#i love you because we are each others opposite

[fanfictionismyaddiction]

Could you do Toto Wolff with wife reader? There are memes about Toto and Fred Vasseur being all lovey dovey. And there's a scene where they stood close together and Toto just kissed his head while Ted was watching from the background. 🤣🤣 Purely hysterical. And memes about them being Romeo and Juliet when they talk across from each other at Baku. And she's having a blast about it. Constantly teasing him about her being the third wheel. Please, however you see fit. Feat their son, Jack. Kisses, affectionate. Thanks!! :)))

Meme-ing my way to your heart

Word count: 518

Pairing: Toto Wolff x Wife!reader, feat. Jack

I hope I understood everything right and this is good enough 🙈

________________________________________________________

You’re lounging on the couch, scrolling through Twitter when you come across a meme that makes you burst into laughter. It’s that infamous shot of Toto leaning in and kissing Fred’s head while Ted Kravitz stands nearby, looking utterly shocked. The caption reads:

When your best friend gets all the affection and you’re just the confused bystander.

You can’t help but laugh out loud, and it catches Toto’s attention. He glances over from the kitchen, raising an eyebrow. “What now?”

“Just another meme about you and Fred!” you call back, holding up your phone to show him the picture. “Look at this! You’re practically a couple now!”

Toto rolls his eyes but can’t suppress the smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “That’s not how it is.”

“Really?” You lean back against the couch, crossing your arms playfully. “Because it looks like you’re in a committed relationship with Fred, and I’m just here to provide comic relief.”

Just then, Jack comes barreling into the room, holding two toy cars, his face lit up with excitement. “Daddy! Mummy! Look what I made!” He waves the cars in the air, completely oblivious to the teasing.

“Wow, Jack! Those are amazing!” you exclaim, bending down to inspect his creations, your laughter momentarily forgotten.

“Look, Mummy!” he insists, showing you both his toys. “They’re race cars! Just like Daddy’s!”

Toto grins, lifting Jack onto his lap. “You’re going to be a champion driver one day, buddy.”

As Jack giggles, you can’t resist leaning in, continuing your playful banter. “Just make sure you don’t kiss Fred on the head like Daddy did! We can’t have any *Romeo* situations around here, right?”

Toto chuckles, shaking his head. “You really enjoy this, don’t you?”

“Absolutely!” You swipe again on your phone, revealing another meme. This one shows Toto and Fred dramatically standing on opposite sides of a balcony in Baku, both gazing longingly at each other. The caption reads:

When you’re in love, but the balcony is just too wide.

“Look at this one!” you say, holding it up for him. “It’s like a scene from a rom-com!”

Toto bursts out laughing, running a hand through his hair. “Alright, alright! Enough with the memes!”

You continue scrolling, revealing yet another gem. This one shows a split image: on one side, it’s you playfully rolling your eyes, and on the other, Toto and Fred looking lovingly at each other, with the caption:

When your wife is the third wheel in your love story.

Jack giggles, clearly catching on. “Daddy, are you going to let go of Fred?”

“No, no!” Toto exclaims, holding Jack tighter. “I’m not letting go of either of you!”

You grin widely, leaning your head against Toto’s shoulder. “Just remember, I’m still your number one, okay? Even if you’re making memes with Fred.”

“Of course, Y/n,” he murmurs, snuggling deeper into you. “You know you’re my one true love.”

You can’t help but laugh again, feeling the warmth of your family around you. “Just wait until the next meme drops. You might end up marrying Fred by the end of the season!”

[librababe99]

Can I please request Jason Todd being jealous of reader and Dick who are close (in age and as friends)? Their ease and dynamic with each other brings out all of Jason’s insecurities as he has a crush on reader.

Anon, I absolutely LOVE this request and finally was able to finish something I think you might just like! 🥰

Title: In the Shadows of a Grayson

Tags: Jason Todd x Gn!Reader, friends to lovers, angst with happy ending wc: 1.4K

Jason Todd wasn’t the brooding type, at least not anymore. Well, maybe he was—but he didn’t like admitting it. He had come a long way since his days as the vengeful Red Hood, as the outcast Robin. But certain feelings were harder to shake than others, especially when it came to you.

You and Dick had been friends for as long as Jason could remember. You were close in age, shared interests, and had that easy, effortless rapport that made everyone in the Batfamily smile. To Jason, it was like watching the sun and moon, two celestial bodies that were just meant to be in sync. He hated it, if he was being honest with himself. Every time you laughed at one of Dick’s jokes, every time you gave him that affectionate look, Jason’s chest tightened.

Not because he disliked Dick. No, Jason respected his older brother more than he’d ever admit. He’d take a bullet for him without hesitation, but seeing the two of you together—seeing you with Dick—it hurt. It was like a reminder of everything Jason wasn’t. Dick was charming, confident, and always knew the right thing to say. Jason was the opposite: rough around the edges, quiet, with his words always coming out too harsh or too clumsy. He never knew how to talk to you the way Dick could.

And the worst part? You were perfect for Dick. At least that’s how it seemed in Jason’s eyes. The way you two talked about old movies, the way you could spend hours discussing literature or some obscure bit of history that left everyone else in the room confused—Jason could never keep up with any of that. It wasn’t his world, not really.

So, he stood on the sidelines, watching, brooding, nursing a crush that had taken root so deeply it hurt.

