minutes more, because you never know when you will run out of time. And they did, way too soon. He can’t. They are both gone, destroyed in the war they had to fight.

He used to be angry and how it all played out. That Regulus stayed with his family being on the opposite side of the war. But they were children back then. He is not anymore. He understands now that stories are never this simple. He looks back at the engraving. He throws a preservation spell on it. At least this way, the memory of love that never could survive in the cruel world will live on.

[serendipidae]

i wonder

how long will I

have to steal crumbs of affection

that belong to someone else

how long can I walk the edge of sin

without falling into betrail

on the other side

so that i don't starve

so I can pretend

love like this can someday be mine

when you aren't fed love

on a silver spoon

you lean to lick it

off of knives

[griffin-girl-r]

They are coming for her

Created: 06.03.2023

Finished: 05.06.2023

Edited: 22.09.2023

Age: 4

Word count: 1,985

Warnings: Stalking, Fight

Request: Yes (Tumblr user)

Note: This story will not have a part 2

Summary: Natasha discovers that the Red Room is coming after her daughter.

—

"Who is excited to go to the park?" Natasha sang as she walked inside your room, holding your jacket in her hand

"Are we going to the playground?" You asked hopefully before getting too excited

"Yes, we are, my love." Natasha giggled "Now come here and put the jacket on."

You jumped down from your bed where you were playing with your toys and rushed to Natasha, holding your arms up as you waited for her to put your jacket on you.

It was the beginning of the spring and even though outside wasn't as cold as it was a month ago, the wind was still gently blowing and your mother didn't want to risk you catching a cold.

"That's it, baby." Natasha smiled as she looked with a proud smile on her face at you, wearing your cute little jacket

"I'm going to the park!" You shouted excited as you took off running to the open door

"Baby, wait!" Natasha giggled, running off after you

-

"Where are you two going?" Wanda fake gasped from her place on the couch where she was sitting "Without me?"

"We are going to the park, Auntie Wanda!" You excitedly answered making Wanda laugh

"Why don't you come with us?" Natasha asked, taking the last step of the stairs and walking inside the living room, as she smiled at Wanda

"If you insist." Wanda smiled back, standing up from the couch, and turning off the TV "Only for this little cutie."

Wanda pocked your sides, making you laugh and squirm away from her in a failed attempt to get away from the tickling feeling.

"Auntie Wanda, no!" You shouted, unable to control your laugh

"This is because you wanted to go the park without me." The witch kept tickling your sides

"Mama, help!" You shouted, seeking protection from your mother

"I'm coming, sweetheart!" Natasha shouted back, giggling "Just hold on."

Suddenly, Natasha jumped on Wanda's back without a warning and started tickling the younger woman's sides.

Wanda, who was a giggling mess, tried to reach behind her to pry Natasha off of her back, but to no avail.

So instead, Wanda just settled on throwing herself on the couch, trapping Natasha in between her and the couch.

"If you want a fight, I'll give you a fight." Wanda laughed, starting to tickle Natasha

"Y/N, help!" Your mother shouted "Help Mama, please."

You, who were very captivated by the tickling fight between the two grown-up women, stood in place for a second, trying to stop yourself from laughing.

When you finally managed to regulate your breath in the slightest, you wasted no second in approaching your two favorite persons and, gathering all the force your 4-year-old body could muster, tried to push Wanda off of your mother.

"Auntie Wanda, no." You sternly said "Auntie Wanda bad. We don't hurt Mama."

"So you're taking her side?" Wanda looked offended at you but kept a wide smile on her face "You choose to betray me?! Fine! I will not make you pancakes from now on and I will take my revenge for this betrail."

And just like that, Wanda picked you up in her arms and started tickling you all over again.

It's safe to say that this tickling fight between you, your mother, and your aunt didn't end too soon and it was one to remember.

The three laughs echoed throughout the entire compound.

-

Natasha kept watching you, sitting next to Wanda on a bench at the playground, as you called for her.

