#how the fuck do i tag apollo do i just tag him as apollo or do i add something else

[clytemnestraenjoyer]

Dumb video I made. The oresteia hyperfixation still has me in its grip

[yourfourthparent]

love seeing posts that are like "i block people who like/post about/do this" and it's something i do from someone i have interacted with multiple times

[bugwolfsstuff]

Also this

I want to give Mr D daddy issues but in the 'I was his favorite, what happened?' way

[ie. the daddy's girl to the least favorite child the moment she hits puberty way (projecting here)]

[fryingpan1234567]

aaaaaanyways. pride month at Camp Half Blood?

if you remember that one post from a while ago (general hc’s about chb), I did say I would do a fully pride post eventually

so without further ado, I present to all my lovely gay demigods:

PRIDE MONTH AT CHB🗣️🗣️

SO we’ve already discussed the decorations of some of the cabins, like Percy putting rainbow hippocampi scales all over the walls, the Demeter and Persephone cabins growing colorful flowers all over their roofs, the Hecate cabin and its Sentient Gay Door

I like to think the Iris cabin is just fully blasting rainbows all the time it looks like a Minecraft beacon

they play capture the flag every June with a pride flag that has the CHB logo on it

limited edition CHB pride merch😭

Mr. D defending trans campers by driving bigots slightly insane long enough to slap themselves and then go back to normal

Y’ALL KNOW ABOUT THE PRONOUN CORRECTION AIR HORNS? THAT’S THE ENTIRE APOLLO CABIN + LEO AND PERCY

Some ignorant prick about a transmasc camper: “Oh yeah she—“

Percy: *AIR HORN* “IT’S HE, BITCH”

Ignorant prick: “Okay Jesus I’m sorry”

A different ignorant prick: *makes some dumb joke about “always being able to tell” and receives at least seven different air horns from all the Apollo campers in the vicinity*

Leo’s been following this one really irritating chick around all day because she can’t figure out one of his sibling’s genders and blasting her in the face every time she fucks up their pronouns😭😭😭

anyways yeah I like to imagine there’s a demigod pride festival somewhere, maybe in New York

or no there’s demigods everywhere I bet they have parade floats all the time in lots of cities and the Mist conceals the “fireworks” which are actually just godly light shows

Apollo rocks up to camp in a rainbow crop top and a pink drink from Starbucks just to sing Born This Way in the middle of the day and then dip again

Aphrodite blessing random queer couples with finding perfect date setups “conveniently” in their paths

all the gods physically restraining Hera when she tries to go fuck with Jason while he’s on a date w Leo

Percy and Annabeth in matching shirts that say ✨BEST BI✨ with the Best Buy price tag logo in the middle

Nico got glitterbombed on June 1st the second he stepped out of his cabin by the entire Apollo cabin (and Jason) and is still finding sparkles in his hair a week later

Aphrodite kids are walking dictionaries of all the rainbow terms, somehow, and they also all know which days in June are for which awareness or pride or whatever flag

campers who transitioned over the school year and coming back to camp a different gender and their godly parent re-claims them as their true self

Percy “I can’t believe I used to think I was straight” Jackson educating some of the younger campers on bisexuality and how, no, you don’t always know right away

Annabeth “I had a crush on Thalia and Luke at the same time and it was horrible” Chase always reassuring the nervous kids that there’s nothing wrong with being queer (and that she’ll fight any homophobic family members they may have)

actually they kind of all do that

Some little kid: “Well……. I don’t wanna tell my stepdad, he might kick me out”

Percy, remembering that his dad kept Medusa’s head after it got sent to Olympus: “Give me your address, I have an idea”

Piper will verbally eviscerate anybody she catches being even remotely homophobic. I mean she will swipe phones out of her siblings’ hands to tell off some ignorant grandmother

Jason does NOT get into physical altercations outside of sparring and literal war, but the closest he ever got was after hearing someone call Nico a slur (Percy and Leo had to physically drag him away from the other guy)

William Solace has white cowboy boots. I Will Start Sobbing On The Spot

Percy and Jason wore matching skirts for the pride festival and it was great— these 6-foot-plus brick shithouses of heroes who have single-handedly won wars aggressively waving tiny pride flags at each other and dancing to IT GIRL on the quad

Cecil and Lou Ellen made these magic rainbow smoke bombs, crawled up on the roof of the Hermes cabin, and slingshotted them into the masses Just Because™️

(Will’s hair was blue and pink for weeks)

RAINBOW WAR PAINT FOR CAPTURE THE FLAG.

Clarisse fucking kicked someone into the lake because they made fun of one of her siblings’ dyed hair

Connor thought it would be funny to leave a mini pan flag on top of Mr. D’s Diet Coke stash, mostly as a harmless joke, but the next day he noticed Mr. D had tucked it into his horrible Hawaiian shirt pocket like a handkerchief😭

watching Love, Simon in the amphitheater for movie night and half the campers had to excuse themselves early for sobbing too hard

Malcolm and Annabeth reread Red White and Royal Blue every summer. They say they’re Henry and June, Connor is Alex, and Percy is Nora

(this is confirmed when the two of them start a foot fight in the dining pavilion with a Chipotle burrito)

Leo IMing Jo and Emmie to wish them a happy pride (and tell Georgina and Waystation I said hello)

Piper and Leo getting into a HEATED debate about whether Velma Dinkley is a lesbian or not

”YOU CANNOT LOOK AT HER OVERSIZED-SWEATER-OVER-MY-PROM-DRESS ASS AND TELL ME YOU THINK SHE’S TOTALLY STRAIGHT—“

”WHAT SHE AND SHAGGY HAD WAS REAL, BEAUTY QUEEN! HOT DOG WATER AIN’T GOT NOTHIN ON NORVILLE ROGERS—“

”LEO! HER NAME IS MARCIE! AND THEY ARE EACH OTHER’S W A L L P A P E R S .”

Jason, sitting in the middle of them, now deaf in both ears: Lupa give me strength

GUYS PLEASE SEND ME SPECIFIC SHIPS OR CHARACTERS TO WRITE PRIDE HC’S FOR I WOULD LOVE TO🙏🙏🙏🙏

[itwasntimethatdidit40]

Perfect.

Pairing/AU: Soft Boyfriend!Joel Miller X Curvy AFAB!reader , no outbreak.

Words count: 3612, One shot.

Summary: Basically Joel worshipping you and your curvy body ❤️

Warning: +18 only because there is a little bit of smut in the end (Joel 🍽️😺), nothing too serious but still. Reader is curvy, has wide hips, big breasts, has hair (not specified how long or what color it is or anything), has a freckle above her upper lip. Age not mentioned but they’re both fully grown adults. Joel is the cutest and loves you deeply like anyone has ever done before. (If I did things right you will end up crying a little bit, hopefully)

We talk about not accepting ourselves, seeing ourselves as ugly, having a bad relationship with a parent (mom), briefly about bullying and in general about how society perceives non-conforming bodies and how sometimes we convince ourselves that we are wrong. I don't go into much depth but there are still some passages that I feel are truly mine, so you are warned. I don’t want to trigger you, I want you to feel beautiful and valid and one of a kind and special. All of you.

I was toying myself with the idea of a story about Joel and a curvy reader and this came out. I wrote this at 2am after listening to “Pedro” and “Glow” by Omar Apollo with tears streaming down my face, it’s probably full of mistakes (English is not my first language, no beta reader because it’s 2 fucking am and I should sleep like everybody else in my time zone instead of doing this DAMN!) so I beg your pardon, my brain is a mess right now.

Most of all, I hope you will like it, let me know! Thanks to anyone who will read this.

Archive tags: @pedrostories thank you so much for asking me to do it ♥️

You wake up in bed alone and you stretch your arm on the other side of the bed feeling it empty and cold.

Joel is out for work, meeting a big potential client who wants to renovate his huge mansion.

Obviously he has to try to get the job, but you feel like he's been forever away when he's only been gone for two days.

Your bed feels so large without him in it.

You grab his pillow to try to inhale his scent, just a little tiny bit of him that still lingers on it.

Your man smells amazing, even when he come home after a full day of working in a construction site you’re madly aroused by the minty, sweet, sweaty essence of him.

You don’t care that he’s covered in dust and rubble, you just throw yourself in his arms and take his mouth that rightfully belongs to you and only you and you feel so lucky and blessed to have him in your life.

You had so much troubles with your love life.

You’ve never been skinny, to begin with.

You always had a discomfort with your appearance, your friends were tiny and cute while you were just standing there being ignored.

You had a very almond mother that didn’t waste a chance to remind you how big you are, how much you need to take diet more seriously and become the skinny person every guy wants to marry.

You suffered from that until you were an adult and you could afford going to therapy.

It helped you a lot.

Embracing your body and shape was a long and difficult process but it was worth it.

You gained so much confidence and learned how to be kind to yourself.

But you still had difficulty with boys, growing up you learned to notice strange guys at first glance, after a series of failures with gym fanatics who wanted to change you, older men who wanted to control you and cowards who kept you hidden as if they were ashamed of you.

And then, one day, you met Joel.

While you were looking at him from the other side of the bar too shamed to do anything he walked towards you.

You immediately thought that he was coming to talk to your skinny friend that was with you but no.

He wanted to spoke to you.

That big strong man, broad chest and shoulders, wavy dark brown hair and eyes like the most delicious chocolate cake introduced himself and asked if you wanted something else to drink and the last thing you know you two were talking about everything for 3 hours straight, totally immersed in each other.

You barely noticed that your friend tap your shoulder to tell you that she was going home.

You mentally took a note to apologize profusely to her the following day but you really didn’t want to leave.

It felt too good to be with Joel, talking to him was so easy and he melted your heart in a way you didn’t experience in a long time.

You really didn’t want to give up on him.

You have so much in common with him and he made you laugh and you felt cute and confident and it really worked like magic.

He made sure to compliment your outfit and your hair and your pretty eyes and he made you feel so good about yourself.

You noticed the way he was smiling and looking so intensely at you, he was hungry and turned on by you.

You couldn’t believe that this handsome man was so into you but couldn’t ask for anything better.

You never really parted ways after that first night together, he was a perfect gentleman, took you home on his truck and he never tried to touch you until the two of you arrived at your door.

He was saying goodnight to you when you heard him whisper “oh fuck it” and he kissed you, no longer holding back. It was a perfect kiss, full of desire and passion and you could feel his need for more through his lips and the way his tongue found its way into your mouth.

You felt vulnerable and weak as if he really saw you, beyond appearances, beyond fences that you have built to defend yourself, in the most hidden part of yourself. And you didn’t mind feeling that way in front of a man, in front of him.

You knew it was right.

You could feel it in your bones.

You wanted to drag him inside the house but you stopped just in time before completely losing control.

“I don’t do this at first date, you know” you whispered in his ear while he was kissing your neck giving you shivers down your spine.

His mouth was eager and insatiable, nipping at your skin like he was starved, but again, he was a real gentleman and didn’t do anything you didn’t wanted.

He was fully respectful of your boundaries and conquered your heart with patience.

At your fifth date you were so thirsty for him that you couldn’t even get to the restaurant.

He knocked at the door dressed in dark blue jeans and a white t-shirt that hugged his biceps and his chest in a way that drove you completely wild, you took his hand without saying a word and run to the bedroom dragging him with you with no shame whatsoever.

You didn’t care about manners, dinner that was booked the week before, whatever else that could delay that moment.

You just wanted him.

You felt safe with him and this made you even more horny.

He fucked you wildly and then cuddled with you in the sweetest way ever.

Your heart was full, your body soothed and your thirst quenched.

You moved in together after 6 months of the most fulfilling relationship you had ever had.

Joel has his flaws, he is stubborn, when he is angry he can barely speak and mutters under his breath, he doesn't know how to cook, he's messy and leaves his dirty socks on the carpet in the living room, sometimes he's way too protective and it drives you crazy the way he always tries to warn you off from everyone as if you're not used to assholes.

Minor things compared to how he makes you feel anyway.

When he loves, he loves deeply.

He showers you with compliments and nice gestures, he’s a grumpy with a heart of gold.

And he’s handsome. So handsome you can’t believe that he’s your man even if he makes sure to tell you how beautiful, smart and sexy you are everyday.

You yawn and finally decide to get up, you head to the kitchen and make yourself a coffee.

It’s Saturday and Joel is supposed to come home in a few hours.

After breakfast you do some chores and cleaning around the house.

You go to the supermarket to buy ingredients to make his favorite dinner.

And then you decide to take the afternoon to yourself, you take a long bath and relax in the tub listening to music lulled by the hot water and the scent of bubble bath.

Once out, you decide to wear the dress you wore on your first date with Joel.

You remember perfectly how he looked at you and you feel a shiver down your spine. You haven't worn it for a while and as soon as you put it on you discover that it is too tight on your breasts and hips. You know you've gained a few pounds since you've been with him, you're relaxed, you're happy, you don't care, but you really wanted to give him a perfect evening and this makes you nervous. You look in the mirror and fall back into all the negative thoughts about yourself. It's a fragile balance.

You're still navigating the middle of it, even though you're much better.

You take off the dress and put it back in the closet, hidden, where you can barely see it, hoping bad mood will pass even though you know it has completely ruined your day.

You start cooking, leaving the decision on what to wear until later.

You like cooking and have always been successful at it, your grandma shared all her recipes with you and teached you all her secrets.

Your mother just told you the calories in everything you cooked.

When everything is ready you go to get dressed, you stare at your clothes for what seems like an infinite amount of time, sighing. In the end you choose another dress, black, narrower at the waist and wider at the hips. It leaves your legs uncovered, it's not like the other one but it still suits you so you make the best of it.

You’re spraying yourself with your favorite perfume when you hear the keys turning in the lock and you instinctively run to the door.

As soon as he opens the door you don't even give him time to enter and you throw your arms around his neck.

“Hi sweetheart” he whispers in your ear as he wraps his arms around your waist, holding you tight against his chest “did you miss me?”

You can hear a little laugh in his voice as you reply “of course, I couldn't wait for you to come back”

You take his lips with urgency and just feeling his scruff brushing gently against your cheeks and your cupid bow makes you feel better.

He tastes sweet, he’s warm and familiar.

He never fails to make you whole.

When you're with him it feels like the world is turning right, like things are all falling into place, magically.

One look is enough for him to understand you.

His tongue makes room into your mouth so easily and intertwined with yours and you’re lost in his embrace.

When you finally part to take breath he’s grinning and watching at you with burning desire in his eyes.

“I missed you too. Let me see you, sweetie. I want to admire my beautiful babe in this dress”

You instantly feel better and do a pirouette laughing to make him look at you.

“Jesus, hun, it’s really amazing on you”

You walk up to him and give him a kiss on the hairless part of his beard, then take his lips again.

You moan into his mouth when his hands move to your ass, stroking it gently then squeezing it.

“I love your ass babe, so full and juicy and soft”

You whine at his praise, kissing his jawline and his neck.

You rest your face on his chest enjoying his warmth.

“It's amazing how you always make me feel better. I felt like crap a few hours ago." you murmur.

“Why, love, what happened?” you can clearly hear concern in his voice.

“I wanted to wear the dress I wore the first time we went out…but it's too tight now” you whisper, a little bit ashamed.

He cups your face with his hands, looking at you with sweetness.

An incredible sweetness that instantly melt your heart.

“Don’t be sad babe, a dress is just a dress, it doesn’t fit you anymore? Who cares. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and I’m so lucky to have you”

You want to cry, but you don't, instead you take his lips back into yours, grateful to have a man like that by your side.

No one has ever made you feel more loved than him.

You kiss him intensely, so much that you're almost breathless, but it doesn't matter.

You feel his erection pressing against your thigh and you can't wait any longer, you even forget about dinner already being prepared and he doesn't seem worried either.

“Can we go to our bedroom already? I need you so bad, Joel” you pant against his skin.

“Whatever my love wants” and he take you by the hand “I definitely need to remind you how much I love you and how incredibly sexy and lovely you are. Come with me”

He takes you to your bedroom without stopping to hold your hand and makes you sit on the edge of the bed.

He looks you in the eyes as he caresses your cheek with his knuckles. It's incredible how delicate his big hands can be.

He trace the outline of your jaw with his fingertips never stop looking at you.

He then moves to your neck, placing his hand right under your ear, his fingers hidden in your hair.

He leans down to kiss your nose and your lips, so softly.

“Babe, you’re the most precious thing I have in my life, I don’t know what I would do without you”.

His voice is low, slightly hoarse, it surrounds you like a hug, it goes straight to your heart, every little intonation that characterizes it, how it glides over the vowels and caresses the consonants, his breathing, that warmth that emanates, that sense of familiarity and comfort, his sensitivity and his inner strength and his fragility that he is not afraid to show.

He lowers the straps of your dress and makes you stand up just for a moment to let it fall at your feet, sliding it over your hips.

He makes you lie down on the bed, while he also undresses, remaining in his boxers. He climbs onto the bed and lies down next to you.

“Never forget how gorgeous you are, please”

His hand slides over your breast, still covered by your bra, he searches for your nipple and takes it between his fingers, pinching and pulling it gently.

“I love your tits, so big and perfectly shaped” and he kisses you there. “I love your pretty face, and your smile and your sparkling eyes and your luscious lips.” Each word is followed by a kiss on the body part he just mentioned “And your silky hair. And this freckle right here. Above your upper lip. I would do nothing but kiss it all the time. I love the smell of your skin and your taste, so sweet.”

You can't believe he's doing this, he's literally worshipping every part of you.

“I love your incredibly sexy hips and thighs."

His lips move over you like velvet, like butterflies flapping their wings on your skin, so impalpable and yet so real.

“I love every inch of your body, especially those that seem too much to you. And of course I love your intelligence and how you laugh at my stupid jokes that never make anyone laugh. I love that you’re funny and sarcastic. I love the little wrinkle that comes between your eyebrows when you concentrate. I love the way you squint when I say something about my work that you don’t know. I love the way you look at me, I love hugging you and feeling your breathtaking body on mine.”

Joel isn't one for many words, he generally prefers action but now he's a river in flood and looks at you haunted.

It's an incredible feeling to have him all to yourself, to have the certainty of being able to trust him blindly, without the fear that he will turn out to be like everyone else you've been with.

No one has ever treated you this way before, with devotion, as if your body were a priceless treasure.

You yourself were mean to this body, you hated it, you tried to change it, you cursed it and cried because it didn't look like anyone else's when the only thing you wanted was to be like one of your friends.

Thin. Impeccable. Someone who fits any dress and who has never heard "we don't have your size". One who wasn't laughed at, treated like a joke, one who everyone looked up to, one whose face people didn't throw pies at and call a whale or a monster.

Joel knows all this. You told him. And everything he's ever tried to do is exactly the opposite of what they've always done to you.

An ode of love to you, to your body, to your soul.

He moves between your knees, settling at the end of the bed.

He leaves a trail of kisses along your inner thighs moving up and up towards your pussy, his beard deliciously rough on your skin.

He smiles at your already wet panties, at the unmistakable stain that spreads across the front.

You wore a cute white lacy pair with matching bra that he bought to you last Christmas.

You sigh in anticipation as he takes the time to stroke and tease your clit through the fabric with just one finger.

He then slides his fingers into the sides of your panties, he makes your hips rise slightly and takes them off, smiling at you.

You gasp as he buries his face between your legs kissing your folds so softly, he stick his tongue out and lick your lips and then part them with two fingers and kiss your clit.

You moan loudly and feel his smile widening on your skin, he’s so good at this and he knows that you love the way he does it.

He takes your clit in his mouth and suck gently.