"Jason?" Your voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He had been leaning against the balcony of the Wayne Manor, the Gotham skyline stretching out in front of him. The cold air did little to ease the heat rising in his chest when he turned and saw you walking up to him, your face lit up in that way that made his heart race.

He shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, trying to act casual. “Hey,” he muttered, not quite meeting your eyes. “What are you doing out here?”

You shrugged, stepping closer to lean on the railing beside him. “Needed some fresh air. Dick’s telling another one of his ‘first day as Robin’ stories, and I think I’ve heard it about a hundred times by now.”

Jason huffed out a laugh, though it was more bitter than he intended. “Yeah, he loves those, doesn’t he?”

“Are you okay?” you asked, a little too gently for Jason’s liking. You had that look on your face, the one that said you knew something was bothering him. You were good at that—at reading people, at reading him.

“I’m fine,” he lied, turning his gaze back to the skyline. “Just… thinking.”

You were quiet for a moment, and Jason felt your eyes on him. It was unnerving in the best and worst ways. He didn’t deserve your attention like this, not when his insides were twisted up with jealousy. You deserved someone like Dick—someone better.

“Jason…” You hesitated, as if searching for the right words. “You’ve been distant lately. I feel like… I don’t know. Like we haven’t talked in weeks.”

Jason clenched his jaw. Of course you noticed. You always did. He hadn’t been able to look you in the eye for days now, especially not when you were around Dick. It was too much, and he was too afraid that his emotions would slip out if he let his guard down even for a second.

“I’ve been busy,” he said, hoping that would be enough.

But you didn’t back down. You never did when it came to him.

“I miss talking to you, Jay,” you said softly, your voice carrying a sincerity that made his chest ache. “It feels like you’re avoiding me.”

Jason’s hands balled into fists inside his pockets. You weren’t supposed to miss him. You weren’t supposed to care this much. You were supposed to be with Dick, where you belonged, not out here worrying about him.

“I’m not avoiding you,” he grumbled, though he knew it was a lie. “I’ve just got a lot on my mind.”

“About what?”

His pulse quickened. He couldn’t do this. He couldn’t tell you. The words were stuck in his throat, a bitter tangle of frustration, self-doubt, and longing. He couldn’t compete with Dick. He wasn’t what you needed.

“Look,” Jason sighed, straightening up and turning to face you, his eyes finally locking onto yours. “Why aren’t you with Dick right now? He’s your best friend, right? You’ve known him forever. Why aren’t you inside with him?”

You frowned, confusion crossing your face. “Jason, what are you talking about?”

“You and Dick,” Jason forced out, the words bitter on his tongue. “You’ve always had each other’s backs. You’ve got the same interests, the same everything. You’re perfect for each other. So why the hell are you out here with me?”

Your eyes widened, realization dawning on your face, and Jason hated how vulnerable he felt in that moment, how exposed his insecurities were laid out in front of you.

“Jason… no.” You shook your head, taking a step closer to him. “I’m not—Dick and I, we’re just friends. We’ve always been friends. That’s it.”

Jason blinked, his mind racing to keep up with what you were saying. “But you’re always with him. You two are so close…”

“Because we’re friends,” you repeated, your tone gentle but firm. “That’s all. I’ve never had feelings for Dick. Not like that.”

Jason stared at you, his heart pounding in his chest. He wanted to believe you, but the nagging doubts in his mind wouldn’t let go. “Then why… why me?”

A small, soft smile tugged at your lips, and you reached out, placing a hand on his arm. “Because you’re the one I care about, Jason. I like you. Not Dick. Not anyone else. You.”

Jason’s breath caught in his throat, and for a moment, he couldn’t speak. You liked him? After all this time, all the late nights he spent torturing himself over you and Dick, you had liked him?

“I’ve been waiting for you to see it,” you continued, your voice quiet but sincere. “But you always keep your distance, like you don’t think you deserve it. But Jason… you do.”

Jason swallowed hard, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He didn’t know what to say, didn’t know how to handle the sudden flood of relief and disbelief and hope that surged through him. You cared about him. You liked him.

“Why didn’t you say anything?” he asked, his voice rough, as if the words were dragged out of him.

You smiled softly, shrugging. “I didn’t want to push you. I thought you’d tell me when you were ready. And… I was kind of hoping you’d notice on your own.”

Jason let out a shaky breath, his mind still trying to catch up to everything that had just happened. He had spent so long convinced that you belonged to someone else, that he had blinded himself to the truth right in front of him.

Tentatively, Jason reached up and cupped your face, his thumb brushing gently against your cheek. “I’m an idiot,” he muttered, his voice thick with emotion.

You laughed softly, leaning into his touch. “Maybe a little,” you teased, your eyes shining with affection. “But I like you anyway.”

Jason couldn’t help the smile that tugged at his lips, the weight in his chest finally lifting. He had spent so long hiding his feelings, afraid of rejection, afraid of not being enough. But standing here with you, looking into your eyes, he felt something he hadn’t in a long time: hope.

Without another word, Jason leaned down and kissed you, the lingering doubts and insecurities melting away in the warmth of your touch. You kissed him back with a quiet intensity that made his heart race, and for the first time in a long time, Jason let himself believe that maybe—just maybe—he could be enough.

When you finally pulled away, you rested your forehead against his, your breath warm against his skin. “See?” you whispered. “You’re the one I want, Jason. No one else.”

