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shirefantasies · 10 months ago

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LoTR Characters + Pregnant Reader (Wife!Reader)

Back with more parent AU because it's some of my favorite fluff! Consider this a Part 1 to an anon request that’ll be on its way hehe (also an AU where something happens with Celebrían apparently 😥)

Warnings: conception, pregnancy-related illness and symptoms mentioned, very long post lol

Aragorn

✧ Neither of you had made any concrete plans. No set in stone hour of your marriage reserved for the growth of your family or dubbed too early. Thus, you are unsure how your husband will feel about your news, the fact that you got yourself checked out the first moment of illness, mother's intuition in full service already, it would seem. You cannot keep your smile to yourself, though, as you stroll in search of Aragorn, hand hovering about your own waist as if in disbelief. He had just returned from a hunting trip when you found him, smiling shakily at his amusement when you pulled him immediately aside into the next room over. "What troubles your heart?" The man had intuition of his own, years of silent observation- there was no lying to him. "I just learned that I am with child, Aragorn," you took his hand, seeing no point in being anything but direct, "due for the birth next spring if all goes well." "With blossom comes the next blessing of my kin," your husband replied, that wise look in his blue eyes causing you to shake your head fondly, "what could be more beautiful? What a gift you have given me and how could I ever repay it?" Shaking your head once more, you simply grinned and, sighing with relief and anticipation alike, replied that being the amazing father you know him to be will be all you need. Leaning forward, Aragorn laid his head against yours, brushing your noses as he held you.

✧ Looking out upon the kingdom, the realization that is is his kingdom still sinking in, and that he has made this place a home for new life as well. That this is the very reason he fought for a safe world. It brings such a rush to his heart that he goes off in search of you at once, kissing you warmly and caressing your still-small bump.

✧ Aragorn loves doing anything he possibly can to make your days easier, treating you like the queen you quite literally are! He pampers you with treatment like massages, washing your hair for you, drawing you baths, and the like.

✧ While you no doubt have many people at your disposal, quite similarly your husband enjoys cooking for you by hand and memorizes everything that makes you sick if anything as well as the random foods your cravings make you obsessed with, trying to creatively incorporate them into everything.

✧ You knew it already, but your pregnancy brings about the reminder that this man has such a way with encouraging words, his voice the only thing that cuts through the clouds of your changing moods.

✧ Aragorn is the one who tells you not to be so hard on yourself, that you are doing an amazing thing and you are desirable as yourself, no more and no less. No need to hide yourself, no need to perform, no need to feel anything less than the beautiful soul you have always been. Remember, he tells you, he is going nowhere, and you will endure all together.

Legolas

✧ For so long had you and Legolas hoped for your little life, long enough of trial and hope that you’d all but given up until you felt a shift. Felt on the brink of illness at nearly all times, seeking healing for a mystery illness and leaving with news that had your husband holding you for minutes on end, tears sliding down his cheeks, and refusing to let go of your hand all day. Holding you like you might shatter, his other hand wrapped gently around your waist where his hand can brush the curve of your soon-to-be-growing belly. “We did it, my love. We will finally be three.”

✧ Your husband grows wistful, getting a distant look in his eyes before smiling and reminiscing on his younger days. “What demeanor shall our little one have, do you say? I would not mind having two of you,” he teases, while you say a child like him would be much easier!

✧ ��Both of your little ones sound quite healthy.” “Both?” You are shocked, but Legolas’s grin never falters, nor does his surprisingly tight, hearty grip upon your shoulders. “Twins,” he keeps repeating in wonder throughout the day.

✧ You and Legolas have a bet running on the twins, if they are to be identical or not. You think they are both boys, while Legolas thinks he has a little girl waiting for him, too. “Wishful thinking,” you tease him. “Absolutely,” he agrees, smiling softly at you.

✧ As time passes, he does tease you about your waddle. “Shall I slow down a bit?” Cheeky prince, but that’s why you love him!

✧ Legolas’s eyes never fix you with anything but awe. He is simply amazed at all the wonders your body is capable of and what it endures. Even though that wonder also manifests as him almost constantly asking if you are alright, it is worth it when your husband looks at you as though captivated by a goddess.

Boromir

✧ Boromir caught you with your eyes bulging out of your head, not a single chance of delaying your discussion. Such news as you have just received can only be considered a blessing, and yet you still are shaken to the core with the spiking precursor of excitement and hope, hope that your husband would be happy. Your words burst forth the moment he took your hands, asking you whatever was wrong and nodding faster and faster with each step of your detailed medical visit. His smile grew and grew until he could hardly help himself, taking your face in his hands and pulling you into a kiss that more than assuaged your worries. “Why do you look so worried? Such a wonderful blessing was beyond anything I could imagine,” he tells you, a hand reaching to rest gently upon you.

✧ He all but tackles you to bed that night, kissing again and again your lips, your cheeks, and down finally to your belly.

✧ Boromir’s appreciation of your body never ceases your entire wait. His hands always caressing you, his words always sweet upon your ears, especially to cut through the deprecating ones your own lips utter. It baffles your husband that you cannot see how utterly glowing you are.

✧ One hundred percent though will he be teasing you about the odd cravings you get; even as he goes to fetch them he’s making faces, asking if you’re sure, joking about what strange taste the little one has.

✧ You suspect you are carrying a son while Boromir’s guess is a little girl. After you remind him that a mother knows, he rests a hand over your bump and replies with a teasing grin “Why can’t a father know as well?” “Because you do not have to carry him for the better part of a year!”

✧ One of Boromir's favorite things in this world is the sight of how his lent garments fit you tighter and tighter, bringing a twinge to both the loving and the possessive sides of his heart...and his hands to wrap around you or cup your cheeks and pull you into a kiss!

Gimli

✧ His intuition is off the proverbial charts. It is he who first makes any mention of your chances, stating you should not strain yourself in your condition. You are confused, you even protest, but in the end you have your little appointment and your husband has a smug little moment of ‘I told you so’ before the realization of just what he’d been sensing hits him, dropping his jaw and sending his arms flying about you, lifting you up into the air with a hearty laugh. “The mighty line continues! And thanks to such a beautiful lassie no less! You'll want for nothing, I promise you, and no harm'll come to either of you while I yet draw breath."

✧ Has strong opinions about how well you should be eating, so barring you being stricken with sickness Gimli will be making or otherwise providing for you the heartiest of meals, all the things he believes are necessary to raise up a strong little dwarfling. Thank the fortitude and solace of his people, but you are sick very little your entire journey with this and all other little ones you share!

✧ Given the strength of dwarven genetics, you both assume that you are expecting a boy; thus, your husband insists on crafting a tiny axe for him. “For when he’s older, of course!” Gimli assures you, waving his hands defensively.

✧ No worries about your pregnancy weight here- suffice it to say that a dwarf finds the extra pounds quite appealing and has no hesitation about showing you such!

✧ Any exhaustion you feel is the only thing that stops Gimli from taking you around to all his friends and loved ones and likely anyone else who will listen and announce that he has a child on the way!

✧ Nesting is a very strong instinct of his! Gimli builds and crafts by hand all of your baby's furniture and decor, even an adorable mobile of horses, little dwarves with pickaxes, and little effigies of your favorite animal all dangling above his crib! Leaning his head against your belly, he asks the baby "Well, what do you think? Only the finest for my little flame!"

Frodo

✧ Your husband wasn’t sure at first. Not sure if he would feel whole enough after all he endured to bring a life into this world, but you, oh, you… The one who brought life vividly rushing back to his heart, color returning to his life and comfort to his pain. One day a pang struck his heart and he realized it would mean the world if after it all he was able to create life, and more importantly to have something so amazing come of your love. Soon after you both eagerly hoped for the signs, and it took but a few months. Frodo worried you would be sick, but confirmation comes after weeks without your cycle, nothing more. For once, no pain shall come to Frodo Baggins or those he loves.

✧ Your health is his greatest concern, so much so in fact that Frodo has soon befriended practically every midwife in the Shire, melting them with his endearing eagerness to know all he can about your possible afflictions and what you need. His concerns soon gather you the proverbial village of help should you ever send Frodo off for something beyond his breadth.

✧ It breaks Frodo's heart when his nightmares or moments of panic coincide with your own fragile emotions for the first time, for he should be caring for you, not the other way around, but when you hold each other, tears soaking into the opposite shirt, he realizes that what you two have is an understanding and trust strong enough to fortify each other even in darkness.

✧ In case you were not already aware, you are so lucky in your choice of husband! Discussing names soon emerges into your conversation and it almost takes you aback how quickly agreements on a girl and boy name are reached!

✧ The one time during your entire wait for your little one that brings tears to Frodo’s eyes is the day you bring home a bolt of fabric and when he asks what it is for, you answer to make him and your new arrival matching garments.

✧ You catch him smiling widely at you, love glowing in his bright blue eyes as he watches you do even the smallest things, your little waddle or the way you practice folding diaper cloth. All you can imagine is those same eyes fixed upon a babe in his arms, shooting Frodo the same look right back.

Sam

✧ It seemed that every other conversation you shared with your beloved Samwise revolved around babies, so much so that your few still-unmarried friends had grown sick of it. Anyone with a baby in the Shire, though, knew who to look toward for care! You and Sam gushed over little clothes, little hands, went on for goodness-knows-how-long about how much you'd like a little Sam and he wants a miniature version of the loveliest girl he'd ever seen followed of course by you saying why not both? Sam loved life so much, saw beauty in growth and creation and every joy in it, so of course he wanted a big family and all his infectious sunshine on the subject just made you fall in love with him more and more. Months of trying passed, though, before you came to Sam in a daze, before you cupped his precious face in your hands and whispered to him we did it. Before he tackled you to the soft grassy ground and held you, weeping tears of joy and kissing your hands, your cheeks, finally your lips once he'd spoken how much he loved you.

✧ Takes to sleeping a bit lower, his head nuzzled against your torso. In the night you can feel his nose and lips ghosting over it and even hear little whispers when you both can't sleep, but you say nothing, letting Sam have his moments with the little one.

✧ The worry he has about everything the first time around. "Are you sure you can eat that? I don't want you to get sick." "Is that too heavy?" "Don't trouble yourself a mite when I'm right here, I'll bend over for it." "Alright, only if you're certain nothing will happen to the baby, sweetheart." As much as you want to remind him that you are still a fully functional woman, you know that Sam is an action man and this is his way of showing he cares.

✧ The meals he cooks you. You will be eating like a queen all because Sam wants to keep the baby strong, of course! As a bonus, it truly is like he knows what sets you off and avoids those things without even having to ask.

✧ “Imagine all the wee feet running through here,” Sam muses in bed one night, your head tucked in the crook of his neck. “The little hands grasping ours,” you add. “All the little ribbons we can tie in a girl’s hair.” “Taking your little boy out to the garden!” Once again, your friends act positively sick of how sweet you are, but inside anyone can see how deliriously happy you and Sam are and feel warmed by it.

✧ “When the time comes,” Sam always assures you, your hand tightly in his, “I’ll be right here. Wild horses could hardly drag your Sam away.”

Merry

✧ Your reveal is made a bit anticlimactic thanks to your husband’s teasing ways. “You’re knitting.” Glancing down at your work, you simply nod. “Yes.” “You never knit.” Merry’s eyes narrow. “Is it for somebody?” “If you must know,” you set your needles carefully in your lap and tease back, “this is for your child. Any complaints now?” “My child?” Jaw dropping, Merry looks at you like you’d just offered him the whole of Middle Earth. “That’s right,” your voice softens, even cracking a bit with emotion at the sight of his smile, “you’re going to be a father, Merry.”

✧ Merry’s adorable little habit of making you a pillow pile to lay on during your time of the month carries right through to your pregnancy. And of course it continues even when you remind him you’ll not be able to stand up from in because he will be right there to help you up!

✧ Because you've taken up knitting, Merry wheedles with all his charm and love and kisses an additional creation from you: a sweater made from the same yarn as baby's. "You are lucky to be so adorable," you tease him, looking up from your work to kiss his lovely lips. Maybe, you thought, a whole matching set for three would be in order, though…

✧ Another one who teases you, joking about how he is finally able to outrun you!

✧ The type of father to chastise the baby whenever they kick you too hard, lecturing to the front of your dress about hurting your mother and how that simply won’t do, then looking up at you with a humored smile.

✧ Compliments increase at least twofold upon your revelation, Merry never sparing the kindest words about your strength, certainly, but mostly your beauty. Never once during any pregnancy do you feel unloved, unwanted, unattractive, for even when your eyes can find no light within your reflection there your husband is practically worshipping every corner of your form.

Pippin

✧ Desire for a family was something that had drawn you two together as a couple, though you may have found yourself talking Pippin down from ten children! “Maybe start with five,” you would always tease him. So the moment your hypothesis is tested and confirmed, a grin you can’t remove spreads across your face and you run to collect everything for your surprise. Surprise is the only word you can use when Pippin opens his gift and sees the tiny knitted hat you’ve placed inside the box. “What is this for? Little small, is it not?” “If it was for us, perhaps.” It ended up taking you reaching out for his hand and resting it upon your lower belly for the massive grin to spread across his face, but once it does Pippin is laughing loudly and giddily, swinging you back and forth in ecstasy!

✧ Runs to get you whatever your need with barely an question. After all, who is he to say what it's like being with child, and if you want it, you shall have it. Hot water bottle? Certainly. A cup of tea? Of course. Three more pillows? Why, he'll strip your whole bed down. Panics a little if the request is to relieve pain, so prepare to hear a crash or the shuffle of a trip or two before you have the item in hand or on body.

✧ "What is this for?" "What are these?" Lucky you love him, your husband does have many a question of all the supplies you gather for after your new addition is welcomed. "Oh, to keep the hands safe? That makes sense." "Wait, you need to wear that... to catch the bloo- oh, my." He gulps. "I'm going out right now. I'm getting you a cake and some jewelry and some flowers and anything else you'd like."

✧ Can barely keep his hands to himself. Pippin was always the most affectionate husband you could ask for, but now? Now you two are practically a package set and nary can you travel without his arm around you, hand about your waist and gently running up and down over your little growing bump.

✧ Your baby seems to have inherited your husband’s personality, for even before the birth many signs of how active your little one is are present! Those poor ribs of yours will get kicked more than a few times with all the fluttering your little one stirs up inside of you! Pippin, of course, wants to feel it all and luckily he is never far from the scene. If he is, though, you bet he will run!

✧ Pippin is always laying with his cheek resting on your belly, talking to the baby about anything from how his day’s gone to how they have the most amazing and beautiful mother. Your heart can’t help fluttering every time.

Faramir

✧ Faramir has the most uncanny way of reading you like a book, a habit endearing as it is frustrating. Thus the moment he catches you smiling to yourself he is smiling back, approaching you with teasing question of what has you so happy. For once, though, you have the satisfaction of catching your husband off guard, resting your head against his shoulder and a hand upon his chest as you tell him you just cannot wait to see him as a father. "Someday, my love," he takes your hand and kisses it, "if I am so blessed." Giggling, you shake your head against him. "Blessed indeed! Someday shall be this fall," you answer, and peeling back from him you receive another spike of satisfaction at his wide blue eyes, the drop of his jaw and the race of his heart beneath your hand. "Are you certain?" You nod. This time, he takes both of your hands in his and with tears in his eyes thanks the heavens for you even as he shakily laughs, your bright demeanor never failing to put a smile upon his face. "Our child will be so loved." "I know."

✧ Your husband finds himself lost in reverie more and more often, drifting out of reality into some distant, but nowhere near out-of-reach, dream of your family, seeing you as a mother the most beautiful sight he can conjure.

✧ Faramir adores holding you from behind, his hands curled gently over where your bump forms and his head resting gently upon your shoulder, flowing hair tickling your cheeks and neck lightly.

✧ "One for each of us," is Faramir's joke when one of Gondor's finest medics grants you the knowledge that you are not expecting one child, but two. Your husband is there in the storms, the waves of anxiety rolling within you over being there for your twins. "You are not alone," he always reminds you, a hand joined with yours right over the twins' little hearts.

✧ If you wanted a husband who actually does his due diligence learning all he can about growing babies, birth, and postpartum care, then Faramir is another excellent choice! He’ll be spouting off facts about the whole thing ranging from what size the babies currently are to why you might have contractions after giving birth. Your mood determines whether you listen in or tell him to kindly stop.

✧ Just as with you, Faramir’s insecurities sometimes get the better of him, but they also fuel him, bringing a fire you can see to his fair eyes as he speaks with determination how he will love all his children equally.

Eomer

✧ Pride glows upon your countenance as you flit about the kitchen putting the finishing touches on the roast you'd made for dinner. A kingly feast is in order, for not only had you heard your husband performed exceptional drills this day, but you yourself are the host of something exceptional. Eomer and you have been enjoying each other's company much these days, so the news is not so much of a shock as it is a celebration, exuberance at a line enduring, two dreams fulfilled as one, especially for your husband, who speaks often of how he longs for a full, boisterous home. Six if he's lucky. Well, you can hardly wait to help him along, pulling Eomer into your arms for an enthusiastic kiss before he can even toe his boots off, and when he chuckles and asks what has taken hold of his beautiful wife you let your news fly. Shouting for joy with abandon, Eomer lifts you up into his arms bridal-style, kissing your lips again and again. Dinner is all but forgotten as he kneels before you, holding your waist and pressing kisses all over the bodice of your dress and thanking you for making his day, nay, his life, perfect.

✧ Eomer is always proud of you, but the moment he finds out you are with child that feeling swells and positively drips off of him, every outing with him suddenly seeming quite like a chance for him to show you off. An arm around you at all times, a smile of great joy and satisfaction, news shared to all who dare make conversation with you both, and even kisses in public! Eomer is simply on top of the world and not a thing will topple his spirits.

✧ As somebody who never much studied the workings of women, though, Eomer is… a bit out of his depth. You will have to teach him some things like why your emotions swing so or what to look out for to know when your water breaks. This man has been in battle, seen heads roll in the most literal sense, and yet when you describe the eventual passing of your placenta his entire face contorts in a look of horror that has you all but doubled over in laughter.

✧ “You look so beautiful with child,” Eomer purrs, “we’ll have to do this again sometime.” You smack his arm, but cannot resist giggling at the way your husband still gives you butterflies.

✧ Your new addition had not even arrived yet and Eomer is commissioning a child-sized saddle, unable to contain his excitement as he describes all their future rides to you!

✧ As you dream up names, Eomer has many suggestions from the great halls of his own people, ancestors and great warriors alike, but making considerations of your own background is equally important to him, so he is more than willing to go back and forth for the perfect solution.

Eowyn

✧ No one had thought it possible, but they should have known. Impossible was not in Eowyn’s lexicon, and that was exactly why you loved her, one part within many of why you became her wife. And now, the healer confirmed you were carrying her child. …Very well, technically her banner-bearer’s child as the two of you had been forced to get a bit creative, but to have support and help from those who had begun with such uncertainty meant the world. Even Eomer had come around, having offered similarly, but of course you had to remind him that Eowyn wanted a child of her own, not a niece or nephew! Without Guthláf’s, er, donation, you would never bear witness to the broad and beautiful smile on your wife’s face, the tears glistening in the gorgeous blue of her eyes. “A child…” “Our child,” you add, leaning forward until your foreheads touched and noses brushed, a tearful smile upon your own face as your wife gently held your waist.

✧ Having worked so many times as a nurse lends well at least to Eowyn, for she is firm and unrelenting in her urging, nay, forcing, you to rest. No ifs, ands, or buts are to be accepted from your strong-willed beauty, let her dote on you, for she does it with great pleasure. And besides, the harder you fight, the harder she'll work to keep you lain down.

✧ Understanding the pain and symptoms of your time of the month completely also translates; thus Eowyn is ready with remedies for your aches and pains, hot water and herbs awaiting you. She rarely snaps back at your moods, choosing to be silent in the worst of times because she knows. Really, she does.

✧ She cooks for you, and whether you say anything about that or not likely depends on how willing to hide your honesty behind the hormone excuse if it is not taken well.

✧ Reminds you constantly how strong you are. In your lowest of moments, the times you struggle to stand and straighten your aching spine, feeling massive and utterly useless, Eowyn is there to hold your hand and tell you that you are hosting and creating life as she so speaks. You have made the ultimate sacrifice of your body and the greatest of pain to bring just as great a blessing to yourself and your wife. Far from useless, you are divine.

✧ “What does it feel like?” Resting her head on her hand, the one that wasn’t lain against your fluttering belly, she questions you as the baby kicks. “For you?” Part of her wishes to have this experience herself someday, while another takes your descriptions with trepidation. She does not enjoy being restricted, after all.

Haldir

✧ “Lie down, please, my love.” Haldir’s concern with your sickness increased daily as did the pain of seeing you feeling so weak and ill. You tried to push through and for as much as he loved your strength, your husband was not having it this time. Pride was not worth seeing you doubled over again, whether from pain or, arguably worse, illness. You relented in the end, resting and beneath the spinning of your head at the end of the day feeling not a seed of energy to protest an inspection. Healing herbs had you perking up a bit, and perked up you needed to be when the dark-haired, round-faced healer nodded sagely and with a wide smile told you you were with child, and these early days were likely to be the worst. For the first time in days the sobs that escaped you were accompanied by a smile, your face utterly breaking as Haldir held you against his chest, weeping too and thanking you for all you would endure for this blessing.

✧ Physically carries you places as often as he can be spared to do so. Lifts you up bridal-style to move you across your home and sits you up before he feeds you. Your illness brings out a tender, caring side you have never seen in your strong, stoic husband, but it makes your heart swell that much more for him and for the life you two are to have with your child.

✧ Another symptom you experience is the aching and swelling of your feet, but Haldir sits you down facing him and makes the best work of them he can, hands gentle as always as they soothe your skin.

✧ Even in the later months as your illness abates, though, your husband remains protective as ever, standing between you and any potential harm with the fiercest look upon his face and a hand upon your middle, even if the threat is an object you’ve hurt yourself on.

✧ The way shock melts into a wide, ecstatic smile unlike your husband’s typical demeanor when the healer repeats that yes, she could definitely hear two heartbeats beside yours is worth more than any gold in the world. Haldir pulls you into his arms, chuckling deeply. You feel his head shake slightly, slowly, atop yours in wonder.

✧ When you sleep, Haldir will always be holding you close, whether it is an arm draped over your bump loosely if you’re hot or need space or else you fully tucked into your husband’s warm embrace.

Galadriel

✧ Galadriel is actually the one who assuages your worries that your dream will not come true, having full faith in you as much as the magic of this world. And she is right, of course, confidence proven in the aid you receive from a member of her guard and even the way she knows it to be true before the healer even confirms the news. As much as she jokes about seeing a glow around you, the width of her beautiful blue eyes, the shine therein, tells you that your wife is as elated to hear it beyond a shadow of a doubt as you are: you are hosting a little life for you both to nurture.

✧ You being pregnant only aids in her mysterious nature. She can be convening in a council with the wisest of minds from afar and will use you as an excuse to step away at her will. "If you will excuse me. My wife is with child." They are not even aware she is married. Some of them may not understand how it all works, but before they can ask any clarifying questions Galadriel has already slipped away to be with you.

✧ One tendency you unwittingly adopt is falling asleep in the oddest of places, your exhausted body giving out upon its own terms. Always will you wake up draped in one of your wife’s shawls or blankets, however, no matter how odd the spot.

✧ Both of you can hardly resist the allure of tiny garments, smiling every time you see them. It also rings a bell of realization within your minds as you hold a tiny gown up to your midsection. Truly as you speak, there is a tiny body within you! What magic it is to be a woman!

✧ What magic indeed, you later reflect as another pain strikes your back not long after. Hosting tiny bodies came with all the assorted blessings and curses of your kind, one not long without the other. Sighing, you make to approach the chaise across the room and soon your wife is with you, moving its drapes aside and lowering you gently to its cushions, a soothing hand tracing up and down your aching spine.

✧ "I hope she looks like you," you both turn to each other and say simultaneously, mothers' intuition firmly aligned in your hearts, from which so much love for each other pours from, Galadriel immediately drawing you closer to press her lips to the crown of your head.

