#i’ve found and strengthened friendships

[madaqueue]

happy new years my darlings!!!!!!!! this year has brought me so much in terms of growth, learning, and joy, and i’m so grateful for all of you :’) a year ago i never would have thought id find the community i did on here and i truly love each and every one of you, sending you all a big midnight kiss and i hope 2025 is so incredibly kind to you, love you <33

[bouquetface]

Vedic Astro 1

Accuracy influenced by entire chart.

Sun in Scorpio 2nd H

In Vedic this can result in having karma related to the father. This can manifest in many ways. Ex: Father steals from you, Father refuses to provide or nurture, Father needs money from you at some point - needs money for a medical treatment, etc.

Sun will rule your 11th house if you have this placement in vedic. This shows you value your friendships. Throughout your life, your social network will help you. However, due to the sun’s nature, you may not always be grateful for it. Especially in your younger years.

Ex: Your friend tries to help you find a job. In the moment, you don’t realize that your friend is being very caring towards you. Rather, you feel the job isn’t appealing or you feel it’s not that big of a deal that the friend has found a job for you.

As a result, due to scorpio’s karmic nature, you now end up in a situation where a friend is acting entitled towards you. In a different friendship, you may end up being used - possibly financially.

Ex: You pay for your friend’s meal, they never return this favour. Rather they act entitled & ungrateful about it. They act as if you owe them these meals. This upsets you as you have gone out of your way to be kind.

This isn’t to say you are a bad person who has bad karma. It is simply the karmic scale balancing itself. For your placement it is likely the karma involves social network, money & family specifically the father & his side.

When wrong is done to you, the scale will balance itself too.

In Vedic, scorpio is ruled by Ketu & Mars. Ketu can make you generous. You may enjoy giving gifts or making gifts for your friends & family. Ketu is strengthened when you are kind in this way. This is because Ketu does not want more. Now, this doesn’t mean you should donate all your money and always be a saint. Rather you should strive to be kind and helpful (not even financially just in general) when you can. This can help bless you with opportunities. Especially since your 11th (social circle, networking) & 2nd (finances) are connected.

Good news about 11th ruler in 2nd is it indicates you will have good wealth. This doesn’t always mean you’ll be a millionaire. It means you will always be pretty stable - the basic needs are always met. Ex: You could make a huge mistake like quitting your job without another one lined up. You could struggle to find a new job. Yet, you will be taken care of. You will have a family or spouse who supports the basic needs while you become stable again.

Accuracy will be influenced by the entire natal chart.

Rahu in 5th House

This is an indicator of attraction to those from other religions, ethnicities, nationalities.

This indicates having many children as well. I know someone with this placement who told my grandma they would never have kids. Yet, they ended up with many. Possible manifestations are: 1 - Simply having many kids. 2 - Having step kids along with your own kids. 3 - Adopting kids.

There is a scandalous side to the 5th H. I’ve seen rahu in 5th in a man’s chart & he just recently revealed he’s having a kid with his mistress.

Of course astro doesn’t make you do anything. It does indicate in his chart, he is someone who struggles with being satisfied when it comes to his own pleasure.

Accuracy for everyone is dependent on the ENTIRE chart. Looking at one placement or aspect is barely helpful when it comes to life prediction.

Jupiter in 10th House

Generally, this indicates the father is a teacher. The father may influence your career choice. The father may be highly educated himself.

If Jupiter is in neutral signs, the father is a neutral figure (both good & bad traits). If Jupiter is exalted in Cancer, it indicates the father is a strong presence. Someone you admire and look up to. You adapt their beliefs - religious, political, life perspective, etc.

Now if you feel this doesn’t resonate, check for sun and saturn position as well. For ex: Saturn in 9th can indicate a strain between father and child. Sun in scorpio can indicate karma between father and child.

So sometimes regardless of if you have an exalted Jupiter in 10th, the father can be more of a lesson on what you DON’T want to be.

Jupiter in 10th can give you a career where you are looked at as a teacher. You could be a literal teacher or teach newcomers in the field. People see you as reliable and knowledgeable.

Jupiter represents husband in vedic astrology too. In 10th, it shows you may meet in a work/professional setting.

You must consider the entire chart when looking for accuracy.

Rahu in 7th House

This is another indicator of attraction to people from different backgrounds. (Religious, ethnic, nationality.) High chance you marry a foreigner.

These people love relationships. You can hate being single. You need a partner to feel good about yourself. It can be obsessive thoughts & even fear. When will I find someone? Why can’t I find someone? What if I don’t ever find someone?

Good side is you can be highly intuitive. Especially when in a water sign. You are simply in tune with what other people need & want. This can make you very good at business that involves working with people.

This placement can indicate being cheated on or being the cheater. I have seen it both ways. 7th house is other people, however it aspects the first house which is you. Thus, you may be the one who can be deceitful. You or the partner may love attention from opposite sex. They need that validation and may do immoral things to get it.

Even when cheating is not involved, often these people find after marriage their partner was hiding something. Not necessarily a negative thing. Sometimes it’s a personal thing from their past - they didn’t feel comfortable sharing until much later. Or it’s something neutral, they weren’t consciously hiding this thing to be deceitful. You are always learning something due to your spouse.

I know many with this placement personally. For 2 of them, they were cheated on not the cheater. & 1 person is someone who I know would not cheat and to their knowledge has not been cheated on. A well placed rahu, or well placed 7th H ruler can give good results. Like this person, they are dating someone from a different religion & they plan on converting. Nothing bad in their connection.

However, if I am to be truthful, I know someone with placement who always seemed like they would never cheat or lie. Yet, later in life, things changed them. In their 40s, this man left his wife AND KIDS to marry his mistress.

Don’t take it personally or feel fear due to other people’s experiences. Accuracy is influenced by the entire chart.

Scorpio Mars in First house

Mars is connected to your aries 6th house. This can indicate intense relationship with mother’s siblings. They may strongly dislike you. Or you do things that feel like an obligation for them.

At some point in life, you may change your appearance or life direction drastically. Reasons vary sometimes you realize you have self sabotaging behaviours and must heal. Other times it can be due to an illness or injury that changes you. You could undergo a surgery. It may be needed or cosmetic.

Also, one thing I noticed is all these people’s births were significant. They either were extremely intense births such as being a first birth. OR a surprise birth, the mother was expecting the baby to be born a week later but the baby came sooner. Other ex: 1 person needed an emergency c section. 2nd person was so big they cut their mom open, she needed stitches.

Mars is a “cutting” energy so when in the first house, it can indicate cuts in your body or you leave a mark or cut on other people. This can manifest as being an aggressive person. You may experience physical abuse or assault someone else. However, this is an extreme example of what can be.

Accuracy is influenced by the entire chart.

Aquarius Moon in 6th House

People you help will  become your enemy. Enemy is kinda corny and dramatic but what I mean is people you provide emotional + physical support for will turn against you. It can be friends, coworkers, siblings/family, lovers, etc. They will become jealous and hateful towards you. 

Ex: You introduce a friend from work to your social circle because they seem lonely. That friend will attempt to turn your social circle against you. They may gossip/spread lies about you. They will not recognize the good you did by inviting them into your social circle. Rather they will try to take your spot.

These people must be cautious of who they let in their life. With pisces as your 7th house, you gravitate towards helping people. You must keep in mind not everyone deserves your help. Some will want to bring you down/drain you of your compassion.

Generally, aqua moon in 6th people are focused on their health. Later in life, they often become routine-based. They develop healthy habits. Sometimes, it can be an illness or injury that triggers this health journey. 

If you have an elder siblings, they may either become an enemy or distant from you. However, if well placed, they may help you in times of struggle.

Ex: I know someone with this whose older sister helped get her a job interview when she was unemployed.

Accuracy influenced by entire chart.

[444moonbae]

Huntress & Black Canary: DC’s forgotten dynamic duo

long (but worth it) post alert

i’ve always found helena’s relationship to dinah so INTERESTING!!! how helena seemingly idolizes dinah and holds her on a pedestal, because dinah may truly be the only person in the crime fighting biz that doesn't immediately judge her—that she doesn't need to fight for the approval of (*cough* batfam *cough*). i choose to read it as an attachment. one that is similar to her dynamic with batman (in that she searches for approval and comfort), but different because while bruce rejects helena time and time again, dinah does not.

what makes their dynamic even more fascinating is that dinah doesn’t purposely make a home for helena. it’s just who she is or how it happens. the energy isn’t reciprocated in the sense that dinah does not then idolize or pedestal helena in return. it’s sort of a one way street that likely results from the void of helena’s lonely past that causes her to “imprint” on the first person that shows her acceptance. but, because dinah is present and rarely offers rejection, helena thus views her as an object of habitual trust, perhaps even someone that she needs. 

i could be overstating it, but undoubtedly there is a bond between the two worth analyzing, and specifically through the eyes of the Huntress. helena emotionally attaches to dinah because dinah does not turn her away in the way that others that come before her have (due to how she works/goes about business). for once, someone seems to actually care enough to give her the light of day, to give her a CHANCE. and that is a huge change from the unacceptance she is so used to feeling and the lonely she is so used to being. as a child, helena seldom received any validation from important figures (for obvious reasons… i.e. her entire family being murdered), so she sometimes searches for this validation in other people. through this friendship, dinah helps helena realize that she does not have to linger in her own corner of brooding and that she can be apart of a team.

it’s kind of genius, really. and who knows if Gail Simone purposely wrote in all these layers but nevertheless it’s there and it makes sense: girl who continuously gets rejected in her search for approval finally finds someone who doesn’t and in turn, idolizes her. this dynamic only gets more interesting for me when thinking about it from dinah’s perspective; while dinah does really care about helena, she doesn’t necessarily go out of her way to give her that “chance”—she simply does not have preconceived notions about who helena bertinelli is. dinah inadvertently breaks the cycle that helena is caught in. all of this is in terms of the start of their relationship, and to simplify: dinah never goes to helena and says “oh my god you have such a horrible past let me help you!” rather, it is helena who comes across dinah and thinks “wait a sec…? she doesn’t care that i’ve done some bad things? or that batman (AND babs… which is huge bc barbara IS the birds of prey) doesn’t really like me?” it doesn’t mean as much to her as it does to helena. this can be detected in dinah’s own dialogue to her, as seen in the previous panels. however, as their bond strengthens, we do then see dinah going out of her way to directly support and defend helena, even confronting batman herself on several occasions :

i wish this dynamic was explored more, however. it doesn’t help that DC has seemingly thrown helena on the back burner, away from the team that was once so important to her character development. what i’m trying to say is, helena NEEDS to be in the current Birds of Prey run for many reasons, her attachment to dinah and dinah's support of her being one of them. and i hope Kelly Thompson will recognize the importance this has not just for fans like me, but for the character herself. if you know anything about Huntress as a character, she is kind of a "lone wolf" type. by choice, by circumstance, not just cuz of her personality, but because of her origin, too. her joining the Birds of Prey, becoming a prominent figure on a cohesive TEAM, was a huge arc in her development. take it from helena herself, after literally sacrificing her life for dinah :

I would really like to see these two team up again, being that they work pretty well together, visually and literally, but also because it means a lot to helena internally. if we strip huntress away from the birds of prey, who does she really have? where really is she? the answer is no one and no where, a reflection of her current status in the dc universe. helena does not have to be, and should not be, inextricably tied to a team (as some characters unfortunately grow to be) but a balance between co-operation and independence can easily be navigated. in other words, helena works well alone but the birds of prey should remain a comfort zone for her, and a part of her overall purpose. ultimately, having characters and spaces that she is connected to can only be a good thing (i.e. dinah, babs, zinda, the birds of prey). yet, somehow, she is missing in action even while her team is active.

it’s a shame for me to see them operate without her. so, part of my reasoning for her inclusion is Black Canary, as dinah became that important figure in helena’s life— something her character so deeply craves both emotionally and contextually; helena bertinelli needs someone she can rely on and Huntress, as a character, needs to have solid connections within the space of DC’s universe... or else she is at risk of slowly falling into a forgotten pit of oblivion. But when thinking of the birds of prey, i personally do picture a trio— heldinahbabs. of course, the team has always been subject to change, and there is nothing wrong with that (in fact, in volume one, helena only joined in issue #57, while dinah even left in issue #100), but this post is a very long winded way of me wanting to see them together again, even just for a moment. afterall, helena joined for dinah and stayed for barbara. and as someone who is a huge huntress fan, seeing her dynamics explored more with others is a must. but, am i blinded by nostalgia? you tell me. either way, i know helena misses dinah. 

---

bonus: helena lowkey fangirling over the sight of both dinah and bruce fighting together

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

Hey cal! 💕💕💕

Maximum emojis for 🧜‍♂️ please!

I am in LOVE with this fic!!!

-❤️🪐

Hi Saturn!!!

Hell yeah! Sooooo happy you love it! 1k for 🧜‍♂️:

---

There’s something really sad about the way Eddie says that. Like he would want for his son to know this part of himself, but he’s been stifled. Buck has never met Eddie’s parents, but he finds he resents them already. 

“So, then, who knows?” Buck asks.

“Just the family who was around when I started transitioning,” Eddie says. “And… Well, a few guys back in El Paso. Station 25. But… I mean, that wasn’t my choice.”

