#have some empathy and courage and stand on the right side

[riverofempathy]

Holy shit.

President Snow did this in The Mockingjay.

He attacked a hospital. To make sure that an oppressed people couldn’t survive, couldn’t rebel, couldn’t free themselves from their control.

Fucking Israel and the US are President Snow in our world.

To all those people who say they don’t want to pick a side because they’re both guilty of harming the other, IT FUCKING MATTERS TO KNOW WHICH SIDE STARTED IT.

every single time israel fires on people picking up food or humanitarian aid it truly cuts me to the core. obviously it's equally horrible to fire on civilians escaping the invasion or to bomb hospitals or refugee camps or people just living in their own homes. but there's something so brutal about hitting people right when they have gathered for life-saving aid. by firing on them there the IOF have set up an impossible dilemma where starving people have to choose between death by bullet or death by hunger. they have left no room for palestinians to choose life. i do not know how my government or any other government can just sit by and watch while innocent people continue to be gunned down for the crime of existing in israel's eyeline.

[maiamore]

NEW BEGINNINGS

Pairing: Joel Miller x Female!Reader - No Outbreak

Rating: 18+ | W/C: 4.3k

Summary: You decide to go to your office's New Year's party, what you get in exchange is far more than you bargained for.

Tags: lawyer a/u, alcohol consumption, slight angst, colleagues to lovers type, able bodied reader, p-in-v, unprotected sex, mentions of anal, unrealistic sex (please practice safe sex irl), mutual pining, f!receiving oral, degrading words during sex, edging, orgasm denial, filthy FILTHY smut, unspecified age gap

A/N: got this out of my system finally, just love seeing these two fools try to be ignore their feelings. my advice to colleague/office romance? just fuck!! MAIN STORY | MASTERLIST

New Year’s Day, 2023

“They’re Dior!” 

“Oh. Are they?” You retort politely—failing in showing interest in whatever the man standing before you had to say about his cufflinks, off all things. Your voice competes against the blaring music in the bar. You’d been cornered by an associate, Marcus—you worked with him at Miller Associates. Looking around for your colleague who’d conveniently disappeared. 

“I’m gonna get a drink! Be right–...” You went silent before even completing your sentence. No, you would not be right back. 

Marcus on the other hand, nodded, eagerly letting you be. Squeezing your way to the bar, you got yourself two cocktail shots. Somehow, you’d allowed yourself to be roped into going into this year's office new years get together at some hoity toity hipster bar in Manhattan, against your better judgement. Serena—your deskmate at work, insisted that you didn’t skip this year, only for her to abandon you entirely twenty minutes in. 

You tugged the hem of the uncomfortably short dress you had on, tucking it beneath you as you sat by the corner of the bars to isolate yourself from the laughter and chaos around. Your coworkers had all been scattered around the bar by now, celebrating within their little groups. 

11:15pm. 

You were counting down too. Not for the new years—but for when you finally could slip out and not feel guilty for not trying to enjoy this time out.

The second you’d swallowed the cooled, sickeningly sweet liquid, a slow exhale left your lips. This wasn’t what you wanted to be doing, no. You flicked through your phone, empathy texts from your parents and friends telling you—don’t worry, take it again next year—not everyone nails the LSATs the second time trying. 

You cringed at the unwelcome reality. That called for another cocktail shot for sure.

“Hey! Lost you back there.” You looked back, lips pulling taut into a polite smile. Watching Marcus unsteadily drags a chair next to you. As much as he was a polite guy and all, you didn’t know how much more you could take in season two of “what other branded shit do I have on me.”

You just didn’t have it in you to say no. 

For the next fifteen minutes, you stayed and listened to him enthusiastically explain how he’d begun mining bitcoin in his free time to be able to afford all his swag. 

Downing what was definitely your fifth shot, you mustered up the courage to get up. “Um..Actually—I really need to find Serena.” You explained, cutting Marcus off mid sentence when he’d been about to dive into something about being the master of your own finances. “Oh yeah, no worries. See you next week.”

You’d only taken a few steps forward when vertigo hit you. Half from the alcohol, half from having to sit and take lessons from Mr Bitcoin back there. The ground grew closer and you didn’t have quick enough reflexes to stop it. Shutting your eyes tightly to brace the impact.

A rough tug pulls you back up, albeit—by the chains of your purse. With it, you had enough momentum to stagger backwards into your apparent savior. You blinked. Joel's deep brown eyes looking into yours. He shifts to hold the other side of your shoulder to make sure you were steady enough before guiding you to sit down by the bar chairs. Joel. Joel Miller. One of the name partners at the firm you worked in, so, your boss. 

The music thumped so loud you could feel it in your chest, the countdown clock on the wall ticking closer to midnight. Confetti already littered the floor, sticking to shoes and drink spills. It was loud, messy, and unapologetically festive—definitely not a scene you’d expected him to show up in.

“Thanks.” You managed. Brushing off the embarrassment from the way you had to be caught. At least you had confirmation that the purse chains held up. 

You tried not to gawk at the shadow that was sheltering you like a warm embrace. In the past two years of working at the firm, your exchanges with Joel were limited. For some reason—tense too. More often than not, you’d catch him staring at you with an intense look he gets like he was about to reprimand you. Despite that, you couldn’t deny how he was quite possibly the only man you were hung up on even without reaching the dating phase. It was like idolising an unreachable celebrity.  

His tailored suits, now switched out for a fitted grey t-shirt and a brown leather jacket with worn jeans. Thick silver rings on his index finger and thumb. 

He seemed different. In the best ways possible, his out of work presence was, to put it nicely, way too fucking hot. 

Joel decided he was here out of professional courtesy. 

With his mother offering to keep Sarah company for the night, he figured he’d have a couple of drinks, greet his employees and head home before the ball dropped. He had his schedule for the night down.

It all went to shit the second he saw you by the bar alone, until his associate at the firm decided to grace you with his presence.

He made an effort to know every employee that worked with him and you stood out. For all the wrong reasons. He was infatuated with you the second he had the pleasure of meeting and it threw him off kilter every. damn. time. Joel could’ve easily had you transferred to another floor in the building. Mergers & Acquisitions he supposed, you would’ve been a good fit. 

But he was a selfish man. He wanted you around him—just long enough until he’d figured out just what to do with you.

Joel finally takes a seat next to you, dragging his palms flat against the wooden surface. You pathetically were entranced at every goddamn gesture of his. His hands were so, so wide. You swallowed. The carnal need for him interrupts all civil thoughts. 

“Darlin’. You with me?”

Oh. That went straight to your cunt. His southern drawl was impossible to ignore, pulling your focus entirely. As he folded his arms across his chest, the motion made the top half of his shirt pull taut, accentuating his frame.

You were surprised he’d stuck around at all—his words barely registered. Instead, your attention was caught on the loose, dark brown curls framing his face and the black rimmed glasses perched perfectly on the gentle curve of his nose.

“Yeah. Yes. Sorry. You were saying?” You managed, after an awkward clear of the throat.

“I asked if you were a masochist.”

A perfectly rehearsed answer was about to leave your lips. Like yes, Mr Miller, I am excited for the new year. Not…whatever the fuck that was. You had to have heard him wrong. Your brows pressed into a furrow. Maybe he was referring to the uncomfortable shoes you were wearing. “Oh…I mean when you drink enough it dulls the pain and all.” You offered. Glancing at your strappy heels. 

He sucks in a breath he didn’t know he held. Joel was generally a respectful man. Gaze never lingered longer where it wasn’t appropriate. And there you were, in the most sinful fucking dress he’d ever laid eyes on. His gaze followed the path of your own, lingering briefly at your ankles before traveling up the length of your dress.

He shifts. Hoping the rising tent in his jeans wouldn’t give his thoughts away. You were too pretty and too young for an old man like him.

You felt heat creeping up your neck and settling on your cheeks. The way he’d been looking made you feel more exposed than ever. 

“M’talkin’ about you sittin’ through…all that crap bout’...crypt coin..bit currency.” He finally says, rubbing the back of his shoulder. You bit back a smile when he’d messed up the terms. It was a little endearing. “...You were listening?”

He hadn’t meant to, not at first. He’d only stopped by the bar for a drink, or so he told himself. But then he saw you—attentively listening to Marcus drone on and on—and found himself lingering pathetically near the edge of the area where you’d been sitting.

“Hard not to. Kid was practically yellin’,” Joel muttered, his tone casual, though the faint flush creeping along his neck betrayed him.

“It wasn’t that bad.”

The corner of his lips lifted up into a slight smirk in amusement. “Course’. Because you were so eager to stay.” You frowned. He was right, you probably left a cartoon like dust silhouette of your body the moment you found the window to leave. 

“Boy like that wouldn’t know what t’do with a good girl if he had one.”

You stared at him blankly, heartbeat picking up at his words. What the hell did that mean? Maybe you were drunker than you thought. It sounded like he was flirting. His gaze on the other hand, hadn’t wavered.

“Are you implying you could do better?” You managed, forcing your voice to stay steady as you tried not to overthink the implication behind his words. Flirting with your boss was already a dangerous game, and the thought of embarrassing yourself by hitting on someone nearly a decade older only made you hesitate.

He scoffs. Thumb coming up to swipe over his bottom lips as though in thought. “Yeah. That’s exactly what I’m sayin’.”

You’re fixated on the way he subconsciously draws attention to his lips now. 

He takes a sip from the half filled out whiskey glass loosely between his forefingers and thumb. Settling into a brief silence.

“Are you having a good time?” He looks at you with renewed interest as you speak up again. “I mean—It’s just that I don’t usually see you in an out of work celebration.”

He raises a brow at the way you’d rambled on. “So…since you’re still here I figured…” You turned away slightly. Cringing at the sound of your own voice. How long had you been talking for?

“S’not really my scene, sweetheart,” Joel responds finally, his drawl cutting through the noise.

You eyed the rowdy crowd, the room was a blur of blue ambient lights, you could hardly make out his expression through it. “Me neither.” You offered with a smile—a genuine one at that. 

“It’s easier.” He says. Slowly. He’s finally able to see your face clearly. Features gently reflecting the dim lighting of the bar. “You make it easier.”

A bright light causes you to wince, bringing your hand to shield your eyes. Interrupting your train of thought. The bar's overhead lighting switches on. The massive speakers screeched a little as someone took the stand at the live band area. 

Folks, grab your date or friends and head down to the floors, because our five minute countdown to the new year starts now!

“Oh fuck.” You muttered under your breath, watching the swarm of people congregate in the middle. You were calling time of death at this, it was a little much for you now. 

Your heart was still thrumming at Joel’s sudden admittance, when you’d looked at him, his deep brown eyes had already been on yours. A flutter of something in the air keeps you warm. 

He leans in next to your ears. “Talk outside?” Your nose gently brushes past the scruff of his beard as you turn. The scent of Patchouli & Vanilla, with a tinge of fabric softener filled your senses.

“…Okay.”

Being shoved and pushed wasn’t on your agenda today, you’d pretty much been swallowed by the crazies around you just trying to leave the place. Thankfully, Joel had been practically wedged behind you like a sturdy wall amidst all the awkward shoves. 

Your hands instinctively grips around Joel’s arms when another particularly rough push from someone elbowing you had you careening backwards into Joel. 

“Easy, exit’s out front.” His voice sounded strained somehow. He’d finally allowed you to step away, though as you regained your footing, you shifted back into his pelvis. A low grunt rumbled in his throat at your unwitting action. Your breath hitches when you’d felt the unmistakable strain against Joel’s jeans, poking against your back.

Looking up at him with your wide eyes and down to the sizable bulge. He awkwardly adjusts the crotch of his jeans, avoiding looking directly at you.

Was he hard? Just from brushing against you? More importantly, how long had he been sporting a damn boner? 

“Sorry. Don’t know why it...” He tries. He was surprised he could even get it up with how busy he’d been as of late. 

You’d attempted not to let it show just how his discomposure at a natural reaction was presently igniting parts of you that lay dormant for years. Seeing him so visibly react to you, had your core aching with need. 

Fuck it. 

Your body twists, both palms resting against the base of his neck—tip-toeing to barely meet his height—you lean in and slot your lips against his, though misaimed. His glasses pressed at an awkward angle at your movements. Trying again, you tilt your head to kiss him more assuredly when he hadn’t pushed you away completely. He groaned in your lips. 

Joel moves to cup his palms against the back of your head. His other hand tugging you by your hips. He dips his head lower to reciprocate your soft little pecks with a much, much deeper intensity. The second you’d parted your lips a little wider, all the sweet sentiments of a first kiss dissipates. 

Though, he seems to have some semblance of the situation, pulling you out of your haze. Searching your face for a sign. Any sign of hesitation. He places a tentative, hesitant kiss against your pulse point. “Tell me to stop and I will.” His arm curls around your waist to pull you fully against his body. 