"Mama, look!" You shouted at Natasha, smiling, as you let yourself go down the slide

"Good job, baby girl!" Your mom cheered, trying to encourage you to have as much fun as you can

"Auntie Wanda!" You shouted for the witch this time "Are you looking at me? I'm a big girl now!"

"I do, sweetheart." Wanda smiled, her eyes never leaving you just like Natasha's "Can't she just stay like this forever?" She said, turning to look at Natasha

"You've read my mind." Natasha nodded, her gaze fixed on you

Wanda sheepishly smiled at Natasha, as the older woman turned to look at Wanda with a concerned look on her face.

"Wanda, not again." Natasha scolded her friend, when realization washed over her "How many times do I have to tell you? We don't read people's minds without their consent or unless it's absolutely necessary."

"I'm sorry..." Wanda smiled apologetically "I couldn't help it."

Natasha shook her head in disapproval, a small smile present on her face.

"Alright." Said Natasha "I'll let it pass this time. But just know that it's very awkward and uncomfortable to have someone read your private thoughts."

"Yeah, I know." Wanda nodded "But it wasn't that bad."

"Wasn't it?" Natasha gave Wanda her famous smirk, watching in triumph as Wanda's face contracted in disgust

"Oh, Natasha, no!" Wanda shouted, shaking her head, trying to erase the image she had just seen in Natasha's mind "I didn't need to see that. I have no interest in how Y/N was conceived."

"I hope that now you've learned your lesson, Wands." Natasha smirked satisfied, crossing her legs one over the other

"I did. Jeez." Wanda dragged out "You didn't have to be so cruel."

"Oh, stop it." Natasha laughed "Don't tell me that Vision doesn't have these moves?"

"I am not going to talk about this right now." Wanda muttered embarrassed "Or ever, for that matter."

Natasha erupted in a fit of giggles, proud of her little accomplishment.

—

They have been sitting on that bench for about two hours now, as you continued playing not too far away from them.

But no matter what she did, Natasha couldn't shake off the feeling that they were being watched.

Call it intuition or just simply her spy skills and high training, but every cell in her body screamed at her that something was wrong and that she needed to go and investigate in order to keep her baby safe.

"Wanda?" Natasha leaned closer to the witch and whispered in her ear "I need you to create an invisible protective shield around Y/N."

Wanda slightly shifted in her place, picking up on Natasha's anxious state.

"Why? Has something happened?" Wanda whispered concerned as she intently kept her gaze on you to make sure you were still safe

"I feel that something's off." Natasha whispered back "Someone is watching us. I just know. So I'm going to go and check. That's why I need you to protect Y/N."

Wanda's eyes widened but she quickly did as told and with one wave of her hand she created an invisible magic shield around you without questioning Natasha's gut feeling further.

Natasha mouthed a 'Thank you', before she stood up from the bench and pretended to walk in the opposite way.

But Natasha was smart.

She calmly walked until she was out of sight then took another path that led exactly to the spot where she noticed some strange movement earlier while she was at the playground.

She didn't know what to expect when she sneaked behind a tree and watched a woman intently look at Natasha's daughter from her hiding place.

Natasha's eyes widened when she noticed the suit that the woman was wearing and the symbol on her belt was too well known for Natasha.

It was one of Dreykov's Black Widows.

How was that possible?

Natasha eliminated Dreykov and the Red Room many years ago, long before Y/N was born.

How can a Widow be here spying on her innocent daughter?

Natasha could feel the blood in her veins boiling.

Anger started clouding her mind and vision as all she saw in front of her was red.

All her training, as a spy and assassin, to keep her cool temper under any situation went out the door as her maternal instinct kicked in.

The former assassin didn't think too much before jumping from her hiding place and pinning to the ground the Widow that had been watching them for the past few hours.

Natasha was met with resistance, as expected, from the other Widow who roughly looked to be the same age as Natasha.