Buck feels a little cold. “Not your choice?”

“Uh… I got hurt. Saving my captain. They found out in the hospital,” Eddie explains. 

“Is that why you left?” Buck asks.

“A good chunk of why,” Eddie admits. “They didn’t treat me the same after.”

“Despite saving your captain and getting a medal of valor?” Buck says. 

“Not enough, apparently,” Eddie mumbles. 

Buck makes a frustrated noise. That’s such bullshit. Eddie is an amazing firefighter. An amazing medic. Hell, an amazing person. Who the fuck cares what else he is? 

“You know we’d never do that to you, right?” Buck asks. “No one at the 118 would ever-”

“I’m not telling anyone else,” Eddie interrupts him. “And you can’t either, okay? Tell them about me. I’m serious.”

“I wouldn’t,” Buck promises. “I wouldn’t want you saying anything about me. I won’t say anything about you. I promise.”

“Thank you,” Eddie says. 

“Just… All I mean is, if you ever did want to tell them, you’d be safe,” Buck adds. 

Eddie sighs. “Alright, I’ll do it when you do it.”

Buck frowns. “Touche.”

🌊

If Eddie and Buck’s friendship had been fast-building before their misunderstanding at the beach, it grows at practically lightning speed afterwards. There is something different about having one person in the world you can talk to, after months, in Buck’s case, of not being able to talk to anyone at all. Much longer than that, in Eddie’s case. 

They just sort of all into more. Buck spends most of his free time with Eddie and Chris. He speaks freely around Eddie, and he thinks Eddie speaks freely around him, too. They get comfortable with each other. They might not be the same, but they both know what it is to hide. And they both seem to take solace in having someone they don’t have to hide from. 

Of course, their newly strengthened friendship is not without its moments. From both of them. Neither of them is fully educated on the other’s stuff and doing their best - not that Eddie could be, when Buck doesn’t even know what’s going on half the time. 

For example, they have a call helping a man bit by a shark in transit to return that shark to the ocean. Then, they return the shark to the ocean. But the closer they get, the more Eddie watches Buck. He looks nervous. A little pale. As if the slightest splash will turn him, in front of everyone. And, to be fair, a handful of months ago? It might have. But Buck is cool now. Or, cooler. 

“I’ve got it under control,” he whispers to Eddie. He dips his hand down in the water before they leave, just to prove a point. 

Eddie takes a deep breath and nods. 

“Just don’t want anyone finding out about you if it’s not your choice,” he whispers back. “Is it hard to resist?”

“Getting easier,” Buck says. “Would be harder if I was exhausted.”

“Okay,” Eddie says, relieved. “Okay, I’ll keep that in mind.”

Because they’re looking out for each other now. In more ways they were when they were just friendly coworkers. 

A week or so later, they take a call in the rain. It’s late at night and they’re all tired after a never ending string of calls. Eddie watches the water come down and shoot Buck that same nervous look. 

“Does rain…” Eddie asks, trailing off in case they’re overheard.

“No,” Buck says. “Just ocean.”

“Just ocean, what?” Chim asks, appearing behind them.

“Uh… Dries out my skin,” Buck fumbles.

“Oh, yeah. That makes sense,” Chim says, before he keeps on walking towards Hen.

“Fuck, sorry,” Eddie whispers. 

Buck shrugs. “He bought it.”

That’s not to say it’s just Eddie. Just that, given the unknown nature of Buck’s being, Eddie has more to worry about, Buck thinks. Buck has his moments, too, though. 

They’re in West Hollywood one night, putting out a small fire in a gay club. Eddie looks sort of badass, rescuing a bartender who was trapped behind the bar. 

“Get it, girl, damn!” A patron onlooker calls when Eddie helps the man out of the club. His friend gives a little whistle. 

Buck feels like a rabid dog, ready to bite. Sure, yes. Eddie looks pretty good doing the job. But to call out to him? To use girl? What the fuck?

“It’s fine,” Eddie says after. “That's not what they meant and you know it.”

“No, but they shouldn’t be-”

“Buck, come on. If you make a big deal about it, around here, people will figure out why. Just… Drop it, okay?”

So he does. Because obviously he’s always going to take Eddie’s lead here. The same way he can see Eddie trying to follow his. And as time keeps moving forward, and Buck becomes more and more entwined in Eddie and Christopher’s lives, it becomes more and more natural. 

🌊

It’s May when Eddie helps Buck find a new apartment. He’s been living in Abby’s for over a year and it’s sort of getting embarrassing. 

“I still can’t believe you never dated this woman, but lived in her home for this long,” Eddie says as they look at listings in the living room. 

Buck chuckles. “Um, can’t exactly date anyone right now. Dating, historically, leads to sex.”

“Ah, but gills,” Eddie says.

“Gills, exactly. And sometimes scales.”

“But you wanted to date her?” Eddie asks.

“I did,” Buck admits. “I wonder if she’d have stayed if we did.”

Probably not, he thinks. No one really ever lasts that long.

[perfectsunlight]

[𝟎𝟕] 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐞𝐭𝐜. 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐮𝐣𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲/𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬

𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐓𝐎𝐎 𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋

𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 | 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭

the new school year brought with it a sense of renewal, and you were eager to embrace it. amid the whirlwind of fresh faces and new routines, you found yourself forming a close friendship with a girl named jang wonyoung. 

you two were both in a 4th period music class, a subject you both enjoyed and excelled in. the class had become a refuge, a place where you could lose yourself in melodies and harmonies. wonyoung’s enthusiasm for music was infectious, and her support meant the world to you.

and it was actually because of her that you ended up becoming an artist.

one day, as you were both working on a group project for the class, wonyoung noticed you staring wistfully at the piano. “you’re really talented, you know that?” she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. “i’ve seen you play, and i think you should seriously think about pursuing music.”

you looked up, slightly surprised. “really? i’ve thought about it, but i don’t think it’s something i can actually do.” wonyoung leaned closer, her irises dancing with encouragement. it was a look of pure belief and encouragement.

“why not? you have a gift, and you shouldn’t waste it.”

you had always loved music, but the idea of making it a career felt like a distant fantasy. but wonyoung’s encouragement felt like a spark that lit a fire in you. 

“i don’t even know where to start,” you admitted, a mix of excitement and apprehension in your voice. the industry was very competitive, and you knew your chances were slim, even if you were talented.

wonyoung smiled, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. “start small. maybe take on some gigs, work on your music. i can even ask my dad if you can perform at his gala events.” you chuckled and tried to decline the invitation, but the taller girl was adamant. 

“you just have to believe in yourself, and i believe in you.”

her warmth and kindness were a breath of fresh air, and you quickly became inseparable, bonding over shared interests and heartfelt conversations. 

when you two weren’t talking about music, you shared bits of your love life.

wonyoung often spoke of her significant other with a mix of affection and nostalgia. she mentioned that her partner had just recently graduated, but never went into detail. your curiosity was piqued, but you respected her privacy. ironically, you often did the same.  the advice and understanding between you two strengthened your connection.

as your friendship deepened, it felt like you had found someone who was always there for you. you spent countless hours together, navigating school life and supporting each other through its ups and downs.

one afternoon, as you enjoyed a break in the school courtyard, your best friend inez approached with a concerned look. she pulled you aside, her expression serious. you couldn’t help but wonder what she was about to say.

regardless, you could’ve never guessed what it really was.

“look, i saw something today that i think you need to know,” inez said, her tone low. she quickly glanced around, making sure anyone else was around. the pause made your anxiety spike even more. 

“i was at lunch in the cafeteria, and i saw wonyoung with someone who looked like yujin.”

your heart stopped. you could feel every breath becoming more ragged. “yujin? are you sure?”

inez nodded, pulling out her phone to show you a photo she had discreetly taken. in the image, wonyoung was seated with yujin, sitting on a bench while they kissed.

your mind raced, trying to process this revelation. yujin—who you were still in a relationship with—was cheating on you. your mind raced, struggling to process the revelation. the world around you seemed to tilt, and the image of yujin and wonyoung together was like a punch to the gut. 

“i thought you and yujin were still together,” inez said, sensing your distress. “i didn’t know you two had broken up.”

“we haven’t,” you replied, struggling to keep your emotions in check. “we’re still together.”

everything started to make sense now. the late-night texts, the vague excuses, the sudden distance. the nagging doubts you had pushed away now felt like a tidal wave crashing over you.

you stared at the photo, your emotions a turbulent mix of hurt, betrayal, and confusion. “i—” you started, but the words caught in your throat. “how could she do this?” inez quickly put her phone away and wrapped you in her embrace. it was difficult news to process, and she understood that.

needless to say, you both ditched the rest of the school day and inez came over to your house to help you figure out what to do next. you sat at the edge of your bed, staring blankly at the floor while inez made herself comfortable beside you. the weight of the situation pressed heavily on your chest, making it difficult to breathe, let alone think clearly.

“are you okay?” inez asked softly, her voice filled with genuine concern. you could tell she was trying to offer support without overstepping, giving you the space you needed to process. you shook your head slowly, trying to hold back the tears. “i don't know. i thought everything was fine. i thought we were happy.”

inez reached out, gently placing a hand on your shoulder. “listen y/n, you deserve to be treated with honesty and respect. and yujin shouldn't have done this to you or wonyoung.”

wonyoung. that was the other problem. did she know? you assumed no. upon further digging, you and inez found out yujin had a separate instagram account with numerous posts with the other girl. it was very obvious that she was publicly loving her, and privately loving you.

“i know,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper. “but seeing her with wony, it’s like she’s happier with her? she looks happier. she looks at her in ways she’s never looked at me, and maybe as bad as it sounds, i don’t want to ruin her happiness. if she’s happy with someone else, i love her enough to respect that.”

inez gave you a reassuring squeeze and a firm but loving glare. “just remember it's also about what's best for you. you shouldn't have to compromise your own happiness for someone else's.”

you took a deep breath, trying to center yourself. the idea of confronting yujin was daunting, but you knew you needed to face her. you had to understand where you stood and what her feelings really were.

a few hours later, you found yourself standing outside yujin’s apartment. your heart pounded in your chest as you gathered the strength to knock on her door. you needed answers, and you needed to hear them directly from her.

when yujin opened the door, her expression shifted from surprise to concern. “hey, what’s wrong? you didn’t call ahead.” the dim light from the outdoor lamp shone on your face with gentle hues of yellow. there was a glare in your eyes that sent chills down yujin’s spine. you had never looked at her with such an intensity. 

to be quite honest, it scared her.

“we need to talk.”

yujin’s brow furrowed, but she stepped aside to let you in. the tension in the room was palpable as you both sat down on the couch, facing each other.

“i know what’s been going on,” you began, your voice cold and steely. the older girl looked confused, but you knew it was all an act. “what are you talking about, babe?” yujin asked slowly, brows furrowed at you.

“i know about you and wonyoung.”

yujin’s face turned pale, her eyes widening in shock and guilt. “i didn’t mean for you to find out like this. i didn't get to explain everything—.”

“really?” you spat, the anger and hurt bubbling over. there was no way she was still trying to lie in front of your face. “so what was the plan, yujin? to keep me in the dark while you parade around with wonyoung like you’ve moved on from me? is that it?”yujin opened her mouth to respond, but you cut her off with a harsh, biting tone.

“don’t even try to defend yourself. you’ve been lying to me and cheating on me. how the hell do you think i’m supposed to feel?” her eyes filled with tears, but you didn’t relent. you were angry, and it was all because of the girl you loved.

“how long?” you whispered, looking dead in her eyes. 

yujin’s face went from a look of panic to resignation. she looked away, unable to meet your gaze as she tried to find the right words. “i didn’t mean for it to go on this long. it just happened, okay?”

“save me the bullshit,” you snapped. “i want a straight answer. how long have you been cheating on me with wonyoung?”

yujin took a shaky breath, her voice barely audible. “about six months.”

the words hit you like a train. six months of lies, six months of betrayal, and the thought of how you’d been manipulated all this time made your stomach churn. “six months,” you repeated, struggling to keep your voice steady. “you’ve been living a double life for half a year. what the hell is wrong with you?”

her tears were now flowing freely, but you couldn’t find it in yourself to offer her any sympathy. “i was trying to figure things out,” she said through her sobs. “i thought i could manage both—”

“manage both?” you cut her off, incredulous. “you think you can juggle two relationships and not hurt anyone? i only just left for the summer, thinking we were building something together, while you were out there with someone else. how could you do this?”

yujin’s voice trembled as she tried to explain. “i didn’t mean for it to happen this way. i was trying to—”

“save it!” you shouted, the raw pain in your voice echoing off the walls. “i don’t want to hear any more of your excuses. you’ve been living a lie, and i’m sick of it.”

you stood up, the anger and betrayal burning through you like a wildfire. “i trusted you, yujin. i thought we had something real, but you’ve turned it into a fucking joke. i’m done with your lies and your games. i need to get out of here.”

yujin reached out, her voice breaking. “please, don’t go. we can work through this.”

you looked at her with a mix of sadness and fury. “no, yujin. we’re not working through anything. you’ve made your choice, and now you can live with the consequences. i hope you and wonyoung are happy together, because i’m done being your second choice.”

you turned on your heel and walked out of her apartment, the door slamming shut behind you. the finality of your decision was both a relief and a heartache, but as you stepped into the cool night air, you knew you had made the right choice. 