Arwen

✧ Elrond had been quite hesitant about your relationship with his daughter at first- were you the best choice for her? Could someone like you keep her safe? And how, of course, would she be given the child she so desired? Questions you yourself had posed to her, but she refused to listen, telling you her mind, and heart, were sealed. Little do you know, however, that all of Rivendell would come to love you as their own, see and praise the way you cared for Arwen, and in Lindir’s case even provide the healers with a chance at you giving your wife the family you both yearned for. The moment you tell her the healers’ method worked and she is to he a mother, you both are, her features lighten, taking on the wondrous joy of youth again as she grabs your face, falling onto you with a kiss of pure love.

✧ So accusing if you've overexerted yourself, leaning in closer with a look of sometimes-teasing, sometimes-serious scrutiny. "Surely you did not carry that up the stairs all by yourself, right?"

✧ Do not even bother trying to fake feeling up to anything, whatever the task, for Arwen can see right through you and will insist you sit down, taking your hands in hers. "Rest. You have your burden- let me take the others. My heart bears no ill."

✧ Her affection gets softer, light touches to your waist and hands resting over yours. One hand upon your hip or belly and one on your shoulder as you two sway gently, foreheads pressed together.

✧ Arranging your nursery is one of Arwen's favorite pastimes: painting a gorgeous meadow mural upon the wall, stitching a soft toy to lay within the crib, asking you which fabric you prefer for blankets.

✧ Your bundle of joy can make sleep difficult, but one silver lining Arwen points out in a low whisper one morning is how many sunrises you’ve now gotten to share with each other.

Elrond

✧ Reservations about having a fourth child so long after the others disappeared every time Lord Elrond caught sight of you holding a neighbor’s child or even just showing the loving care that had him convinced he would be well even marrying a second time at all. Every smile, every sweet thing you did, all of it came back to Elrond in a rush when you told him he was to become a father again. For once he did not feel too old, too tired, nothing but the elation of his every desire unfurling to him before his very eyes from your warm embrace. To be chosen as the father to your child was the greatest honor the lord of Rivendell could imagine.

✧ Your every ailment is minimal, for Elrond knows exactly what is best for each and every one. Nausea? The perfect tea blend awaits to calm the waves you feel. Aches and cramps? Your husband is happy to give you the most heavenly massage, his hands finding every needed spot as if by magic. A swell of emotion? He does not speak unless bidden to, simply holding you through sudden waves of tears, frustration, or both until he feels your body relax against his.

✧ Being married to an elf with the gift of foresight comes with the benefit of worries soothed, but also a joke shared between you both. For many a time you teasingly chastise him not to look too far and spoil the surprise of whether you have a son or daughter on the way!

✧ Standing behind you, Elrond rests his hands around your middle and presses a kiss to your cheek. Just when you think the bliss of this moment, of having your whole little new family all together within your husband’s arms, cannot increase is when Elrond shifts his hands, taking on the great weight you carry. Peering up into his soft blue eyes, your whole body deflates in a sigh of sweet relief as he holds you.

✧ He can never truly understand your experience, but Elrond has witnessed this process. All he wishes is to tell you all your pain shall pass, even the worst memories will fade and ease, but such words will sound insensitive, so all he does is continue to hold your hand and stand proudly at your side.

✧ One thing your husband cannot resist is showering your future little one with gifts, even jewelry for when they are a bit older and the tiniest circlet to place upon the beloved head, matching Adar's perfectly.

Want to meet the little ones? Part 2 coming soon 😉

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explorastro · 2 months ago

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New Year Astro Observations Special Sun

Sun conjunct Venus people tends to be quite good artistically speaking, theirs arts are a soul purpose, they are the muse of so much people. The desire for justice and collective unity can leading the individual to changing his life for embracing his personal values.

Sun in aspect to Uranus will have adversities in their lives that they won't see coming or will be in situations where they'll be an unexpected adversary. This person is so unique that it can become a meme like Freud. Eccentricity is a way of standing out from the crowd.

Sun in 12H are not only a loner at some periods of their life, they can also have hospital stays but their bad luck surrounding the health, socialization, it’s compensated by their spiritual maturity and intelligence, they can products the most avant garde things by their isolation.

Water signs Sun can have the deepest, most emotionally intense look. The Sun represents eyes bc without its light we can’t see anything imo. Their possible psychological issues for communicating their feelings are a door to studying psychology.

Sun opposite Pluto in transit is a tough moment for the native, the deep transformative journeys in underworlds of subconscious are here for teaching a lesson : the calm is a power that can be used against you, obsessions for your opps aren’t the solution at your owns problems.

Sun in 10H is a main character placement, that leads to position of superiority, authority. Can breaking records or be exposed publicly, reputation highly impacted.

Sun in aspect to the Moon : embodies the shadow/light duality, dramatic asf. Emotions and intuition are a big part of the ego, creativity boosted at home, large family placement.

Sun square Mars are possible victims of abuse from their parents or eldest close people, their individuality can be too agressive or assertive for this reason. Be gentle with them.

Sun in aspect to Chiron can also are victims of abuse for close people around them, and in consequences be hurtful, the healing come from independence, therapy and psychology. Religion and spirituality are a main subject for the native, the centaur’s myth leads to this world.

Sun in 5H can have a father who is passionate by music, is musician. Theirs childlike nature are a bless for everyone, They're good at a lot of things, genius placement.

Pisces Sun are the most empathetic person in the room, room that they can reading more easily than anyone, their empathetic nature is a bless and curse at the same time.

The Sun rejoices in 9H because a lot of religion symbolizes theirs God by the Sun like hebrews and christians.

Sun falls in Libra because people pleasing tames our soul, restrains it to socialization and relationships. But positively that’s a social justice warrior archetype, defending the rights of discriminated is a huge reason to live this placement.

Happy New Year ! 🥳🎊

#astrology #capricorn #witchcraft #astro observations #astro notes #birth chart #zodiac #sunday #sunrise #sunset #alchemy #occultism #hermetism #winter #new year

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uyuforu · 2 months ago

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ik this topic wasn’t in the polls you did but maybe a observation post on profection years would be very informative!! considering there really isn’t any here and you’d be the best one to start!! (if you do do them pls use this in the post as an example 😭😭 leo 12th house because i’m this )( close to entering it)

Profection Years Observations

All pictures were found on Pinterest

Other posts you could like:

જ⁀➴ Astro Observations XI

જ⁀➴ Why your Birthday is your Persona New Year

જ⁀➴ Solar Return IV

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✮⋆˙ What's a Profection Year?

Annual Profections are based on Astrology, and mostly on our ages and houses. Basically, this tool explains that depending on which age (and so birthdays) we are, we embody a certain house that year. For example, when you will turn 25, you'll embody the 2H more. It usually means you'll probably be more focus on savings, money, perhaps making more money this year, or also changing the way you manage your money, etc. Each House has a different meaning. Of course, this doesn't mean you will need to wait to be on a certain house to do something. It just means as an individual, those houses will represent your more intern focus. And it may actually go naturally, without you need to force anything. Life is most likely to put you through certain transformations based on the houses' themes.

✮⋆˙ How can I read my Profection Year?

꩜ Calculate your Annual Profections here.

꩜ The calculation technique here is based in Whole Signs, as it is more easy to determine your houses' traditional rulers and knowing which is your profection year.

꩜ For each houses, there is a specific theme, but it's not the only thing to look at. We also need to look at the sign ruling your house and the planet that also rules it. It will make the prediction of your projection year more personal and accurate to you.

꩜ To know which sign and planet rules over each house, it's better for you to calculate your profection year with the link above. It's determined by the rising sign.

꩜ So basically: check your age to see in which house it is in, check the sign and planet ruling this house to make a whole prediction of what can happen to you this year. Also don't forget this is just a theme of the year, Solar Return and more can help you to know what will happen. Also check where the planet that rules your profection house is in your chart.

꩜ Example: This year I am in my 2nd house profection year, and since I am Libra rising, my 2H is ruled by Scorpio, so planet ruler is Mars. This year will be so focused on my money, my stability, and my security in my life. Because it is ruled by Mars and Scorpio, it will be a very transformative year, perhaps also I'll feel like I need to get more money, I could feel more ambitious. Yet, my Mars is in my 1H, so my self and identity will be related to the key theme of this year. This could be a year where I'll have financial difficulties but my money situation could also transform. I'll think of my own stability this year, perhaps live situations that will make me feel like I should focus a lot on my own stability.

✮⋆˙ Key Themes for Each Profection Years based on Houses

꩜ 1H: A year about you, who you are, self, your personal identity, new beginnings. ꩜ 2H: Money, financial year, stability, security, possessions. ꩜ 3H: Communication, friends, siblings, ideas, contracts, learning. ꩜ 4H: Family, home life, stability, parents, children, long term projects, possible pregnancy. ꩜ 5H: Romance, flirts, creativity, imagination, pregnancy, children, having fun. ꩜ 6H: Health, routine, healing, work, supporting yourself or others. ꩜ 7H: Marriage, relationships, partnerships, contracts, romance, enemies. ꩜ 8H: Transformation, endings, rebirth, money, more other people's money, spirituality, new beginnings. ꩜ 9H: Travels, learning, philosophy, spirituality, beliefs, studying. ꩜ 10H: Work, contracts, reputation, legacy, public life. ꩜ 11H: Friends, social medias, communities, dreams. ꩜ 12H: Endings, spiritual year, religious year, addictions, self-reflection, leaving old patterns.

✮⋆˙ Key Themes for Each Profection Years based on Signs & Planets

꩜ Aries/ Mars: A year about you, who you are, self, ambitions, fast energy, conflicts, arguments, fast things, change. ꩜ Taurus/ Venus: Money, financial year, stability, security, possessions, beauty, romance, daily life, long term plans. ꩜ Gemini/ Mercury: Communication, friends, siblings, ideas, contracts, learning, social medias, writing, creativity, studying. ꩜ Cancer/ Moon: Family, home life, stability, parents, children, long term projects, possible pregnancy. ꩜ Leo/ Sun: Romance, flirts, creativity, imagination, having fun, being seen, being popular, reputation, fame, success. ꩜ Virgo/ Mercury: Health, routine, healing, work, supporting yourself or others, learning, studying, writing. ꩜ Libra/ Venus: Marriage, relationships, partnerships, contracts, romance, enemies, balance, beauty, glow up. ꩜ Scorpio/ Mars: Transformation, endings, rebirth, money, more other people's money, spirituality, new beginnings, conflicts, arguments, change. ꩜ Sagittarius/ Jupiter: Travels, learning, philosophy, spirituality, beliefs, studying, life lessons. ꩜ Capricorn/ Saturn: Work, contracts, reputation, legacy, public life, hard work, obstacles, life lessons. ꩜ Aquarius/ Saturn: Friends, social medias, communities, dreams, obstacles, life lessons. ꩜ Pisces/ Jupiter: Endings, spiritual year, religious year, addictions, self-reflection, leaving old patterns, dreams, travels, subconscious, life lessons.

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✮⋆˙ Observations

꩜ᝰ. When I was in my 1H Profection Year, I had a glow up, mostly since I'm a Libra Rising, and so my 1H is ruled by Venus. I was also self reflecting a lot, thinking of myself and I thought of what I wanted to become a lot.

꩜ᝰ. In the 12H PY, I had some hard time actually, yet I ended some toxic cycles in my life.

꩜ᝰ. The year I met my FS online I was an 11H PY, and I have Venus in my 11H. We met online first.

꩜ᝰ. The year I met my FS in real life I was in my 12H PY. It was indeed a very important time since this house is about endings and new beginnings.

꩜ᝰ. The year I had my first love story with someone, I was an 8H PY, and Venus rules over my 8H.

꩜ᝰ. The house that Leo rules over in your chart (and so Sun) could be the Profection year where you have the most success.

꩜ᝰ. If you are searching for a year where you could marry or get proposed to, a Jupiter or a Venus ruled House could be the one. Saturn is also an option since it's a planet related to long term plans and stability.

꩜ᝰ. A 7H PY doesn't mean necessarily to enter a relationship.

꩜ᝰ. Entering in your Moon/ Cancer ruled House in PY means you have more chances to move houses.

꩜ᝰ. You could get married during a year where you are Venus or Jupiter ruled, but also a year which ruler (planet) is in your 7H or conjunct Venus.

꩜ᝰ. It is more likely to be pregnant or have a baby in a 4H or 5H PY.

꩜ᝰ. Yet, it's not always the case, you can also be pregnant or have a baby in a PY where your House ruler conjunct your Moon. For example, if you have Saturn conjunct Moon, you could get pregnant or have a child during a PY with Saturn ruling your House.

꩜ᝰ. You can also get pregnant or have a baby in the PY with the planet that rules over your 5H. For example, if in your NC, your 5H is in Aries, and you are in a house profection ruled by Mars, this could be a good timing.

꩜ᝰ. It seems quite common to meet your FS on a 12H PY, since this house represents endings and new beginnings.

꩜ᝰ. Otherwise, it could also be a Venus ruled House in PY.

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loveemagicpeace · 10 days ago

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Neptune in Aries

Neptune enters Aries on March 30, 2025, marking a major collective shift. Neptune hasn’t been in Aries since 1861–1875, so this is a brand-new energy for our time. Aries is fiery, bold, and pioneering, while Neptune is dreamy, mystical, and elusive. This transit will bring spiritual awakenings, new leaders, and a more warrior-like approach to dreams and ideals.

This Neptune in Aries era is about courageously chasing dreams, breaking old illusions, and redefining spiritual paths in a bold way. The last time this transit happened, the world saw revolutions and new beginnings—so expect a pioneering energy to shape your personal destiny.

Aries Rising

This is your era of reinvention. Neptune dissolves old versions of yourself, making you more intuitive and spiritually connected. You might feel called toward new creative pursuits, healing arts, or even leadership with a spiritual touch. Watch out for identity crises—stay grounded in reality while embracing change. During this time, you may have a more dreamy and unclear approach to some things. You may also lose weight. This is a time when you'll feel more connected to spirituality, dreams, and intuition. Be mindful of confusion, illusions, or deception around your self-image. You might feel inspired to lead with a higher purpose—whether in art, activism, or personal missions. This transit can make you fearless in following your visions, but it’s important to stay realistic about what’s possible.

Taurus Rising

Your spiritual growth deepens behind the scenes. Neptune in your 12th house activates hidden desires, subconscious healing, and possibly karmic themes. You may have vivid dreams, strong intuition, or a pull toward solitude. Be mindful of escapism or unhealthy habits creeping in. Your sleep may be more fulfilling with intuitive or vivid dreams. Maybe during this time you can meditate more easily and you can start dealing with deeper, unknown things and also spiritual things. Travel during this time can be more illusory. You may start exploring deeper spiritual practices like meditation, past-life regression, or astrology. You may have sudden flashes of insight or feel drawn to solitude and reflection as you navigate inner shifts. This period may require you to release old identities, relationships, or habits that no longer serve your highest growth.

Gemini Rising

Your social life and ideals transform. Neptune in your 11th house dissolves outdated friendships and brings soul connections. You might be drawn to humanitarian work, spiritual communities, or creative collaborations. Stay wary of deception in friendships or false promises in group settings. You can attract a lot of people who are more spiritual and maybe people who can help you a lot. Be cautious with financial agreements, especially with foreigners or international business. Neptune can bring confusion or unclear terms. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes or investing in something that seems too good to be true. A loved one may move abroad, or you might frequently connect with international people. You might idealize living in another country, but make sure reality matches the dream before making big moves. You could spend more on spirituality, art, or humanitarian causes.

Cancer Rising

Your career takes on a dreamlike quality. Neptune in your 10th house makes you want to align your profession with a deeper purpose. You could be drawn to healing, arts, or spiritual leadership. But beware of confusion, illusions, or being misled in professional settings. Fame or recognition could come in an unexpected, mystical, or artistic way. Your public image may be inspirational but also misunderstood. Your relationship with your father (or a father figure) might feel distant, confusing, or spiritually significant. In some cases, Neptune here can indicate secrets or unknown truths about a parent coming to light. Be mindful of financial illusions in career-related travel—some opportunities may not be as profitable as they seem.

Leo Rising

Your beliefs and worldview shift. Neptune in your 9th house makes you crave spiritual expansion, travel, and knowledge. You might explore mysticism, philosophy, or different cultures. Watch out for misleading teachings or idealizing distant places. There could be mystical or fated connections abroad, but be mindful of deception or unrealistic expectations when moving or working in a foreign place. You might feel drawn to spiritual or philosophical studies rather than traditional education. If you're pursuing a degree, you may change your path often or feel uncertain about what you truly want to study. You may fall in love with someone from a different culture or background. Sports and physical activities might bring spiritual fulfillment—yoga, dance, or martial arts could be powerful for you now. Unexpected blessings may come from foreign connections, spiritual teachers, or creative endeavors.

Virgo Rising

Your intimate relationships and shared resources become mystical and intense. Neptune in your 8th house can bring spiritual unions but also financial confusion. Be mindful of debts, secrets, and emotional entanglements. On a higher level, this transit could awaken deep intuition and transformative healing. Neptune in the 8th house can bring a heightened sense of spirituality related to death and the afterlife. You may feel more connected to the astral world or have profound, otherworldly experiences regarding life and death. This transit could involve money from others—such as inheritances, legacies, or shared finances. Intimate connections may become more intense and transformative, offering opportunities for deep healing. There’s a risk of confusion or idealization of partners, especially when it comes to shared resources or joint investments. Trust may be a major theme, and you’ll want to carefully navigate any financial entanglements with loved ones. Be careful of deceptive or unrealistic financial proposals, especially in partnership or marriage. If you're married or in a partnership, you might undergo spiritual growth together, but there’s also a risk of misunderstanding or deception in terms of shared wealth.

Libra Rising

Your relationships take on a spiritual tone. Neptune in your 7th house makes you idealize partners or attract soul connections. However, you may also deal with illusions, misunderstandings, or codependency. Balance dreams with reality in love and partnerships. You may be drawn to relationships that feel soulful or fated. Romantic partners may seem like perfect matches, but it's important not to blindly idealize them. Long-distance relationships with friends may take on a deeper, more emotional tone, and you may find comfort or understanding in people from different cultural or spiritual backgrounds. In a female chart, Neptune's transit through the 7th house can show a shift in how you view your father’s later life circumstances—you may feel a sense of disillusionment or have heightened empathy toward your father, but also potentially misunderstand or idealize his needs. In a male chart, the mother’s later life circumstances may come into focus, with Neptune urging a sense of compassionor possibly confusion about her situation. Your relationship with your mother could become more spiritually connectedbut might also feel unclear or unresolved. For health matters, Neptune here can sometimes blur the signs of illness, so it's crucial to stay aware of any changes in your well-being and not ignore symptoms.

Scorpio Rising

Your daily life, habits, and health become influenced by Neptune’s dreamy energy. You might feel drawn to alternative healing, meditation, or creative work routines. But be mindful of fatigue, escapism, or lack of structure in your daily life. Service-oriented roles may become more appealing, and you might be drawn to helping others in a more compassionate or intuitive way, but avoid overcommitting or losing yourself in others’ needs.You might be drawn to alternative health practices or spiritual healing, but be careful not to idealize or escape into unrealistic health fads or unproven methods. You could find that healing comes through meditation, yoga, or other holistic approaches. You might adopt or find yourself more involved with animals, particularly if they provide comfort or healing. You might feel that your partner is either a source of inspiration or an obstacle, but these perceptions may be clouded by idealism or confusion. You may feel drawn to wear flowing fabrics or clothing that reflects your inner world, but be cautious of making choices that might be impractical for daily tasks or work.

Sagittarius Rising

Your creativity, romance, and self-expression take on a magical aura. Neptune in your 5th house inspires artistic pursuits and deep love experiences. However, be cautious of illusions in love, idealizing romantic partners, or reckless gambling with your passions. You may feel drawn to soulmate-like connections or deep, mystical attractions, but it’s important to be cautious of illusions or unrealistic expectations about romantic relationships. You may attract partners who feel like they have a divine or fated connection with you, but be mindful of projecting idealized qualities onto them.If you have children, Neptune’s influence may bring a sense of idealism or emotional depth to your relationship with them. You might feel more connected to their emotional needs and be drawn to creative or spiritual activities with them. You may feel more spiritually connected to creative pursuits, and this is an excellent time to explore artistic hobbies, whether it’s painting, writing, music, or any form of creative expression. You might have a desire to invest in dream properties or inherit money, but be cautious about illusions or deceptive financial opportunities in these areas.

Capricorn Rising

Your home and family life become more fluid and intuitive. Neptune in your 4th house can inspire you to create a dreamy sanctuary, reconnect with your ancestors, or explore emotional healing. But watch out for family secrets, confusion. During this transit, you may experience a strong pull toward spiritualizing your home and family life. You might feel a desire to redecorate, renovate, or transform your living space in a way that aligns more with your spiritual, emotional, or aesthetic needs. Your home environment may also take on an ethereal, dreamlike quality, and you may be drawn to spaces that feel magical, calming, or deeply nurturing. Neptune could inspire a deeper connection to food as a spiritual or healing experience, and you may find comfort in cooking, baking, or preparing meals with a more artistic or intuitive touch. As Neptune transits through your 4th house, you may start to think more about your future and what kind of legacy you want to leave behind. This could also be a time when you feel more connected to your inner child or seek to heal any emotional wounds related to your upbringing. You can also move into a dream home or home by the sea. Moving also involves aromantic partner.

Aquarius Rising

Your communication, learning, and thinking patterns become more intuitive and artistic. Neptune in your 3rd house can enhance your imagination, writing, and spiritual insights. However, be wary of misunderstandings, mental fog, or misinformation. You might find that you are more sensitive to others’ feelings and can communicate in ways that feel more compassionate and understanding. Misunderstandings or confusions in communication are possible, and you might have trouble expressing yourself in a direct or practical manner. Relationships with siblings and relatives may take on a more dreamy, idealistic, or even mysterious quality. You may feel more drawn to intuitive or spiritual tools like meditative driving or using digital spaces to connect with your inner world. You might have trouble with computer malfunctions, driving errors. While this can be an excellent time for creative writing or artistic projects. You might feel a yearning to leave behind old structures and embark on a more idealized or dreamy lifestyle. This could be a time when you feel like the escape from your current living situation is necessary for your spiritual growth or self-discovery, but be cautious about any illusions about the new environment

Pisces Rising

Your values, money, and self-worth go through a transformation. Neptune in your 2nd house can bring financial dreams but also illusions—avoid unrealistic money decisions. On a deeper level, your sense of security will shift toward more spiritual and creative fulfillment. You may feel a desire to detach from material concerns and seek fulfillment through more spiritual or artistic means. Be cautious about overspending or investing in ventures that seem too good to be true. Neptune here can inspire a deep emotional connection to music or art, whether through listening, creating, or finding a way to turn your creative expression into a source of income. You may feel drawn to gourmet foods, luxurious dining experiences, or even exploring diets that align with your spiritual or emotional needs.This transit may bring up deep emotional feelings and memories related to your sense of self-worth and security. Neptune in the 2nd house can bring complicated feelings around inheritances or shared resources, especially those involving a spouse.

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#astrology #zodiac signs #energy #planets #astrological houses #neptune #neptune in aries #transit #march

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chronicbitchsyndrome · 1 year ago

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i honestly think that a lot of the "mental illness doesn't make you violent or say/do extremely harmful things" stuff would be mitigated if we didn't treat "doing a violence" or "doing harm" as automatic panic buttons that call for the immediate ostracization and unpersoning of the harm-doer in question. like i think it's pretty inevitable that traumatized people are going to do really bad and harmful things to each other when our nervous systems are activated, and that psychotic people are going to do really bad and harmful things to each other when our realities frame it as necessary, and i don't think we'll ever get anywhere with how we categorize and treat mental illness on a broad societal level as long as we keep acting like those are irreparable evil actions that only truly fundamentally Evil, Bad mentally ill people will do.

like i think social focus on the rupture-repair cycle in casual relationships and friendships might go a long way to repairing how we socially handle violations of trust and violence that stem from trauma+psychosis. and i think the focus being on what is needed to make sure someone stays in community with the people around them is a much better framework than how we can punish them or keep them away from the people they hurt. and like, yes, sometimes there is literally no way to keep someone in community, to be clear, i am fully aware of that.

i also think a lot of the long-term trauma and abuse patterns that stem from mental illness behavior patterns... are about the power the mentally ill individual holds. like, having an abusive psychotic parent isn't inherently traumatic because they're psychotic, it's because the role "parent" in society gives them complete and utter power and control over you, and you can't pursue healing and repair with someone who has complete control over you. you can only escape and cut them off to avoid future trauma. and addressing those hierarchical roles of power, removing entirely them where possible and mitigating what power they do have, would do a lot in the long run to prevent trauma and abuse stemming from behavior patterns categorized as mental illness--much more than focusing on unpersoning and isolating the perpetrators of harm imho.