“You’re so wet babe” and he kiss your lips again “so good for me, the perfect woman”

He teases your hole with his tongue, just the tip, while his thumb circle around your clit.

Nice and slow, a steady pace that makes you whimper against his face.

You grab his hair pushing him even more against your pussy, whining in pleasure.

You feel his beard crawling across your skin, you know it will redden your skin but you don't care, you don't care about anything now.

He continues to lick you, up and down and then back to your clit, his large hand splayed on your tummy.

You've always been ashamed of your tummy.

He adores it. He always tells you, he likes to touch it and he likes to kiss it and he loves that it’s so soft and fluffy.

He groans as you tug his hair and increases the pace, making his way into your hole with two of his thick fingers, stretching you and searching for the spongy spot that always makes you feel on fire.

You raise your head slightly to look at him and see his eyes staring at you mischievously and proudly, he likes looking at you, he doesn't want to miss a second of your pleasure.

He’s again on your clit with his mouth, swirling around it with his tongue.

He pumps his fingers in and out of you, you whine again and again more and more loudly.

He doesn’t stop.

“Joel I-” your voice cracks in an attempt to say something “God, I just can’t”

“Yes, you can, babe, just come for me, I want to feel it. Come all over my face”

you whine, squeeze his head between your thighs, your hand tucked in his hair “Joel!”

You feel a heat radiating inside you, your orgasm building as he gives you no respite.

“Come on baby, give it to me” he whispers softly on your skin.

And you do. You explode at his praise, at his begging for you to give him what he wants.

You pant loudly as he doesn't stop licking you until you calm down.

He comes back next to you and kisses you. You taste yourself on his lips, on his tongue, you're all over his face and it drives you crazy.

“Fuck me Joel. Fuck me now, please” your voice comes out almost desperate.

He looks at you, nodding without saying anything else, takes off his boxers and climbs on top of you, making you spread your legs to make room for himself. He takes his cock in his hand and rubs it on your clit. Once, twice, three times, wetting it with your pleasure that slid down to your inner thighs.

“You want my cock, babe?”

You nod repeatedly looking at him with beg in your eyes.

“Tell me how much you want it”

“I want it, Joel. I want it so bad. Please”

He enters you effortlessly, even though he's big, much bigger than any man you've ever had.

“Always so tight for me, God, you’re so amazing”

He wraps his arms around your torso and pulls you up to sit on top of him, he’s sitting on his heels, his cock still inside you.

He kisses you deeply, his tongue licks hungrily into your mouth, he holds you tight against his chest, you moan into his lips feeling you totally enveloped by him, your arms around his neck, ruffling his hair, your thighs around his waist.

His cock burns in your center, he moves his hips to sink into you, deep.

You feel like you're one, you're totally drunk on him and it's an overwhelming thrill.

He fucks you like this, holding you close to him, each thrust harder and harder, your face hidden in the crook of his neck.

You fill your nostrils with his scent, his masculine unmistakable scent, the one you were missing this morning.

The scent that smells of home and comfort and caresses and the purest love you've ever felt.

It’s here now.

And it’s yours.

You end up hugging each other on the bed, tired but incredibly happy. You are still held in his arms as he whispers “I love you” into your hair.

You look up and look him in the eyes and you know it's true.

"I love you too.”

[xavigav]

The Reddit Blackout, #196, And Being New to Tumblr

okay i've seen a lot of people in the past ~24 hours or so confused by everything going on with Reddit & Tumblr from both sides - people new to tumblr who don't know how to use it, and tumblr users who don't know what's going on with reddit and why many of its users have joined up here i know this isn't really related to my blog but fun fact about me: i was up until recently a very active reddit user and even mod a subreddit, but I've also been on tumblr for about 3 years now on different accounts, so I think I can see pretty well from both sides of this and explain what's going on this post will be split in 2 sections: what happened with reddit (and what #196 means), and a guide for new users

1. What The Hell Is Going On With Reddit?

The thing that's caused all this ruckus is a major change to Reddit's API, which is what Reddit provides to people so they can pull directly from Reddit to make third-party apps or tools.

The change is that Reddit is changing its previously free API to be paid. Which on its own kinda sucks for developers, but it's not unexpected. They need to make money somehow, right?

The problem is that the API pricing is WAY TOO FUCKING EXPENSIVE. The developer of the most popular 3rd party Reddit app, Apollo, says it will cost him $20 million a year to continue running the app as normal.

Essentially, this pricing forces almost everything third-party to shut down, which causes 3 major problems:

Third-party apps cannot keep running, which sucks for normal users because Reddit's official app is awful. It's slow, its video player is a thing of nightmares, it doesn't have many useful features third-party developers have made.

It sucks even more for visually impaired users because they can't use the official Reddit app at all. Reddit's official app does not work with iOS's native text-to-speech function. Third party apps, on the other hand, often do. So Reddit is forcing blind users away.

Third-party moderator tools cannot keep running, which sucks for moderators because many rely on these tools to properly moderate their subreddits. And moderators are often necessary, because without them subreddits get banned and hate speech and even CSA can often run rampant.

So you see why this change is bad.

Reddit users were PISSED.

So over the past week and a half or so, they have been working on organizing a site-wide blackout. The majority of the most active subreddits have now gone private. Some are only doing it for 48 hours, others (such as r/196) are doing it indefinitely.

That's why you can't access most of Reddit right now, and that's why many users have come here.

You're probably still wondering, though - what is this #196?

Well, as you may guess, it's connected to that subreddit r/196 I just mentioned. r/196 is a subreddit which only has one rule: every time you visit, you must post before you leave.

That's it, that's the subreddit.

The thing about r/196 that set it apart from most other subreddits - and what lends the subreddit's users perfectly to Tumblr - is that it was dominated by queer and leftist users.

So now they've come here and set up shop in #196 and r/196 so they can continue their merry little shitposting.

There's a ton of lore related to r/196, actually, but this is already a long tumblr post and quite frankly I cannot be bothered to write about it at the moment.

2. I'm Here From Reddit, What Now?

Hello there, random new user. As a double-citizen of Reddit and Tumblr, let me show you around this place.

First off, there are some other people who are better at explaining that I am who have made some really helpful things. Watch this Strange Aeons video as a guide to Tumblr culture and functionality and read this post which directly compares Reddit and Tumblr.

Assuming you've done that, here's some additional advice of my own:

Do you miss sorting subreddits by top of all time/the year/the month? Well, you can do something very similar with tags! If you go to a tag at the top of the screen you can select top, and then at the dropdown that says "all time" you can select different time periods! Even 6 months, which Reddit hasn't ever had.

Tumblr has a lot of cool customization features! Even outside your icon/banner/bio, you can change you blog colors and on desktop you can have an html theme (which has its own thriving community here). That customization is part of what sets Tumblr apart from everywhere else - I think you'll enjoy playing with it.

Notes will probably confuse you at first. Unlike the different numbers for upvotes and comments, notes combines the total number of likes, reblogs, and replies into the same number.

Outside of organizing your own blog, when making your own posts tags are what help other people find your post. Use them! But don't abuse them, because then people will just block you.

There are three ways of people finding your post: if someone follows you, if someone follows the tag(s) assigned to your post, and if someone is just scrolling through the tag(s) assigned to your post (and also the secret 4th way no one uses, which is finding it on the trending page, but even if people did use it no one will find your post initially that way)

tumblr is no longer The Discourse Website. And unlike what Reddit wants you to believe for some reason, it is very much alive still. Most of the people seeking fights have moved to Twitter (though some have also moved back here again). You will not get any brownie points for being a dipshit like you do on some subreddits.

So there, welcome to the hellsite (affectionate), you'll pick up on all the in-jokes eventually, for now just try not to be a nuisance and soon enough this'll be your new internet home.

[viennakarma]

Evergreen (he tears me to pieces)

Charles Leclerc x Reader

Summary: Your relationship is ending, despite you fighting for it for a while. Maybe it's time to let go.

Word count: 3.7k

Tags: Female reader, established relationship, heartbreak, neglected relationship, fights, cursing, miscommunication, misunderstandings, break up, sad ending (kinda), open ending, not beta read

Relationships: Charles Leclerc x Reader

Notes: this is a bit sad, not gonna lie, but the ending is kinda hopeful (i guess?)

Find me on Twitter!

You didn’t want to believe your relationship had reached a tipping point, but the details were all there. The lack of interest, distance, coldness.

You knew you and Charles were at a complicated point in your relationship. Losing the championship the year before had taken a huge toll on him, even when he tried to pretend it didn’t matter that much.

You were home in Monaco when you came back from shopping and you found Charles dressing up in the closet. You paused.

“Where are you going?” You asked, placing your shopping bag down.

“I’m going out for dinner with the boys,” he said, fixing his curls in front of the mirror.

“Charlie! We had my work dinner to go tonight! Did you forget about it?”

“Shit, baby!” He muttered, turning to you, “I’m so sorry!”

“Can you reschedule with your friends?” You asked, but he shook his head, spraying his cologne.

“I’m sorry, baby. I’ll make it up to you soon!” He reached for his wallet and car keys, “Don’t wait up for me!”

You sat on the bed, stunned. You thought about what you would say when you showed up at your work dinner that was made for the staff to take their partners to meet their colleagues and the work environment.

Alone at the dinner while everyone introduced their partners, you stayed only enough to not be considered rude and tried to not cry the whole drive back home.

Charles had not arrived yet when you went to bed, and you allowed yourself to shed a couple of tears before forcing yourself to sleep.

-

That was a bad day. Charles had crashed his car during the formation lap and you watched it with a heavy heart as he was out of the race and walking completely lost on his way back to the garage.

You waited for him to finish his press duties and after the race started, you went to meet him in his driver’s room. He was sitting on the sofa, a dreadful look on his face.

“Baby, how are you?” You whispered, kneeling beside him.

“How does it look?” He said, sarcastically.

“I’m sorry, that was stupid.” You frowned at your own silliness.

“Really stupid,” he mumbled. You swallowed, thinking he was just having a bad day.

“Can I do something for you?” You asked again, but he rolled his eyes.

“How about you leave me the fuck alone?!” He didn’t raise his voice too much, but the aggression was in his tone, in his coldness, like he was fed up with your existence.

You only nodded, ignoring the flaring pain in your chest as you silently left his room.

The lump in your throat didn’t bother too much as you sat down in the hospitality and watched what was left of the race. You stayed aimlessly around until way past the race ended, thinking about when it was finally time to go back to the hotel. You knew the debriefing meetings were usually longer after messed up races, so when you went back to the garage to look for Charles, you realized his bags weren’t in his room and the staff was disassembling everything and packing it up to leave.

You walked to the parking lot and noticed Charles’ car wasn’t there anymore. Back at the motorhome, you reached for your phone and tried calling him, but it went straight to voicemail. You were getting nervous every minute you passed alone there.

Like a forgotten clown.

“Hey! Are you ok?” You jumped hearing the voice behind you. It was Carlos, your boyfriend’s teammate and close friend.

“Yeah, um-” you stumbled on the words, because how the fuck would you tell Carlos that your boyfriend had left you behind, “I can’t reach Charles, and he left probably thinking I left earlier today.”

“Come on, I can give you a ride,” Carlos shook his keychain, pointing toward the parking lot.

“Thank you,” you managed to squeeze out.

As Carlos drove in silence, only the radio on softly, you tried not to think, because thinking would make you cry. And you didn’t want to cry in front of Carlos. As a sad song started, a single tear escaped, and you quietly wiped it, wishing Carlos was too focused on driving to notice. But as he stopped in front of the hotel, he offered you a tissue from the glovebox, which made two more tears come down before you could stop yourself.

“Thank you for the ride,” you said, and he just nodded.

“Anytime,” he said softly.

You were grateful he didn’t ask a single thing, nor tried to comfort you.

When you got into the hotel room, Charles was fast asleep, so you just got under the shower and cried with a hand on your mouth to muffle your cries.

-

You were finishing up your makeup when Charles got home on a random Saturday that he didn’t have work, and you two were home.

As you finished gluing eyelashes, Charles stood behind you with both hands on your hips.

“Aren’t you too formal for dinner at my mum’s?” He asked.

“I have a work gala tonight, Charles,” you said, impatiently, and moving away so his hands just slid off you.

“Why wasn’t I invited?” He pouted.

“You were,” you opened the lipgloss, applying to your lips, “you just forgot. Again.”

You didn’t look at him to see his expression drop. It was always like this, you were the last thing on his list of priorities. When he had work functions, you were always there for him, making do with your own time and commitments, squeezing him in so you’d never leave when he needed you. Unfortunately he never reciprocated you. Your friends didn’t matter, dinner with your family was optional and your work events, he didn’t even bother to go.

“You should’ve reminded me again.”

“I did. Two nights ago on the plane when we were flying back.”

“I can call my mom, reschedule our-” he started but your scoff cut him off.

“Don’t bother,” you shrugged.

“Amour-” He tried but you just shook your head.

“Just don’t, Charles,” you rolled your eyes, grabbing your clutch, “I don’t want to be late for the gala.”

Despite the sour beginning, the night was actually nice, you caught up with most of your colleagues, and sadly your boss announced she was going to retire. The night had a small award ceremony too, to celebrate the success of the year. Which ended up with you getting an award for your achievements during the year, and with a beautiful speech from your soon to be ex-boss, she announced that you were getting the promotion for the position of editor in chief, which was pretty much your dream job.

The night was one of the happiest of the year, and you only got home past two in the morning, after enjoying the company and celebrating your promotion. Charles was asleep as you placed your award, a symbolic trophy, on the living room bookshelf.

Charles never asked about the gala, and you didn’t waste any time trying to tell him, since he clearly didn’t give two fucks about your career.

When you went to the next race week hand in hand with Charles, you met Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, who were chatting. You and Charles greeted the both of them. Sebastian who you knew from his time as Charles’ teammate and Max who you knew ever since you were a teen karting for fun. You knew Max just as long as you knew Charles.

“I heard about your promotion! Congratulations!” Max said with a smile. You accepted his handshake with a tender smile. But at the same time, you felt the sudden hold of Charles on your hip.

“Oh, thank you!”

“Really?! Congratulations, Y/N!” Sebastian added.

“She’s always wanted to be editor in chief!” Max pointed out, “She was always talking about it when we were like fifteen!”

You smiled softly, remembering that when you were a teen, you were obsessed with 13 going on 30, and you were very vocal about your dream of working on a fashion magazine.

“I’m glad you achieved the dream then!” Sebastian said with great kindness to you.

Charles tapped your hip twice, and you knew the signal when you had to go.

“Thank you guys, thanks! Charles and I have to go, but see you around!” You and Charles waved at them and walked off.

Charles took your hand and, in long strides, led you inside only stopping when you were in a meeting room.

“You got a promotion?! Why didn’t you tell me that?” Charles said, suddenly upset.

“I guess it just slipped my mind,” you shrugged.

“This was your greatest dream! When did it happen?” He asked, looking hurt.

“At the gala you missed,” you sounded unbothered by his sudden outburst of hurt.

“And how did they know?!” He pointed a finger outside.

“From my instagram, I guess. I made a post about it,” you dismissed Charles, ignoring the fact that he hadn’t seen your post, going to sit down and sip some coffee, “I don’t understand why you’re using that tone with me.”

“Because you should’ve told me!” He raised his voice.

“I just don’t see why, my career never really mattered to you, why would it matter now?!” You said, and the more calmly you talked, the angrier he got.

“You got to be fucking kidding me, right?” He shouted.

“Look, you need to chill. I don’t know what’s gotten into you today, but I’m going to take a stroll around. See you in a bit. Hopefully you will have calmed down.” You stood up, leaving his room without letting him say anything else.

Despite getting calm between you and Charles, the distance only seemed to grow, and the only thing keeping you hung onto the love you felt for him were the memories of your five year relationship. You had to do something if you wanted to save your relationship with Charles.

Your fifth year anniversary happened in a day Charles was busy, but sent you flowers, and texted you a sweet message in video. It made you invigorated, and you planned to go all out on the weekend, when Charles was going to come home.

So you planned dinner with a cake, and a romantic getaway after checking his schedule and making sure you could make a quick trip to a very romantic and secluded villa in Positano. You also dressed in very sexy lingerie, and got yourself really pretty to wait for him. So you had everything planned. Dinner at 8, maybe a little love making after, and then you’d drive to Nice to get on the plane at midnight and take off to Italy.

You had told him to come home as soon as he got to Monaco, because you had an anniversary surprise for him. You texted him twice during the day to remind him.

But when the clock hit 8 in the night, the time you had told him to come home, a dreadful feeling placed in the pit of your stomach. He wouldn’t stand you up, would he? 8:17 you texted him a couple of times, but he didn’t read the text. 8:42 you removed the lamb from the oven, setting it on the table. 9:58 Joris texted you talking about how Charles had met the boys and they went out for a drink that turned into a few drinks.

Your face was wet with tears as you packed the food and placed it in the fridge, then washed your face of the make up and changed out of the lingerie. You were unpacking the two bags you’d take on the getaway, when you stared at the silly romantic tickets you had made over the week to symbolically gift him the romantic getaway. You stopped unpacking the bags, changing into a comfortable attire then taking only your bag and driving to Nice.

You turned your phone off and went to Positano alone.

The couple of days you spent only with yourself were good, even though you were crying a lot, feeling abandoned, forgotten and lonely in your relationship. You and Charles had been in a relationship for so long during your early adulthood, and you knew each other ever since you were preteens. It was painful watching life taking you and Charles apart even being so close.

It was weird, you thought you had gotten over the toughest years of your relationship. The year you started dating you were living in another country to attend university, and that had been very difficult to your relationship, but still, you managed.

You mourned the loss of that Charles. The Charles that would align both of your schedules so he wouldn’t miss anything important for you. The Charles that would send you random texts with pictures of things that reminded him of you. The Charles that cared, that asked, that communicated. This Charles was different, you two had grown into people with different goals in life. He wasn’t the same, but you also weren’t the same. Your priorities didn’t align anymore, that was a tough pill to swallow.

But you did.

You went back home again two days later, tanned and tranquil, with your mind made up about asking Charles for a break.

But as you entered the apartment, Charles ran into your arms.

“I’m so sorry, my love! So sorry I forgot about our plans! I was so worried about you!” He kissed your cheek, and you smiled politely, “I’ll make it up to you, I promise! I made a reservation at your favorite restaurant tomorrow night!”

“Charles,” you tried to come up with words, you were so tired, “I’ve got work this week.”

“Yeah, but you leave work at five? And our reservation is only at seven!” He asked, “Please, baby? Let me make it up to you.”

You were so tired of trying to hold on to something that was slipping through your fingers for months now, you didn’t feel any spark at his promising invite. But since he wanted to put in the effort, you would try again at least this once. If you couldn’t find the spark again until the end of the night, you’d have to let go.

So that’s how you ended up changing and putting makeup on at work, in your office. You’d meet Charles straight there since you had to catch up with work.

You had a gut feeling when you got to the restaurant, asking about the reservation under Leclerc. When the hostess took you to your table and you saw that Charles wasn’t there, you hoped and prayed he was coming.

Nursing a glass of wine, you just stared at the empty seat across from you. Your heart finally, fully sinking into the dark deep sea of this relationship. You felt like you’d been swimming against the tide, trying so hard to be the old you, with the old Charles. But this mourning of your relationship was happening inside of you for months now.

You had to let go. 

Charles was 47 minutes late when you paid for the wine and got up, grabbed your coat and left.

You were waiting for the valet to bring your car, when Charles finally showed up, quickly talking to the other valet. Your boyfriend was flushed in the face and had very obviously rushed there. It took him a second to notice you standing outside.