—

there was something different in the air once you graduated. the weight of the past months seemed lighter, as if you had shed the burden of yujin's betrayal with every step you took towards the future. you had decided to pursue your music career, encouraged by wonyoung's unwavering support. although you and she had become closer than ever, you never revealed the truth about yujin’s infidelity. you didn’t want to shatter wonyoung’s happiness or your own newfound peace.

time passed, and the memories of your relationship with yujin faded into the background. you focused on your studies, your music, and the new friendships you forged. you attended your graduation ceremony with a sense of accomplishment and freedom, surrounded by friends and family who celebrated your achievements.

the graduation party was a lively affair, filled with laughter, music, and the joy of new beginnings. you mingled with your classmates, sharing stories of the past and dreams for the future. everything seemed perfect until you noticed a familiar figure standing by the door, her presence drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

yujin had arrived.

she was now a rising actress, her face recognizable from the movies and tv shows she had starred in over the past year. she looked stunning, her confident demeanor a stark contrast to the tearful girl you had last seen. as she walked into the room, all eyes were on her, including yours.

wonyoung was on her arm.

there was a moment of silence, the noise of the party fading into the background as you both stood there, facing each other. you searched her eyes for any sign of the girl you once loved, but all you saw was a stranger—a beautiful, successful stranger who had once broken your heart.

wonyoung noticed your stare and followed your gaze to yujin. she gave you a concerned look but didn’t say anything, instead squeezing yujin’s arm gently and whispering something to her. yujin nodded, her eyes never leaving yours.

“i’ll be right back,” yujin said softly to wonyoung before making her way through the crowd towards you.

your heart pounded in your chest as she approached, the familiar ache of old wounds resurfacing. you forced a smile, trying to keep your composure.

“hi,” yujin said when she finally reached you. “can we talk? privately?”

you hesitated, glancing at wonyoung, who was now chatting with some of your friends, oblivious to the tension. “alright,” you said, leading yujin to the back porch where it was quieter.

once outside, the cool evening air hit your face, providing a brief respite from the heat of the party inside. you turned to face yujin, crossing your arms defensively.

“what do you want to talk about?” you asked, your voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside you.

yujin took a deep breath, her eyes filled with a mix of regret and longing. “i just wanted to say i’m sorry,” she began, her voice trembling. “for everything. for lying to you, for cheating, for hurting you. i know i don’t deserve your forgiveness, but i need you to know that i regret it every single day.”

you felt a lump forming in your throat, but you stayed silent, letting her continue.

“i miss you,” the actress confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. the muffled noise from the party was the only other sound in the air, aside from her voice.

 “i miss us. i miss the way we used to be, and i hate myself for ruining it.”

your heart ached at her words, memories of happier times flooding back. but you couldn’t forget the pain she had caused you, the betrayal that had shattered your trust. it all felt too late, even if you liked hearing her apology.

“why now, yujin?” you asked, your voice breaking. “why come here and say all this now?” 

“because seeing you again reminded me of everything i’ve lost,” she replied, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “i’ve tried to move on, to be happy with wony, but it’s not the same. it’s never been the same. i thought i could forget you, but i can’t.”

you looked away, trying to process her words. the anger, hurt, and confusion swirled inside you, but there was also a part of you that still cared for her, that still longed for the connection you once had. but you couldn’t forget what happened.

“look,” you said softly, your voice filled with pain. “you broke my heart. you lied to me, and you cheated on me. how can i ever trust you again?”

she took a step closer, her gaze pleading. “i know i’ve hurt you, and i don’t expect you to forgive me right away. but i want you to know that i’m truly sorry, and i want to make things right. even if we can’t be together, i need you to know that i still care about you. i always will.”

you closed your eyes, taking a deep breath. part of you wanted to believe her, to give her another chance, but another part of you knew that you deserved better, that you deserved someone who would never hurt you the way she did.

truth be told, you knew your heart was still hers. but you weren’t ready, or willing, to accept that fact.

“i appreciate your apology,” you said finally, your voice steady. “but i need time. i need to figure out what’s best for me. and right now, i don’t think being with you is what’s best.”

yujin nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks. “i understand. and i’ll wait, as long as it takes. just know that i’m here, and i’ll always be here for you.”

you both stood there in silence, the weight of the moment pressing down on you. the pain in yujin’s eyes mirrored your own, and despite everything, you could still feel the connection between you. it was as if the years apart had never existed, and all the hurt and betrayal were just fleeting shadows in the face of the love you once shared.

before you knew it, you were stepping closer to her, feeling both disgusted and drawn to the girl who still had your heart, even if it was in pieces. yujin looked up, her eyes wide with desperation.

 “i still love you,” she whispered, her voice breaking. the next thing you knew, your lips were on hers. it was a desperate, aching kiss, filled with all the pain and longing you had both endured. tears mingled on your cheeks as you kissed, each salty drop a testament to the tumultuous journey you had been on.

yujin’s hands cupped your face, her touch gentle but firm, as if she was afraid you might slip away again. you clung to her, pouring all your conflicting emotions into that kiss—love, hurt, anger, and a deep, unyielding desire.

when you finally pulled away, both of you were breathless and tear-streaked. the intensity of the moment left you reeling, and you could see the same turmoil reflected in yujin’s eyes. you both were a mess, but it felt like the right thing at the time.

“i’m sorry,” she whispered again, her voice trembling. “i’m so, so sorry.” you nodded, swallowing hard. “i know,” you replied, your voice barely audible. “i know you are.”

for a long moment, you simply stood there, holding each other, the world outside fading into insignificance. in that embrace, you found a flicker of hope, a small chance that maybe, just maybe, you could find your way back to each other someday.

but for now, you knew you needed to heal, to rediscover who you were without yujin. and as painful as it was, you had to let go, if only for a little while.

“i need time,” you repeated, stepping back slightly, though still holding her hand. “but thank you for being here.”

yujin nodded, her tears still flowing. “i’ll wait,” she promised, her voice filled with a determination that both comforted and broke your heart. “no matter how long it takes, i’ll wait for you. i only want you.” the actress was telling the truth. she did still love you, and she did still want you. however, she failed to speak the full truth.

because just four months later, she proposed to wonyoung.

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @silantryoo @neuftaeng @regaiis @jisooftme @skisk1 @pandamiswifey @bzeus28 @jiihu @jeindall777 @yacii @jiwoneiric @cooldazetidalwave @chaersly @sunasami @nkahydnxo @shashatonin @lea-pg @wonyoluvr @urfriendlylocalidiot @writingficsblog @yoontoonwhs @aurumness @pandafuriosa60 @solwanq @lizseos @yourlittlecherry @aloneinacity @luv4tzu @onecalm-anon @sewiouslyz @li0ilthecxnt @awkwardtoafault @kikelikesmc @1r3n31ty @mitangiieee

CLOSED.

[ist4rgirlo]

a one shot with conrad where it’s basically like the scene in season 1 where jere confesses to belly in the pool but conrad instead of jere? thank uu i love ur writing

──────────── 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 - 𝐜.𝐟

ONESHOT !

summary : conrad finally having the guts to confess to his bestfriend

Conrad and you had been inseparable since you were young. Growing up as next-door neighbors, both of you spent countless hours exploring the woods behind your houses, playing games, and creating unforgettable memories. Over the years, your bond only strengthened, and you became each other's confidants and best friends.

As summer approached, the scorching heat settled over their Cousins. Seeking refuge from the rising temperatures, Conrad and you found solace in their pool. Its sparkling blue waters and lush green surroundings provided the perfect combination of tranquility and adventure.

One fateful afternoon, you decided to escape to the pool once again. As both of you arrived, the sunbeams danced on the water's surface, inviting the both of you to dive into its refreshing embrace. Both Conrad and you eagerly stripped down to your swimsuits and dived in, laughing and splashing water at each other.

As you swam side by side, Conrad’s heart started to race faster than his strokes. The warm summer breeze whispered encouragement into his ear, urging him to let his true feelings be known. Glancing over at you, your soft smile and sparkling eyes, he couldn't help but wonder if you felt the same way.

Your laughter echoed through the silent air as they floated on their backs, staring up at the clear blue sky. The moment felt magically serene, and Conrad knew he couldn't let it slip away without expressing his love for you.

Taking a deep breath, Conrad mustered up the courage to speak. "Y/N," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "There's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while now."

You turned your head, looking at him curiously, smiling a little. "What is it, Connie?" you replied, your voice tinged with both excitement and surprise.

Gathering every ounce of bravery, Conrad continued, "Y/N, you mean more to me than anyone else in this world. You, you’ve been my bestfriend and my biggest support. Lately, I, uh, I’ve just been feeling something more, something.. deeper.” Your eyes widened, your heart fluttering.

“What are you trying to say, Connie?” You asked, swimming closer to him, your voice filled with concern. Conrad swam closer to you, his hand, holding your waist gently.

With a nervous smile, Conrad let the words spill out, "Y/N, I think I'm in love with you. You're not just my best friend; you're the person who lights up my life. I can't keep these feelings hidden anymore."

Silence settled around them, punctuated only by the gentle lapping of the water against your bodies. Uncertainty mirrored on your face as you absorbed Conrad’s heartfelt confession.

After what felt like an eternity, your eyes softened with understanding. Your lips curved into a tender smile. "Oh, Connie," you said, your voice laced with affection. "You have no idea how long I've waited to hear those words." you pulled him in, hugging him tight.

Relief washed over Conrad as he pulled away, gazed into your eyes, their depths revealing your own hidden feelings. In that moment, time stood still, and all worries vanished. Both of you had taken a leap, transcending friendship into the realm of something more profound.

You embraced in the water, both of your laughter blending with their joyous tears. The pool witnessed your unspoken love, a testament to the bond that had grown between the two of you. He looked you in the eyes before puling you in, “Can I kiss you?” Conrad whispered, his eyes looking at your lips. You bit your lips before nodding, before you knew it, he pressed his lips to yours.

From that moment on, your journey together morphed into a romantic adventure, guided by the strength of your friendship and the beauty of your newfound love.

And so, under the summer sun, Conrad and you continued to swim through life's highs and lows, forever grateful for the day you both found the courage to dive into the depths of your hearts.

[fayrobertsuk]

Poetry for ALL

Some personal anecdotes and a plea follow...

As quite a few of you know, I’ve been engaged in disability awareness and rights campaigning and other work since sometime in the 90s, so when I was given an opportunity to support and host an event dedicated to making performance poetry as accessible as possible in 2018, I jumped on it.

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Poetry for All is the brainchild (and heartchild, and soulchild) of Rose Drew, who I first met through one of Richard Tyrone Jones’s Utter events in London. She’s an extraordinary writer and performer, and a powerhouse of an events host and organiser. Within about 30 seconds of watching her on stage, I knew I wanted to be like her when I grew up as an artist. When she got in touch three years later to ask if I’d like to help out with what turned out to be the inaugural event, I threw myself into providing as much support as possible with enthusiastic abandon, and we pulled together a line-up which included the extraordinary performers Raymond Antrobus and DL Williams (“DeafFirefly”), both of whom I’d performed with before and was keen to see again. 

Now, there’s a whole section on our new website about the history of the events where you can read the facts, but I want to say here that, personally, that first event in March 2018 (coincidentally on my birthday!) was an absolute eye-opener – seeing how poetry events could expand and develop the ideal of accessibility in ways I hadn’t considered. It was also extremely inspirational as I realised that, well, I was allowed to write about my disabilities. Seeing and hearing artist after artist sharing so much and so eloquently unlocked something in me that I didn’t even know I’d been repressing:

I’m allowed to be an openly disabled poet. I’m allowed to express my neurodivergence. I can tell my truth. 😱🤯

Bit of a culture-shock, but I owe so much to the poets and to Rose (and to Dave Wycherley, BSL interpreter extraordinaire – that’s a hard and physically/ mentally taxing job as it is, but to do that with poetry? on the fly?! breathtaking...) for helping me get to that starting point, knocking down the walls of my own internalised ableism.

So, apart from a paean to self-expression and why representation and finding tribe matters, and a screed of gratitude for new friends made and old friendships strengthened through the course of these events, why am I writing this? What’s with the hashtag? “Plea...?”

Well, so far, since you ask, all of our events have had local funding in York, where they’ve taken place exclusively so far. Rose applied for Arts Council England funding for this and next year for a tour comprising several venues and a host more disabled artists and BSL interpreters from various parts of the UK (all getting paid properly!), but we found out last week that we’d not got the money. Any of it. So our forthcoming event on 24th November in the gorgeous National Centre for Early Music is in jeopardy and, since the thought of Rose (herself a disabled artist on low wages) having to pay for this out of her own pocket was not to be supported, I threw myself at a plan of creating a (somewhat last-minute) Crowdfunder, so that we can at least pay for the venue, the artists’ and interpreters’ fees, the travel and accommodation expenses of those of us coming from out of town, and the costs of producing merchandise to sell. We’ll be producing an anthology in print and ebook form, as a joint publication between indie publishers Stairwell Books and Allographic Press. And, if we exceed our funding goal, there’ll be video and audio available of the event to boot!