Jason closed his eyes, holding you close, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he allowed himself to breathe.

Maybe he wasn’t perfect, and maybe he wasn’t always the easiest person to love, but as long as you were by his side, he knew he’d be okay.

And that was enough.

[lucystark12]

oh good god please stop

i propose an alternative...

lets look at the context of these three scenes, shall we?

scene 1: max and lucas

this is lucas referring to max's depression and her distancing herself from the party as a result. this is something very tangible and real that could be found in a real life conversation between two people in a relationship. the context of this would make sense if you put it in any other kind of movie. in scene one, lucas is displaying his care for max as an individual and for her feelings. he is there for her in her everyday emotional pursuits.

scene 2: mike and el

this happens during the monologue when mike is quite literally using his words and the fact that he is physically there for her to help her save the world. TO. HELP. HER. SAVE. THE. WORLD. mike infact wasn't there- nor does he clearly have any desire to be- for her throughout the nine months where they were on the opposite sides of the country. he literally is only able to have this conversation (if you could even call it that) with her when THE WORLD IS ENDING. hello.

scene 3: steve and nancy

once again- DIRE CIRCUMSTANCES. nancy was literally just vecna'd. she was just put into a trance by vecna, prompting steve to say this to her. listen to urself.

the fact that the two debatable couples of the trio are only saying this to each other in something so absurd as a supernatural monster attacking the girl in said scenario whereas lucas and max are having a very real and tangible conversation about every day issues- not lucas being there for her specifically because she's dying, but because he cares about her and her feelings- should say it all.

i'd also like to add the fact that steve/mike say this to nancy/el when they're practically incapacitated and can't respond. el can't because she's fighting vecna, and nancy is calming down from coming out of a vecna trance. they can't respond. they can't say there piece. max was able to do that in her conversation with lucas because they are in a healthy relationship where both sides of the equation are valued. if this phrase is to mean anything, it's not a stretch to assume that nancy and el's lack of ability to voice their thoughts is a direct metaphor for the fact that their voices aren't/weren't being heard in the relationship with the other person.

my last point: by this logic... WHERE IS JOPPER? jopper is the only couple that, as of now, is basically 100% canon. there's a chance the love triangles could go the other way and a chance max won't wake up. if this is "code for endgame couples" then where is the show's only couple that's actually going to be endgame for sure?

[the-ellia-west]

hey i’m aro/ace and saw your post on writing romance and it was really helpful,,, but do you have any tips for writing enemies to lovers? mostly enemies-allies-lovers pipeline

Oh Absolutely! Thank you so much for the ask, love!

How to Write Enemies to Lovers for Dummies

Alrighty! So, the key to Enemies to Lovers is Banter. They need to be the type of Enemies to trash talk each other

Before we begin here's some fun psychology facts that make Enemies to Lovers even more fun!

1. If you think someone is hot, you can't/don't actually hate them

2. The opposite of love is indifference not hate (use these as you will)

Anywayssss

Step one!

Writing Enemies to Lovers is the same as normal except that you add on the extra step of them being enemies first, adding more drama and banter throughout

So, you have to make them enemies, naturally. Figure out why they're enemies, why they would specifically hate each other instead of someone else.

Step two

Preferably, make it personal.

Make their arguments and fights feel more like they're fighting each other, and not the actual battle if they're in opposing organizations or something

Step three

Close proximity

Now that you've established how they usually act around each other and their usual banter, find some way to force them into close proximity.

Like one switches sides and the other is now their boss, they're kidnapped together, their bosses go missing, ect.

In close proximity, you want to jeep their former dynamic, but it slowly turns at the least, a bit more polite because they have to work together

(Think about how they'll try to undermine and push each other away according to their personality and morals - but of course make sure it doesn't work and they're still stuck together)

Step four

Give them a 'maybe we could have been friends' moment

Like have them look at each other after a while and go: 'maybe you're not so bad.'

Any of these variations

Step five

Make them talk

Eventually, your characters will be alone together, and they have to talk.

(It's best if one or both of them are in an emotionally vulnerable state)

One of them can ask the other a strangely nice or vulnerable question, they can tell them something, anything really

Examples: 'Have you ever thought about dying?', 'do you ever miss home?', 'you know... I always thought you were better than me.'

Step six

Have them be slightly more compatable by having them voluntarily work together, like coworkers or comrades rather than friends

Step seven

The friends stage

Have them be more friendly and trusting, partners in crime, good friends, and have that slowly develop (make sure to keep their trademark banter throughout)

Whatever level of friends, whether it be aforementioned partners in crime, kinda friends, normal friends, best friends, ect.

Step Seven

The falling for them

Then we develop the crush and eventually fall in love, *refer back to my other post*

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

Musician Age Gap AU Pt 19

Lena gives Kara the right of way, and lets herself be led into the kitchen. When they enter the room, Kelly and Alex straighten at the sight of them, while Esme remains focused on pawing thru the fridge for the elusive cider.

Kelly's gaze remains gentle and perceptive-- Kara sees her focus dip to their joined hands before sliding to her wife. Alex, meanwhile, is scrutiny incarnate, her gaze hard as she scans Lena imperiously.

"Hi," Lena says quietly.

"Hi Lena," Kelly returns easily. "I'm glad you could come."