“Amour! What are you-” he paused, seeing the quietness in your face and the lit up cigarette between your fingers, “why are you smoking?”

“That’s the first thing you tell me?!” You scoffed. He finally noticed that you were waiting, dressed in your coat.

“Are you leaving?” He asked, confused.

“Yes, my boyfriend stood me up, can you believe that?!” You said, sarcastically.

“But I’m here, amour. Admittedly, a little late but-” he tried to say.

“Nuh-uh,” you shook your head, with a smirk, “my boyfriend was late. My ex-boyfriend is here.”

“Amour, no, please just-”

“Save it, Charles. It’s time to let go,” you said and briefly thanked the valet as he brought your car out, “I’ll go to your flat tomorrow, pick my stuff and leave the keys.”

“Please, don’t do this. Don’t do this to us,” Charles was teary eyed but you were unmoved. You quietly took a drag, then turned your face to puff the smoke to the other side.

“Us is done for a long time, and I’ve been trying to save it for a while but I’m tired now.”

“Can we talk? Tomorrow?”

“You won’t be here tomorrow, Charles. You’ll probably be doing any of the hundred things that are more important than your girlfriend,” you got into the car and drove away. Charles could see you didn’t want to talk, and maybe it was better to let you cool off for a moment.

He couldn’t believe how cold and detached you were being, the nonchalance in your tone, the finality of it all. Yes, he had messed up a few times, but not to the point of losing you. Right?

You ignored his messages and calls as you spent the next 24 hours in a hotel, only leaving to go to work and back. You had told Charles you were going to pick up your stuff, but you decided to do that two days later, when you knew he wouldn’t be there, traveling for his sponsor's commitments.

But when you got there, Charles was there, looking like he had barely slept.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in Italy?” You asked, bringing a couple of cardboard boxes inside.

“I canceled. Was waiting for you.” He said, low.

You felt like the lump in your throat was going to suffocate you any moment, because that’s what you wanted. You wanted him to put you first once, to care for your career a little bit, to make you a priority. But you wanted that earlier.

“You didn’t need to,” you said and swallowed, starting to pick up your books from the bookshelf, placing them in the box.

“You’re what matters the most,” he said, walking up to you.

“Bit late for that, Charles,” you scoffed. You couldn’t help but feel angry and act petty when you had been begging for his attention for almost a year now.

“Please, talk to me, Amour. Tell me.” He begged, taking your hands from the books, pulling you to pay attention to him. You snapped, pulling your hands from his.

“Did you cheat on me?” You asked, suddenly, because the possibility had been roaming your mind for a while now. It would certainly explain his distance, his misplaced priorities.

“What? What kind of question is that?” He looked so offended.

“Yes or no, Charles. It’s a simple question.”

“No, I would never cheat on you!”

You sighed. Old you would’ve believed him. Present you… weren’t sure. But then, it didn’t matter if he did it or not, anyway you broke up already.

“Talk to me!”

“I don’t know what you want me to say!” You shouted, taking a step back.

“What is going on! What you are feeling! Why are you leaving me?!” He was just as loud.

“Our relationship has been ending for a while now, are you fucking blind?! I’m alone in this! I love you alone. I cherish you alone. I fucking try alone! You don’t have the time for us, and you don’t even try to pay attention to me! You forgot me in the paddock a month ago, and you didn’t even know because you never asked! You missed the gala where I got a promotion, my greatest accomplishment! You missed our anniversary celebration! And when you promised to make it up to me, you stood me up! I’m tired, I feel like you’re suffocating us to death with your bare hands!”

“I didn’t realize you we-”

“Of course, you didn’t! You only care about yourself, Charles.”

“I take responsibility for my actions, yes. I’m so sorry I made you go through all that! But I can fix it!” He said, pleading.

“I don’t believe you anymore,” you said, voice soft and sad, “Who says I won’t get my hopes high only to be met with disappointment again later on?”

“I’m saying!”

“You’ve said that before, I’ll make it up to you, It won’t happen again, We’ll reschedule, I’m done with your excuses, Charles.”

“You don’t love me anymore? Is that it?”

“Stop, Charles. You’re being unfair.” 

“Yes or no?” He pressed further.

“I don’t know!” You shouted, exasperated, “I don’t know. My love took many hits over this year.”

“So this is it?” Charles opened his arms, flailing them around, “we’re done?”

“Yes. It’s for the best,” You finally said. Weirdly, you probably made peace with the fact your relationship was ending when you were crying alone in Positano.

It washed you with a surprising sense of relief, like a weight lifted from your shoulders. You probably had been emotionally checking out for a while. His absences and the coldness had been taking such a toll on you and your mental health, that the prospect of not having to deal with it anymore made you feel at peace.

That, or you were still numb after a rollercoaster of emotions.

“No, I don’t want it, I love you. So much.” he shook his head, tears streaming down his face.

A tiny part of you still wanted to comfort him, to hug him and say he’d be fine in the end. But nobody offered you the same kindness. Charles would have friends and family supporting him. You couldn’t do that. Not when he had caused you so much pain, constantly.

“I’ll, um-” you paused, putting the books back, “I’ll go. I can come back another time, when you’re not home. It will be better this way.”

You started walking to the door, but Charles intercepted you, blocking your path. His eyes were red, cheeks wet, and he looked absolutely hopeless.

“Please, let me try! Is there something I can do to change your mind?” He begged.

“No,” you dodged him, going to the door.

You left, without looking back. And despite the pain of ending something that at some point was so beautiful and such a source of happiness, the day was sunny and beautiful, and something in the way it warmed your face told you that you’d be alright.

NOTE: I'm considering writing part 2 with reader moving on, and as I'm feeling petty, I want her to move on to another driver, teehee. Opinions on which driver?

[sobredunia]

Hey guys is it just me or are the stars in the sky looking a bit weirder than usual

Alt version + tagging of the creators of all the starlos under the cut

I was messing with this static filter thing and ngl it looks neat

anyways. tagging avalanche time. Left to right up to down

RustyRedemption!Starlo by EldritchDream_ on twitter (THE BODY/PLANT HORROR IS JUST *chefs kiss*) edit: THEY HAVE A TUMBLR THEY HAVE A TUMBLR THEY GET TO SEE THIS LET'S GOOOOO @eldritchdream99 LOOK!! ITS UR SILLY!!!

AntiMatter!Starlo by ghoulishthingz on twitter (I KNOW YOUR NAME NOW FUCKER. v good one ngl it fucks severely)

Hero!Starlo by @zedleaked (he b t-posing baybeyy)

Goldstar by @s0ckh3adstudios (fun fact I named the layer he's on "I miss my husband Tails". also this is the first time i've drawn him. and yet i've drawn utg chujin thrice already which i think says something. not sure what but it says something)

Gilded!Starlo by @moreworldliness (I LOVE HIM SOSO MUCH I JUST WANT HIM TO BE OKAY PLEASE)

VOACT!Starlo by mee :3

Sirius by @here1snyan (I don't need to explain myself you already know how insane this man makes me you've seen the dog art)

Nebula by @llamapear (THE FUCKING GUY OF ALL TIME)

Starry screen buddy by @therealcallmekd (i love his girl outfit i had to draw it)

Fell!Starlo by @pantamonte (he's so silly i want to see him flattened by a steam roller /pos)

Lover's amalgamate by @silverika326 (literally obsessed with this concept you dont even know. ive wanted to draw them for so long)

Devotion!Starlo by @specklx (really proud of how the pose came out ngl. he serves so much cunt)

Apollo by @vastrophel (not exactly a starlo but the design fucks how could i not draw him)

Cat!Starlo by @fivepedal (i lov. kimty :3 )

Starfell by @stringsbasement-vitale (he gives off ACAB vibes you just know he'd be a redswap starlo hater)

Redswap!Starlo by @wist-eri (I'm sorry i had to do it. i have literally never drawn this man in a serious situation/taking the situation seriously and I'm not gonna start now)

Hollow!Starlo by @floataaaa (literally the design of all time i love him)

Alright that's all of them. I have drawn so many stars my god

also. art taglist time

@rotkad @sansxfuckyou @blackfright @beetroot-merchant @ashs-hellhole @h3xt0r @bree-sae @helloidkwhatimdoing-0 @zecrisketch

[shaynesthetic]

The only thing I think I got right | Luke Castellan

Word Count: 10.2k

A "Better Unknown" AU oneshot

Main Series: Better Unknown

Pairing: Luke Castellan x Minor God! Half-Blood! Gender Neutral MC

Synopsis: Out of everything that Luke thought he fucked up his entire life, Y/N leaving him where he stood was the ultimate fuck up he wishes he hadn’t. How can he fix this? And will he be able to? 

Tags: Two idiots, mutual pining, Best friends to lovers, fluff, angst with comfort

Warning: Little beta- reading, foul language

Banner by @/cafekitsune

A/N: Hello once again! This was a last-minute idea that's why I'm a little late. Happy Valentines Day! Or belated Valentines' Day if it's already the 15th for you like it is for me. Once again, English is not my first language so apologies for any grammatical errors. Critiques are always welcomed.

A/N: Also, I correct some stuff whenever I see fit sometimes. So if anyone sees any errors, no you didn't. Also also, as of February 16, 2024, I have updated the ending.

It was the month everyone either despised or loved; It was Aphrodite’s month. A.K.A Valentines. February was always Camp Half-Blood's busiest month. With nymphs making sure every tree was lush and perfect, satyrs helping Demeter kids with preparing and picking the ripest strawberries, Aphrodite kids running around the camp supervising preparations for a feast to be held in honor of their mother alongside some Hermes and Hephaestus kids who were tasked on helping them, with a small fee of dessert that is.

Half of the campers were hanging out with their friends today, grateful that they could finally have a day to themselves, either by canoeing on the lake or having picnics in front of the beautiful views the Hill can give them. Younger campers made heart-shaped letters in the arts and crafts center to send to either their parent or the person they wanted to confess to. Others were practicing the lyre, particularly the Apollo kids, who were asked to help serenade confessing individuals, once again, with a small fee of their food portions, drachmas, and other privileges.

 

Then there was Y/N. Along with some Ares kids, they were on the training grounds, passing the time. It wasn't that Y/N was a bitter gremlin on Valentine's or anything, it was just that they treated it just like any other day. Why need a day to celebrate your love for others when you can do that every day? Was their philosophy. Truth be told, ever since their mom's passing, they just didn't see the point in celebrating. But that was before coming to Camp Half-Blood. They didn't celebrate arriving in camp either, don't get them wrong…but at least they weren’t alone. It wasn’t like the Ares kids were bitter gremlins either; they just didn’t care. Well, they claim they don’t. But you’ll have to take their word on it. 

Y/N was with Clarisse and one of her other siblings, Mark, who insisted on joining them. Clarisse was helping Y/N with the spear, also with a small fee (why would anyone work for free nowadays anyway?). They have been sparring for a few hours, and none have yet to let down. Perks of being the Ares kid and a minor god, respectively. Another sparring session commenced and Mark just watched as their sibling and Y/N hit blow after blow with each other. The clashing of wood and iron made the air sting with adrenaline, and both took advantage of it. 

The dropping of the spear took Mark off his apparent disassociation, and the scene came into view. Y/N was on the ground, with Clarisse pointing a spear to their neck, one minor move from Y/N and Clarisse could nick them. Y/N, out of breath, smiled and looked up at the girl, before nodding and raising their hands in complete surrender. "Alright, Clarisse. You got me." The child of Ares cackled victoriously at them, Mark in the background cheering. Y/N got up and brushed the dust off their clothes. 

“You’re kinda getting good. You still suck but the sparring’s getting you somewhere.” Give it to Clarisse for giving compliments, if you can call it a compliment. But Y/N took it as one. It was a rare occurrence for the Ares cabin’s head counselor to give compliments to other cabins, but for some odd reason, Y/N was an exception. Well, it wasn’t THAT odd. Y/N and Clarisse were best friends, and other campers find that awfully odd. But to Y/N, they were odd to begin with and everything in their life, from the Gods to prophecies to quests are too, so who cares? Being friends with the biggest bully and their other siblings in the camp was the least of their worries. 

Y/N rolled their eyes at Clarisse before shoving their hands in their jean pockets, making their way to a hay bale, and plopping down on it. Clarisse sat next to them, looking at the spear in their hands. “Any plans for the Goddess of Love’s Day?” Y/N asks out of the blue. Clarisse only stared at them before she started laughing with malice. Is it malice? Y/N couldn’t tell.

“What do you think, Ease?” Clarisse smirked as Y/N blushed at the nickname. It was a nickname given by Y/N’s other best friend, Luke, the son of Hermes.  It was a nickname to embody what Y/N was to Luke, as he claims. Ever since the duo came back to camp after a particularly harrowing quest, Luke never had any troubles with sleeping and claimed Y/N had everything to do with it. Y/N begged to disagree, although they weren't going to admit he was right. Ever since, that nickname stuck like glue. Luke took every second embarrassing them with the nickname. It secretly infuriated them, but Y/N knew it had to be endearing, so they let it go. Y/N had a weird set of friends, who would never get along they think, but Y/N didn’t care. A friend was a friend.  

Clarisse, unfortunately, one day had the fortune of hearing Luke call them that. It was during one of the sword fighting training sessions with Luke, and he, out of either pettiness or wanting to embarrass the hell out of Y/N, called them up to be their test dummy sparring buddy. It went smoothly at first. Y/N wasn’t new to Luke asking them to be his sparring and demonstration partner whenever both Y/N’s cabin’s itineraries and his time as a teacher coincide, which doesn’t happen that often, but when it does Luke took advantage of it. Regardless, Y/N did it for Luke. And Luke was always ever so grateful for it. 

After a few demonstrations from Luke, the real sparring commenced. Y/N knew they had no leg to stand on and was awfully aware that Luke was the best swordsman in Camp Half-Blood. There was no way in hell they’d beat him. It was a short spar and before they knew it, Y/N was on the ground, a scene Y/N was all too familiar with to the point Y/N might as well befriend the ground they walk on by how much accustomed they were to being face to face with it. 

Luke smiled at Y/N as the tip of their sword was right in front of their throat and Y/N rolled their eyes. "You okay there, Ease?" he asked, offering their hand for them to take. Y/N partially accepted the offer, before their eyes widened. The nickname wasn't supposed to go out to everyone else. They looked at the crowd before them, Apollo kids, Y/N's cabin, and unfortunately, Ares kids and Clarisse. Shame and embarrassment became anger, and Y/N swatted Luke's hand before beelining to the exit. 

Luke stood there stunned, not realizing the gravity of the situation. It took him a while to finally understand what he had done. Y/N had firmly asked them to keep the nickname between themselves. But Luke couldn't help it. He forgets himself whenever he's in front of them. It was like Y/N was his tunnel vision, and he forgot every ounce of autonomy and thought. He knew he didn't mean to embarrass Y/N but it slipped. And now, Luke had to ask for penance. It wasn't new for the two to bicker and fight, it was in friends' nature to do so. However, this was different. Y/N was the type to always prove a point, and they'd normally react with a malice-laced “What the hell does that mean?” or a very exasperated “What?”, but today was different. They left without arguing, and that scared Luke more than all of their heated fights combined. He swallowed from worry and nervousness before apologizing to everyone in the arena, also beelining to the exit. Clarisse was there to witness everything, and for once that day, she snickered.

Ever since that day, Ease had stuck in everyone's minds. Although no one dared to use it and stuck on calling Y/N their name, Clarisse would use it often to either taunt or tease them, there was no in-between. 

"I hate you so much" Y/N begrudgingly says, looking far away from them. Clarisse's laugh roared as a response. "Does Mr. Loverboy have any plans for you both?” That got Y/N's attention. They tilted their head, trying to decipher her words. Clarisse, ever so observant, took that as an answer and sighed.

"He's such a fucking loser." Mark and Y/N's heads snap up, nonverbally lecturing the girl for the use of such…language. It was second nature to think Chiron was listening to them, and the look of disapproval from the camp director was hard to remove. The last thing they wanted was Clarisse getting in trouble or worse…dishwashing duty. “What? It’s true, isn’t it? That boy is in love with you and couldn’t get the balls to confess to you. He's stuck looking at you like a kicked puppy every time he even catches sight of you it's so damn annoying.” It was now Y/N’s turn to laugh, albeit it was more bitter than straight coffee. They knew it wasn’t possible. Y/N knew their feelings for their best friend were genuine but for some sick, twisted, sadistic reason, Y/N decided upon themselves to assume that it was one-sided, and thus made it their mission to lock it up and throw away the key. Even if they weren’t romantically involved, they were just happy for Luke to be a part of their life. Y/N has convinced themselves. 

“I can’t believe I’m friends with idiots!” Clarisse raises her arms in frustration and annoyance, to both her best friend and Luke themselves. It was clear that they danced around their feelings and it was so fascinating that an Ares kid out of everyone saw that, out of all the kids in the camp. It was comedic, albeit sad, but comedic.

“Clarisse, you’re the only one who thinks that.” “Not really.” Mark immediately interjects. Y/N glares at the kid, Mark shrugging in response. Clarisse pumps her fist in the air and high-fives Mark in vindication.  “Even the kid sees it, Y/N. Stop telling yourself it ain’t so because it is.  Luke loves you and you love him. End of story.” 

"I'm content that he's part of my life, Clarisse. Isn't that enough?" The last sentence came out in the form of a whisper, which even Y/N was surprised by. They tried to convince either themselves or Clarisse & Mark that that was the case.  Why were they getting choked up about this in the first place? Weren't they content that he was part of their life? Y/N damns their actions for betraying their words. 

“Look, just accept the fact you like Luke. Stop pretending and stop convincing yourself that you don’t. Let your feelings out.” Clarisse blurted out. Y/N couldn’t help but not stifle a laugh. “Since when did you become Aphrodite’s kid?” Clarisse jokingly punched their shoulder, a blush creeping in her cheeks. “Shut up.” The Clarisse that they knew, the one who hid her feelings well, embodied pride, arrogance & exuded bravery, and wouldn’t dare give any advice, less a confession, was back. 

“Look, I’m just saying that you’re no better than Luke. You might be even worse than him. And I don’t like seeing my best friend sulking because they made their own bed and laid on it. Stop being stupid and accept the fact that Luke has feelings for you and you have to as well or I'll have to beat you with a stick just to get it through your thick skull." 

Y/N spent the entire day looking for Luke, who was nowhere to be found in his normal stations. They asked all his siblings about his whereabouts but nothing. Na-da. Zip. It wasn’t like him to disappear. In a day they’d see wafts of his brownish-black curly hair in the crowd multiple times and knew it was him. Whenever they see him, it was as if he's the only one they can see. 

They decided to look around the cabins once again. They bargained to themselves that if they didn’t see him that time, they’d just look for them at the dining pavilion later tonight or just assume he’s busy. They were so busy with their thoughts it took them a while to finally see the man of the hour. He was leaning against the Aphrodite Cabin, talking to a girl. The girl was blonde, and her height was the same as Luke's shoulder. Louise Clifford-Jacobs, Y/N remembered her name. They were one of Aphrodite Cabin’s kindest members. Y/N wasn’t close to them but they’ve talked once in a while and they’ve heard nothing but kind words from everyone around her.  They were laughing and the girl was giggling, excitement drawn on her face. She notices Y/N approaching him and she taps Luke's shoulder before pointing to their direction. 

Luke looked away from her and saw Y/N, smiling and waving. Luke offered them what seemed like a smile and a hand raised. The smile was something Y/N noticed approaching him. It looked as if it was out of nervousness or tiredness, Y/N couldn't pinpoint which one. It looked forced and was nowhere near Luke's actual smile. 