But Natasha proved herself to be stronger and won the short fight, as the Widow gave in and stopped fighting.

"What do you want?" Natasha shouted through grinned teeth "Why are you here? Who sent you?"

"You know who sent me." The other Widow answered unphased by Natasha's death glare "And you also know why I'm here. You're smart, Widow."

Natasha pressed her forearm on the Widow's throat "I want to hear it from you. I killed Dreykov more than a decade ago."

"That's what he wanted you to believe." The younger Widow breathed out "He thought that you were smarter than this but he was so wrong."

"That still doesn't explain why you're here?" Natasha tilted her head to one side "He won't get me back."

"Oh, but who said that I'm here to take you back?" The Widow smirked "You are no use to him. But your daughter..." She giggled, making Natasha's face fill with horror "Your daughter is still young. Young enough for him to turn her into what you once were. His best assassin. His best Widow."

"Over my dead body." Natasha quickly switched back to her cold demeanor "I am not going to let my daughter become the monster I once was."

"Can't you see that he won't rest until your sweet little daughter becomes his favorite toy?" The Widow spitted back "She's already his by birth. You are his so therefore your daughter becomes his property as well and he won't stop till he won't get her."

Natasha was shocked.

Her worst nightmares turned into a reality as the only thing she dreaded the most came back into her life.

Taking advantage of Natasha's shocked state, the other Widow took her off guard and pushed the redhead off of her.

"The others already know where you hide her." The other woman told Natasha "He asked me to deliver you a message. He said that he'll take back what belongs to him. They are coming for her."

And with that the Widow took off running, leaving Natasha lying on the cold ground, with tears beaming in her eyes.

"No..." Natasha whispered under her breath, quickly standing up and turning her head in the direction of the playground

Much to her relief, you were still happily playing without a care in the world, with Wanda alert of every movement around, ready to fight if needed to protect you.

The spy desperately started running back to the playground.

Her heart beat so fast that, if Natasha didn't know better, she could swear it was about to jump out of her chest any moment.

-

"Wanda!" Natasha shouted, running to you "Wanda we need to go! Now!"

Wanda could hear the fear in Natasha's voice as she watched your mother pick you up and tightly hold you in her arms.

"Mama?" Your little voice asked confused

"Shh..." Natasha shushed you "We need to go, baby. I'm sorry."

"Natasha, what's going on?" Wanda questioned the older redhead, confusion written all over her face

"We have to go." Natasha instructed "I'll tell you why on the way."

"Okay." Wanda nodded, quickly picking up her bag and Natasha's that was filled with your things, and followed her friend to the car

Natasha was desperate to take you to safety.

She couldn't stand the thought of you being abducted by the man she had spent her entire life running from.

She didn't want you to go through the hell she has been in.

You are her innocent little girl.

She won't allow you to be hurt in the way she has been.

She will keep you safe even if she has to give up on her life to do so.

[ash1kun]

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【THE BETRAIL】

➤ CONTROL

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TW:  HEAVY GORE, BLOOD, EYE MUTILATION

Ash Matsumi's Point of view

I continued to fight the celestial guards, stabbing my staff through a few of them.

I then notice two familiar faces meet with mine.

Nezha and Redson went to the main entrance to see who the culprit was, It was none other than Ash Matsumi who had been fighting with the guards for a while now. 

"Lavender Princex!?" Redson called out as he was stunned and shocked to find Ash Matsumi.

"Hm... I thought Ash was our friend..." Nezha joined in as he looked at the ground feeling utter despair but willing to defeat Ash Matsumi.

i laugh macanicaly as my staff plunges through one of the gaurds throat

Nezha's eyes widened in shock and horror as he watched Ash Matsumi brutally impale one of the guards with their staff. Blood sprayed from the wound, splattering across the pristine white marble floors of the Celestial Palace. The guard gurgled and choked, collapsing to the ground in a rapidly expanding pool of crimson.