Lena relaxes a little. "Me too. Thank you for having me. You have a lovely home."

"Probably not what you're used to," Alex says, her tone carefully neutral. Kara spots Kelly's grip tightening in warning around Alex's hand.

"It's been a while since I've been home," Lena allows. "So this is a nice change of pace, for sure."

"Oh? Where do you live?"

"I split my time between Metropolis and Star City when I'm not on tour," Lena replies easily enough. "But of the two I consider Metropolis more my home. I grew up there."

"I didn't know that," Kara says.

"Mhmmm," Lena hums. "We in the city most of the year because of my brother's band. When they weren't performing, they were auditioning, so it was just easier to live there full time."

"You have a brother?" Esme says, perking up.

Kara feels Lena tense a little, suddenly realizing she might have shared too much. But it's too late to back pedal.

"We're not in touch anymore."

Sensing Lena's discomfort, Esme thankfully doesn't pry any further. Kelly keeps the silence from stretching too far.

"Well, we happy to have you. We figured you could share the guest room with Kara--"

"Or you can take the couch," Alex inserts. She studies Lena for a reaction, but Kara comes to her rescue.

"With me is fine," she says. "Unless you all fall asleep to the witchy thing--"

"Hexed! Mom, Lena watches Hexed!"

Finally, Alex relents, her posture sagging a little as she lets her guard down. "Then she's got good taste."

"She's got a crush on Samantha Arias," Kelly whispers theatrically.

Kara barks a laugh as Alex splutters indignantly. "I do not!"

"Do too!" Esme joins in the teasing.

"Don't worry, baby," Kelly assures her wife playfully. "She's on my hall pass too."

That makes Alex stop. "She is?"

Kara opens her mouth to mention having met Sam, but Lena nudges her sharply. She looks over and clicks her mouth shut when Lena gives her a look that says 'not now'.

"Well," Kelly says, even as Alex still gawks at her, "looks like we need to stock up on cider and spooky snacks, so why don't we head to the store while you two settle in?"

It's not the most subtle segue, but Kara is grateful for a chance to talk with Lena privately. Once Esme is shuttled off into the car, Alex gives them one last hard look before closing and locking the front door behind her.

Lena sighs. "Well, that went better than I expected."

"It helps that Esme's your biggest fan," Kara offers with a wry grin. Then she sighs. "Let's sit."

Lena nods, and they sit on opposite ends of the couch, orienting themselves to face each other. Lena looks nervous, and though Kara's first instinct is to ease that, she holds back. What was it that Kelly had said? Growing pains.

"Those pictures sucked to see, Lena," Kara says carefully. "I understand they were outside your control, but... it still hurt."

"I know. I just-- don't know how I can fix it. Like I said... it comes with the job. I signed up for it... but you didn't. I get that."

Lena sounds miserable, and looks it too. But Kara doesnt have any more ideas than Lena does.

"Maybe being with you means signing up for it," Kara allows, thinking out loud. "But what happens when I start being part of the scandal. What happens to Esme?"

Swallowing thickly, Lena lifts a helpless shoulder. "I don't know."

"Me neither. But it's something I have to consider." Kara slumps further into the cushion. "Also, I-- I don't know where I stand with you."

Concern flashed across Lena's features. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, but... I'm in your court, Lena. I'm... an intruder. And I care enough about you that when I see something concerning, I want to ask about you, but.... I don't know if I'm allowed to."

"You can ask me anything," Lena says.

"Okay." Kara meets her gaze and holds her. "Why didn't you want to meet with Morgan Edge alone?"

Lena's cheeks lose all color in an instant. Her entire body seems too lock, her hands clasped in a white knuckled grip.

"I don't expect an answer," Kara says quietly. "But that's what I mean. I don't feel like I have the right to ask about this. And I suspect plenty of other subjects will make me feel the same way."

Lena stares at her, eyes wide. Kara reaches out to clasp her wrist, but Lena pulls away. Hurt lances through Kara's chest, but the tight sound of Lena's breathing concerns her more.

"Lena--?"

"What else," Lena croaks.

Kara hesitates. "Lena..."

"What. Else."

Taking a deep breath, Kara carefully forges ahead. "We started this content to simply see where it goes. Do you still feel that way?"

Lena doesn't respond.

"Because it doesn't feel casual anymore. Joining you on tour was certainly impulsive, but it wasn't casual. I thrust myself into your life, and you invited me to, but... I can't really bring you into mine, can I?"

"I'm here now," Lena says, voice tight.

Kara nods. "And I'm grateful for that. But... you wouldn't be able to go to the store with Esme to get cider. Or even take a walk around the block."

Lena releases a short breath. "No. Not without putting her in danger."

"I know you would welcome Esme into your world as warmly as you welcomed me. But for her it would be temporary. For me, if I choose this, it would be permanent, and complete."

She watches Lena inhale again as though to speak, but she doesn't.

"I don't think we'll find a solution before the others get back," Kara continues. "But I wanted you to know where I'm at. What I have to think about."

Lena nods. "I understand. Thank you."

Finally, she meets Kara's gaze. A small smile, but it and the glint in her eyes are sad. She swallows several times before she's able to speak again.

"Can I... do you mind if I take a minute before the others get back?"

Kara nods readily. "Of course."

Lena rises stiffly, then retreats to the powder room, closing the door quietly behind her.