The countdown timer flashed on the screens above the bar, its sudden glow cutting through the haze of desperation that grew dangerously. The atmosphere shifts, the pulse of the moment broken, and the world outside of the dance floor suddenly seemed to return to focus. 

“Let’s just get out of here.” You managed.

—

Joel had noticed how jittery you seemed, he wanted nothing more than to take his time with you. But he feared the longer you’d both have to think, the more you’d have realised how much of a bad idea it was. Frankly, he didn’t know if he had it in him to wait any longer either.

You blinked at him in confusion when drops down to his knees against the gravel. Heart pounding in your ears watching this six foot man before you like this. 

An audible groan leaves his lips when he slides the hem of your dress up with sturdy palms on the both sides of your hips. “Dirty girl, goin’ around with no panties?” Your lips briefly quivered at his words, feeling a tinge of humiliation from it, but the way he’d looked on his knees for you drowned out every other thought. 

“I didn’t think I needed to with the dress.” You managed. Pouted, really. He pressed kisses up your knees, scruff gently brushes past your inner thighs. “Didn’t say it was a bad thing.” 

Joel kneads the softness of your hips. Bunching up the fabric above, your slick pussy glistening. 

With no warning, he licks a stripe up your already sopping wet cunt. Jolting at the sensation, Joel didn’t let you inch away from him.“Wait, Mr Miller, I’m—” His palm slides under your thigh to hike it over his shoulder, stopping when he hears your plea.

“Joel, sweetheart. I’ve got my face buried in your pussy, think we’re over the formalities.” 

A louder moan escapes your lips along with a breath you didn’t know you held when he dives back into your cunt. “O-Oh my god!” Your back arches against the alley’s walls, scratching over the gravelly surface. His fingers dig into the plump of your thighs, probing his tongue into your velvety soft walls. He didn’t care how messy & sloppy it got, no—your unrestrained moans were encouraging him further. “Shit—you’re fuckin’ soakin’ me.” He mutters against your cunt.

You involuntarily ground against his mouth when you’d felt the vibrations of his voice against your clit. The curve of his nose notches perfectly against it. “Th-...there. Right there.” He hummed against your pussy, lapping at your clit, sucking your sensitive bud relentlessly. Judging by how your tight walls were pulsating around his tongue, he knew that you were close. He drags your hand to the back of his head, allowing you to grind against him as you wished.

“Take what you need, baby.”

Your head tips back when he tongue fucks your pussy, alternating with deep sucks to your clit. The sensation causes you to clench around him. “Joel—” You stuttered out. Curling your fingers into the softness of his hair. Your hips subconsciously moved to ride against his nose, the stimulation of it all had you trembling like a baby deer. Not even your most expensive vibrators could match the intensity Joel was eating you out with. 

Joel didn’t stop what he was doing. Not even taking a moment to take a fucking breath. If he’d died eating your pussy like this, he’d die a happy man. His other hand slides to the base of your ass, dragging his slick coated fingers down to your tight little hole to probe against the entrance. You groaned out at the intrusion, your puckered hole welcoming his thick slippery finger. “T-too much–” You cried out. Tugging his head against your clit. “Y-yes, yes, god, oh my god, yes!”

You wriggled your hips backwards and away from his mouth abruptly. The absence of his fingers having stuffed you, had your pussy pulsing around nothing in your white hot release. 

As you were trying to come to, Joel sits back on his heels with a heaving breath. Admiring you in your fucked out state. He was fucked. Just a taste of you was enough for him. He needed you.

He brings up his wrists to wipe his lips a little. Standing up with his hand anchored to your hips, making sure you wouldn’t fall when your legs had threatened to give out on you.

Joel’s thumbs gently swipes over your bottom lips, lifting your face up with his pointer and middle finger. “What am I going to do with you?” He mutters, more to himself before he leans down to kiss you slowly—coaxing you out of the haze of your orgasm. You loll your head to the side to meet his deep kisses, the taste of your slick with the mix of fruity cocktails and whiskey proving to be an intoxicating combination.

You couldn’t think straight—arms falling limp around his neck to drag him impossibly close. Suckling onto his tongue in a messy, sloppy back and forth. You weren’t even sure if you could speak anymore. He pulls away from your lips with an obscene pop. Gazing deeply into your eyes.

“Need to fuck you baby. Can I?” He whispers, thumb swiping around your smeared glitter eye makeup. “Just need a nod, sweetheart.” It’d taken you a couple more seconds, after feeling Joel fix your dress. Frankly, you weren’t sure if you could take any more. But the way he’d been willing to pull out all stops despite how painfully his cock was bursting at the seams in his jeans had you feeling like you’d be in good hands.

You tipped your head slightly to get in his line of vision, you bit down on your lips, nodding slowly.

“Good fucking girl.” He praises. Rubbing the back of your waist gently. 

The sharp buckle of his jeans snapped your gaze downwards. A deep gasp leaving your lip. The coarse, neatly trimmed curled hairs guiding your vision to his thick cock, pre-come already dripping down the tip. It tenses on its own, growing harder by the second. 

He brings your hand up to your chin, right below your lips. “Spit.”  You lock your gaze with his. Your tongue swiping your lower lips and letting a dribble of your own spit collect in your palm. You swore you could see his eyes twitch slightly as you did so. 

His hands then twist around your wrist, lowering your spit-coated hand onto his cock. He groaned at the sensation. “Jus’ like that.” He rumbles against the side of your head, feeling your soft, slippery hands stroke his cock. “See how hard you make me?”

Your thighs clenched at his words. Your cunt aching and desperate for something. Anything. 

“Joel, I can’t—” He tutted at your desperate tone, kissing down your neck. “Can’t what baby? Can’t take it anymore? I should just stop, hm?” You let out a pathetic wine at your words. Pumping his cock fully, feeling his full length. It was hot, and throbbing. You wanted him in you. 

“Please.” Your cunt was aching for him desperately. He lets out a hiss at the way your thumb rubs over the slit of his cock, grabbing your wrist to halt your movements. He wanted to come inside you, one way or another. Not like this. 

“Please what? Gotta tell me what you need.” Your head falls against his shoulder. Growing increasingly frustrated.

“Need you to fuck me, Joel. Need him.” He’d pulled the filthy words out of you so damn easily. Forcing your hand despite his grip around your wrists—you jerk his cock from the base to the tip in a ring, up & down with your forefingers and thumb. His hips stuttered slightly, that particular stroke and your desperate plea nearly had him coming in your hands. 

“Fuck!” He grips painfully around the base of his cock. With a grunt, he holds your hips and turns you abruptly. Lust fueled anger filling his mind. 

“You wanna be fucked like a desperate little slut? I’ll give you what you want.” His voice was muffled against the back of your head. You’d let out a ‘unnh!’ in response to his sudden sternness. 

Joel rubbed the base of his cock, coated with your spit and slick, nudging at your entrance. His other hand cradling your forehead so the brick walls wouldn’t hurt you. With a snap of his hips, he fully buries himself to the hilt into your pussy. 

The both of you groaned at the same time. “Fuck, tight snatch swallowing me whole.” He fucks you at a bruising pace. Hoisting you against his chest. 

“This—”, he grunts. Punctuating his every word with each thrust. 

“What—“ 

“You—” 

“Wanted?” 

Your head tips back against his shoulder. “Mhnn—fuck!” Your pussy flutters around his cock, reeling at every time his hips ground in a circle in you everytime it snapped against your ass. His heavy balls slapping against your clit. 

With a sharp gasp, Joel tugged you further into him. Pressing his body weight against your back, his strong arm holding you up securely.  

Your forearms pressed against the brick walls with a heavy exhale. He readjusts to rest both his hands on your hips. He begins to pound his hips into yours, stopping to grind his cock deep into you. Watching his cock get swallowed as he fucked you from the back. “Soft pussy’s gonna devour me fuckin’ whole.” He growls against your shoulder. His sweat mixing against your cheeks. 

“Fuck—yes! Yesyesyesyes!” You’d bounced back against his cock. Slurring your words. Your thighs quivered finally in the wake of your second orgasm of the night. Warm streaks of tears trickling down your cheeks. You tiptoeing as your thighs tensed up. Your walls convulsing around Joel’s cock as you came. 

He slows his pace just so he could drag out the feeling of his cock pulsing in your tight pussy. It was embarrassing just how easily you'd gotten him stuttering at your mercy.

“Sweetheart…” He breathes out, slowly. He presses open mouthed kisses against your neck. Grinding his hips into you desperately. In a moment of clarity after your orgasm earlier, you tipped your head back. “N-Not…inside.” 

Briefly, a dark look took over Joel’s gaze. 

He pulls out, pumping his cock still. He’d respect your wishes regardless. But then, your hands clumsily felt for him, guiding his cock to your tight ring of muscle. 

“Fuck—“ Immediately, he angles his cock against the entrance of your ass at your offer, notching the cockhead in. Groaning at how greedily you were sucking him in. You moaned at the intrusion, relaxing yourself to take him in—the slick and slipperiness making it a little easier. 

He groans out, wincing at the sensation of the muscles threatening to milk him dry. With a lazy and slow thrust, he fills you with hot spurts of his spend. 

With a few heaving pants, he pulls out of your ass, watching the creamy ring pulsate with his milky white come. “You alright, sweetheart?” He tips your head to face him. Rubbing your tear stricken cheeks clean. “M-…Mhm..” You manage. Unsteadily straightening up. 

“Mhm?” He repeats. Turning you back around gently. Tilting his head to meet your eye level. “Words, baby.”

“I’m okay. I promise.”

His lips meet yours. Kissing you reverently, to the corners of your lips and then against your flushed cheeks. Not wanting to break you, as though he hadn’t spent the better half of an hour fucking you senseless. 

He grabs a handkerchief from his jacket pocket, swiping the fabric to gather the uncomfortable slick from your thighs. 

You peered up at him through your lashes. The blue lights from the signage above the both of you illuminate your features. Joel swore this feeling was what those stupid love songs were always on about. He’d never felt that, not even for the mother of his daughter. 

The wash of reality was apparent in your post orgasmic silent haze while the two of you cleaned up. Not that it mattered. “Mr Miller—”

You tried. He shot you a warning look. His own heart twists at how easily you’d shut this all down. If he wasn’t sober before, he sure as hell was now. 

“Not yet.”

He breathes out. Letting his knuckles brush down your cheeks as he leans forward to rest his forehead against yours. 

He’d just have to think about how he could get over you tomorrow. 

[nickeverdeen]

The ATLA gaang reacting to reader having a nightmare

Request: “Hello!

I was wondering if you could do an imagine (kidna like the bug one) on how the Gaang would react to gn reader having nightmares. Have a lovely evening,

- V”

Requested by: @verybadatwriting

(The person meant preferences so you wouldn’t get confused)

Aang

Aang sits quietly beside you, offering silent support during your nightmares

Aang wraps you in a gentle embrace, providing a sense of security and comfort

He listens attentively as you share your nightmares, offering empathy and understanding

Whispers words of reassurance, reminding you that you are safe and loved

Guides you through calming breaths to help ease your racing heart

Aang strokes your hair or rubs your back, offering physical comfort

Suggests simple activities like stargazing or cloud-watching to shift your focus away from your nightmares

He establishes comforting bedtime routines, like reading a favorite book or sharing a cup of tea

Praises your courage and resilience, highlighting your inner strength

Aang expresses his love for you, promising unwavering support through your struggles

He ensures the bedroom is a peaceful sanctuary, free from distractions or triggers

Aang gently suggests seeking professional help or trying relaxation techniques to manage nightmares

(The professional help would be Katara, though)

Shows patience and understanding, earning your trust over time

Reminds you that you are not alone, standing by your side through the darkest nights

“I’m here for you. You’re safe with me. You’re not alone in this. I’m right here beside you, Y/N”

Zuko

Zuko wakes up immediately upon sensing your distress, his instincts kicking in to soothe you

He pulls you close, wrapping his arms protectively around you and whispering reassurances

Zuko gently strokes your hair or back, offering comfort through his touch

Listens attentively if you want to talk about your nightmare, offering understanding and empathy

Just like Aang Zuko suggests techniques like deep breathing or visualization to help calm your racing thoughts

He stays awake for a while after the nightmare, keeping a watchful eye on you to ensure you feel safe

He shares stories from his own past struggles and how he overcame them, offering hope and encouragement

He offers to stay up with you until you’ll fall back asleep, providing a sense of security

Zuko surprises you with your favorite comforting food or drink to help them relax

He makes a mental note to be extra attentive to your emotional well-being in the days following the nightmare, showing them extra affection and support

Zuko softly sings or hums a calming tune to help lull you back to sleep

“Hey, it’s okay. You’re safe now, I’m right here. I’m here to protect you, always. You don’t have to face this alone.”