"Ash Matsumi, what are you doing?!" Nezha demanded, his voice shaking with a mix of anger and disbelief.

"This is the Celestial Realm! How dare you attack us like this!"

Redson's face twisted into a snarl, his red hair flickering with small flames of rage.

"You traitorous snake! We thought you were our friend! What happened to you?!"

The air crackled with tension as the two former companions faced off against their childhood friend turned enemy.

i walk to both of them slowly with an unhinged smile

Nezha stepped forward, his hand reaching for his Fire Wheels. The divine weapons hummed with power, ready to unleash their fiery might upon the traitorous Ash Matsumi.

"-oh nezha.. your so.. useless"i say as hold his face with my bloody hand "but oh how ive missed that smile.. so pure..just like i was.."

Nezha recoiled in disgust as Ash's blood-soaked hand grasped his face, the coppery scent filling his nostrils. His eyes narrowed behind his glasses, a mix of anger and betrayal burning within them.

"How dare you, Ash Matsumi!" Nezha growled, his voice low and dangerous.

"I am no longer the naive child you once knew. I have grown stronger, and I will not tolerate your treachery!"

With a swift motion, Nezha brought his Fire Wheels to life, the divine weapons spinning at his feet and leaving trails of crackling flames in their wake. The air around him shimmered with heat, the very fabric of reality warping under the intense energy.

"You may have deceived us once, but never again," Nezha declared, his gaze locked onto Ash's unhinged smile.

"Prepare yourself, Ash Matsumi. Today, you will face the consequences of your actions!"

Redson, meanwhile, had been watching the confrontation with growing fury. His horns gleamed in the flickering light of Nezha's Fire Wheels, and his bull tail lashed behind him, a clear sign of his agitation.

I back up laughing, placing my bloody driping hand over my now tear filled face,"y-you're right.. i really am a discrase right..?"

Nezha's eyes widened as he saw the tears streaming down Ash's face, mingling with the blood that dripped from their hand. For a moment, he hesitated, his resolve wavering in the face of his childhood friend's apparent emotional breakdown.

"Ash, what's happening to you?" Nezha asked.

"i.."My left eye started flickering a blue light and i cover it with my bloody hand before whimpering.

Nezha's heart clenched as he saw the distress in Ash's eyes, the flickering blue light from their left eye sending a chill down his spine. Despite the blood and tears that stained their face, he couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for his childhood friend.

"Ash, please," Nezha pleaded, his voice softening, "tell us what's wrong. We want to help you."

A blue light figure, telepoted next to me,"why are you heasitating, you know what has to be done or have you forgotten..?"the figure says before grabbing my staff and pluging it through my left eye where the blue light was flickering from.

*Kinda like this picture but it was through their eye instead*

"Maybe ill help you on this one.."

Nezha's eyes widened in horror as the mysterious blue figure appeared beside Ash, its form flickering with an otherworldly energy. Before he could react, the figure grabbed Ash's staff and plunged it directly into their left eye, the source of the eerie blue light.

"No!" Nezha cried out, his voice echoing through the Celestial Palace. He lunged forward, his Fire Wheels spinning at incredible speeds as he tried to reach Ash before it was too late.

Redson, too, was taken aback by the sudden turn of events. His red hair blazed with flames of fury as he watched the scene unfold, his demonic nature bristling at the sight of such brutality.

"What the hell is going on here?!"

i got back up but my right eye was fully blue with light and my other eye... well all there is is a whole. my smile was unhinged as shit. the blue figure laughed"now lets see what you can do now that your fully under my control"

Nezha stared in abject horror as Ash rose to their feet, their right eye now pulsing with an eerie blue light while the left socket gaped empty, a trickle of blood running down their cheek. The unhinged grin stretching across their face sent chills racing down Nezha's spine.

"By the gods, what have you done to Ash?!" Nezha cried out, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and outrage. He clenched his fists, the Fire Wheels at his feet spinning faster, crackling with barely restrained power.