Tears burn at Kara's own eyes, but relief overwhelms them. Relief that the unspoken burden of worry and uncertainty that has been weighing on her, has now lifted in the speaking of it. Perhaps it's selfish of her to now make her concerns now Lena's burden as well, but... would it have been fair to either of them to keep it to herself?

By the time Alex's car pulls back into the driveway a few minutes later, Kara's hands stop trembling, and Lena re-emerges with clear eyes. Their eyes catch as the front door opens, and Lena offers a reassuring nod: whatever happens next, it won't affect tonight.

True to Lena's unspoken promise, the evening proceeds without a hitch. She gamely weathers Esme's velcro presence, listening with interest as she rambles about school gossip and the boy she likes in her history class. And after dinner, they watch Sam bewitch and enchant on screen while munching on sweet snacks and sipping cider out of mugs shaped like skulls and cats and candy corn.

That night, however, the air grows taut between them the moment the guest room door shuts.

"I can take the couch," Lena murmurs.

Kara pauses. "Do you want to?"

Lena shrugs. "No. But I don't want to make you uncomfortable--"

"Hey," Kara interrupts softly. She closes the space between them. "What we talked about today came from a place of love. It hasn't made me uncomfortable." She hesitates. "Has it made you uncomfortable?"

"I mean... a little. I don't like uncertainty, much. And with us in a gray area, I don't know what's... appropriate."

Kara smiles. "Sharing a bed can be as appropriate as we want it to be."

"Kara..."

"I plan to sleep on the right side, fully pajama'd. I don't figure we need to make things any less certain than that."

Lena chuckles in spite of herself, but isn't quite convinced. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," Kara assures her.

Finally, she gets a small sigh of resignation. "Okay."

Kara's efforts are enough to banish the tension for a few minutes, but it comes back in full force once they crawl under the blankets. They face away from each other, but Kara can feel the stiffness in Lena's frame, a tension that takes root in her own limbs.

It lasts for several long silent minutes before Kara speaks up.

"You know I wouldn't have said anything, if I didn't care. Right?"

Lena sniffles. "I know."

---

The next morning, Lena lingers long enough to have breakfast with Esme and see her off to school. Once she clears her dishes, Lena collects her overnight bag and offers Kelly and Alex a soft smile.

"Thank you for having me," she says.

"Our pleasure," Kelly returns. "Thank you for coming. I know it was a long trip, and it meant the world to Esme."

"She's wonderful, truly. You've raised an amazing person."

Kara escorts Lena to the driveway. Once Lena stows her bag in the back seat, she turns back to Kara with soft, sad eyes.

"You're not coming back, are you."

Somehow, Lena saying it first makes it easier for Kara to concede. She shakes her head. "No. I don't think so."

"And us?"

Kara takes Lena's hand in hers, and Lena twines their fingers together.

"I care about you too much," Kara says, "to do this halfway."

Lena anxiously rocks on the balls of her feet, lips pulling against burgeoning tears. "Yeah." She manages to meet Kara's gaze. "So, back to normal life?"

"Ehhhhh...." Kara hedges. "The fact I dropped my job the first chance I got is a clue I might not like it very much. Maybe I'll look for something I'm more passionate about."

That brings beaming smile to Lena's face. "That sounds like a great idea. You deserve to find... whatever you're looking for."

Kara lifts her hand, cupping Lena's cheek. "And you, Lena Luthor, are stronger than you think. You deserve to work with people you trust."

She hopes Lena understands her meaning, and from the stunned half-open set of her mouth, Kara suspects she does.

Kara leans in one last time, kissing the corner of Lena's mouth. "Thank you, Lena. For everything."

Lena nods against her. "You too, Kara."

And then Kara watches Lena climb behind the wheel and carefully drive away. As she stares at the winking tail lights, even though her chest aches and her eyes burn, she can't help but feel as though a brand new life is just waiting to unfold.

[desertskiespodcast]

There’s a friend I talk to every two weeks. Been over six years since he suggested it, and it’s now one of the only regular parts of my life. An hour long zoom call together from opposite sides of the country (I finally get to see him when our family goes to New York this Fall.

I…have some abandonment issues. Because of reasons. Reasons I won’t share here.

About one year after we started meeting, we said our goodbye at the end of the call as we always do, and he said “Before you go. I want you to know something. I’m loyal. I’m not going anywhere. You don’t have to worry that I’m going to stop being your friend.”

And I chuckled uncomfortably. Holy shit. Why did he say that? How did he know that was a fear of mine? I felt too seen. I became instantly uncomfortable. I don’t trust people. I’ve been burned before.

And I guess he picked up on that because he said, “I’m serious. I don’t ever want you to have to worry about that. I’m not going anywhere. Okay?”

And I said okay. And then I said thank you. And we ended the call.

I’m very very hard on myself. Self-deprecating to an uncomfortable degree. And then braggadocios because I crave external validation.

I always expect to be hurt by someone. Always. I wish I could say I was intensely loyal. I’m not. I got survival instincts and they make me hide away when someone tries to hurt me.

It’s been five years since then. He hasn’t missed a call. He’s never tried to hurt me. Not once.

I don’t know that I’d ever have written a show about friends who were intensely loyal to each other if he’d never said that to me. If he’d never backed it up with his actions and shown me it was something that was actually possible.

Some of you are loyal friends.

Thank you.

Those who don’t have that in their lives need it.

