#genuinely miss the joy if seeing one of their big moments live...i feel like the last time we got somethinf truly big for their relationship

[gunchucks-wukong-archive]

i miss bumbleby, like the canon one. i miss losing my mind watching them have a big moment on screen, i miss jumping out of my seat and watching everyone's reaction to it live hell i even miss the bitter comments that follow said moments bc that's how i know we're winning hard 😭

[its-avalon-08]

it all fell down (ln4)

part6

multipart story! part1 part2 part3 part4 part5

✦ pairing - lando norris x female reader

summary : lando norris and y/n were friends for 20 years, fell in love and dated for five. until it all fell down. they left each others lives abruptly and never spoke again, until they met again in the most unexpected way. can they find their way back or will certain scars never heal?

A few weeks later, Y/N found herself at the Red Bull Formula One team’s headquarters. Her company had been invited for a special event, showcasing new collaborative projects. The idea of being back in the F1 world was both exciting and nerve-wracking, but it wasn’t race weekend, so she didn’t expect to run into Lando.

As she walked through the impressive facility, she spotted a familiar face in the crowd. Kelly Piquet, Max Verstappen’s girlfriend, was chatting animatedly with a few team members. Penelope, Kelly's adorable daughter, was playfully twirling around nearby. When Kelly’s eyes met Y/N’s, her face lit up with a warm smile.

“Y/N! Baby!” Kelly exclaimed, rushing over to embrace her. “It’s so good to see you!”

Y/N returned the hug, feeling a wave of nostalgia. “You too, Kelly. Oh my god it’s been way too long. I've missed you so much!”

Just then, Penelope ran up and wrapped her little arms around Y/N’s legs. “Auntie Y/N!” she squealed, looking up with bright eyes.

Y/N crouched down to give the little girl a proper hug. “Hey, P! You’ve gotten so big!”

Max Verstappen, standing a few feet away, turned around at the commotion and grinned when he saw Y/N. “Well, if it isn’t the famous Y/N,” he teased, walking over to join the group. “Long time no see.”

Y/N stood up, returning Max’s grin. “Hey, Maximus. Congrats on the last race, by the way. You were incredible. Cute little family you've got here.”

“Thanks Y/N,” Max said, giving her a friendly hug. “How’ve you been? We haven's seen much of you since- well yeah, missed you alot. How are you?”

“Busy, but good,” she replied. “It’s nice to be back in this world, even if it’s just for a bit.”

Kelly looped her arm through Y/N’s. “We’ve missed having you around. It’s not the same without you.”

Y/N smiled, her heart warming at the welcome. “I’ve missed you guys too. It feels like coming home.”

Penelope tugged at Y/N’s hand. “Come play with me, Auntie Y/N!”

Laughing, Y/N allowed herself to be pulled towards a small play area. “Alright, P. What are we playing?”

As she engaged with Penelope, Kelly and Max exchanged knowing looks, happy to see their friend smiling and relaxed. It was a moment of genuine connection and warmth, a reminder that some bonds remained unbroken despite the turbulence of the past.

Kelly watched Y/N with Penelope and then leaned closer to Max. “I hope today goes smoothly for her. She deserves a break from all of that. She is still hurting y'know baby?”

Max nodded, his eyes thoughtful. “Yeah, she does deserve a good day today. It’s good to see her smile again after we missed out on seeing it for months..”

Y/N lifted Penelope onto her shoulders, the little girl giggling with delight. “Alright, P, let’s go get some apple juice!” she said, feeling the joy of the moment lighten her heart.

As they made their way through the crowd, Y/N’s thoughts drifted. It feels good to be surrounded by friends again. Maybe I can finally put the past behind me. She smiled at Penelope, who was happily pointing out various sights around the Red Bull facility.

Turning a corner, Y/N suddenly collided with someone. Penelope squealed in surprise, and Y/N instinctively reached out to steady herself and the little girl. Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up and met Lando’s equally startled eyes.

Oh no. Not now, not here.

Lando’s surprise quickly shifted to a mix of emotions. Y/N? Of all places, here? And she looks as beautiful as ever, You're joking. His heart pounded in his chest, memories of their recent argument and their past flooding his mind.

Before either could react, Penelope squealed with delight. “Uncle Lando!” she exclaimed, leaning over Y/N’s shoulders to hug him. This caused Y/N and Lando to be pulled closer together, their faces just inches apart, almost as if they were embracing. Lando wanted to wrap his arms around the woman in front of him and never let go. He missed this, the feeling of being loved by Y/N.

“Penelope, careful,” Y/N said, her voice barely above a whisper, her heart racing from the sudden proximity to Lando.

“Hey, P,” Lando managed to say, his voice strained. He gently ruffled Penelope’s hair, trying to focus on the little girl and not the overwhelming presence of Y/N so close to him. Why does this still affect me so much?

Penelope’s excitement was palpable. “Y/N is getting me apple juice! Come with us, Uncle Lando!”

This is not happening. Please, not now. Y/N could feel her pulse quicken, a mix of anxiety and the unresolved feelings she thought she had buried deep.

Lando forced a smile, though he could feel the tension radiating from Y/N. “Sure, P. Let’s get you that apple juice,” he said, trying to keep his tone light. Stay calm, don’t let her see how much this affects you.

They walked together, a somewhat awkward silence settling over them. Y/N could feel the weight of Lando’s presence beside her, each step bringing back memories she had tried so hard to suppress. Just focus on Penelope. Don’t think about him.

When they reached the refreshment table, Penelope squirmed off Y/N’s shoulders and eagerly grabbed a cup of apple juice. “Thank you, Auntie Y/N!” she chirped, then looked up at Lando. “Can we play a game now?”

Y/N forced a smile, her voice strained. “Why don’t you go show Max your juice, P? I’m sure he’d love to see it.”

Penelope nodded enthusiastically and ran off, leaving Y/N and Lando standing awkwardly by the table. The tension between them was palpable, neither knowing what to say.

Lando finally broke the silence. “Y/N… I didn’t expect to see you here.”

What are you even supposed to say in a moment like this?

“Yeah, I didn’t think you’d be here either,” Y/N replied, her voice tinged with an edge she couldn’t quite suppress. Stay calm. Don’t let him get to you.

Lando looked down, his fingers drumming nervously against the table. “How have you been?” he asked, the question loaded with more meaning than he intended.

“Fine,” she said shortly, trying to keep her emotions in check. Don’t show him how much he still affects you.

The silence stretched between them, filled with everything left unsaid. Finally, Y/N took a deep breath. “Lando, about what I said last time…”

Lando shook his head, cutting her off. “It’s fine. You don’t have to explain.” But his eyes betrayed the hurt he still felt. I don’t think I can handle this right now.

Just then, Penelope returned, tugging on Lando’s hand. “Come on, Uncle Lando Auntie Y/N! Let’s go play!”

Lando forced a smile, grateful for the distraction. “Sure thing, P.”

As they walked away, Y/N watched them go, her heart heavy with the weight of unresolved feelings and the painful realization that moving on was going to be much harder than she ever anticipated. Maybe it’s time to face the past, no matter how much it hurts.

taglist ---> @misspygmypie @kol67-t @sltwins @f1fantasys @sarx164 @imboredway2much @demandealalune e e @elz-xo o @bellelovesharryy @hey-there9-its-me @marauders-wife @itsjustfranzi @l-sofiamia-l @ironmaiden1313

comment to get added to taglist

[tealottie]

What are your headcanons about Della?

I have so many, but tbh my favorite headcanons have to do with her having PTSD - so i can't promise this will be a fun post

MASTERLIST OF DELLA HEADCANONS BELOW:

Appearance:

Scars from the Moon

One across her beak on left side

Scars on her arms and legs

Other markings

Stretch marks especially on her tummy and butt

A few stretch marks on her chest and thighs

Freckles on her beak (because she had triplets and ducks IRL sometimes get freckles after pregnancy)

Other

Chubby pear shape

DD cup size

Squishy belly

Big eyes

Fluffy unkempt feathers (she's bad at preening)

Thin hair (also bad at taking care of it)

Short beak

Queer Headcanons:

Homoromantic

Bisexual

Prefers to just call herself a lesbian

Ciswoman (doesn't mind they/them pronouns and probably finds it entertaining if she's referred to as he/him)

Supports all of her queer babies

She also does not actively seek out romance, but she isn't offput by the idea entirely

Mental Health and Neurodiverse Headcanons:

PTSD

Hates being alone at any given moment and had to ask Donald if she could room with him in the houseboat for a few months

Genuinely cannot look at her reflection and will be needing exposure therapy

Does not like the feeling of movement underwater because it reminds her of the moon's gravity

Terrified that she'll never be fully capable of being a mom because of the 10 years she missed

Cringes at any moon or space themed items now - sometimes triggers her on a bad day or if she looks at them for too long

Her hair being too long is a trigger for her, so she always keeps it shoulder length or above

She ALWAYS feels cold even if her body temperature is normal and sometimes it drives her crazy

Lots of nightmares about what-ifs - what if it was my kids instead of me, what if it was my brother instead of me, what if i didnt have oxychew, what if i never met the Moonlanders, etc etc etc

The taste of black licorice will genuinely send her spiraling, and because it lingers - it wrecks her for days (she hates similar flavors such as rootbeer)

Finds a lot of joy in warm places so she now loves to be out in the sun

Had a period of time where she wasn't really talking with Penumbra because of the severity of her triggers/ptsd

Both finds peace in dead silence, but it also brings her back to the moon as well - she has a very complex relationship with isolation

Prefers silver over gold (even though she doesn't wear jewelry, she likes silver on others and silver on things such as zippers and buttons)

Spent quite a few years terrified of flying after the horror of her own trauma set in, but it threw her into a big depression since piloting is her passion

Hates taking care of her stump because she doesn't like taking her prosthetic leg off - she sees it as her own, so she hates taking it off even though she knows she needs to when sleeping or showering

She has a hard time looking at her stump and scars because on one hand; sick as hell battle wounds, but on the other; damn was that the worst time in my entire life

Depression and Anxiety

Even before crashlanding on the moon, she dealt with depression and social anxiety

She has a bit of a hard time keeping her room tidy and taking care of herself, but she's phenomenal at putting other people first

Feels as though she's not attractive enough

Wants to be a ray of sunshine in other peoples' lives

She's very scared that she won't be enough for people and therefore she must put 110% into everything she does for others

ADHD and Autism

Her sensory issues tend to directly conflict with her PTSD issues - like she hates silence because of the moon, but sometimes she gets overstimulated by noise and needs the silence or alone time

She does not sleep until her body physically passes out because the change in activity is hard for her to deal with

Goes insane if she feels understimulated because her brain begins to shut down and she dissociates

Many, many stims (sometimes doubles as grounding with PTSD): bouncing her leg, various hand motions, feeling the fabric of her clothes, physical affection with her loved ones, playing with the tightness of her prosthetic (loosening and then tightening it over and over), shaking her head to feel her hair around her shoulders (and solidifying that what she's feeling is earth gravity)

Really hard time understanding social cues that makes her come across as rather ditzy

Special interest in aircraft technology and was a top student at her flight school