Sokka

Sokka suggests having a late-night snack together, whipping up some of his favorite comfort foods like savory meat pies or sweet fruit tarts to help lift your spirits

He offers to tell you a humorous story or joke to help lighten the mood

And to distract you from your troubling thoughts, using his quick wit and playful humor to bring a smile to your face

Sokka suggests going for a moonlit walk together, strolling along the beach or through the quiet streets of their village as they share stories and enjoy each other’s company under the night sky

He encourages you to express your feelings through creative writing

Or journaling providing you with a safe outlet to process your emotions and reflect on your experiences

Sokka suggests practicing some basic self-defense techniques together

Just teaching you simple moves and strategies to help you feel empowered and capable of protecting yourself

He offers to build a makeshift fort with you using blankets and pillows

And that creates a cozy and comforting space where they can relax and feel safe from their nightmares

He suggests engaging in a friendly competition or game together

It can be a board game, card game, or sparring match, to help distract you and boost your mood with some lighthearted fun

Sokka uses his storytelling skills to craft an original bedtime tale for you, weaving together elements of adventure, humor, and inspiration to captivate your imagination and ease your troubled mind

He ends the night by simply being there for you, offering you a reassuring hug or comforting presence as you drift off to sleep, knowing that you are not alone and that he will always be there to support you

“Hey, it’s okay. You’re safe here with me. It was just a bad dream.”

Katara

When you have a nightmare, Katara would immediately notice your distress and offer her support

She’s the group’s mom so she’s kidna used to it

Plus she had tons of nightmares when Aang almost died numerous times

And later when he did…

Anyway

Katara would sit beside you, gently placing a hand on your shoulder or back to offer comfort and reassurance

She would encourage you to share your feelings and thoughts about the nightmare

Assures you that you can trust her with your emotions

Katara would offer words of reassurance, reminding you that you are safe and that the nightmare was not real

She might suggest calming techniques

Like deep breathing or visualization to help you relax and ease your anxiety

Katara would offer physical comfort by hugging you if you’re comfortable with it

And providing a sense of warmth and safety

She might create a soothing atmosphere by dimming the lights, playing soft music, or offering a warm cup of tea to help you relax

Katara would offer affirmations to help you feel empowered and supported

Remindes you of your strength and resilience

Katara would stay with you until you feel calm and ready to go back to sleep

She’s ensuring that you don’t have to face your fears alone

In the morning, Katara would encourage you to engage in self-care activities that help you feel grounded and at peace after experiencing a nightmare

Throughout the day, Katara would check in on you to see how you’re feeling and offer continued support and encouragement

“I know it can be scary, but nightmares aren’t real. You’re strong enough to overcome them. I’m here for you. You don’t have to face this alone.”

Toph

Toph’s first instinct might be to offer some tough love

Like telling you to toughen up and not let the nightmare get to you

Toph might offer practical advice

Suggesting techniques like grounding exercises or focusing on your breathing to calm down

Despite her tough exterior, Toph is fiercely protective of her friends

She might offer to stay with you until you fall asleep again, ensuring you feel safe

Toph is known for her blunt honesty

So she might reassure you that nightmares are just tricks of the mind and not something to be afraid of

Toph might suggest distracting activities to take your mind off the nightmare

Like practicing bending moves or sharing stories of past adventures

Toph might share her own experiences with nightmares

Just letting you know that you’re not alone and that everyone struggles with bad dreams sometimes

Toph often uses humor to lighten the mood

So she might crack a joke or make a sarcastic comment to help you feel better

Despite her tough exterior, Toph can also be surprisingly gentle when it comes to comforting others

She might offer a reassuring pat on the back or a comforting hug if you are open to it

Toph might use her unique perspective as someone who has faced her own challenges to empathize with you and offer understanding and support

Toph’s approach to comforting you might be more straightforward and direct, reflecting her no-nonsense attitude

“Quit your whining. It’s just a stupid dream. Focus on something real. Like the feel of the ground beneath your feet.”

[blorger]

jkr doesn't like Draco but is also desperately trying to make some sort of point with his depiction, I just think it doesn't translate very well to her audience. - can you explain more?

and jkr is terminally incapable of making a femme-coded villain that doesn't read as attractive - what do you mean by this?

Just to clarify, you're not asking me to prove that jkr dislikes Draco, right? Because that would take ages.

If you're wondering what point jkr was trying to make with Draco's depiction, well... in the post you're referring to I pointed out that we as readers often end up interpreting Draco as good looking (because of the way he's described) and that is just one of the many things that proves the huge disconnect between what jkr wanted Draco to be perceived like and how he's generally understood by the fandom.

Draco was deliberately created to be an amalgamation of things jkr dislikes:

he's evil wealthy

With the unquestioning belief in his own superior status he has imbibed from his pure-blood parents, he initially offers Harry friendship on the assumption that the offer needs only to be made to be accepted. The wealth of his family stands in contrast to the poverty of the Weasleys; this too, is a source of pride to Draco, even though the Weasleys’ blood credentials are identical to his own.

[x]

Notice how jkr herself compares the Weasleys, her genteel poverty-coded ideal family, to the nasty rich Malfoys. Reading jkr's books gives you the impression that she feels some type of way about rich people; on the one hand she started writing hp at a time in her life where she didn't have much money so she gave Harry a secret fortune as a sort of wish-fulfillment, on the other hand, despite what she says she definitely believes that experiencing poverty makes you somehow a better person.

2. he's pathetic

jkr has stated multiple times that Draco is someone to be pitied; in a series where courage=nobility of spirit Draco is a consummate coward and his deliberate femme-coding is there to further give you an overall negative impression of him.

3. he' s a Bad Guy

Like, Draco is on the wrong side of things for a reason, not only that he's on the wrong side in a way that jkr considers to be near irredeemable. Despite jkr herself acknowledging that Draco's beliefs are a natural result of his upbringing

I pity Draco, just as I feel sorry for Dudley. Being raised by either the Malfoys or the Dursleys would be a very damaging experience, and Draco undergoes dreadful trials as a direct result of his family’s misguided principles

[x]

She still considers him to be fundamentally unlikeable.

[x, x, x]

We're not supposed to like Draco, we're not supposed to sympathise with him, we're not supposed to see him as fundamentally redeemable. jkr (as clearly shown by her terf ways) is frankly incapable of feeling empathy for people whose experience cannot in some way shape or form relate back to her and will therefore never truly understand why people like Draco.

Draco, just like Pansy, is built in the image of a standard bully

[x]

and in the hp books, a series with a very black and white depiction of morality, a grey character like Draco can never truly be redeemed.

I don't know about you but my image of Draco differs greatly from jkr's. As I pointed out previously, the books read very differently if you don't hold the exact same worldview as jkr and that is precisely why Draco is a popular character; people are still able to empathise with him, despite jkr's intentions, and many people get a completely different, more nuanced read of his character.

As for the femme coding thing, I'm afraid I was using a hyperbole. I was thinking of jkr's bonkers depiction of Tom Riddle when I wrote that but there's quite a few characters that read very feminine but aren't described very flatteringly (Percy and Slughorn come to mind).

Hopefully this is the answer you were looking for,

xoxo

[lucky1013]

Matching Bracelets:  Lovejoy Friendships

2024 is coming to a close; thank your deity of choice. 

 There’s a lot of talk about friendships that were lost this year.  It’s painful to hear and, I would argue, self-centered and tasteless to voice.  (Ok, ok, dropping it.) But there’s another thing worth celebrating that emerged from this horrible test.  We learned there are friends who have your back in the worst of times. There are friends who have the courage to weather storms. There are new friends, kindred spirits, who find each other in chaos because they speak the same language. Birds among the sheep. 

The fact that the members of Lovejoy stood by Will meant so much.  We saw them demonstrate real friendship, unconditional support, at a time when no one seemed to have the balls to stand up for what is right. It’s not about condoning or condemning actions, (you dipshits,) it’s about friendship, loyalty, and human compassion. These boys could have cut and run but they chose to stay. This is why they own our hearts. Hats off. o7

On the fan side, everyone tied themselves in knots last Spring arguing with the digital lynch mob. We typed incessantly to defend our beliefs and maybe, just maybe, pull some people over.  We railed against the misinformation and painfully pointless dissections of fact. They misunderstood everything we said.  They reduced Will to a couple of ill-fitting labels. Their stamina for finding and smothering any signs of support, even still, is pretty staggering. I apologize for rehashing this. But I have a point. 

I hate to talk about pain. Especially our pain, because we aren’t the targets here. But it’s an important bridge here so try to stomach it. 

There’s been a three-part agony for fans. It’s both past and persistent. First, and most obviously, it was so painful to know what Will must be feeling.  That’s woefully understated.  It’s not about infatuation or parasocial nonsense (really sick of that one) – it’s just empathy, pure and simple.  Second, fans were mourning their losses.  The fan community (and associated excitement and joy) just sublimated.  Third, we felt (and still feel) so fucking helpless.  We know someone is suffering, we understand it, and can’t do a goddamn thing to help. 

We found new friends. Unexpected, trauma-bonded, amazing new friends. Some close friends, some just familiar personalities. We know each other by name or at least by the alts we use to keep out employers from finding us. We know who will keep everyone’s spirits up and pull us back to the center when things get sideways (fans know who I mean). We know is best at smacking down bullshit. We know who the freaks are. We know who sweethearts and the jokers are. We know the writers, artists, and poets who just need some way to pull these feelings out of their chests.  We are a very motley crew with a broad range of backgrounds, ages, and interests, but we’re all connected by these basic things – human kindness, belief in Will as a person, love for Lovejoy. 

 Let me tell you my Lovejoy friend story. I’d love to hear yours. 

I never used  social media before this.  (No I’m not from Mars, there’s a reason that is definitely noone’s business.) I had a Twitter account with zero posts and hopped into “Wilburtwt” one day, needing to understand this mess and needing to express myself.  I did some searches and found LVJYbandNEWS and her Cards for Concern effort.  I wrote some painfully sappy fanmail to pull the feels out of my chest and mailed it off. 

Over the next few weeks, some interesting people stood out from the rest – wise, smart, funny, and adult (no shade to the kids, love you all too).   We bonded over the helplessness.  We just wanted to DO something to make things better. We wanted to take action and find ways to move the needle. We started an offline chat to problem solve. We’ve since worked together on several projects, trying to raise fan engagement, steer the conversation, and clean up websites.  There are now eight of us, five adults and three teenagers. (Maybe ONE DAY they will let us help.)  

We have Zoom happy hours and shared Google docs.  We ask for each other’s advice.  We type back and forth everyday over big and little things, mostly just enjoying being passionate fans.  L: heart and fan-herder; A: badass; S: just effing cool; J: smacks down the dumbshits; H: endless enthusiasm for a not-Will bandmate; V and E: creatives; [me: rants and types essays and poems] .

 When Lovejoy announced New York, we bought plane tickets, booked hotel rooms, and broke it to our families that we were skipping Thanksgiving.  My unindoctrinated friends thought I was nuts when I said I was going to Brooklyn with internet people I had never met, planning to stand in the cold all day just to be close to some indie band. But it's not ‘some indie band' – it’s LOVEJOY.  And they're not just ‘internet people’ – they’re my FRIENDS.  

The line experience was so much fun. I met so many cool people, so different but all connected, half with familiar usernames.  I can tell you with certainty that I don’t care (that much) about being in front, but I can't wait until I get to hang out with these jokers in line again. (But maybe not so early? Can we maybe agree as a fandom to adjust? It's a bit nuts.)  

LOVEJOY, Thanks for being good friends to each other.  The real kind.  And thanks for the friendships we’ve had the privilege of making around you. 

[theangelsheardyou]

Mrpeg soukoku for the soul🫄🧑‍🍼

Kouyo calls dazai while he's at work and tells him to meet up with her ASAP

her tone is very serious so he ditches work to see her (much to kunikidas dismay)

They meet up at a coffee shop where kouyo coldly tells him that chuuya is in danger and that he must do everything in his power to protect him right now

Dazai has no idea what's wrong and when he asks her she says that he'd rather tell him himself

They go to chuuyas apartment where he's seated at the dining table, a bottle of wine opened but untouched, like he was about to drink from it but suddenly decided not to. Next to it stands an empty wine glass that chuuya stares blankly into without a word

There's a knock at the door, it's kouyo. And she brought dazai with her.

Dazai heads over to chuuyas side and asks him what's going on. Chuuya just looks up at him and then slowly looks down, his hand turning into a fist

"I'm pregnant" He says

There's a hush that falls over the room

"What do you mean?" Dazai asks

Suddenly, chuuya is angry. He stands up and bangs his fist against the table, almost destroying what was on it

"I mean that I'm strong and independent and make a good living so I can do this very well without you! So if you're going to leave and abandon me again then just do it already! We don't need yo-"

Chuuya is cut off by dazais tongue in his mouth, the taller man's slender fingers cupping the other's cheeks as he did so

After their lips part dazai looks at chuuya with love and gentleness in his eyes

"Can I speak now?" He asks. His actions caught chuuya off guard, but he lets him speak anyway

"I think that's amazing news" He says.