#dyspunktional

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itzy-bitsy-spidey · 2 months ago

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The sleeping thing and the crater (pt.2)

Or "Something made a hole in my backyard pt. 2"

Shadow the hedgehog x reader (platonic)

Notes: I need a title for this story, Ideas anybody? If you want to be added to the taglist leave a comment 🌺🌼💗 Hope you enjoy!!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

You needed a vet. The thing wasn't waking up, it was breathing and it's skin was warm, so it was definitely still alive. Unfortunately, alive didn't mean well, and whatever it was that was lying on your bed was not well.

You had brought... It (he? she? Did it even matter?) inside the house and laid it on a bed you had made inside a cardboard box with cushions and an old blanket. You wish you could tell whether the creature was cold or not, it worried you that it would feel uncomfortable and take longer to heal.

Once everything was settled on your bedroom you moved on to what could be considered your greatest plan.

Step 1: The backyard Issue.

Grabbing your phone you dialed your parents number.

It was around 8 am already, so the sun was up in the sky already and if the sun was up, your parents would most likely also be, even if they were all the way across the state.

Unsurprisingly for you your mother's voice was the first thing that came out of the speaker. She sounded worried sick, as any mother would be after the sky seemed like it had exploded.

"But you are alright? Oh, I was so worried, it was absolutely crazy!" She nearly screamed into the phone.

"I know mum, I saw it" you trailed off while walking circles around the kitchen.

"So nothing bad happened to you?" She asked. Again. For the fifth time.

"No,no, I'm fine..." You said, not sure how to really approach the subject.

"But?"

"But I think something from that ship thingy fell into our backyard... And made, a little hole... Which is rather big... And it kind of looks like a crater"

...

"WHAT??" Now that made you pull your phone away from your ear.

Luckily for you it seemed that she was still more worried about your well-being than her backyard. So that was settled .

Step 2: The other Issue.

You needed a vet, that much was clear. But it couldn't just be anybody. It had to be someone you could trust, someone who would keep their cool and that trusted you enough to not tell anyone else what they saw.

And you happened to know just the right person.

"Me and your father will be right back home as fast as possible, you can't be on your own after all of this"

"Mom please, I'm twenty years old, I think I can take care of myself" you answered, and trying to not show your smile through your voice you finished by saying "But! If you feel so strongly about me being left on my own I could always go visit my uncle..." There was silence for a few seconds, so you decided to continue

"That way you and dad won't have to cut your trip short either"

That seemed to do the trick as you heard shushed voices on the other endo of the line.

"Alright" It was now your father talking "We'll book you a flight to Green Hills, let your uncle Tom know you're visiting".

Taglist: @boogiemansbitch

#shadow x reader #shadow x oc #shadow the hedgehog #shadow the ultimate lifeform #shadow the hedgehog x reader #shadow #sonic 3 #sonic movie 3 #sonic the hedgehog

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hamliet · 3 months ago

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Jentry Chau Vs Netflix

So, I watched Jentry Chau Vs. The Underworld.

If you like beautiful (and unique) animation, complex storytelling, themes of coming of age and grief, and references to my favorite band (shout out NCT127), this is a story you should definitely check out. I would recommend it highly, even though I'm going to critique later on in this review.

Complex People and Complex Love

Gugu was a very complex character whom you could both hate as someone who was clearly manipulating Jentry in an almost unforgivable way after doing the unforgivable to her family. And yet, the series opening literally had Gugu sacrificing her life for Jentry, so no matter what was revealed, you always had to handle the uncomfortable reality that Gugu really loved Jentry.

And therein the series explored complexities in love and life, an understanding that comes with growing up and brings on its own grief. The people who raise us, our heroes, turn out to have their own lives and worlds too, their own motivations, that are often not exactly altruistic. We are not at the center of their world as much as we, as children, thought we were.

Jentry's wrestling with her relationship with Gugu was complex and interesting. The handling of Gugu's character was consistently the best in the series, and I loved it even if I'm still not sure I like Gugu. That's a good character--someone you're left pondering the legacy of.

Grief

Jentry working through her grief was a major theme of the series--grief for her parents, and grief for Gugu, not just in terms of her actually dying (which does happen), but in terms of her understanding of who Gugu was and who her parents were.

Jentry's grief journey contrasts with Gugu's grief for Iris and of course Cheng's for Xiao Lan. Which is why Jentry reaching out and healing her inner child through saving Xiao Lan was ultimately a beautiful way of handling her arc. She saw a child who was scared and didn't know what was going on, and destructive in that pain, and saved her.

If you look at the series, Gugu was scared and didn't fully understand the consequences of her actions and destroyed Jentry's family as a result. Kit was scared and didn't understand how to be human and was destructive in that pain.J entry too grieves Kit and projects that fear onto the possibility of losing Michael, which leads to a rift in their relationship. And some of that fear is not understanding who they wanted to be. To quote C.S. Lewis after the death of his wife:

No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.

Grief and fear intertwine in many ways in Jentry Chau, including through Moonie allowing herself to be possessed by the Mogui to get her husband back. This also then leads to Gugu's second death.

Gugu's farewell at the end had me full-on sobbing. In a sense, Jentry's entire arc throughout the story is a symbolic way of working through her grief for Gugu, settling with her accepting via choosing to focus on Gugu's love for her, and carrying her memory on in a literal form (the necklace). After accepting Gugu loved her, Jentry loses her fear of the underworld and her powers, and her fear of losing the people closest to her as well.

A Soul Is What You Choose

Jentry's ultimate power isn't burning, but it's being able to see people for whom they want to be. Kit and being human. Ed and being scary. Michael and joining the band.

In a world where everyone, demon or human, is trying to be what they think they need to be, trying to please others, Jentry asks them to be who they want to be, to live how they want to live.

The Best Character and the Worst Writing: Kit

Kit is by far the most compelling character. He's continually sympathetic (while Gugu is somewhat not), conflicted, and torn between how desperately he wants to be human and the inhuman acts he believes he has to commit to be one. Plus, he doesn't understand what it means to be human, nor the complexities of human relationships.

The scene where he helps Jentry create a skinsuit is really a metaphorical sex scene--like fairly obviously. It isn't subtle.

It starts in a bedroom (and yes, animators know what they're doing when they choose setting and objects).

Then we have talking about looking under layers.

Then we have some yonic symbols and this.

Like. And he uses a knife (a traditionally phallic symbol), and the next thing we see is cloth falling... with literal the next frame being clothes (ie, clothes coming off).

Sticking a brush (another traditional phallic symbol) in a vat of wet paint (yonic).

Kit: I've never done this before. It's strange. Jentry: I stand by what I said in class. You do have a soul, and you're more human than you know.

Also note the hand clasped position.

It ends with them literally "becoming one" in Kit embodying a Jentry skin to help Jentry uncover the truth--in other words, they help each other be human.

Which is why what happens next really doesn't make storytelling sense, and is actually kinda offensive.

Love Triangle: What Not To Write

The love triangle pretty clearly was supposed to represent Jentry's links to the supernatural (via Kit) and her links to the human world (via Michael). Great potential for a love triangle, a trope I generally hate because it's almost never well done.

This was not well done. What makes it even more frustrating is that it had a ton of potential to be well done via the thematic and symbolic potential.

Having Kit suddenly go aggressive ex who can't take "no" for an answer was lazy writing, nonsensical within the characters they'd set up, and offensive. Offensive, primarily, because you absolutely should never introduce a triggering element like, oh, harassment and controlling men if you don't plan on dealing with it in the story. And they didn't. At all.

The only reason that element was there was to resolve the love triangle in a clear way--oh, Jentry should be with Michael because Kit acted threatening, even though he never had before. That's just bad writing, because if there's a clear choice in a love triangle, you gotta actually write it. Make Michael the more compelling love interest. (More on how they didn't do this later.)

The entire sequence with Kit makes no sense. Jentry tells him he's actually "hundreds of years old," parroting Tumblr-esque anti arguments about Twilight and every other paranormal love story ever. Except, the story had always explicitly framed Kit as a child being abused by Cheng and "parented" by puppets. His journey to understand who he was, that he mattered, that he could be a human too, was clearly a coming-of-age story.

You don't tend to end coming-of-age stories with death, but they did, pretty much because after the threatening scene there was no coming back.

Plus, Jentry's treatment of Kit actually was pretty bad. Now, there's never an excuse for a threatening ex, but--Kit was right about her hypocrisy in terms of how she treated demons like Ed and himself, something that Jentry isn't really asked to reckon with.

If they wanted Jentry to end up with Michael, that's fair, but her decision was taken away from her because they just decided to stamp Kit with a lazy and offensive development and then kill him off in a redemptive death that emphasizes everything that can go wrong with that trope.

Michael Deserved Better

I feel like they didn't know entirely what to do with Michael. He started off with a cool arc, torn between his desire to be a band geek and his talent for football. His indecision leading to conflict with Stella and Jentry was also a great flaw, especially given that he also has visions of the future. An indecisive teenager with precognition has a ton of potential.

But, Michael's arc vanishes after the festival. Instead he's just... kinda there. Jentry chooses him because she wants to be a normal, human girl. But this isn't a good reason, because she's not (and arguably, he's not either!). Yet this isn't unpacked--the idea that everyone in this triangle is both human and supernatural, to varying degrees.

One interesting idea I spotted during the scene where Kit (as Jentry) gets asked out by Michael is that--well, it's a romantic-coded scene with two men, even if Kit turns him down for Jentry.

But it also coming on the heels of the metaphorical sex scene kinda seemed to almost hint at a throuple. Plus the scene after Kit's death where Jentry views them as merging, and where Michael expresses that Jentry views them the same. This would have actually been a very interesting turn for the story to take in future seasons, if they get those (especially since Stella x Tokki is apparently a thing?).

Because ultimately:

Netflix: The True Enemy

Honestly, almost all of the writing flaws I've talked about come down to the writers just not having enough time. If they had a guarantee of further seasons, they wouldn't have needed to rush to finish the love triangle. They wouldn't have needed to kill Kit. They wouldn't have needed to abort Michael's arc and conflict with Stella.

And really, Netflix continues to disappoint me in emphasizing just how much they focus on profits and money over art. They prefer fast food over an actual nutritious meal. They give shows like one season to get record ratings and if they don't, they get axed. Of course writers are going to rush to cram their story into a single season, because there's no guarantee of another season. Series aren't given any leeway to explore their interesting elements, or to find their footing. It's bad for art. However, Warner Bros exists so Netflix can't fully win the crown for worst example of capitalistic corporations killing art just yet.

I continue to be disappointed that series with no actual story that the writers want to tell (merely a concept of a plan) get renewed for seven seasons based on the writer's reputations (that they then tank with their terrible non-writing) while interesting stories with beautiful art and animation, complex ideas on grief and growing up, have to scramble to beg for another season.

#jentry chau vs the underworld #jentry chau #jentry chau kit #michael ole #jctvu #jctvu gugu #jctvu kit #jentry x kit #jentry x kit x michael #hamliet reviews #paintedflame

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movingthisblogcelestialtarot11 · 6 months ago

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Astro observations 🤍🐚

back with another astro post part 1000 (i dont remember how much its been) 😭 anyways yall, please enjoy and feel free to share your thoughts always! I had to go in deep with this one 👀 you know, its astrology

divider creds: @fairytopea

Venus conj. Saturn has been the biggest lesson for me in love. In the connection often with this placement, the venus person clings to affection and love in a codependent way. The saturn person may withdraw & avoid romance altogether, creating an unstable dynamic. Venus person eventually learns their self worth is much more than having to convince someone why they should stay with them :/

That being said so much has been learned from this synastry. I truly became a better person and decided who was right for me, and who wasn’t. It broke my heart but fixed my vision!

Someone I know has someone else’s mars in her 12h. This manifested as instant attraction even though she was repulsed by him. She couldn’t explain why she felt this way. Its possible mars 12h can bring out what we feel interest in, despite our shame and guilt towards it. It often has to do with our trauma and being drawn to things we know initially aren’t good for us. Which begs the question: why? And thats where the healing begins.

To also add she had her Lilith conj his sun, which definitely brought out an impulse to explore what she thought was off putting. Lilith can make us go deep into our trauma and transform our beliefs from then to now. With the sun it makes sense her beliefs are shifting especially in relationships. Her source of power was repressed due to her trauma, but now this synastry could be a way to regain it.

So random but are Taurus/Libra males more likely to be uncircumcised 😭 #sorry just had to put the thought out there

Jupiter in virgo male can be great listeners and conversationalists. It can also make them cunning, sly and manipulative with their word. With what kind of information they choose to let out at the time.

Chiron in the 4h and not living with stable parents 🤝 trauma. This guy I know has this placement and does not live with his parents, he lives with his grandparents due to the instability in his home life. His mother currently has a boyfriend. Chiron in the 4h can make an individual experience lack of stable family connections at a young age. It can also represent a separation or divorce in the family, or even the native being kicked out or homeless at some point in their lives.

Mercury in Aries and either going from being super blunt and dry, to spilling everything on their mind no shame. A guy with this placement was very dry, enunciating every word he could to be “masculine.” This was his attempt at projecting a dominant figure, as he lacked for it physically (#this is an astro post sorry i gotta get in there) I feel like mercury in Aries could manifest as sounding boastful, arrogant and pretentious. Especially if they don’t have a high self esteem. But the other side of it: mercury in aries can spill everything personal of themselves lacking boundaries.

Gemini Lilith natives know exactly what to say and how to say it. They are efficient with their word and thoughts. Precise and intelligent. Once empowered they acknowledge the importance of words and communication, but if not they can manipulate, lie to their benefit, and distort information to hide the truth. Empowered Lilith knows to honor all perspectives and feelings.

Also gemini lilith is multifaceted. Bring up a topic and gemini lilith can easily talk about it, even if you didn’t expect to know of it. They are tenacious individuals who love to learn more, and question everything presented to them!

Depending on other aspects and placements but women with Capricorn placements and plutonian aspects in their chart are more likely to have a grunge, dark moody vibe to their outfits. Even their vibe is unmatched. There’s a woodsy, whimsical yet dark vibe to them you can’t fully describe or place. Especially if they have venus touching pluto those women tend to go for a moody, gloomy yet striking appearance! They may also prefer whimsical softer styles, and one day switch to a darker vibe to change things up. Venus=fashion. As a result of pluto cap women may go through many different styles and changes in order to find what suits them. And even then, cap women love to explore with their look! They shed their old skin to make room for more.

Taurus Venus men & Libra men I notice tend to be extreme in their looks. Some prefer their real body, not altered by surgery. This can go extreme in one way: do everything naturally to their body but expect crazy results. High expectations. And some of them prefer perfection as well and go for surgery. They want to be symmetrical, flawless, and yet convey this, “effortless,” look. Not overdone but just right. And it can manifest into something unhealthy by wanting to look perfect all of the time. Taurus/libra men can be hard on themselves physically to fit a standard or stereotype.

Meanwhile Capricorn men want to convey this minimalistic, daddy energy. 😭. Not sorry. Some of ya’ll actually dress like dads though. Capricorn men always try to look put together, simple, yet there’s a sense of luxury to them. Depending on their other aspects/placements to Venus, they can give off a warm vibe. For example someone who was my childhood bestie dresses like a dad but gives off dork energy, because he has Aquarius stellium and Sagittarius placements as well. So it really depends on the venus aspects!

Libra dominant men are the type to go from couch potato to hot millennial business dad for an event. The type to get you drooling. The type to catch you off guard when you least expect it. The type you’d probably roll your eyes at when they say they’ll actually dress up, and when they do you’re stuck for words.

Capricorn women and their playlist 🤝 comfort. The only thing that truly understands them deeply. The only thing they find themselves getting lost in rather than getting lost in a person. Because losing themselves to a person is much more disgraceful to them, than getting lost in something they put together themselves.

“I’d rather lose myself in the hands of something I made, flesh and bone than to give you my dignity, my vulnerability, my guilt.” -me, a cap moon probably.

Thanks so much y’all for reading! I really hope ya’ll enjoyed this. Please always share your feedback, I love to engage and hear it! You can also send asks my way if that works! 🤍 have a great one.

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liveyun · 5 months ago

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EYES LIKE STARS | 2

banner by the amazing @itaeewon 🫧

summary. “He was everything you were not. He was perfect—too perfect. Always kind, always excelling, always loved by everyone, even your own parents, like a reminder of everything you weren’t. And you hated this. You hated him. You hated the way he always included you, the way he tried to help, as if you ever needed his pity. He was always there, almost like a shadow you could never escape.

Returning to the town that holds both your earliest memories and silent secrets, you’re forced to confront not only the unsolved knots you’d left behind all those years ago, but the boy who was always at the center of your pain. Whose eyes have always seen right through you : Jungkook.”

title. Eyes like Stars

pairing. Jeon Jungkook x afab reader/oc

status. ongoing

genre. e2f2e2L (you get it), angst, drama, romance, boy next door sorta situation, emotional baggage, slow burn, eventual smut

wc. 13k+

warnings. (for this chapter) angst kinda. . . tbh, slight nsfw (nipple play, wet dreams), mythical creature reference, uhh kinda post nut clarity but also not so? , scene of drowning/possible near-drowning, parental neglect / toxic parenting, flashbacks, anxiety / panic attack 😬, our girl is learning to heal ❤️‍🩹, A NEW CHARACTER IS INTRODUCED 👀, some light-hearted fun and bickering, not proofread cause im tired byee it’s like really 3:15 am, “english isn't my first language,” the last part tho. . . . . . .

flash backs are highlighted in italics.

← previous | chapter index | taglist | main masterlist | next →

There’s a very small line between fear and curiosity.

The silence of the ocean isn’t like any you’ve known before. It’s thick, hurled down with a stillness that presses against your ears until you’re sure that you’ll be crushed underneath it.

The water stretches endlessly in every direction, dark and silver, the colour of ink spilled beneath a dim moon. It laps against your skin as if testing you, as if inviting you deeper. You float weightlessly on the surface, arms outstretched, as though surrendering yourself to the vastness of the world. But this surrender—it isn’t frightening. No, it’s rather. . . soft. Gentle.

The water laps at your skin like a soft caress, welcoming you, inviting you deeper into her embrace.

You’re truly floating—and for a moment, it feels like surrender. Like peace. The kind that numbs your bones and soothes the chaos inside you.

And you can’t resist. You’ve never been able to resist the pull of the sea. And you don’t think it would be the first time you’d be able to do so, too.

The horizon looks like it’s shimmering — blurring where the water meets the sky. Stars scatter above, their reflections rippling across the surface like a thousand tiny lights dancing just out of reach, sprinkled on the vast sky like dust particles.

Why are they so far away from you ?

Somewhere in the distance, you hear a thump. A faint hum that lingers, a low, hypnotic sound that pulls you closer. It’s as if the ocean itself is singing — a song only you can hear, a melody that fills your chest with a longing you don’t understand. A yearning which feels similar to the feeling of being homesick. It feels like silk, easing the tension from your muscles; it feels like coming home — though you don’t know why.

You sigh.

You sink deeper, arms brushing against the cool, endless expanse. It feels refreshing — cool. The water cradles you, and yet, it feels like something more. Like someone more. There’s a presence here — intangible, unseen, but there nonetheless. It circles you, watching, waiting. You feel the eyes on the back of your head, but it’s not unpleasant or something closer to.

The touch comes without any warning.

It’s a gentle pressure against your arm, light and delicate, almost as if it’s barely there. At first, you think it’s the current, or you’re just hallucinating, but it’s too precise, too careful, too textured. You freeze, breath catching in your throat, but the touch doesn’t retreat. It lingers, tracing along your skin like a very delicate caress. A voice whispers through the water, soft as the tide, as clear as the waters. It’s familiar, achingly so, but you can’t place it, no matter how hard you try. It’s almost like you’re squinting your eyes to look at a distant image better, but you cannot.

The sound curls around you, weaving through your mind, like how tendrils of a plant wraps itself around its support. And for a moment, you think you’ve recognized it — think you know who it belongs to.

It traces along your arm, delicate as a breeze, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake. Your eyes snap open, scanning the dark water around you, but there’s nothing. Only the vast, endless sea, and the sparkling waves. And yet, you can feel it— him —there with you, unseen but present, lingering just out of sight.

What was he?

The touch returns, sliding up to your shoulder, and this time, it’s more certain. More real. It trails down your spine, igniting something inside you that’s both comforting and terrifying and . . . arousing? Your breath catches in your throat, heart stuttering as you try to make sense of the sensation as goosebumps prickle all along the expanse of your flesh. It’s intimate, overwhelming — like the sea is alive, drawing you into something deeper, something you can’t escape.

But do you really want to, though?

The question flits through your mind, and without even thinking, you lean into the touch, letting it guide you further. The water swirls around you, cool but not cold — its surface now shimmering with an ethereal light that seems to come from nowhere and everywhere at once. The stars overhead blur, their reflections weaving through the waves like a dream. And then, you feel it — his breath, warm against your ear. The voice is clearer now, low and resonant, like a gentle plea. A delicious shiver runs down your spine at the sensation, as you feel your eyes close again.

You feel him — his nose rubbing against the expanse of your neck. A hum escapes your throat at the sensation when the slope of his nose rubs against the sensitive underside of your jaw, and then, you feel it.

Your stomach swirls with pleasure.

You hear him whisper something in your ear. Softly, almost like soft silk brushing against your skin— and though the words are foreign, you understand them. Not with your mind, but with your soul.

Don’t look.

The warning seeps into your bones, a quiet plea wrapped in something more dangerous. You’re afraid it’s all too much, too intense. You cannot understand the sensations in you — the bubbling heat in your stomach and the ringing bells in your head. But you can’t help it. You have to see. You have to know who he is.

Slowly, as if fighting against the pull of the ocean, you turn your head. You know he is behind you. The water parts around you, thick and heavy, slowing your movements as if the very sea itself is trying to stop you.

Don’t look.

The words echo in your mind, louder now, edged with desperation. But it’s too late. You’re already searching, eyes scanning the dark water, desperate to catch a glimpse of him. The one who’s been pulling you deeper, holding you close, whispering words of praise so sweetly that you’re afraid you’re going to fall apart.

You reach out, and you feel your hand trembling as it cuts through the water. And then you see him—just a shadow at first, a silhouette drifting through the water, a figure submerged in the hues of the darkness. He’s close, so close, but still just out of reach. You squint, straining to make out the details, but the sea keeps him shrouded in darkness.

You cannot see him.

The moment your fingers brush his form, a jolt of electricity shoots through you, a pulse of energy that sets your nerves alight, a type which makes the heat in your belly intensify.

He’s solid, real, but he doesn’t move. Just hovers there, watching you with an intensity that makes you want to squirm endlessly.

The figure moves closer, the water parting around him, and your pulse quickens. You can’t make out his face — yet again — but you can see the outline of him now, clearer than before. Broad shoulders, a lithe, sinewy body tapering to a narrow waist. His movements are smooth, fluid, as he floats, his arms very delicately holding your waist.

When did he get so close?

And then you see them—the scales.

They glimmer faintly beneath the water, catching the light in shades of deep violet and silver, fading into skin as he draws closer. The scales ripple down his torso, shifting into skin that is smooth and supple, as though he exists somewhere between the human world and something far more ancient. His long hair drifts around him, dark as midnight, curling into waves that fall across his bare chest — though the details remain elusive, just out of reach, like a blurry portrait.