Still, Y/N flashed a big smile at Luke, happy that they finally found him after that unnecessary scavenger hunt to locate him. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. You weren’t in the Sword Fighting Arena and your siblings didn’t know where you were”

Luke shifted on his feet, hung his head down, and put his hand on the back of his neck.  “Hey, Ease. Yeah sorry ‘bout that I had a lot of things to do. I’ll make it up to you soon. Honest!”  Y/N nodded their head in understanding. “Oh yeah!” they exclaimed, remembering why they were looking for him in the first place. “I was gonna ask you something. Do you have a second?” Luke began looking between them and Louise. The air suddenly felt thick as tensions and awkwardness rose as if Luke was caught between a rock and a hard place. It seemed as if Luke made his decision when he responded, "Oh shit, sorry Ease I'm in the middle of something with Louise. Do you mind?" 

The smile on Y/N’s face dropped and a forced hard line formed on their lips. “Oh. Oh okay. No worries. If it’s important I can ask you some other time. Bye Louise!” Y/N quickly walked away with hands in their pockets. Y/N felt a pang in their chest, and their heart began to beat more rapidly than normal. They didn’t know what they were feeling. Sadness? Disappointment? It seemingly wasn’t Y/N’s Day, but they convinced themselves that it was because Luke was busy, considering he was Camp Counselor after all. Yeah, that’s what it is. Y/N tried to rationalize what took place. However, Y/N evidently came up short.

It had begun to be a daily occurrence it seems, Y/N finding Luke, asking if they could talk or hang out with them and him disregarding them, brushing them off, or telling them they're busy. Just like it became a sudden everyday occurrence, it also became a nuisance and annoyance to Y/N. Once can be brushed off as a mere coincidence but multiple times in a week? Now, that wasn't a coincidence. It had become clear to Y/N: Luke was avoiding them. But why? Did they do something to upset Luke? Couldn’t be. Was it? It didn’t make sense to Y/N. It didn’t make sense to poor ol’ Annabeth either, whom Y/N found solace in. They felt bad and shameful, talking to a literal 13-year-old about stuff they should be dealing with on their own. But Luke was Annabeth’s brother, and Annabeth knew more about him than Y/N would ever in their lifetime. So, it made sense that Y/N would approach her. 

"I could've sworn Luke was walking back and forth from the beach. I've seen him there multiple times a day. Even at the lake with the canoes, I'd see him too. He always looked nervous and his hands were clammy. He was very jumpy too. Whenever I’d ask him, he’d brush me aside, force me off his case, and make me return to the Athena cabin.” Annabeth explained one day when they asked about their sibling’s whereabouts.  Y/N was slowly getting frustrated, not at Annabeth but at the lack of answers. Who wouldn’t be? Your best friend, out of the blue, began ignoring you; without offering any answers, without explanation. Anyone would go insane just thinking about it. Y/N felt they had no one else to blame but themselves. 

Y/N felt despondent more and more every day, and it wasn’t hard to notice. Their signature smile was gone, they weren't eating much, and aloof. Their cabin-mates noticed it too. They weren't their enthusiastic self and slugged around with their activities for the day. Their siblings, wanting to distract them from whatever caused their unorthodox behavior, asked if they wanted to do hand-to-hand combat or forge weapons in the camp forge, which was what Y/N liked doing the most, but was met with a shrug and a distant stare off into the abyss. 

It wasn't just their cabin that got the brunt of Y/N’s melancholy. Half of the population in the camp did. Their beds weren't as comfortable as they had gotten used to. Campers began feeling awful emotionally waking up, some had dreams that caused nothing but dejection and misery. Some Aphrodite kids even woke up feeling nothing but heartache, even though it was supposed to be their month. Everyone was affected, and regardless if Y/N knew of this or not, that wasn’t a matter to them that they cared enough about to fix. Selfish? Probably is. 

The last straw was on a random Tuesday when once again, Y/N looked for Luke. They once again, like clockwork, looked everywhere for him. They finally found them near the Hermes cabin, talking to his half-siblings. Approaching them, they sensed that Luke wasn't in the best of moods, with his back tensed than usual and their siblings looking as if the ground was far more interesting than their older brother's lecture. The two, who they later found out were the Stolls, noticed Y/N approaching. Connor (Y/N thought it was Connor but they weren’t sure) looked at Luke before directing his eyes towards Y/N. Luke's eyebrows scrunched up before looking at what had gotten the Stoll siblings' attention. Y/N, with hands behind their back and with a thin line on their lips, greeted Luke. 

Before Y/N could greet them, Luke stopped them. “Listen, Y/N. I know you wanna hang out with me and tell me whatever this is you want to tell me. I get that. I see that. But please, not now. I’m in the middle of something here.”

Y/N’s eyebrows furrow in sadness and in turn look at the Stolls. Y/N, who has been patient with their best friend, just wasn’t having it. Out of either frustration or desperation, Y/N spoke. “I know that and I understand that. Being a camp counselor is hard work, especially with these ruffians trying to tear down every wall in the cabin.” Y/N tried to lighten up the situation, earning a snicker from the Stolls, who weren’t their intended audience. Luke just stood there, his face still the same, albeit more unamused than before. 

“But you have to relax for once. You’ve been at it for days now so I was won-““No.” Luke immediately interjects with hints of venom laced in his teeth. Y/N’s breath hitched. This was the first time in their life they’ve heard Luke speak like that. He was usually this nonchalant, chill dude. Serious when needed but a stand-up guy. Today wasn’t the normal Luke. No, it was something else. It made Y/N’s spine tingle with fear. It also made the Stolls’ back straightened. 

“C’mon, Luke. I know you’re working hard but-""I said no, Y/N. Gods above, can’t you please just listen to me once? I’m busy. Please. Leave.” Y/N gulped, looking back at the Stolls before looking back to Luke, whose eyebrows furrowed and scar making him all the more menacing. Y/N immediately left, locking themselves away in their cabin. They looked up, and just thinking about Luke’s tone and expression made them tear up. It was oh so wrong for Y/N to cry over someone, let alone a boy. But this was no ordinary boy no. This boy was special to them, and their expression of annoyance towards them felt like a stab to the heart multiple times, each time the intensity got worse and worse and as a joke, his expression kept removing the daggers only to put it back in.

This made Y/N’s overthinking tenfold. They have settled at the fact that Luke hated them, thought of them as an annoyance, thought of them as excess baggage. These thoughts overwhelmed Y/N and in turn, tears welled up in their eyes, cascading onto their pillow until they fell asleep. None of their siblings tried to bother them, eyes looking back at each other laced with sympathy towards their once exuberant sibling. Y/N ultimately missed lunch and dinner, and Luke noticed that day that Y/N was nowhere to be found. But ultimately decided not to do anything about it. 

It was a Thursday when the downfall came. Y/N, who was feeling nothing but sadness the past couple of days, like a shift of tides, has inadvertently turned this sadness into something else; something much more dangerous and malicious: Anger. It was all of a sudden. Y/N woke up on the wrong side of the bed, and that’s when everything went to shit. Y/N’s anger poured over everyone in their cabin. Sammie, Y/N's bunkmate, asked them what was wrong. They were always there for Y/N and Y/N considered Sammie their closest sibling out of everyone. So, it was a surprise to all of their siblings when Y/N’s voice, filled with malice and venom, barked “LEAVE ME ALONE. CAN’T YOU SEE I’M NOT? FOR GOD'S SAKE JESUS ABOVE! ARE YOU STUPID OR BRAIN DEAD?” Everyone’s mouth hung open as they looked at each other, either out of fear or mere awkwardness.  Y/N wasn’t the type to scream at anyone out of the blue. They were boisterous and loud, sure, but it was out of happiness and eagerness to wake up every day. But now, it was like a cloud cast over Camp Half-Blood, even though it never rained there. 

Everyone stopped what they were doing to look at the scene in front of them. Y/N on their bed, blanket strewn about on their legs as they scowled at the now teary-eyed Sammie. Time stood still and the air got more and more heavy. Here was their zealous and exuberant sibling, who woke up and randomly just chose to pick a fight the moment their eyes opened. It wasn't like them. But no one knew what caused them to snap. Someone had to step between them and Hayden, one of the older members of the camp, guided Sammie away from Y/N before they further angered them. Essie, another one of their siblings, glared at Y/N.

Y/N, with everyone's eyes on them, finally was hugged by clarity's warmth and their eyes softened. They looked around to see their siblings looking at them with the expression of either disgust or shame, and Y/N couldn't stand to be around their siblings. They tossed their blanket aside and went out of their cabin, head down.

Maybe walking could clear my head. Y/N thought. So, they walked. And walked, visiting every place you can go to in camp, rinse and repeat. They felt like a soulless traveler, wandering aimlessly around. Lifeless and tired. As they began walking back to their cabin however, a familiar voice tried to stop them. They tensed up, realizing it was Luke, the same boy who had been ignoring them for days, who now had the utter audacity to come up to them as if nothing had happened. 

Y/N, more infuriated than before, turned around to look at the boy. He was in a smiley mood, creases formed on the side of their eyes. This was Luke’s signature smile that he knew Y/N loved, but unfortunately for him, today wasn’t the day it’d work on them. They glowered at Luke with intense fury in their eyes, and Luke, at that moment, wanted nothing more than to be sucked in by a black hole from where he stood, even though they had no idea what had made them furious like that. In the years of knowing Y/N, Luke knew they had that specific look whenever they were furious, that one that made you want to eat dirt or bury yourself alive.  It wasn’t a normal occurrence, which made the intensity of the look way worse. And whenever they did show it, regardless of how many times they’ve done so over the years, it always felt like the first, and Luke always shuddered seeing it. He wasn’t thrilled when his Ease was upset. And in years of knowing them, knew not to mess with Y/N during their spouts of anger, but what Luke wanted to tell them was very important to both of them, Luke thinks, and assumed it’d make Y/N’s mood better, just like every other plan Luke had for them when they were mad or upset. In hindsight, this was probably the worst decision Luke has ever made.

"Hey, I was looking for you. Do you have a second?" Luke put his hands in his khaki pants' pockets and smiled at Y/N. Luke's nonchalance made Y/N's expression turn from anger into disbelief. Did he actually believe that Y/N, whose face is red with anger and disgust towards Luke's actions for the past week, would just come around and entertain Luke's question? Certainly, no one would. Disbelief turned into fury, and Y/N's hands turned into a fist. They approached Luke, and for a minute Luke smiled.  Tunnel vision once again washed over Luke, and unfortunately for him, he failed to see Y/N, who without hesitation, swung at him. 

Luke was on the ground in an instant, shock painted across his face. He felt for the side of his lip, which was now cut open and oozing with blood. If Y/N was in a better mood, they’d take a picture of Luke’s expression and hang it up so people would gawk at it. But alas, Y/N didn’t have a camera, and they weren’t in the mood for stupid jokes, let alone Luke’s. 

“You really have the gall to ask me that? After what you’ve fucking done?” Y/N’s every step was filled to the brim with resentment, each step might leave and burn a permanent mark on the ground. Luke wasn't looking forward to what Y/N was gonna do to him. And Luke, in all of this, was painfully unaware of what he had done, as evident by the clueless look he had, which infuriated Y/N more. 

“You, Luke Castellan, are the stupidest, shittiest, and the most pathetic excuse of a man I've ever met in this entire lifetime. You ignore me for days, brush me off when I try to talk to you and act like I don't exist. You are just as cruel as the Gods. No, scratch that. Even worse. If you didn’t wanna be friends anymore you could’ve just fucking told me instead of you acting like you don't see me.” The anger in Y/N seemingly dissipated, replacing it with another just as intense if not more emotion: Anguish. Y/N's eyes were now filled to the brim with days' worth of unshed tears, it was as if the dam inside their heart finally burst. Luke finally, by the grace of God, realized the critical error they'd made. They didn't mean to leave Y/N in the dust like that, but Y/N didn't know that. It was his fault for not communicating with them about it. He, upon seeing his best friend, with tears in their eyes and anger and other pent-up emotions over the days splattered in both their face and actions, knew he had morally fucked up. Luke Castellan, who was very much aware of how many times he had fucked up in his life, who was so used to seeing the consequences of his actions, for seemingly the first time, was now so blissfully aware of how unaware he was of the damage he’d done. The last thing he wanted was to make Y/N feel anything but happiness. He never wanted to hurt them or make them cry. They swore one day years ago that until they died, they wouldn’t make Y/N feel that way. To be alone. To be abandoned, like the Gods did. Luke had always been angry at the Gods for ignoring them and didn't want anyone, especially their best friend, to feel that way after everything that had happened to them. But like the Gods, life was cruel like that, and promises were sometimes made to be broken. And Luke failed. Yet again. He did. At that moment, he realized just how much anguish and pain he had caused. Luke's expression softened and regret was now sprawled across his face.

Y/N raised their fist towards Luke, and he closed his eyes, expecting a second punch to land on his face. I deserve it. he thought.  But he waited and waited until…nothing. Instead, Y/N's fist faced the ground, and their head was down, tears dripping onto the dirt they were now kneeling on. They gripped on their pants like a lifeline, as they shook with rage. Luke, fully grasping what was happening, tried to approach them and touch their hand. But as soon as he tried, Y/N moved away from him. At that moment, you could hear Luke's heart shattering into millions of pieces. He'd officially ruined it. Just like everything he touched.

Y/N stood up and wiped the tears that were threatening to spill from their eyes. Their hair was a mess, shirt rippled as if it wasn't ironed and their hand was now a little bloody from the punch to both Luke's face and the contact with the Earth. Y/ N looked at Luke with malice, and Luke unconsciously stepped back.

“Stay away from me, Luke Castellan. If you know what’s good for you, I advise you to do so. Never ever talk to me again. Go fuck yourself. We’re done.”

Relationships end, that was a given. Love was silly like that. Breaking up and losing who you thought was your forever was one of the saddest heartaches you can get in life. That was universal knowledge. But Luke, at that moment, knew that that wasn't the case.  To him, the most heartbreaking thing was to see their best friend walk away, just like that.  They essentially gave up on him, and Luke had nothing to blame but himself. The one person who he knew wouldn’t give up on them, did just that.  Friendships come and go, and over time and unexpectedly, they can break off. And all you can do is accept and move on. That was natural. But this wasn’t something Luke didn’t want to just accept. He knew this one’s reason wasn't natural. And it had one reason: him. Luke Castellan. Son of Hermes. A fuck up.

Luke laid on his bunk bed, contemplating. This had been going on for two days already. Luke waking up and doing nothing but brood and contemplate. Nobody in the cabin bothered him, aside from Chris who stepped up as temporary camp counselor for him and updated him once in a while about what they did that day, and his other younger sister Mia who cleaned up his wound upon seeing him enter the cabin, dazed and hurt. He would kill just for Y/N to say something to him, to scream at him, do something instead of the cold glares they have given them when they reach the dinner pavilion or even as they walk near their cabin. For some reason, Y/N always knew they were there, and it pissed them off even more. The silence between them was deafening, and Luke hated every minute of it. It wasn't rare for the two to fight, Y/N was feisty and loved arguing, especially when they knew they were right. But the first time, when Y/N decided that they weren't gonna argue, got Luke shaken up and scared. 

Luke had looked everywhere for Y/N that day. He knew he royally fucked up, calling Y/N by their nickname that they’ve agreed upon should be kept in secrecy. Put that in the list of things Luke has fucked up in the years of their friendship. Worry filled Luke’s brain. What if they went to the forest and got hurt? Luke wouldn’t forgive himself if that happens. He’s lost a lot of people in his life, and when Y/N came into his life, while ambivalent at first, later on promised to himself that he wasn’t gonna let anything happen to Y/N. He had sworn to protect them, even though he knew they didn’t need him. Luke was just about to give up, his nerves shaken as he anxiously thought of multiple what-ifs in his head, when he found them ultimately in the last place they never bothered to search: the campfire. 

Y/N was sitting on the ground, hugging their knees. They were looking at the ground. Luke hesitantly walked towards them and sat next to them. The fire crackled as a girl, who was not older than 8, tended to the flames. He could’ve sworn he's never seen this girl in the years he’s been here but that didn’t matter. Y/N sensed someone was next to them, and looked up. Luke sheepishly smiled at them and in turn, Y/N looked away. 

Luke sighed and laid his head on their shoulder, closing his eyes. Y/N didn’t shrug him off, which was a good thing but they weren’t looking at him. They just sat there, the crackling of fire the only thing you could hear as it danced like two lovers in an intense dance for their lives. Silence went by minutes. No one dared making a sound. 

“I’m sorry.” Were the first words that pierced the silence that surrounded them. Luke sat right up and looked at Y/N who was now looking at them with the most heavenly eyes Luke had ever seen. Their eyes were out of this world, it was as if planets and novas were encased in them. But what ruined it was the gloss. Not because of the glossiness of their eyes, but the cause of it. Y/N had been crying. And it was Luke’s fault.

“Why are you apologizing, Ease? It’s not your fault. It’s mine. I embarrassed you. I promised that I wouldn’t tell anyone about it. And now here you are, crying. I also promised I wouldn’t make you cry either.” He sighed before putting his forehead on their shoulder, closing his eyes. It was another minute before Y/N spoke again. 

“It’s stupid, Luke. It was petty. And I made it a big deal by leaving. I shouldn’t have embarrassed you in front of the campers. I fucked up. I’m sorry.”

The pair looked at each other in lopsided smiles. “We’re both a mess, huh?” He looked at them again with the biggest and doofiest smile he could muster. Then, giggles. Giggling and laughter roared in the air as the two non-verbally apologized to each other. Hugs and jokes were shared that day in front of the bonfire. You couldn’t burn that scene whenever you tried. It was one of the best days the two ever had.

Emphasis on had. Luke thought. Now, he lays there, contemplating the bridge he’d burn from the one good thing in his life. What Luke couldn’t forget the most were their eyes, filled with hate and malice towards him. Seeing them like that felt like the entire world, his entire world, fall apart. And then they left them there standing, forced to pick up the millions of pieces he himself destroyed.

He knew he loved them; he really did. He could lie under oath and people would know he’s being disingenuous. He’d known for a while about what he felt for them. The way he looks at them from a distance as they laugh with their cabin-mates, a smile unconsciously creeps into his lips. The way their eyes drag towards them instinctively in the crowd. The way they put him over themselves and how much they accommodate him. Those were some of the things they loved about Y/N. And it took Chris and the entire Hermes cabin just to make him realize just how much of a love-sick puppy he was. Although he knew of his feelings towards them, just like Y/N though, they were both content in being part of their lives. Just like Y/N, He was scared that he might fuck up if they both got together, and he didn’t want to lose them. So, he convinced himself that keeping them in their lives platonically was the only solution they had. They were both idiots. Laughing at that now, Luke couldn’t help but slap himself in the face. You kept them platonically but you still fucked up. Way to go, Castellan. 

He was surely convinced he was just okay to keep them in their lives platonically. He didn’t even initially plan anything on Valentine's Day. Just hanging out with them and doing nothing was okay for Luke. But as Valentine’s Day crept around the corner, Luke couldn’t help but think of holding their hand that day as fireworks sprayed in the sky, red and white lights dancing and looking down at them. He couldn’t help but dream of holding them in their arms, kissing them on the temple, smiling down at them as they both looked at each other in adoration. He knew he had to make a move, as both were as stubborn as mules. Y/N had always been the one to initiate everything. From hanging out to just lollygagging around camp. Y/N has always been there for him. It was always Y/N. Y/N. Y/N. He swears he could make their name a chant, just to immortalize this being he could’ve sworn was given to him by the Gods themselves. What did he do to deserve such an angel? He doesn’t know. He realized that for once in his life, He wanted to initiate something first.  Not Y/N. Him.