"Really?" "Of course"

"Chuuya, you are strong, funny, courageous, daring and by far the most beautiful person I know. I love you more than anything and I would love our baby just as much."

"If I made you think that after everything we've been through together I would just pack my stuff and leave, then I'm sorry. I promise never to make you feel that way again. I'm here, Chuuya. I'm staying right here, with you."

There's tears welling up in chuuyas eyes that he wipes off with his jacket sleeve

He gives dazai a hug, his arms enveloping around his neck

"You're an idiot" he says lovingly

"Aw, you love me~"

Suddenly, there's a sound of glass crashing

The two separate to examine the empty wine glass that fell to the floor

"Shit, hold on lemme get a dustpan" chuuya says as he makes his way out of the room

Dazai finally turns to look at kouyo, knowing she had dropped it on purpose

"So, is there anything you want to tell me?"

"As happy as this occasion may be, you're not thinking of the risks"

"What risks?" Dazai asks "chuuya is perfectly healthy"

"I mean the fact that he is a mafia executive who might just lose his job or his life if he's too pregnant to be useful to Mori"

"Please, Mori loves chuuya. He'd never do anything to him"

"You clearly haven't learned a thing from your time in the mafia. Mori isn't about love and empathy, if chuuya is unable to work then he will be gotten rid of. You have to make sure that doesn't happen"

"Kouyo, you know me. You know I love chuuya more than anything. I won't ever let anything happen to him." Dazai says

"You better not."

Chuuya suddenly walks into the room with a broom and dustpan

"Hey, what were you guys talking about? I heard a lot of talking"

"Just plans for the nursery" dazai says as he turns to chuuya with an innocent smile

"What do you think, green or yellow for the walls?"

"Don't you think that's thinking way too far ahead? Kids not even the size of my hand yet"

"You can never be too prepared!" Kouyo says delightedly and with a smile.

"You never know what could happen"

Kouyo and dazai share a cold look at each other in an attempt to intimidate the other. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work for either of them

Felt kinda cringey in some places but it feels good to get this idea out of my system. Part 2 coming right after this one cause I have nothing better to do🩷

[wtfastaroth]

Soldiers, poets kings? EXPLAIN 🙏 (@darlenicy )

Sorry, it took me a long time to write but here it is.

This explanation is about a team, how each of them would act in a fight/exploitation situation as we saw so much in the series.

For me, a soldier is someone with a battle strategy, is someone energetic and simple, someone with great morale, confidence and strength, someone courageous who will do everything in his power to defend those they love, a defender.

Bloom has a very strong sense of morality, she will do everything in her power to help others, above all she conveys trust to people, her friends know that she will never betray them.

Musa has courage, she fights for everything she believes in, she fights for herself and her friends, her strength comes from her perseverance. People think that because she is more cheerful and open, she will always be a sweet person with everyone, but the truth is that she is very frank, always says what needs to be said, and will treat others the way they deserve to be treated, she doesn't give respect for nothing, you have to deserve it.

Brandon is strong, he built his mental and physical strength alone, his daily effort is enormous, he works hard to be someone better every day, he wants to evolve more and more, if he makes mistakes he learns from them, hes not ashamed of his "weaker" self.

And Nabu is Nabu ✌️ (I don't know how to explain his lol)

Poets are dreamy and witty, extremely empathetic, but this does not mean weakness, in fact it is their greatest weapon. They are great arguers and extremely socially intelligent.

Stella may not look like it but she is very empathetic, she speaks without thinking and hates hurting other people's feelings without meaning to. As she grew up alone she had to raise herself, her mother ignored her and her father only paid attention when he wanted to look like a good father to the public, she saw all her parents twisted decisions towards the empire, and learned from their mistakes to become a leader and no longer a dictator like em.

Flora, do I really need to explain? Look at her, she is an extremely witty person, her strength comes from her great empathy towards everyone, her morals are unbreakable, her sense of right and wrong is strong, her empathy makes her seem weak but that is all she is not. At first her insecurity and innocence hold her back, but soon these chains are broken and she feels the confidence she needs to stand firm and be able to act.

Helia is an artistic and creative person, he looks at the world with different eyes, eyes full of charm and magic, he is unshakable and a great friend. It's also very similar to Stella, like A LOT. It is because of that many things in common that they were able to create such a sincere friendship.

My Riven is like in canon but with some depth?, this aggressiveness is a defense mechanism that he had to create within himself, he takes time to trust, and he is extremely insecure in his social relationships, but above all he has empathy, he doesn't want anyone to go through what he went through, and he doesn't force others to want to be on his side, Riven gradually wins everyone's hearts, he is a person of his word and honor and would never leave any member of the Winx backwards. (Sorry for the cliche lmao)

Kings, or bette, leaders, are people who inspire, they are people who are soldiers and poets mixed together, and that is why they are so good at guiding roles. Their empathy mixes with their courage and morals, making them able to command and help others.

Aisha was created to be a great queen, to make decisions for the good of her team. As she grew and learned from all the people on her planet, she honed and polished her fighting and command skills. She still needs to learn that all her actions interfere with the group tho

Tecna is a strategist, she was taught that the logical is more reliable than the emotional, so she became capable of remaining calm and finding solutions even in the most stressful situations.

While Aisha is a born leader, capable of charming and gaining the trust of others, she is still stubborn, this charisma influences people to follow her, even if the path doesn't make sense. On the other hand, Tecna doesn't have that much charisma, she's terrible at dealing with this aspect of leadership, but she knows how to identify which fights are worth it or not, so the two take action on each other's weak points, together they become better.

Timmy is able to understand the people on his team well, always knowing how they are doing and listening to them before making decisions, he assesses the physical and psychological state of each person carefully, to know if they are comfortable and well.

Sky is sky, I don't even need to explain.

I explained a little poorly to not accidentally add any spoilers, so it might be a little empty emotionally speaking lmao

[stuffedwriting]

R&R: Russian Relaxing

There lies a vessel amidst the endless sea of red. Inside that ship is a group of four, drinking and laughing, all except one. A woman by the name of Czarveta Rain. While everyone was talking she sat there quietly thinking to herself. These people were so comfortable. How? She felt so tense, she didn’t have any interesting ideas to add to the conversation. Even when she did she could never find a good place to cut in. So she just sat in silence, half listening and half trapped in her own thoughts. Those thoughts that always rose up in her mind in these types of situations, they make her want to hide away, they tell her about how much better that would make her feel. It was getting overwhelming. It was either stay here and let those thoughts become steadily worse until she was finally excused or stand up and just leave. She picked the latter and made her excuses. “I’m sorry… I need to leave. Just to be on my own for a bit.” She left before any of them could respond.

The three left at the table, William, Charlotte, and Quinn sat there in stunned silence for a minute before Charlotte broke the silence, “Should we go after her?” William smiled in an effort to calm the others, “No. like she said she needs a break.” He gave a slight chuckle. “I bet she worked up all her courage to come sit with us, reached her social limit and had to go recharge. It’s best if we take turns seeing her and if she comes out of her shell then welcome her with open arms!”

Czarveta quickly strode back to back to her workshop. Her sanctuary. A place to distract herself from her own problems and fix others but today it seemed she couldn’t do that. This problem had to be solved now, the shame of just leaving these people she was indebted to was too much. She had to repay their kindness somehow. But how? She couldn’t just go up to them and ask what they needed. There must be a way to get their requests and not talk to them. Like a suggestion box, yes. Exactly that. A way to do engineering and benefit her crew at the same time without interacting with anyone.

With that the metal bound Russian woman took her electrical saw to cut then nail together a small wooden box. Why wood? She just preferred cutting it instead of making it out of cardboard. Making it like this took longer and let her use the bigger machines. The teeth of the saw slicing through the chunk of wood was so satisfying. It was small things like this that she reveled in. After it was all together she took a small knife and cut “Czarveta’s project box” onto its side and screwed it into the wall in the outside hallway.

William sat up from his seat, turning over to his companions before he left, “I’m gonna go check on the Russki.” He went down into the hull, making his way to the maintenance room of which right outside he saw the wooden box on the wall. Reading its text made him give a small smile. Seemed Czarv had found her solution. He walked back to his quarters and wrote a small note on a piece of paper then returned to put it on the box.

Later in the day Czarveta reached inside the box and pulled out a note with “Gun closet vending machine” written on it. Seeing this made her smile, this was the captain’s doing without a doubt. With her new task in her mind she strode over to the captain’s weapon’s closet to map it out. As she studied its interior she noticed firearms and weapons she’s never seen before. Some futuristic, some completely barbaric. Still, the project shouldn’t be difficult, make a robotic arm to grab and present whatever was imputed. Like the captain had said. “A vending machine”. Simple but useful.

In her quarters Charlotte sat on her bed, mind swirling with thoughts of her new companion. She had barely known anything about her but William’s constant empathy was extremely contagious. Soon enough these thoughts overwhelmed her and she stood up to find her captain. She opened the door to his room but found it empty but she did notice the weapons closet was open. She approached, calling out to him “Willy? What are you doing in there?” Her questions doubled when she met eyes with Czarveta installing some machine inside. Charlotte spoke, trying to hide her surprise, “Miss Rain? What are you doing here? William is very protective of his weapons. He won’t be pleased that you’re snooping around in here.” Czarveta turned her attention to Charlotte with a blank expression on her face and responded in a monotone manner. “I have clearance to be here, Lady Peacock. This was requested anonymously in a suggestion box I set up. I apologize if I surprised you while you were looking for the captain.” Charlotte gave a smile in an attempt to calm her tone. “Oh, I see! And please dear, just call Charlotte.” She sat on her knees to match Czarveta’s eyes level who was similarly on the floor. “So what are you working on?” Czarveta responded in turn, “To put it simply it’s a weapons vending machine. Simply press which one you want and a robotic arm will hand you the selected weapon. I’m considering adding automated maintenance.”

Charlotte nodded, following along as she listened. “My my, that sounds very complex, tell me, where did you learn all this?” Czarveta answered as she inserted a screw, “As I child I had access to the largest library in the country due to being a royal. Growing up I spent uncountable hours there. Most things there were non-fiction. Manuals, guides, and the history of things. Seeing all these amazing inventions inspired me to create and maintain my own. I fell in love with machines, tools and problem solving. It was like solving physical riddles.” Charlotte giggled suddenly provoking Czarveta to ask; “What? Why are you laughing?” in a shocked and annoyed tone. Charlotte calmed her laughter and responded, “My apologies dear, I just find it enjoyable to see you be so passionate about your interests.” Czarveta blinked rapidly in her confusion, if she still had the ability to, she most likely would have blushed, “Alright.”

Charlotte stood up, “Well, I’ll leave you to your work, show me and Willy when you’re done, okay?” Czarveta regained her composure, “Of course.” She continued with her work, imputing code, assembling the arm, and mapping out the dimensions of the closet. Soon enough everything was completed. She got up to gather William and Charlotte. They stood in front of the closet in amazement, Czarveta let a smirk slip, pride filling her as they admired her craftsmanship. William suddenly placed his hand on her shoulder, the action causing her tense a bit, “Nice job Czarv! Mind showing us how it works?” She walked over to the machine, motioning him to follow. “Simply say the weapon you want selected or press the corresponding incon on the screen.” William did as asked and leaned in front of the screen to make his request. “Sadie.” The machine took in his words and did nothing. Charlotte giggled, “The actual name. William.” William huffed in annoyance and spoke to it again, “Double barrel sawed-off shotgun.” The robotic arm responded to his words and reached to grab then hand him his gun. William admired the weapon in his hands then redirected his gaze to Czarveta. “Pretty nice! Though it’d be better if it knew what I called them.” Czarveta responded, the pride that was in her tone had been replaced by her monotone, flat one, “It can’t read minds and neither can I. You’ll have to tell me your silly nicknames for your weapons later. I shall be returning to my chambers.” Noticing her chance leaving, Charlotte called out to Czarveta, causing her to turn her to turn head as she was leaving, “Wait!” Her voice returning to a calm and soft tone, “I’m very glad you did this, it will make William very happy.” William joined in as he realized Charlotte’s intention. “Yeah! You did great Czarv! Thanks!” A small but warm smile crossed Czarveta’s lips, “You’re welcome.”

[mjs-oc-corner]

riddle era character sheet

1/??

requested tags: @endlessly-cursed @camillejeaneshphm

Name: Grant Hudson Westbrook

Nicknames: Westbrook (quidditch), buddy (from his dad), Bear (from most of his friends, mostly in reference to his height and personality)

Birthdate: December 10th, 1929

Zodiac: Sagittarius

Nationality: American/British (American father, British mother)

Blood Status: half-blood (pureblood mother, squib father)

MBTI type: ENFJ

Physical Appearance

Hair: light brown

Eyes: blue

Height: 6’3 and 1/2”

Weight: 200 lbs.