Love/Hate relationship with reading because if she enjoys what she's reading she gets invested, but if she's understimulated, the words jumble together in her mind

Not good at math for a similar reason

Fish are a huge sensory nightmare for her; the scales, the smell, the taste, etc

Is generally pretty sensory-seeking, but has a few Hard Nos on textures (such as slimy scales)

Other:

I headcanon Della having compulsive sexual behavior disorder, and her libido especially spiked after being on the moon for 10 years, and it makes her feel really gross at times

Due to said hypersexuality, she gets intrusive thoughts that piss her off

Because of the moon not really having a clear indicator of night and day, Della lost her circadian rhythm and struggles with a Hell combination of non-24 and ADHD insomnia

The lack of general sleep makes it hard for her to lose weight and so she's insecure about that

Physical Disabilities:

Because she was on the moon for so long, the zero gravity and lack of proper breathable oxygen took a huge toll on her, physically

She developed really bad asthma and will likely be recovering from it for the rest of her life

Her lungs can only intake so much oxygen at a time, so she also struggles with shortness of breath

Upon returning to earth, her body was really broken down from the cold atmosphere - causing her to not be able to regulate her body temperature properly

Her bones were weakened upon arrival, so she has to spend years recovering physically from it

Her stump is irritated a lot because she doesn't like taking care of it properly

She owns crutches for when she needs to take breaks from her prosthetic just because of the discomfort when wearing it

She is not afraid to hit Donald with a crutch BTW

IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER SPECIFIC HEADCANONS THAT YOU ARE CURIOUS ABOUT, SHOOT ME AN ASK! <3

[archiveikemen]

『 Dark If 』 Story Event: Epilogue

Jude Jazza

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection. I do not own any of the original content. Please support CYBIRD by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

❥･• Warnings and FAQ

Note: This epilogue is a continuation of the Premium END story.

And so, Sleeping Beauty fell asleep for 100 years due to her curse.

She was awakened by a true love’s kiss from a prince, and they lived happily ever after. —

Kate: … I wasn’t kissed by a prince.

I muttered while recalling a passage from the original story of Sleeping Beauty I read back in England.

Ellis: What’s the matter?

Kate: Ah, it’s nothing, just… did my father or any soldiers try breaking into this castle while I was asleep?

Upon waking up, I was informed that my father had passed away while I was asleep.

His passing weighed on my heart for some time, because I felt that I was unfilial for not being there during his final days.

However, I was able to better cope with my feelings after paying a visit to his grave

Besides… I had to be considerate of Jude, who cursed me and took me away from my father, and was still hated and greatly feared 100 years later by the entire country.

(I don’t want to make him regret saving me.)

That was why I never asked for any details on the matter, but it suddenly started troubling me again lately.

Ellis: Ahh… come to think of it, I think I remember something like that happening.

Ellis: I drove them all away under Jude’s instructions.

Kate: What…?

Ellis: I did try my best to have them leave as unharmed as possible.

Ellis: But it seems that the ones who came while I was away were flayed by Jude and thrown out.

Ellis: Some of them were even left hanging outside for a while.

It was possible that all the princes who attempted to get to me were defeated by the fairy of the thorn castle and his assistant, the thorn.

(In order for this world to have a happy ending…)

(Perhaps someone from this world has to kiss me to wake me up from my sleep.)

“There is something missing in this world” — those words had been bothering me for a while.

(But…)

(If I have to kiss someone other than Jude… I'd rather this world remain twisted.)

Kate: … Thank you for protecting me.

Ellis: Nah, don’t mention it.

Jude: You haven’t paid for that service yet.

Kate: ! Welcome back, Jude.

My heart instantly started racing the moment I heard that voice.

I sprang up from the couch and ran to Jude.

Jude: You don't have to come sprinting towards me every single time. What are you, a dog?

Jude muttered dismissively and sat down on the couch.

It had been a few months since I woke up from my sleep, and I was still very much in love with him.

Kate: … I can’t help it when I miss you so much.

Jude: Yeah, yeah, how nice.

The way Jude treated me was as though I were a little girl.

(... I want him to see me as a grown woman.)

(Could it be that he thinks the difference between our mental ages is too big, because I was asleep for 100 years…?)

I still wore the collar he gave me back when we first met.

He told me that I could take it off whenever I wanted, because it wasn’t really something that could blow my head off.

But I found joy in the thought that this collar connected me to him in some way, so I couldn't bring myself to remove it.

…

— On nights when I had difficulty falling asleep, I would sneak into Jude’s study.

(These piles of books… they were all for finding a cure to my illness.)

While I did find Jude’s spiteful nature endearing, I yearned for him to look at me beyond my illness and as a person.

(I wonder if right now, Jude only sees me as nothing more than free labour and someone who’s repaying a debt they owe him.)

(I mean, of course I’m genuinely trying to be helpful towards him as I promised to and I’m more than happy to help, but…)

(I’m asking for too much, aren’t I? This just isn’t nearly enough for me.)

A suffocating feeling of hopelessness overwhelmed me.

(... This room smells like Jude.)

The love overflowing in my heart was making my body throb and heat up.

Kate: Jude…

I touched my lips.

(I don’t need a prince to kiss me. But…)

Kate: … Will you finally notice me… if we kiss?

Jude: I was just thinking it's admirable that you’re holed up in the study night after night to read…

Jude: What kind of dirty thoughts are you having, pervert?

Kate: …!?

I whipped my head around to see Jude leaning against the door with a mocking smile.

(Jude!? W-When did he come into the study…)

Kate: E-Erm, I was uhh…

Jude: What? Feeling frustrated?

His disgusted remark made my face turn bright red.

I bit my lip tightly in frustration, feeling as though I had just been chided for doing something indecent.

Kate: If you say so… then yes, I am.

Kate: But… it doesn’t mean that I want just anyone to think of me that way or touch me.

Jude narrowed his amethyst eyes and stared at me intently.

Jude: … You sound like you're saying that you’re horny for me.

Kate: … That’s exactly what I’m saying.

Even if it would make him dislike having me around or hate my entire being, I wanted to come clean about my feelings for him.

Kate: It bothers me that I’m only being thought of as a labourer working to repay a debt.

Jude: — Just a labourer?

He had remained unfazed until now, but upon hearing those words — Jude’s facial expression stiffened and his eyebrows twitched.

Jude: … You really don’t get it at all.

Kate: What…?

Jude hooked his long finger under my collar.

Kate: … ah…

His fingertip coming into contact with my skin sent a sweet tremble through my body that had been throbbing with need ever since he entered the room.

He pulled on the collar, bringing my face closer to his.

Jude: Do you think I’ll spend 100 years finding a cure to an incurable illness, just to save the life of someone I don’t see as anything more than labourer?

Jude: Are you looking down on me?

Kate: ah… ugh.

I felt a pain in my back as I was pressed against a bookshelf.

He let go of my collar and held my wrists together—

There was a soft touch on my neck, at the spot where the needle pierced me.

(Huh…?)

The moment I realised that it was Jude’s lips, my entire body started pulsating.

Kate: ah… aah…

His teeth grazed on my skin and he bit down on it like he wanted to slowly instil the pain.

(Did Jude just… bite me…?)

I felt my body go numb and it was as if my legs were about to give way.

Jude pushed his leg in between my knees, preventing me from falling.

Jude: … Before you fell asleep, I said this to you.

Jude: I said that, because it's you, I would never let you die.

The gaze from his gleaming amethyst eyes staring down at me became harsh.

Jude: I must've phrased that wrong.

Jude: It’s precisely because it’s YOU, I didn't let you escape me just like that.

Kate: Jude…

I was so happy that I wanted him to touch me, kiss me, and look at me as soon as possible.

Jude looked down at me mockingly.

Jude: Oh, but I’m not going to kiss you or anything more than that.

Kate: … Why not?

Jude: You kept me waiting for 100 years — it’s not fair to me if I so easily give you what you want.

Jude: As much as possible, I’ll make you feel impatient, frustrated, and miserable.

Jude: Knowing how persistent you are, 100 years will be nothing, right?

Kate: — You’re awful…!

Jude: Hah… I could say the same thing about you.

It was miserable and painful, my body wouldn't stop throbbing.

The heat from craving for him like mad was messing with my thoughts.

(I don’t need a prince to kiss me.)

(Nor do I need a happy ending, or to return to my original world.)

Even if this bittersweet pain he gave me was making me feel miserable — to me, that was the best form of happiness.

[callsigns-haze]

Short love: Chp 6

Lovey dove love

Summary: The is about widowed father Bradley Bradshaw who enlists his brother-in-law Jake Seresin and childhood best friend Robert Floyd to help raise his three daughters, eldest Donna Jo Margaret (D.J for short), middle child Stephanie and youngest Michelle in his San Diego home. 

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader

Warning: Fluff, flirting

As the year passed by, the bond between Y/n and Jake only grew stronger. Now, with Michelle as a lively toddler, their days were filled with laughter and joy. One sunny afternoon, Y/n, Jake, and Bob found themselves in the living room, surrounded by toys and the sound of Michelle's delighted giggles.

Y/n sat on the floor, her hair tied back in a loose ponytail as she played with Michelle, encouraging her to stack colorful blocks and play with her favorite stuffed animals. Jake sat beside them, his eyes filled with love and adoration as he watched his niece interact with her aunt.

"Come on, Michelle, you can do it!" Y/n encouraged, her voice filled with excitement as Michelle concentrated on stacking the blocks.

Jake chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Michelle's hair affectionately. "That's it, sweetheart. You're doing great," he praised, his heart swelling with pride at the sight of his niece's determination.

Meanwhile, Bob sat nearby, joining in on the fun with a wide grin on his face. "Looks like we've got a little genius on our hands," he joked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Y/n laughed at Bob's comment, feeling a sense of joy wash over her as she watched Jake and Michelle bond. "She definitely takes after her uncle," she replied, her voice filled with affection as she glanced over at Jake.

As they continued to play together, surrounded by love and laughter, Y/n couldn't help but feel grateful for the little family they had created. With Jake as her uncle and Michelle in their arms, she knew that every day was a blessing, and she couldn't wait to see what the future held for them as they continued to navigate life together.

As Y/n settled onto the couch with Bob, she couldn't help but smile as she watched Jake playfully lift Michelle into the air, the toddler giggling with delight. Bob turned to Y/n with a mischievous glint in his eyes, a playful grin spreading across his face.

"Hey, Y/n, do you mind if I practice my comedy routine on you?" he asked, his voice filled with eagerness.

Y/n chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Of course, Bob. I'm always up for a good laugh," she replied, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

As Bob launched into his routine, Y/n couldn't help but be impressed by his comedic timing and quick wit. She laughed at his jokes, her laughter mingling with Michelle's giggles as Jake continued to fly her around the room.

With each joke and punchline, the room filled with laughter and joy, the sound of their merriment echoing through the house. And as they sat together, surrounded by love and laughter, Y/n couldn't help but feel grateful for the bond they shared, knowing that moments like these were what made their family so special.

s DJ and Stephanie returned home, the atmosphere in the room shifted with excitement. Stephanie bounded over to Y/n, her eyes shining with pride as she held up a tiny tooth in her palm.