You feel his hand— which feels slightly slimy and rough in texture, move up your waist, stroking your skin. His touch is cold, electrifying — and you feel your sanity leave your soul when his knuckles brush against the swell of your breasts.

Your pulse spikes, and you suck in a breath. You cannot go this far, even if your body is screaming to him to end what he’s started. His hands keep on stroking the exposed skin of your waist, delicately and tenderly, like he’s working you to the oblivion of endless pleasure, because why the hell is this arousing you so much?

You’re already breathless by the time you scramble to get a hold of his wrist which feels rather cold to touch before it gets too far away beyond your control.

He doesn’t pull away.

Instead, he leans into your touch, his skin warm and soft beneath your fingertips, though you can still feel the faint ridges of scales beneath the surface. Your heart hammers in your chest, and for a moment, you forget how to breathe. He feels real. He feels alive. You are exposed and vulnerable in his hold.

The ocean swells around you, and the hum in your ears grows louder, more insistent. He shifts, his body turning towards you, and finally — finally — you see his face.

Sharp jawline, high cheekbones, plump, soft lips which are curved in the faintest of smiles. His eyes are unbelievably dark, pupils abnormally wide and endless as the sea — lock onto yours, and you feel like you’re drowning all over again, and yet they feel like they’re glowing like the scales on his skin, a blunt, gentle glow. They draw you in, pulling you deeper into a whirlpool of emotion you can’t name, can’t understand, don’t want to understand. There is something very familiar about him which you cannot exactly pinpoint. But before you can even think of something else, you feel his thumb brush against the peak of your nipple.

Gods.

You moan, a high pitched one which you didn’t know you were capable of making, hands flying to his arms, leaning in submission. Your eyes close themselves as you feel a spark of pleasure travel straight to your clit with each flick of his fingers, and you nearly tremble in his hold.

This can’t be happening.

But the pleasure, it’s so intense — you are torn between your own desire, your own curiosity. It’s just too much for you, and a needy whine escapes your lips when you feel him pinch your nipples gently, twisting the bud in his hold. You squirm, feeling your centre pulse and ache with need, and you hear a small chuckle from his side.

You’re just so close to succumbing to this pleasure. You’re almost ready to voice out your inner thoughts, your need for him, but your body freezes when you hear him.

“Will you run away?”

The question hangs between you, low and velvety, his tone both teasing and somewhat serious. Your eyes fly open as your brain finally acknowledges the voice, his words wrapping around your heart like a vice. You open your mouth to respond, but no sound comes out. Your throat is tight, your lungs burning as though the air has been stolen from you.

He cocks his head, the faintest hint of confusion flickering in his gaze. His hand reaches for you, fingers grazing your arm as though testing your reaction, unsure of your response. But there is something else in his gaze, something that stirs a memory long buried beneath the surface.

Him.

It’s him.

You know him. You’ve always known him.

The realisation crashes into you like a wave, and your breath hitches. You gasp, twisting in his hold as bells ring in your head again. You cannot be doing this. You feel his hands move from your chest to your shoulders, a small tap on your blade as a sign of concern, interrogation. His touch is oddly warm, gentle, but there’s a hesitation in the way he holds you now, a question in his eyes.

He doesn’t understand. He doesn’t know why you’re pulling away. His brows furrow, and you can see it in his eyes—he thinks you don’t want him. He thinks you’re afraid of him.

“Will you run away again, like you did tonight?”

Huh?

The question sharpens, the confusion giving way to something more desperate, more exposed. His grip tightens, but not in a way that traps you, but makes you feel oddly seen. His hands caress your shoulder blades, as though he’s pleading with you, silently asking you to stay, to tell him that he isn’t the reason for your fear.

But the truth is — he isn’t. Not entirely.

Your heart races, your mind swirling as fragments of memories begin to unfold. You see flashes of a different ocean, a younger version of yourself pulling someone from the depths. Water in your lungs, panic in your chest, eyes burning — and a boy — struggling to breathe. Your hands shaking, his eyes wide with fear, and your heart pounding so loud it drowned out everything else.

And then . . . . nothing.

Silence.

But now, here he is again.

You twist in his grip, again, afraid of the lack of your words, the silence which stretches forever alongside the soft waves of the ocean, and his hauntingly pitch obsidian eyes — your body reacting on instinct, and the moment you do, his expression crumbles.

His confusion turns to hurt.

He pulls back, just a fraction, his gaze clouding with uncertainty. He doesn’t understand. He thinks you don’t want him. He thinks you’re running from him . . . again. His lips stretch to a snarl, and you catch a glimpse of death lining the inside of his mouth.

The water grows heavier around you, your eyes widening as you beat the water around you as you feel like you’re drowning. Being pulled down all of a sudden. The stars overhead dim all of their light as the weight of the ocean presses you down as his voice echoes once more, softer now, filled with a quiet kind of sorrow.

“So you are going to run away.”

Your lungs burn, your vision blurs, and the ocean swells around you, pulling you deeper into its embrace as you feel yourself immersed, despite your attempts of resistance. The ocean feels like a thousand knives stabbing you all around, unlike the soft blanket of comfort you felt a few moments ago.

The siren’s eyes are the last thing you see, his endless gaze filled with a longing that tugs at something deep inside you — something you’ve kept hidden for far too long.

He doesn’t even attempt to save you as everything goes black.

And then you wake.

It’s all so dark once again. Except, there’s no ocean around you, and you’re sitting on your bed in the middle of the room.

It takes you sometime to adjust to the darkness in your room — the moon is barely visible through the slits of your closed windows, and yet it feels like some sort of hallucination — almost as if your heart is going to burst. Your throat is cracked up as you gulp down on your own saliva, feeling each second passing by killing your throat as the moisture travels down your throat.

Your skin is damp with sweat, hair sticking on your face like some sort of icky school glue. And for a moment, you can still feel the ocean around you, his touch lingering on your skin.

When you recover a bit, you notice that there’s an undeniable discomfort in between your legs — your underwear sticking to your core, soiled, and slick coating your inner thighs as you cringe.

You had a wet dream. Like a fucking teenager. Or, a mixture of something arousing and horror. Was there any specific label to it? Possibly not.

You feel the wrath of shame wash over you as you duck your head down. Why him and why exactly. . .

But it’s gone—just a dream, a memory that slips through your fingers like sand, confusing you all again the more you think of it with each passing second. There are a flurry of questions in your mind which feels way too overwhelming to answer, ponder about, and you feel a splitting headache slowly spreading in the back of your head.

Yet, a question stands out the most amongst all. His voice, low and haunting, still echoes in your mind.

Will you run away again, just like tonight ?

The sea has always been your solace.

It was a vast, open space that offered more comfort than the people crowding your life ever did, or ever could. You sit at the edge of the beach, far enough from the others that their voices are nothing but distant clatters, but close enough that you still feel the spray of the waves on your skin. It feels soothing — yet warm as you bask in the slightly hot weather. The sun is high in the sky, yet all you can focus on is the steady rhythm of the ocean, like a quiet lullaby which rocks your body to a peaceful slumber. You draw idle patterns in the sand, your fingers trailing through the grains as your mind drifts, far from where you are, far from everything.

You’ve never liked being here, atleast, not with them.

The smiles, the laughter, the way everyone seems to fit in so seamlessly—everyone except for you. No matter how hard you’ve tried, you just couldn’t. The latest magazine in your school library had that little “self care corner”, which was fascinating, but absurd to you at first, but it’s been a matter of a few weeks since you’ve been following it. It says that you should be grateful for your blessings and try to improve yourself first before you justify why you feel so wronged and hurt. “It’s a hard pill to swallow”, were the exact words, and you do realise that heck yes, they were.

You had tried so many ways you could improve yourself, with some help from the limited internet access you’re provided from your computer. It said that regular journalling, walking, or activities which overall help you in reflecting on yourself and your thoughts assist in healing. But all that it ever did was make you feel like a bitter fool who had nothing to do but to complain all the damn time, without even putting in the effort to do anything.

So you’d tried putting in the effort. You’d tried mingling in with your friends and classmates. You’d even tried to actually be in the same room as your parents and be involved in whatever they were.

In the end, all that you were met was a cold, dead end.

You felt like you were pretending to be someone who you could never be. You were quite literally pushing yourself off the edge of the ground trying to fit in while others — he — shines without effort. Jungkook has always been at the centre of things, his laughter louder, his smile brighter, his presence bigger than yours could ever be. You just felt like another blurred character in the background who acts like a prop to enhance the overall photo.

And you hated it, hated how you couldn’t stop noticing him, couldn’t stop being reminded of all the ways you fell short.

You kicked the spare pebble nearby you, frustrated at having him in the centre of your thoughts again. One of the many things that the small self care centre had taught you was that nothing other than your own thoughts can hurt you as much as others, and it’s solely your own thoughts which can bring you happiness. So you try and keep your chin up high, trying to think of things which aren’t the constant nagging and pleading of your own parents about how you are no longer a star student and nothing can help you improve now, reminding you why you’re content to stay in the background itself.

But the ocean never judged you. It never asked anything of you. It just was — vast, open, endless, inviting. You can feel the familiar tug in your chest, the pull toward the water, a place where you could lose yourself if only for a moment, and forget everything which pesters you so much.

It’s that pull that keeps you grounded as you sit alone. That, and the nagging feeling that something is off. At first, you don’t pay much attention to it.

Why would you?

You’re used to being ignored, used to being an afterthought. But there’s just something in the air which feels odd, something unsettling that has your senses prickling, your chest tightening. You tell yourself that it’s nothing. You’re just anxious, that’s all. You don’t need to be involved, don’t need to care. Let them handle it. You’re done trying to be a part of something that always leaves you feeling more isolated.

And then, you hear it.

A splash. Sharp and out of place. It’s followed by a frantic noise, like someone struggling, thrashing against the waves. You freeze, your heart suddenly pounding in your chest. You tell yourself it’s not your problem, that it’s probably nothing.

But deep down, you know better. Something is wrong.

Your heart leaps into your throat. You rise to your feet before you can even think ; your eyes dart across the water, scanning the waves, searching for the source. And that’s when you see him.

Jungkook.

He’s far from the shore, too far. His arms are flailing, desperately trying to keep himself afloat. The water pulls him under, and for a terrifying second, he disappears beneath the surface. Your eyes pop out, your pulse spiking up violently as you feel your chest tightening. For another moment, you see his head poke out of the violent waves, his arms still struggling, and in another, you lose sight of him. It feels like your whole body has been frozen, your limbs refusing to move despite your mind screaming for otherwise.

Your body moves before your mind can catch up. You’re on your feet, the sand slipping under your soles as you sprint toward the shore. You should hate him. You do hate him— or at least, you’ve convinced yourself of that.

But none of that matters right now. Not when his head breaks the surface again, his eyes wide with fear. He looks at you, a flicker of something — hope, maybe — crossing his face even in the middle of his panic and terror.

You hate that look, hate that it stirs something inside you, something that makes you pause for just a second. But you don’t let yourself think about it.

You don’t have time for that.

You dive into the water, the cold shock of it hitting you like a slap to the face, but you don’t stop. The current is strong, pulling you back with each stroke, but you push against it, swimming toward him with everything you have. You hadn’t realised that it’s been that long since you’ve been engaged in any other physical vigorous activity, or is it just the fact that the current is way too strong that the resistance it offers to you nearly stops you from gliding forward.

The water is blurry, your eyes stinging with the saline as you swin forward to locate him.

When you reach him, his body feels heavier than you expected, his limbs weak and movements uncoordinated. He’s coughing, choking on seawater, his breaths ragged and desperate. For a second, his weight drags you down, and you both sink slightly under the water. Panic rises in your chest, but you force it down.

You’re not going to let him drown. Not today.

With every fibre of strength left in your being, you push yourself forward. The moment your hands hold his arm, you pull him close. You feel a strong sense of electricity run through your whole arm, but you ignore it. You hook your arm under his, pulling him closer to you, and you start swimming back to shore. Every stroke feels like a battle against the ocean, but you don’t stop. His body presses against yours, his breathing uneven as he clings to you, and despite everything — despite how much you want to hate him — you don’t let go.

What’s more important is to save him, and that’s all what matters now. His weight feels heavy in your arms as you drag him toward the shore, your calves crying with the stretch and your arms cramping with exerted strength already lost, but that’s not your priority.

“I got you”, is all that you can offer as a silent statement in your head, your main motive being taking him to the shore safely.

By the time your feet touch the sand, your muscles are screaming, but you don’t care. You haul him out of the water, your breaths coming in sharp, painful gasps. The waves crash behind you, but all you can hear is the sound of Jungkook’s coughs, his chest heaving as he gulps down a mouthful of air.

You collapse onto the sand next to him, your arms trembling from the effort. For a moment, neither of you say anything.

He’s still recovering, his eyes closed as he lies on his back, his chest rising and falling unevenly. You feel the thrum of your own exhaustion settle in, but more than that, you feel that of the silence between you.

After quite some time, he’s just silent as you are, sitting up in a somewhat upward position as you. The sun fades away to shadows, and the waves feel stronger as cool winds blow from the shore, touching your feet in a gentle fuzzy wash. The clouds overhead dim further as you crane your neck up, indicating rain.

You’d nearly lost him.

What could’ve happened if you hadn’t heard him back then?

Your heart clenches at the thought and you feel even more exhausted mentally than physically thinking of the probable possibilities of your thoughts. You look at him — his profile silent and calm as he watches the waves dance in the distance. He looks deep in thoughts, still a bit ragged.

Your heart skips a beat out of nowhere.

And then, without thinking, you reach out and pull him into a hug.

It’s not something you planned, not something you would ever admit to doing if anyone asked.

But at that moment, it felt right.

His body is warm against yours, smelling like the soft saline ocean, still damp, still buzzing. And despite the lingering taste of salt on your lips and the sting of exhaustion in your muscles, you hold him tight. Your heart pounds in your chest as your brain threatens you to process something scary, as scary as a life without him. But with him in your arms, you feel better.

Maybe it’s relief. Maybe it’s something else. You don’t know, and you’re too tired to care.

Before you can feel anything more, though, the sound of running footsteps breaks through the quiet. Your parents. His parents. They come rushing over, calling his name, their voices frantic and full of worry.

“Jungkook!” It’s your mother. You watch her as she runs to the boy, panic settled in her features with dark, teary eyes as she grabs him by his shoulders, checking him for any signs of injuries. You watch silently as her tears stream down her eyes, shaking.

She doesn’t even spare you a glance.

“Your dad saw you struggling in the sea. Oh, my dear child, we rushed to you right there and then! Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

Jungkook’s parents fuss over him, their hands gentle as they check him over, making sure he’s okay. Your own parents linger nearby, but as usual, it’s him who gets all the attention. You stand there, dripping wet and still trying to catch your breath, but it’s like you don’t even exist.

“I think he needs to see a doctor! His skin is way too cold to touch!”

Oh.

You let go of him, pulling back just as they all hover around him, some sobbing, some worried, and once again, you find yourself shoved into the background.

It’s Mr. Jeon who finally acknowledges you, his eyes warm with gratitude as he hands you a towel. Oh. You’re caught quite off guard, you’re being honest — not when you feel his affectionate gaze at you and a warm hand pat your shoulder.

“Thank you,” he says softly, his voice filled with sincerity. “You saved him,” his voice is full of kindness. Like the kind which always feels like a far echo to you. His eyes were always gentle, the kind which made you feel oddly at ease. “We owe you a lot, child.”

“It’s nothing,” You nod, but there’s no satisfaction in it, even if you’d try to feign some. You did what you had to do, and yet, it feels like nothing has changed. There’s a churning feeling in your tummy, one that makes you feel fidgety and anxious again, like all the emotions you hate mixed into one. Selfishness, greed, envy. Afterall, he was in danger. He deserves to be treated and taken care of; you were just a rescue.

However, it just feels so. . . you cannot name it. You’re still the one left behind, still the one who doesn’t quite blend in.

As you watch them lead Jungkook away, his movements clumsy and sputtering, you can’t help but feel the familiar sting of resentment rising in your chest. He’s alive, he’s okay—and yet, you can’t shake the feeling that no matter what you do, you’ll always be the one on the outside looking in, trying to blend in, like how oil does with water — but is it ever possible?

The feeling in your stomach is so ugly that you physically have to fight the urge to kick the sand.

You turn to face the sea once again, lost in the ocean of your own thoughts as the sky growls with thunder.

But what you don’t notice, is the way his eyes follow you as he’s led away. There’s a flicker in them, a quiet gratitude, a longing that he wanted to show you. He wants to thank you, to reach out and pull you back into the hug you’d given him so freely, so sincerely that he’d felt like his world had stopped for a few minutes. But the words stick in his throat, each step feeling like a tug away from you.

You don’t see the way his gaze lingers over his shoulder as he looks at your retreating figure. How he watches you with something deeper.

Something silent, before the tide of people pulls him away from you once again.

The kitchen feels too quiet this morning.

The sound of coffee dripping into the carafe snaps you out of your thoughts, its steady rhythm grounding you in the early morning quiet. The aroma of brewed coffee does little to clear the fog of your tired brain, because once again, you’d failed to get even an ounce of sleep. All you could do was toss around endlessly in the bed. The sheets felt warm, the pillows felt warm, and everything inside your thoughts were so warm you felt like you were getting grilled in your own thoughts.

With no BBQ sauce, though.

But finally, finally when your eyelids had felt too heavy to be kept open, your body clock had decided that it was time to get up.

You sit at the counter, gaze drawn to the espresso stone — an indulgence you’d bought in a phase of believing that rituals like brewing coffee would help settle the storm of your mind. But right now, it does little to nothing.

You’d always preferred instant coffee anyways. Easy, quick, and effortless. Call you lazy or whatever, but let’s be real, who the fuck has the allat energy to do that stuff when it’s the first thing you need in the morning?

(Some real coffee lovers might be giving you the stink eye, but well.)

You absolutely respect others who have, though. But you’re okay with warm water and a sachet of instant coffee. It doesnt taste quite as authentic, but it does work.

Or maybe you were just habituated.

What surprises you is that your parents were awake, but they didn’t come to wake you up this time. Not like before, when the first sound of life in the house was your mom’s footsteps hurrying up to your room. Now when you woke up, it felt like you weren’t even present in the house — perhaps you just expected much more than you should have.

The rich, dark liquid pools into the pot as you stare down at the counter, a knot of emotions tying in your chest. It’s strange, the way time has moved here — everything looks the same, but it feels unfamiliar. The tension that used to live in these walls, seeping through the cracks of their arguments and filling the spaces between your breaths, has softened.

For once, they're not fighting.

You don’t know what to make of that.

You close your eyes against the wave of discomfort that rises in your chest, refusing to let yourself spiral again, but it lingers, just like the faint bitterness of over-brewed coffee.

The morning light is soft, creeping through the windows, and you let your fingers trace idle circles on the countertop, waiting for the espresso to finish. Something about the silence feels unnerving. Not the comfortable, soothing kind though, but the kind that crawls into your bones and makes you hyper-aware of everything — it suddenly dawns on you that you weren’t awakened by that alarm of your phone.

Your phone.

A flood of memories flash right in front of your eyes, remembering him, holding it in his hands while you trembled like a fool and fled from him, again.

You’re so stupid.

You close your eyes. Fuck. Those eyes, those eyes. You were never successful to run away from them, even if he was in a state where he didn’t recognise you. They made you feel exposed, like a deer caught in headlights.

And suddenly, that touch, which is still so prominent in your senses, washes over you. The dream — his touch—lingers like a shadow on your skin, and you’re ashamed of the warmth it stirred in you. Confused, even. Your fingertips twitch, an involuntary reaction to the memory of the way the siren’s — Jungkook’s — hands had roamed over your body in the dream. The way his voice had sunk into your bones, asking, Will you run away?

The question was more than a dream. It was a reminder. And it makes your stomach churn.

You feel a shiver run down your spine.

No. You shake your head, you definitely will go insane if you think about it anymore. You try to shake it off, breathing out a sigh. It’s just a dream, you tell yourself. Get over it. You pour yourself a cup of coffee, inhaling deeply as if the scent could calm the knot in your stomach. There's no running from your thoughts this morning — no distractions, no excuses, and certainly no phone to hide behind. It hits you that without it, you’re forced to confront the very things you’ve been avoiding.

The what-ifs, the what-nows.

You just hope that the bitter coffee would ground you, but it doesn’t.

You take a sip, but it’s scalding, and the sudden burn against your lips yanks you from whatever you were lost in. You wince and place the cup back on the counter, feeling oddly betrayed by something as simple as a morning routine. Without your phone, you’re left feeling vulnerable, like your connection to the outside world has been severed.

You are definitely not a chronically online person, but a few instagram reels certainly do not feel as shitty as the coffee you’ve just made yourself.

You sigh. You wish that you did not rely on your phone for nearly every detail and necessities needed, and you seriously wish you had written down all those log in passwords and passkeys in a diary or something like that. They contain email IDs which you genuinely do not remember, and those unfinished drafts of that novel which you were working in. . .

Argh. You already feel the slight throb develop in the back of your head. There’s a sting behind your eyes, which you blink away. What the fuck ? You cannot lose your shit over such a mundane thing. You’re an adult, and you have enough cash to buy yourself a new phone. (What stings you is the fact that you definitely didn’t need one, but you are petty enough to not get the. . . err, lost one back.)

Anyways, you’re lucky enough to have a laptop with you, and if you can remember correctly, you do have your important e-mails registered in it and hopefully, you can do enough to not lose all your precious details.

(You feel silly as hell.)

But a small part of you trusts that Jungkook wouldn't mess with your details, right? He wouldn’t snoop through your life. . . would he?

You shake your head, pushing the thought away. There’s no point in obsessing over it. Trust him, you tell yourself, even if it’s easier said than done.

— — — —

As you settle down in the living room, laptop perched on your knees, you try to throw yourself into work, your fingers moving swiftly across the keys.

So far, you’ve been successful in logging out of all the devices and recovering your passwords, and you thank the technology for that. Although, those small manuscripts are something which you feel like are in the point of no return. The soft hum of your parents moving about the house barely registers at first, until you glance up and see them together, not at each other’s throats like they usually are.

They’re seated together, your father’s profile hidden behind the newspaper he’s so absorbed in reading, and your mother silently sipping on her tea.

How long have they been like this?

A flicker of surprise ripples through you, followed by an unfamiliar feeling you can’t quite place. They’ve been civil for the past few hours. No shouting, no being on each other’s throats anymore. Just... quiet, almost peaceful.

The same kind of quiet that you once craved for as a child.

You shift in your seat, a strange discomfort setting in as you observe them. It’s unsettling — this lack of chaos between them, and you wonder if they’re simply pretending for your sake. Ha. As if they would actually care.

You push the thought aside, not wanting to linger on memories of their constant arguments, of how they never seemed to notice you slipping through the cracks while they tore each other apart. Now, it feels like they've forgotten those days, moved on without you. But you haven't — If they didn’t bother then, why now when you are now just a temporary guest here?

The past has always found a way of sneaking up on you.

Suddenly, your father calls out your name, breaking the silence. His eyes are casted directly on you, his reading glasses slipping down a bit from his nose as he folds the newspaper he’d been reading to keep it back on the table. “The Jeons have been asking about you,” he says, his voice casual but pointed. Your hands freeze over the keyboard, and your heart skips a beat. “They’re very enthusiastic on hearing that you’re back.”

You force yourself to breathe, but the air feels thick in your lungs. Of course, they are, you think, trying to keep your expression neutral. They have always had maintained the image of that perfect neighbour next door, and this is no exception. However, a plethora of words rises to your throat, unsolicited. Is Jungkook with them?

The question burns on the tip of your tongue, and for a moment, you nearly let it slip. But before you can, your mother re-enters the room, carrying a tray — the rich, earthy scent of doenjang-jjigae fills the room, cutting through the tension like a warm breeze. You hastily cough, swallowing the words back, silently grateful for the interruption.