Body type: strong, muscular build, tall and slightly imposing

Skin tone: light, tans easily

Distinguishing marks (scars, birthmarks, etc.):

from birth/childhood

scar on the back of his upper left arm from rough-housing with his brothers

feint birthmark on lower right side of his back

from teenage years/adulthood

scar on third finger of his right hand from being pecked by a rather rambunctious owl in CoMC

small burn mark on left forearm from a dragon chicklet

multiple small, feint scars on his torso and arms from missions

one large, but feint, scar on his left side from being grazed with diffindo during a mission

small eye of Horus tattoo on right inner wrist (he got this while on his first mission in Egypt, after being told that the symbol represents protection and healing)

Background

Hometown: Winchfield, England

Family:

Mother

Lucille Rose Westbrook née Napier, a pureblood witch born to Virginia and Howard Napier. second born of four children. a Hufflepuff alumni, Lucy was best in her class at charms and herbology. she would graduate Hogwarts and find a career as a herbologist. as a mother, Lucy’s main goal was to ensure that her children grew up in a loving, supportive household.

Father

Lawrence Charles Westbrook, a squib born into a pureblood family of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff alumni. eldest child of Alice and Theodore Westbrook. Lawrence would never attend Hogwarts, but once he finished with muggle education, he would have a career as a carpenter, opting to provide for his family as best as he could.

Siblings

the oldest of four children, Grant would have two younger brothers, Joseph (January 31st, 1931) and Kenneth (December 28th, 1932), and a younger sister, Nancy (February 27th, 1936)

Hogwarts

House: Ravenclaw

Best class: defense against the dark arts, potions

Worst class: history of magic (he can’t help but to start feeling sleepy during class)

Extras: Quidditch (beater for ravenclaw)

Boggart: his mother, but as an evil witch trying to kill him

Riddikulus: his mother, but in a comically over-exaggerated way with big round eyes and a bobble-head

Patronus: brown bear (grizzly bear)

Patronus Memory: his first quidditch match, when he’d kept the opposing team’s chaser from scoring the winning throw and his team celebrating him

Mirror of Erised: a vision himself, standing proudly in front of a large pile of treasure acquired from many missions, with multiple achievements to his name as a Cursebreaker

Amortentia (what he smells like): leather, sandalwood, a hint of vanilla

Amortentia (what he smells): the smell of sweets from honeydukes and vanilla, with hints of jasmine and lily of the valley

Career

Ages 11–18: Hogwarts student

Ages 18–42: Cursebreaker/Archaeologist

Ages 42–45: Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts

Ages 45–retirement: Study of Ancient Runes professor at Hogwarts

Personality & Attitude

Priorities: his family and friends, his education, his career

Strengths: his physical strength and endurance — compassion — empathy — generosity — wit — curiosity — courage — even-tempered

Weaknesses: stubbornness — impulsivity — perfectionism

Stressed: before quidditch games, during particularly tricky missions (though he doesn’t show it)

Calm/Comforted: when he’s at home on vacation, spending time with his friends and family, or in the comfort of his office

Favorites

Color: navy blue, gray

Food: goulash and potato soup, but he loves a good chocolate cream pie, a slice of cake, or some homemade cookies to satiate his sweet tooth

Drink: tea with a sprinkle of sugar, coffee with creamer and two sugars

Weather: party cloudy, temperate

Hobbies: archaeology and studying ancient runes, quidditch, traveling, writing, farming and gardening

Fashion: when he’s not in a plain white shirt and trousers (his usual work attire for missions), Grant opts to look more presentable and refined— especially if attending high-profile events. during his years as a professor, he could be more commonly found wearing nice suits or a nice button-up with dressy trousers.

Relationships

Significant Other/Love Interest: TBD

Grant is currently open for a relationship with others’ ocs, feel free to message me or reply to this to let me know if you’d like for your oc to be shipped with him!

Friends

TBD

Grant is currently open for friendships with others’ ocs, feel free to message me or reply to this to let me know if you’d like for your oc to be friends with him!

Rivals

TBD

Trivia

his first mission was in Egypt, where he spent three months. he has quite a few souvenirs that he kept for “conversation pieces”, one being a set of carved figures including Anubis, Osiris, Horus, and Bastet. another is a scarab made of gold that had been gifted to him. he would have two more missions in Egypt during his life.

after his time in Egypt, he travelled to America and spent almost two years there working on missions. while there, he’d helped track a thunderbird and he’s never forgotten about it

having grown up in a middle-class family, Grant had learned early on how to live within his means, which carried into his adult life

he has a vast knowledge of how to care for muggle farm animals, from being raised on a small farm

Grant is fiercely protective of those that he loves, which is why he believes that his patronus is a grizzly bear (though this patronus is said to represent inner strength, patience, and courage)

[aigenfandoms]

Randomized Fanfic

All characters and scenarios are randomized

All writing is completed by an AI program

Project Sekai

Characters selected: Tsukasa Tenma & Kaito

Selected scenario: Kaito notices Tsukasa has been spending more time in the wonderland sekai and confronts him about it

Kaito's footsteps echoed through the virtual world of Wonderland SEKAI as he made his way to the meeting spot. Confusion and concern tugged at his heart, his mind filled with questions. Why had Tsukasa been spending more time with him in this digital realm lately? Was there something wrong? Determined to find answers, Kaito approached Tsukasa, who was standing near the edge of a virtual waterfall, seemingly lost in thought.

"Tsukasa," Kaito called out, his voice laced with a mix of worry and curiosity. "Can we talk?"

Startled, Tsukasa turned to face Kaito, a hint of surprise on his face. "Oh, Kaito! Sure, what's on your mind?"

Kaito took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "Lately, I've noticed that you've been spending more time with me here in Wonderland SEKAI. It's been great having you around, but I can't help but wonder why. Is something bothering you?"

Tsukasa's expression softened, and he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry if it seemed strange, Kaito. It's just... I needed an escape, a way to distract myself from some personal issues I've been dealing with in the real world."

Concern etched on his face, Kaito took a step closer. "Tsukasa, you know you can talk to me about anything, right? We're friends, and I'm here for you, both in the real world and in Wonderland SEKAI."

Tsukasa nodded, a mix of relief and gratitude in his eyes. "I know, Kaito, and I appreciate that. It's just that sometimes, the weight of reality becomes too much, and I find solace in this virtual world. It's a place where I can temporarily forget my worries and just be myself."

Kaito's empathy grew, and he reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Tsukasa's shoulder. "I understand, Tsukasa. We all have our moments when we need a break from the real world. But remember, facing our problems head-on is important too. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."

Tsukasa smiled, a genuine warmth spreading across his face. "Thank you, Kaito. Your words mean a lot to me. And you're right; I shouldn't rely solely on Wonderland SEKAI to escape my troubles. I'll try to face them courageously."

Kaito returned the smile, a sense of relief washing over him. "That's the spirit, Tsukasa. And don't forget, our friendship extends beyond this virtual realm. I'm here for you, no matter what."

They stood there for a moment, the sound of the virtual waterfall providing a soothing backdrop to their conversation. Tsukasa's burden seemed a little lighter, knowing he had a friend like Kaito by his side.

Together, they ventured deeper into Wonderland SEKAI, not only to escape the hardships of reality but also to create cherished memories, forge lasting bonds, and discover the strength to confront life's challenges. As they explored the vibrant landscapes, their friendship grew stronger, their shared adventures becoming a source of support and inspiration.

In the world of Wonderland SEKAI, Tsukasa found solace, and Kaito found the opportunity to be the pillar of support he knew his friend needed. And with each passing day, their friendship blossomed, both in the digital realm and beyond, providing comfort and encouragement as they faced the complexities of the real world together.

[papirouge]

and let's not even begin with how "this is happening" and "it has nothing to do with me/have no impact in my life" arguments are both stupid arguments to justify your carelessness about something

Like- just say you "don't care" and be done with it.

Society changed precisely because individuals went over their tribalist interest and went out of their way to defend their ideals and morals. White people marched along Blacks for equal rights. Men allied with feminists for women's right. People all around the world protested for issues affecting the other side of the blog purely out of idealism (apartheid). And that selfless empathy is what makes us human - not tribalistic "each ofr their own" packs of flesh.

Of course, not everyone is from that breed and some are more courageous than others, but why trying to find some sort of (flop) kinda self victimizing rationale behind your unwillingness or inability to take a stand?

The of some of you to consistently make everything about yourself (in such a dire and tragic situation) is so vile and disgusting. Ghoulish behavior.

[crazyfilterlady2024]

"Embracing Change: Navigating the Winds of Transformation with Courage and Compassion"

"Get ready to buckle up for a digital rollercoaster ride through the heart of the online jungle, where the battle for success is fierce, and the stakes couldn't be higher! Welcome, thrill-seekers and truth-seekers alike, to a no-holds-barred exploration of the wild world of internet growth and the shocking truths that lie beneath the surface. Strap in tight as we peel back the layers of this digital maze, uncovering the stories of triumph, tragedy, and everything in between. It's time to ignite your curiosity, fuel your passion, and dive headfirst into a whirlwind of insight, inspiration, and intrigue! Welcome to the ultimate journey towards online enlightenment – where the only limit is your imagination! It's a tale as old as the internet itself: the haves versus the have-nots, the successful versus the struggling. But what's truly enraging is when those who've made it to the top not only ignore the plight of the disadvantaged but actively hinder their progress".

Picture this: a budding YouTuber with dreams as big as the screen they're broadcasting on. They've got talent, they've got drive, but what they don't have is a level playing field. Instead of receiving support and encouragement from their more established peers, they're met with disdain and derision. And why? Simply because they're not able-bodied or don't fit into society's narrow definition of success.

It's a sickening reality that's all too common in the online world. While some bask in the glow of their subscriber counts and sponsorship deals, others are left to fend for themselves, scraping by on the crumbs of an unequal system. And what's worse, those who could make a difference, who could use their platform for good, choose instead to turn a blind eye, too wrapped up in their own success to lend a helping hand.

But enough is enough. It's time to call out this injustice for what it is: pure and simple discrimination. Whether you're a content creator, a consumer, or just someone who believes in fairness, it's time to take a stand against the bullies of the internet. After all, we're all in this together, and success should never come at the expense of others' well-being.

So, to all those who would rather tear others down than lift them up, I have a simple message for you: mind your own business. Focus on your own success and leave the rest of us to pursue our dreams in peace. And remember, you never know the battles others are fighting behind the scenes, so before you judge, take a long hard look in the mirror.

In the end, we all have a choice: to be part of the problem or part of the solution. I know which side I'm on, and I hope you'll join me in standing up for what's right. Because until we all have an equal chance to succeed, none of us can truly call ourselves winners.

In the vast landscape of the internet, where clicks and views reign supreme, it's easy to get lost in the pursuit of success. But amidst the frenzy of likes and shares, it's crucial to remember the human beings behind the screens. Each click represents a person with their own struggles, dreams, and aspirations.

As we navigate this digital world, let's not lose sight of our humanity. Let's treat each other with kindness, empathy, and respect. Let's uplift those who are marginalized, amplify their voices, and create a more inclusive online community.

To those who wield their influence like a blunt instrument, using it to crush the dreams of others, I say this: your power comes with responsibility. Use it wisely. Use it to build bridges, not walls. Use it to inspire, not intimidate. And above all, use it to make the world a better place for all.

So, let's band together, not in competition, but in collaboration. Let's celebrate each other's successes and support each other through the setbacks. Let's create a digital world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.

Because at the end of the day, it's not about how many followers you have or how much money you make. It's about the impact you have on others, the connections you forge, and the positive change you bring to the world.

Prepare to delve into the depths of human selfishness and callousness, for we are about to confront a disturbing reality: the chilling indifference that pervades our society. It's a tale of those confined to the confines of their homes by fate, grappling with mental disabilities and other challenges, yet finding the courage to strive for something more. And yet, in the shadows lurks a breed of individuals whose sole concern is their own advancement, heedless of the dreams they trample in their wake.

Picture this: individuals confined to their homes; their aspirations stifled by circumstances beyond their control. They face daily battles against the demons of mental illness, physical disabilities, or other adversities. And yet, despite these monumental obstacles, they dare to defy fate, seeking solace and purpose in the pursuit of knowledge and skills that could pave the way to a brighter future.

But alas, their hopes are dashed against the callous indifference of their fellow human beings. Instead of extending a hand of support or encouragement, they are met with scorn and disdain. Those who should be their allies in the fight for progress become their most formidable adversaries, crushing their dreams beneath the weight of their own selfish ambitions.

And what's worse, these same individuals who callously disregard the struggles of others are quick to offer hollow condolences and empty gestures of sympathy when tragedy strikes. They parade their faux empathy on social media, basking in the fleeting spotlight of virtuous indignation, yet oblivious to the hypocrisy of their actions.

But let me make one thing abundantly clear: this cannot continue. We cannot allow the voices of the vulnerable to be drowned out by the cacophony of self-interest and indifference. We must stand firm against the tide of apathy, championing the cause of empathy and compassion in a world that sorely needs it.