"Look, Y/n! I lost a tooth at school today!" Stephanie exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement as she showed off her newfound gap.

Y/n's eyes widened in amazement as she took in the sight of Stephanie's missing tooth, a smile spreading across her face at the sight of her niece's excitement. "Wow, Steph, that's amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine enthusiasm.

Jake joined in on the excitement, scooping Stephanie up into his arms and spinning her around the room. "That's my girl! Losing a tooth is a big milestone," he praised, his voice filled with pride as he showered Stephanie with affection.

Stephanie giggled with delight as Jake spun her around, her laughter filling the room with joy. With each twirl, she felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her, knowing that she had reached an important milestone in her young life.

As they celebrated together, surrounded by love and laughter, Y/n couldn't help but feel grateful for the close-knit family they had created. With Jake by her side and DJ and Stephanie bringing so much joy into their lives, she knew that every moment was precious, and she couldn't wait to see what the future held for them as they continued to grow together.

As Stephanie proudly displayed her missing tooth, DJ joined in the excitement, brandishing her science exam with a wide grin on her face.

"Check it out, guys! I aced my science exam - got a perfect score!" DJ announced, her voice filled with pride as she showed off her paper to the rest of the family.

Y/n's eyes lit up with pride as she glanced over DJ's exam, marveling at the perfect score. "Wow, DJ, that's amazing! I'm so proud of you," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

Jake beamed with pride as he wrapped an arm around DJ's shoulders, pulling her into a congratulatory hug. "That's my girl! You've been working so hard, and it's paying off," he praised, his voice filled with warmth and pride.

Stephanie chimed in with excitement, clapping her hands in applause. "Way to go, DJ! You're like a science superstar," she cheered, her eyes shining with admiration for her big sister.

As they celebrated DJ's achievement together, surrounded by love and support, Y/n couldn't help but feel grateful for the wonderful family she had. With each milestone and accomplishment, their bond grew stronger, and she knew that together, they could conquer anything life threw their way.

As the door swung open, signaling Bradley's return from the studio, the atmosphere in the room shifted with anticipation. Three pairs of little feet pattered eagerly across the floor as DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle raced towards their father.

"Daddy's home!" DJ exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement as she reached him first, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug.

Stephanie and Michelle weren't far behind, giggling with delight as they joined in the group hug, their faces lighting up with joy at the sight of their father.

Bradley laughed with delight as he enveloped his daughters in his arms, relishing the feeling of their warm embraces. "Hey there, my girls! I missed you all so much," he said, his voice filled with love and affection.

DJ grinned up at her father, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Guess what, Daddy? I got a perfect score on my science exam!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with pride.

Stephanie chimed in eagerly, holding up her missing tooth for her father to see. "And look, Daddy! I lost a tooth today at school!" she announced, her face beaming with excitement.

Bradley's eyes widened with amazement as he took in his daughters' achievements, a swell of pride swelling in his chest. "Wow, that's incredible! I'm so proud of you all," he exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Michelle, too young to understand the significance of her sisters' accomplishments, simply grinned up at her father, babbling happily as she reached out to tug on his shirt.

With his daughters gathered around him, Bradley couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and joy they brought into his life. As they stood together, wrapped up in each other's arms, he knew that there was nowhere else he'd rather be than with his three precious girls.

As Bradley stepped through the door, Y/n greeted him with a warm smile, her eyes lighting up with happiness at the sight of her friend. "Hey, Bradley, welcome back!" she exclaimed, giving him a quick hug.

Turning to the rest of the family gathered in the living room, Y/n clapped her hands together with excitement. "Guess what, everyone? I'm going to make my famous cheesy tomato pasta for dinner tonight!" she announced, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle cheered with excitement, their eyes lighting up at the prospect of their favorite meal. "Yay, cheesy tomato pasta!" DJ exclaimed, already imagining the delicious meal.

Jake grinned at Y/n's announcement, his stomach rumbling in anticipation of her cooking. "Sounds fantastic, babe. You know how much I love your pasta," he remarked, his voice filled with appreciation.

With the decision made, Y/n headed towards the kitchen, a spring in her step as she prepared to whip up her signature dish. As she gathered the ingredients and set to work at the stove, she couldn't help but feel grateful for the love and joy that filled their home, knowing that moments like these were what made their relationship so special.

tagging:

@callsign-magnolia

@shanimallina87

@callsign-dexter

@horseslovers2016

@rosiahills22

@djs8891

@hookslove1592

@emma8895eb

@hardballoonlove

@kmc1989

@dempy

@mamachasesmayhem

@senawashere

@buckysteveloki-me

@sweetwhispersofchaos

@itsmytimetoodream

@jessicab1991

@ahh-chickens

@86laura11

[kodaiki]

mistletoe mayhem.

summary: christmas traditions are always a joy to celebrate. you genuinely love making the gingerbread houses, seeing the christmas lights, and putting up all the holiday decorations. but why the hell are there so many mistletoe hanging from your friends' apartment?

pairing: fem!reader x bokuto kotaro

genre: friends (idiots) to lovers, christmas!theme, mutual pining, fluff

wc: 3k

a/n: totally forgot to repost this closer to the holidays but here you go!! hasn't been edited since 2020 so beware <333

“thanks for helping out,” hinata grins when he opens the front door of his apartment. his smile says, ‘welcome! come on in!’ but his eyes, wide and...is that fatigue? say ‘PLEASE, heLP.’

“please, even with four of you living here, I knew you’d need extra help,” you chuckle, stepping inside and slipping off your shoes. you shiver slightly as hinata closes the door behind you, allowing a gust of wind finds its way back to your already cold cheeks. you loved seeing snow on the ground around the holidays, but it’s moments when you have to travel in it that you lightly regret the wish for it.

amongst your friends, an annual holiday party always occurred as a big get-together to catch up with one another. this year it just so happens to be at four of your friends’ shared place. the msby resident dummies + sakusa’s place, as others liked to call it. you’d frown upon it but the fact that the three designated dummies announce themselves as that let you know that they’re not hurt by it. (sakusa’s quite pleased that whoever came up with the nickname made a point to exclude him from the trio.)

sheepishly smiling, hinata nods in agreement. “you’re probably right.”

“where’s everyone?” you ask over your shoulder while hanging your coat in the closet. 

you’re so used to the other boys acting like dogs at the sound of the front door opening, running at you in anticipation. now that you think about it, bokuto did tackle you to the ground (accidentally) at one point. right now, a rough hour before the party of the year, everyone seemed to be focused on getting all the preparations ready.

“atsumu’s on a call with osamu about food, sakusa is cleaning the bathroom...again, and bokuto should be -”

“y/n! y-you’re here already!” he’s tripping over himself as he runs out from a room, tugging a shirt over his head to look the least bit presentable.

you turn around at the voice, a smile already making its way on your face. “’course I am!” he meets you halfway in a bone-crushing hug.

“i missed ya,” bokuto murmurs into the crook of your neck, shutting his eyes.

“it’s only been a few weeks,” you laugh, lightly rubbing his back comfortingly.

“two weeks is a long time.”

“well,” you muse, lifting your hand to pinch his cheek lovingly, “i’m here now.”

he visibly relaxes and slightly leans into your touch before abruptly stiffening. you don’t notice that his eyes are trained on hinata’s who’s looking at him, making kissy faces. he quickly reaches for your shoulders to pull himself back and hold you at arms length, sheepishly smiling at your look of concern. “u-uhm, i should go! ... y’know, get back to hanging the banners...” 

before you could ask if any aid from you was needed, he’s already walking away from you backwards, jabbing his thumb in a direction behind him. you simply nod blankly, suppressing the slight frown that’s itching to spread on your face from how quickly he pushed himself off of you.

“so,” you turn back to hinata who’s smiling knowingly for a reason you don’t quite know. “where do i start?”

“you can come with me to help ‘tsumu in the kitchen! unless you wanna help bokuto-”

“all good here!” bokuto’s voice is an echo from an unknown part of the house and you feel your heart sink slightly. okay then.

shaking your head, brushing off the feeling, you face hinata. “wait, did you say atsumu?” you deadpan, “in the kitchen?”

“dont worry~” hinata smiles lazily, waving his hand, “osamu is telling him what to do.”

you nod and follow behind him, occasionally snickering at some of the photos hung on the walls. they weren’t the traditional photos where the boys would pose nicely beside one another. no, they were mostly from different angles, embarrassing poses and the frames had been vandalized decorated with different colored sharpies.

as you approach the kitchen, a familiar green plant hanging from the arched doorway makes your steps slow and you take a moment to ponder it.

“huh,” you look up in wonder, “i thought it was a tradition to have one mistletoe?” your eyebrows slightly furrow and you instinctively turn your head back to where the front door was. a sparkling mistletoe hung just above the space where shoes go, directly beside where the coat rack stood.

hinata hums in agreement. “yeah, it is.”

“then why have i seen two so far?”

“wh-what?”

“there’s one by the front door and now here.”

lifting a curious brow, he follows the direction you’re pointing in to take a look for himself. “i’m pretty sure we bought only one...” hinata trails off, scratching his temple in thought. he shrugs after a few seconds and carries on walking to the kitchen, ready to greet atsumu with a grin. he’s standing in front of the stove with a phone tucked in the space between his ear and right shoulder.

“look who’s here!” hinata shakes you by the shoulders in glee.

atsumu turns around and you notice his furrowed brows soften as a smile stretches across his face. “’samu, give me a sec,” he speaks into his phone before straightening his neck. “y/n!” 

you smile back, returning the hug the bigger man engulfed you in. following your greetings and a brief casual conversation, you can hear osamu grow impatient over the phone. he’d been on his break at his onigiri shop and his twin stalling his free time was not the way he wanted to spend his time. only did his tone lighten when you greeted him through the receiver.

“right,” atsumu snaps his fingers as if just remembering he’d been on the phone with his brother, “ok, ‘samu go on.”

the three of you continue working in the kitchen, where atsumu attempts to make the main course while you and hinata arrange several appetizer plates.

“you know bo is going to finish these before anyone shows up, right?” you raise a knowing brow, lifting a toothpick with some cheese stuck on the end of it.

“yeah,” hinata admits, “that’s why we’re making double the amount. we’re hiding the other plates in the fridge,”

“ah,” you nod. “good thinking.”

“i heard my name!” 

bokuto’s head pops out from behind the doorway leading to the kitchen, looking between the three of you owlishly. he’s about to ask what exactly you’re talking about when his eyes fall on the plate in front of you. “ooh, cheese!” he shuffles over and grabs three toothpicks and shoves the cheese in his mouth with a satisfied smile.

you and hinata share a pointed look.

“are the banners ready?” hinata asks after watching bokuto eat four more cheese-sticks.

“mhm,” he hums with a proud, toothless smile. “all done.”

“great, well, we’re just waiting on ‘tsumu and then that’s it,” hinata smiles in relief. the party was to start in a half hour or so, so to be on time with setting up was considered an achievement for the orange haired boy.