We’ve created a frankly very exciting range of pledge rewards for people wanting to support us (all the way from £1 and £2 options, since money is tight, especially for disabled folk, right now, to more chunky ones like private mentoring, workshops, and a publishing package), and we’ve got three weeks(!) to raise our £1,500 to cover the shortfall from ticket and merch sales. Eeep! So, if you’re able to and would like to help us, we’d be ever so grateful. The campaign is here:

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/poetry-for-all-2023-fundraiser

And if you have absolutely no funds to share with us at all, we’d be incredibly grateful if you shared on social media, with friends, on blogs, all of that!

Thanks for reading all this, and have a great day!

[justagirlthatlovedtoread]

Secrets, promises and stolen kisses.

In the bustling world of university life, Y/N and Niall's lives are a tapestry of contrasts. Y/N, a humble yet secretly talented vet, and Niall, with his undeniable popularity, seem to come from different worlds.

Y/N has always kept her profession a secret from university life, wary of people befriending her just for free vet advice, and discounts on operations/vet care. But fate intertwines two different paths when Niall's dog Nala becomes paralyzed in her hind legs. Frantic and heartbroken, Niall faces rejection from multiple vets and second opinions who suggested putting Nala to sleep. But Nala wasn’t “just a dog” to Niall- she didn’t care about how he looked or how popular he was; she only cared about belly rubs and chasing squirrels. She taught him the art of unqualified love. How to give it, how to accept it. She doesn't care if you're rich or poor, clever or dull, smart or dumb. Give her your heart and she’ll give you hers. He was adamant that someone out there could help her, and It was clear in everyone’s eyes that he wasn’t going to give up until he found someone who had the opposite opinion to the one he kept getting. He had become a force of nature—a man on a mission to restore his best friends mobility.

Desperation led him to a vet clinic almost an hour away, where he encounters Y/N.

Niall’s popularity preceded him at the university campus—the guy who could light up a room with his smile, effortlessly navigating social circles. Y/N, on the other hand, moved with purpose, her steps measured and her gaze focused. She was the vet who slipped through the crowds, her secret hidden behind those warm brown eyes. She only ever had one close friend, Tiffany.

They’d crossed paths countless times—Niall with his easy charm, Y/N with her quiet competence. The hallways, the coffee shop, the occasional nod during breaks—it was all part of the rhythm of campus life. Neither expected more; their worlds seemed destined to remain parallel, never intersecting. Until now.

Niall was apprehensive because he assumed he would hear the same tired platitudes as every other veterinarian he visits: “There’s nothing we can do”, “she’s too far gone”, “I think it’s time”, “it wouldn’t be fair to keep her suffering much longer” and so on.

But then when he blurted out Nala’s story, top to bottom: Y/N listened, her eyes holding determination, her hands gentle as she examined Nala. She promised hope, and Niall clung to it. The Paws & Whiskers Veterinary Clinic was Y/N’s sanctuary—a place where barks turned into healing, and the scent of antiseptic mingled with endless miracles.

When he finished, she nodded, her gaze flickering toward Nala and back to Niall. “I’ll do my best,” she said. “But if it’s okay, I’d like to ask….”

And there it was—the secret. Y/N’s hidden life, her gift for healing animals. Niall’s eyes looked into hers knowingly, as if he knew what she was going to say “you’re a vet”, he whispered.

She nodded. “I am. But I’ve kept it quiet. People can be… opportunistic.”

Niall understood. If word got out, everyone would flock to her, seeking free advice, exploiting her skills. Y/N’s anonymity was her armor, shielding her from the world’s demands. Yet there he was, stood between Nala’s well-being and Y/N’s peace.

“I won’t tell,” he promised. “Your secret is safe with me.”

And so began their pact—the unspoken agreement to protect Y/N’s anonymity. Niall watched as she worked wonders with Nala, her hands gentle, her determination unwavering. Nala responded, tail wagging, and Niall marvelled at the young girl behind the vet’s mask.

As days turned into weeks, their interactions shifted, their once parallel universe began to intersect. Y/N’s eyes held gratitude, and Niall’s admiration deepened. They met in quiet corners outside of vet and university hours—the library, the beach, the park—where Niall could strengthen the sensation in her legs and their friendship could bloom. Niall became a constant presence, their conversations shifting from Nala’s well-being to deeper matters, and Niall found himself sharing stories he’d never told anyone- conversations flowed effortlessly and Nala’s recovery became their shared secret, a fragile bridge between them.

They laughed over coffee had deep talks, and sometimes, their fingers brushed accidentally, sending sparks through the room.

Niall marvelled at the way Y/N spoke to Nala, her voice soothing and full of love. And when Nala finally stood on her own four legs, tail wagging furiously, Nala’s heart swelled. Y/N’s eyes sparkled with pride, and he knew he’d fallen—for Nala, yes, but also for the enigmatic, beautiful girl who’d brought hope back into their lives, and he wished so much that he could’ve got to know her sooner.

On one particular evening, the moon hung low, casting a silvery glow on the water. Niall’s pulse raced as he stood by the lake, as he waiting for y/n's arrival. Y/N’s presence was a magnetic force that pulled him closer. Nala lay nearby, her eyes half-closed, as if sensing the gravity of the moment.

A cool breeze swept across the lake, ruffling Y/N’s hair and sending shivers down Niall's spine. He reached for her hand as she arrived, fingers trembling. “Y/N,” he said, voice barely audible, “there’s something I need to tell you.”

Her gaze met his, and he saw it—the vulnerability, the fear of crossing a line. “What is it?” she whispered.

Niall hesitated. The weight of their connection pressed down on him—the shared secrets, the stolen glances, the way her laughter echoed in his dreams. Y/N wasn’t just anyone; she was the keeper of his heart’s secrets.

“I’ve been thinking,” he began, his thumb tracing circles on her palm. “About us.”

Her eyes widened, and he knew she understood. The tapestry they’d woven—the threads of friendship, the hidden talents, the way Nala had brought them together—it all led to this moment.

“What about us?” Y/N asked, her voice a fragile thread.

Niall leaned in, his lips brushing against hers. Her heartbeat echoed in the quiet night, a rhythm that matched his own. His fingers trailed from her palm to her cheek, the softness of her skin a revelation. He moved a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, his touch lingering.

“I want this,” he murmured, leaving the rest unspoken.

And so, he kissed her—a gentle press of lips that held the promise of more. Y/N responded, her lips parting, and he pulled her closer. Their breaths mingled, and the world blurred—the moon, the water, the weight of their secrets. He kissed her again, this time trailing down her jawline, tasting the saltiness of her skin. Her neck beckoned, and he pressed his lips there, feeling her pulse against his mouth.

It was a moment suspended in time, where hesitation melted into longing, and the universe conspired to bring two souls together. Niall lost himself in the taste of Y/N—the sweetness, the warmth—as if he’d been waiting for this kiss since the beginning of time.

He pulled away, both breathless, eyes locked—the universe itself holding its breath. Niall’s hand still lingered on Y/N’s cheek, and she wondered if he could feel her heartbeat echoing through her skin. Words weren’t necessary; they shared an unspoken understanding—their feelings laid bare in that stolen moment. Y/N’s mind raced: What did this mean? Would it change everything?

They sat side by side, fingers brushing, Nala stirring nearby as if sensing the shift. And then Niall broke the silence, his voice a tremor: “Y/N, I’ve wanted this for so long.”

Her heart fluttered, and she whispered, “Me too.”

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

Niall had reached a point where he couldn't keep his feelings to himself anymore. He was falling head over heels for Y/N, and the only way he could navigate this confusing and exhilarating time was by confiding in his closest friends. "I can't stop thinking about her," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

His friends listened intently, offering advice and support, trying to help him figure out the best way to express his feelings to Y/N without jeopardizing anything and sharing her secrets. “just be straight with her, tell her that you love her”, Harry says.

Meanwhile, Y/N and her best friend were having a heart-to-heart conversation of their own. They had always shared everything, so it was only natural that Y/N would open up about the strange fluttering in her chest whenever she thought about Niall. But just as she began to articulate her emotions, her friend dropped a bombshell. "I have to tell you something aswell," she said, her eyes downcast. "I have a crush on someone too, it's Niall". The revelation hit Y/N like a ton of bricks. She felt a pang of guilt twist in her stomach, realizing that her relationship Niall could hurt her friend.

The situation left Y/N feeling torn and conflicted. On one hand, her heart yearned for Niall, and on the other, she couldn't bear the thought of causing pain to her best friend. She wrestled with her emotions, trying to find a way to navigate this delicate situation without damaging her most cherished relationships. The possibilities and topics of conversations with Niall and her friend had opened up a Pandora's box of emotions, leaving them all at a crossroads where every choice seemed to carry significant consequences.

Y/N’s guilt weighed heavily on her heart after she found out that her friend harbored feelings for Niall—a crush that had blossomed quietly, like a fragile flower. But Y/N’s own heart had betrayed her, pulling her even more toward Niall in ways she couldn’t ignore.

Y/N had tried to avoid Niall for days after this. She took different routes in the hallways, rescheduled her vet consults, and even adjusted the timing of her evening walks to avoid crossing paths with him. It was clear to anyone paying attention that she wss acting out of the ordinary, but Niall wasn't just anyone. He noticed the subtle shifts in her behaviour and the absence of her usual warmth. Determined to understand what was going on, he made it his mission to find a way to be with her again. Niall's persistence paid off one afternoon when he managed to catch Y/N alone in a quiet corner of the library. Gently but firmly, pulling her aside and holding her close as he showered her with kisses, each one filled with the affection and longing he had bottled up during their time apart.

The conflict tore at her—the loyalty to her friend versus the undeniable connection with Niall. She avoided him, not out of indifference, but out of fear. Fear that her actions would wound her friend, unravel their bond, and leave her standing alone in the aftermath. Yet, as Niall’s lips brushed her neck in that quiet library corner, she wondered if love could ever be wrong when it felt so achingly right.

“you have been avoiding me”, he said, smirking and taking her hands in his.

Niall looked down into Y/N's eyes and spoke with a sincerity that left no room for doubt. He assured her that she had done nothing wrong and that his feelings for her had only grown stronger. He reminded her of the countless ways she had brightened his life and made him a better person. Bit by bit, Niall's words began to heal the wounds Y/N had inflicted upon herself. As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, they both knew that their bond was unbreakable and that together, they could overcome any obstacle.

Niall pulled away, finally mustering the courage to share his feelings. He looked deeply into her eyes, taking a moment to appreciate the sparkle he had come to adore.

"I love you," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth. Her eyes widened slightly, a mixture of surprise and joy dancing within them.

A tender smile spread across her face as the words sunk in. She leaned in closer, her heart brimming with emotion. The air between them seemed to hum with a newfound energy, a shared understanding that words alone could not convey. Their lips met in a series of gentle kisses, each one more passionate than the last. The world around them faded away, leaving just the two of them in their own private universe.

“I love you too”

I hope you all enjoyed this, any feedback would be appreciated, thankyou 🩷

@megalony @meetmyothersouls @amaretigris @jonahhauer-kingg

[tieronecrush]

I have a request but it’s also infideltiy so I understand if you ignore this lol.

I’ve been thinking lately about a scenario where reader and Joel have been separated since the outbreak for a few years, reader starts dating some guy in the QZ she’s at, joel shows up and they reunite. Joel really tries to stay away and respect her relationship but they’re both too emotional and horny to resist. I really do love passionate reuinion sex tho!!!!

thank you so much for your request lovely nonnie! i switched it up just a lil bit to make the reader the one who shows up with her bf to boston where joel already is - hope that’s okay!!

muscle memory

joel miller x f!reader

rating: E (18+ only, MDNI)

word count: 6.5k

summary: when you flee the baltimore QZ to head to boston with your boyfriend and others, the last person you expect to see is joel miller. you had mourned him for years, having thought your last partner was lost to you forever. when the two of you start smuggling together, more time around each other only seems to strengthen your connection - to the point where neither of you can manage the tension anymore.

warnings: NO USE OF Y/N, no age specified, use of pet names (‘bonny’, ‘little lamb’, ‘sugar’), infidelity, previous relationship, mentions of death/loss, some angsty angst, alcohol use, mentions of drug use, fingering, oral (f receiving), unprotected p in v, cockwarming, dirty talk, praise, mild breeding kink, possessive!joel, soft!dom joel

Boston is an upgrade from Baltimore. At least in the state you left it; the Baltimore QZ had finally succumbed to Firefly occupation and FEDRA was forced out. Not that it really mattered to you, but it was another reason to add to the list. The biggest reason for your caravan up north was that your smuggling lines and connections had dried up. Like, completely. Either people found better deals or died on their journeys outside of the walls of whatever QZ they were from. You mostly dealt with Washington and Philly, both having been radio silent for weeks by the time your smuggling group made the decision to move on. You were welcoming the change; sure, the means to get there was full of uncertainty and danger, but the group you were with and your boyfriend of a few months, Danny, made you feel the slightest bit more confident trekking through the decimated country.