To those who would trample on the dreams of others in pursuit of their own gain, I have a simple message: your actions have consequences. The wounds you inflict may not be visible, but they run deep, leaving scars that may never fully heal. It's time to take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask yourself: what kind of legacy do you wish to leave behind?

In the end, we are all interconnected, bound together by the threads of our shared humanity. It is only by lifting each other up, rather than tearing each other down, that we can truly thrive as a society. So let us pledge to do better, to be better, and to never lose sight of the profound impact that our actions can have on the lives of others.

In the vast expanse of our digital age, where connections are made with a click and empathy seems to be in short supply, it's time to shine a light on the darkness that lurks within our hearts. We live in a world where it's all too easy to turn a blind eye to the struggles of others, where self-absorption and indifference have become the norm.

But amidst this sea of apathy, there are those who refuse to be silenced. Those who, despite facing unimaginable challenges, dare to dream, dare to hope, and dare to strive for a better tomorrow. They are the unsung heroes of our society, the ones who refuse to let adversity define them.

And yet, even as they reach for the stars, they are met with scorn and derision from those who should know better. Instead of offering a helping hand, they are greeted with cold indifference, their dreams dismissed as fanciful fantasies. It's a heartbreaking reality that speaks volumes about the state of our humanity.

But we cannot afford to despair. We cannot allow the darkness to extinguish the light of hope that burns within each and every one of us. We must stand together, united in our determination to build a world where compassion reigns supreme, where empathy is the currency of the realm.

To those who would seek to crush the dreams of others, I say this: your actions have consequences. You may think that your indifference goes unnoticed, but make no mistake – the scars you leave behind are all too real. It's time to take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask yourself what kind of legacy you wish to leave behind.

In the end, it's not about fame or fortune, but about the impact we have on the lives of others. It's about lifting each other up, rather than tearing each other down. It's about building a world where kindness is not just a virtue, but a way of life.

So let us stand firm in the face of adversity, let us be beacons of hope in a world shrouded in darkness. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can change the world.

Listen up, folks! It's time to address the elephant in the room: change. Yeah, you heard me right. Times have changed, and we're not living in our grandparents' era anymore. We've evolved, we've adapted, and guess what? We're doing things differently now.

Now, I get it. Change can be scary. It can be uncomfortable. But here's the thing: progress waits for no one. We can't keep clinging to the past, holding onto outdated ideals and expecting the world to stay the same. It just doesn't work like that.

Sure, our parents may have had it tough. They faced challenges we can't even imagine, and yeah, maybe they had to adjust to our era. But you know what? That's life. It's messy, it's unpredictable, and it's constantly in flux.

So why are we still holding onto the past like it's some kind of safety blanket? Why are we so quick to judge others for daring to forge their own path? It's time to wake up and smell the coffee, people. We're all just trying to survive in this crazy world, and we all deserve a chance to grow and thrive.

So, let's cut each other some slack, huh? Let's give people the space they need to spread their wings and fly. After all, who are we to stand in the way of someone else's journey? We're all in this together, whether we like it or not.

And hey, if you're still hung up on the past, I get it. But here's the thing: the future is waiting, and it's full of endless possibilities. So, let's embrace the unknown, let's embrace change, and let's embrace each other.

Because at the end of the day, we're all just trying to make it in this crazy world. So, let's do it together, with open hearts and open minds.

Alright, folks, it's time to wrap things up with a bang! We've dived deep into the heart of the matter, laid bare the truth, and let's face it, stirred up some emotions along the way. But before we part ways, there's one last thing I need to say.

Change isn't easy. It's messy, it's complicated, and yeah, it can be downright infuriating at times. But here's the thing: it's also necessary. Without change, we stagnate. We become stuck in the past, unable to move forward or grow.

So, let's embrace change with open arms, with a fierce determination to carve out a better future for ourselves and for generations to come. Let's channel that anger, that frustration, that passion into something positive. Let's be the catalysts for change that our world so desperately needs.

And hey, if you're feeling overwhelmed, if you're feeling like the weight of the world is crushing down on you, just remember this: you're not alone. We're all in this together, navigating the turbulent waters of life as best we can.

So, let's lift each other up, support each other, and never lose sight of the incredible potential that lies within each and every one of us. Together, we can overcome any obstacle, conquer any challenge, and build a brighter, more hopeful future for all.

So, until next time, keep fighting the good fight, keep pushing forward, and never, ever give up. The world is counting on us.

As we wrap up our journey through the twists and turns of change, let's not forget the valuable lessons we've learned along the way. Change isn't just about shaking things up for the sake of it; it's about growth, progress, and evolution.

Throughout history, we've seen countless examples of individuals and societies embracing change and reaping the rewards. From the invention of the wheel to the advent of the internet, humanity has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible, driving innovation and transformation in every aspect of life.

But change isn't always met with open arms. There will always be resistance, fear, and uncertainty. And that's okay. It's natural to feel apprehensive about the unknown. But it's how we respond to that fear that truly matters.

Instead of succumbing to the paralysis of indecision or clinging desperately to the status quo, let's confront change head-on with courage and resilience. Let's harness the power of our collective ingenuity to shape a future that reflects our values, aspirations, and dreams.

And let's not forget the importance of empathy and compassion in times of change. As we navigate the complexities of transformation, let's extend a helping hand to those who may be struggling, offering support, understanding, and encouragement along the way.

Because ultimately, change is about more than just progress; it's about people. It's about creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, where diversity is celebrated, and where every voice is heard.

So, as we bid farewell to this chapter of our journey, let's carry forward the lessons we've learned and the insights we've gained. Let's embrace change as a force for good, a catalyst for growth, and a beacon of hope in an ever-changing world.

Love Always:

Maria D.C Santiago

aka Crazy Filter Lady

#OnlineEquality #StandUpForOthers #FairPlayOnline #NoMoreDiscrimination #EmpowerEveryVoice #InternetJustice #EqualOpportunityOnline #SupportTheUnderdogs #EndOnlineBullying #TogetherWeRise #HumanityOnline #KindnessMatters #DigitalEmpathy #InclusiveInternet #EmpowermentThroughConnection #SupportAndUplift #OnlineCommunityBuilding #InspireNotIntimidate #TogetherWeThrive #DigitalPositivity #EmpathyMatters #SupportNotScorn #HumanityFirst #DreamCrushersBeware #CompassionOverConvenience #StandUpForOthers #NoMoreHypocrisy #TogetherWeRise #KindnessIsStrength #BeTheChange #IlluminateKindness #DareToDream #EmpathyRevolution #BeTheLight #HopeInDarkness #TogetherWeThrive #HumanityUnleashed #CompassionConquersAll #StandStrongStandTogether #DreamersUnited  #EmbraceChange #ProgressIsKey #LetPeopleGrow #SurvivalOfTheFittest #NewEraNewRules #ForwardTogether #BreakTheMold #UnleashPotential #EvolveOrBeLeftBehind #ChangeIsInevitable

fav83523

[mintedemrys]

If y'all want it, here's an excerpt from the first chapter:

There’d been no order in which everyone had sat around this table before, but now, Merlin looked and paid attention. Bravery, for Lancelot. Strength, for Gwaine. Compassion, for Percival. Empathy, for Elyan. Wisdom, for Gaius. Courage, for Arthur. Heart, for Gwen. And there, at Courage’s right hand, where Merlin sat: Magic. He wanted to laugh, but all that escaped him was a strangled sort of sob. It had been right there, right in front of him – in front of all of them – for years. And no one knew. Not one single person at that table understood the significance of the symbols carved into the surface, and then Arthur went and took it and turned it into a gaudy centrepiece for his council. With a noise that no human voice should have been able to make, Merlin slammed his hand down on the table, and the stone cracked in two. The divide ran right between Courage and Magic, and the table bowed apart, each half hitting the ground with an ear-splitting crack. It was almost fitting. The two of them – Merlin and Arthur – had always seemed so close, so united, so balanced. But really, there was an unbreachable divide between them. Merlin wasn’t just some average sorcerer, and Arthur was no ordinary knight. Destiny proclaimed them to be two sides of the same coin but if that were true then how could they ever stand together? A coin could not balance on its edge in perpetuity, it had to fall one way or the other, always putting one above the other. This was the moment before the coin fell.

Not me turning my bitter!merlin fic into a merwaine fic.... nope.... definitely not me...... (this is a blatant lie, it is me, and I am feral about it so someone should definitely ask about it so I can post about it)

[valentina-writes]

Craving

A/N: Sorry, that I haven't posted in quite a while! I was lacking motivation a little bit and had a ton of other stuff to do. This one here was not requested, but the idea for it was stuck in my head for a couple days now and I couldn't concentrate on writing anything else. I will probably write some of the open requests soon.

Word Count: 1.8k

Warnings: light smut (only a few paragraphs)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

„Come on, Y/N, we‘re waiting for you!”. Cassian’s voice is calling out to you from the dance floor. Behind him, you spot Mor, looking seriously offended you’re leaving her alone and instead sitting in a corner of Rita’s with a not even half-finished drink in your hand. Rhys and Feyre must be here somewhere too.

Even Azriel is on the dance floor, a rare sight. You can’t help but stare at him, the way his wings glow faintly in the glimmering lights of the club. His body that moves so flawlessly to the rhythm, so unlike the movements you are used to see him perform when training.

Fingers entangled in your hair, the hot feeling of his lips on yours. His voice in your ear, telling you he would take you slowly.

You shake your head as if to get rid of the memory, but still blush as Azriel’s gaze meets yours for a second.

“I’m sorry guys, but I don’t feel like dancing today”, you excuse yourself. That being said, you set down your glass and quickly escape out into the night.

Inhaling the cold air slowly, you try to calm down. It’s not his fault, you remind yourself, that you can’t seem to get over him. That you start thinking in an inappropriate way as soon as your eyes meet.

His lips met your neck, kissing and sucking on it. You couldn’t help but lean into his touch, your body begging for him to come closer. As his kisses travel downward you cannot help but moan out his name.

“Y/N is everything okay?”, Mor calls out to you. The fantasy in your head is gone, leaving you restless, yearning for him.

“Yes, I’m fine”, you say, not looking up.

“No, you’re not and you know that”. She’s close enough to see your face now. “What’s wrong?”, she asks. Her eyes soften as she hugs you. Mor must have seen your despair.

“I- it’s nothing, really”. At her strict look, you wince a little bit. You want to tell her. But it’s just so embarrassing.

“I had sex. With Azriel”, you start over, taking a deep breath. But before you can continue, she exclaims: “By the Mother, that’s awesome! When? Why didn’t you tell me?”.

A tear builds up in your eye and before you know it, you’re crying into her shoulder.

“It- it… it was a couple years ago”, you finally manage to say. By now all you can really feel is embarrassment. “And it’s not awesome. Well, it was. But-“. You start sobbing again.

“It was a one-night stand. He… acts as if nothing ever happened, but I can’t stop thinking about it and whenever he looks at me, I-“. You stop talking. It sounds absolutely idiotic, even to you.

But Mor doesn’t look bewildered. Instead, she hugs you even tighter, rubbing your back slightly.

“What happens then, sweetie?”, she asks.

Sighing, you gulp down your embarrassment: “I miss him. A lot. He’s still there, of course. But afterwards he stopped talking to me the way he did before. We’re not as close anymore. And above all I not only miss our friendship …”, your cheeks heat up again, “Since him I’ve never had sex THAT good again, so I stopped having any altogether. And now I’m not only missing him and kind of into him, I’m also sexually frustrated and lonely”.

You did have sex with other males in the succeeding weeks. But none of them had been able to give you the same feeling he did. That indescribable feeling of closure and … being loved. Even though he most likely didn’t love you, because it took him a month to even look at you again.

Mor’s face is a mix of amusement and empathy: “Like… no sex in years? For a guy who fucked you so good but then what? Ignored you? Even though there was this feeling that nobody else could give you?”. You nod, and she actually starts laughing. “Honey, if you weren’t that sad it would be hilarious, because it sure as hell sounds like he’s your mate”.

Your entire world shifts in that moment.

Your sweaty bodies are tangled in his sheets, gasping for air. Azriel’s shadows swirling around you, purring in your ears. With his final thrust, the world around you seems to fade away. There’s just him and you, for a second you don’t even know where his body ends and yours begins anymore.

Shocked, you look at her. “I… that kind of makes sense? But he would’ve talked to me then, wouldn’t he? I … I’m so confused right now”.

Your thoughts are running wild. Was this the reason he ignored you? Because he was overwhelmed? Was he waiting for you to make the first step? Or… Or was he not interested in the bond and wanted to reject it?

“Y/N? Mor? Is everything alright? Rhys told me to look after you, you’ve been gone for quite a while now”. You quickly wipe away your tears at Azriel’s voice. What should you tell him?

Mor winks at you, already making her way back towards the entrance: “Everything alright, shadowsinger. You might want to stay and talk to Y/N for a second though”.