Although you’re now looking down at your laptop, you feel your father’s eyes flicker towards you, and the weight of his narrowed gaze, knowing he hasn’t missed the hesitation in your response. You are well experienced in this sensing emotions from your parents, and you know your father is suspicious. Let him be. But he says nothing more, choosing instead to focus on taking off his glasses and stretching a bit, preparing himself for his first nourishment of the day.

The silence stretches between you again, but at least for now, he doesn’t press the issue.

You exhale softly, your heart calming from the near slip-up.

A miss is as good as a mile.

That old fear of speaking in front of your father —cof saying the wrong thing, of upsetting the him — surges briefly, but you realize it’s not fear anymore. Not really. You’re no longer scared of him like you were as a child. His glare doesn’t topple you over the edge, and it barely has the same effect it did some few years ago.

You’re just not interested in talking to him, in engaging in a conversation you know won’t lead anywhere.

You can only offer a tight smile to your father as a response.

However , his words swirl around in your head, stirring up old emotions you thought you’d buried. It’s like some sort of a bitter nostalgia ; you’d run from him once already, bolted out of the cafe without looking back. And now, with this reminder that he’s close, that meeting him is inevitable, you feel a wave of fear rise inside you.

Fear, and something else.

Excitement ?

The idea sends a shiver down your spine. Why would you feel excited? You don't understand it. You’re supposed to hate him, aren’t you? For being perfect, for being everything you weren’t. For caring, even when you didn’t want him to. For not recognising you. Why? Why?

But there’s that small, rebellious spark inside you, one that flares at the thought of seeing him again. Those memories of seeing him so close creeps up your neurons like an surge of electricity, and you feel your heart pick up it’s speed again. Despite the fear, despite the confusion, you can’t deny the tug of anticipation. That sort which confuses you so much, that you feel like you’re someone really crazy.

No. You push the feeling down, gripping the edge of the table until your knuckles turn white. You shouldn’t be excited. You should be running again, like that voice in your head keeps whispering, urging you to flee before it’s too late.

Run away. Before he gets too close, before he sees you like this.

But you won’t.

Not this time.

You’re done running.

Even if your heart is racing, even if you’re terrified of what will happen when you see him again. You’ve been running for so long, without ever getting to catch a break — and you do not want to keep running away anymore. You are no longer a teenager, and you have to learn to face your challenges, although, this one is something which rather than being a challenge, feels like something which your whole life has revolved around so far.

You have let yourself suffer for consequences which you never were a part of. You have blamed your misery on someone, who was just as misunderstood as you were. Perhaps, that’s where the list of your flaws begins.

You won’t let yourself fall apart again. You are strong enough to face the storms which threaten to sweep you away. You’ve spent too long building these walls around yourself, and you won’t let him tear them down.

Not yet.

Your bottom lip gets a break from the non-stop nibbling upon hearing the empty bowls clink on the table, your mother chatting idly as she serves the food, and you nod along, though your thoughts are still tangled elsewhere completely.

You should feel relieved, thankful for the quick distraction, but instead, you feel like a thin thread is holding everything together, and it’s just a matter of time before it all unravels.

But when the first morsel of the warm strew hits your tastebuds, it was then when you realised that everything else can wait, but the food cannnot.

You were literally starving.

— — — —

Some things are easier to forget, even if they don’t deserve to be.

The park is quiet, the sound of leaves rustling in the soft breeze filling the humble air. It somehow feels like a place from another world — quiet, peaceful, as if it’s untouched by the dilemma that you’re trying to avoid. It’s funny, how this same peace stretched in between the coats of your house, yet you felt suffocated there, almost as if you weren’t meant to share that with your parents.

You sit on a weathered bench, legs curled beneath, pulling the collar of your coat closer as the cool, crisp autumn air brushes against your skin. Auburn leaves fall in slow spirals, collecting at your feet, a reminder of how everything changes — even when you’re standing still, despite how it felt like nothing had changed.

Perhaps, it was just you, or your home.

It felt fuzzy. Like the fuzz which collects at the rim of a carbonated drink when you shake it too hard. It was raining and was hot enough to feel sweat trickle down your spine just yesterday, and now. . . you feel like it’s about time you treat yourself with some mooncakes.

Speaking of which, you think red bean paste ones are slightly overrated, but you enjoy the taste as much if someone offered them to you for free.

You absently flick through the pages of a book you found tucked in a small “self-care” corner of a bookstore. The name of the corner had absent mindedly brought a smile to your lips, amazed at how this word was used so openly now, compared to that small section neatly tucked at the corner of that magazine you used to be so fascinated with.

The book. . . well, it’s not a bestseller, and it’s not something you’d normally pick up, (neither did anyone seem to, given the layer of dust the shopkeeper had to sweep away before handing it to you,) and you’ll be slightly embarrassed to admit that the name of the corner solely made you buy that book.

Well. . . now, you’re just thumbing the corner of a slightly dog-eared page idly, zoned out.

You turn the pages, but the words don’t really . . . stick. How could they, when your mind keeps wandering back to how everything feels so . . . lost? Like you’re floating aimlessly, without a map, without a clue as to where you’re supposed to be. Life has been a series of steps you weren’t ready to take, choices you weren’t prepared to make ; yet, you kept on running till you either bonked your head on the dead end or just chose the wrong path where you had to bear with the terrible consequences.

It sucks how even your gut feeling sometimes betrays you.

And all of it, every bit, feels like a puzzle that’s been missing pieces for longer than you’d care to admit.

You know why you’re here — not just in this park, pretending to care about a book on self-care, but why you’re avoiding the bigger thing. You’re avoiding them. The Jeons. The meeting that’s looming over you is like a storm you can’t run from. You knew your father did want to press over the topic after breakfast, but it was you who dodged it. You’ve been running long enough to know that much. But today… today, you’re trying to take your time, trying to convince yourself that maybe this is the moment you stop.

Stop running, stop pretending that running away would fix you and your problems.

But it’s hard. Hard to stop, hard to breathe, when every step forward feels like it’s pushing you closer to the one thing you’ve been trying to escape.

Your eyes flick down to the open book in your arms. Right.

You wanted to take your time, to clear your mind, and so may it be so. You’re not even a page down, when your mind registers a small paragraph.

Your eyes scan over the words again.

“Healing isn’t about erasing the past. It’s about living with it, the scars not a sign of weakness, but survival. Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting—it’s choosing peace over pain.”

Your fingers tighten on the edges of the page ; the self-care corner — the memories, the dream which you unlocked — everything you’ve been trying to run from, to “heal,” just feels . . . unfinished. And maybe that's because there’s no real way to let go of what still owns parts of you.

“Let it go,” it reads. As if it’s speaking directly to you. Let go of the things that have been holding you back. Your childhood , the nights you spent wondering if things would ever change. All the times you wondered what it would’ve been like, if you’d tried a bit harder. If you were a bit more perfect.

A deep breath.

You shake your head, trying to focus on the book again. It’s helping you realise something — you deserve to heal from your trauma, even if you weren’t the one causing it.

You close the book, your hand hovering as if touching the cover could give you answers you’re not ready to face.

You let out a shaky exhale as you close your eyes.

Someone sits down beside you.

The weight shifts slightly on the bench. At first, you don’t pay much attention to it, lost in the haze of your own thoughts. It’s just another stranger. Who’s passing through this quiet park, like the leaves that have been falling, spiralling down without asking for permission.

But then, there’s a subtle tug, a familiar feeling in the air that makes you want to turn your head. Maybe you’re just as curious to see, to subtly eyeball if they’re enjoying the calm of the fall too.

You hesitate, staring down at the words. For a moment, you think maybe you should keep staring. But your curiosity gets the better of you.

You glance over and pause. Dark eyes meet yours, and it takes a second before the recognition sets in.

“Oppa?”

Yoongi.

Your eyes lift from the page, and there he is, looking almost too casual, like he belongs in this quiet moment. You notice his glow-up immediately — the way his features have matured, how his hair — darker than how your memory recalls, falls effortlessly across his forehead, styled beautifully to part in the middle. There’s just this quiet intensity in his cat-like, sharp eyes.

Yoongi, as you know, is Jungkook’s elder cousin on his mother’s side. He’s always had this quiet, reserved aura about him. Back then, he was already on the brink of adulthood, 18, and intimidating in a way only someone as mysterious as him could be. Maybe it’s that confidence in the way he still holds himself, the way he seems so sure of everything around him.

He would seem to be very distant at the first glance to anyone, but you know he’s anything but that, given that you always felt like he was that older brother you’ve never had.

And it’s no exception when instantly, his wide, gummy smile breaks through. It’s the same one that used to make you feel at ease back then. A smile so cute, rare, and warm, it could melt the deepest of glaciers to exist. Without warning, he reaches over and ruffles your hair affectionately, the way he always used to. You blink, a little stunned.

He wasn’t exactly known to be the physically affectionate boy, back then, though. . .

“How are you doing?” he asks, his voice low, careful. Somehow you feel like it’s grown even deeper with a very prominent rasp. You can tell he’s not asking the surface-level question. He’s asking how you’re really doing, but without pushing you to say more than you’re ready for. And for that, you feel grateful.

Yoongi always knows what to say, and what not to.

“I’m . . . okay,” you manage to reply, though the word feels heavier than it should. Your voice sounds peculiar to you, but you guess that’s alright. What’s even the point of lying, though? “Just trying to figure some things out.”

He hums thoughtfully, nodding. Leaning back on the bench, his eyes scan over the park as if giving you time to find your words. “That’s good. Figuring things out is important.”

You nod, feeling a little relieved that he doesn’t bring up the fact that you’ve been gone for so long. He’s always had a way of avoiding the obvious, instead focusing on what matters now. You think back to how, in the earlier stages of his career, he always seemed to have his head on straight. If you’re not wrong, you’ve heard some seniors even gosip about how he was known to be the “campus bad boy”, which often confused you. How can a person so warm be called so?

The mixtape he released back then was proof of that, though — a reflection of everything he’d held back until he was ready to speak. His emotions came out through his art, something he was so passionate about, something you admired him for.

Anger, resentment, and hope.

You remember how those emotions warped themselves in his music, his first mixtape he released. Core hip-hop music, all produced by himself solely.

“I saw your mixtape,” you blurted out, not knowing why you’re bringing it up now. “It was… amazing.” You just wanted to let him know, although it feels like you’re a bit too late. It’s been nearly about six. . . maybe seven years, but each time you plug in, you feel like the memories are just as fresh as they were.

He chuckles softly, the sound a little shy despite the confidence he wears so well. “Thanks. I wasn’t sure anyone really listened.”

“What do you mean?” you gawk at him, wide eyed. “Is Min PD, the very famous AgustD saying this by himself?”

He smiles again, a soft laugh escaping him as he rubs his hands together. His skin seems flawless, you notice.

“I mean, of course. I appreciate my fans always, but I feel like the mainstream nowadays is pop music rather than old school hip-hop.”

You nod, licking your lips. Shit. You should’ve brought your lip balm around. “I do understand people indulging in trends, but I do believe that there are people who enjoy hip-hop just as much. For me, it’s like a whiff of fresh air. And I assure you — that your music feels just the same. I, myself as a fan, agree.”

His eyes softened — but they were never pointed to begin with. But before he can say more, there’s a flicker of something playful in them — a hint that makes your heart skip a beat. He taps his phone absentmindedly, then glances over at you again, that quiet smirk tugging at his lips.

As if he’s thinking something else.

“I sure am happy to know that there are others who share the same sentiments as me.”

His phone buzzes in his hand.

“Oh, right…" His tone is too calm, and you already know something's up before he even finishes. “I may have invited someone.”

You blink. “Invited someone?” Your voice comes out slower than you intend, the curiosity now gnawing at the edges of your thoughts. Who?

But Yoongi doesn’t give you time to ask more. He stands up in that lazy, casual way of his, stretching like this is just another day, looking more like a cat stretching after their afternoon nap than a human being. His hand comes down to ruffle your hair again, the affectionate gesture almost pulling a smile from you despite the growing curiosity in your chest. He doesn’t answer you.

Instead, he just smiles that wide, gummy smile one more time before shrugging. “I'll see you soon, okay?”

You watch his retreating figure appear smaller and smaller in the distance as he walks away, hands in his pockets, relaxed and slow.

You’ve always known that Yoongi’s energy was different.

It’s not something you actively think about, but it lingers at the edges of your memories now that you’ve seen him again after a long time. He’s always been on the softer side, quieter — the kind of presence that fades into the background unless you’re really paying attention. Where Jungkook burned bright, a whirlwind of energy and easy charm, Yoongi was like the stillness after a storm — steady, unfazed, but undeniably there.

It’s funny, because despite those differences, Jungkook and Yoongi were close.

You saw it back then, how Jungkook would practically cling to him, always teasing him, always pushing at his boundaries whenever they both used to be together. Yoongi, for his part, would act annoyed, shrugging off Jungkook’s arm or swatting at him with that deadpan expression of his. But you knew better. You’d watched enough to see that he never really minded. Jungkook could be relentless with his affection.

Yoongi pretended to dislike it, there was always that hint of a smile lurking beneath his protests, amongst Jungkook’s giggles.

Sometimes, watching them together made something tighten in your chest — not quite jealousy, but something close. It wasn’t that you wanted what they had, but you couldn’t help feeling envious of how easy it seemed for them. The way Jungkook would wear Yoongi down with his stubborn warmth, and how Yoongi would eventually crumble, letting Jungkook in even if he’d never admit it.

That kind of bond was something you’d always wondered about — if you’d ever have someone like that, someone who wouldn’t mind your presence no matter how much you tried to push them away.

It’s an odd feeling.

Later that evening, you sit in the quiet of your room, the familiar isolation wrapping around you like a protective cloak. You’ve been actively hiding up here after you got back from the park, avoiding too much interaction. Not because anyone cared to ask where you were or what you were doing. It was more because you felt like you needed some time alone, yet, you feel like you’re alone. Your parents barely noticed, too caught up in their own world. Your mother had the formality to ask why won’t you join them for lunch, and thankfully they did not pry any further.

At least you got to have some quality time with yourself while you had the fancy lunch, which you would admit was a bit heavy on your wallet.

It made your hiding feel almost useless, but somehow, staying in your room brought you a small, bitter comfort.

You rub your eyes, feeling the strain on them for continuously typing for an hour. Your neck hurts, and your fingers feel frozen. You’re trying your best to remake the lost manuscript you’d drafted, and you don’t think this new version is anything close to that.

Sighing, you open your laptop again. It’s truly so tiring — but you guess you were a bit productive today, and that’s okay. Your finger hovers over the doc file, contemplating if you should continue any further — but ah, you’re just so tired. Even just thinking of typing a few hundred words would give you a headache. So you just let it go and log into Instagram — the only way you can connect since your phone is still missing.

A notification catches your eye. 1 new notification.

? Eh. . .?

Your notifications are always empty. Just once or twice from instagram that a celebrity has posted and you gotta catch up, which you don’t. Or a reel suggestion. Or people to follow, so this new notification brings a frown to your brows. What could it be?

Your heart jumps slightly when you see the sender.

dboy93_ : 2 new messages

Is that . . . — no way. He’s still using that same old instagram ID which he was forced to make as a dare back when you were in highschool? No way. Couldn’t be. You click on it, curiosity pushing through the haze of everything else.

dboy93_: Yo. This is Min Yoongi (edited)

dboy93_ : Sorry for leaving so suddenly earlier. Something came up

You stare at the message for a second, a slow smile hanging on your lips, then slowly type back.

you: it’s fine

you: ur still using this old ID of yours? 💀

Your eyebrows touch your hairline when you see the typing bubble bounce up immediately at the corner. You did not expect him to reply this soon. . .

dboy93_ : Ya who’s gonna bother making a new one anyway

dboy93_ : I was hoping that you won’t be mad at me for leaving that soon.

you : it’s fine, i understand

dboy93_ : Let’s meet again. I’m thinking of a café this time?

You raise an eyebrow at his suggestion. Is he suggesting a—

dboy93_ : More time to catch up, plus we have some friends here for holidays too

you : ah, so like a reunion party ?

you : sounds good yo. count me in

dboy93_ : Will send you the location soon then

you : but when?

dboy93_ : Today, evening at 7?

Your fingers hover over the keyboard for a while. Keeping yourself occupied sounds kind of very nice, especially when you’re being promised a good time with a few more faces. It’s not like you’re the busiest person, anyway.

you : super. i’ll be there !!

dboy93_ : Oh and btw, can I get your number? Instagram’s a pain to use for texting

You let out a soft laugh. That’s Yoongi for you. Direct and practical, no hesitation. But what exactly would you tell him? That my phone is with your little brother right now?

you: imma give it to you once i get it back

you : i don’t have it with me right now

dboy93_ : 👍

Well, you don’t know what kind of reaction you were expecting from him, but you don’t know what to make of a thumbs up either.

— — — —

The evening feels lighter.

You’re sitting in that same, slightly odd café you were sitting in roughly 24 hours ago —the warmth inside 134340 contrasts with the cool autumn breeze slipping through the café door, hurling you to an unexpected sense of peace.

Very contradicting to your emotions yesterday.

For once, your thoughts don’t feel as heavy. It’s funny how something as simple as an Instagram text from Yoongi earlier can spark a little joy in your chest. You feel light; especially after that power nap turned to a full nap of three hours. You woke up with a growling stomach and a refreshed mind — it somehow felt like you haven’t felt this free since so long, that you don’t remember when was the last time.

No worries, no stress, no voices inside your head.

You’d sat there in your bed, zoned out on nothing particular. It was only when the alarm clock rang, indicating it was already 6 PM.

You hadn’t put much thought into what you were wearing today, but somehow, it feels like you got it just right.

The oversized cream sweater falls gently over your frame, its soft fabric comforting against your skin. It’s the kind of comfort you didn’t know you needed, the loose sleeves almost covering your hands completely as you absentmindedly tug at them. Paired with a long plaid skirt, whose deep shades of burgundy and brown had caught your attention in your wardrobe, the fabric swaying around your ankles.

You hadn’t planned this. None of it, really.

The tan ankle boots are more practical than anything else, but something about the way they click against the pavement felt just right. You don’t mind the way they match the season’s colours, almost blending in with the fallen leaves scattered at the cafe’s entrance.

You’d even added a light touch of makeup — nothing extravagant, just enough to brighten your eyes and bring a bit of life to your face. A swipe of mascara, a hint of blush, and a subtle nude lip colour that complements the cosy, neutral tones of your outfit. A quick brush to your hair and some setting spray was enough to bring out its natural volume.

You felt good.

Maybe for the first time in a while, you feel like you’re not hiding from the world.

For once, the reflection in the cafe window looking back at you doesn’t seem so far away from who you are. You feel. . . light. Almost like the crisp air itself, fresh and unbothered.

It feels good.

It’s been a while since you felt like this. After your conversation with Yoongi, you weren’t sure if you were ready to step back into a world that once felt so close yet now feels like a lifetime away. But somehow, the lightness in your chest said yes before your mind could overthink it.

Maybe, deep down, you’re starting to believe that this reunion could be good for you.

A small start to something. . .better.

You glance around the café. A soft smile pulls at your lips. It’s not crowded—just a few people scattered around, huddled over books or laptops. Familiar, but not too familiar. It’s quiet enough that yo don’t feel overwhelmed, and for thr first time in days, you allow yourself to just . . . exist.

No pressure. No expectations. Just here.

Your teeth pull at your inner cheek at the small pulsing thought in your head, that your phone is still not with you. The lack of your phone made you realise so many things within less than 24 hours, and you’re trying to not let that small voice gnaw your brain. The idea of him having it — his hands on something that’s been so close to you — feels strange, unsettling even.

You wonder if he’s seen anything, read anything, though the rational part of you knows it’s unlikely.

Still, the absence of your phone leaves an odd emptiness.

Which, you think, is just as good as bad as it can be. Without your phone, you can observe things better. You’d been reading physical copies of books, observing the pattern of how dew forms on grass blades, or even the faintest of noises which tingle your ears right now. Your thoughts never let you actually be present in the moment, always worrying about the future or regretting whatever you’ve done in the past.

No wonder why nostalgia for you feels painful.

But here, with the faint smell of fresh coffee and the sound of pages turning softly in the background, there’s space to breathe. You can feel the thrum of blood in your veins, the soft warmth of your sweater, the smiles on the faces of the baristas as they talk within themselves.

The soft clink of a spoon from a nearby table draws your attention. A few people are scattered about, engrossed in their own worlds — reading books, working on laptops, or chatting quietly. It’s peaceful, and for a moment, it feels like you’ve stepped out of your own life, finding solace in this tiny bubble away from everything.

You absently glance toward the door, the light chatter of passing people blending with the soft music playing inside. You’re early, but that’s fine.

It gives you time to yourself.

— — — —

The café door chimes.

Your eyes immediately dart to the entrace, tilting your head to the side to get a better view. Perhaps they’re here. You glance at the small wall clock adjacent to your table, and it reads ten past seven.

Although it feels like it’s been some time since you’re here, but you don’t mind at all, especially with the small notepad and pen you’ve got on your table.

You’ll never ever be bored as long as you’ve got a paper and pen within your reach.

The first person you spot is Yoongi, his familiar, understated presence immediately calming. He’s dressed casually, in a black hoodie and ripped jeans, his usual laid-back style that somehow makes him blend into every setting, yet stand out at the same time. It’s like he carries his own layer of calm with him, an aura you’ve always admired.

Behind him, a small group of friends follows, out of which some you recognise nearly immediately — despite the course of time. Jieun, her short wavy hair neat and tidy, wearing a comfortable grey sweater, giving her a kind of homely warmth. You’ve known her as Yoongi’s senior, the sweet cinnamon roll. She waves as soon as her eyes land on you, her smile bright and genuine.

It’s been nearly decades since you’ve seen her, and it surprises you that she actually remembers you.

“____ , I didn’t know I’d be seeing you today!” Jieun exclaims, wrapping you in a quick, warm hug. Her perfume is light, floral — the kind that reminds you of spring even in the middle of autumn. “It’s been forever, hasn’t it? How have you been? Oh my, your hair is shorter than how I remember!”

“I’m good,” you manage to let out a small chuckle, returning the hug, feeling a bit overwhelmed by her energy. Of course, you were about sixteen when you last met her. “It needed some trimming. You look super cosy, by the way.”

“Please, I just rolled out of bed as soon as Yoongi told me,” Jieun says with a playful eye roll, though you can tell she appreciates the compliment. “But you, girl. If anyone is looking cosy, that’s you. very autumn-y.” she winks at you, tugging at the fabric on your arms.

You smile, feeling a bit lighter with her friendly banter. Jieun has always had this way of making you feel seen, but not in a bad way. Like she’s genuinely happy to be around you. It’s comforting, even when you don’t really know much about her.

Soobin and Amber join soon after, both nearly squabbling over something. Soobin has grown much taller than you recall, and has that same, cocky grin that you remember from old times. He isn’t that younger than you, though you’ll say that you do know him a bit better.

Amber, on the other hand, is quieter, more reserved, but her eyes light up when she sees you, and that’s enough to make you feel welcomed.

“Someone needs to explain to this guy that he still owes me from last time,” Amber says with a mock-serious tone as she puts her bag down, pointing at him. “You’re not getting away with it this time—”

“What did I even miss?” you ask, curiosity piqued.

“Ping-pong match,” Soobin grumbles, but there’s a twinkle in his eye. “And I don’t lose that easily. Amber’s just cheating.”

“I did not cheat!” she pokes her tongue out at him. “you just suck at it.”

Soobin crosses his arms over his chest, raising a brow at her. “Oh, really? That does not take away the fact that you’re short—”

“What does ping pong gotta do with height—”

“Alright kids, enough bickering.” Yoongi’s voice is deep as he pulls out the chairs for them to sit, his tone hinting at boredom, but that small smile which hangs on his lips tell a different story. Yoongi is the last to sit down, taking the seat next to you with his usual, relaxed ease.

You notice only now that your cheeks hurt from smiling so much non stop. He throws a knowing glance your way, as if to say, I told you so.

“I didn’t know you all still hung out,” you say, genuinely surprised as you glance at the familiar faces, memories of late-night study sessions and frequent game sessions surfacing. “Feels like it’s been years.”