It’s been a few weeks since you all officially transitioned into the Boston QZ, registered under FEDRA, and having gone through your quarantine. You all settled into your government-assigned homes, you living with Danny and others grouping up to attempt to make these shabby walls feel like home.

It was easy to be with Danny. You two had known each other for years, done tons of runs together, and developed a comfortable friendship. Your relationship was born out of convenience -- after hooking up one night when you both needed to be taken care of, you stayed together. It was nice to have companionship, but it certainly wasn’t love.

You haven’t felt that way since Joel.

Joel Miller. Your partner when the world went to shit.

The two of you were together for a couple of years, and you were planning to move in with him at the start of the new year - 2004. It was supposed to be your year. Moving in with the love of your life and his daughter that you loved as if she were your own, probably getting engaged or just eloping with him, maybe even talking about growing your little family.

You loved your life before. You mourned it for years after the outbreak happened, knowing you likely wouldn’t see any part of it again.

When Outbreak Day happened, you weren’t with Joel. You weren’t even in Austin. It was the week of your mom’s 60th birthday, and she had begged you to come up north for a visit. You were supposed to fly home on September 26th. You were supposed to surprise Joel for his own birthday.

And then your flight got canceled. Rebooked for the following day.

And everything changed.

But that was years ago, now it’s 2010. Family members were long gone, friends made along the way lost, too. You grieved as well as you could with the way the world moved now. Despite searching for any sign of Joel, or Sarah, or even his brother Tommy, you accepted your fate to be alone and settled in Baltimore.

And now, you were accepting the fate that your new home would be Boston. Seemed like a decent replacement in your mind, and hearing about the smuggling business here made you eager to get involved.

The small group that you traveled with had arranged a meeting with two of the more prolific runners in the city. You weren’t given any details besides a meeting place and time, so when that night came, you and Danny made your way into the dilapidated storage building along with your friends from Baltimore.

You glanced around at the place, attention turning to the small huffs of frustration coming from your boyfriend next to you. He was fiddling with the zipper on his jacket, the grooves stuck in the fabric. Nimble fingers worked it loose as you stood amongst everyone, Danny’s lips pressing to your hairline in a sweet thanks.

There is no way in whatever is holy, if there even is anything out there, that Joel is seeing who he thinks he’s seeing. They must be a figment of his imagination. It’s been seven years.

And then he hears that laugh. This stranger has a laugh that he would recognize anywhere.

That’s your laugh. That smile is yours, too. And when you turn towards him finally, his gaze fixed on you since you entered the room, he meets your eyes. Those eyes that made his heart sing whenever they shined with joy, made him shatter when they were filled with tears, made him completely head over heels for you.

And right now, they were making it all come rushing back. The heartbreak, the loss, the grief, the love.

A small gasp escapes your mouth when you recognize him. He was aging, that much he knew. Had some grays sprinkled into his brown hair, his beard was just as patchy as it had been before. He had harsher lines on his face, the world wearing him down much quicker than it would if the outbreak never happened — if he never knew what loss was like.

You’re taking inventory of all of his changes, and he notices similar ones in you. Your hair is longer, even pulled back he can tell it’s inches past where you normally would keep it. There’s the faintest wrinkles next to your eyes, soft smile lines near your lips. Signs that you stayed light in the world of darkness. That made the pain in his chest lessen just the smallest amount.

He keeps checking that you’re still there during the entire meeting. Tess does the talking, some grumbles of rules coming from him, but he’s thankful that she’s taken the lead ‘cause he doesn’t know if he could get more than a handful of words out at a time. With arms crossed over his chest, he pinches his bicep as he glances at you again, assuring himself that he isn’t dreaming or having a bad trip from those pills he takes.

The rest of the meeting goes by quickly, plans are made for the next few runs to integrate the newest additions. He stays back, hoping that you would do the same. There was no way that he wasn’t going to talk to you; he’d run after you if you left.

Luckily for him, you had understood the subliminal messages in the short bits of eye contact he made with you.

The guy that was with you stayed, too, but he stood near the exit while you stepped closer to Joel.

With you right in front of him, he gave himself another quick pinch before clearing his throat. Just when he was about to break the growing awkward tension in the stale air, he heard your voice crack.

“Hi.”

That’s all you say, and suddenly he can’t help the grin that quips up to the side. A hushed chuckle exhales through his mouth shortly, eyes locking with yours.

“Hey there, bonny.”

He watches your shoulders drop from their frigid position, uneasiness visibly relaxing after the greeting. He grins wider, dimple deepening in his cheek as his chest tightens from the gentle reaction he’s gotten out of you.

He still had the tiniest bit of his accent. Especially when he said that nickname. Short for bluebonnet, Texas’s wildflower, which is where the name originated from. Joel called you his wildflower, and when you asked him what kind of flower one night, he told you he only knew bluebonnets. Typical proud Texan man. Eventually, the moniker turned into ‘bonny’.

It’s a nickname you hadn’t heard since your last phone call with him, disappointment evident in his voice when you had to confess that your planned surprise wasn’t going to happen and that you would be home the next day to celebrate with him belatedly.

“‘S alright, bonny. Sarah’s already got something planned for the two of us. Promised her I’d pick up a cake on the way home from the site.”

Your stomach had toiled with anxiety that day from his sadness that you were going to be missing from his birthday and that he was just missing you. This time around, hearing that same nickname roused your nerves from the thrill that it zipped down your spine, the sound of his voice around the words tingling in your ears.

The two of you make introductions to your respective tag-alongs, Joel to Danny and you to Tess. Greetings were passed and conversation flowed, the two of you skating around your history with company present, only divulging necessary details. You two dated before. That was it. They didn’t need to know how long, how serious, how you mourned the loss of him and the life you two built together.

Ignoring the past in conversation was easy. Ignoring the physical pull you felt towards him was more of a challenge. Heat crawls up your back and settles on the nape of your neck, tongue poking out to wet your lips every few moments. Fingertips itch to touch his skin, to trace the lines on his palms, and to brush over the scar on the right side of his face. One he didn’t have with you, and you wanted to know what it was from.

You wanted to know a lot from him. What these last seven years looked like for him. Once the conversation died down naturally, you faced Joel and asked him gently the first of the two most pressing questions you wanted answered.

“Where’s Tommy? Guessin’ the two of you are still glued to each other like you were back then,” you tack on a light laugh to your query, feeling the rush of panic as you realize that these answers you were wanting might not be answers that you want to hear. A lump forms in your throat as you wait for his response, a tender look on your face.

“He’s, uh, he’s here still. Doesn’t run with us though, he’s been getting into shit with the Fireflies here. Drives me insane, but you know how he is.”

“Always a joiner,” the words roll off your tongue and you bite down on it, cursing yourself internally for making fun of his brother without really knowing how this Joel would respond.

Relief washes over you when he laughs, not a full one, but nevertheless, you got to see a sliver more of that smile that had you smitten.

“Got that right. Tommy always wants to be a hero,” he shakes his head back and forth, an adoring smirk on his face as his stare lengthens and his mind is taken to his younger brother for a moment.

With the news of Tommy, you were even more eager to ask your second question. It gripped your heart, tugging it nearly out of your chest. Your voice softened as you spoke to him, eyes involuntarily watering in anticipation.

“And Sarah?”

Silence. As if the words catch in his throat and start to choke him from the inside. His eyes widen in loss of oxygen, chest still as he holds his breath. He can’t look away from you, eyes quickly pacing to hold contact with yours. They communicate desperation, as if he wants so badly to explain, to tell you what happened to his daughter that you loved, but he can’t get the words out of his airway.

It tells you everything, that look. You hadn’t lost your ability to read Joel, and the realization completely demolishes the composure you were attempting to maintain. Closing the gap between you, you focus on Joel as you wrap your arms around his waist, tight and full of compassion. Your head rests on his chest, facing to the side. Everything else in the room falls away, muscle memory moving your hands in circles against his lower back in the way you remember he loved. He’s tense in your arms, his own wrapping around your shoulders hesitantly until he feels the comforting touch. Tautness breaks from him, resting more of his weight against you as his head dips down to rest his chin on you and his eyes close.

Yours close too, and just for that moment, you’re back in his kitchen, sticky summer morning air coating the room from the open screen door. Cartoons squeak from the TV in the other room, and the smell of Joel’s French toast wafts from it’s crisping on the stove.

Domestic bliss. What could’ve been.

That hug has tormented Joel for weeks. The first time he saw you, the first time he heard your voice, the first time he held you after he thought he never would again. And that one time has unearthed a hunger for more. A need for you. Doesn’t matter if he’s around you or not, he can’t stop thinking about you.

When you’re on runs with him, he has one eye on you at all times. When it’s a route without your boyfriend, he feels a bit bolder; touches linger on your back as he guides you through obstacles or around your arms as he holds you back to get ahead of you to clear a room.

He’s been trying, so desperately trying, to respect your relationship. Not that you mention him much, but you and Danny arrived in Boston, shacked up together, and have made no hints at that changing. For now.

It’s gotten to the point where it’s driven him to drink, added to the long list of things he needs to be inebriated or high to cope with.

This is how he ended up at the QZ speakeasy, a few blocks from his building which makes it an easy past-curfew destination. Sole occupant of the low, barrel table against the back wall, he pounds a whiskey back which quickly turns into three. A buzz has started in his body and his mind, a clear path to his ideal destination on the horizon. It was a shitty run today, mostly coming up dry and having to deny some trades. Plus, you weren’t with him.

When he’s waving the bartender for another glass, his eyes skate across the room and catch you standing at the top landing of the stairs that snake down to the warehouse basement bar, eagerness evident in your expression when you find him. Overprotective, he watches you bound down the stairs to make sure you get to whoever you’re meeting without any issues. He’d be more than happy to step in if someone got too close.

Focused on his self-appointed task, he doesn’t realize that you’re making your way over to him excitedly until you’re standing in front of his table, gesturing to the empty seat across from him that he offers to you.

Plopping down in the wooden chair, a goofy smile stretches across your face as the giddiness of being around him flickers in your stomach. You’d felt this jolt of energy being near him, thinking about him. It’d been like that for weeks since you saw him again and held him. It was a spark, and now your embers were slowly catching fire the more time you spent with Joel.

Greetings were exchanged, and him buying you a drink along with another for himself. Finger tracing around the lip of your glass, you glance up at him and attempt to make small talk if only to be able to hear his voice.

“So, how was the run today?”

“‘S fine. Pretty dry.” His response is clipped, mumbled out as he brings his drink up to his lips for a swig.

“Oh, really? That’s a shame. You got another one planned?” you keep your eyes on him, watching as he looks anywhere but at you. Around the table, across the room, even at his own boot.

“Yeah, got one next week.” Joel’s grumbling, deep crease between his brows as he sulks in his chair.

“Maybe I can join you on that one?” you propose, hoping that it gets his attention. Sure, you could be reading into it, but something told you that he enjoyed having you around as much as you enjoyed being around him. Brows raised in hopefully curiosity, anticipation swells your tongue in your mouth.

“Maybe.”

That’s it? That’s all he has to say?

Joel’s always been a man of few words, always crafting careful and thoughtful responses when you were together. But this? This is ridiculous. He clearly doesn’t want you around, his eyes darting as if to look for the fastest escape route. It stings, deflating your excitement. The chance of this encounter was the sole reason you went out tonight. Danny had fucked off to play poker or gamble away ration cards with some other guys he’d gotten buddy-buddy with, and it didn’t help that you two had been drifting further from each other over the last week. You weren’t sure how much longer this companionship would be worth it, and with Joel always around, it certainly was starting to blur some lines. He always made you feel better, even when he wasn’t trying. Except for tonight.

Your hurt boils into anger, and you scoff at him, arms crossing firmly in front of your chest.

“You keep acting like you’re looking for a chance to leave. If I’m keeping you here, feel free to go. I’ll drink by myself.”

Joel looks at you, his eyes softening. He opens his mouth, then shuts it, thinking about what he should say. You get annoyed by his lack of response, grabbing your drink off the table and slipping out of your chair to leave him there.

“Are you really that oblivious, bonny?”

You turn back, anger growing at the thought that he’s mocking you.

“Well, screw me for trying to make conversation with you, Joel. I guess I am oblivious ‘cause I thought we could be friends or, I don’t know, at least civil after all this time.”

“Bonny, I can’t be friends with you.”

He’s kicking you when you're down, clearly just being cruel.

“Why? What did I do?”

“I can’t be friends with you, ‘cause I want more than that.”

The honesty stuns you. Sure, you had felt that pull towards Joel again, but you didn’t know that he felt the same way or that he would act on it if he did. He gets up from his chair, taking a step closer to you before he continues.

“I looked for you, y’know? After everything. All I wanted was to have you back. I knew you’d know what I needed. And when I saw you again, I realized why I couldn’t stop looking. What I needed most was you.”

He stands close to you now, warm breaths intermingling with the other’s, humidity heating your cheeks while his eyes stay locked on you. Everything you’ve felt since Joel had been revived into your life suddenly becomes overwhelming; you can’t contain them, can’t compartmentalize them anymore. You reach for him, hand pressed over his heart, feeling the rushed beating pulsing under your touch.

His eyes look down slowly to his chest and then back up to you when you whisper, “Mine feels the same way when I see you.”