He felt his heart ripping out of his chest, and at that instant, he knew he had to do something. At first, he couldn’t find Aphrodite kids who he was close enough to ask for advice since they were all busy with the Feast. But the Gods smiled down upon him that day, in the form of Louise Clifford-Jacobs. Luke wasted no hesitation asking Louise about what to do on Valentines, the perfect spot in Camp Half-Blood, the perfect food to serve, everything. He was so focused on planning he didn’t realize Y/N was next to him, the last person he hoped to hear him ask an Aphrodite girl about his plans for them. Looking at Y/N and their smile, Luke felt his heart beat in his chest. His ears turned red as the love of their life smiled upon them, like sun rays that greeted you in the morning.  Y/N had wanted to ask him a question, and although he wanted to entertain it, he still had to plan their date. Luke knew he hadn’t had much time but he didn’t wanna make them leave. Sacrifices were needed to be taken, and Luke had asked them to leave. The smile that left Y/N’s face broke his heart, but he had to do something so that his plan wasn’t blown. 

Luke watched as Y/N left and felt a pang, it was as if someone had shot them directly into his chest. Looking at Louise, they instinctively knew they had to make the date as special as ever. 

But all the planning. All gone to waste because Luke had failed to focus on the one good thing he had. He was so intent on making the perfect date he forgot who it was for. And now Luke was just there staring into the abyss of the bunk bed, dejected that not only he lost his best friend, his grand plan was useless now. Maybe he could give the plan to Percy? He wasn’t sure anymore. 

A knock on the door interrupted his brooding, and he sat up to see the last person he expected to see today. Clarisse La Rue, in all her Ares fashion, walked inside and sat next to Luke. She intently looked at Luke, anger pulsing through her veins. Luke gulps in response.

“I wanna punch you so bad, Castellan.” She started. “So, so bad. You don’t know how much you fucked up.”  He flinched. He knew how hard Ares kids’ punches are, but Clarisse’s was deadlier. You could’ve hit him with a stone and it would hurt way less. She continues. “But I won’t.” Luke sat up, confused. If she wasn’t there to hurt him then what? Luke couldn’t wrap around the scenario happening right now.

“Clarisse, if you’re looking for Capture the Flag alliances, go look for someone else. I’m not in the mood to think of strategies nor care for any bartering you're gonna do.” Luke bluntly stated as he plopped his head on his pillow, covering his eyes with his arm. He hears the girl sigh. “As much as I would really like to make an alliance with you, I’m here for Y/N”

This caught the boy’s attention as he sat up again. He stares at Clarisse before she starts to speak. “Look, I’m probably the last person you’d expect to play cupid but goddamn you both are annoying as fuck. I’ll cut to the chase, Castellan. My best friend is fucking in love with you, they just couldn’t admit it because they’ve made their thick skull think they didn’t have a chance with you. It has gotten worse ever since you started your little game of ignoring them. Now, I know you like them too, the way you look at them makes me wanna vomit but whatever. And I know you didn't mean to ignore them. This is all just a big misunderstanding and Idiot 1 and 2 do nothing but brood and sigh all day. I for one think it's annoying as hell.” Clarisse sighs, reclining on the railings of Luke’s bunk. " The point is, I’m not gonna sit around and see them cry over some idiot. Now, get your sad, pathetic ass out of bed and tell me your plan so I can help.”

Luke and Clarisse indeed formed an unlikely alliance. Although not in Capture The Flag, it was for Y/N so it was the next best thing. Luke’s plan was simple: it was a simple dinner date at the camp’s gazebo, with the gazebo facing the lake. Luke used his abilities as a Hermes kid to smuggle in Y/N and his' favorite food. Clarisse, who had connections with Aphrodite kids through her other best friend Silena, had asked them to help Luke with his case. They didn’t hesitate, seeing that love and courtship was their forte. Louise and Silena lead the operation, Luke owing them big time for this. In all of the planning and decorating, Luke had gotten antsy. And Silena was getting rather annoyed. Using her charm speak, she had managed to calm Luke’s nerves. Sighs of relief echoed as Luke decided to sit as far away as the Aphrodite kids and let them do their jobs without looking like a strict supervisor. 

Silena and Clarisse had known for a long time just how much the Hermes boy yearned for Y/N. In fact, the pair were taking bets on who would confess first, with Silena betting that Y/N would meanwhile Clarisse was betting on Luke. In the meantime, it seems like none of them were winning. And they wouldn’t like that now, would they? That’s why they agreed to help him. Though it was the second reason, the real reason why was sweeter, but they would rather be caught dead than admit that.

Whilst Silena and Clarisse helped prepare, they couldn’t help but look back at Luke. His leg wobbled up and down and he kept wringing his hands. Sweat was rolling down his head as his eyes shifted, while silent murmurs left his mouth. In the many years these two have known Luke, they have never seen him like this. He was the epitome of confidence, both in the eyes of his siblings and everyone in the camp. He was ever so self-assured with both his abilities in sword fighting and his abilities as Head Counselor. Yet here he was, a blubbering mess.  It was definitely out of character for him. The two kept snickering every time they looked back at him, and they looked back at each other, rolling their eyes.  This was definitely blackmailing material for the future. 

That night on Valentines Day, the feast had commenced in celebration of the Goddess of Love. With everyone in the dinner pavilion, Chiron had shared their usual pleasantries, and just like clockwork, finally asked everyone to commence the celebration. Everyone was dressed in their best clothes and eating well tonight, courtesy of the Aphrodite cabin, kids who knew they helped in preparations can finally eat up and pat themselves on the back for a job well done. Couples from different cabins were allowed to eat next to each other, as their single siblings watched in horror and disgust. Burning of offerings had also commenced tenfold, with everyone thanking the Goddess of Love for a very successful day. As the celebration goes on, Y/N sat next to their siblings, half of them sitting with their loved ones, while the rest talk amongst themselves. They sat in the middle, aimlessly picking and playing with their food. 

A cough took them out of their state. Clarisse, who was wearing her best red dress, and Silena who absolutely looked stunning in their off-shoulder dress stood next to each other, looking at them. Y/N in turn looked up at them, eyes filled with gloom. “Don’t tell me you’re gonna be like that the entire night, Y/N”.

“And what if I was?” They barked in retaliation. They were in no mood to bicker with the daughter of Ares. They weren’t also in a mood to celebrate this supposed-to-be happy occasion. Why would they? They just lost their best friend and the person they have been yearning for in just a week.

“Well, that’s no good now, is it?” both snicker at each other.  They sigh before standing up, back hunched and their arms on the table. “Look, I’m really not in the mood to entertain pranks nor play with matchmakers, no offense Silena” she smiled and nodded back to them.

“Well good news. This is no prank. Silena and I decided that since you’re alone this Valentine’s you could come join us on a little singles bonding.” Y/N raised their eyebrow in suspicion. They had a hunch that whenever these two were together and involved, it wasn’t gonna be pretty. These two, besides them and Clarisse, are partners in crime. And when there’s trouble in the air, Clarisse and Silena are the main culprits.

Y/N sighed however. Despite not being in the mood, they had no plans whatsoever. They were, however, in an entertaining mood. There was nothing to lose. So, they humor them, albeit begrudgingly. They rolled their eyes and looked back at them. “Fine. What do you want me to do?”

The girls smile and jump in excitement. Seeing this commotion, they knew something was up. These two were planning something, and Y/N was mentally cursing themselves for agreeing. There was fire in Clarisse’s eyes, and in the many years they’ve known her, they knew exactly what this look was: Determination. A determined Clarisse was dangerous, that they knew. They would stop at nothing to get things done, regardless if it'd kill her or not. An over exaggeration on Y/N’s part but you get the point.  But curiosity was a killer. And well, satisfaction will bring them back.

Silena dragged Y/N away from their table, no one paying mind to them leaving, while Clarisse pushed them forward. They walked and walked until they ended up in the Aphrodite cabin, desolate with no one but themselves. They dragged them to the cabin’s vanity table that was lined with different hair items and products, from hair gel to combs. Aphrodite kids were stacked, and Y/N anxiety never faltered.

“What the hell are you two gonna do to me?” they asked, voice laced with fear. Clarisse’s usual cackle filled the cabin, alongside the sound of a turned-on hair dryer. “Oh c’mon, Y/N liven up. It’s Mom’s Day. I’m giving you a makeover, of course. Courtesy of the entire Aphrodite cabin.” Y/N looked at themselves in the mirror and realized they look utterly horrid. Their hair stuck out in every direction; their eyes red from the constant crying. Eyebags evident from the lack of sleep. Silena was right, They thought. They did look like a mess.

 “Think of it as self-care, Y/N. As the Head Councilor of the Aphrodite cabin, we are humbly your fairy godmothers for the evening.  I’m gonna make sure you look perfect and stunning. Now. Face the mirror.”  

Silena was right. Y/N did look perfect right now. They looked the best they’ve ever been ever since they entered camp, hell, even before they were homeless. One word can describe them right now and it was this: Ethereal. They looked like you could put them in Olympus and no one would be any wiser, no, scratch that, they looked more than just a God. They looked like a celestial being. Silena and Clarisse couldn’t help but gawk at their joint masterpiece and Y/N looked at themselves in the mirror, basking in their appearance. 

Y/N couldn’t help it as a tear rolled down their cheek, which Silena tsked before wiping it off. “Someone who looks celestial tonight has no right to cry. Look at you!” Both Clarisse and Silena were now beside them, and they gawked once more at them. Their confidence skyrocketed ten-fold, and by God they didn’t think they were even capable of looking like so. They looked at both Clarisse and Silena, nodding at them, eyes closed, feeling ever so grateful for their job tonight. But they knew the night wasn’t over, and without hesitation, Clarisse took their hand and led them out the cabin.

It was a short walk and before they knew it, they reached the lit gazebo. Y/N’s eyes sparkled as they stared in awe at the decorations that littered it, fairy lights in little jars, red and white clothes draped at the roof of the gazebo. Food was on the rose petal decorated table, with a beautiful table setting with handkerchiefs folded into swans. But that wasn’t the only thing that was in there. A curly haired boy sat on one of the tables, dressed in a suit, looking down and twiddling with their thumbs. Luke. They thought.

All the happiness they felt have now dissipated, and fury once again taken hold of them. “What the hell is this?” They spat venom, and the pair couldn’t help but flinch in retaliation. Looking up, Luke saw Y/N, and he couldn’t help but gawk at them. Luke had always known Y/N was ethereal, but with Silena and Clarisse’s help, they were all of a sudden out of this world. It was as if Y/N embodied Aphrodite, you can even say moreso, however you wouldn’t catch Luke saying that aloud. All the gawking Luke did however, was ruined when they saw their face. They were infuriated. Angry that they were tricked by Silena and Clarisse. Angry at him. 

Luke wasted no time and made a beeline towards Y/N. "What is he doing here?” Y/N asks Silena and Clarisse, and the duo stayed quiet, looking at Luke for help. Luke sighs, putting both his hands up near his chest, a sign that he wasn’t there to put up a fight. “Don’t get mad at them, Ease. They helped me.  I asked them to trick you. I’m sorry.”

“I told you that I didn’t wanna see you anymore, Luke.” “I know that but please hear me out.” Without saying a word, Y/N began to turn around and walk away. Who wouldn’t be pissed? The last person they wanted to see right now was standing there, whilst they recruited their other friends to basically trick them into seeing him. To say they were pissed was an understatement. 

Not wanting for Y/N to leave before he explained himself, he grabs their arm. The touch felt electric to Y/N as they spun around as Luke held them. And for the first time in a while, Y/N’s expression softened. It had been days since the two had hung out, let alone seen each other. The fight had made them more distant than before, and Y/N couldn’t help but yearn for Luke’s touch. As skin contacts skin, his touch made them putty, and all the anger they’ve kept just seemingly dissipated, and there was nothing left but yearning. Painful, painful yearning. 

“Please, Y/N hear me out. I promise I’ll make it worthwhile.” Y/N closed their eyes, sighing. Y/N knew Luke was their weakness, it had always been. And as he stood there holding them, all thoughts were officially lost. They nodded, and Luke for the first time in a while had his signature smile plastered on their face.

Luke looks at Y/N’s eyes, enamored as the lights from the gazebo danced in it. The more he stared at their eyes, they felt like a moth drawn to the flame. He could stare at it forever, like how Narcissus looked at his reflection in the water, but Luke had to snap out of it, and finish the hell that he had started.

“Listen, Ease. In the years I’ve lived on this Earth, I’ve recognized just how much I’ve fucked up. I was very much aware of how much I’ve done so. With Hal, with…Thalia.” Luke looked at the ground, tears began welling in his eyes. Y/N, who looked at him with adoration, wasted no time putting their hand on his cheek, guiding his eyes back to them. Luke looks at Y/N, before laughing, tears betraying him as they rush down like a waterfall. Y/N’s expressions softened even more, as they used their thumb to swipe any more tears that dared leave Luke’s eyes. A nod left Y/N, encouraging Luke to continue. The gesture made Luke a little more courageous, as he swallowed, before continuing. “With dad’s quest. I knew how much of a fuckup I was. I was always aware, and for some odd reason, when the consequences of these fuck-ups arise, I just ignore them. Not the healthiest option I know but I just stopped giving a fuck, you know? It is what it is mentality.”  As he looked at Y/N, he took their hands into his, and suddenly yet all at once, it felt exhilarating. Their hand in his felt bright and warm, a feeling both of them never felt before. In that moment, they both seemed to forget all the troubles, trials and tribulations they’ve experienced, and what matters right now were just the two of them, in that moment, a scene like in a movie.

“But seeing you walk away like that with the angriest and furious eyes with tears cascading down your face, I realized something.” He breathes out as his grip on their hands tighten, it was as if at any minute, Luke would lose them, like they would drift away from them, never to be seen again. “I realized that out of all the fuck ups I did, hurting you was the worst one I’ve ever done. In that moment, I realized that making you feel alone and small was the biggest fuck-up I have ever done. For the first time, It felt as if some part of me died that day. Out of all the mistakes I've done in my life, you were the only one I was willing to fix."

Luke adoringly stepped forward more, and the space between them left as if it never existed. Luke moved his hands to their forearm, and in turn they put their hand on his chest. “You, Ease, made me realize that out of everything in my life, you’ve become the only thing I got right. I could forget everything, and you’d still be the only constant I’m thankful the Gods had given me. You're the only one who has seen the reds and the blues of my life and despite everything, you just burned them all up. And you, with all your love for an idiot like me, kissed them goodbye.”

“I’m here to fix things between us, Ease. Let it be known that I’m not willing to give you away that easily. Not in this lifetime. Not in the next. So please, I hope you forgive me.”

Y/N, upon hearing Luke’s words, couldn’t help but allow the tears to fall from their eyes. Overwhelmed with emotions, they wasted no time putting their arms around him, sobbing as they cling on to him, scared that they might fall away from them. It took Luke a minute before wrapping their arms around them as well, swinging them back and forth as the pair laughed and giggled in each other’s presence. Tears and smiles were shared amongst the pair, and Luke, smitten in love, broke the contact first, his hands on Y/N’s waist. The pair basked at each other’s presence with adoration, as they stood there, foreheads touching.  Y/N’s hands crept once again to Luke’s face and in that moment, as they looked at each other, time stood still, silence washed over them. “Ease, I promise you, you won’t regret it.” He giddily smiles at them, and they chuckle. 

“I know I won’t.” Y/N replies. Luke leans in, and in sync, their lips move against each other. The pair melted in each other as Y/N placed their hands on their neck. Y/N’s lips were soft. Luke thought. And a smile crept into his lips as his dreams of what their lips felt like on his was now in fruition. Electricity filled the air as the two savored each other, apologies and I love yous passed back and forth with each kiss. It was invigorating, the pair thought. He parts his lips for them, allowing each other to explore and satiate the hunger they had for each other. Their hands slipped into his curly hair and in turn, Luke pulled them towards his body more.

They broke apart after a few minutes, the two catching their breath. As they looked at each other, a sudden boom made their heads snap towards the sky. Red and white lights danced in the sky, covering the entire valley with the Love Goddess’ colors. The two looked up at the sky in adoration as they held onto each other, Luke’s head on their shoulder as they laid their head on his, with Luke’s arms around their waist and their hands resting on top of his. 

Silena and Clarisse watch on as their friends bask in each other’s presence, and in turn they look at each other. Clarisse held out a hand, and Silena couldn’t help but groan as they fished in their pockets, placing a few drachmas on the God of War’s child's palm. Clarisse nodded a thank you to Silena, before both of them left to give the two some deserved privacy.

Never in the million years Luke would think the Gods would give him someone, let alone a person who loved all of him. Y/N, his North Star, his tether, his world. He didn't expect them, out of everyone, to now be in his arms, fully embracing the feeling they had for each other that they were so afraid to admit before. Now, as his name fell from Y/N’s mouth, he smiles as he basked at the moment, silently thanking the Gods for this one. And maybe, just maybe he thinks, he can forget about why he hated the Gods in the first place.

[stars-and-the-min]

☆ the wrong way to hard launch (13) | OP81

summary : oscar's girlfriend is a walking pr problem for literally everyone (including herself) social media au

pairing : oscar piastri x zhou!fem!singer!oc

a/n don't you love it when your ex starts trying to get back in your life?

masterlist | last part | part 13 | next part

selinabui_news

liked by ceciliapham and 10,185 others

selinabui_news 📸 New Lina pics!!! Photos from Cami's instagram stories <3 tagged: selinabui

linasgirl4 the only cutie patootie to ever cutie patootie

2cami4lina my girls went on a date 🩷💜

MESSAGES

from the phone of selina bui

INSTAGRAM

eb_jonno

liked by thomashoward and 212,948 others

eb_jonno when the touring part of tour starts to kick in tagged: emptybottles_official and lukaszhang

tommyhoward Never change Jonno 🤣 ↳ tina_kim @ tommyhoward what. the. fuck.

cameliazzz jonathan answer your phone

mrslukaszhang why does kas look so boyfie 🥰🥰🥰

MESSAGES

from the phone of selina bui

TWITTER

Thomas Howard @THowdy · 3d Bucharest Baby!! 🤪 ↳ emme @flowersforcami · 3d take that back FUCK YOU BETTER BE JOKING

EB Updates @emptybottles_news · 1d Lina's ex-boyfriend, NFL running back Thomas Howard, is at Bucharest Night 1 of the TMD Tour. ↳ liv is SEEING EB LIVE!! @olivielina · 23h can she not catch a break--

EB Updates @emptybottles_news · 16h Thomas Howard has been spotted at Bucharest Night 2 of the TMD Tour. This is the second show he's attended.