“Not as often as we used to,” Jieun admits, picking up the menu book excitedly. “Life kind of got in the way for a while. But we try to meet up when we can, honestly. But you, Miss Vanishing Act, you need to show up more often.”

You make an embarrassed noise at the back of your throat, but you can’t help but laugh softly. “Yeah, I’ve been... around. Just not here.” You have missed out on a lot in your years of running away, and perhaps this regret would settle down sometime later.

“Good to see you’re still alive, noona.” Soobin teases, leaning back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Hyung here told us you’d be joining today, which was like a bomb drop for all of us. I’d believed in winning a lottery more than you coming back. Trust me, I was nearly convinced into thinking that he’s pranking us.”

“That’s Yoongi’s fault,” you reply, rolling your eyes, nudging him with your elbow. “He dragged me out of hibernation.”

Yoongi shrugs. “Well, I didn’t drag you anywhere. Just gave you a little nudge.”

By the time the barista returns with your orders, Yoongi looks a bit too amused at a conversation turned argument at which Amber is losing despite Jieun backing her up. They are nearly arguing about the best ramen places in town, and eventually, Soobin claims victory based solely on the fact that he knows the owner of one of the shops. Jieun listens with a bemused smile, her face acting as the subtitles to her thoughts inside her head, while Amber looks like a second away from throwing hands on the guy.

You are too busy to pass your own opinions enjoying their show.

“By the way,” Yoongi suddenly says, his voice cutting through the chatter after taking a quick glance at his phone. “One of our friends is running late.”

Frankly, right now, you’re not too concerned. You’re here, with people who’ve known you for years, and for the first time in a long time, you feel like maybe, just maybe, you can let yourself relax. You cannot be bothered when you’re actually enjoying yourself after everything.

“Well, that’s their fault. Missing some nice beef between friends.” Amber adds, giggling soon after taking a sip at her own joke.

However, you don’t catch on that look the younger lad throws at the older.

Amber taps you lightly on the shoulder. “So, are you gonna tell us what you’ve been up to, Missy?”

“Hell yeah, spill the tea,” Jieun adds, leaning forward with a glint in her eyes, excited. “What’s been keeping you so busy?”

“You’re no longer sleepy now that you’ve got tea to listen to, huh?” Your eyes are narrowed at her, but you dont mean any real bite behind it.

You take a deep breath, ready to dive into whatever story you feel like sharing.

For once, the world outside this little café can wait.

You’ve been laughing, genuinely laughing, for the first time in what feels like ages.

(You hate how old it makes you sound, but that’s true. Well, partially true, because it felt like you’d almost forgotten what laughing was for a while.)

The café is lit with conversation, laughter weaving in and out of the cosy hum. Amber is now dramatically recounting a disastrous karaoke night, her hands flailing as she tries to reenact Soobin’s epic failure to hit the high notes, the man in the question trying his best to convince everyone at the table that something so horrible as enacted did not happen. You’re laughing so hard you almost forget the strange sense of unease that’s been creeping up on you.

But there’s something unsettling in the back of your mind. A feeling you can’t quite shake off, a prickling touch.

You glance at Yoongi, who is watching the others with quiet amusement. But every now and then, you notice his eyes flickering to the entrance, a fleeting glance that makes your stomach churn slightly. He’s done that way too many times by now for it to be a simple glance.

Why does it feel like he knows something you don’t?

You shift in your seat, brushing off the feeling. Maybe it’s just being back here, surrounded by familiar faces after so much time has passed. Maybe it’s the fact that you’re trying so hard to be present, to let yourself enjoy this moment, even when there’s a part of ypu still trying to tug you to where you once were.

But that feeling in your gut doesn’t go away.

The café door chimes again.

You don’t look at first. You’re too focused on keeping the conversation going, on pretending you’re not hyper-aware of every sound, every movement around you. Jieun is asking you something about your recent work, her voice bright and curious, but your attention is already drifting, already far away by now.

The air shifts, like a current pulling you toward something.

Or someone.

You glance up, and your heart stumbles.

Jungkook.

oh.

He’s standing by the door, his eyes scanning the room until they land on you.

Your heart drops to your ass.

The world seems to blur for a second, everything fading except for him, and the heat of his gaze.

He strides toward your table easily, almost as if it’s something he does everyday. His dark hair falls slightly over his forehead, his black leather jacket snug around his frame. He looks like he belongs anywhere he goes, and yet right now, it feels like he’s stepping into a space you’ve tried to keep sealed off.

The conversation around you falters. Jieun stops mid-sentence, her eyes darting between you and Jungkook with a slight frown.

Soobin is the first to break the silence.

“Look who decided to show up,” he quips, though his voice sounds distant in your ears. “You’re half an hour late, hyung.”

You can’t tear your gaze away from Jungkook, even if you feel like your nerves go haywire. It’s like he’s pulling you in, even though every instinct in your body is screaming for you to look away, to pretend this isn’t happening.

Is this really happening?

No. No. This cant’t be happening, can it be—

Jungkook’s eyes flicker briefly to Yoongi, and there’s something in them. Something you can’t quite understand. But when his gaze returns to you, it’s sharper, more focused, almost. . . . fierce. Almost like he’s found the last piece of his missing puzzle.

You nearly flinch.

He doesn’t sit. He stands just behind the empty chair across from you, his hands in his pockets, watching you with an intensity that makes you feel like your heart is refusing to beat anymore.

“I think I might have something that belongs to you.”

His tattooed hand slips into his jacket, pulling out your phone — the same one which you dropped down yesterday.

But it’s not the phone that sends a chill down your spine.

It’s the way he’s looking at you.

a/n : i’m so sorry, for 1) taking this long to release this part, and 2) the ending 😭 i promise you guys the next part would actually be a bit more interesting, but i wanted this series to have themes of self healing and recovery too. as always, your feedback is always appreciated and fuels me to write more and more. as always, here’s the anonymous feedback box for you !! 🌹💜

#jungkook smut #jungkook angst #jungkook romance #jungkook scenarios #jungkook series #jungkook x reader #bts smut #bts angst #bts romance #jungkook fluff #bts fluff #bts series #bts x reader #bts x you #jungkook x you #jungkook x oc #jungkook imagine #bts imagines #jungkook

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moss-on-trees · 2 years ago

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dp x dc prompt: our stepmom from hell au

danny meets bruce wayne as an adult. bruce had only just started out as batman, and he just finished his degree in space engineering.

both have family to grieve, bruce his parents and danny his entire town who was poisoned by the giw in the name of purging the world of ghosts.

they see each other's pain and become friends, fall in love and later get married. (you decide whether they know of each other's identity). a few months after that, danny disappeared with a hastily written apology written on a sticky note, promising he'll be back as soon as possible. bruce searched for him in vain, and only stopped when he met dick - since the boy needed his full attention.

danny's in the infinite realms stabilising the timeframe since clockwork was poisoned by the giw, who attempted to destroy the ghost zone by corrupting its ectoplasm with the same airborne virus they used in amity.

as the ancient of space, he's the only one who can replace his counterpart even temporarily and as such he cannot leave until the ancient of time has recovered. that also means he doesn't have his fine control over how much time has passed and knows it's unlikely that he'll be able to go back to bruce's timeline any time soon (especially considering how much the flash and his family have made a mess of that timeline, he wants to strangle them). he's resigned to it and watches his husband's life from a screen in his brief moments of respite from his grueling task.

clockwork is almost healed when jason todd is resurrected. danny cheats and uses his own abilities as the ancient of space to steal him from the league and heal him from the lazarus pits' corruption. this sets back his return but he thinks it's worth it to save his stepson.

two years later, he and jason show up on wayne manor's doorstep. it's time for the rest of the kids to meet their stepmom.

(because of jason's disappearance, talia brought damian to bruce earlier.)

#dp x dc #dp x dc prompt #dp x dc au #batpham #danny phantom #batphantom #dp x dc crossover #dpxdc #dc x dp #don't think too much about the plot holes #i wrote this with a huge migraine #edited tag: i wrote stepmom because both of my parents like women so i forgot stepdads were a thing

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fanfic-obsessed · 7 months ago

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Secret Brothers

I have been thinking about a Demon Twins DCxDP crossover, specifically one where absolutely everybody is confused. Also Ra’s is the Asshole.

Let’s take a walk.

Damian and Dante(Danny) were twins, raised together, trained together, and loved each other deeply. Talia, though not the best of parents by most measures, does love her children. The twins are raised as assassins and were extremely effective when teamed together. So effective that Ra’s Al Ghul decided that together they were a threat. He decides that Damian is the preferred twin and heir.

At age nine, almost exactly, Ra’s sends Dante out with another Assassin, who has orders to kill Dante. The results of this attempt leaves Dante wandering around Northern Arizona to be found by the Fentons (who were on a road trip), with head trauma that means that the only thing Dante remembers is that his name starts with DAN. Talia and Damian believe that Dante was murdered and his body stolen by parties unknown and decide to hunt down Dante’s murderer. Ra’s, believing Dante dead, allows it for several weeks before deciding that he did not want his daughter and his heir obsessed with an inconsequential spare. So he has a strong magical spell cast on anyone who would have known Dante in the league, hiding and disguising their memories.

Eight years pass, Damian and Danny are 17. Damian has been living with Bruce since he was 10 and still does not remember he has a twin. Talia still does not remember that she had two sons.

Dante, now Danny, still has no clear memories from before he was found by the Fentons. Even the accident with the portal did not bring back those memories. By the time we start, he has already come out to his parents about being Phantom (in admittedly the most traumatizing way for the Fenton parents as possible-He, Tucker, and Sam sat them down and showed them the full raw security tapes of the accident before telling them anything. Jack and Maddie may be oblivious and obsessive but they are very intelligent. They realized almost immediately what it meant that their portal opened with Danny inside, even before he was spit out a blackened corpse who healed into Phantom).

This is a good Fenton Parents, who not only took the half ghost realization well but also immediately became a bit obsessed with not only lab safety, as one of their inventions had killed one of their children, but also with understanding ghost culture. They also immediately started manufacturing weapons for ghosts to use against the GIW(The Fentons are 100%, ride or die, enthusiastic at all times and in this one the moment they realize that there were people hurting Danny…they were ready to rip the GIW apart molecule by molecule). Phantom has also connected with the Justice League, joined the Justice League Dark, who were able to get the Anti Ecto Acts reversed. The Justice League as a whole knows that Phantom is a half ghost, half human King of the Infinite Realms whose civilian name is Danny Fenton but Batman, nor any of his kids, has not had the opportunity to meet Danny out of uniform, as it were. Batman and Red Hood know and Trust Phantom, as he has also helped with the Pit Rage (The Lazarus Pits are corrupted Ectoplasm for the win).

Which brings us to our start.

It’s a pretty basic premise. A Cult (14 people present) decides to summon the Ghost King for power. When Danny was first crowned he set his summoning, but really didn’t want it to be an open season on summonings. So one of his ‘ingredients’ is a drop of family blood (not specifying if it had to be those he considered family, or blood family) with provisions in place so that Danny would be able to tell if it was being forcibly taken or not through the summoning spell. The cult captures the Batfam and uses Damian’s blood to summon the Ghost King. Who arrives, a little confused.

He’s even more confused when he sees Batman and Co tied up. Ghost King Phantom peers at Batman, not even paying any attention to the cultist. “Did you call?”

Batman grunts a no and jerks his head to the cultist.

Phantom redirects his focus back to the head Cultist who starts to do a grand speech about glorious power. Phantom interrupts him to ask “How did you get my summoning?”

The Head Cultist lights up with pride, “I have a spell that was able to transcribe your summoning, we used another to make sure we got the right ingredients.”

After a little bit of back and forth the Cultist admit that none of them actually understand the language that they used to summon Ghost King Phantom, nor do they know why they needed the ingredients they did. Ghost King Phantom pinches the bridge of his nose as he laments that cultists have gotten so damned stupid. Phantom asks each cultist what they hoped to get out of this: 1-13 said they wanted power (in reality the head cultist had a hyperfixation on using the spells he used to transcribe the summoning and gather the ingredients and wanted to see what would happen), number 14 was paid to be there; Number 14 was also a little pissed that the people paying her were not doing basic research so that they knew who or what they were summoning. The Cult thought 14 would be an auspicious number.

Phantom, now curious, takes a brief interlude (after restraining the other 13) to get more information on 14. She was given $200,000 to be part of the circle. She had a magically binding agreement saying that her soul was not to be offered as payment, that there would be a 5 year moratorium on destroying any planet she happened to be on, and that she could not be targeted directly or indirectly by the cult after they gained power. She was also a former Pre Law Student with an interest in contract law.

Phantom recruits her for Justice League Dark, even going as far as calling Zatanna down to take her back to the Watchtower. After she was gone he turned back to still tied up Batfam to apologize. He went to say that Constantine had agreed to go to therapy if they could find a way to fix his Contract/Soul issues, of which there were so many (some of the pieces of his soul had been sold multiple times, other were sold as a larger piece then resold by Constantine in smaller pieces while the contracts for the larger pieces were still active, a half dozen of the ‘your soul belongs to me after death’ type contracts had defaulted on the demon's side before they defaulted on Constantine’s side, one piece of Constantine’s soul-in theory a downpayment on a contract- may or may not have been straight up stolen, then sold by a metaphysical fence three dimensions over and might be in the soul equivalent of The British Art Museum) and that Phantoms sister has been eagerly waiting to study Constantine psyche under a microscope. So a Pre Law student with an interest in contract law was too good a find to pass up.

After untying the Bat fam, Phantom turns to Batman and says that Phantom really does need to figure out how the idiot cultists managed to summon him, so he needed the cultists for a bit to go over what exactly they did and said but after that they could be arrested. One of the remaining cultists, not the head cultist, objected to being sent to prison. Without missing a beat Phantom shrugged and said he could throw anyone who objected into a hell dimension for a while, clarifying a while could be anywhere from three days to the heat death of the universe.

The cultists were more cooperative after that.

Red Robin suggested that the Bats stay too, since it was also in their best interest to figure out how Damian managed to be an ingredient in Phantom’s summoning.

Phantom goes over every step of the preparation, the spell to know the ingredients, the spell to transcribe the summoning, and the words themselves all the while sighing every so often in irritation at the downward spiral of cultists in general.

Despite a cacophony of errors including but not limited to:

-Mixing the ingredients for the ‘paint’, which the instructions specifically said to mix on site and only as needed, early and storing it in one of the cultists bedrooms (Phantom:...you know that mix is highly hallucinogenic, right?/Cultist: Is that why I’ve been followed by a pink bunny for the last three days?/ Phantom<sighing>:Yes, that is why you have been followed by a pink bunny for the last three days)

-Adding additional runes to the summoning circle, specifically the runes for sacrificing someone (Cultists: The picture of all the other circles had those rune, we figured it was a typo/ Phantom: it wasn’t)

-Inverting one of the added runes, which switched the party receiving the power and the party being sacrificed (Phantom: Because of those runes, I am able to eat all your souls for the purpose of powering Batman and his entourage/Batman:Please don’t, they all give me enough headaches without getting powers/Phantom:looks like you are all in luck.)

Despite these errors the summoning actually worked exactly as intended. So Robin makes the suggestion that they must have some sort of blood relation. Phantom shrugs and says that he always thought he was an orphan. One of the birds goes “Thought?”. Phantom smiles sheepishly and says that his sister thinks that Phantom escaped from a cult, but that he has no memories prior to being found by his parents at age 9. He also wonders how closely related he would have to be to someone to show up as family.

An offer is made to go to the Batcave and check with a DNA test to see how closely related they are, which Phantom accepts. On the way there Spoiler asks how one gets a Half Ghost.

Phantom, who is very blase about Death having a near Danny experience, says: Well, you take a 14 year old idiot, yours truly, put him in what he thought was a non working portal to the realm of the dead, add in an accident that caused him to hit the on button that was inexplicably on the inside. And I do mean inexplicably, to this day my parents still don’t know why they put the on button there. It turns out having a portal to the dead open on top of and through you has some really weird side effects.

This is a slightly worrying answer but frankly masked heroes/vigilantes don’t have a great grasp on normal anyway and Phantom assures them that his parents got much better about lab safety afterwards. This dovetails into a very casual discussion between everyone about what everyone thought was the most painful way to die and which kind of events sucked the most to live through.

They get back to the Batcave and Phantom transforms back into Danny (to get the most accurate comparison. Phantom's blood is mainly ectoplasm which would mess with the DNA test, Danny’s blood still has ectoplasm but much less). Everyone stares at Danny, before Nightwing makes a joke about Robin and Danny sharing a face.

At the minor cajoling of Nightwing, supported by Agent A, the Bat Fam unmasks. Danny blinks at them and says to Damian ‘Hey, we do share a face.’

They start the blood test. Everyone is taking bets on how close they are related and from what side. This is all still very casual, very much an air of ‘what a weird coincidence’.

The blood test comes back twins. Everyone looks at the test, then back at Danny and Damian, then back at the test. Without needing any discussion Bruce runs the test again, despite the fact that the visual clues do indicate it was correct the first time. It still says Twins.

Damian is both baffled and a little offended. He did not know he had a twin out there. In theory, if Danny left the League at 9 Damian should have some memories of him. Most of the Bat fam thinks this is another case of Talia being a lying asshole. Cass peers at both Danny and Damian, and signs that something feels strange about the lack of memory (Oracle puts forth the idea that it’s possible they were raised apart in the league. Damian is sure his mother would have told him if he had a twin). At some point magical memory manipulation is brought up and they contact Zatanna (masks having been put back on, though Danny remains in human form), who comes down gushing about the 14th cultist, whose name was Rachel, who was already plowing through Constantine contracts and already found a clause that would let Constantine reclaim one of the shards of his soul.

Zatanna is able to find the spell that hid the memories of Danny in Damian's mind. She warns that it looks like it affected more than Damian and breaking it would remove it from everyone who was affected. Damian looked for Danny’s permission first (as they did not know who or why the spell was cast- it could have been for Danny’s protection). Danny gave the ok and Zatanna removed the spell. She left quickly so that the Bats and birds would feel comfortable showing their identities again.

The effect was immediate. Damian went pale and teary eyed (due to the spell he was never able to process the ‘death’ of his brother, basically the trauma spent the last eight years festering under the spell) and whispered ‘Dante?’ before lunging to pull his twin close. Jason was a little dazed (he had a few memories of seeing the demon twins together, at a distance). Danny, whose amnesia was not because of the spell, was unaffected but still hugged Damian, who was now clutching at his brother and crying.

Far away Talia sat straight up from a sound sleep. Her mind flooded with memories of her precious second son. The son who was murdered and has remained unavenged for 8 years. She quickly made arrangements to head toward New Jersey, she would stop and see Damian and invite him on a hunt.

It becomes clear quickly that Danny would be staying in the manor for at least the night, Damian did not want to let go of him. He calls his parents and gives them a brief rundown of the situation (was summoned by weird cultist, found blood family-a twin brother and a father, twin brother was bespelled to forget he had a brother and breaking the spell had made him clingy, would be staying in Gotham for a bit).

His parents run through a Jazz created set of call and response code phrases to make sure that Danny, and now his brother, were not being held by the cult they presume Danny escaped from. After Danny gives the all clear phrases, Maddie asks to speak with his Biological Father.

Danny hands the phone over to Bruce, where Maddie cheerfully tells him that He and his entire family would be bringing Danny back to Amity Park on Sunday (it was a Thursday, but it was also summer so Danny could stay for a few days) and staying for dinner, that Maddie, Jack, and Jazz all had some concerns about Danny’s condition when he had been found, that any of Danny’s siblings (making it clear that this also included anyone Damian considered a sibling) were now one of her children as well and if Bruce was or became a threat to any of her children Maddie would kill him, and should Bruce pass her vibe check they could discuss shared custody of the children. Then, without changing tone, asks how many she should be expecting for dinner on Sunday.

Bruce answers and hands the phone back to Danny, reminding himself that he had gone toe to toe with actual Gods, he should not be intimidated by a cheerful voice on a phone. He is also trying not to think about the fact that he had acquired yet another child he had not known about. Not to mention running through everything that Phantom had ever told him and trying to stave off several retroactive panic attacks.

It takes a bit but they get Damian calmed enough that they are able to get everyone upstairs, where Danny ends up sharing with Damian (who is still working through eight years of trauma and panics if Danny is not right there).

On Friday, Talia gets in contact with Damian about hunting Dante’s murderer down. Once Damian assures Danny that Talia was not his murderer (as he could now remember them hunting for Dante’s murderer and their combined grief) and did love him, Danny was willing to meet with Talia. The Bat fam insist on going with the twins to meet with their biological mother.

Talia takes Danny being there about the same as Damian did. Not even Bruce had ever seen her cry before. She, in her own way, practically begged to be allowed to stay in Gotham with her sons for a bit. Bruce agreed and arranged that she would also go with them to Amity Park to meet Danny’s family. It also takes Talia about 45 second of thought, now that she is not blinded by rage and grief, to realize that the only person who could have arranged Dante’s murder would have been her Father, and that he was probably the one responsible for their magical memory loss as well. Tim might have his issues with Talia, but he actually hated Ra’s more; they started scheming together to help Talia and Damian express their displeasure over his actions.

I do want to note, Danny does not start getting memories of being Dante. Those memories are gone as a result of head injury and trauma. While both Talia and Damian would prefer if Danny remembered them, they are so pleased that he is actually alive, as it were, that they are not pushing him.

When they bring Danny back to Amity Park that Sunday, Jack and Maddie greet all of the ‘kids’ (Dick, Jason, Tim, Damian, Cass, Duke, Steph, Barbara) with specialized weapons, non lethal but will knock out a human quickly and customized to each child's preferred weapon, hugs, and the family Fudge recipe (which they also give to Alfred) for each of them. Plus gear to prevent being overshadowed and an offer to upgrade all of their current armor and gear. Talia and Maddie, after a quiet heart to heart, got along frighteningly well (there is a brief discussion about Ra’s and Maddie increasingly creative threats). Jack gets in loud, delighted conversations with each of his new children, somehow finding a special interest for each of them to ask questions about. Damian is able to step away from Danny for a bit to get into a discussion with Sam, in which everyone decides that they did NOT actually hear the two of them planning some kind of eco terrorism campaign that would end with Lex Luthor broken and crying on the ground. Tucker and Barbara are enthusiastically talking about hacking while Tucker promises to introduce her and Tim to Technus, who would be a huge fan. Jazz is chomping at the bit to put together psyche profiles for each of them so she can be the best sibling possible.

At some point Vlad comes in (he had mellowed out once he, Jack, and Maddie got together. It turns out he had been pining for both of them but convinced himself it was only Maddie) and booms that he needs to come meet his brother Bruce. Vlad, knowing exactly how Jack can be, sighs a little and asks how long Bruce Wayne has been his brother. Jack responds cheerfully since he brought Danny back and they realized he was Danny Biological father (Maddie had not asked Bruces name nor any identifying information during her threatening phone call. Jazz despaired).

I think it would be very funny, after the trope of Batman/Bruces Adoption thing, that the entire bat fam is forcibly but cheerfully adopted by the small mid western family, their close friends, and a very haunted town.

#dcdp #dp dc crossover #Danny FEnton and Damian Wayne are twins #bruce wayne #batfam #batman #red hood #red robin #damian wayne #vlad plasmius #Vlad/Maddie/Jack #tucker foley #sam manson #ghost king danny #zatanna #Justice League Dark #John constantines soul situation #Cultists

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ficsinhistory · 23 days ago

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Sonic 4: A theory!

Hello! So, I've been having theories about the fourth Sonic movie for a while now and I think I now have enough brain cells to put it all together!

(This is literally me putting this post together lol)

The basis of everything you will see here will be based on what we have already seen in other films, in the games and in my theory that the fourth film will be about love, time and trauma.

To start, the Sonic films as a whole already speak of love. Familiar, fraternal, parental, timeless love for those who have passed away.

However, the fourth film would dive fully into this.

If Sonic 3's theme line was "The light shines even though the star is gone", I think Sonic 4's will be: "Love transcends pain".