And maybe you have a friend you think may worry about that, a friend who’s always unreasonably hard on themselves. You know they’re on edge. Ready to go MIA at the first sign of danger. You might laugh it off. You love them. They’re lovable. How could they not know that?

Please consider having an awkward conversation in which you tell them that you’re not going anywhere.

They may chuckle uncomfortably. They may not reciprocate. It doesn’t matter. You’re gonna show them. It may take a while. But you’re gonna show them.

And they’re going to think about it every time they feel that they’re not worth sticking around for, which is every goddamn day for the rest of their lives. That’s what we do.

But, my friend? He’s not going anywhere. He told me that.

I’m really glad he told me that.

I needed that.

[taleya15]

“The word”

By Taleya. V

No one exactly knows, when Steve and Billy became “Steve and Billy”. But no one has necessarily ever doubted their relationship. Even if they seem like polar opposites, but on the surface. They’re both rocking hot, boys that both know they’re both rocking hot. Everyone in Hawkins knows that, ever since high school, Steve got his posey. Where he was the king of, everyone called him absolutely beautiful. Especially for a Hawkins boy, very few knew of Steve Harrington and Tommy Hagan’s relationship, back then. Well, until they were both caught together making out at Tammy Ts party.

But In Hawkins high, status is everything. So no one seemed to care much about the shocking news that “King Steve” is actually gay. That’s when Billy Hargrove came into the picture. He was completely different, than anyone else in Hawkins. Bright blonde hair, with even brighter blue eyes. His hair was long and curly, in a mullet style that Steve was immediately attracted to. Both boys loved their hair, it was the first thing the boys actually bonded over. Then the boys quickly learned, that have even more in common, then they thought.

It only took a month, before Steve asked Billy to be his boyfriend. It wasn’t a big gesture, that Steve’s used to doing, it was small. Just like Billy wanted. They were in Steve’s living room, about to eat some Pizza when the question came up. In the form of, crappy handwriting on the top of the pizza box. Steve was anxious, too let Billy see the box. But that small smile, and eye roll. Was all Steve needed, to know Billy’s answer. They’ve been dating ever since, but one issue has come about. They’ve never actually said “the word”. They’re both to scared to admit it, not for any other reason, other than that they know once they do, it’ll be to real.

Nether boy has ever done, “real” before. Especially with a man. The closest Steve’s ever been to “real” was Nancy Wheeler, and even then they were both cheating on each other. For months. Until they finally called it quits, but Billy, he’s different. Different than anyone Steve’s ever met before. He’s completely, smitten for the boy. Completely and utterly, in love with him. Billy feels the exact same way, but he is almost convinced that, as soon as he says that word. His father will somehow find out, and beat the living shit out of him. Billy severely hates his father, especially now that Billy can’t say the one thing he’s been dying to tell Steve, since what feels like forever.

Which now leads us to today. The boys are in the famous "Harrington Mansion" as Billy calls it. They're currently cuddling on the couch, Billy is on top of Steve, with his legs on both sides of Steve's hips. One thing Billy will never admit to anyone but Steve is that, he absolutely loves being held. It's a comfort he's long since forgotten about. The only other person, that's ever held him was his mother when he was a child. "Hey." Steve gently calls to his lover. Billy grumbles in reply, wondering why his cuddles were interrupted.

"Have you ever- ya know thought, you'd be doing this?" Billy lifts his head questioning him, "What do you mean?" Steve takes in a breath trying to word this how he wants it to come out. "Well... I guess I mean the whole, cuddling relationship thing? But like seriously, like how we are." Billy seems to pause for a moment before he thinks of his answer. "I mean, no not really. I guess, I thought no one, would ever want to, with me." That answer suprised Steve, he was expecting a "no' but not with a reason why. Especially if Billy thought he was the reason why.

Steve knows this side of Billy very well, and Steve knows if he lifts up, Billy's shirt now, there'd be a bruise that wasn't there before. A bruise only one man was able to leave on him. His dad. Anyone else would've been dead, before they could bruise him. Steve should know, him and Billy had a fight once because Billy thought he was messing around with his little sister Max. He wasn’t of course but still to this day, only one person can ever bruise Billy, and that was his scummy ass father. "Hey, that's not true baby. I mean hell we're doing it. Right?" Billy nods his head and stiffens up.

Billy sits up completely on top of Steve. "Yeah, of course man. Don't worry about it." Oh shit it's worse than I thought. He’s deflecting. Steve begins to think to himself, especially on the best way to fix this. Steve began to sit up, and hold Billy's face gently.

He lets him. Ok, that's a start. Steve thought to himself, before gently kissing Billy's lips. Billy lets him, but he's as stiff as a bored, and doesn't kiss back. Steve when he realizes this, completely stops kissing Billy and backs his head away. "Hey, what's wrong baby? You ok?" Billy just looks down, and doesn't say anything to Steve. "Do you want to talk about it?" That receives a head shake from Billy.

"Just want a distraction." Billy's voice is so small almost like he's closing in on himself with his voice alone. Steve nods his head, then gently kisses Billy's forehead. Then cheeks, then nose, till he gently kisses Billy's lips again. It's soft, it's slow, it's hesitant. It's almost to tell Billy, we can stop. We can still stop if you want to.