“Is that right? Can I feel for myself?”

You nod slowly, peeling your hand off of him only for him to catch it and hold it in his. Your voice is thick, “Maybe somewhere a little more private? Like your place?”

He looks confused for a second, brows knitting together before it dawns on him, pupils widening and darkening his eyes.

“Let’s get out of here, bonny.”

Keys jingle as he twists them in the lock, throwing the thin wooden door open after he pulls them out. He nods for you to step in ahead of him, taking a few paces into the apartment and surveying around. The door clicks behind you and the deadbolt slides into place, the sounds sending goosebumps across your skin at the prospect of being totally alone with Joel, no watchful eyes or possible interruptions.

Eyes continue to skate along the room, tiny details noted. Half-drunk whiskey bottle on the counter, small baggies of pills on the coffee table, other finds from his side occupation littering the space.

His weighted steps drag across the worn wooden floors at your back, the presence of him hanging behind you slowing your breaths in suspense. Saliva coats your mouth at the dryness of your thirst, hair standing off of your skin in waiting.

The first touch you feel is his fingers brushing against the back of your neck, sweeping the hair there off to one side and holding it there. Joel takes one step closer, chest pressing against your shoulder blades and crotch against the swell of your ass. The warmth radiating off of him sends a shiver down your spine, jolting against him briefly. Your breaths pause as you wait for his next move, eyes fluttering closed when his lips touch the nape of your neck in a ghostly kiss. A hand wraps around you, resting just over your breast to feel the rapid beating of your heart, the rhythm matching his own that you feel against your back. A placid gasp puffs from between your lips, snapping the taut tension between the two of you and sending a new urgency to his actions.

Palms encase your hips, spinning you around to face him and tugging you close to feel every curve pushed against him. His lips find yours in a hungry kiss, your own mouth opening in a sigh at the contact. Joel takes this as an opportunity to lick into your mouth, tongue dominating yours and swallowing every whimper that comes out of you.

Your own hands grip his shoulders, nails dragging against the fabric down to his biceps. Fingertips dig into the flexed muscles, steadying yourself as he starts to walk you backward throughout his place. He never leaves your lips, knowing the space with his eyes closed to lead you all the way back through the door to the small bedroom on the left side of the living space.

A whine escapes you when his mouth detaches from yours, working kisses along your jaw to the hollow under your ear, sucking at the space there. A groan rumbles from his chest when you let out a soft moan and hold his arms tighter, hips involuntarily jerking against his growing bulge.

Lust-blown eyes stare into yours as he stands up fully again, delicate touch brushing your cheek before his thumb nudges the scar that sits on your brow. The look in his eyes pains for half a second, and you finally speak up since leaving the speakeasy.

“‘S not a good story. Happened from a lamp falling onto my head when I was raiding around some suburban house. Just an accident. You wouldn’t have been able to stop it from being there.”

His gaze meets yours again, tugged away from the fibrous tissue on your face. The bulb in his throat bobs when he swallows, head moving side to side minutely.

His hand caresses your cheek, voice thick with his drawl when he softly responds, “You underestimate me, bonny.”

The words gloss your vision, quick blinks settling the emotion and clearing the picture of Joel in front of you again. Your heart constricts in your chest, attempting to imagine the amount of pain that he’s been through, but you can’t even begin to know.

Instead of dwelling on the moment, he presses one light, affectionate kiss to your lips before he takes a step back. He grips the hem of your shirt, brows quirking up in a silent question. You nod subtly, the permission allowing him to slowly tug the fabric over your head. He devours the newly exposed skin with his burning stare, compelled to bend down and trace his lips over every new mark he sees while his hands move across your curves to reacquaint himself with your new features. Wider hips, rougher skin, purply stretch marks veining your skin along with ropy paths where injuries had healed over.

Joints crack softly as he settles onto his knees in front of you, sending you into light giggles while he groans and presses his forehead against your lower tummy. He reaches around and playfully smacks your jean-covered ass, a fake scowl on his face when he looks up at you from his praying position.

“‘Nuff gigglin’ at me, you’re gonna feel this sore come morning.”

The threat of his words floods arousal between your thighs, bottom lip toyed between your teeth as you quiet down your laughter. Joel kisses your clothed thigh, fingers popping the button of your jeans and dragging the zipper before they hook in your waistband and tug the denim down your legs. Joel laughs lightly at your silence, eyes finding yours as his hands lift each of your feet one at a time to help you out of your pants.

“Thought that might get you excited, lil’ lamb. I know you’re gonna be such a good girl for me, aren’t ya?”

The wink that follows his drawl jolts your limbs and fingers twist into his locks as his open mouth exhales warm, humid air on your panty-covered mound. He presses his face against the fabric, inhaling deeply and moaning softly at the scent of you.

“Fuck, sugar, it’s still the same. Missed you so much. You think you still taste the same?” He directs the question up to your face, your head lulled down to meet his gaze. A smirk pulls at the corners of your mouth, mischief glittering in your eyes.

“Only one way to find out, baby.”

His amber eyes were pools of ink with how much they darkened, full of carnality. Large fingers smoothly strip you out of your panties, his figure coming to stand at his full height in front of you. Gripping your waist, he guides you back to sit on the edge of the mattress, lifting your legs by your thighs and easily maneuvering you toward the center.

Joel moves to climb onto the bed with you, but your soft sigh of frustration stops him.

“I wanna see you. ‘Specially if I’m completely naked, ‘s only fair that you are, too,” you gripe to him, bottom lip protruding only slightly in a pout. Joel considers for a moment, ultimately deciding that fair’s fair. He pulls his knee off of the mattress and makes quick work of undressing, his own clothes laying rumbled on the floor with yours.

Satisfied with his fulfillment of your request, your eyes completely devour his bare body as he moves to kneel on the mattress between your open legs. Fighting for survival has kept him fit, broad shoulders flexing as he lifts your legs at the crook of your knees to spread them further. His chest is firm, the rest of his torso softer just as it had always been. It was one of your favorite parts of him, the sight of it now taking you back to times cuddling him on the couch or in bed, head in his lap to press kisses against his tummy or resting your head there and being lulled to sleep. Your fingernails comb through the happy trail, pressing into the skin of his lower abdomen as you sit up to kiss him deeply. He moans quietly against your lips, your knees pressing into his stocky thighs, toes curling against the flexed muscles in his calves. Your arms settle around his neck, lips chasing his as he pulls back to look at you.

“I really did miss you, bonny. Couldn’t believe it when you were in front of me again. Still can’t really believe it right now.” His voice is breathy, eyes holding yours, moving back and forth minutely. One of his hands encompasses the left side of your face, the other moving down between your bodies, his frame bent over yours. Two fingers work circles into your clit, inhale catching in your throat while your legs tense from the feeling of his touch on you.

“M-Missed you, too. So much. I looked for you everywhere I went. Needed you again, I need you now.”

“‘M right here, lil’ lamb. Not going anywhere again. I’m gonna make you feel so good, just like I used to.”

His fingers working your clit slip through your wetness, pressing against your entrance to coax a moan out of you. He hooks them into you, pushed against your spongy walls in search for that spot he’d been all too familiar with. Like riding a bike, he fell right back into what you had loved from him before, knowing just how to work you up. His jaw dropped slightly as his eyes glued to where his fingers thrusted into you; he closed his mouth every so often to swallow the saliva flooding his mouth until he couldn’t wait another second to taste you again.

Joel folded over, legs scooting back on the bed to allow his head to sit between your thighs, tongue lapping against your clit feverishly and switching with his lips every so often to suck at the same spot.

The sounds leaving you at that point were wanton and lewd, mixing with the squelch of your wetness. You felt the familiar knot tightening in your stomach until it’s pulled loose, a loud gasp of his name while your nails dig into his shoulder and walls tighten around him.

He keeps his pace, mouth still attached to your core. He’s not going to let up without you saying something, and you can’t take another moment without him giving you what you want — what you need from him. Fingers tangled in his mussed hair, peeling him from between your thighs. He meets your eyes, lips and chin shining with dampness in the low light of the bedroom and fingers pulling out of you. Eyes blown into blackness at the sight of your pleasure, mouth opening to speak when you cut him off.

“More of that later, if you really want it. But I need you. Inside of me.”

Joel smirks devilishly, fingers coated in your come pushing between your lips and into your mouth for you to clean off.

“Just tastes so sweet, bonny. Can’t help but want seconds,” his hard cock twitches where it lays against your thigh at the feeling of your tongue sucking his fingers, “Better ask again nicely, lamb. Or else I’m not giving you anything.”

The smirk stays painted on his face, a huff of frustration as your hips jerk up to chase his hand that hover over you, desperate for more.

“Please, pretty please. I need you,” you beg, pleading in your eyes as you look through your lashes, dull nails scratching his skin.

“That’s my good girl. Kept your manners.” The wink he sends you flutters your walls around nothing, whimpering as he manipulates you into his desired position.

Joel straddles one of your thighs, bringing the other up to lay against his torso and rest on his shoulder. Your hips turn only slightly to the side in the position, opening your pelvis into a kindling heat. He spits in one of his palms, fingers of the same hand running shortly through your arousal and then mixing the fluids to coat the tender skin of his length. The head of him pushes into you deliciously measured, his motion pausing for you to adjust.

It only takes a moment before your body remembers, the muscles of your tight pussy molding around him once again. Your body feels the familiarity of him, the reactions it has are heightened from the comfort of his own body, focusing solely on how perfectly he fits inside of you.

“Damn, sugar, feel like your little pussy got even tighter. Feels so pefect around me, like she knows who’s about to fuck her just right,” his voice is coated with lust, jaw laxing with a guttural groan when he pushes further into you.

When Joel finally starts a rhythm, slow and deep at first, your eyes roll back into your skull as your head presses hard into the mattress under you. The position brings him incredibly deep, and his size fills you nearly to the brim. It was a feeling you hadn’t felt since the last time you’d had him, his veins on his swollen cock carving the same paths along your insides to feel every detail of him.

“Feel so full, baby. Haven’t felt it since I had you last,” your voice is higher and breathier, toned in a whine.

“That’s right, bonny. Nobody makes you feel as good as I do, huh? Probably haven’t had a decent fuck for years, you poor thing.”

All you can do in response is moan, hands gripping his forearms that are the part of his nearest to you.

He fucks you like this for a good moment, moaning your name quietly before he huffs in frustration, completely pulling out of you. Immediately, you mewl at the loss, head shooting up to protest before he’s moving you to his will again.

“Just a second, sugar. Need to be able to kiss you and feel you all over. Being such a good girl for me, I promise you’re gonna love this.”

He still couldn’t be as deep and close to you as he needed to be in the previous position, so he manipulates your jellied limbs easily to be able to fully cover you with his body. His grip is on your knees, bending your one leg that was once between his thighs to move your calf to hook over his shoulder. Once both your legs are settled on his frame, he continues to stretch your hips by leaning over you, pinning your thighs back to your ribs. He’s completely opened your lower half, folding you back to the point where his tummy is resting against yours and his face is hovering over you. Muscles in your legs and hip flexors burn and spasm, but you can’t care for even a moment when Joel thrusts into you again. You’d never been in this position with him before, and your mind instantly clears of any thoughts besides how hard and deep Joel is fucking you, how you had never felt as full and complete as you did in that moment.

He chuckles as he watches you completely cock drunk, one hand leaving your leg. The large palm finds your lower abdomen, pressing against it as he locks his gaze in yours.

“Can you feel me right here, lil’ lamb? Feel me deep, pushing your belly?” His voice is sweetened sickeningly, the pride and amusement of being the one to give you this experience, to make you feel that full once again evident in the twinkle of his eyes and the sideways smirk on his face.

Chants of his name leave your mouth, your voice barely covering the sounds of his skin slapping against yours steadily.

With him inside of you, it was like two puzzle pieces joining together to finish the picture. The satisfaction of completion was there on all fronts, his rhythm frying your nerves and tightening that red hot coil in your core. With his body covering yours in this embrace, he keeps his mouth on you, heady kisses to your lips when you can take it and mouth biting or licking along your chin, jaw, and neck when you need to breathe.

His motions switch up in the next instant, pushed into you at the hilt as his hips circle to grind you on him. He makes tight figure eights, the act getting you to the point where he’s fucked you completely dumb. All you want in that moment is to feel his warm spend inside of you, watch his face contort from his own pleasure. You can tell he’s close the less he speaks and the more he pants, head falling to your shoulder and eyes closing as he focuses hard to keep pace.

“Come inside me, please. I want it,” your tone is urgent, spilling the words out before your orgasm blinds you white-hot, mind clear of everything except for the euphoric high Joel’s given you. Tightening around him, he moans loudly, thrusts becoming messy and stacatto as he chases his own peak.

“God, such a perfect girl for me. You gonna keep my come in you all night? Go back to your boyfriend tomorrow with it dripping out?”

All you can do is nod, cunt fluttering around him as it starts to work into overstimulation, the rub of his skin against your clit so pleasurable it’s getting painful. Your voice falters when a third orgasm pulses through you.

“Y-Yes, yes. I want you inside for as long as it’ll stay there. Pl-Please, baby.”