-

two hours later, you’re caught between conversations with different people, some you’ve met before and some new faces you’ve only heard the name of in a conversation. (you finally met the famous kageyama and plan to matchmake him and hinata by the end of the night ;D)

on your way to refill your glass, a familiar mop of disarray hair peaks your attention.

“kuroo, hey!”

“y/n~” kuroo greets with a lazy smile, lightly patting your head. “how’ve you been?”

“eh, you know how it is. good days and bad days,” you shrug with a dismissive smile. 

“definitely know what you’re saying,” he huffs with a nod.

“how’s the office?”

you met kuroo at the holiday party a year ago through bokuto. you remember how excited he was, putting kuroo in a near choke-hold just so you could meet one of his very best friends. (you glance over at akaashi when he says this and he simply nods giving you a clear look saying, ‘i’m the other best friend.’) 

“doing well, lots of paperwork though,” he says before catching sight of something behind you. before you can take a look for yourself, he asks, “hey, you’re over at the boys’ place often, right?”

quirking an eyebrow at his inquiry, you nod unsurely, “i guess? bo invites me to movies night pretty often so i tend to visit a lot.”

“he does, does he? now, may i ask, do you know that-”

“y/n!” bokuto appears beside you, lightly grasping your elbow, bringing you out of your conversation with kuroo.

kuroo smiles wickedly at bokuto whose cheeks are flushed from embarrassment, already knowing where kuroo was going with his question. fortunate for him, you just think it’s from the alcohol.

“hey bokuto.”

“kuroo,” bokuto’s head quickly whips toward the tall man in front of you, “i think kenma’s calling for you.”

raising his hands in surrender, kuroo sighs, “ok, ok. i guess i’ll just go...and find kenma.”

“mhm, yes you should,” bokuto nods vigorously. kuroo gives him a final look and you’re sure they’re having some sort of mental conversation because neither of them look away until kuroo smiles and turns away.

“are you guys okay?” you ask when kuroo leaves. “that was kinda weird.”

“we’re fine!” bokuto grins, gently guiding you throughout the house. “so tell me, updates?”

“updates?” you repeat, knitting your brows together.

“since i last saw you! work, home, i don’t know.” he’s rubbing the back of his neck by the end of his statement. cogs start turning in your head but you’re still unable to put your finger on why everything seems so suspicious lately; hinata’s knowing smiles, bokuto’s obvious nervousness (?), kuroo’s smirk which is more mischievous than usual, what could it all mean?

“oh, well ah, not much? i caught up on that show i was telling you about,” you shrug, “besides that, life’s been pretty boring.”

as you speak, he’s still walking with you, occasionally stopping to look around nonchalantly.

yeah, you’re definitely missing something.

“hm” he hums in acknowledgement, shoving his hands into his pockets and begins lightly rocking on his heels. what’s the point in asking if you’re not even paying attention?

“bo, are you o-”

“huh, that’s funny,” bokuto cuts you off, pointing up toward the ceiling, “mistletoe.”

you freeze, eyes slowly trailing up to the ceiling where, yes, a nicely hung mistletoe was, adorned with pretty red ribbon. 

but...

you’re standing in a spot you and hinata passed earlier and where there was no mistletoe hung then.

hold on a second.

your eyes squint as you look back down at bokuto and analyze his sheepish grin and red ears. “uh-huh. strange, don’t you think?”

“strange?” his eyes grow in wonder. “why strange?”

“because i could’ve sworn it wasn’t there when i walked in...”

“hmmm, that is strange,” bokuto quickly agrees, rubbing his chin. “maybe ‘tsumu is trying to get some or somethi-”

“-alright mister, fess up. i know it’s you who’s putting up all the mistletoe,” you challenge, raising an eyebrow. 

that had to be it, right?

you recall the numerous other times bokuto stopped in the house and you can bet that if you look back, there’d be mistletoe hung somewhere around you.

“wh-what? no, it’s not!” the blush that travels from his ears to his cheeks is enough confirmation.

you cross your arms, giving a pointed expression. after a moment of the two of you staring at each other, he slouches. 

“yeah, it was me. i just...i didn’t know how to...so it’d be easier...and then..yeah.”

“you put up all that mistletoe and intended on staying with me for the entirety of the party and the eventually, inevitably, be under the mistletoe together...right?”

he pouts but nods, “...yeah.”

you’d known bokuto for almost two years now now but recently – well, the past few visits, at least – you’ve noticed something slightly off. when you sit beside him on the couch, he’s unnaturally stiff and more aware of his positions. 

whereas two months ago, this guy would be totally comfortable draping his legs over yours or laying his head in your lap innocently, now even a slight brush of limbs gets him red and apologetic so quickly.

you weren’t sure if you’d done something wrong or he was going through something but to have that level of intimacy, albeit you were just friends, just end so quickly hurt.

you contemplated the reason for frequently yet you could never come to an answer because even though alone, he was more distanced and to himself, he could also be the same bokuto you met months ago. his hugs stayed warm, his smiles stayed bright, and his words stayed true.

but watching him shuffle his feet, staring down at the floor so you could only see his red ears, it all seems to click.

there’s another beat of silence between the two of you.

“y’know, if you just wanted to kiss me, you coulda just asked,” you mumble, feeling a blush of your own paint your cheeks. 

“i wanted to be smooth.”

the utter seriousness of his voice makes you laugh and he finally looks up at you. 

“your smoothness isn’t going to change how i feel about you.”

his head bobs up to face you again. “it isn’t?”

boldly, you take a step closer to him and you voice falls to a whisper. “no.”

you hear his breath hitch in his throat and your own heart begins to race. thank goodness bokuto decided to mention the mistletoe in a spot no one was around in because if you had an audience right now, you’d simply die from the embarrassment of being teased and hollered at. 

he closes the gap between the two of you, pressing his lips to yours for a quick peck. just as quickly as your lips meet, they pull away. bokuto’s entire face has gone red at this point and he’s staring into your eyes with a rather worried expression. 

but after seeing the small smile grow on your face and your own flushed cheeks, a large grin appears and he leans in, this time with more fervor. he holds your face with big hands, bringing you closer so you’re snug against his torso. he leans the two of you slightly forward so he’s holding you up and the only thing keeping you from falling is your firm grip on his dress shirt, which was once nicely steamed. yep, creases were definitely to be shown after this.

it’d be a lie if you said you never thought of your friend in a romantic light.

especially when he traps you in between his beefy arms in a hug. especially when he allows you to talk his ear off to your heart’s content. especially when he brings you snacks and movies during your time of the month.

hell, how could you not notice you were treating bokuto like your boyfriend already?

“okay, bo, i get it,” you giggle as he peppers kisses on every inch of your face.

“can’t. stop. need. to. make. up. for. lost. time.” he leans away at the last word, bringing you back to your feet. the blush on his face is slightly faded, his nerves obviously dissipated, but his grin remains the widest you’ve ever seen. lifting a hand, he lightly caresses your cheek.

“you don’t know how much i’ve wanted to do that,” he murmurs, blinking slowly. 

“what took you so long then?” your voice is soft as you lean your cheek further into his palm. funny that now you were the one blushing like a tomato.

“i...i didn’t want to mess up anything we had.”

you understand his reasoning. the two of you did meet through akaashi, your coworker in your workplace, and your relationship began as strictly platonic. while bokuto didn’t have time to date, you simply weren’t ready for a relationship.

the two of you grew closer soon after your meeting until you eventually became a core part of bokuto’s life. 

you don’t remember exactly when your feelings for him blossomed but you’re definitely aware of them now.

“this means you like me too, right?” he pauses and freezes in place. 

rolling your eyes, you tilt you head. “yes, dummy.”

he leans in again to peck your lips once more before you stop him.

“wait...how many mistletoe did you hang up around the house throughout the night?”

bokuto lets out a nervous chuckle, looking down. looking back up, he sheepishly smiles, “twelve?”

“twelve!?” you repeat, widening your eyes.

“kuroo said the more opportunities, the better!” he defends with a whine.

“ah, kuroo was a part of this plan?” you muse, raising an eyebrow. now the suspicious behavior between the two of them made sense.

“he gave me the idea,” he mumbles, “and he said he’d tell you if i didn’t hurry up and kiss you already...gotta thank him, though.”

“guess we do,” you smile, running your hands along his chest in attempt to flatten out wrinkle marks on his dress shirt. you sigh when it does no help.

you don’t notice the way his lips twitch up in amusement at your slight frustration. “it’s fine. it was bound get messed up at some point. whether it be a salsa stain or wrinkles.”

you laugh, looking back up at him.

“so,” he steps away from you, offering his hand for you to hold. “shall we?”

“shall we what?” you ask, cautiously taking his hand.

“make our debut as cutest couple, of course,” he grins with a wink, “oh! and to kiss you under all the other mistletoe. i didn’t spend all that money to not put it to use.”

“dork,” you mumble but allow him to guide you through the house, only this time shouting, ‘this is my girlfriend now!’ at every face he passes.

(cue you blushing at the knowing wink kuroo sends you and the thumbs up akaashi sends.)

but hey, throughout all this mistletoe madness, you snagged a boyfriend you know will shower you in all the love and affection you could ever desire.

[hitlikehammers]

but seas between us braid 🌊🎇

a steddie new years fic for @thefreakandthehair

featuring: oblivious boys being oblivious while they cuddle, wholly unnecessary pining, kisses at the stoke of twelve, big feelings being not so overwhelming in their immensity when they’re shared perfectly

“I mean, some kisses are less good but,” and his tone softens, and Eddie wants to fucking taste it, wants to consume the sound but then also drown in it, it’s very contradictory and overwhelming and Eddie thinks he blew past the smaller feelings here a long time ago, thinks he’s more than mired in the big leagues, now, the stuff that can full-on break your heart maybe past recovering, fucking hell: “I think most new year’s kisses are ones you give and get with some kind of love in them,” and Steve sounds so…bright with it, like the space between them is already warm but Steve’s just created a little bubble where love is real and joy is a thing your lips can convey through touch alone and it’s wild, and it’s heavy in Eddie’s heartbeat and he…it’s not just hard, to pretend against his own wants, now. In the moment, in fact: it’s fucking impossible. He can’t even consider pretending he doesn’t want Steve. All of him. Everything. For always. He’d been doing so well, too, given the givens. At pretending. He’s fucking lucky Steve can’t see his face; fucking blessed there’s no pulse point Steve can brush by on the top of his head, giving him away. “And any kind of love is a good thing to step into the new year with, yeah?” Yes. Yes, and he clings to that so fucking hard he might crack it down the middle but that’d be okay—it’d be okay because if it cracks Eddie will hold it together ‘til it shatters, soaking in the warmth of so much feeling through the crevices until he cradles the pieces when they burst entirely for the pressure of his grip but that’s okay too, that’s almost perfect because broken wide like that, Eddie can bask in the full shine of what it feels like, even as a bystander, to know that kind of automatic, bred-in-bone kind of love. There is love in Steve, for Eddie. That’s undeniable; he’d have to be genuinely willing into his ignorance to miss it, or be able to justify in any way as having some reason or logic to dismiss it. It may not be the love Eddie wants most but it’s a love he wants deep and that he sinks inside the gratitude for whenever he lets himself think too long. Sometimes even when he doesn’t; sometimes it’s just what happens without thinking, or trying. Without having to. Most love is a good thing to start anything new with safe and sure in hand. More than. “I guess,” is what Eddie ultimately says, voice smaller than he’d like but steadier than he’d expected so: he will take that happily, or close-to; “maybe I’ll try it sometime and see.” For all that Eddie’s been trying so hard to control the way his body reacts to Steve’s touch, Steve’s words, Steve’s living-breathing being: Steve doesn’t appear to have the same limitations. Because he stiffens, and he’s silent, and Eddie forces himself to make it seem casual when he rolls his head to see if he can catch a hint from Steve’s pulse through his belly—nah, just endearingly,