Redson, too, was shaken to his core. He had never seen anything like this before, the complete subjugation of one's will. His demonic pride rebelled at the thought of anyone, even a friend, being reduced to a mere puppet.

"Release Ash at once, you fiend!" Redson snarled, his bull tail lashing furiously behind him. Flames danced along his horns and the tips of his fingers as he prepared to unleash his fire magic upon the mysterious blue figure.

"i dont think i can do that, but if you want them back.. well you have to go past them to kill me.. and i dont think you want to hurt your friend.."

Nezha's heart raced as he stared at the twisted version of his childhood friend, the blue light pulsing in Ash's eye sending a shiver down his spine. He knew he had to act fast, but the thought of harming Ash, even in this corrupted state, made his stomach churn with unease.

"Ash, please, fight it!" Nezha pleaded, his voice strained with desperation.

"You're stronger than whatever has taken control of you. Don't let this happen!"

Redson, meanwhile, had been watching the exchange with growing frustration. His demonic pride bristled at the idea of being manipulated, and he couldn't stand the thought of Ash being used as a pawn in someone else's game.

"Enough of this!" Redson growled, his voice dripping with contempt.

"You may have Ash under your spell, but you'll have to go through us if you want to keep them that way!"

With a roar of fury, Redson unleashed a torrent of flames from his hands

i jumped at them, knocking redson down to the ground holding him there

Nezha watched in horror as Ash lunged at Redson, pinning the demon prince to the ground with inhuman strength. Redson struggled beneath Ash's grip, his face contorted in a mixture of pain and rage, but he couldn't break free.

"Ash, stop this!" Nezha cried out, his voice trembling with desperation. "This isn't you! Fight whatever has taken control of you!"

But Ash just grinned, the blue light in their eye pulsing brighter as they tightened their hold on Redson. Nezha knew he had to act fast, or his friend might be lost forever.

With a surge of determination, Nezha raised his Fire Wheels, the divine weapons spinning faster and faster until they were nothing but a blur of flame. He took a deep breath, focusing his energy, and then launched himself at Ash with a thunderous battle cry.

"FIRE WHEELS OF THE HEAVENS!" Nezha shouted, slamming his feet into Ash with all his might. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air, and for a moment, Ash's grip on Redson loosened.

i was seant to the wall crashing through it, they could hear my blood curdling scream.

Nezha and Redson stared in shock as Ash's body crashed through the wall, their bloodcurdling scream echoing through the Celestial Palace. For a moment, neither of them moved, their minds reeling from the sudden turn of events.

"Ash..." Nezha whispered, his voice barely audible over the ringing in his ears. He took a tentative step towards the hole in the wall, his heart pounding in his chest.

they see me get up from the wall and their was burns on my body and cuts, but i was still under the blue lights control

Nezha's eyes widened in shock as Ash emerged from the rubble, their body covered in burns and cuts, but still standing despite the devastating impact. The blue light in their eye pulsed even brighter now, and Nezha could feel the malevolent energy radiating from their childhood friend.

"Ash, please, you have to fight this!" Nezha pleaded, his voice trembling with desperation. He took a hesitant step forward, his hands outstretched in a gesture of peace. "Whatever has taken control of you, you can overcome it. You're stronger than this!"

Redson, meanwhile, had regained his footing and was eyeing Ash warily. His demonic nature bristled at the sight of such corruption, and he knew they had to act fast before Ash was lost forever.

"Listen, Ash," Redson growled, his voice low and intense, "I know you're in there somewhere. You've always been a pain in my ass, but you're no one's puppet. So snap out of it, already!"

The two allies stood side by side, their differences momentarily forgotten in the face of this greater threat. They knew they had to find a way to break through the blue light's hold on Ash, or risk losing their friend forever.

the blue light appeared behind me this time putting their hand through the whole in my eye"oh such a beutiful.. wound, would you like more ash...?"