MESSAGES

from the phone of oscar piastri

TWITTER

↳ Oscar Piastri @OscarPiastri · 4m Flattered to know 😏 ↳ piaa⁸¹ @ papayaeightyone · 2m OSCAR???? ↳ emme @flowersforcami · 3m SELINA FIGHT BACK @EB_selina

lukas 🔛🔝 @lukiepookie28 · 13m i just bumped into kas and lina at my regular cafe... not even kidding like... i'm in shock ↳ lukas 🔛🔝 @lukiepookie28 · 12m they're about to leave how do i function sjdnfskdfn ↳ lukas 🔛🔝 @lukiepookie28 · 11m POTHO SCUERED DSJKFNSJKDFN

↳ kayla @luna_apocolypse · 7m STFU you got lina to take a photo of you and kas??? 😭 what was she like??? ↳ lukas 🔛🔝 @lukiepookie28 · 4m she told kas to fix his face 💀 ↳ kay ♡ @ blackcatluna · 1m i see he didn't listen

EB Updates @emptybottles_news · 20h Thomas Howard has been spotted at Vienna Night 1 of the TMD Tour. Personally, I recommend they get a restraining order. ↳ kayla @luna_apocolypse · 43m if he shows his face tonight, i will personally fly to vienna and kill him ↳ lukas 🔛🔝 @lukiepookie28 · 24m my show is tonight, i am willing to take one for the team

MESSAGES

from the phone of selina bui

TWITTER

piaa⁸¹ @ papayaeightyone · 2h personally, i think it's insane that oscar is in monaco wakeboarding ot some shit and lina is freezing her ass off on the other side of europe fighting off her ex ↳ piaa⁸¹ @ papayaeightyone · 2h OSCAR DO SOMETHING! HELP UR GIRL!

helen @helenjamie32 · 4h vienna n2 empty bottles fans... you have one job... we're gonna get that woman to sing something like hurt my feelings by tate with her ex in the crowd ↳ helen @helenjamie32 · 4h LET LINA BE MESSY!!! LET HER BE TOXIC!!! SHE DESERVES IT!!! IK SHE'S ON THIN ICE, SHE CAN SWIM ↳ helen @helenjamie32 · 4h you don't understand, i think i NEED her to say "she's got you right now, but i'm still on your mind" I NEED NEED NEED IT

TMD Tour News @EB-TMDTour · 18m The audience encore song for Vienna N2 was 'People Watching' by @ conangray. The band played a surprise second encore song of 'hurt my feelings' by @ tatemcrae afterward. #TMDWorldTour ↳ jules 🌿 @juliiaapxp · 8m @helenjamie32 oomf... what's it like being the oracle of apollo ↳ helen @helenjamie32 · 4m THRILLING SO FUCKING THRILLING AHAHA

piaa⁸¹ @ papayaeightyone · 20m that was the biggest gag ever omg. selina bui, rip ur social media forever but it was so so worth it 10/10, do it again ↳ piaa⁸¹ @ papayaeightyone · 19m changing the last lines? *chefs kiss* never change girlie, oscar u hit the jackpot with this one ↳ emme @flowersforcami · 3m "YOU wear MY number but SHE'S got what you like"??? we're planning the pr funeral but u slayed that, fck media training @EB_selina we're all hootin' and hollerin', u did so good with that baby

EB Bar @theemptybottlesbar · 14m want u so bad, baby, hurt my feelings... 🙄

↳ liv is SEEING EB LIVE!! @olivielina · 12m absolutely LIVING for the attitude, the sarcastic delivery was so cathartic ↳ emme @flowersforcami · 11m YOU WEAR MY NUMBER, GUESS I'M STILL ON YOUR MIND

INSTAGRAM

selinabui_news

liked by piastri_lina and 10,284 others

selinabui_news 17.05.24 | Lina spotted at Vienna International Airport. She's flying to Bologna, Italy ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix 💕 tagged: selinabui

piastri_lina oscalina reunion loading...

mrslukaszhang she's so happy 🥺 ↳ moonbeamlina @mrslukaszhang lmao she hates us (jk)

marie_h.sb she looks so thrilled to have verbally eviscerated her ex in front of a crowd of thousands and then immediately fly off to see her bf. she's straight-up thriving <3

✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:✧･ﾟ: ✧･ﾟ:

taglist @ririyulife @ashy-kit @fionaschicken @namgification @cherry-piee @urfavsgf @eiaaasamantha @sp1rl @destinyg237

[cakepoppresent]

24 Screenshots of '24 <3

Heyo,

I was tagged by @enniewritesathing and @euphiesims to share my favourite screenshots from 2024. I will try to make this nice and neat! and in no particular order (I'm going to put most of it under the cut so I don't spam up people's dashboards!)

I also tag @jayveesim @jayplaysims @weirdosalike @citylighten @matchalovertrait @pamsimmer and anyone else who wants to do it!!

Blair and Brayden Date Night. - I took them out on a date after everything with Grayson and Gideon died down. Blair was worried that it was a mistake having her kids all live in San My without their parents and Brayden was trying to calm her down

Xavier and his little crew - I love these little munchkins so much.

Brayden Visiting his son - Grayson spent Sulani alone trying to center himself and get his head on straight again. There isn't anything really special BUT I just liked how it looked. I liked that Grayson's father made sure he was doing okay. He even suggested therapy, Grayson refused but Blair and Brayden still have that therapist on speed dial just in case lol

Grayson walking home alone - I liked this shot a lot because I don't think I made it clear how Grayson has never been alone. Gideon has ALWAYS been by his side (or his siblings) so I thought it would be nice to get this shot of him being alone

Apollo - I just think Apollo is sexy af and you should all think the same thing

Bunny Sam - was playing around with Gshade and I just think she's sexy af. Y'all should think she's sexy too. Thx

Dancing Grayson - Grayson dancing to Nasty by Tinashe 😂 he just looked so cute

Miss. Luna V - my sis doesn't yearn but gets yearned for and she likes the feeling. That's a look thats giving "yeah I know you love me why wouldn't you"

Yearning Loser - Benji is so in love with Malcolm. It's embarrassing for him but he just loved being around him. That's his family

Malcolm and Veronica - Nothing really, I just thought they look good and Malcolm works out a lot autonomously so I wanted to show it off

Veronica and Brayden - Future father and daughter business duo in the making. Veronica just looks so good as a business woman. I can't see her as anything else and her dad in the background supporting like he should

Su and Grayson - What could have been! In another timeline where Gideon doesn't exist they would have had a chance. Unfortunately this is all in Su's mind. Poor baby

The Reeves!!! - the family I've been playing for over a year. They are my everything and I'm so happy I made them! They are so beautiful

Xavier's stank face - I like his stank face because it supports my head cannon that Xavier and Veronica are much more similar in personality. Xavier just knows how to hide it better 😂

Unfriendly Black hotties - Luna up until this point as always been smiling and amicable but I love seeing her mad and looking upset. She looks so good

Hopelessly Devoted To You - They are currently on a break but that doesn't stop Gideon from staring at Grayson like nothing has changed. TBH Gideon thinking about how to get Grayson pregnant

Nothing to say - It's Luna looking regal and gorgeous as always. Daiksue so lucky I'm not giving him a love rival (I fucking should)

The Villareal Twins - I just like them and I don't have enough pics of them together

Rainy Nights - this is probably my favorite animation and I love the ambience and the lighting of this screenie so much. I just love them so much

Can you tell who my favorite couple is? Lol. I dunno this was after Malcom and Luna got into a fight. Malcolm went straight home and flew right into Benji's arms. He won't admit it but he loves being in Benji's arms

Taking a break - I wanna redo this scene because I felt like I didn't actually convey what I needed to convey. But I just love how dependent they are on each other even when going through their relationship woes

Taking care of his lady - Luna tried it and Daisuke wasn't having it. He wasn't gonna leave without setting the record straight with his future wife

My Munchkins - please. They are so cute and I had so much fun playing them! Also Xavier's face is so funny here

There was a challenge for simstwt a supernatural theme. I used Sam and Apollo and played around with lighting. I really liked how it turned out

[11queensupreme11]

Merry Christmas queen, wishing you all the nice gifts under that tree 😘

i stop a war from happening in the most dramatic way possible

What the fuck are you doing pretty girl? You even know what you doing our just you're falling while screaming.

Oh, I'm nervous and that was only the title

"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! NOOOO! NOOOOOO!" THE SOUND of Persephone's gut-wrenching screams

Whoa whoa whoa

I know we kinda didn't like her because of all that drug thing but like, we went from 0 to 10000 really quick, what happened?

Oh, it´s my daddy, never mind, she surely deserves it ❤️😊

There was a sickening crunch sound as Zagreus' body instantly flattened, his body imploding from the underwater pressure. In a nanosecond his body was reduced to nothing, every bit and piece of him just mere atoms. His aquatic prison quickly filled with ichor.

NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO

QUEEN! I NEED HIM! OMG

I DON'T KNOW WNOUGH ABOUT RoR TO GIVE YOU SO MANY SHIPS

IT'S WAS THE PERFECT MIX OF INCEST AND DARK FANTASY TOO

HE WAS GOING TO BE NICO'S POSEIDON IN MY HEAD! NOW I NEED A NEW ONE

(Also, fuck Pershephone, like, girl, that was quick. I know it was trauma but, GIRL IT WAS QUICK)

(There wasn't an episode in Rick and Morty where Morty's moon chose her daughter over Morty? No more TV for you queen, it's clearly giving you some bad ideas)

Queen

Queen

Queen

✨What the fuck?✨

I´m not shocked, I'm just disappointed in myself that I didn't see his psychotic outbreak coming before.

I genuinely thought the worst was past and the way was up until arch 2

The tags were right there, and I chose to ignore them.

Karma was them hitting my face really hard.

Also, I'm not victim-blaming here, but knowing all of Poseidon's history, why would you choose to mess with him? Girl, just stay far away and be blind, and then maybe he won´t see you.

"When my daughter ascends, she will take Demeter's place," he demanded firmly. "She would make a far better Olympian than that piece of trash anyway." "Hmmm," Zeus stroked his sad excuse of a beard before letting out a boisterous laugh. "Alright! I like it! No worries, brother, it'll be done!"

It's givin´ nepo baby, it's givin' my daddy's going to hear about this

Percy, when she gives up and accepts her destiny:

Yeah, Percy, you're finally getting some child manutention, good for you girl

(Also, rip Demeter, your sin was being a good mother and dumb. Cause again, I wouldn´t mess with FUCKING POSEIDON FIRST CRUSH WHAT THE HELL? YOU WERE HIS SISTER, HOW COME YOU DIDN´T THINK ABOUT IT. I LOVE HIM BUT HE HAS 0 LOGIC AND HE USES HIS TWO HEADS TO THINK, NEVER THE HEART-)

Oh Apollo

You're quickly ascending, your madness and lack of self-control have created a space in my heart dedicated to laughing about you.

Also, that guy isn't surviving, Apollo is going to kill at first sight, no asking just death (yeah, I don't learn his name to stop myself from liking him, I'm self-aware, thanks)

Ra's eyes hardened at that. He already had an inkling that Anubis would be planning this, and he dreaded it because he was right. There was no consent needed for a mating mark—it was permanent and could never be removed. Ever. 

This is so omegaverse, I loveeeeeeeeee it. Have you read Kiss Me Liar? Cause the omega forced the alpha to only be able to have him as an omega but he COULD have more alphas

I love Annubis, make him suffer and comfort him in the sheets, pretty please

A CHAPTER WITH ALL (actual) YANDERE????????'

I'M BEING SPOILED

"I need help," his words would've shocked everyone if they weren't equally as afraid as he was. He looked around, his pupils dilated with fear and panic. Nobody moved. "I NEED HELP!" He screamed at them, anger and desperation laced in his voice. "Somebody do something! Don't just stand there, you fools! My daughter is... is...!" He didn't dare finish the sentence.

...

This actually so sad, why am I smiling? knowing (a little) what's going to happen next...

Anyway, I personally know one more dramatic way to stop a war.

Can I introduce you to our lord and savior Shen Yuan and his act of (literally) dying for dick?

I stan an icon

One of them might piss some of you off ngl lmao

I'm totally not worried

You give my anxiety and half the time it isn't because of Nico

Don't worry queen, we are strong (?) and we love the fic so yeah, I can deal with all of this

Anyway, checking my to-do list, the only thing remaining is telling you how nice Nico looks when suffering, almost as cute as Percy 😘 give me time and I'll come with more ships, I just need more time, don't kill him too soon, a chance please🥹

Bye queen, enjoy Christmas and hope you get some nice updates from that thing you were expecting (an RoR update I think?)

i really love all these nepo baby allegations (not really allegations tho cuz they're all TRUE) cuz like......... percy started off as some poor loser from new york and here is she is now.... married to yan gods with a spot amongst the 12 olympians secured just for her once she ascends like that is the ULTIMATE nepo baby right there, i fear nothing's beating her 😭😭😭😭

not even "rags to riches" fit this, it's more like.... "rags to godhood"???? 😂

[nausikaaa]

WIP Wednesday

thanks for tagging me @that-disabled-princess!

today i have some more Helenus and Odysseus back-and-forth. kind of a long snippet, and i've put it under a cut, because trigger warning, it contains mention of sexual assault, though it's not the focus. the epic cycle is... not a happy story, and this isn't either.

Word Count Wednesday

01/01/25: 76,450

08/01/25: 81,560

15/01/25: 83,204

22/01/25: 85,010

total words written: 7393

“If your hair grows back again, I’ll…”

“If you do anything, Apollo will make my hands look functional compared to yours.” I spit.

Odysseus bares his teeth. “Big talk from a man he hasn’t even healed. He’s the god of medicine, isn’t he? But your hands are still mangled, your nose is fucked, and don’t think I don’t see how your chest hitches every time you breathe in.”

I stare at him, my expression betraying no emotion but my humiliation turning to boiling anger in my chest. Nothing he says is something I haven’t thought for myself already, but I had foolishly hoped that nobody else had noticed how my god has all but abandoned me.

However... I'm not entirely forsaken. I don't know why he won't speak to me, or heal my broken fingers, nose, ribs. But he regrew my hair, the holiest part of me, his favourite part. And I can still see the future.

“He still shows me visions, you know.” I say, voice low and dreamlike.

“Yeah? Of what, your sisters being raped?” He pushes the door further open, letting the moonlight spill in. “Here’s some acoustic assistance.”

“Would you like to know how you die, Odysseus?”

He goes rigid, just for a moment, before relaxing again, faking nonchalance. He laughs, but it sounds false. “You’re a fraud.”

I smile despite myself, despite the screams I can hear on the breeze. My voice is so gentle, the voice reserved for whispering reassurances to my sisters, but I know he can hear me. I can’t reassure them now, but I can hurt Odysseus. The man who built the horse that destroyed Ilium. The man responsible for every atrocity that has occurred since. If the sound of their suffering follows me to my grave, I at least hope he will be haunted until his own deserved end catches up with him.

“Your son kills you.”

He’s silent. So am I. Letting my words hang in the air, I wait like a snake hidden in long grass.

“I don’t believe you.” He says finally, but then he makes the mistake of looking at me.

I tilt my head. “I thought you were a good liar?”

“Goodnight, Helenus.” His voice trembles just the slightest bit, and he shuts the door with a soft thud instead of his usual slam.

Odysseus is indeed killed by his son in the myths, but not the one he expects. Before the Trojan War, Odysseus and his wife Penelope have a son, Telemachus. then on his journey home, he spends a year in a relationship with the goddess/sorceress Circe. unbeknownst to him, Circe also has a son with him, Telegonus.

my idea is that Odysseus initially pushes the prophecy aside in favour of simply surviving one thing after another and is happy to be reunited with Telemachus, as we see in the Odyssey. but that changes as time goes on. After twenty years of stress and fighting, he finds it difficult to settle and accept that he is safe. When his family are invited to visit Helenus and his family in Epirus for a trade agreement, he remembers his words and begins to spiral.

He grows distrustful and resentful towards Telemachus, who doesn't understand and feels equally resentful. Eventually, he sequesters himself away from his palace and family, suspicious of all strangers.

Telegonus shows up, looking for his long lost father, but when he finds Odysseus, he is mistaken for an assassin and attacked. Telegonus strikes back in self defence, grazing him with his spear, which was coated in poison by Circe. Odysseus is immediately incapacitated, but it takes him days to die. In that time, Telegonus nurses him and tells him his story, and Odysseus realises he pushed his other son away for nothing and caused his own death with his paranoia, but it's too late.

If he hadn't thrown the suffering he caused in Helenus's face, he wouldn't have recieved the prophecy that led to his sad end. A deserved death indeed.

tags and hellos: @forabeatofadrum @cutestkilla @run-for-chamo-miles @roomwithanopenfire @prettygoododds @bookish-bogwitch @j-nipper-95 @youarenevertooold @orange-peony @confused-bi-queer @aristocratic-otter @artsyunderstudy @thewholelemon @alexalexinii @hushed-chorus @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @martsonmars @meanjeansjeans and @leithillustration

[shiroisotto64]

Carmine Headcanons

Benjamin

He’s always been described as green. Aka he follows the rules..mostly. Everyone has their moments am I right? Ben is respectful towards everyone and has a very eager air about him.

You wanna teach him neat military trick? He’s in. This leads to Ben and Baird spending a lot of time together. Imagine how much fun they’d have setting shit on fire? Exactly. And Baird finally has someone who actually tries to listen/understand his science talk.

He’d been real fun to be around. If your friends or together? He’s down to do things you like. Even if he hadn’t found it all to interesting before hand he’ll at least try to get into it for you. You like collecting antiques? He’ll save up to get you something whenever he can.

Gets real giddy when genuinely complimented. You noticed his tracking is getting better and say something about it? He’s touched! You think he’s getting real good at unjamming his lancer? Why thank you! He’s eats it all up and uses it as fuel to keep going.

With a s/o

Very respectful of boundaries. He won’t do anything without your explicit consent before hand. Including hand holding. He gets real shy when it comes to affection. He doesn’t mind it…but growing up with locust running around to kill you doesn’t leave a lot of time to get used to touch.

Ben would be super excited to genuinely spend time with you as well. Wanna walk around the yard? Sure, let’s go. Wanna eat lunch together? He’s damn there skipping to the hall. It’s so cute but the others definitely tease him for this. Marcus is just shaking his head in the corner but look closer he’s almost smiling!

Anthony

He needs to be put on a leash. He’s such a nerd. He’ll rant for hours about all the cool shit Marcus has done if anyone would let him. It’s funny how much he knows really.

Eager to train and get on the field. You can find him in the gym or shooting range. He likes the rush 1 and 2 he wants to stay sharp and be useful when called out. Rambles on the coms to. Marcus is normally the one to scold him to “shut the hell up!”

I feel like for some reason…he’d know a LOT of gossip around base..idk I can just feel it. Before you even tell him he already knows how the mission went. Luckily he’s open to talk about his missions too especially if he did something cool!

With a s/o

Likes no LOVES to show off. But he loses his cocky attitude when his gun fucks around and jams and oops he dropped it….ANYWAYS everyone has their days.

But lord help you cause it has to be nerve wracking being with him, he’s so eager and reckless at that. At least Ben follows orders Anthony just kinda forgets or gets wrapped up in the moment. He means no harm but still.

Clayton

He’s quieter than his brothers. Clayton just kinda chills there till he feels he needs to say anything. He’s more introverted prefers to keep to himself. He does have a sense of humor though. Albeit it’s a bit dry it’s there.

Clay cared a lot about his family especially his brothers. His affection is generally more quiet and shown through actions. A pat on the back here and a good job there. That’s his style even after the war he’s still kinda stiff.

He likes keeping his weapons in top shape. He’s found cleaning his guns and tags around the end of the week or right after a messy mission.

He’s not really picky about food or anything none of them are but I bet Clayton is the heaviest eater out of the carmines. Make him a hearty bowl and he’ll eat every last drop!

With a s/o

Wanna know if he likes you? Easy ask that man for a piece of his bacon. Regardless if he fussed about it or not if you get the piece at all you’re good.

If you’re the touchy type he’ll try to accommodate you. Like I said it’s not like they don’t like touch they just aren’t used to it.