And just like that, Mor vanishes, leaving me alone with Azriel. His wings are slightly shuffling behind his back and his gaze on me looks worried.

“So, uhm what did Mor mean?”. His shadows are coiling closely around his arms, showing how uncomfortable he is.

You inhale slowly, making sense of your thoughts. You find no good solution, so you just decide to start at the beginning.

“A couple of years ago we… after a celebration for you when you came home from a mission we had sex. Do you remember?”. It was almost painful to say this while watching him. Not only was the atmosphere incredibly tense, but also the possibility of him actually having forgotten about it made you sad.

He frowned a little, “I do remember, Y/N. Quite well, actually. But I don’t get what you’re trying to tell me”. For a second, you believe to see a certain hunger in his eyes. An expression you had only seen once on him before.

Nodding, you continue, “There was this… this feeling back then. Something I’ve never felt before. And nobody else has been able to make me feel the same way. I told Mor about it…”

You can’t finish your sentence, he cuts in sharply, “Why are you telling Mor this after years?”. And to himself, almost inaudible, he murmurs, “Don’t think about the other males”. The anger on his face is devastating.

You are absolutely terrified, but know you have to tell him. So, you muster up all of your courage and speek the words aloud that had been on your mind ever since, “Because I am in love with you. Because I don’t know what I should do about this, as you’re so distant all the time. And I cannot take this anymore, I miss you. I hate seeing you with other females. When I can’t fall asleep I think about this connection I felt that night”.

The pure shock on his face quickly gives way to a broad smile. “And what Mor meant is that… when I talked to her and described that feeling to her, she said we are most probably mates”. The last word is purely a whisper hanging in the air between you two. Mates.

And then, without hesitation, he begins to talk. “The first time I felt the bond was about two weeks before that night, when I said goodbye to you before that mission. It was so painful to leave you behind…”

“Hold up, you knew of the bond?”, you question him. Guilt creeps upon his face. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why did you ignore me for weeks after we had sex? Do you know what this did to me? All these years and you didn’t bother to just talk to me?”. Hot tears again spill over your cheeks.

He comes closer, as to wipe your tears away, but you back away.

“Y/N, I thought you didn’t want the bond. That you rejected it. Or worse, that it was only one-sided, because I couldn’t feel you across it. Rhys told me that the safest way to know was to just sleep with you, because then the bond normally clears up, but it didn’t work. At least I thought so”. The look on his face is pleading, but still, all you feel is anger and loneliness.

“So you only slept with me because Rhys told you so?”.

“No! I did it, because I love you and wanted you, truly. I still wished that the mating bond would reveal itself. And when I thought that it hadn’t worked, I couldn’t bear to be around you. I was so angry at the Cauldron, because I felt unworthy. Again. Imagine being in my situation. Having a mate, but the bond not working completely, the other person unaware of what’s going on! I did what I had to do to protect myself”.

The vulnerability in his statement catches you absolutely off guard. A small smile formed on your face, as you walk a few steps towards him.

“Maybe we weren’t ready back then. Maybe it kept us waiting, because it knew we would need the time to work things out”, you suggest, closing the distance between you and him.

His eyes twinkle in the starlight, as he lowers his head, “Well, there’s only one way of finding out”, he says as he cradles your head in his hands. Slowly, he comes closer and closer, until you can’t endure the tension anymore and slam your lips on his.

His lips are velvet on yours, only intensifying the kiss after a few seconds. He holds himself back, almost painfully so. But you are yearning for him, for his touch. And as you licked his lower lip and he grants you access to his mouth, you felt it again. The euphoria racing through your veins. And as you kept kissing, it was as if a fog lifts itself and all of a sudden you can feel him, not only against your body, but also against your soul, interlocking with it.

He must have felt the same thing, as we both gasp for air almost at the same time. Azriel’s mouth twists into a smile as he kisses me again. His wings are now wrapped around you, obscuring you from any passers-by.

“I’ve waited 500 years to find you, my mate”, he says. The word echoing through me. Mate. Mate. Mate. You still can’t believe this is actually happening, as you send a wave of love across the bond. “But I would have waited 500 more for you. For this moment alone”.

At this, you kiss him again, unable to express your emotions any other way. “Let’s end this journey how we began it, shall we? With me in your bed”.

[mrslilyrogers]

All I have to do is Dream Part 3

Pairing: Steve x Reader, Telepath! Reader (X-men reader)

Summary: It’s been five years since the snap. You and Steve are stuck at an impasse. You want a family, he doesn’t. He says he’s moved on but has he really? With your doubts growing, you consider risking his trust and use your powers on him to get your answers once and for all.

Author’s notes: This is late and not as long as I hoped it would be but hope you all enjoy! There might be one more part left to this series and maybe an epilogue. 

Eight voicemails and twelve messages. Eight voicemails and twelve messages from the person you wanted to talk to the most. Everyday for the past few weeks since you left, he called. And everyday your hands itched to reach out and call back but you stopped yourself. 

“I love her!” 

His voice echoed in your head. Enough was enough. Your fingers kneaded your temples, trying to alleviate the headache forming there. It didn’t help that there was a dark gnawing feeling in your gut, something was wrong. You knew it. A sixth sense, if you will. It happened the first time your powers manifested. You had been eight then, in front of the television with your dad when suddenly, your heart started to beat faster, your breaths coming in short pants, and your forehead dotted in sweats; a strong sense of foreboding crept under your skin and ever since then, life had never been the same. 

That night, you slept in a restless slumber; trapped under a heavy spell while you watched your father as a young boy. You had no idea how you knew the man who carried you over his shoulders, who seemed so strong and indestructible to your child’s eyes, was this same little boy you watched. You couldn’t understand it, you were dreaming but it was so real. Every detail as crisp as if you had been there and witnessed it. It wasn’t long before it all changed, everything before you cast in a darker shade, the people around you in black, sliding apologetic glances towards the somber boy standing in between his grandparents. You started to break out in a cold sweat, you were at a funeral. The boy’s parents, your father’s parents, just died. You ran, screaming, your heart racing, trying to find a way to get out. You couldn’t stay here, you couldn’t. But the more frantic you became, the more everything jumbled, bringing out his worst fears and nightmares and all you could do was scream, helpless and trapped. 

Oddly enough, that was how you felt now. Despite leaving Steve for the sake of the both of you, you were trapped, helpless to the niggling thought at the back of your mind that something was about to go horribly wrong. You tried to remember everything Xavier Institute has taught you, you were a telepath and with it came a natural intuition you couldn’t ignore. A heightened sense of empathy and awareness. 

You understood people even when they barely gave you a chance to be understood. You still remembered all those times people ran away from you. Those you considered your closest friends, even your teachers, treated you as if you were the plague. Their thoughts filled with dread and terror while you desperately tried to explain yourself but the more agitated you became, the more you lost control. It gave you no other choice but to distance yourself from them, getting homeschooled and keeping to yourself as much as you could. Your father tried his best, you knew he did but he could never look at you the same way. You didn’t have to get into his head to hear his cries at night, worrying and wondering where he went wrong.

It wasn’t long before Professor X found you and invited you to join his school for the gifted. School for the gifted. There was a time you couldn’t say that without a roll to your eyes, how could it have been a gift when all it ever caused you was sorrow? The day it was finally time for you to leave the only home you’ve ever known, your father’s relief was palpable in the air. He never gave voice to it and instead promised to visit as often as he could but even then, you knew he wouldn’t have been able to keep up. He visited you less and less as time went on until your relationship was reduced to a couple of phone calls barely lasting five minutes long. 

That was why you learned never to get too close. You owed to the X-Men who you were today. They had given you a place to call home, somewhere to belong to. For all the years you spent at the institute, they were nothing but kind to you, encouraging you, helping you hone your abilities and to cope with the loss of your former life. They gave you a fresh start, a new family and it should’ve been enough and in some ways, it is. But there was always a part of yourself you couldn’t give no matter how hard you tried and so the moment you could leave, you left. You wandered on your own, occasionally coming back to visit and catch up before leaving again, never planting any roots. That was the way you wanted it, that way you could never get hurt. 

Until Steve.

He instantly broke down your defenses and what was supposed to be a one-timer mission turned longer than you would’ve ever dreamed. You would’ve been lying if you said you didn’t stay with the Avengers because of him. The truth was as much as staying with them was fulfilling, there was a part of him that called out to you. You understood him, a man out of his time. Out of place. All you’ve ever felt your whole life. His loneliness drew you to him like a moth to a flame. He never showed it, too proud to admit it to himself but you knew it the instant you met him. He was untethered, burdened to continue on in a world he didn’t belong in. Your heart ached for him, for a man so lost that he only ever felt alive when he was at war. You tried to help him see the world with color again. “Ironic, coming from you,” you thought to yourself. But the more time you spent with him, the more your cynicism chipped away bit by bit until you became closer to the person you were before your abilities. Free to dream and love as you should’ve been. It was as if you needed him as much as he needed you. 

“Would you like a refill for that, honey?” the kindly old waitress asked, jerking you out of your reverie, her wrinkled face etched into a pitying smile. You shook your head and gave her your thanks, the dread in your chest intensifying once more. 

Look at where you are now, back to square one. 

You huffed at the tiny voice inside your head. She was right. Here you were, sat on a dingy couch at a diner in the middle of nowhere running from the people you loved the most. You looked at your phone again, the gnawing feeling in the pit of your stomach screaming at you to do something. You should at least call Nat, you thought to yourself. You’d been planning to call her anyway even though you always chickened out. That seemed the safest thing to do for your sanity, make sure they were alright then you’d be on your merry way again. It was the only way to calm your racing heart, to get rid of that sense of foreboding creeping up at you and pulling you down. You could just be anxious, right? Guilt and shame of leaving plaguing you before you could truly move on. After that phone call, everything will be put back to rights. You’ll feel better, you keep telling yourself. Only your mind wouldn’t listen. 

The ringing on the other end of the line kept you on edge and when Nat’s worried voice greeted you, you let out a breath you didn’t know you’d been holding. 

“Y/N! Where the hell have you been? Steve has been looking everywhere for you! Do you know how worried we’ve been?”

You could hear the hurt in her tone and your heart broke at how you’d left things with your friend, completely forgetting about how she’d react when you impulsively decided to run away. But they were safe. At least, they were safe. Tears pricked at your eyes, you had no idea just how desperate you’ve become to hear her voice on the line, to know that nothing had happened in your absence and the stress of these past few weeks have just been taking its toll.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Nat--” you broke off, your voice cracking from trying not to cry. 

“I shouldn’t have left the way I did but it was just too much, I had to leave. I couldn’t stay, not after everything that happened,” you continued, sniffing through it, willing yourself not to break down to your best friend on the phone in the middle of a busy diner.

“I know, sweetie. Steve told me all about it.” She sighed, sounding tired, before continuing, “You know I will never pick any sides right? I’ll support whatever you decide.” 

“Thanks, Nat. I knew you would, I never doubted you. It’s just… it’s been a lot to take in and I can’t… I don’t know how to face him if…” you trailed off, not having the courage to continue what you knew all along. It was one thing to admit it to yourself but another to say it out loud to another person. It made it more real. More final. You picked at the hem of your shirt, shaking your head. It was as if Nat knew what you were thinking, she gave another sigh on the other end of the line.

“It’s okay, you don’t have to talk about it now. But Y/N, he really does love you. He hasn’t been the same since you left and--” she immediately cut herself off as if she was about to say something she shouldn’t. You didn’t miss her sharp intake of breath before she continued, “You should really talk to him, Y/N.” 

“Nat, what’s going on? Are you guys alright?”

You felt goosebumps on your flesh. Rubbing your free hand on your thigh, you tried to calm your racing nerves.

“No, no, we’re fine. Don’t worry--” she replied instantaneously, reassuring you but before she could continue, you cut her off, relief washing over you. 

“Good. That’s good. Cause for a while there, I thought you were gonna say something crazy. I’ve just been having this weird feeling that something big is going to happen. But I’m probably just being anxious. Sorry, what were you saying?” 

“You really do have that scary clairvoyant thing going on sometimes,” you heard her laugh at you, teasing, but before you could say anything else, she turned serious, 

“Y/N, we’re gonna try to bring everyone back,” her voice was filled with hope and determination that it made you pause, your brain struggling to keep up. 

What? Did you hear her right? 

She started to explain their plan but your mind was already spinning. You immediately left the booth, slapping a ten dollar bill on the table. Your frantic steps heading into the direction of your car parked outside.

“Nat, Nat, hold on. What do you mean you’re leaving? Traveling through time? Is that even possible?” You slammed the door on your car, your voice hushed as if scared to even wonder, heart beating rapidly in your chest. 

If she really meant what you think she meant then they were all going to risk their lives for an attempt to bring everyone back. But who knew if it would even work? What if they got lost? What if they never came back? You didn’t give yourself a moment to hope. This was too dangerous. Too quick and impulsive. You needed to talk to Steve.