Billy seems to get the hint, he leans into Steve more needy like. Like he's begging. Begging to continue, begging to not let this stop. Billy begins to lick at Steve's bottom lip, and Steve being the very giving lover he is, opens his mouth for him. Billy immediately takes advantage of it, invading and sucking on Steve's tongue. Seemingly, it's Billy that's almost in control.

Almost. Both boys are very aware of their roles in this relationship. Yes, it may seem like, Billy would be the dominant role. Hell Steve himself thought that, originally. But on a deeper level, as soon as you know Billy, like really know him. Like Steve does, all Billy wants is to be held, and protected. And Steve, he's always been more than willing to do as such. So when Billy starts to whine, and grind on Steve's dick, who is he to say no?

He does however pull away, only slightly. "Do you want this?" Steve's voice is raspy, and a few octaves lower than it was before. Billy instantly nods, and goes to kiss and suck on Steve's neck before Steve stops him. "Nuh uh, I need words baby boy, you know the rules. Especially if it's like this." Billy pouts at him, but he does what was told, he always will do what Steve says.

"I want this, Steve. I-fuck, I really want this." Steve smirks then, he knew Billy was needy, but that doesn't mean he can't tease him, just a tiny bit. "Baby, you know that's not my name." Billy full on groans and rolls his eyes then. "I want this"- his voice lowers for the last word, almost like a whisper. Like it's a secret, that Billy's never said aloud.

Even though they both know, he's screamed that word on many occasions. "Daddy." Steve's smirk seems to grow bigger at that, but he allows that answer. "Do you know want this here? Or upstairs?" Billy seems almost relieved by that question, realizing they were actually making progress now. "Here, I don't care. I need you." So with that information, Steve begins to gently takeoff Billy's shirt.

Just as he expected, there's a bruise on his right pec, and another on his left side. "Do you want to talk about it, or do you just me to be more careful about them right now?” Billy immediately shook his head, "no, no. Just more careful, please." Steve nods again, before he goes to gently kiss Billy again. This time he lets himself take the lead of the kiss. He gently holds Billy’s face at first. Then he moves his hands lower to his shoulders, until finally he's grabbing Billy's hips, and guiding his movements. It only takes a few minutes, before Billy starts to whimper now. Billy begins to grab at Steve's shirt, and tug at it. Silently demanding the cloth gets taken off. Steve gently pauses the kiss then and removes his blue polo shirt.

Steve begins to lay back, and bring Billy down with him, so there more in a laying down position like before. Steve at first restarts the kiss, then he moves his hands to Billy's front. He grabs at the bulge of Billy's jeans for a moment, just massaging it. Until Billy grows whinny again and attempts to grind himself on Steve's hand. Steve for a second allows the movement until he brings his hand up to Billy's face. Billy looks at it confused for a moment, until he gets the hint and starts licking Steve's hand. Once Steve deems his hand slick enough he pops the button, and undos the zipper of Billy's jeans.

Until finally using his slicked up hand, to give Billy the pleasure he's been demanding of. He starts off slow at first, to get Billy more comfortable. Then once he deems it safe, he actually goes the speed Billy wants. Billy now begins to moan and wither in Steve's embrace. He's not as loud as usual, yet. But that comes in due time of course. Steve continues to jerk Billy off as, he begins to mark and kiss his lover's neck or. Basically anywhere he's able to reach in this position, that's when of course Steve finds the spot. Right behind Billy's ear, Steve begins to suck and bite on that spot until Billy begins to call out. "Oh fuck! Shit, hold on. Fuck I'm going to cum shit!"

Steve now realizing he got a little carried away begins to slow the pace of his hand, until an eventual stop. Completely ruining the chances of Billy being able to finish. Billy immediately begins to grumble and pout, until Steve shoves his fingers in Billy's mouth. Billy seems shocked and frozen for a moment, but sucks on the digits anyway. After a few minutes of letting him, suck on the fingers.

Steve pulls them out gently, and begins to travel them lower on Billy's body. Billy immediately starts to spread his legs even more, and relaxes into Steve. Steve starts gently at first, just gently moving the tip of his pointer finger in. Until Billy starts moving against him again. "Fuck, just do it already. I'm not made of glass."

"Suit yourself." Steve shrugs and smiles as he presses into him all the way with the first finger. That immediately shuts Billy up, and he begins to relax into the pleasure again. Steve begins working at a consistent pace inside Billy, until he feels he's ready to add a second finger. Then a third, and by then Billy's rocking back into them about to beg again. But Steve, he wasn't going to let his boy suffer any longer, and gently removes his fingers out of Billy.

"Oh, come on, really?!?!" Steve chuckles, for a moment, just a moment though. He's also very used to this side of Billy, the needy and stubborn side of him. Steve then gestures down to his own pants, and it's almost a flash moment. Where now Steve is just as undressed as Billy, and Billy is lining up his dick to Billy's ass. Steve gently holds Billy's hips, being very careful of Billy's bruise. Then once Billy is fully seated, they stay there for a moment. It's always needed for the boys to readjust when they're fully connected like this.

Especially if it's been a while, and it has been. Steve's parents were just in town for three weeks, this month and they're not allowed to fuck around at Billy's. They're both way too loud, especially Billy, and they don't think that's a good idea with Billy's idiotic and very homophobic father. After a few minutes of careful movement and monitoring, Billy feels like he can begin to move. He starts by grinding on top of Steve for a moment, then it moves towards actual bouncing. Now that's what really gets him going, he's moaning, he's whimpering, he's fucking talking.