Your begging pushes Joel over the edge, hips stuttering as ropes of his warm spend fill you up. He starts to work into you again, fucking it deeper before he finishes.

The pair of you are sweaty, sticky messes; hair tangled, lips swollen, eyelids heavy in recovery. Joel stays inside of you, gently moving your legs down and his own arms wrapping under you to lay you on your side with him, lifting one of your legs to rest on his hip.

Soft, supple kisses are shared as the two of you drift in and out of consciousness, eventually falling asleep completely.

Blue tinted sunlight creeps into the sole window of Joel’s bedroom, the night sky fading into a lilac dawn. You’re studying Joel as he sleeps, long lashes grazing his cheeks, lips parted just enough to let some light snores escape. Your finger delicately traces the scar on his right temple, your featherlight touch causing his eyes to flutter open and find your gaze half awake.

Joel’s immediately in fight or flight mode, arm around your waist tightening as he holds you closer.

“You okay? Something happen?” His voice is hoarse from sleep, clearing his throat as the slight panic wakes his up more.

Gently, you rest your hand on his chest and shake your head with a tender smile.

“Everything’s fine, you can relax. I was just lookin’ at you before I have to go home.”

Joel deflates, brow creasing at the mention of you needing to leave, to go home to your equally shitty apartment and some guy that wasn’t him. Jealousy flicked in his chest, a confession sitting in his throat for a minute before he let it out.

“I really did mean it, y’know. I need you. Now that I’ve got you back in my life, I can’t let you go. You’re some of the only family I’ve got left, and I don’t think I could survive losing you again.” His voice is shaky, wet brown eyes locked with yours. You have rarely seen Joel this unguarded, even in your life before, without the hardness that had come with the constant threat to his survival hanging over his head. The words wrapped around your heart, squeezing tightly and ripping it out of your chest to give to him. Silence falls between the two of you as an understanding washes over you, relaxing your body as the memory of safety, comfort, and home ripples throughout every muscle. You tell him what you have felt since the moment you saw him again:

“I’m not going anywhere, Joel. Not without you.”

tagging the mutuals: @swiftispunk @joelsversion @johnwatsn @midnightswithdearkatytspb @pedrit0-pascalit0 @theelishad @undrthelights @ladamedusoif @ruinedbylanadelrey @thetriumphantpanda @pedgeitopascal @dinsdjrn @thepascalofus @pedgito @soaringcloud @somedayauthor @alloftheimagines @pr0ximamidnight @beskarandblasters @atinylittlepain @nicolethered @scrambledslut @lunapascal

[howtomuslim]

“Peace Be Upon You” — The Power Of Peaceful Greetings

Recently I was walking through some tight, dark streets I’ve never walked through before, it felt eery and foreign to me, with strangers sitting on the side staring at the unfamiliar intruder barging their neighbourhood. Feeling uncomfortable and feeling the gaze piercing a hole through me, I tried avoiding eye contact and stared at the floor until I suddenly remembered this saying:

“By the One in Whose hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that if you do it, you will love one another? Spread (the greeting of) peace amongst yourselves.” — Prophet Muhammed(PBUH) (Sahih Muslim)

I gathered up my courage and greeted them with the greeting of peace. “Assalamu Alaykum! (peace be upon you)” I waved with a smile at the group and was reciprocated with an even better greeting of peace and cheerful smiles by the group, whose attitude had completely changed.

No longer was I a stranger, and nor were they to me. 

That was the profound effect of a simple greeting of peace! 

This simple greeting and way of life was something I hadn’t found outside of Muslim countries, having lived in many places around the world, including Europe, I often found people looked at strangers with animosity and people seldom greeted their own neighbours, let alone strangers! 

This greeting, prescribed in both the Quran and Hadith, serves as more than a polite exchange — it is a bond that unites Muslims worldwide and serves as a means to soften hearts, fostering friendship and dispelling animosity among people.

The Origin of “As-Salamu Alaikum”

The phrase “As-Salamu Alaykum” comes directly from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Quran itself. In Surah An-Nisa, Allah says:

“And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally.” (Quran, 4:86)

This verse illustrates the importance of returning a greeting with an equal or better response, emphasising the positive reinforcement of goodwill and kindness. By using peaceful greetings, Muslims not only comply with Islamic etiquette but also strengthen relationships and foster mutual respect.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) frequently mentioned the significance of spreading peace among people. In one well-known hadith, he said:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak a good word or remain silent, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should be generous to his neighbour, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should be generous to his guest.” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Another hadith mentions the great reward of the Islamic greeting. A man once asked the Prophet (PBUH) about the best actions in Islam. The Prophet responded:

“Feed the hungry and greet with peace those whom you know and those whom you do not know.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Here, the Prophet extends the greeting beyond just family and friends, encouraging Muslims to greet everyone, familiar or unfamiliar, with peace. This practice helps bridge social divisions and reduce prejudice, making every person feel respected and acknowledged.

By greeting each other with peace, we can break down barriers of animosity and misunderstandings. This small yet powerful act has the potential to transform a tense interaction into a positive one. When someone greets another with “As-Salamu Alaikum,” they implicitly convey a message of goodwill, disarming any hostility and signalling openness.

Psychologically, offering peace disarms defensive feelings and creates a sense of safety. Both parties feel a sense of shared purpose and respect, reducing any initial feelings of judgment, bias, or hostility. The greeting sets a peaceful tone, creating an environment where people are more likely to listen to and respect one another.

By embracing the greeting of peace and sharing it with sincerity, Muslims can continue building bridges of understanding and harmony, dispelling animosity and contributing to a community rooted in respect, kindness, and unity.

For more about Islam visit: https://www.howtomuslim.org

Islamic Resources: https://www.howtomuslim.org/catalogue

Why Islam: https://www.howtomuslim.org/why-islam

Who was Prophet Muhammed (PBUH): https://www.howtomuslim.org/prophet-muhammed

[rh1nest0neluvvsu]

Change of Heart: a nazi love story

Hans Bauer’s life had been a narrow corridor of hatred. Raised in post-war Germany by a family clinging to the shadows of the past, his identity had been forged in prejudice. By the time he was 30, he’d joined a fringe neo-Nazi group in Berlin, convinced that his purpose was to protect a purity he barely understood.

One brisk autumn afternoon, Hans stood at a protest, his fists clenched around a flagpole. Across from him, counter-protesters chanted for equality. Among the crowd was Amara, a young journalist from Ghana, her camera clicking as she documented the confrontation. She caught Hans’s attention not with her chants but with her calm determination. Her deep brown eyes locked with his for a fleeting moment, and something stirred—a flicker of shame.

Days later, Hans wandered into a small café, seeking solitude. There, at a corner table, sat Amara, her notebook open. Without thinking, Hans sat at a table nearby, stealing glances at her as she wrote. She noticed and smiled politely. He hesitated but finally asked, “Are you a journalist?”

“Yes,” she replied. “Amara. I cover stories about social movements.” She extended her hand. His palms sweated as he shook it. “Hans,” he muttered, surprised by the guilt that crept into his chest.

Over the next weeks, Hans found himself returning to the café. He and Amara began to talk—at first about neutral topics: the weather, books, her work. Slowly, her stories about her life in Ghana and her experiences with racism in Germany chipped away at his defenses. Each conversation was a mirror, reflecting the ugliness he’d been a part of.

One day, Hans confessed, “I need to tell you something. I’ve been part of… groups. Groups that stand against everything you believe in.”

Amara’s expression was unreadable. “And now?” she asked.

Hans looked down. “Now… I don’t know who I am anymore.”

Amara nodded. “That’s a start.”

From that moment, Hans committed himself to change. He cut ties with the neo-Nazi group, though doing so made him a target. He spent months unlearning the hatred he’d been taught, attending workshops on tolerance and history. Amara stood by him, challenging him when he faltered and supporting him when he grew.

Their friendship blossomed into love—a love that drew stares and whispers but also strengthened them both. For Hans, it was a daily reminder of how far he’d come; for Amara, it was proof that even the hardest hearts could change.

Years later, they stood hand in hand at a rally—not on opposite sides, but together. Hans held a sign that read, “Love is stronger than hate.” And for the first time in his life, he truly believed it.

The end...

Moral of story: black women beauty is stronger than racism. Love is love, nigga or not.

HELLO?? I LOVE THIS ITS SO STUPID NOVA LOOK AT THIS SHIT 😭😭

@serialkilluh-1996

[odetodilfs]

Can you write a bottom male reader x top Joel miller where since they’ve met maybe they were neighbors and after the pandemic they’ve just been bestfriends but also flirts one day the reader got Joel a hard on from his words? And when they come back inside a home..you can choose how they lead to having sex? Maybe they’re in Jackson or found a home if u want

Neighbors

Hey anon!! Sorry for taking so long but I've had to work a lot for these past few days!! Enjoy!!

Pairing: top Joel Miller x bottom male!reader Warnings: Smut, Joel being in love with you

Ever since the outbreak started, you had started to get closer with your neighbor Joel, you went from merely saying hi to each other to becoming very close friends. You were the one that helped him cope with Sarah’s death, becoming close friends in the process. Eventually when you two left Jackson and found a home somewhere else you decided to start living together, to keep Joel safer so he could sleep well, not having to worry about being too deaf to hear anything.

Joel at first merely saw you as a friend, but over time, the times you’d saved him and how you cared for him made him start feeling things beyond friendship, he focused on your eyes, the way you immediately asked if you could help when something happened. He couldn’t deny it any longer, he wanted to grab you and kiss you hard on the lips to ensure that you’d be together. You on the other hand, had had a crush on Joel ever since you knew him, you tried to be with guys that weren’t him, but it was no use… the one you wanted to have was Joel, and nobody else would do, and spending so much time with him only strengthened what you already felt for him.

One night, Joel was playing the guitar, he’d found one and had become almost obsessed, playing it into the early hours of the morning, for the past few nights, he’d even sung lullabies to you so you could sleep better, you were starting to love him so much, too much for your own good, you need to make a move, so for the next couple of days, you started flirting with him more and more, he got flustered each time, but eventually he started to flirt back, it had become a game of who could say the most subtle comment, but you said something that caused more than just a fluster,

“I’d slap your mouth if it wasn’t so pretty” Joel said after you told a lame joke, “Well, you can see anytime what sounds you can pull from it” you flirted, Joel sat there, you looked down and saw how he got a hardon, “Oh-” you said, “I’m sorry-” he apologized, “No need to” you said, getting closer to him, “Joel, we should cut the games, what do you feel for me?” you asked, he didn’t reply, “because for me- I see you as more than a friend-” you almost confessed but beat you to it, “I love you” he blurted out, hiding his face in his hands, “You mean it?” you asked him, “Yes, yes I do” he said with a worried look on his face, “Well, same here, and I think you’re the prettiest man ever, the way you have those brown eyes, the way your lips look so soft and tasty…” you started, you smiled at each other and you leaned in and kissed him, tasting him for the first time, his lips felt like velvet on yours and the way his mustache felt against your skin was making you feral.

As you whimpered and moaned into each other’s mouth, and grinding against each other, you finally pulled away. You smiled at each other, “I’ve wanted to do this for so long” he confessed, “I win that, I’ve loved you from afar for a full 3 years” you told him, 

“Love..me?” he asked, not being able to believe you loved him,

“Yeah, love you,” you held his face as you said that, “I do too,” he smiled, you kissed him again and then started grinding each other as the kiss became more and more heated, “Joel-” you moaned as he took off your shirt, “I want you” he said, he put on puppy eyes, you couldn’t say no to that, “Please?” he begged you, “I want you too, Joel” you smiled at each other as he looked around and found vaseline in a drawer, “You knew” your mouth agape in shock, “Well, when I didn’t have you here I had to pleasure myself somehow” he smirked and started putting it on his fingers, “Joel-” you moaned as he started to go inside you, his fingers stroking your walls.

As soon as his hand grazed your prostate you let out a low scream, “You like that baby?” he asked “F-fuck- yes-” you cried out, “I’m gonna make you feel good baby, gonna make those 3 years you couldn’t have me worth it” he promised you as he put another finger in, “Joel-” was all you could moan, your brain felt like jello, “Good boy, taking my fingers so well” he praised you, “my sweet love, my beautiful boyfriend” he kept saying, you just threw your head back, it was pure bliss.

Soon enough, his fingers were replaced by his cock, nudging through your tight walls, stretching them open, “Oh my god- it feels so so fucking good” you moaned, 

“I’ll make it feel better in a bit” Joel whispered as he started thrusting into you, hitting your spot just with the right angle to make you squirm, “Joel-” you just kept moaning his name, his cock in your ass was making you absolutely feral and by now there were tears down your eyes from the pleasure. Joel was also lost in pleasure, he hadn’t felt so good in forever and each thrust just got him closer and closer to orgasm, he grabbed the back of your head and kissed you hard as you moaned into each other’s mouths, there was sweat running down your heads. The way Joel’s dick hit the right spot and how his mustache felt against your upper lip made you lose it. You started screaming into his mouth instead as he continued fucking you as you came all over your bodies, your cock twitching. The way your ass clenched around Joel’s cock and he moaned loudly as ropes of cum sprayed inside you. You laid there panting after the pleasure you’d just gone through, you looked at each other with a smile as Joel took out his cock and laid down next to you, “Can I do something I’ve wanted to do for ages with you?” you asked him 

“I’m all yours” he said, so you moved next to Joel and scooped him up in your arms, “There, that’s what I’ve wanted to do” you smiled at him, you laughed when you saw he was already half asleep, “everything alright in there, love?” you asked him “This is the best moment in my life” he said as he smiled, “goodnight baby, I love you” he said as he finally rested, you eventually fell asleep too.