Before Nat could reply, you heard him call her in the background, his voice authoritative and resolute. They were ready. They were going to leave now. 

“Nat, let me talk to him,” you heard yourself say without preamble. There was no need to think it through, it didn’t matter if he hated you, if he wanted nothing to do with you, you just had to talk to him. 

“Who’s that?” You could hear him ask in the background, his voice far, his footsteps approaching. 

The moment he realized who was on the other line, the moment he saw your picture flash on his friend’s screen, his hand shot out frantically for it, scared you’d leave before he even got a chance to hear your voice. 

“Y/N?” he asked softly, worried you might suddenly end the call. You could almost see the look on his face, eyebrows furrowed, eyes searching and concerned. 

“Steve,” All the emotions you felt carried out in a single name. Regret, shame, longing. That was all it took before you broke down into tears. If you hadn’t called Nat, if you had let even one more day pass by, your last fight could’ve been the last time you ever saw him. 

“Is everything alright? What happened? Are you okay?” he was suddenly alert, voice booming with concern and just a little bit of panic. 

“No, I’m fine, I’m fine. Nat told me everything. Are you leaving already? What’s going on?” you managed to choke out, trying to regain as much composure as you can. You heard him let out a sigh of relief on the other end. 

“Oh, doll. Don’t worry about us. It’ll be alright. We’ve got it under control, I promise,” he sounded so sure of himself, his voice so soothing, almost as if he were caressing your back like he usually does to reassure you. You heard his footsteps again and the closing of a door, you assumed he looked for a place more private, quiet. This time, you wouldn’t easily let up. 

“You can’t promise that, Steve. Let me come with you,” you pleaded, exasperation in your tone. You surprised even yourself, your hands already frantically moving to drive.  You had no idea what came over you, had no idea what you were even really getting into. All you knew was that no matter where you stood in your relationship, you’ve been through so much together, you couldn’t let him face this alone. 

“No. Absolutely not. It’s too dangerous, Y/N. Just stay where you are and I’ll come find you when all this is over,” his voice brooked no argument. You could already tell how he looked like, his head shaking vehemently, feet braced apart, eyes flashing with determination. 

“Steve--” you started, voice rising in return but he immediately cut you off. 

“Y/N, listen to me. I don’t have much time but please, just this once, promise me you’ll stay where you are. Keep yourself safe until I come find you--”

“No way am I--” you spoke over him, your patience wearing thin, panic rising in your throat. 

“Y/N, let me finish. Doll, I don’t have much time. We’ve already ran simulations and this works. We’re gonna get them all back but I can’t do that if I think you’re in trouble so please, baby, just promise me you’ll stay put. It’ll only be a minute for you. Just stay where you are, please. I can’t lose you, love.” his voice verged on desperation, making you pause. 

“I know I’ve said some things I can’t take back and god, do I fucking regret them every single day since you left but I love you. And if this fails and I don’t come back, I need to know you’re at least safe. I need you to promise me that,”

“Steve, don’t… don’t talk like that,” you shook your head, not acknowledging what he was saying. This was unfair. Steve was never one to be pessimistic, he never showed any vulnerability before a mission and the fact that he did now made your heart ache. He had one goal and one goal only, he wanted to right what he perceived to be his wrong. He was going into this fully prepared to give his life to get everyone back. But for you, the stakes were too high. Who knew the dangers of what the past held? What if something happens that would keep him there? 

“Love, please. We’re leaving soon,”

You let out a huge breath. “Just promise me you’ll be back?” 

You could almost hear the smile on his face, could almost see his shoulders sag with relief. 

“Then promise me, you’d stop driving while on the phone,” he joked, trying to make light of the situation. He knew how you could get when you excessively worried about him. He didn’t even realize how much he loved it until now that your fussing was reduced to a phone call. 

“Steve, I mean it,” you warned seriously. 

“When have I ever backed down from a fight? And this is just an extraction mission. I’ll be back before you know it, I promise,” his voice sounded so calming, you almost believed it. 

Despite his downplaying, you knew the risks. Time travel? Who could even say they’ve thought this would be possible even in their wildest dreams?

“I’ve gotta go, sweetheart. I love you. I’ll come to you as soon as all this is over,” you heard the scuffle of feet in the background, heard F.R.I.D.A.Y calling out to him, and suddenly, you didn’t have enough time. You had so much to say, so much to apologize for.

“Steve, wait--” you started desperately, ready to beg for forgiveness. 

“Don’t.” he cut you off quickly as if already knowing the direction you were heading in. 

“There’s no need, doll. I love you, we’ll make this work. I promise, I’ll do everything I can to make it work,”

He sounded so sincere, so forgiving that it made your lips tremble into a soft smile.

“I love you too, Steve. I’ll see you guys in a minute,” you replied, trying to sound as lighthearted as you could when you heard Nat scream it to you in the background. You didn’t want to psyche him out with your worry. This was the mission of his lifetime, everyone depended on him. 

You tried to ignore the heavy feeling in your gut, the fear crawling up your veins. 

Something is about to go wrong. 

Steve chuckled, finally feeling a weight being lifted off his chest, finally able to hope again. This was the future he looked forward to. 

“We’ll see you in a minute, baby,”  

You hoped to God you would. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author’s notes: This was tough to write since everything happens through a phone call. I tried to capture the tension of the situation through that and hope I did. As always, let me know what you think! Thanks for reading! 

[vibraniumwing]

the truth in your eyes.

a bucky barnes x fem!reader blurb wherein the reader shows bucky that someone does trust him.

WARNING: TFATWS SPOILERS, bucky having flashbacks, aside from that nothing else. (maybe a dash of angst if you squint just enough)

A/N: so as you all know, episode four was a rollercoaster of emotions for everyone and well that one scene where bucky was finally set free tore me into a million pieces, making me sob so hard (the hardest since the last episode of wandavision) and gave me so much muse. listened to hate to see your heartbreak by paramore while writing this. totally didn’t cry while re-watching those scenes for this fic. (sobbed even more when i listened to safe and sound bye)

beta read by these two lovelies: @anchoeritic and @harrysweasleys but mistakes are all mine!

---

“...Hail HYDRA” was all that left Bucky’s lips as he easily snapped the neck of the man that he pursued in another mission as the Winter Soldier. His face was blank and cold as he stood there, eyes gazing over the lifeless body of the man in front him before looking at the other man standing by the end of the hallway, practically frozen with fear.

The sound of his boots were resonating in the hallway, overpowering the clatter of the keys of the man as he tried his best to unlock his hotel room. Panic consumed him as he felt The Winter Soldier’s presence draw nearer to him, “P-Please, I didn’t see anything,” He begged, avoiding the super assassin’s intimidating gaze.

Fear creeping into his system as he knew he was facing his untimely death as the stare of the man made him cower even more in fear, his breath staggered as he spoke, “I- I didn’t see anything.” He repeated profusely, unable to control his sobs as the gun was easily pointed to him, eyes closing as his demise came with a loud

BANG

Bucky jolted awake, sweat accumulating on his forehead, his body flushed despite the cold air that drifted through the room. His head turned to the cause of the sudden sound only to see your water bottle on the floor and your siamese cat, Steve, replacing its spot. He shifted his attention to you, wanting to make sure that you weren’t disturbed in your sleep.

The corner of his lips turned into a smile to see you deep in your slumber, your plush tiers slightly ajar as soft snores escaped. You looked so snug and harmless in his shirt, its size making you seem smaller as you were drowning in the clothing piece.

He slowly made his way out of your bed, slipping away to the kitchen to grab some milk to calm down his nerves. His steps were quiet, creeping around the apartment, scared he might accidentally wake you up and the last thing he wants is to disrupt you from your good night’s rest.

Bucky knew the layout of your apartment’s layout like the back of his hand, easily making his way towards the fridge where he grabbed his carton of chocolate milk that you bought especially for him, knowing about the secret love for sweets the man has. Grabbing a mug, he poured the cold drink and placed it inside the microwave, heating it up.

He then leaned back into the kitchen island, arms crossed together as he was still deep in thought, the terror of the innocent man that The Winter Soldier killed haunting him as he knew he had to make amends with his father once he gained the courage to do so. His right arm covering his mouth as he let a frustrated groan, wanting nothing more than to have these dreams stop haunting him.

“It is time” Ayo said from across the fire, spear in her hand as she looked at Bucky with a determined look.

He was less than half of the man he was at present, broken and lost as the Wakandans took him in and helped him regain control over his mind, hoping to give him some sort of stability in his life. Hiis eyes cast down and was focused on the fire in front of him, its warmth giving him a sense of comfort, “You sure about this?” he questioned, voice laced with a mixture of despair and hope.

“I won’t let you hurt anyone” The warrior reassured, staying silent for a moment to give way for Bucky to ready himself. She walked towards him slowly as she started off, “желание” her voice the only thing heard aside from the gust of wind and the crackle of the campfire. “Ржавый”

“...семнадцать” and that’s when he felt it. Flashbacks of him and Steve’s fight along the highway of New York coming back to him, the first time he encountered him after years of no contact; he didn’t even know himself when Steve called him Bucky. His struggle as Zemo got a hold of the infamous red notebook that holds his trigger words, activating the Winter Soldier that caused disruption amongst the avengers.

“добросердечный, добрый. девять” Ayo continued, watching him intently, seeing the struggle that was clear as day on his face. Bucky continued to have his memories thrown at him, seeing the destruction he caused as something he wasn’t, causing him to erupt in tears.

“Один” His torment under the hands of HYDRA causing him great pain as he fought everything under his willpower to keep everything contained. Bucky’s tears were uncontrollable as realization hit him.

“грузовой вагон” Ayo finished, looking at him with a warm and proud smile, relief evident in her demeanor as she spoke, “You’re free.” causing him to erupt into a sob.

Those two words echoing in his mind as he finally felt free, a heavy weight lifted off from his shoulders, feeling himself gain control over the monster that lived inside him; overjoyed and relieved that he can start the journey of being free from there. He was finally James Buchanan Barnes again.

“Bucky!” a voice disconnected him from his train of thought, head whipping to the side where he saw you, clad in just his shirt as you hugged the pillow with one arm, the other raised as you rubbed the sleep off from your eyes. “Your milk is cold again.” you stated, dropping the pillow as you walked in front of him, wrapping your arms around his bare torso.

He was quick to reciprocate the hug, holding you close to him. “You shouldn’t be up yet, doll.” His voice was gruff, trying his best to hold back the tears that welled up in his eyes, pressing a quick kiss to the crown of your head before burying his face against your neck, inhaling your scent that he found comfort in.

“The cold is bed without you.” You mumbled softly, feeling drowsier than ever as the heat from his body was enough to lull you back into slumber. Your jumbled sentence made him chuckle, further proving his point that you should be sleeping.

But you knew Buck like the back of your hand, he would only drink his chocolate milk hot if there was something he wanted to clear his mind so you pulled away just enough for you to look at him, your e/c orbs meeting his icy blue ones that showcase so much emotion that his face couldn’t convey. “What’s wrong, James?”

His brows furrowed for a second upon your use of his real name, knowing that you were serious about your question, “Nothing, baby. I’m fine.” He reassured, squeezing you lightly in his arms, hoping that you would buy his alibi but you weren’t fooled despite your sleepy state.

“You only drink your chocolate milk warm if you have something on your mind, so please, James. Tell me.” You pleaded, your innocent state tugging Bucky at the heartstrings as he flipped your position, easily lifting you to sit on the kitchen island as he positioned himself in the middle of your legs, his arms not leaving your frame.

“I… I had another nightmare.” Buck started off, his voice was still as low as before, but it was laced with a hint of brokenness as he recalled the horror of his dream. “You know the recurring one I’ve been dealing with? That one.” he didn’t want to go into detail about anything, finding it hard to find the right words to use. “I… I still feel like a monster.”

You shushed him, pulling away to let your hands rest on his shoulders, your eyes meeting his once again. “You’re not a monster, Buck. You never were.” Which was true, you were the few who believed that he was innocent and not a cold-hearted killer like everyone believes him to be. “You didn’t have a choice一 so please don’t blame yourself for any of this,”

Your smaller hands found its spot on the sides of his face, wiping the tears that glistened on his skin as the moonlight hit him, highlighting the beauty of his eyes even more. “It would take a person with real empathy to see the truth in your eyes. Those beautiful eyes that have shown me nothing but love and adoration, you have my trust Buck. You have me, Sam, and… Steve. You have us.”

Bucky was silent, taking in your words before nodding, his larger hands engulfing yours as he held them, giving them a reassuring squeeze. “Thank you, Y/N. For always believing in me, for trusting me.”

“Always, James. Always.”

---

TAGLIST: @https-bvcky @luana @harrysweasleys @weasleytwins-41 @anchoeritic @lunalovecroft

those whose usernames are in bold, i cannot tag you for some weird reason. join my taglist! it's located in my main masterlist!