"Oh fuck, oh shit! Fuck daddy please, fuck me please fuck daddy." Fucking hell. Who's Steve to ever, deny Billy? Especially when he talks like that? Steve immediately begins to trust up into Billy. Desperate to get him as close to the edge as Steve now feels.

His thrusts are hard and fast, almost punishing. But both boys love it, Steve immediately takes Billy's dick into his hand and begins to stroke him.

The pace of the rough thrusts, and the pressure on his cock immediately gets Billy right on the brick of an orgasm. "Oh fuck, oh shit! Fuck, please fuck. Let me cum, fuck please daddy please just, fuck please let me cum! Fuck!" "Fuck, yeah. Baby cum, be a good boy and cum for me. There you go baby, good boy." With Steve's permission, Billy came instantly. With Steve not far behind him, filling Billy up to the brim. They take another second, after the come down to kiss and cuddle each other, before eventually going upstairs to shower and clean up.

Once they finish their after care, they head straight to Steve's room, not bothering to wear clothes to bed. Steve begins to gently spoon Billy, being hyper aware of the bruises on his skin. Now from both the pleasure, they both experienced, and the pain Billy has to go through. Billy only allows this pain to continue on, because he knows that if he doesn't get beat. Max will. And that's the last thing Billy has ever wanted. But right now, wrapped in Steve's arms, stealing kisses here and there. It makes it all worth it. The urge to say “the word” hits Billy again. But instead of pushing it down like he usually does, he lets it out.

"Hey Steve."

"Hmm?"

"I love you."

"Yeah?" Excitement, and happiness immediately fills Steve's chest. He sits up more so he's looking right at Billy. He feels like he can't breathe when Billy nods in conformation. Steve immediately brings his lips down to Billy's and after every kiss, he repeats the sentence "I love you" back to him.

For now, in this moment. Everything is perfect. It won't be forever, both boys know that. They also know they have to survive Hawkins. Just a little bit longer, then they're out, as soon as there both 18. Then onto bigger and better things that Hawkins can't offer the boys, they'll be free to have more perfect moments. Just like this one. All they have to do, is survive. Just a tiny bit longer. And both boys are more than ok with that, as long as they get to do it together. Nothing else matters.

Author’s note!

Hey! So, I’m so sorry if this is trash y’all. I’m not as used to writing one shots, so again I’m sorry if you don’t like it. Or feel that I released it to late, both I completely understand. BUT if you did like it, YAY I’m glad. Let me know if you want me to do more of these, or just completely give up, lol. Thank you, love y’all!

[grim-has-issues]

I have so much affection and aggression festering in my soul right now.

[sunnykeysmash]

[heartslobbf]

people will be like ‘yeah it’s really relevant that utena is an orphan haha’ and then not even recognise how utena being a character without living blood relatives is hugely significant in a show where almost all of the most atrocious relationships are ones that have been spurred on by the notion of familial/blood obligation. and utena herself clings so tightly to what is essentially a romantic ideal of ‘the family’, ‘the blood relative’, telling anthy she’s jealous of her relationship with akio, insisting to nanami that she should persevere with her relationship with touga because you’re still siblings. in ohtori, family is something you can only be born into. in ohtori, family is the way you gain power. i mean for the love of god it’s right there, revolutionary girl utena is a family abolitionist masterpiece and it makes me claw at the walls!!!!!!!!! read the palace perspective!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! engage more with these aspects of the show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! kill any and all people who go ‘why are there so many weird sibling dynamics i only came for the lesbians’ her NAME is kiryuu nanami and she does both!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[some-pers0n]

Every once in a while I think about the ship I've been obsessed over for close to two years now and feel like I'm ascending to another plane of reality. Like sometimes you just encounter a ship that hits every single mark and is perfect in every regard and you're left stunned how something like that can even exist

[darlenicy]

Has anyone ever considered Musa & Helia being a thing? I mean just THINK about it! They're both the artsy ones in their group: Helia with drawing and poetry and Musa with her music. They would complement each other so well characterwise too. Musa could turn Helia's poems into songs and they could write songs together. Musa's music could inspire Helia to draw and vice versa Musa could imagine stories from the pictures Helia drew and combine the feelings and emotions in songs too. There is so much going on with them. Helia is the introvert and Musa is definitely the extrovert who would make Helia get out of his shy comfort zone and Helia would calm Musa's temper. I have so many headcanons for them!

[rhymaes]

the 'I knew him first' vs 'I knew him fully' & all the ensuing gratifications and absences that mark the Xianle trio's understanding of Xie Lian opposed to Hua Cheng's. THAT is devastation baby!!!

[mariathechosen1]

Was Anyone But You a good Much Ado About Nothing adaptation? No, not at all, but fuck it was fun!

[namazunomegami]

“Kindly consider the question: what would your good do if evil did not exist, and what would the earth look like if shadows disappeared from it? Shadows are cast by objects and people. Here is the shadow of my sword. Trees and living beings also have shadows. Do you want to skin the whole earth, tearing all the trees and living things off it, because of your fantasy of enjoying bare light? You’re a fool.” - The Master and Margarita

[moinsbienquekaworu]

Overanalysing texts isn't just for published literature, you can also do it with fanfic if you're motivated enough!