Nezha's blood ran cold as the sinister blue figure materialized behind Ash, its spectral hand emerging from the gaping hole where Ash's eye once was. The malevolent entity's voice sent shivers down his spine, and he felt a surge of protective rage rising within him.

"Get away from Ash, you vile creature!" Nezha roared, his Fire Wheels blazing to life with renewed intensity. He launched himself at the blue figure, his spear transforming into a barrage of razor-sharp lotus petals.

Redson, too, was spurred into action by the grotesque sight. His red hair blazed with flames of fury as he unleashed a torrent of demonic fire at the blue entity. "You won't take Ash from us, you bastard!"

The Celestial Palace shook with the force of their combined assault, the very air crackling with the mingled energies of heavenly and infernal magic. Nezha and Redson fought with all their might.

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【THE LAVENDER PRINCEX】

➤ START...

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[chaotictarlos]

Been awhile since I've dropped one for this one... I think my writing block for this one might be letting up. For my TK BreakUp Anon 💙

----

“I can’t believe you think this was okay. I can’t believe you would do this to me. I thought we were going to do this together, as a team.” TK snapped at him, eyes blurring with tears that he refused to let fall. “I thought you didn’t care where we lived as long as we were together!”

“TK-”

“No, stop it. You’re just like the rest of them, taking control and doing what you think is best for me without talking to me about it,” TK shook his head. “It’s something Alex would do and in the end, I wasn’t enough for him, I guess I’m not enough for you either.

Hurt flashed in Carlos’ eyes and he stepped forward, hand reaching out like he was going to touch TK.

TK shook his head, anger, hurt, and betrail bubbling hotly through his veins. He felt trapped and like he was suffocating from his emotions.

“This… This is inexcusable, Carlos,” TK said, voice quiet. He pressed his lips into a thin line and didn’t hesitate to bolt - ignoring Carlos’ shouts of his name as he made his way down the hall and out of the building.

-

The moment TK stepped out into the afternoon sun, he knew that walking away was a move he would regret for the rest of his life.

Even through the anger and hurt settling in his chest, he knew he would regret blowing up at Carlos and not trying to talk about what he had done rationally.

Then again, TK had barely done anything rationally in his life.

TK had been trying so hard the past year to stop running when faced with a complication or some kind of conflict. He had been working with his therapist on different ways to cope and how to have logical and rational conversations when he was bothered by something.

And he had told himself, promised himself that he would stop running out on Carlos when things got hard or he felt backed into a corner because Carlos didn’t deserve that kind of behavior. He had made a plan that he would follow, that would encourage them to talk about and work through whatever the conflict or difference was.

However, buying them a place without talking to TK about it, or seemingly not even considering how TK would feel about it beyond his initial reaction to the place had been a step too far, didn’t fit into any of his coping skills, and was too much for TK to handle.

TK sniffled, rubbing the tears out of his eyes before making his way down the street before Carlos could come down and try to talk to him.

He pulled his phone out of his pocket, fingers fumbling as he ordered an Uber to drive him away from the man that he loved and TK had thought loved him too so that he could clear his head and decide what to do next.

He was in the Uber, giving directions to his dad’s house because he had nowhere else he could think of to go when Carlos tried to call him. TK ignored it and a text came through seconds later.

[Carlos] TK, please answer me. Where are you? We need to talk about this. Running away doesn’t solve anything and I’m not even sure why you ran this time.

[Carlos] I know I upset you, that wasn’t what I meant to do. I thought this was a good thing for us.

[Carlos] TK. Please. You promised to talk to me about these things.

[Carlos] I can see that you read my message. TK, come on, we need to talk about this. Running away right now won’t solve anything.

TK clenched his eyes shut, trying to stop another wave of tears from streaming down his face.

The Uber stops at his dad’s house and TK gets out and heads in, going straight to the guest room that he had been sharing with Carlos. He dropped down onto it, laying on his back and staring up at the ceiling as his phone vibrated again.