beautifully, mundane-wondrous-human rumbly sounds from probably too much beer and not enough pizza, they’d miscalculated that balance by a decent amount. The quiet stretches long enough for Eddie to mostly stifle a sigh, mostly-successfully too, and finally muster the courage to sacrifice Steve’s fingers in his hair for twisting around and meeting his gaze where he’s felt it boring into him since the speaking stopped. Something very close to scandalized in the look. “You’ve never?” Steve asks like the idea is impossible, anathema, rather that pretty fucking predictable for a queer kind in Podunk, God’s Country. “Nope?” Eddie pops the ‘P’ with real feeling, hoping that’ll end the discussion. He’s not exactly put out by never getting a new year’s smooch, but like, it’s not his favorite topic for dwelling on either, doesn’t exactly make him feel awesome or anything, so. Eh. But that’s not how Steve means it, Eddie knows that. Can possibly hear the tone of the words and read the posture of him, the energy radiating off of him something that’s soft like pity with none of its razor edge; heavy and weighted like pure disbelief without irony or overstatement, at least not in the mind of the speaker which: absurdity of the highest order, save that Eddie trusts Steve with his life, and more, now, with his heart and his soul however they come back for the gifting, just for the happy surrender of them: if they come back at all. No damage would ever be done with intent, and all the moments where parts of Eddie might spend that intimate with Steve, in his chest or his veins, well: that’s all more than worth it. It’s not quite comfort that colors how he leans a little into Steve’s touch where he hadn’t let himself before, not fully at least, not intentional like this, to the point past denying: it’s not quite comfort, more like…the only sign Eddie’s willing to risk giving right now, warm and safe and cared for, however that care lands and calls itself: it’s a sign he’s willing to risk, because if it's unwanted it will cost him nothing but the lance through his chest for the rejection, unspoken maybe but no less of a blow. That part’s nothing he’s never brushed up against before, if not so deep, if not inviting an almost certain mortal blow. And the result in the end: Steve, however he can get for as long as he can hold on? There’s no question that’s probably an unfair trade somewhere, and not even in Eddie’s favor. They sit for a while, the minutes counting down and even with the volume low, the buzz of it’s growing almost unpleasant through the tinny speakers. Steve’s hand is still, where it sits on the back of Eddie’s head and Eddie doesn’t know if that’s a good or bad thing, heart wringing a little for the uncertainty and he does his damnedest to corral it, to bring it back to the point wherein Steve is still touching him, close-on to cradling him only kind of in midair between them; Steve is still there, with him, and that’s has to count for something. Fuck, no: that does count. For everything. Eddie picks up counting happening in the audio, and Jesus, they’re starting way too high, like, doesn’t that fucking kill the anticipation? Wait for ten, goddamn. Maybe twenty, then number down. But no. These people are fucking vibrating on the a T.V. And Eddie can forgive a fraction of it for the simple generation of necessary body heat but…this. Eddie knows excitement, okay? Knows being super-stoked for a genuinely amazing thing. This here is just what you’d call fucking excessive. The ball is garishly bright in the broadcast and…what the fuck? “Is that an apple?” Eddie squawks because, again, what the fuck; “why the fuck is it an apple—" In his confusion and general indignation—he was very much under the impression the big dropping ball was all sparkly and not fruit-based, and he didn’t even have to be a frequent viewer to be very sure of those facts—but in his distraction, he…apparently managed to also miss how the overlong countdown had finally started to hit its intended endpoint.

more here 🌊🎇

[i-still-mask-because]

hi! i'd just like to first say thank you for this blog! it's been a very valuable resource and i appreciate what you do and the information you make available!! this ask is sort of a vent/just my thoughts and general feelings i feel like i need to share somewhere. i don't have any resources to get a better mask at this moment, and the masks i do wear give me sensory issues and are generally not ideal. i can't really do anything else about this except wait until i get financial independence, which is relatively far off. it's been...becoming a bit more difficult to look forward to the future. i don't acknowledge this often because it feels like so many people already have but i have some difficulty accepting that things will never truly be the same again (until capitalism and colonialism are abolished and the world can focus on fixing pressing issues and actually improving people's lives but that's a different conversation!) and that not only does it feel that i'm missing out on a majority of my teen years but also that i may not even get to enjoy my twenties, thirties, and so on because of circumstances generally not in my control. i know that joy remains present in my life and things will improve if i just hang on a little longer but it's still difficult when i spend day after day watching my masks irritate my skin while i'm not even safe from covid because so few people mask. i firmly believe some protection is better than none but i suppose that can tie into why i am glad other people mask, as uncommon as it has become. i still mask because i want to do what i can to care about the safety of others and to combat toxic individualism.

Hey! Thank you so much for sharing this 💛 I appreciate the vulnerability. And thank you for your patience; I wanted to be sure I was in a clearer headspace before answering this. I hope you can see this, and I hope you're doing alright!

If you want, let me know in another ask what masks you've already tried. I'm happy to compile some recommendations for more comfortable ones.

I genuinely recommend finding online spaces with other covid cautious people you can connect with, find support & validation, and find access to tools & resources (be it through Facebook groups, Discord servers, IG communities, Tumblr communities, etc.)

Take a look at these links [Link 1: Worldwide Mask Bloc Directory] and [Link 2: Covid Action Map] to see if there's any mask blocs and/or covid action groups wherever you live that can provide free masks for you (I know some give away free rapid tests & other tools too). They may even be able to give better suggestions for the first two things I mentioned! See if you could find their social media accounts too to keep up with their updates.

I absolutely feel for the younger generations right now. Knowing how hard going to school was as a minor in and of itself, I cannot imagine how difficult it is to go through Pre/K-12 being one of the only, if not the only, one masking to protect themself from a virus that the majority of the population doesn't even think is a big deal anymore. I'm so sorry the systems in place have let you down. I 100% understand how bleak the future feels right now; trust me, I'm right there with you. Navigating life in a covid-denying world is extremely difficult, to say the absolute least. I personally did not expect the first half of my 20s to go like this 😅. I try to remember that there are communities out there that aim to support us, validate us, and get us the resources we need. Being in community with other covid cautious folks online has been tremendously helpful because it makes going through this feel a lot less lonely.

Things will take a turn at some point; it's inevitable. Just keep protecting yourself and taking precautions. You're doing the right thing 💛😷

If anyone has additional supportive things they want to say and even suggestions of their own, please feel free to share!

[lestappenforever]

oh my god thank you mona for being reasonable and calm about this failed padel date thing! (I always had the impression of you being reasonable and today once again you only proved my assumptions. this is why you're one of my fav lestappen blogs <3)

(also "the joy of lestappen comes in gleefully observing whatever moments we *do* get to see between them and then scurrying away with the new moment clutched in our little creature hands to add to our horde of previous moments" >>> this is such a great description and 100% how I feel too xD)

and mona, I agree with all the points you made, it's completely logical for max's body to just nope out at the morning after such a busy weekend and you are so right, if he really didn't want to come he would just say no earlier.

and I just want to add for the people being worried about max sounding flippant about the whole thing on stream: he probably felt like it's not something he needs to extensively apologize for in public? and yeah it's probably not such a big deal? (and we cannot exclude the possibility that he talked to charles and privately gave him a more heartfelt apology and they laughed about the whole thing together?)

and like it's understandable we were all disappointed the padel date failed and I was disappointed too but it's really not such a big deal? (and very quickly I found it quite funny because I remembered when I first saw that poster one of my thoughts was "8.30am? on sunday? that's so early? why the fuck it's so early?" and yeah indeed why the fuck was it so early lol)

I'm sad to see (but not really surprised) that people jump to the worst conclusions so quickly and interpret everything in the bad faith and come on, y'all really think that their relationship is so frail and weak that one silly little thing can make it crumble? and I'm sad how some people were so quick to assume max would be purposefully so mean to charles? as a fandom we are so full of declarations that max has a big heart and is a good friend and his haters are blinded by their silly rage to not see this. and then a thing like max oversleeping happens and suddenly some lestappen fans are so quick to expect the worst from him? it just makes me sad.

Thank you so much for this lovely ask, anon! It makes me so happy to know that I'm one of your favorite Lestappen blogs, and that you see me as a reasonable person. 🥹❤️

"the joy of lestappen comes in gleefully observing whatever moments we *do* get to see between them and then scurrying away with the new moment clutched in our little creature hands to add to our horde of previous moments" is absolutely an excellent description, and one I too very much relate to.

I'm glad you agree with my points, anon, because I genuinely think this whole thing is very normal and undramatic, and I'm sure most adults can relate to having plans that you're fully intending to follow through on and that you're even excited about, only for the plans to fall through last minute because you simply don't have the energy. Or because you just can't wake up on time because your body and mind needs to rest.

As for Max's flippant reaction when asked about it and admitting he overslept and missed it: I think that is such a Max Verstappen response of him to give because, as you say, I don't think it's something he sees the need to issue an extensive public apology about. His response, to me, was everything I would have expected it to be.

I don't think the failed padel date is a big deal at all, and I definitely don't believe there's any drama behind or to it. In fact, I thought it was hilarious because Charles is never going to let Max live this down. And he's probably going to tease Max about it for years and years to come, claiming he didn't show up because he was scared Charles would beat him again. With the way their friendship seems to have developed over the last few years and especially this season, I see it as far more likely that this whole thing is something they can already laugh about together, and not something that will put a damper on how close they seem to have grown lately.

I think the people who are genuinely worried about this impacting their friendship are the same people who genuinely worry about on-track battles impacting their relationship. Historically, I can definitely see their concern and has this happened in 2019, I absolutely think it would have had quite the negative impact on their relationship. But then again, they likely never would have said yes to attending the same padel tournament in 2019, so there's that. They've both grown up and matured a hell of a lot in the past few years, and they have clearly mended their friendship to the point where they're actually starting to grow closer. I genuninely don't think we have anything to worry about at all, and come next season, I honestly believer we will see a continuation of the kind of friendship and bond they've been displaying in the 2023 season.

And you are absolutely right; there is so much proof of Max actually being the biggest sweetheart and one of the nicest people on the grid, which the narrative I was seeing several places yesterday just doesn't align with at all.