He’s the touchiest when he’s tired. All of a sudden you’re being dragged to bed to cuddle. He’s a real heavy sleeper to! So good luck. Those big strong arms mean business once he’s got you there’s not escape.

@pink-apollo mentioned something about Clayton and dogs and I agree. I could totally see him with at least one large guard dog. But what’s better? A big dog and small puppy. LMFAO imagine the grub killer sprawled out on the couch with a yorkie or something. Adorable.

He’s not the jealous type but he is protective. Anyone giving you a hard time he’ll get it through their skulls don’t worry.

He does need a quiet moment to himself though, so if your the real clingy type he’ll get agitated if your constantly trying to hang off him, however he won’t yell he’ll just remove himself for you until he’s ready to be touched again.

[pidge-it-up-archive]

As Aristophanes used to say...

A Kagehina PJO AU | 6,673 words | Main Tags: First Kiss, Getting Together Read it on AO3 According to Aristophanes, humans were originally spherical beings, with four arms, four legs, and a single head with two faces. They were powerful and had the ability to move in any direction. But the gods, fearing their strength, split them in half, leaving each of them longing for their other half, to be whole again. And that is why people search for their soulmates—because they were once one and are now two, and they long to be reunited.

Duality is a funny thing. We often hear that opposites attract, but that’s not always the case. Some opposites are naturally repellent, refusing to mingle no matter how much we wish they would. 

Oil and water, for example, share the same space, but they’ll never blend, always drawing invisible lines between them. North and south poles of a magnet: they pull away from each other as if the mere thought of connection were unbearable. Darkness and Light. Where one exists, the other is absent—constantly in opposition, each one negating the other.

So, logically, the two of them should have been like that. Two separate worlds. 

“But eclipses do exist, don’t they?” Hinata interrupted as Kageyama voiced his thoughts. “What? I’m right!” Hinata squealed at the glare he received. 

“You’re not, dumbass! Eclipses have nothing to do with light and dark , they’re about… the sun and the moon, or, or… Day and night, if you will.”

“Well, it’s not like we have anything to do with light and dark either, dumbass ,” Hinata grinned back the insult. “Just because your dad’s a bit shady and you choose to be all bleeeh and gloomy doesn’t mean that you are the darkness” Hinata trembled his fingers with the word, in phantasmagorical fashion. 

“I’m not bleh and gloomy!” Kageyama pouted. 

Hinata let out a snort. “Yeah, right, Mr.” —he pressed his hair down and frowned in an attempt to mimic the boy before him— “woo-is-me-I-don’t-go-along-with-anybody-and-I-all-better-off-alone!” 

Kageyama rolled his eyes. “You know what, you’re giving me a headache.”

“That’s not my fault. That's because you were trying to think and we all know that’s not your strongest suit. ”

“Oh, fuck off. Like you’re one to talk!” Kageyama jumped to his feet. “Wanna practice or not?” He didn’t wait for a reply as he got up and headed to the arena, confident that Hinata would follow.

And Hinata did, of course, as he always did, ever since he stepped foot in Camp Half-Blood almost three years ago.

The first time he saw Hinata Shoyo was in the Summer before his freshman high school year. 

He was walking to his cabin to get settled when this little too-much-orange thing came running and bumped into him. He didn’t stop, he simply yelled back “Sorry!” and went on murmuring “Bathroom, bathroom, bathroom”.

Kageyama glared in his direction as the boy—short, freckled like the strawberry fields, with hair the exact same color as the camp shirt—went straight to Artemis’s cabin. “You’re going the wrong way, dumbass!” He yelled. The boy stopped, dancing in place with his hands on his shorts. “Apollo’s cabin’s that way”, Tobio pointed to the cabin to his right. 

The boy’s eyes widened. “How— Nevermind! Thanks!” And he ran to the right cabin. 

How did you know? Tobio knew the boy would ask. He would have scoffed if he had had the chance. Some people who get into Camp are seriously incognito, but not him. It took only a fraction of a second to understand that that boy, whoever they were, was a child of Apollo. 

And Kageyama might not have prophetic gifts, but as he stood there amidst the cabins surprisingly amused rather than annoyed at the boy, he knew his life would change. Don’t ask him how. It was… A tingle in his bones, almost. A heat underneath his skin. And from that day on, Kageyama was acutely aware of him all the time, which was… Odd.

Kageyama loved that camp with everything he was, taking everything he did there seriously and with dedication. All the training and games and simulations, he’d approach it with a stern look of concentration on his face and put all of himself into it like they were real, like they all were a matter of life and death—mostly because one day, they might be. 

But… that was sort of the problem. He did, but most of the campers didn’t.

He was basically raised in that Camp—taken by his own mother at age of 5— but his experience didn't keep people from avoiding him like the plague, opposite to what happens to other experienced campers, because apparently practicing with him was exhausting, physically and emotionally.

According to everyone else, he was rude, always yelling at people even when they were at their limit, which was never even close to being enough for him. Fighting along his side could end up in a serious wound because he’d never coordinate his movements with his partner— which is bulshit! He was doing what was the best move, it wasn't his fault others refused to keep up . So it’s been a while since he showed any real interest in any of the campers. If everyone would turn their back on him, he would turn his back in return. Campers came and went—names he never learned and faces he never memorized—but he would stay. And he was better off alone.

But then it came him . He didn’t even know his name yet and still, all through that first week, if you had asked him where the short orange boy was, he would somehow know how to answer. It was as easy as pointing out the sun in the sky during the day. 

Because you see, Hinata Shoyo—as he would learn later—was not just the son of the sun. He was the sun. Expansive, flashy, and annoying. Impossible to miss—either by the way its light offends the eyes of those used to the dark or by the way its heat burns the skin used to the cold. 

But as much as Kageyama found it all annoying, he couldn't deny it came perfectly in handy during Capture the Flag. 

Kageyama sensed him before he saw him, a prickle at the edge of his awareness. He turned sharply, just in time to see the arrow sail toward him. It was so off course that he didn’t even flinch, stepping aside lazily as it sunk into the dirt with a pitiful thunk . A laugh escaped him—short, sharp, and derisive.

“That was pathetic,” he muttered.

He knew he would be welcomed by the Red Team’s new campers—the orange Apollo kid (who Kageyama was sure was the one who shot the worst shot he had ever seen an Apollo child shoot), twins from Demeter, and a boy from Aphrodite. Ares cabin was sadistic like that, putting them first to give them a little taste of what a battle can be, but also to just slow down and signal when the enemy is approaching. 

Two more arrows streaked toward him, both were even worse than the first. Kageyama sidestepped them with ease, closing the distance between him and the archer in a matter of seconds. 

When he was close to reaching the archer's hiding spot, he was attacked then by the twins. Kageyama disarmed the first with a single blow, sending him sprawling, and the second barely had time to raise her weapon before he knocked it from her hands. The boy from Aphrodite tried to go at him for the sake of trying but didn’t even put up a fight. 

Another arrow was shot; it missed its target once more. This time, when Kageyama looked up, there he was. Orange hair leaking out of his elmo, arm shaking with the strength it took to arm the bow; courageously—and foolishly—standing his ground. 

Kageyama took a step forward, a cat playing with its prey, and the kid dropped the bow and drew a sword in a quick motion. Adorable, he thought. As if! The kid stood awkwardly, his posture was all wrong and his grip on the sword was so laughable that Kageyama almost didn’t bother. Almost. But something about the fire in his eyes made Kageyama hesitate, just for a split second.

It was enough.

The kid lunged with startling speed, his blade nicking Kageyama’s arm before he could react. The pain was negligible, but the fact that it had happened at all set his blood boiling.

“YES!” the boy shouted, triumphant. His grin was bright enough to rival the sun, and Kageyama’s temper snapped.

“Beginner’s luck,” Kageyama growled, stepping forward with purpose. He brought his sword down in a powerful arc, but the kid wasn’t there. He spun to follow, striking again and again, but every swing hit empty air.

“Will you—” Another strike, this time adjusting mid-swing to catch the boy off guard. Their blades finally clashed, but the smaller boy’s grip faltered, and his sword clattered to the ground. “—stop moving, damn it?! ”

Before the boy could scramble away, Kageyama swung the flat of his blade against the back of his knees, dropping him to the ground. For a moment, they locked eyes—one filled with rage and determination, the other with mounting irritation.

“And stay down,” Kageyama snapped, looming over him.

But the boy didn’t stay down. Even as he knelt there, gasping for breath, he started to push himself back up. His legs shook, his hands scrabbled at the dirt, but the fire in his eyes never dimmed.

“Seriously?” Kageyama muttered under his breath. He was raising his sword again when the sharp blast of a horn cut through the air.

The game was over.

Kageyama lowered his weapon with a scowl, turning his back on the boy. But as he walked away, he couldn’t shake the image of that defiant grin and the way the kid refused to quit. It left a bad taste in his mouth. Or maybe it was something else entirely.

The next day, he found the boy at the arena training even before him. He was usually one of the few who went there before dawn, enjoying the chill air and the quiet—he was there mostly for the quiet—of an empty arena. Annoyed, he decided to find someplace else to practice—alone—for the day. But the next day, there he was again. And the next, and the next, and the next, and by the end of the week, Kageyama was fed up with it. 

“You really should give up on that sword,” he said as he approached the boy. 

The boy looked up, frowning. “What, why?”

“Because you suck at it.”

“Isn’t that the point of practicing, though?”

“A 1000 times 0 is still zero.”

“I don’t see your point.” 

“Urgh, forget it. Do what you want.” Kageyama had given up on giving up and was halfway off the arena when the boy called him back. 

“Wait, you– You’re good at it, right?”

“At what?”

“Well… everything, I suppose? You’re the King of the Arena, aren’t you?”

Kageyama glared at him. “That doesn’t mean what you think it means.” 

“What do… What do I– No? Well, whatever. Could you teach me?”

“No.” 

“Why not?” 

“Ask around, Sunshine , and you’ll know.”

“Well, I don’t care what the others think. No one else wants to teach me, the sword.”

“Who’s no one?”

“Everyone.”

Kageyama sighed. “You know, everyone might have a point. You’re small and you’re fast. You’d do much better with a dagger.”

“But I don’t want a knife! The arrow, and the dagger, they’re… they’re cool, and they’re awesome, but I want this!” He branded the sword on their faces. “I really want this.”

“Why?” 

“I just– I just want it, is that not enough reason?”

“No, that’s—” Kageyama started, that is not enough reason, he’d supposed to say, but then he saw it, in his eyes. The same flare that made him hesitate that night on Capture the Flag. This will and determination he hadn’t seen in a long time, if ever. A fire burning brighter than Hestia’s flame, hotter than Hephaestus's forge. 

It wasn’t just stubbornness or blind courage; it was something deeper, something primal. A refusal to yield, to break, no matter the odds.

And he caved. “Fine.”

The sun came out. “I’m Hinata Shoyo.” The boy reached out his hand.

Kageyama snorted. “You’re a child of Apollo and your name is Hinata? ”

He blinked, head tilting to the side. “Right… I… Never thought of that…” Hinata looked sheepish. “And you are…? I assume calling you King isn’– ”

“Kageyama Tobio,” he interrupted.

“And…?”

“And what, dumbass?”

“Who’s your godly parent?”

“You… You seriously don’t know?”

“Nope.”

“You really are an idiot,” Kageyama shook his head as he drew his sword. A beautiful black metal that reflected the red of dawn. “I’m a child of Hades.”

Hinata was a fucking nuisance. He was clumsy with the sword, his stance was nightmare-worthy, and he tripped on his feet more often than a 5-year-old first-time dancer with two left feet. 

But he always got up. Always. And that Kageyama could admire. 

In the nine years he had been at camp, Kageyama had never met anyone who matched him in determination and stamina. But, as it was proving to be a constant right now, everything else in Kageyama’s life was not applicable to that fucking orange ball. 

From that day forward up until the last day of Summer, they trained for at least an hour before the sun was up in the Arena, and then when others started to show up, they’d hide in the forest and continue, unrelenting. It was the most fun Kageyama has had in years. 

By the end, Hinata was surely better. Not good, but better.

“You’ll see,” Hinata had said as they laid back on the ground, panting after their last training session of the summer. “When we come back next year, I’ll be able to beat you in a fight.”

“Keep dreaming.”

“Yes, I will! Because my father is the god of prophecies, so my dreams actually mean something,” he flashed out the tip of his tongue when Kageyama flicked his forehead.

They said goodbye to each other with an e-mail address on a piece of paper and a promise engraved on their little fingers.

Needless to say, they kept in contact during the school year

Kageyama started sending detailed instructions: what exercises Hinata should do every day, what to eat to build stamina, and tips to avoid injury. With each message, came the eary feeling that he would be ignored because part of him expected Hinata to lose his discipline halfway through the semester. Most people did, after all. But Hinata never did. Not once.

Every single day, without fail, he sent Kageyama a picture after his training; sweaty, sometimes looking so exhausted he could barely hold his phone steady, but always determined. Always smiling. And if the time Kageyama kept staring at each picture exponentially increased with time, that was for his knowledge only and no one else’s. 

As weeks turned into months, their talks drifted away from training altogether, slipping into moments of shared jokes, idle chatter, or stories that neither of them quite realized they were looking forward to. 

And just like that, without their knowledge or consent, they became more than training partners. They were friends. 

When Kageyama arrived at Camp the next year, he headed straight for the arena, and, as reliable as ever, there he was, keeping up with Ryūnosuke Tanaka, a veteran child of Ares. 

“Yo, dumbass!” Kageyama yelled at the arena's edge, crossing his arms. Hinata took a moment to beam at him, and Kageyama was close to yelling at him for allowing himself to be distracted like that as Tanaka advanced, but Hinata’s reflexes were sharp, and when Tanaka struck, he was able to step aside just fine. Kageyama rolled his eyes. “If you lose to him, I won’t fight you for a whole week!”

He knew nothing fuelled Hinata more than a challenge; the fight was over in less than a minute, with Tanaka on his back and a smiley Hinata cheering on top of him. 

Kagayema had to give it to him: Hinata has improved. A lot. But still, there was no way he could hold up a real challenge to him. But that didn’t make the boy sad, or frustrated, like it did to many people before. Like he said, nothing fuelled Hinata more than a challenge. 

The second Capture the Flag of the Summer got them in a special situation: Apollo and Hades cabins were on the same team. 

“Alright, let’s see…” Daichi, head of Nike started. “The usual go-to is to always send Kageyama on his own to scan the field, but I think I wanna try something different.”

Kageyama raised a brow at the leaders of the campaign. 

“We think it’ll be good for Hinata to stick with you.”

“What? He’ll slow me down!”

“Wow, thanks a lot!” Hinata cried. 

“It’s true! You’re like… better than last year, but still!”

“He’s the only one of us who can even bear to be near you, King, for whatever god-forsaken reason. And everyone knows that he’d rather follow you like a minion than be with his own cabin, anyway,” Oikawa, Head of Aphrodite, sneered.

“Hey, you—” Hinata started, never one to let it go when people called Kageyama ‘King’ with that undertone, not after he learned what they meant by it. 

“Let it go,” Kageyama muttered under his teeth, holding him back. “Fine,” he glared at Oikawa before slowly turning his gaze to Daichi. “We go together. What position?”

“You’ll guard the flag.” Daichi smiled. 

Kageyama didn’t know what was on Daichi’s mind, but he had proved to be as good a strategist as Kenma, from Athena, so Kageyama didn’t argue. 

And may Zeus strike him if Daichi hadn't been a genius with that decision. 

It had been one thing to fight against Hinata, but the moment they were put on the same side and had to fight with each other, the game changed. Maybe it was because they had spent so many times fighting the other that they had memorized the patterns of their movements, or maybe it was just some sort of divine connection, that Kageyama wouldn't put past them. Whatever it was, Kagayema had never felt so good on the battlefield. 

He didn’t have to order Hinata around—yelling to go here or there, to duck down or jump. He just did it, as if he could read Kageyama’s thoughts before he even formed them. It was effortless, like breathing—an unspoken understanding that made their movements seamless. And for the first time ever with a partner, whenever Hinata took the lead on a movement, he followed. 

Near the end of the battle, when they found themselves surrounded, they stood back to back, and something clicked. 

Kageyama would never admit it, not in a million years, but as they moved in perfect harmony, he couldn’t help but think of that old tale about how humans once had two heads, four arms, and four legs, until the gods split them apart and cursed them to wander the earth, searching endlessly for their other half. Because there, amid the chaos of the battle, back to back with Hinata, he couldn’t tell his and Hinata’s movements apart. 

They were one: one body, two heads, four arms, and four legs, just like they were meant to be.  

After that battle, if the time he spent staring at Hinata exponentially increased with time, that was for his knowledge only and no one else's. 

The following summer, a week before he had to return home, Kageyama had a dream, and by the time he woke up, nearly 3 in the morning, he had a mission, assigned by Hades himself. His task was simple in theory, an in-and-out situation, perfect for someone like him—a child of Hades with the ability to shadow travel. 

It was close to 4 AM when he was ready to leave. Trying to shadow travel from inside the Camp’s wards was exhausting, so he had to walk away until he felt the mist around him shimmer, and shadows become more malleable. When he had finally walked far enough, he stretched his arms over his head, popped his neck to one side and the other, and took a deep breath. 

As he exhaled, he felt the pull from the darkness, his body dissolving into more sense than form, an uncomforting but familiar fe— Something touched his shoulder.

His last coherent thought before the pull consumed him was a sharp, resounding, “Fuck.”

The added weight threw off his concentration, and instead of arriving at his intended destination, he and the unexpected passenger dropped out of the shadows mid-transit. He hit the ground hard, followed by the other body falling on him, the force knocking the air out of his lungs in a painful “oomf.”

Before he could fully process what happened, the body on top of him rolled to the side and—much to his disgust— puked .

Kageyama turned his head sharply, eyes wide, nose wrinkled in disbelief as he registered who the “idiot” was.

“WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING, DUMBASS?” he bellowed.

Hinata, still green and disoriented, groaned with his eyes squeezed shut. “What was that ?”

Kageyama’s glare could’ve burned holes through steel. “What are you doing here?” He ignored Hinata’s question. 

“You were leaving without saying goodbye!”

“I wasn’t—Wait, what? Oh, gods, help me.” Kageyama groaned, rubbing his temples in frustration. “I have a mission, idiot! Were you following me?”

“Yes,” Hinata admitted, looking unashamed despite the situation.

“Why?! It’s the middle of the night!”

“I had a dream,” Hinata replied matter-of-factly. “And I was right. ”

Kageyama nearly screamed. “Oh, get off! You can’t be here! I have a mission, and you need to go back to camp!”

“Why can’t I go with you? Why didn’t you tell me anything? Does Chiron know?”

Kageyama sighed, raising a finger. “Because it’s not assigned to you.” Another finger up . “Because my father told me to do this as soon as possible. I wasn’t going to wait for you to wake up and tell you I’d be gone for twenty minutes.” And another finger. “And yes, of course, Chiron knows.” 

“What’s the mission?” 

He dropped his hand. “None of your business. Go back to camp. ”

“No.” Hinata stomped like a child throwing a tantrum. 

“Excuse me?”

“I’m coming with you.”

“No, you’re definitely not.”

“Why?”

“Because you’ll… you’ll fuck it up. ”

“I won’t! You know it! We’ve spent the last two summers—”

“This isn’t Capture the Flag, Hinata. This is serious!”

“All the more reason you shouldn’t do it alone!”

“No, it’s not. You’re just jealous I got a mission, and you didn’t!”

“The fact that I think you shouldn’t do this alone has nothing do to with my jealousy.”