I believe the focus of the film will be on how, although our past may mark us, we can and must heal ourselves since only then will we move forward into the future. And that the best way to do this is not alone, but with the help of the love and support of those who care about us.

That this is the greatest help of in life: love. In the face of trauma, mistakes and frightening possibilities. Because love transcends everything, hate, guilt and even time.

And to do this we cannot give in to fear and paranoia, but choose to be open and honest with our feelings, not repressing or rejecting them.

SONIC

Yes, our dear blue hedgehog!

Sonic has evolved a lot in the last few films, learning to find and accept his parents, friends, and family as a whole. He has learned to accept his own powers, to take responsibility, and to not let pain change him.

He also still has a lot of trauma from his childhood days that he hasn't faced.

The third film proved that this boy still has very raw wounds and that Sonic is aware of his inner turmoil, of how the loss of Longclaw still affects him.

The point is: we never really see him talking about it or finding a way to overcome it in a healthy way with his family. Even though he is canonically the character who listens to others and helps them get through their darkest hours as this wonderful post by @iwasbored777 points. And no matter how much he ignores it, it can and will come back to haunt him.

We saw this when Tom's life was threatened. Because although seeing his father almost die was terrible in itself, what pushed Sonic to go so crazy was the still-untreated trauma of losing Longclaw and the loneliness that followed in the next years. And besides this fiasco with Master Emerald, we also saw it in less serious ways when he went off alone after Shadow in Tokyo too.

Either way, this is a feeling that is clearly bubbling under his skin ready to explode.

Sonic still has some of the mentality he had when he lived in the cave and trauma from the loss of his first maternal figure. The constant need to escape that leads him to want to do everything alone and without consideration for anyone else.

And that's because he's never dealt with that past, covering it up with humor and literally running away from his feelings. Sonic has never faced his past head on. Because it's painful.

But it affects him. A lot. To the point of being a danger to himself and others.

And that's where Amy comes in.

I theorize that in the movies, Amy is a native of Little Planet, a planetoid that visits Mobius (the location of Sonic's island) for a month every year, and that Sonic would have known her before everything happened.

Before Longclaw died and he was thrown alone to Earth. From simpler times. A friend he had on its last visit before everything went down the drain.

Of a time that he (nor she) would remember, despite a sense of familiarity, not until later. When it hit him hard Amy inevitably became a reminder of a past that could no longer be ignored.

When he cares too much about her and wants to help. When the person who is a great friend and he starting to have some very strong feelings for with is also a living reminder of his most painful memory (I believe they will have more romantic tension than romance but I will talk about that later).

She would be, in his arc, a catalyst to face the past that can no longer be hidden.

Because if Sonic wants to be a better person and save the day, he's going to have to face his past head on. He has to be honest with his feelings. All of them.

Especially since things are going to get ugly. Really ugly.

Because I think Sonic is going to have to deal with GUN and Robotnik and Metal Sonic all at once, making everything more urgent and overcoming his childhood trauma crucial. Since resolving this mess will possibly lead them back to Little Planet and his island itself.

Speaking of the machine, we will have Metal Sonic making Sonic face the past, but in another way: in self-consciousness of his defects.

Metal is an AI programmed to be better than Sonic, without any of his supposed imperfections, made in his image.

A villain who will surely increase in danger, adapting more and more. Mimicking the qualities with more and more refinement. A perfect enemy. Without empathy, without any honor, humor or common ground for Sonic to use, wanting a clash of skill pure and simple.

He would be perfect in Sonic's eyes. Something he knows he isn't . He abandoned his family to seek revenge. His recklessness nearly cost Tails and his parents their lives, with Tom even caught in the crossfire. He betrayed his own brothers. As far as he knows, Shadow died because of him. He wasn't fast enough to catch up to Longclaw.

Sonic's self-loathing will hit him hard.

And he'll have to accept his mistakes and move on. Something difficult for a teenager who has a habit of bottling up his emotions and who will deal with the consequences of his actions in catastrophic proportions (yes GUN, is about you 👀).

Not only that, I believe that Metal Sonic will be the first antagonist that Sonic will not be able to change. For the simple fact that the robot is pure hatred, created with the obsession of always proving superiority and that clearly has no interest in a fair fight, seeing as his introduction was trying to shoot a distracted Sonic in the back .

The robot doesn't even call him by name, just blue hedgehog.

Metal Sonic thinks he's the real Sonic and he's going to prove it at all costs, even coping his heroics acts (Sonic OVA?? In my theory??? More likely than you think).

And to add up, it's going to be a race against time.

Because Metal's artificial intelligence adapts, learns and reproduces everything that's thrown at him.

And isn't only him but also an army of copies under Metal control and that clearly he don't care. Quite unlike the friends and family that Sonic cares so much about and they're sure to be in trouble with the crazy machine no doubt wanting to use them against their organic counterpart.

And with all these enemies, this kid is going to have insane pressure on him.

The worst part? I think this will manifest as overprotectiveness of his family and a misconception that he has to do everyone on his own.

In the third film, Sonic nearly lost everyone, whether it was due to external factors or because of what he did. And he certainly doesn't want to go through that again. But without healthy coping mechanisms, Sonic will think that dealing with everything without anyone's help will keep everyone safe.

And here we back to Amy having a crucial part: because both will be on equal footing.

She's not family that Sonic has to protect, she knows how to do it herself. Not only that, she's the cavalry. The person who's obviously been fighting these killer copies the longest, willing to help, and thank God knows what she's doing.

Amy will be a safe haven, someone Sonic won't have to feel responsible for all the time. And someone who will encourage him to open up and seek help from the great family he already has, which would lead to some touching moments with all the Wachowskis. The best family on wheels would be in focus! Especially Maddie!

Sonic will face his traumas with his first mother and who better than his second mother?

Having such a bad memory of Longclaw's death, it seems only right that Maddie would play a relevant role. But of course, the whole family would help, strengthening the bonds even more.

Which is great because with the Time Stones in play, I believe there will be a plot point where Sonic could choose to rewrite time so that Longclaw is never killed, but that would mean he never found his new family.

After all, it was when he lost his first mother and came to Earth that he met Maddie and Tom. What if he could change everything to stay with Longclaw? Would Sonic want that? Even if it could cost the happiness of others and the loss of his new home?

And that's where accepting the past and focusing on the future comes in.

He will have to run, but not from his feelings, but using them as fuel to move forward.

This will be the greatest test of Sonic's maturation: showing that he accepts the past - not clinging to it - working on his traumas with the intention of looking to the future. Appreciating the good memories and that it is not our past mistakes that define us, but what we will do from now on.

AMY

Don't fear, Amy Rose is here! The girl finally shows up!

I wanna start with that, although the film keeps her core, Amy's story and her behavior will be radically different from the games. Both to fit into the film format and to avoid her most problematic aspects. But of course, always keeping what makes her so iconic!

In the franchise, Amy is the character who represents unconditional love and perseverance. She is determined, kind, and never gives up. Amy also shows compassion to everyone without distinction, expecting the best from everyone, no matter how flawed they are. And of course, she is also a hopeless romantic and a firm believer that some things are meant to be.

Despite all the changes and new powers, this is and will always be her greatest asset and power, including in the movies. If movie Sonic is already empathetic, movie Amy will radiate that. She'll be feminine, kind and overflowing with care as she always was, as well hot tempered, angry and passionate.

After all, it's Amy Rose, the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve.

If Sonic doesn't talk about his feelings, Amy thrives on hers.

Love, friendship and connections, these are her skills. If you pay attention to the scene where the metals are being massacred, Amy has traits that allow her to identify with each Wachowski sibling: she is fast like Sonic, strong like Knuckles and with technological gadgets like Tails; in addition to her own individual trait which are her tracking and stealth skills.

A way for the film to say that she has characteristics in common with other people while having her own personality.

Strong interpersonal relationships are one of Amy's strengths and I believe they expanded this side of her a lot here, with her relationship with the Wachowski boys and Tom/Maddie being very important to her. Amy will help and will be helped emotionally

And ofc, she's totally here for all the friends she can get!

I imagine her listening to Tails and Knuckles having fun and pass time in common interests. Maddie? Instant click, especially since I think they'll have similar personalities, with both of them talking about fashion, movies, and similar things. Tom? The girl saved her son, he'd break her out of prison if need be. Sonic? So many things that I have a section just for them. Even Shadow isn’t safe.

These relationships are essential because, of course, not everything is as simple as it seems. All the characters have traumas and have gone through horrors, it would be no different with this pink hedgehog.

As mentioned before, I believe Amy will come from Little Planet. Not only that, I think her main powers will be time manipulation with her chaos energy.

You might be wondering: isn't time travel Silver's thing?

And I answer, my dear friend, Silver does travel through time. But, his main ability is psychokinesis, not time travel. Even in Sonic 06, Silver's time travel is not an innate ability of his, but with the use of the Chaos Emeralds and even that is a mess in the canon in general due to the inconsistencies.

Amy would come in here. With the 5th film confirmed, I believe that Silver would travel with the help of some part of her power. This explanation would keep the narrative simple and without so many holes, especially with a complicated trope that is time travel. In addition to showing Amy's narrative weight in the long term in the franchise, with her presence being a turning point in the story.

Besides, temporal manipulation is an extremely powerful power and since the energy of chaos comes from emotions, no one is better than the character most connected to feelings in the franchise and time travel in general. Sonic CD is based on this and has several media that connect Amy to the Time Stones, Little Planet and time travel in general (more on that later).

But getting back.

As a native of Little Planet and with insanely powerful abilities, Amy would be responsible for the Time Stones or at least have a strong connection to them. Which would put a target on her back.

Longclaw protected Sonic for a reason, and I believe someone did the same for Amy, raising her in a similar way. And I'll say more, besides the similar mission, I believe Amy's guardian knew Longclaw. After all, the warrior owl was a guardian of the Master Emerald, a very powerful gem. And who better than her to meet other guardians of other gems and powerful hedgehogs?

Not that it mattered to this girl, after all Amy is curious and adventurous. She canonically hates boredom and the confines of a mundane life. Surely, when the planet got close to Mobius, this girl would find a way to escape and explore there. Which would lead to a meeting with Sonic.

I don't believe they would necessarily be childhood friends, but rather that they would see each other during the month that Little Planet was there before Amy inevitably returned home, with the promise of seeing each other the following year (like a summer friend!).

Except Amy was there in the last few days before he and Longclaw were attacked. Imagine a baby Amy searching for a baby Sonic only to find a destroyed house? Also, the comics say there is a memorial for Sonic and Longclaw.

And I believe it was her doing.

Sonic was one of the only friends the girl had and it breaks my heart to know that she might have held a funeral for him and Longclaw, definitely because she doesn't want them to be forgotten, with Little Planet's culture probably places a high value on valuing memory.

And things would get even worse. Because I believe the reason Amy is on Earth is because Little Planet has been taken over…by Ivo Robotnik.

Yes, I believe that Eggman didn't die, but was teleported through time and ended up there because the place is a temporal convergence point, dominating everything with Metal using it as we saw in the concept arts, taking advantage of the fact that Little Planet is technologically advanced (as shown in the games) in a domination that would be overwhelming and brutal. Planning to take advantage of the temporal properties of the place to orchestrate Sonic's death and control the Earth.

Metal Sonic would then be built with alientech from one quill of Sonic's and one quill of Amy's.

That's right, I believe Ivo captured her at some point during the invasion before she managed to escape - possibly with the help of her guardian - because the Metal Army also travels through time and has pink energy.

Amy would then be sent to Earth to protect the Times Stones by her guardian for the same reason Longclaw sent Sonic - a distant place in the universe - before dying, asking her to keep everything safe.

And that would leave the little girl devastated.

Amy would lose everything she has ever loved or known and is still on a strange planet with no one and a burden on her shoulders.

Sound familiar? Because it is. I theorize that Amy's past will be very similar to Sonic's and this will make both of them help each other and identify with each other.

I've said this in another post, but I think that while Sonic and Shadow are the same person dealing with different circumstances, Amy and Sonic are different people...dealing with the same circumstances.

Amy's current state will be very similar to Sonic's in the first film, except that Sonic came here with the mindset of protecting himself while Amy came to protect others, with a mission to use her powers to prevent any event that leads to a definitive bad ending, as well as guardian of the jewels of her lost home.

And you can ask: how are they both on Earth at the same time if Amy came from the future?

Remember I said that Ivo traveled through time? Yeah, I don't believe that Robotnik went to the future...but to the past.

He arrived on Mobius after Sonic had already fled and Longclaw was dead. And with this change, Amy was sent to Earth to fix things, not knowing that Sonic is alive or even remembering him due to her age at the time and the fact that it was a traumatic event, before the future got worse and irreversible.

But her powers were a mess after that trauma.

Amy Rose in general would be a MESS . Girlfailure for real!

If Sonic didn't handle isolation well, Amy was a disaster!

I imagine her always fighting the Metal Army - traveling between points in time and even different places - always trying to stop them somehow and how this limits her. It tires her. How everything always repeats itself endlessly and she can't think of a solution without putting thousands of lives in a rewrite of the universe.

She would grow up near New York, obsessed with musicals, rom-coms, magical girls and everything else stereotypically feminine not only because she loves it, but to keep her sanity, observing it all from a distance. Because just like Sonic, she also placed herself in self-imposed exile.

But to protect others instead of protecting herself.

Amy was instructed to always fight and she does. She has a duty and Metal Sonic already has an advantage in time because of her. I believe Amy blames herself for Metal Army having its power and she doesn't want to hurt anyone else, in addition to the trauma of losing the house itself.

And guilt is a strong feeling. And feelings are the basis of the powers of chaos, which has scrambled the use of hers. In particular, the vision of the future.

Yes, I think Amy can see the future with her temporal manipulation.

She would use her chaos energy to see the timeline and how things would unfold. Imagine her eyes glowing pink but instead of a powerful blow coming out what is happening and her surroundings changing to show her enemies next steps. Just like Garnet from Steven Universe and an advantage in battles since she deals with an AI that learns from mistakes.

Except her trauma ended up interfering with them and now the local girl has some involuntary and messed up visions.

And yes, it would be these powers of prediction that showed Sonic in the park. That's why she was able to rescue him, Amy knew this would happen because her powers trigged.

(And no, Amy doesn't remember Sonic (nor he her) when they meet. Even though that feeling of similarity hovers between them, but without definitive memories. They were little when they met and between Sonic probably avoiding memories of their time on Mobius like the plague and Amy living on a moving planet that passes through places all the time, besides not expecting that her dead friend is alive these two ended up forgetting. Especially since forgetting memories is a symptom of trauma.)

And Amy, meeting Sonic and the Wachowskis, would begin to heal with company and support. In addition to facing the past now that Sonic is there too.

I also don't think her mission is to protect Sonic. But after rescuing him, images from the future started to appear more and more and resolves to sticks with him because she believes that he's some destined hero sent to help her by fate. The girl would go from random imagens sometimes to full time pop-up scenarios with the arrival of this boy that triggers her powers. Well, he is the key to chance after all.

Amy may think that Sonic is the answer to solving her problems (ironic because I believe that Sonic will be as lost as she is and thinks that Amy, with all her combat experience, has the means to solve things lol) and plans to resolve the situation begin to be made, although it’ll be chaotic with Gun, Metal Sonic and Ivo hot on their tails.

Perhaps Amy has an admiration for Sonic after know his acts as a great hero (because I'm sure Sonic would be talking about how he saved the world multiple times) just to later see the trainwreck that the boy really is and remember Sonic as her until then dead friend.

What she’ll relate to, because I think her biggest enemy will be herself.

Amy would blame herself for the various horrible events that have occurred and seeks some sort of atonement at any cost. Maybe feeling that she has disrupted the timeline, considering that Little Planet's culture can be very oriented towards reflecting on the agency of our actions in the consequences and what can be - or not - fate.

Ofc that in the end the answer is that we made our own fate and yada yada but the girl👏🏼 is👏🏼 struggling👏🏼! Hell, after being the last refugee of her planet, Amy possibly have survivor’s guilt!

Perhaps she even believes that if she died everything would be fine, since in the grand scheme of things there would be other more important variables. That she should be dead from the beginning.

And the relationship with the Wachowskis would make her realize that she matters, that she can change everything not just for others, but for herself too.

Just...Amy being a beacon of unconditional love and kindness who finds the love she offers in others *sobs*.

GUN

I hate GUN, all my bros hate GUN.

They're horrible and while I we know that already (a huge list of their atrocities here, courtesy of @iwasbored777 ), I believe that this will reach another level in the fourth film.

Because Rockwell will probably be the new leader after Walter's death.

We know that GUN is xenophobic and violent. They are ruthless towards those they call aliens and anyone else who gets in their way. Hell, the only reason Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles live with the Wachowskis is probably because Walter pulled some strings, believing it would be easier to keep them under control and avoid another fiasco like Shadow was (@sairenharia has a phenomenal post about it.)

And with Rockwell in the head, the Wachowski family is already on thin ice.

It doesn't matter if they always cleaned up their mess or that GUN was shady from the beginning. Rockwell and those prejudiced agents wouldn't care about that.

And the arrival of Metal Sonic would be the excuse they were waiting for.

You see, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow and Amy are just regular kids. Aliens, yes, but kids nonetheless. They want love, friends, family. Man, they've all experienced grief! They're just as human as Tom, Maddie or Wade.

But GUN doesn’t care about that. Not when these military men only see living weapons because they are different. The dreaded “other” they couldn’t touch…until now.

Because just like in real life, GUN doesn't just want these aliens gone. They want their powers, their abilities, without dealing with the child. Because these invaders aren't worthy of being treated like normal humans, but their strengths are still theirs to exploit. So how do you convince them that those who have done nothing but save lives are a threat?

Dehumanization. The worst part? They have the perfect arguments.

There are powerful killer robots made in the image of the alien that wiped out power in the entire Pacific Northwest and destroyed important human historical monuments and ruined parts of the planet. Bad aliens who destroyed part of the moon and helped to charge the eclipse canon in the first place. Threats. Monsters.

Therefore, they need to be hunted and contained by good humans.

If love is the theme of Sonic 4, the antagonists will bring hate as a counterpoint.

GUN has always been like this, but the fourth film would be the pinnacle. A real witch hunt against Sonic, Amy, Tails and Knuckles. Shadow too.

Especially with Amy having the powers - or the technique - of time travel, an asset that Rockwell would certainly be eager to get her hands on, making the situation even more difficult for these kids who just want to stop a madman from enslaving the human race. Black Doom may not be a thing in the future of the franchise, but there is someone as low as GUN.

I can see them making biased videos against the dangerous aliens, asking people for information in exchange for rewards. They manipulate Stone who is mourning Ivo and bring him to their side. Of terrifying plans with assets as powerful as chaos energy and time travel.

Their headquarters are in London, the largest colonizing empire in the world, for God's sake! There's no subtlety!

That's why I really want to see a confrontation scene between them.

I want to see Amy who is nothing but loving - the embodiment of love in the franchise - who lost her home to a colonizing human and is risking her life and the lives of everyone she cares about by throwing in Rockwell and all these agents' faces that they are nowhere near this image of protective heroes. That they are power-hungry lunatics. Not that bad - worse than Robotnik.

That they would rather lock up children in greed rather than focus on the problems.

I want Shadow back and beat the crap out of a bunch of agents. I want to see him calling out Gun for all the suffering he went through, for killing Maria, for kidnapping and taking advantage of him.

See Sonic mad because those people is threatening his family. The same people he had to hide because he knew they would hunt them, a kid, down. Just they did in Hawaii.

I want to see her, Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Shadow in a fight with them to show that yes, they could decimate humanity if they wanted to. That they have the power to do so and could not be stopped. But that they, who GUN calls monsters, have nothing but empathy. They are better than that.

I-

I just need to see these kids expose their hypocrisy.

(And if Ivo didn't survive, it was certainly them who created Metal as a contingency measure.)

SHADOW

I have no idea how Shadow will appear in this movie. He's not dead and he's still out there, is all we’re informed of.

BUT I know I want him interacting with the rest of the Colorful Bunch! I want to see him wreaking havoc on a Gun HQ. Mourning Maria and coming to terms with the chaoa.

He and Sonic reunite.

C’mon, the blue boy thinks he's dead and possibly vice versa, they need to talk about the last movie and Shadow joining the team could help him turn the page. Find some support. Help Sonic with his guilt just like he did for him.

And I want Shadow to fight with the team! He's insanely powerful, the ultimate life form. Combine that with Amy's time manipulation powers and Sonic's speed and we're in for some insane action, I know!

Not only that but I think the franchise is planning something big for the hedgehogs in the franchise so things could get even more interesting with their interactions!

Just give the boy some hot chocolate, a home and a warm blanket.

TAILS AND KNUCKLES

These boys would be in the trenches. After the whole Master Emerald mess, Sonic would be a wreck and clearly having problems. That he wouldn't talk about. Tails and Knuckles will have an important impact here by repaying the kindness Sonic has always shown them and supporting their brother who is not doing well at all. Not only that, I think the film will focus more on the bonds and interactions of characters, so we will see more of them and their pasts. Both Tails and Knuckles had devastating backstories that deserve to be addressed. With the arrival of Amy and the core four complete, it will be their chance to shine and we have cute and emotional interactions between them.

Not only that, but also necessary conversations between the 3 brothers. I believe Tails and Knuckle will have their individual moments with Sonic and all together. In addition to one with Amy who would be very close to all of them with all these events.

These boys will shine, I know!

IVO ROBOTNIK

Everyone's favorite problematic person!

He's... complicated. Jim Carrey agreed to return for Sonic 4 and most of my theories have him in a major role. So yeah, I'm assuming Ivo survived.

As I mentioned before, Ivo would be responsible for taking over Little Planet, killing several people and causing Amy to escape when she went after her powers and the Time Stones. Because, you see, just because he saved the Earth, that doesn't mean he's a good person.

Ivo saved the world for Stone . For that one person who cared and loved him and that he cares about. Only now Ivo has been sent through time to an unknown planet, without Stone and with brand new traumas.

Of course this maniac's defense mechanism will turn to chaos and destruction.

The only family he had never cared, and he's cut off from the only real support he had thanks to himself, who ignored Stone's pleas in the name of something that turned out to be false. And the guilt is a strong thing, even for Ivo.

But he would never acknowledge it.

So, Eggman would seek to fulfill his needs for love and family with what he has relied on his entire life - machines - in search of some control that he has clearly lost. Ivo would embrace the thought that love is a weakness and connection only makes you lose. He delves into hatred and makes it the source of his greatest creation: Metal Sonic.

Ivo blames Sonic for everything and just like in the games, he makes a version that he can control to feel better. At the same time, Metal Sonic would also be a loyal servant who supports him unconditionally. A failed attempt to fill the void left by Stone in a machine that will destroy everything that the blue hedgehog loves for ending his life. He wants to make Sonic pay and it will be insane.

He uses the Metal Army to bring suffering to Little Planet and fulfill his dream of tyranny, domination of lower forms. After all, Robotnik is a colonizer. A scientist with delusions and desires of grandeur and hatred for aliens.

But this will not bring the comfort Ivo seeks - hate is not love - and he would feel that victory is unsatisfying, hollow, without Stone along. So he would deceive himself further, convincing himself that fulfillment will come with more control, and go after the Chaos Stones and Amy, consequently.

Ivo deals with guilt with hate instead of love. He is on a planet that controls time, but his inability to face the past and his own mistakes would prevent him from truly healing his traumas. On the contrary, he would cause more pain and continue the cycle. Wanting to rewrite reality at all costs, regardless of the consequences.

And you'll find out the hard way that hate is no substitute for love and you can't escape the consequences of your actions when Metal Sonic rebels and takes over both Little Planet and the army of inferior Metals made of it.

*Slam hands on a table* Yes pals, we would have Neo Metal! And the heroes having to team up with Ivo once again to stop him with Stone in tow much to Robotnik's dismay.

Talk about your haunted past, huh?

(A little aside about Agent Stone: I have no idea what his role will be in the next film. He could be the big bad, a minor bad, Shadow's new handler, I have no idea. But I do know he's going to meet Ivo again, and it's going to be tense to say the least. Feel free to ramble on.)