Thank you so much for this ask, anon! I'm so glad you're sharing my views on this. ❤️

[asm5129]

Flash Thoughts ⚡ A New World Part 4: Finale

Well, here we are. The last episode of the flash, and a farewell to the arrowverse–at least, for the foreseeable future. God damn, i’ll miss it. I don’t care what anyone says, this world, these characters, they’ve meant so much to me. They’ve been by my side through the worst moments of my life, through into a better time where I feel more fulfilled and happy, I feel genuine joy in my life, my family is healthier, and my pain, while not gone, is lessened. That kind of reliable companionship, whether through a human or a story, is rare. And I will treasure it, always. My hope remains that in a few years, people will start softening on the Arrowverse the way they have Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man or the Star Wars prequels, and maybe all the work that was put into this world–ten years, 6 shows not counting Superman and Lois or Stargirl–can get a bit of a resurgence. It’s already built out the most complete multiverse brought screen after all.

 But anyways. The finale. I liked it a lot. It was imperfect to be sure, a bit rushed, and it really wasted it’s returning villains. But I liked it. It was really lovely and hopeful. And I know Grant Gustin pushed for a hero’s death, but I actually stand with Eric Wallace on this one. The Flash, long before Wallace was showrunner, was about hope, and love. We can argue whether he took it to places it didn’t work, but that was always what it was about. Barry brought a light Oliver couldn’t. That was established in the pilot episode. So him meeting a similar end to Oliver I think, as epic as it may have been, wouldn’t have made sense in the grand scheme of things. No, ultimately, it was the right call to make The Flash’s final episode about hope, and love, and family, and–most importantly–coexistence. 

 While I liked Khione, her inclusion had no real grounded logic to it. There’s no reason what Caitlin did in the season 8 finale should have created Khione. Yet regardless–I think she was the perfect vessel for the message of coexistence. As long as Thawne was the Avatar of the negative speed force, there was no chance for coexistence. There was no path forward with him. But the NSF screwed up when it chose to try and corrupt a good man. This is, genuinely, the first time Barry talking a Big Bad down worked in Eric Wallace’s Flash, because Eddie was a good man who was in pain. He hadn’t chosen to be cruel, so much as he felt he had to make someone cruel happy for him to be happy. But it wasn’t natural for him. And while it was a bit rushed, I think it worked well.

 There will always be those we butt heads with, those standing in our way. But if we’re smart, and we’re kind, that doesn’t always mean there has to be pain. Conflict and contrasting viewpoints are healthy and important, as long as it doesn’t spiral out of control. Barry could have sworn off Eddie as just another Eobard, but he knew Eddie. He knew there was more to him than the pain and the fear that was pushing him to these extremes. So he chose peace, and let Eddie see the man he was becoming. I know it’s very idealistic, but fuck it, there are a billion other stories that refuse to entertain the idea of coexistence, that have the heroes just murdering whomever they consider a threat, or even just getting mad and pursuing vengeance without any care for the lives of others. There’s maybe ten mainstream stories that entertain the idea that maybe some people could change and that could make a better world. Less, most likely. If you wanna expend your energy getting upset over that, god, what a waste.

 I also really, really like that Barry’s choice to let Thawne kill himself ended up really mattering here. I felt that was very strange in season 8 and the beginning of season 9 because such a big deal was made during Armageddon about saving him, even though he was only a victim of his own actions just as he was in the S8 finale So for Barry to know the same thing could happen to Eddie and being desperate to not repeat his choice in season 8 was a great payoff to that. You can argue whether it’s rational to want to save those trying to kill him and his loved ones, but it’s who Barry is. He values every life. Every single one. We need hope. We need idealism. We need kindness. And The Flash didn’t always execute it right, and it’s failures at it deserve criticism, but I don’t feel this episode was one of those failures.

 Onto some criticism though… As I mentioned, I think this episode absolutely wastes its returning villains. 

 The first episode of A New World really oughta have been the last appearance of the Reverse-Flash I think if this was all they were gonna do with him. I don’t think this episode cheapened that one at all, but it still felt like a much less satisfying final appearance. And Chester having black hole powers that protected him from being murdered by Thanwe was just cheap. 

 Savitar did almost nothing, and everything that made him interesting from season 3 was gone. 

 Godspeed was just…ugh. He did less than nothing, because he did something and it had zero impact on anything and then Cecile just knocked him out with a thought. Godspeed really was the most underwhelming of all of them, he was mediocre in season 7 and mediocre here, and I wish his slot was filled by the Red Death, just to at least connect her to the rest of the season somehow. Bart finally got a mention in the last 15 minutes or so, but he wasn’t part of the episode despite Godspeed supposedly being “his Thanwe”. I guess the actor just wasn’t available or something, but God it’s so weird that they have spent so, so much time this season on Nora and there was just a single mention of Bart all season. and Zoom was eh.

 Did kinda enjoy all their egos clashing and their grandstanding, and I did appreciate the tension between Eobard and Eddie. Honestly what I might have done instead of these villains would be to have Matt Letscher’s Thawne and Tom Cavanaugh’s Thawne be recruited together. Could have made for some fun dynamics, clashing egos and both Thawnes hating that they were recruited by Eddie–plus finally seeing the two Thanwes onscreen together would have been a great way to say farewell. 

 Ah well. Not sure how I feel about the return of Caitlin, but I did very much like that her and Barry got a chance to talk again and reconcile what happened between them. So regardless of how I feel about the fact that she’s suddenly safe and sound, I do like something we got from it. And Frost still being dead at least makes this not a total about-face. I do like Chester and Allegra together, but I do think the will they/won’t they didn’t need to go on as long as it did. I did however adore Joe FINALLY proposing to Cecile. There were times I had to actually look up whether they were married or not, since they were dating so long, living together, had a kid, etc 

 And after Joe having such a hard time with love before Cecile, in retrospect I actually really appreciate that she didn’t push him. Sure, the ring and everything is nice, and it’s made clear she wanted it, but she clearly didn’t need a ring or a binding piece of paper to know that Joe was in it for the long haul. It was a really, really nice moment for the finale. Nora being present at her own birth, and even holding herself as a baby…yeah barry was right, even for the Flash family that’s a lot. 

But I really appreciated all the moments with baby Nora, especially Joe singing with iris’ memories flashing across the screen and Barry asking baby Nora to believe in something impossible. 

and actually on that note, let me close out by saying–I fucking love that that line, the very first line of the pilot episode, was at the core of the finale. “I need you to believe in the impossible.” It began as a way to describe a world of metahumans, aliens, time travel and multiverses. 

 But here, it’s about believing in a new world, a better world, one that doesn’t accept that a cycle of pain and violence could ever pass for the natural order of things. And I dunno–maybe it’s also a little message that the Arrowverse might have a future some day. That it will get it’s due. Some say that’s impossible, but maybe I’ll listen to Barry on this one, and believe in it anyway. 

 Thank you for following my Flash Thoughts during this final season. It was really enjoyable to write them up for folks. Chat soon folks. You’re all wonderful. stay safe.

[obsidiancreates]

Hey, just wanted to check in and see how you were doing. I'd send a message but I'm shadow banned or something so it won't let me.

I really hope you're feeling a bit better. I saw the posts about what happened and your dad's response and it angered me so much I had to get off of tumblr for a bit. You really deserve better than that.

I just want you to know that I genuinely care for you and would be very sad if you disappeared off of here. I'm always here to talk if you need me (I can send you my discord or snapchat or even just my phone number).

Please take care of yourself. You deserve a lot more than your parents give you, and a lot more than you think you do. You are an amazing person and deserve the world and I really hope the rainbow is nearby for you!

❤🧡💛💚💙💜

Thank you friend <3

I'm... getting, better? I don't know. All of yesterday I had weird random moments of sobbing and anxiety heart palpitations and shaking and stuff, but I also had to work a shift yesterday so that like, might've been a contributor. I woke up anxious and upset today after nightmares but that's literally a daily thing, it was just a little extra intense today.

I don't want to die, I don't want to die, I don't want to leave everyone. That's the scariest part of what happened. I remember what it felt like to want to die, to hate myself, to think I was a waste of space and unloved and wouldn't be missed. I've felt that and I know that feeling intimately.

I don't feel like that anymore, and haven't in years. I want to live, I have things I'm looking forward to, I love myself a lot, I'm not a waste of space at all and contribute a lot to a lot of people's lives, I know I'm loved and I know I would be missed.

So it's scary to me that that... still wasn't enough. Kind of a sobering realization about my state of being, that even with all of that, I still got to the point I did.

It's terrifying. There's nothing about me that would be considered typical of someone who tries to do that. I am not self-hating and I am not unwanted and I do not think I am worthless. I thought, when I was younger, that if I ever got to this place, where I love myself and have things to Stay for and have small daily joys to look forward to alongside big months/years-off things, that I'd be better and I wouldn't have these issues anymore. I thought I'd beat it. I thought I'd won. I thought the little urges were just the last embers of a dying flame, and because I could resist them I was Healed.

It's scary that it's still here. It's scary to realize that it won't ever actually be a non-concern. It's scary to realize it can still win.

It changes a lot of things. But at the same time nothing is changing. My parents are trying to pretend it didn't happen, like usual. That's how it always goes, we blow up, it's huge and feels life-changing, and then we go on like nothing ever happened until it comes up as a festered, oozing wound with the next overflow. I don't know how to fix that. My brother doesn't know how to fix that. My parents don't want to fix that. They don't want to help me, they don't want the messy unsatisfying complicated process of helping me, they just want me to be fixed.

So I'm feeling... weird. I was supposed to go on a clean with them today but they didn't make me, so I get to "relax" in whatever sense of the word applies to me (it's not the traditional one, I can't remember the last time I didn't have anxiety and dread thrumming through my chest like an outpouring of concrete that never fully dries) before I have a morning shift tomorrow.

I kind of never thought I'd have to deal with this. I've had urges and thoughts since I was 6 years old, placed outside after crying because I was bullied with open outdoor hallways in a school right next to the highway, no-one watching me, and started thinking "I should throw myself into the traffic so that they know how they all made me feel since crying doesn't work." But I never actually tried it. I just sat outside, cried, and pushed through. I never thought it'd get to a point where I actually succumbed to one of those urges, genuinely.

This went into a ramble. I don't know. There's not a satisfying way to end this other than I don't ever want to do that again and I'm going to do my best not to, in whatever way and by whatever means I can to prevent getting to that point again.

[kentfriends]

A Reflection on Missing My Best Friends

In the hustle and bustle of life, it's not uncommon to find ourselves reminiscing about the precious moments shared with our closest companions. As I sit down to pen down my thoughts, I can't help but feel a wave of nostalgia washing over me, bringing with it the sweet memories of times spent with my best friends.

Distance, both physical and emotional, has a peculiar way of magnifying the significance of those moments we took for granted. Whether it was the spontaneous road trips, the shared celebrations, or the quiet support during challenging times, these memories create a tapestry that shapes the fabric of our lives.

In today's fast-paced world, where connections are often digital and fleeting, the absence of my best friends is a constant reminder of the irreplaceable value of genuine, in-person relationships. There's a unique joy in being surrounded by people who have witnessed our growth and stood by us through thick and thin.

While the ache of missing my best friends is undeniable, it's essential to recognize the beauty in this longing. It serves as a testament to the depth of our connections and the indelible mark these friendships have left on our hearts. The yearning becomes a celebration of the bond that transcends time and space.