“Ah, so you are jealous?” 

“Not the point! The point is! You’ve been alone long enough and I'm tired of people thinking you thrive in it. You don’t. You hate it, you’re just too proud to let them know. It’s a dangerous mission—”

“You don’t even know what the mission is!” He muttered. 

“ —and it’s not fair that you have no backup. Besides, if I dreamed about it, there must be a reason for it. So shut it, and let me come with you.”

Kageyama huffed, affronted. He hated him. Gods, how he hated Hinata and that stubborn, blazing look in his eyes. They kept staring at each other, neither willing to cave. But staring at Hinata when he looked like that— overconfident — was a little bit like staring at the sun. You can’t do it for long. 

“FINE!” Kageyama snapped, throwing his hands up. “But if you puke on me again, I’ll leave you behind!”

Hinata did puke again when they arrived at their destination—but not on him, which was a win. Kageyama, grumbling under his breath, pulled a small bottle of mouthwash from his sling bag and tossed it at him. Hinata took it gratefully, managing a sheepish smile once he was back on his feet.

“Where are we?” Hinata asked, looking around. There were a dense forest surrounding them, the dawning sun barely visible throught the trees. Behind him, stood a tall stone wall, with a round rough entrance leading to a cave. 

“Mormo’s Island,” Kageyama replied, his tone sharp.

“What’s Mormo?”

“It’s who’s Mormo,” Kageyama corrected, as he led into the cave. “She’s our target.”

Hinata grimaced, hesitating to follow. “We’re… getting in there?” 

“Yep.”

“But… It’s gonna be dark.” 

“That’s why this is my mission,” Kageyama sneered. “You can wait here.” 

“No way! I’m coming!” He ran after him. “Nishinoya taught me a nice trick it will be useful– wait!” He halted at the entrance. “Let me…” Hinata concentrated, closing his eyes. 

Kageyama could only stare as the boy started to make noises, tensing his body, almost like— “Are you gonna shit your pants or something?” 

“Shh, don’t distract me!” Hinata barked, sticking his tongue out. The sight was weird at best, but Kageyama couldn’t hold back the affectionate roll of his eyes. No. Not affectionate. He was irritated. He was no t thinking he was adorable or something. But then, suddenly, Hinata’s skin started to glow. He opened his eyes, analyzing his own hands. When he looked up in Kageyama’s direction, he hated having to go back on his own words. Nevermind, he was adorable as hell. 

“You glow,” Kageyama said, trying to hide his awe. 

“Yep!” Hinata skipped like a kid handed candy. “Now we can go! C’mon!”

Kageyama blinked as his pocket-size sun entered the cave, shattering the dark around him. What the fuck? He had never seen any of the Apollo kids doing that. Was it a secret between then or something? He shook his head. That was something for later. 

As they entered the cave, he explained the mission to Hinata. 

Mormo was what could be a mixture between a boggart and a vampire, kidnapping kids, punishing them, and turning them into her small fleet of demons. Child demons. Thanatos is not particularly a fan of her, meddling with the balance of life and death unnecessarily, and every time she spawns, he sends someone out to kill her. This time he asked Hades for help, and Hades asked him.

Kageyama led the way, with the dim glow of Hinata’s skin casting long, flickering shadows, their swords glinting faintly in the pale light. 

The air grew heavier the deeper they ventured into the cave. The walls seemed to close in, suffocating them with the dull silence, broken only by their steps and breathing resounding within the humid walls. “This place is so creepy,” Hinata muttered, clutching the hilt of his sword tightly.

“Focus,” Kageyama said sharply. “We’re almost there.”

“How do you even know where to go? We passed like… 4 or 5 different tunnels.”

“It’s hard to explain.”

“Try?” Hinata was curious by nature, but it was obvious by the shaking of his voice he was talking the nervousness away. He needed the distraction. 

“It’s just… The dark? I have a weird awareness of things in it. Kinda like a bat but instead of sounds, the… darkness guides me, you know?”

Hinata chuckled. “That was actually pretty easy to explain.”

“Well, how would I know your brain would be able to catch up?”

“Hey, I’m not–”

“Shhhh” Kageyama put a hand on his mouth, making them stop. He gave Hinata a serious look and he understood. Closing his eyes again, he was able to turn off the glow of his skin. His body immediately tensed when the dark engulfed them, but Kageyama dropped the hand from his mouth to his shoulder and slid it to his hand. He ignored the gasp Hinata let out. “Don’t let go,” he whispered. “I’ve got you.”

Hinata nodded, but when he realized he probably couldn’t be seen (he was wrong, Kageyama could see him just fine) he squeezed Kageyama’s hand. Thank the gods it was dark, so Hinata couldn’t see the blush that dared to creep out his face. Kageyama squeezed his hand back, a sign that they should move. 

Slowly, Kageyama led them forward. Hinata couldn’t see where they were going anymore, but he felt the twist and turn of the cave, doing so more sharply now than before. Finally, they were able to see a faint blue light emanating from around the corner.

Kageyama let go of Hinata’s hand, shifting his grip to hold his sword firmly with both hands. He pressed himself against the wall, his movements careful and precise, the blade angled low but ready. His breath was steady, measured, as he leaned forward to peek around the bend.

Hinata followed closely, his heart hammering in his chest. The glow grew stronger as they inched closer, illuminating the rough walls with an ethereal shimmer. Kageyama tilted his head just enough to see what lay ahead—and froze.

He motioned for Hinata to stay back before stepping cautiously out, his sword raised slightly. Hinata ignored him, as usual, and crept after him. His eyes widened as the space opened up before them in a large chamber.

At the heart of the chamber, sprawled across a jagged throne of stone, was what had to be Mormo. Her grotesque form lay still in slumber, the bioluminescent fungi casting an unearthly glow over her figure. Leathery wings folded tightly against her body, sharp claws draped over the edges of her throne. Her face was a disturbing blend of hideous and eerily human, the features softened only by the stillness of her sleep.

“She’s asleep,” Kageyama murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. His grip on the sword tightened, the tension in his shoulders clear.

Hinata swallowed, his eyes darting to the fungi-dotted walls and the dark corners of the chamber. “What do we do?” he whispered back.

Kageyama didn’t answer. He stepped forward cautiously, each movement silent and deliberate. Hinata stayed back, his sword shaking slightly in his grip.

When Kageyama reached her, he raised his blade high and drove it down with a clean, precise strike. Mormo let out a faint, strangled gasp before dissolving into ash.

“It’s done,” Kageyama said flatly, and his voice, though quiet, was carried by the echo of the chamber.

Hinata frowned. “That was way easier than I thought—”

A shrill screech interrupted him, followed by another. And another.

“Uh, Kageyama?” Hinata’s voice trembled as small, twisted forms began to emerge from the shadows, their glowing red eyes locking onto them.

Kageyama’s jaw tightened. “Her demons.”

The creatures surged forward, their claws glinting in the faint light. Kageyama ran and grabbed Hinata’s arm. “Hold on—” He called the darkness and it pulled them in, but not for long. He lost his grip and they fell again, swords clinking on the ground. “ Fuck!”

“What happened?” Hinata shrieked, voice muffled by the hand on his hand, probably holding back the contents of his stomach again. 

“I’m too weak. Just run!” Kageyama grabbed his sword and Hinata’s hand again, guiding them through the darkness once more. But suddenly, they heard the shrills and the steps approaching them head-on. “Shit, get behind me!” 

Hinata did as he was told, taking deep breaths trying not to panic. It wasn’t easy, he was—

“Fuck!” Hinata has never heard Kageyama curse so much. “There’s more coming from behind. You gonna have to fight too!”

Hinata swallowed the bile down his throat. He understood what he was saying. He tried to concentrate again, picturing the warmth within his heart as a sun, pushing it out. He pictured the feel of the sun on his skin… He opened his eyes. Nothing. Shit shit shit shit shit. He tried again. Nothing.

“Hinata, now!”

“I can’t, I can’t, I’m—”

“Fuck, forget it. Just—” Kageyama repositioned them until they were back to back. “Just stick to me”, he said firmly.

The demons were there. This was it. Hinata nodded, his breathing shaky. “Got it.”

The first demon lunged, and Kageyama’s sword met it midair, slicing cleanly through. 

“Turn left!” Kageyama barked, and Hinata obeyed, twisting to match Kageyama’s movements. Another swiped at Hinata, and he ducked, swinging upward in a wide arc. The creature shrieked and crumbled into ash.

“Swing, now!” Kageyama’s voice cut through the chaos. Hinata swept his blade horizontally, cutting through two demons at once. “Nice!” Kageyama said, a hint of a grin in his tone. The two were moving as one, just like they had so many times before, their steps perfectly synchronized. 

Huh, funny… Hinata suddenly caught himself thinking. Wasn’t he supposed to be terrified? But at every twist, as each move of their swords hit something, he found himself relaxing into the rhythm, trusting Kageyama’s commands and the subtle shifts in his body.

He closed his eyes for a moment, relying on the feel of Kageyama’s presence to guide him. Despite the danger, there was an exhilaration to their teamwork—a connection he couldn’t put into words. Kageyama felt it too, of course, as he always had but was proud enough to keep only to himself. 

“See! Aren’t you glad I came along?” Hinata yelled over the shrieks of the little demons, his voice not giving any sign of tiredness. No, he was ecstatic. 

“Absolutely not! If you weren’t here I’d be already out of this place!”

“But it’s fun! Right?” Hinata felt Kageyama crouching, which meant he had to jump. He did, and Kageyama killed another one. 

“Yeah!” Kageyama… laughed? He laughed !! “It is!”

The fight lasted for another minute or so. As the last demon fell, silence returned to the chamber. The two stood there, panting and covered in ash, grins plastered across their faces.

“We did it!” Hinata exclaimed, spinning around in excitement. But as he turned, his sword caught something solid.

Kageyama yelped, stumbling back. “What the fuck?”

Hinata froze, horrified to realize his sword had struck Kageyama’s side.

“Oh my gods, I’m so sorry!” Hinata yelped, dropping his weapon. “Shit, shit, shit!”

“You stabbed me!” Kageyama shouted, clutching his side.

"Not on purpose!" Hirata cried, helping Kageyama to the floor, who hissed in pain. “How bad is it?” He fumbled in the dark, searching for the wound. Kageyama grabbed his wrist — his hand was sticky and Hinata knew it was bloody — and guided it to the wide cut on the side of his torso. It was deep. “Oh gods, oh no no no no! Where’s the nectar?”

“It’s,” Kageyama said, reaching for his sling bag and freezing when he didn’t find it. “Fuck…” he said between his teeth. 

“What?” 

“I think I lost it when we fell.”

“Shit! Okay, I can go find it,” Hinata tried to get to his feet, but Kageyama refused to let go of his wrist. 

“Hinata, calm down. You can heal me, can’t you?” 

“What? No! I’m shit at that! I suck at everything, you know that! You keep saying that, and I don’t listen! I just had to come along, didn’t I?”

“Hinata.”

“I fuck everything up, I don’t know why I didn’t listen to you. Or to everyone else! 

"Hinata, focus!"

"You'll die and it'Il be my fault. Gods, your dad's gonna—" his words were cut out by a kiss.

Wait . A what now?

It took more than a second for Hinata to realize what was going on. But before he could react, Kageyama broke the kiss, but kept his hands on both sides of Hinata's face. When did they get there?

"Shoyo, listen to me,” he pressed their foreheads together. “Do you have any idea of what you just did? You fought a horde of demons with your eyes closed. And won. Unscathed.”

"B–Because of you," Hinata blinked, trying so hard to be able to see. He needed to look into Kageyama’s face right now. 

"Not because of me. I fought my share, you fought yours. The ones you took down are your own merit. You don’t suck! You were brilliant.” His voice was so soft. Hinata didn’t know he could be this soft. 

“I– I…” He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t know what was happening. “I was just following your lead.”

“Yeah,” Kageyama breathed out. “That’s the thing. The most fucking important thing: you trusted me." 

"I always trust you." Hinata shut his eyes, surprised at how true it sounded. How true it was.

"Exactly.” Maybe Hinata was going crazy, but he could swear Kageyama was smiling just by the sound of it and the slight movement of his face against his. “And I trust you too. I know I'm always messing with you—"

"So now you admit it!"

"—but—shush it! But I see you working harder than everyone else on that camp. So yeah, your healing is not like Nishinoya's, but you can do this."

Hinata took a deep breath. Okay. Okay. Kageyama trusted him. Kageyama Tobio trusted him. He could do this. He could do this. He would do this. 

"Will you kiss me again?” The words were out of Hinata’s mouth before he could make sense of what he was saying. “You know, as a little push?"

Kageyama managed a laugh out, before leaning in and pressing his lips against his. This time, Hinata was ready. He slid his finger under the sweaty hairs at Kageyama’s nape, pulling him in slightly, before parting his lips to deepen the kiss. Big mistake.

"Fuck!" Kageyama whined in pain.

"Shit, sorry."

"Just fucking heal me already!"

"Yeah, yeah, on it!” Hinata took a deep breath, positioning both his hands on the wound. Shit , there was so much blood. In whatever the hell had just happened between them, they neglected to keep pressure on it. Stupid, stupid! If something happens— NO! He shook his head. Focus. 

‘Channeling it with music usually helps’, he remembered Nishinoya saying. Okay. He’s got this. 

Kageyama could see the way Hinata frowned, even in the dark, the concerned look on his face, giving way to determination. He started to hum a melody under his breath, and Kageyama allowed himself to close his eyes, relaxing his head on the crook of Hinata’s neck. He smelled like summer, even after everything. 

Little by little, he felt the burning of the wound ease-out, and his mind cleared a bit. It was then he recognized the melody. 

“Is that the song from Tangled?” 

He felt Hinata’s shoulder shake slightly. “Yeah,” he chuckled. 

Kageyama opened his eyes, raising his head a bit to look at Hinata. Oh. He was glowing again. He swallowed dry. “Why?” 

“Helps with the intent,” Hinata allowed himself to raise his eyes to Kageyama, finally able to look at him after everything. His hair was disheveled, gluing to his face due to the sweat— but that wasn’t news. He was used to seeing that. He had blood on his neck, probably from Hinata’s hand earlier. But his eyes… His eyes, always sharp, were now soft, reflecting the golden light. The breath got caught on Hinata’s throat. How did he never notice before? He was beautiful. 

Before he could stop himself, he leaned forward again, stealing a chaste kiss. Kageyama sighed against him, relaxing even more. The pain must have lessened by now. They broke apart, and Kageyama went back to resting on Hinata’s shoulder, happily listening to the humming of the Healing Incantation from Tangled. His last though before he passed out was ‘ I’m in love with an idiot’.

Two days later — because both had to rest before managing the trip back — Hinata got the scolding of his life back at the Camp, being ordered to take over a thousand tasks from his brothers for the rest of this summer, the next, and winter break.

“But you don’t come here during winter break,” Kageyama said, stretching before their daily practice. 

“Well… I didn’t .” Hinata looked sheepish. Kageyama raised a brow. “Well… You do! And I really really don’t want to wait another year to see you again!” He blurted out. 

Kageyama rolled his eyes affectionately. “You’re an idiot.”

“Your idiot!” Hinata beamed. 

And Kageyama wanted to argue with that, but… Well, it was true, wasn’t it? “Enough talking. Wanna practice or not?” He didn’t wait for a reply as he got up and headed to the arena, confident that Hinata would follow.

And Hinata did, of course, as he would always do. 

[itwasntimethatdidit40]

@gothcsz was kind enough to tag me in this cute tag game and btw, run to see her fav things made by her and support her and her work, she’s such a brilliant writer! ♥️

And thanks to @arcanefox207 for tagging me as well! Check out her fics and gifs, I promise they’re so fucking good 🙌🏻♥️

Complimenting myself is the hardest thing I can do, I don't even know where to start. I don't think there's anyone more vehement than me in telling me how much I suck. Well, maybe my mom wins, but that's another story.

However, I will try to fight this state of mind. There are things that I have enjoyed writing and some mood board I love, I won't even venture to say they are good but there you go:

Fics:

• Perfect - because I wrote it at two in the morning crying, after listening to Omar Apollo's “Pedro” and “Glow”, it was one of the first things I posted here and apparently someone liked it thankfully. And it features a Curvy!reader which is very important to me.

• Shirt On - You know I have a soft spot for Sub!Joel and I'm glad I was able to even publish something like this.

• The right ones - I really liked writing this one. because it was my first attempt to write something with as neutral a reader as possible so that all menstruating people can identify.

• It feels like hope - With this one I had an incredible struggle because it never seemed good enough, it took me like 3 months to come down to terms with myself. Again, I'm my own biggest enemy.

• Slow - It came out in a frenzy and I love it.

• We all need someone - brought me a couple of recs that I still reread when I feel an unworthy crap typing things on a keyboard. Thank you very much to those who loved it.

• You know what I love? - I wrote it after getting very little sleep at night, it is probably far too cheesy but that is okay.

• Please - I'm very glad that I wrote this in a different way than I usually do, and I'm glad that I wrote something else that a lot of people can identify with.

•. You look like a fun place to sit, Give me more and Sensitive - Unexpectedly I'm very glad I wrote Frankie, it wasn't in my 2024 bingo card that he would become my most popular character but thank you really, I'm happy you liked him.

• Don't say a word if this word is not "please" - I wrote this one long before Gladiator 2 came out and I don't think it resembles anything that was written at the time. I'm glad I tried to do something different even though no one read it lol

• A Quiet Neighborhood - I'm glad I even had the guts to start a series, by the way, sorry I'm incredibly late in updating it but I'm trying to finish my fic for the Secret Santa and I've had a lot of work and very little time to write. I hope to have more time and focus from Thursday onward when I will at least have completed the deadlines for my second job. Thank for your patience and thanks for being so enthusiastic and supportive about it.

Mood boards:

I’m the absolute worst when it comes to Canva but I’m so proud I tried to make something and I have fun doing it.

• Be still, my foolish heart - this was my first mood board ever and I know it’s pretty lame but I love it 🥲

• Shirt On - I don’t know why but I love this mood board LOL

• It feels like hope - again, pretty bad but I love the dark vibe in it and I love that Joel pic so much

• Something Rotten - I think it was pretty on point with the fic lol I like it

• Waffles for breakfast- I don’t know, it looks cozy like the fic itself

• A good grade - I loved making this mood board and it looks pretty decent

• A quiet neighborhood - I don’t know, I think it encapsulates pretty well what I have in mind

• Forget the horror here - I just love it lol

Tag game:

I loved the Front Covers tag game and I loved how they turned out.

Special mention to this one that I made with an edit by @aurorawritestoescape I’m still so honored that you sent this to me thinking of my fic 🥰

Thank you to every single person who has supported me, reblogged and commented on the things I write, we know it's critical to getting views in this chaos that is Tumblr, if anyone reads me I owe it only to you, especially those who reblogged me from the beginning, you know who you are and I love you so much.

Again, I know I'm still a small account even though I have a lot more followers than I think I deserve and there’s so many people a lot more talented than me in this place but thank you for trying to convince me otherwise and for keeping me going, maybe one day I'll believe it too. You’re really truly fucking special and I hope you know ♥️

NPT: @milla-frenchy @aurorawritestoescape @baronessvonglitter @almostempty @cas-readsandwrites @probablyreadinsmut @thundermartini @joelmillerisapunk @mountainsandmayhem @penascigarette @evolnoomym @syd-djarin and whoever wants to do this consider yourself being tagged by me.

(Sorry if you’ve been tagged already, I’m the usual mess 😅)