Ivo would also be crucial to both Amy and Sonic's conflict.

He would be the one who would be a mirror for the blue hedgehog, someone he could become if Sonic doesn't deal with his traumas correctly: someone who would rather remake time-space than accept past decisions just like the creator of the machine that tormented him throughout the film.

Ivo would also be the test of Amy's love and selflessness. This girl believes that everyone can change. But, would she have any mercy for the one who took everything from her? Amy wouldn't lose control like Sonic, she has too much respect for life for that, but would she listen to Ivo if she needed his help like the boys accepted at the end of the third film?

Either way, Robotnik would be one of the biggest emotional cores in this clash of hate/love/time.

And no, I don't believe Eggman will ever redeem himself. He's a bad person, and he always will be. But even bad people can love, that's a basic need for humanity not something you earndd.

If anything, at most I think Ivo would find peace, not redemption in the end, finally reconciling with Stone and perhaps a reprogrammed Metal Sonic. All together on the run forever as a family.

Sounds like a happy ending to me either way.

METAL SONIC

Shoutout to all the fans of this little guy! I love this metallic hedgehog!

Metal Sonic is iconic ! He's a machine custom-built in Sonic's image. He plays dirty, is full of hate, and has only his sights set on defeating his organic counterpart, with no trace of empathy.

I love him and the movie can do so many cool things with him!

For starters, with Metal being built with both Sonic and Amy's quills, he has both attributes.

The fastest creature in the universe was the source of his speed ability and general traits of Sonic and Amy to be able to travel through time and her your cpu's insane ability to predict actions. He would be insanely powerful with his chaos energy punches, shapeshifting ability, and off-the-charts adaptability.

With both of their Chaos energy signatures in his database, Metal is able to track them both...anywhere, which makes the two hedgehogs prime targets.

Although Sonic is undoubtedly the one who lives in Metal's head rent-free.

He would be made by Eggman to kill Sonic, equipped with an advanced AI with the ability to learn, collect and reproduce attacks, cataloging them in databases as it was in Sonic Heroes. And of course, going back in time as many times as necessary to destroy his enemy. In addition to chasing Amy and getting the Time Stones.

Yes, Metal Sonic would have a beef with the two teenage hedgehogs, he's nothing but a hater at heart.

Metal, thematically, would be Sonic without the emotions. Without the attachment, loyalty and most importantly, empathy of the blue hedgehog. The robot would behave as the polar opposite of him, replicating only his chaos control abilities. And, as the film unfolds, he would become obsessed, thinking he is the real Sonic and that the fastest creature in the universe is just a cheap and inferior copy that he needs to defeat.

I think that, in the beginning, Sonic would see him as perfect. Reflecting his desire to suppress his emotions, Metal would be the carefree, completely selfish version. Yes, Sonic is not selfish, but perhaps he thought it would be easier if he didn't have to deal with his emotions. That they hinder more than they help, whether it's his anger leading to revenge or sadness leaving him vulnerable.

Because that would be one of Sonic's problems: the fear of being emotionally vulnerable.

But the lack of love is bad for anyone, including Metal, and it would be this hateful attitude focused on just killing Sonic that would lead to ruin.

He only thinks about destroying the hedgehog at any cost. Whether it's shooting him in the back, kidnapping and decimating an entire planet...or rebelling against his creator. Metal Sonic is incapable of feeling or understanding empathy or love.

And that will be his defeat.

I theorize that Metal will have his own agenda throughout the film, wanting to gather information from everyone - especially the movie's hedgehogs: Sonic, Amy and Shadow - to go Neo Metal. He would improve himself in search of the Time Stones and be able to rewrite history so that Sonic was never in it and rule the universe himself.

I believe that when he becomes Neo Metal and goes on a rampage to destroy Sonic and get the Time Stones, the heroes' plan will rely on exactly what he doesn't expect: camaraderie, affection and unconditional love between them. Metal is rational, not understanding attitudes such as staying behind to help his family or fight for his brothers or sacrificing himself for others. It's counterproductive. Even though he has an army of clones, he doesn't understand teamwork because these copies of him are just pawns to him.

It's going to be Sonic, Amy, Tails, Knuckles and Shadow fighting relentlessly despite the odds that are stacked against them because these kids care. About each other and about the Earth. Even if it's counterintuitive. Even with GUN hunting them. Hell, he'll even see his creator with them.

And the worst part is that Metal Sonic will never change. He was programmed to be born out of hate, out of the belief that love and connection are weaknesses. That's just who he is. And Sonic will never be able to give him a pep talk in his darkest hour to change his mind. Some people are just bad and don't want to change... even if they are capable of some good.

I think Metal's personality will be similar to the OVA. He can't stand Sonic, but he's built on his personality. So I think we can see Metal having good deeds despite everything. Remember, even bad people are capable of love to a certain extent and Metal is not stupid. He has a complex existential crisis and a tragic character. He has some foundations for change but the lack of real emotions only makes him emulate. And it gets worse with his obsession.

This little guy is going to make me cry.

SONIC AND AMY

Fun fact, I’m not a Sonamy shipper.

I haven’t played the game or read the comics. But the way that I know that Amy and Sonic can be written in this movie has a grip on me, especially with the Sonamy route kinda confirmed. Really, my writer's brain is filled with possibilities and I know this is a controversial topic and I understand, but I👏🏼 have 👏🏼thoughts !👏🏼

Sonamy (and Amy) as a whole are very much a product of their historical context and place of creation. It doesn't please everyone and I recognize problematic aspects that exist in this dynamic, even if it has changed over the years, as well as the appeal of the various good parts.

I would like to thank in advance all of you who are reading who don't ship either because you prefer other couples or don't like Sonamy regardless of the reason in general or are just terrified of reducing Amy to a love interest for being here and hearing a different side. You are the real one ✊🏼

To begin with, what I'm going to cover here is limited to Movie!Sonic and Movie!Amy. Both of them are different from their game counterparts, taking on relevant aspects like narrative role and core personality but ultimately having their own interpretation. Just like the appeal that the duo will have in the fourth film.

Okay? Okay.

Many people rightly fear that Amy will be reduced to a love interest in a forced romantic storyline, especially since this is her first appearance. And being limited like that would be horrible for the only girl in the main group.

However, I don't see that as the case. Not only do I believe that will not be forced, but she will be essential to the story happening . Their relationship will not happen because "boy and girl fall in love." No, Sonic and Amy having feelings for each other will help the film develop in a way that not having that would make the narrative weaker.

The relationship between Sonic and Amy will be thematically relevant and deeply developed.

Why do I think this, you ask?

*Grabs 500 slides* I'm glad you did! 😃

First, the beginning of this connection starts differently from games.

Amy appears saving Sonic instead of the other way around as happened in the games, which shows that their dynamic will be profoundly different, as will Amy and Sonic themselves.

In the films, Amy will have her own arc, goals, problems and desires, making her a complex and interesting character in her own right. In addition to an altered backstory, which has already been theorized earlier, which helps to give structure to this dynamic.

She's clearly not there just to pursue Sonic and be his romantic partner. Of course, she'll probably develop feelings for him, both because that's part of the character's original essence and because a romance in itself doesn't make her or the script bad.

It's about execution. And both Jeff and the writing team have already shown that they are good at that.

The writers in both the introductory scene and interviews have made it clear that the days of Amy's worst writing are behind her. If Amy's origins show her as a damsel in distress who evolved into a heroine in her own right, Amy and Sonic will be equals from the start.

They can both defend themselves and each other. Plus, I believe Amy will be an important character in the franchise in the long run, further reducing the fear of her being just a “love interest.”

Second, I think the writing will focus on the characters' connection - not the romance itself.

My guess is that if the writers really want to sell this couple as they intend, they won’t rely on the “stereotypical romance.” It wouldn’t work. Instead, they’ll opt to show their connection, affinity, and mutual trust, as well as a shared backstory. The bond without any label.

They will be friends before anything else.

Because there is potential, a lot of potential, running that way.

I don't believe the chosen route will be that Sonic starts to have a crush on Amy just because she's a girl because we're talking about extremely traumatized teenagers here.

Let's be honest, they don't know shit about romance. These two probably won't even be aware that they're in love and will attribute the typical feelings of have a crush to just being a regular friendship (yes, denial, they'll go into denial). Which in my opinion is better because, despite the typical butterflies and meaningful glances, there wouldn't be the pressure of something more and it would give both of them space to get on the same page.

Sonic has abandonment and trust issues. Even with Tails he had some reservations at first. If anything, he's terrified and suspicious of Amy right after she destroyed those robots that almost killed him.

Amy is no better, possibly coming from a destroy home and a stressful life, and while very empathetic, she can also follow a route of not being very honest about how she feels and alternates between trying to be always cheerful - almost with a toxic positivity - and moments of anger and strong breakdowns. You know, since she is canonically short-tempered and angry.

There's no way these two are going to fall in love at first sight for no reason. No, they're going to have history, substance, and - my personal favorite - ✨ narrative parallels ✨.

As I've theorized before, Amy and Sonic have known each other before and have similar pasts. And if that's true, I believe it will be this feeling of reminiscence that will allow the two to develop a bond despite any mistrust.

This is the feeling Sonic will feel when he meets Amy for the first time, not infatuation or anything like that, but lingering familiarity. The impression that he's seen her before. And their bond would grow deeper from there.

Sonic wouldn't fall in love with Amy because she's a girl, he would fall in love with her because they were - are - friends, because they would have things in common and would like the peace and quiet that that brings. Sonic would fall in love with Amy because that's Amy and he wouldn't have anyone but her.

And the opposite would also be true. Amy would see all the flaws, quirks, and traumas and stay anyway because it's Sonic, and she doesn't want to change him. She wants to be by his side, by the home he would become for her. On the side of this brave, kind and empathic boy.

They will not only have strong common ground, but unlike any other dynamic presented before, with a lot of potential to grow.

Since I think this Sonamy will be a slow burn.

I theorize that the fourth film will lean more on the romantic tension and friendship that this connection will provide, with anything more serious being left at the end and pursued in the future films. That this mutual understanding, this very distinct connection that they have will be explored, far beyond any label.

This will be the high point of the dynamic: the somewhat dubious nature between friendship and romantic love between two teenagers who went through similar upbringings and traumas and are fundamentally so different but who still find support, love and a safe place in each other unlike any other regardless of everything.

Sonic and Amy will bring out sides of each other that no other character could and that will be fascinating to watch.

Third, the potential for conflict .

If you watch the games, you know that despite her meteoric love for Sonic, Amy never held back from standing up to Sonic when she thought he was wrong. And I think that will be one of the highlights of this duo.

Amy and Sonic are profoundly different and this will undoubtedly cause friction. Which is great!

No healthy relationship has people who agree all the time and that causes growth. And to be honest, both Sonic and Amy are going to need to hear other sides and they're kind of the only people who can reach out to each other.

Starting with Sonic. The third film showed that this boy, despite loving his brothers very much, doesn't listen to them. Especially when he gets something in his head. The Master Emerald clash proves this. Not even Tails or Knuckles were able to make Sonic change his mind.

But Amy could do it.

And not because of the power of love like Sonic's crush, no. Amy could do it because this girl is brutal! This pink hedgehog has a strong temperament and is canonically the most emotionally intelligent character of this colorful bunch and she knows it. Not only does she know it, but she would use it.

Because the thing with Amy Rose is that she's not afraid of Sonic, yes he is her hero and references yes but above all she sees them as equals. And Amy is not afraid at all to match his energy when it comes to arguing.

If she decides this kid needs a reality check, she will do it in a heartbeat.

Because Amy is in touch with her own emotions and Sonic will desperately need to do that.

On the other hand, Sonic would do the same to Amy.

As stated, I theorize that she will place very little value on her own life in the name of what she considers the greater good, something that there is no way Sonic will let pass. He would be horrified at how Amy does not see herself as important, that someone who claims to care so much would leave her loved ones behind.

And honestly, Sonic has had enough trauma with an important loved one sacrificing themselves for his well-being (looking at you Longclaw 👀), and people sacrificing themselves for the greater good in general (Shadow 👀). Amy isn't going to be another person he's going to let slip through his fingers.

Aside from the less intense forms of differences, with Amy pointing out and advising Sonic that he needs to be more open in a calm conversation and Sonic saying that Amy needs to slow down and think more about herself, maybe one day there will be fun with the whole family gathered in the middle of the mission.

And that's the thing. Being differents, Amy and Sonic help each other see other points of view that they wouldn't have with anyone else otherwise. And that's so cool!

They would be each other's voice of reason and let's face it, they 're going to need it.

Fourth, these two have the narrative on their side.

God, I love this one. It adds the necessary thematic tension to the story and gives weight to any interaction. There's a reason Sonic and Shadow are such a big part of Sonic 3's story.

And with Amy and Sonic it would be no different.

As I said before, if Sonic and Shadow are the same person dealing with different circumstances, Amy and Sonic are different people dealing with the same circumstances.

And this is fertile ground for interesting interactions and intriguing personality clashes.

Amy and Sonic would have the same upbringing and situation: they lost their guardians very early and lived in isolation. However, the small deviations in their individual stories and their similar yet different personalities would bring another level to the narrative.

They share the fear of having to deal with painful memories and the guilt that such traumas generate. They have responsibilities to fulfill with their powers and even the same madman hunting them in real time.

But Sonic ignores emotions and sees them as a hindrance while Amy embraces hers. Sonic was told to protect himself while Amy must protect others. Sonic grew up isolated because he was guided while Amy imposed it on herself. He had quiet, boring days while she struggled through life in a big city.

Still, the loneliness is the same. The agony after years of just watching life pass you by is the same. The longing for connection is the same.

Amy and Sonic would never be the same person, yet they are similar where it matters and that makes me FERAL! They not only know what the worst parts of each other's lives are like, but the path that leads to the desire for the best ones as well. And that potential chemistry between them that makes me vibrate like a chihuahua.

They won't ignore each other, they couldn't ignore each other.

Do you see the vision?

Not only that, the affinity these two have in the films has the potential to be insane .

They can match each other freaks, your honor!

I know these two have similar inside jokes and tastes. Amy is your average teenage girl, she does the poses from magical girl manga while Sonic has superhero catchphrases. She's a musical junkie and sings (quite well) all the songs by heart, just like Sonic loves action movies. She would get his cheesy references . Hell, I can see her laughing at those awful Sonic jokes because these two traumatized teenagers have the same sense of humor.

To the level where Tom, Maddie, Knuckles, Tails and Shadow would look at each other in horror thinking “oh my god, there are two of them” (Shadow especially and with more stress in his voice and expression).

But it goes beyond the most superficial interests.

Again, Sonic in the movies has a lot of trauma. He saw his first parental figure killed because people wanted his powers, which led to 10 years of isolation that almost drove him insane. If you notice, all the most important people in this blue hedgehog's life are selfless and good people, both to people and animals. If there's one thing he values in people, it's kindness and goodness.

And guess which character has these defining characteristics? That's right, Amy Rose.

In return, Sonic can inspire Amy with his heroism and free spirit, with her admiring his world-saving actions and his love for his family. This is crucial because Sonic himself in this version is extremely empathetic, something that someone who cares about others as much as Amy would take into account.

They complement each other. They are compatible. They help each other.

Not only that, with their shared past, the bond between these two reaches a new level because only Sonic and Amy knew each other before everything went wrong. This part that will never come back and that both can use to help each other overcome what happened towards a better future.

We can see Sonic convincing Amy that no, she doesn't have to sacrifice herself and do everything alone because she has him, all the Wachowskis. See Amy, in Sonic's darkest hour , helping him and supporting him.

Then we have the ✨ parallels ✨.

God, the writers can destroy us with these.

We would start with the backstory. Friends separated by tragedies beyond their control. Loss of parental figures. Observing one's own life from the outside.

And then we have the similarity with Tom and Maddie.

Look me in the face and tell me the couple with similar temperaments are like these two with the same color scheme are not a narrative parallel. Tom, who is impatient, helpful and restless like Sonic, and Maddie, who is kind, caring and full of personality, does not resemble these two hedgehogs at all.

Tom and Maddie have elements of companionship, dynamics and even a history of sacrifices that they both made for each other to be used narratively. They are the mirror of what Sonic and Amy can be in the future. And that makes me foam at the mouth . It would also give a narrative role and depth to both of them, especially Maddie since she deserves her time to shine and would be one of the many good chances.

They could show how this kind of love requires effort and sacrifice, but can be rewarding. This would let Tom and Maddie shine as parents and guides to the potential young romance, even with their own love story told to help.

(Tom and Maddie met and fell in love because they saw each other every summer, you're going to take this hc out of my dead, lifeless hands).

But what drives me wildest is how they're able to give the running joke of Amy always being able to find Sonic and go after him no matter where he is a whole new meaning .

It's about the symbolism of Sonic, the boy afraid of abandonment with super speed to the point of moving through time and found a family, discovering a refuge in the deep bond with Amy, the girl who can find him anywhere because knows time like anyone and wants a place to belong.

Is about how they understand what hurts the other and know that they can help.

About how Amy can give the unconditional love that Sonic is so desperately after and he can give her the companionship and family she needs and desires to thrive.

How Sonic, the child who always lends a helping hand and is empathetic to even the most despicable enemies finds a person who does the same… for him .

Someone who had his life literally destroyed by an army made in his image saying that it doesn't matter if he thinks he'll always end up hurting the people he loves, because it's not true. And even if it did , they - and his entire family - would get through it together. Because she - his entire family - loves him.

That he is worth it.

I- *Sobs violently*

THE COLORFUL WACHOWSKI BUNCH

Oh boy, the Wachowskis are going to go through the trenches in this movie, I can feel it. The dynamics of this family are going to be chaotic.

If the previous problems were external, I believe the tensions in the fourth film will be internal .

For starters, Sonic will be going THROUGH it.

The consequences of the stupid things he did will definitely come back to bite him in the butt. I believe that even though his brothers have forgiven him, I don't think Sonic has completely forgiven himself and that will cause some serious self-loathing.

We'll have GUN after him and his entire family, using as an excuse, among other things, the destruction he caused in his little revenge rampage. The moon is permanently destroyed. The odds will not be in his favor.

Then, Metal Sonic will appear. A seemingly better, problem-free and perfect version. Accompanied by an equally perfect army that goes after his family that Sonic fought so hard to keep safe, making him face the possibility of losing everything to no one but himself. A better and faster version of himself.

And to top it all off, he will have the possibility of a BAD FUTURE weighing on his shoulders, where not only he but the entire galaxy could be enslaved and/or die if he can't resolve the situation.

I theorize that for the first time since Longclaw died, Sonic is starting to think that maybe...he's not fast enough.

Or the good enough brother, son and hero. And maybe that will start to make him distance himself from everyone to protect them. And yes, not even Tom, Maddie, Knuckles or Tails would take it well, trying to make him see reason and always giving reassurances.

The family would strengthen bonds with Sonic learning that past pains cannot be changed, but love can help you overcome them and look to the future.

Relevant because as I already mentioned, with time travel, Sonic may be faced with the choice - thanks to the Time Stones - of being able to rewrite his life with the change that Longclaw never died this time (nor Shadow being imprisoned or Gerald burning the Earth, of course). But that would mean he would never find the family he has now.

Which can be a dangerous dilemma, not because Sonic doesn't love them, but between unresolved trauma and the thought that everyone would be better off without him - it can be a tempting thought. He'd have the home and family he never should have lost and no one else would get hurt (of course, this is a result of trauma - almost all the Wachowskis would be miserable).

Tom, Maddie, Tails, and Knuckles would remind Sonic that no, their lives are better with him there. Nothing can change that. Tails would be suffering, Knuckles would never have found peace, Shadow would still be suffering, and Tom and Maddie would never be as happy as they are.

And then comes the other big change in the family dynamic: Amy Rose.

See, Amy is a wild card because she's totally different from any other character.

She is a character who will not be treated as a family member or an official sibling. She is someone who will bring a new perspective and dynamic. A normality in the chaos, someone who brings a vision full of love and empathy but with a fresh and outside perspective, which will help a lot.

Starting out, she and Sonic will have a shared past that none of the other characters have had before, as mentioned. This will create a strong foundation based on mutual security. Amy's actions will affect Sonic in a way that makes him softer and more open. And in return, Sonic will share his family, the sense of home that he is so grateful for.

Leading both of them to heal together from the traumatic past, along with the rest and generating cute scenes.

Because this family is going to have their hands full!

As I said before, she has traits in common with her siblings and come on, Amy - and all of us - deserve all the platonic relationships too! The 4 of them are the core group so it's no wonder they all get along well. Not to mention it's an ideal way to get rid of the image of Amy Rose as just a "love interest".

I know Tails and Knuckles are going to be the brothers ever. Not only will they tease Sonic for having a crush, but they'll see how much better their brother is doing and be grateful to Amy.

Not only that, but I'm a big fan of the Amy-Tails-Knuckles siblinghood! Those are her brothers, your honor! It's her strong older brother and her smart younger brother! Amy has sparring sessions with Knuckles and robotics afternoons with Tails! Above all, I believe that Amy's actions can help Knuckles and Tails heal as well. Both boys have backstories that have affected them, pasts that her empathy and sympathy could help them find common ground and deal with (Shadow wouldn't escape this either, Amy has the same friend-for-all policy as the Wachowskis).

Tom and Maddie are going to go through it too. Between the weather and GUN confusion, being the responsible adults™ for all four of these kids is going to be WILD.

After all, will this couple of parents discover that their children's new friend travels through time, sees the future and is almost an empath???

And that their middle child, who is going through an existential crisis being chased by a literal evil doppelganger and the government, may not only be falling madly in love with her but have already met before??? And she comes from a living satellite planet with stones that rewrite time and reality???? And this girl, like their boys, also has something clearly wrong with her???

Since yes, I theorize that Amy's altruism will have a dark side to her arc and have a part with the Wachowskis.

She is not a person with a tendency to protect herself but others, a trait reinforced by her mission. And what happens when someone like that finds a family to care for? Strong sacrificial tendencies and very little self-preservation.

Amy loves so much and I believe she would give her life to ensure the protection and well-being of those she cares about. After meeting Sonic and the Wachowskis, after getting to know them and becoming attached to them - knowing everything they've been through - if she comes to a point where she has to walk away from them or sacrifice herself to protect them, she will do it.

She doesn't want to die. But she would gladly do it to save her loved ones. And I'm sorry, but if your general instinct is to die... you need therapy.

In Amy's case, the almost overwhelming concern and unconditional support of the local family 😊

Yes, self-sacrifice is noble and all, but this is likely to be concerning. All the Wachowskis would do whatever they could to prevent anyone else from dying to save the world.

Shadow will also have a handful.

I really like this boy and want him in the movie, although I fear there may not be time because this boy needs a family! Not only that, Amy is kind of important in Shadow's life and it would be criminal not to see the two interact.

Just like Amy, he wouldn't exactly be one of Tom and Maddie's children. Depending on how his story plays out, he might even find a home with Stone.

Not only that, Sonic needs to know that he's okay. Because as far as everyone knows, Shadow is dead and he deserves better. I can't stop picturing Sonic and Amy all over this poor traumatized hedgehog with so much positivity and motivational speeches that he almost wishes he'd died in space. Shadow with the rest of the heroes would be really cool, and with GUN being one of the enemies, the ultimate lifeform can finally have a less violent reckoning.

But there is still a reckoning to be made.

Not only that, the theme of love and trauma would be great for Shadow to heal from as well. Both in the form of Sonic and with Amy, who canonically reminds him of Maria, he can finally find new people to care about.

Yes, that's my Shadow-Amy siblinghood AND cousin Shadow agenda.

And with the movies possibly starting to explore the universe, what better way to do that than Black Doom's son!

Just…give me these kids interacting and destroying enemies.

And yes, neither Shadow nor Amy would be adopted by the Wachowskis. Shadow has his own things going on, maybe with Stone, wandering to know the world I don't know and Amy would probably go back to her home on Little Planet after all, or stay in New York or somewhere else in Green Hills.

But they would still family. In their own types and ways but still!

Final considerations

Thank you so much for reading this huge post with my thoughts. Feel free to send me questions and add your own thoughts. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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