Missing my best friends big time! Every day's like, "Where's the banter, the shared jokes, and all the crazy adventures we used to have?" It's like a daily dose of nostalgia, and I can't shake off the feeling. The memories keep playing in my head, making me wish we could rewind to those epic moments. Hoping for a reunion soon to bring back the good times and laughs. Until then, reminiscing about our antics is all I've got, and it's a rollercoaster of emotions. Cheers to the day we can create more memories together! 🌟

Still eagerly waiting for that epic reunion where all my friends finally get to meet each other again. The anticipation is real, imagining the laughter, inside jokes, and the instant camaraderie that's bound to happen. It's like having puzzle pieces scattered, and I can't wait to see them all fit perfectly together once more. Here's to the day when schedules align, and we can create new memories as one big, happy bunch. Fingers crossed for that meet-up that's long overdue! 🤞

Thats all thank you!

[nono-bunny]

This movie was genuinely a blast, and I was very pleasantly surprised because I did not like the first one at all. I felt it was boring, had too many new characters, and nothing that happened there felt real or earned- this movie has none of those issues, it's just solid on every front and it was a joy to watch (kinda? I actually cried a lot but that's a point in its favor because the first one absolutely tried to get me to cry but I just could not care less about any of it). Anyway, while the layout of the two is damn near identical, this one worked SO much better and I honestly think a lot of it is because the characters all feel like they matter- Hinata plus one transport fairy and an Elder copy is SUCH a step up from seven frogs, two royals (one of which is just Fujipi while the other is just the Queen) and an Elder copy. Less people sharing the screen means each one gets to shine more, and Hinata was great! Also the normal supporting cast being somewhat present throughout was fun- Sanae somehow seemingly knowing what's up is always cool, Rina had her moment in the narrative spotlight, Kimata and his relatives once again being used by the writers without giving him any other importance aside from "Fujipi's friend" was genuinely funny, and Fujipi was... As bland and boring as usual, nothing much to say there tbh but points for consistency with him just being a guy shaped plot device for Nagisa to crush on rather than some random alternate version! Anyway it was just a real step up from the first movie imo- it took all the concepts and plot beats it had and just. Made them work, and it made for a great movie!

It was genuinely a delight to see some proper Porun focus, I feel like he hasn't gotten any (or when he had he felt a bit ooc) for the majority of Max Heart, and I genuinely missed him so his portrayal here felt like a breath of fresh air. Weirdly enough, this time Lulun was the one who was barely present so now I kinda feel like maybe SHE was the one shoved in at the last minute this time haha. I'm not complaining though, genuinely I don't see a reason for her to exist as a character- obviously she's there to sell merch but like. All the other fairies at least somewhat work narratively and don't step on each other's toes (she's literally just a female, more boring early season 1 Porun!!), and I hate that she takes focus away from Porun himself.

An interesting detail I've kinda been on the lookout for while watching the show is the way the characters adress each other while transformed- in shows where the villains don't know their civilian identities that can obviously be a big tip off, and I found it a bit curious how despite that not being an issue they ALWAYS refer to each other by their transformed identities, never any slip ups, almost as if it's a part of the magic of the transformation. And unless I've somehow missed it, I'm pretty sure this movie was the first time Honoka and Nagisa refer to each other using their real names while transformed- and it was EXTREMELY effective because of that, the fact that it happened because they saved each other from mutual destruction by clinging on to the meaning they bring to each other during day to day lives. Like? If there was ever a moment they were Nagisa and Honoka rather than Black and White, that was the one, and it was beautiful and absolutely emotionally wrecking!!

Precure Day 091

Film: Futari wa Precure Max Heart The Movie 2 - Friends of the Snow Laden Sky Date watched: 30 October 2018 Original release date: 10 December 2005 Screenshots: https://imgur.com/a/SCywSDw

Can you believe there’s actually not any group shots while they’re in Phoenix Form?

Keep reading

[jikigai]

👩‍🌾👨‍🌾🧑‍🌾

If you can't smell the fragrance
don't come into the garden of Love.
if you are unwilling to undress
don't enter into the stream of
Truth. Stay where you are, don't
come our way

-Rumi

After reading this I realize how incredibly intricately special my friends who I fell completely in love with. There’s not many like us, not many at all. We’re the ones who saw the world with such delight. So hopeful for the next turn to be something great whether or not the last turn was wretched. I met them after we’d all become torn apart by this world. They were still so beyond beautiful to me regardless of the stains and scars that stuck with them. It seemed we all got the same memo at one point in our lives, (to go find your favorite person) the one who you loved like it was your child with unconditional affection. A love that carried grace, so much humor, so so much understanding. Literally these people no matter what when where why. There was this hovering comfort of presence, a feeling of faultless absolute connection. It wasn’t a connection where there were sunshine and rainbows all the time because that wouldn’t have been right. It was a connection that was just nonchalant pureness in its purest form. It seemed as if everything was perfectly…not okay, if you know why I mean. Let’s just say we were a fucked up beautiful mess, full of so much character , life , humor, intelligence , hood , country , class , let’s just say we’ve all been around like it’s no one’s business. In a good way, we knew how to take on the world blissfully. Cheating it, I miss my a team. Truthfully irreplaceable. They blew me away whenever they popped into my life at the most random time. It was almost like as soon as we fucking talked for 30 seconds the rest was history, it was set in stone and we all knew in our own ways I’m going to love you forever and EVER. I’ve been waiting my whole life for you, I wasn’t expecting how they came or how they were as souls or appearances I just knew I found my own family because I never fit in anywhere else quite as right. I felt whole finally, my whole life leading up to the moments of meeting Alyvia & Mitch I was alright I mean but I never saw myself being that genuinely happy and full of joy and life when they were a part of my life. It was like all my life I had been listening to music with a Walkman and it was fine but one day Im gifted the newest Harmon karmon headset that I had no awareness how genuine and crisp and amazing something can get. I was settling so much for so long and finally I was given above and beyond anything I could have imagined. I’m so grateful to have spent endless on endless of minutes, hours, months, year(s) with my family. We were tied at the waist. Till I see y’all again, and when I do I’m going to hug you and spin you both around and kiss y’all like you’ve never been kissed before Mitch on the cheek of course 😂😂 cause IDGAFFFF I’m going to cry sosososo damn hard. I can just see is linking in heaven or whateva and Mitch is going to have that big beautiful smile and amazing laugh. I’ve never been one to run to someone for a hug but yo If I saw y’all a mile away I would run the fastest mile in existence God help me because I don’t have anytime to waste to see Alyvias beautiful eyes, her more than amazingly perfect smile with the cutest face I’ve ever seen. I’m so in love with her. Her name makes me feel the fire of love all through my body. I pray that I can soon just hold her head between my shin and shoulder again, hold her hair and show her the opitomy of love sick. I can see her standing there and as soon as I cling on to her with dear life we will both start balling with all the love we’ve ever felt into each other. She’s going to laugh and I’ll laugh and we’ll just be there in that moment and I’ll just stand there for days, months, even years looking into her eyes admiring the pure beauty God created. I hope by this time we will be better and can understand we’re more than good enough.

Into the ages of true kingdom and beloved identity.

[frogtanii]

your palms were sweaty as you adjusted your slacks, making sure the pleats were where they should be with not a wrinkle in sight. you wanted to look professional and put together, at least on the outside, because you knew you were actually about .2 seconds away from falling apart.

your palms were sweaty as you adjusted your slacks, making sure the pleats were where they should be with not a wrinkle in sight. you wanted to look professional and put together, at least on the outside, because you knew you were actually about .2 seconds away from falling apart.

a quick glance to the boys at your sides notified you that they weren’t faring much better. atsumu kept fidgeting with his cufflinks, sakusa was so stiff you could knock him over with your pinky, kenma looked like he was about to pass out, bokuto was debating on squeezing under the table in front of you, kuroo was tapping a pattern on his pants (akeelah and the bee style), and akaashi kept reciting ominous poems under his breath.

the only people in the room who looked even remotely fine were osamu, oikawa, sugawara, daichi, and, surprisingly, yachi. osamu was munching on some peanuts that he pulled from... somewhere, while oikawa and sugawara were holding their own conversation by the window. daichi seemed to be minding his own business but you could never really get a proper read on him anyway.

well, you supposed yachi was okay because she knew what to expect. i mean, you were meeting her boss.

after you and kenma had posted your “exposing the hype(r) house” youtube video, an email had come to the both of you, inviting you to visit the “big boss” along with the rest of the crew.

you weren’t necessarily afraid of losing your job; the hype(r) house was already being dissolved and you were (finally!!!) getting to move in with makki and mattsun until you found your own place. you were genuinely excited to put the drama and literal hell behind you and begin to live your life again but...

that didn’t mean meeting the Man™ wasn’t terrifying. it was like being called into the principal’s office, complete with the existential dread and occasional bouts of gassiness.

the door opening made you flinch as you quickly moved out of the way to let the newcomers enter. while they walked past you, you couldn’t contain the shock that overtook your face, your jaw practically on the floor.

the man was massive.

built like a brick wall, the man who you assumed to be the “big boss,” had a chiseled jaw, broad shoulders, and massive fucking pecs, his white button up barely closing around them.

beside him stood a tall, lanky man who was dressed suspiciously un-office-like with a red buzz cut and wild eyes that seemed to cut into you as he took his place at the table.

the final man seemed a bit awkward in comparison to the other two, but he was trying to seem unaffected, his purple bowlcut, despite being rather juvenile, fitting perfectly with his slim but toned build and bright complexion.

yachi hurried to greet them, giving all three a blinding smile before motioning for everyone else to take a seat. you ended up between the redhead and atsumu, the former being way too entertained by just your general being. his eyes rarely, if ever, left your face sending shivers down your spine. the remaining members all hesitantly took their seats and “big boss” began.

“it is an honor to meet you all. i am ushijima wakatoshi but you can call me ushijima or wakatoshi or ushiwaka or toshijima or just ushi or just jima or just waka or just toshi.” for a moment you thought he was joking but his face never moved, not even with the awkward silence that followed. redhead seemed rather amused by the whole display and bowl cut looked like he was on the verge of spontaneously combusting.

it took an uncomfortably long moment for ushijima to proceed but he did as though nothing had happened. “these are my associates, satori—” redhead gave you a mischievous grin “—and tsutomu.”

“goshiki,” bowl cut interrupted, his voice wavering but his eyes gleaming with righteous indignation as though he was challenging wakatoshi to say something in defiance. instead, ushijima just gave him a nod and he visibly deflated back into his seat.

“goshiki is the social media manager for imla and satori is... satori,” big boss continued, not a hint of emotion on his face. the rest of the table perked up at his comment but atsumu was the only one who apparently had the balls to say anything.

“so yer the one who wrote that shitty among us tweet?” goshiki flushed horribly and sunk further into his plush leather chair, his body language showing he must’ve already gotten an earful about it. “thought it was a good idea,” he muttered while averting his eyes, completely ignoring satori’s cackle from across the wood.

ushijima put up a (massive???) hand to calm the both of them and it instantly worked. satori quieted down though he never lost the mirth in his expression and goshiki straightened up, a new wave of determination crossing his features.

you sat up as well, feeling the shift of energy in the room but you were startled to realize the boss had decided to focus his energy on you, his deep baritone voice calling your full name. “i am extremely sorry. we have failed you as a management team and as men. i have failed you.”

he sounded remarkably remorseful, his brown irises conveying heavy emotion and guilt. you had no idea what to say but he wasn’t done.

“although i do not have full control of the decisions that have been made here, i should have fought harder for what i believed was right and for that, i will forever be sorry.” you shifted uncomfortably under his weighty gaze, not that he noticed because his attention was swiftly taken by kenma at the opposite end of the room.

“who is in charge then? aren’t you like the ceo or whatever?” he asked. ushijima took a moment before nodding very slowly, his attention clearly on something in his head.

thankfully, satori rapidly took over the thread of conversation before the room could fall in tense silence yet again. “there’s a board of old, stuffy guys who basically kicked miracle boy wakatoshi to the curb and make all their decisions without him.”

...miracle boy? what did he have to do to earn that kind of nickname? you shook your head and tuned back in, just as the ceo spoke up once again.

“because i have not succeeded in doing my job properly, i have something to give to you,” ushijima deadpanned, sliding a thick envelope towards you. you carefully grabbed it and opened it up to reveal a thick, thick, wad of cash.

a gasp caught in your throat, words not coming to you as you thumbed through the money. there had to be at least $60k in there, your eyes filling with tears while you took in his generosity. “thank you,” you whispered, not trusting your voice to speak any louder.

wakatoshi nodded at you before addressing the rest of the table about something but you weren’t even listening.

you were so overwhelmed. for the longest time, you’d hated whoever management was for ignoring your pleas for help and trying to placate you with nice dresses and fancy dinners so meeting ushijima was quite the welcomed surprise.

despite everything that occurred, you could tell he felt horrible for letting things slide even though it was technically out of his hands and you couldn’t even articulate how much that meant to you.

the fact that he had gone out of his way to pay you extra, assumingly without the permission of the board, was heartwarming, confusing, shocking, and staggering all at once.

i mean, you could probably describe the past few months as exactly that. so much had happened, so much had changed, and while you could do without some of the life adjustments (the nightmares, spare trauma, and fear of public bathrooms to start), you felt blessed with new friends and the experiences that helped shape you to the person you were now.

the boys didn’t hate you anymore (well, not all of them at least and none were actively antagonizing you), you were seeing dr yamada again, you were getting to move in with your two best friends, you were just given enough money to expand your channel drastically, and you were finally feeling good. better than good.

meiko was behind you and though you missed the person she once was, you were so glad she was out of your life in a way where she couldn’t harm you or the boys any longer.

a grin spread across your face, your cheeks nearly burning from the intensity of it. things were definitely looking up.

a soft call of your name jolted you from your thoughts, your eyes landing on all the boys already standing as they got ready to leave the room. you could sense their worry and you shot them a genuine, reassuring smile before standing yourself.

you waved goodbye to the three men at the table, thanking ushijima profusely for his kindness but he shook you off, insisting that he had just been doing what he should’ve done a long time ago.

what a nice guy.

as you followed the boys out of the building, you took a moment to observe them together with fondness written all over your expression. they were laughing and joking around, the happiest and most carefree you had ever seen any of them. bokuto was begging yachi to get them ice cream, the rest of them piling on until she gave in with a playful roll of her eyes, giggling at the cheer that went up from the group.

atsumu seemed to notice you lagging behind, falling back to join you. “ya okay angel?” he asked, eyes focused on your feet as he slowed down to match your pace.

you didn’t answer for a while, instead focusing on the sun warming your cheeks, the cool breeze messing up your hair, and the sounds of pure joy swirling above you.

“i’m absolutely perfect.” you replied and you actually meant it. “race you to the van?” you sent him an impish grin before taking off, his yells of indignation making you laugh freely as the rest of the boys joined in, right on your heels.

this is it, you thought. no matter what, i’ll have this moment and i’ll be okay.

you’d been through hell and back and you’d survived. you’d been cursed at, choked out, hospitalized, and been beaten at mario kart more times than you could count and you had still made it through. you were resilient and strong and you’d never given up, despite how badly you’d wanted to, multiple times over.

things weren’t perfect, they rarely are, but you knew that if you could make it through all that, you could get through practically anything, especially with the boys by your side.

yeah. i’ll be just fine.

ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ

bonus!!

“told you it sounded stupid as hell.”

“gah, stop talking about it!!”

“you sounded sooooo old ‘shiki, what are you, 92?”

“AAAAAAAAAA!!!”

“satori...”

“what’s up miracle boy?”

“...what is ‘sus’?”

℗ poker face

i’ll be just fine

series masterlist

(●’◡’●)ﾉ

an - AND THATS A WRAP FOLKS 🥳 wowowow did the ending give me trouble but that’s ok SISJSK the endings will be coming shortly but they might not be daily just cs they may take more time, who knows lmfao i’ll let y’all know :3 AAAA ANYWAYS ILY I HOPE U GUYS LIKED KITH KITH don’t forget to feed me <3

taglist - if your name is in bold, i cannot tag you

@boosyboo9206 • @geektastic84 • @elianetsantana • @trashy-simp • @infinitebells • @6mattsun9 • @suhkusa • @katsulovee • @kotarosbabygirl • @fucktheworlddude • @insomniacwreck • @calumsfringe • @saltylettuce • @chai-blu • @al3x1ss • @hawksyoongi • @jooleuuh • @loubells • @kissungjae • @liberhoe • @tetsurocore • @animeoverdosee • @duhsies • @saiKishaircLip • @afire24 • @premiyagi • @kit-kat428 • @doctorspencereid • @daphnxy • @kyomihann • @maer-333 • @sinoflust19 • @peteunderoos • @peachiikichu • @iidanotlida • @yongboxerrr • @kac-chowsballs • @tanakaslastbraincell • @memorableminds • @risjime • @starry-magicshop • @sugavwara • @smuttyanimeslut • @kiwibirbs-library • @haijkk • @airybnb • @crybabygumi • @iwaisa • @decaffinatedtealover • @notameera • @kawaii-angelanne • @rintarovibes • @urlocalsimp • @keiarma • @shrimpypenis

the rest of the tags will be in the replies!!

[omni-scient-pan-da]

Alright so, hi past me, I'm responding to you a little earlier than you'd originally intended, but WOW holy shit have you had a year of college and I mean this only in the best way possible

Let me just start off by saying you are SO loved and SO cared about and there are SO many people you haven't even met yet that are going to love you SO much

In this year alone you have

House trained an only child to cohabitate a very small dorm room, and even though she's a lot to deal with at first, you genuinely grow as friends and you're going to miss not living with her next year

Met Beatrice, who... Your social skills on this one, I have no idea how you managed to make her as a friend after trauma dumping to her within the first 72 hours of meeting her, but not only do you become really close with her, she becomes one of your best friends here, and she gets along with Michelle, to the point where they end up living with each other next year

Not only does she become one of your closest friends, she cares about you SO much and gives such great gifts and such thoughtful advice (like seriously, you get to read Stormbringer now after mentioning it ONCE to her) AND you convince her to watch all of Bungo Stray Dogs with you

Additionally you co-buy a book together? It's really cute, she's incredible

You meet Ryn, who is quite possibly THE most impressive person you've ever met, they can do literally anything they set their mind to and like holy shit, they enjoy spending time around you

Ryn notices all the small details and things you would never want to point out to someone but still want them to notice anyways and then NOTICES and MENTIONS IT TO YOU which is just epic friend behavior

You're going to have a great time in your classes first semester, second semester... Well, it's currently finals week, so I can't speak for how those are going to turn out, but I'm going to do my best to make us proud past me

I know right now you're worried about the showers but literally by the end of the year you're going to prefer showering here than at home because uh... Yeah the shower at home gets pretty backed up and doesn't have as hot of water in comparison

You get your first ever relationship this year! Unfortunately it only lasts four months but you part as friends and it's a good experience for you, to know definitively that someone can care about you like that

Speaking of ending your first relationship, Ryn brings you a whole ass stuffed animal to comfort you after you break up, because they're just thoughtful like that and... Yeah, it means a lot

And Mystic!!! You get to visit Mystic in their apartment three times if I'm remembering correctly? And explore Kalamazoo and it's epic every single time, there is no worry of being forgotten after a long period of not seeing them and you jump right back into where you left off the next time you get to hang out each time

AJR's new album is absolutely incredible and you get to see them in concert in April, and not to spoil anything that happens on the tour, but you end up bawling your eyes out at the end (/pos ofc) and getting teary-eyed whenever you think about the ending of that tour for too long

You owe Mystic BIG time for that one, honestly, if I could go back in time and tell you anything, it would be to tell you to start planning the biggest fucking birthday present ever because you're never going to be able to top being THAT close to AJR like... Ever

Your sister adores you and misses you bunches and you spend lots of time really feeling like you're getting to know her when you come back home in a way you haven't been able to before

And that's just... The tip of the iceberg? You have so many indescribable moments of joy this year and meet so many people that are going to love and care about you this year and you're going to pitch a musical to be performed next year tonight with Ryn and a few other friends you've met

You're cowriting Scum Villain fics with them and hanging out til 4 in the morning sometimes and scream singing karaoke in fields til ungodly hours in the morning and you have SO MUCH FUN

Yes there will be times where things are rough and yes there will be times where things are hard but overall you're going to have SUCH a great year, I promise, and I'm only looking forward to the things that are coming next 💜

Tonight is the last night I fall asleep in my childhood home before I move away to college

I've lived in the same house from the day I was born til right now and in the past few weeks I've had to pick and choose through everything I own in order to determine which items I deem worth bringing with me to my dorm room

Tomorrow will be the last morning I wake up to see my family first thing, the last morning I'll drive up to my old high school (to drop my sister off) and this entire time I've told myself it's not really the last time I'll be here because I'm coming back for Thanksgiving and Christmas and Spring Break and the summer

And college is going to be fun, I've signed up for so many experiences and clubs and met so many new people already and I'm lucky enough to be going to a school where I can be openly gay without worrying about how I'm going to tell my family if word gets around back to them and I'm only an hour away from home

But I'm laying here tonight, in the same bed I've had since elementary school, when I threw a fit about moving from a toddler bed to a regular twin sized bed

I remember crying that it was too tall and I was going to fall off and sleeping on the floor instead because I refused to go to sleep in it and now I wish I could have just one more night, just one more rest because I don't know the next time I'll get the chance to fall asleep in it

Tomorrow I'll wake up, and hug my mother, the way I've done every single morning for as long as I can remember

And tomorrow I'll fall asleep in a new city, 60 miles away, ready to start something new

I don't know what's in store for the next chapter of my life, and I thought I could keep pushing it back forever, just one more week of waiting, just one more week of normalcy, just one more week, so that I'm next up forever

But as the chapter of childhood truly comes to a close tonight, I know that I can't wait to see all the things I'll accomplish next

(@omni-scient-pan-da )