[arandomnerd810]

TADC EP 2 SPOILERS

putting down all my thoughts and stuff i’ve noticed lets gooo

AAAAAAAAAGDEKNSQKDFUNFSIDANIVUFDN OMG IT WAS SO CUTEEEEHKQVSHKUHSQDFKHSDF I LOVED IT SO MUCHHH

i’m gonna speak in periods for the first paragraph since it’s very long but do not get me wrong i don’t wana be serious sounding it’s just to make these paragraphs more readable excuse the rambling

Caine posting section cause he’s my special intrest

satisfaction Caine wise 10/10

first the elephant in the room as Caine’s #1 fan yep still his number one fan! Serial Designation N killed tons of people yet nobody in the fandom cares, and Caine doesn’t get people well so he had no ill intention. rlly my opinion of him has not changed he’s still my silly lil goober no matter what he does. i’ve always known he will do horrible things and been expecting this to happen ever since Pomni gave the idea to bring him to the circus. Gummigoo had a sir pentious like death so i wouldn’t be surprised if we see him again.

he may be an asshole but he’s my asshole ❤️❤️

now that that’s out of the way a little glimpse of Caine angst is all i could have asked for in this ep 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶 like cmon everyone has to agree insecure much?

Caine posting over cause my god have i gotten more attached to everyone else aswell! (ofc Caine’s still my fav by far)

satisfaction with everything else 10/10

the fact that this wasn’t censored normally (no wacky sounds or the censor bar) and how Caine reacted with “you can’t say that…” could imply bubble said all of this out loud uncensored which is very funny to me

I love Ragatha she’s so sweet look at her ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

I wana see where everyone’s friendship goes from here! they are already so adorableeee

still a sucker for found family dynamics

the fact Jax wasn’t here but still was upset is :( as much as i like to bully him, i love him just as much as any other human character. i’m the most interested in his episode cause he’s a mysterious guy( and i may or may not have a sneaking feeling like ill relate to him a little even though our personalities are practically polar opposite)

Kinger is so fatherly auughofewhiuhefvw the fact he’s old enough to have kids and is more likely than not married to Queenie imagine he had kids before coming here they would only be in like middle school ish cause he’s not even that old that’s sad af

GANGLE COLLECTS ANIME FIGURESSSS!! SHES JUST LIKE ME FRRR!

this really makes me want to buy the gangle plushie i’m thinking i’m gonna do it lmaooo

the fact she started crying 😭😭

Zooble wasn’t taking part in the adventure cause they were setting up Kaufmo’s graveee i love him sm

GANGLE ART!!

It’s really funny how chilled out Bubble was here

merch talk timeeee

sneak peaks of the rooms mayhaps?

Let’s just hope there’s only memes around it and not another figure incident….

welp going onto grab the Gangle plushie i’ve decided

real talk i’m actually happy TADC got so popular cause ive made a friend through it already and strengthened old ones since info dumping is the only form of communication my braincells can handle well lmaooo it’s crazy how many of my friends have decided to watch my special interest

[ingravinoveritas]

Hi! I really dig your body language posts; I’ve gone from having 0 opinion on Michael and David’s relationship to constant giggling over how painfully obvious it is at bare minimum Michael has a massive crush

Do you have any favorite/specific moments between them body language wise where they’re just so blatantly in love? Tbh right now I still see them as friends but there’s just soooo much that’s super flirty. Especially non-show related stuff since Staged they’re technically acting. I’m super reluctant to rpf because of past experiences with toxic fandoms but their dynamic fascinates me and I want to see what I’m missing. Thank youu ⭐️

Anon #1: Aww, thank you so much for such kind and lovely words, re: my body language posts. I really do appreciate it! Including Anon #2 because of the relevance to my answer.

I completely feel you on having past experiences with toxic fandoms/not wanting to do RPF as a result. That was exactly the place I was in when I found GO in 2019, and subsequently began shipping Michael and David. So much has transpired since then, and pretty much all of it has strengthened my feeling that there is more than friendship going on between them.

In terms of specific favorite moments, body language-wise...oof. Well, one thing to keep in mind is that there are fewer of these moments than you would imagine, but I think that is because of the pandemic breaking out in 2020, which relegated almost all of Michael and David's interactions to virtual for a long time.

This does, however, make it even sweeter when we consider the moment that I would choose to answer your question, which is what Anon #2 is referencing. Michael and David at the NTAs in September of 2021, when Michael presented David with an award. There was a LOT going on that night, so I'll try to show the highlights in chronological order. First, this was how David was looking at Michael as he approached the stage:

Not only that, but David ran up the stage with his arms wide open to embrace Michael, well before he'd even gotten close to him:

Then there was The Hug itself, which sent such reverberations around the fandom and (as Anon #2) mentioned, the press itself. This hug that started with Michael looking at David so adoringly it seemed as if his heart was about to burst, and then the hug itself lingered for such a long time. This hug that was so much more than your average "bro" hug, with how Michael and David's bodies fully touched without an inch of space between them:

Then you had the moment after David gave his acceptance speech, where he and Michael walked off stage with their arms around each other. Specifically, David's hand is on Michael's neck--which is an incredibly intimate place to touch someone, and I'm also fairly certain Michael would break most people's hands before he'd let them touch his neck--and Michael's arm is around David's waist:

What starts as Michael's hand slowly moving down to David's waist during The Hug becomes Michael's arm more deliberately around David as they leave the stage, and then ultimately culminates in this moment in the press room:

For me, it's the very distinct combination of two things here that set off "blatantly in love" bells: The way Michael is protectively holding David with one hand perfectly nestled in the crook of his lower back--so instinctive, so sexy--and then the way David shifts his weight and leans closer to Michael. David--who had tended to be more reserved and less overtly demonstrative than Michael--showed so much emotion on this night without even saying a word, and it just left me breathless.

It was what also transpired following the awards that I would include as part of this being my favorite moment, which was what Anon #2 mentioned: Michael engaging on Twitter in no other way that night except to retweet this...

I have been following Michael on Twitter since 2019, and I can tell you with absolute certainty that he had never tweeted/RTed anything like this before, and he has not tweeted/RTed anything like this since then. This RT felt like the exclamation point on an already exhilarating night. It became clear that something had shifted, that we could see how Michael and David had become closer over the duration of lockdown. They were also about to start filming GO 2 together the following month, about to spend far more time together in person over the course of the shoot than they had for the entire year and a half previously due to Covid, and it's hard not to think that the anticipatory emotion of that was also part of what we saw at the NTAs that night.

Finally, Anon #1, I would say that there have been so many recent instances of "in love" body language, with the new interviews we've seen for GO 2. From my own posts, I'd say this, this, and this are some of the best examples (the third one being them walking arm-in-arm onto the show like they're walking down freaking the aisle and I really don't know much more overt you can get...).

I hope this is helpful to you. Thank you both for writing in! xx

[ceilidho]

do you feel like you’ve made meaningful human connections in this fandom? I certainly have and definitely want to know if you’ve found people to vibe with who are equally as cod horny…

yes :))) I’ve made some of my best friends since becoming obsessed with cod. It’s also weirdly strengthened several friendships I had from before getting into cod. That’s the case with any fandom I’ve joined though - I feel like you can always find good people as long as you’re putting yourself out there.

[realinspirations]

10 Lessons I Learned from My Startup’s Failed

 Failure is an extremely good teacher, and nothing underscores this just like the crumble of a startup you’ve poured your coronary heart into. As painful as it was, the enjoyment taught me useful instructions about commercial enterprise, management, resilience, and the satisfactory artwork of studying from errors. Here, I’ll outline the classes I discovered at some point in my entrepreneurial adventure and percentage how they’ve formed my attitude.

Lessons I Learned from My Startup’s Failed

Passion Alone Is Not Enough

When I started my business, I was fueled by passion and a burning preference to create something significant. I believed that my enthusiasm could be sufficient to hold the project to achievement. Unfortunately, I learned the difficult manner that ardor has to be paired with strong plans, market expertise, and execution.

Passion is essential—it’s what keeps you going when things get difficult. However, relying solely on it may lead you to disregard essential red flags. For instance, I spent too much time perfecting the product I loved with out validating whether or not capacity customers wanted or desired it. The end result? A beautifully designed method to a problem that didn’t exist.

 Customer Validation Is Critical

One of the most obtrusive errors I made was no longer making an investment in sufficient time in expertise my target audience. I assumed I knew what they desired because I had a strong private connection to the trouble I turned into fixing. In fact, I changed into projecting my possibilities onto them.

After the startup failed, I interviewed some of the humans I had first of all considered my audience. What I determined became sobering—they didn’t have the same urgency about the hassle that I did, and a few didn’t even see it as trouble at all. This strengthened the importance of conducting patron validation early and often.

The lesson? Talk to capability clients earlier than you make investments time, power, and sources. Let their feedback shape your products or services.

Team Dynamics Make or Break You

Assembling the proper team is as important as having a stable concept. In hindsight, I didn’t place enough concepts into the composition of my team. I selected co-founders and early hires based on friendship and availability rather than complementary competencies and shared imagination and prescient.

This caused a lack of clean roles and duties, which bred confusion and inefficiency. When demanding situations arose, the cracks in our crew dynamics became glaringly obvious. Misalignment on dreams and a loss of responsibility in the end eroded consider inside the team.

From this, I found out to prioritize abilities, values, and a shared dedication over personal relationships while building a crew. A superb crew can adapt to demanding situations, whilst a poorly constructed one can actually expand them.

Cash Flow Is King

Financial control became some other Achilles' heel for my startup. We raised a small quantity of seed funding, which I thought would be enough to cover our runway. I underestimated how quickly fees should pile up and hyped up how soon we might begin generating sales.

Without a clean financial approach, we made terrible spending selections, such as overinvesting in advertising before product-marketplace fit. When we hit financial roadblocks, it became clear that we had failed to plot for contingencies.

I’ve due to the fact that found out the significance of retaining a close eye on coins go with the flow. Startups must be lean and prepared for monetary uncertainty. This consists of developing special budgets, regularly monitoring prices, and being organized to pivot quick if revenue projections fall short.

Timing Matters More Than You Think

Even with a terrific idea and a strong execution plan, timing can be the figuring-out aspect. In our case, we launched our product at a time when the market wasn’t ready for it. Either the era wasn’t mature enough, or client conduct hadn’t shifted to include what we had been offering.

The enjoy taught me to evaluate the timing of a concept cautiously. Is the marketplace geared up for this? Are there other groups succeeding in adjacent areas that indicate the possibility is ripe? Timing isn’t everything, but it’s a massive piece of the puzzle.

 Don’t Underestimate Competition

When we started, I believed our product became specific and innovative enough to face out. What I didn’t account for was the velocity at which competition could copy our thoughts and improve upon them.

Rather than specializing in differentiation and staying ahead of the curve, I have become overly obsessed with what others have been doing. This reactionary approach distracted us from refining our precise cost proposition.

The lesson right here is to renowned the competition however now not permit it to dictate your method. Instead, attention to non-stop innovation and serve your clients better than everyone else.

Pivot Early If Needed

One of my biggest regrets isn't always pivoting whilst the signs pointed to hassle. I became stubbornly connected to the unique vision and refused to consider alternative instructions. By the time I found out a pivot become essential, we had already burned via maximum of our assets.

The potential to pivot isn’t pretty much converting your product or enterprise model; it’s approximately spotting when something isn’t working and having the courage to make bold adjustments. Being bendy and open-minded can imply the distinction between survival and failure.

The Emotional Toll Is Real

I underestimated the emotional rollercoaster of running a startup. I internalized each setback and blamed myself for every mistake, which led to burnout.

I’ve considering learned the importance of intellectual health and resilience. Building an aid device, training self-care, and gaining knowledge of how to split non-public identification from business outcomes are critical for navigating the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship.

 Seek Mentorship Early

I tried to figure everything out on my own, believing that learning through enjoyment is a high-quality way to develop. While this approach taught me many lessons, it also meant I made avoidable errors.

Having a mentor or guide who has walked the direction before you can provide treasured insights and steerage. They can assign your assumptions, provide perspective, and connect you with resources. In hindsight, seeking mentorship earlier saved my startup.

 Failure Is Not the End

Perhaps the most crucial lesson I learned is that failure isn't always the stop of the street—it’s a stepping stone. While the crumble of my startup felt like a private failure at the time, it has due to the fact come to be one of my maximum treasured experiences. I now see it as a crash path in entrepreneurship, full of classes on the way to serve me in destiny endeavors.

Failure taught me humility, adaptability, and perseverance. It pressured me to confront my weaknesses and grow in methods I never imagined. Most importantly, it jogged my memory with why I began inside the first area: to create, innovate, and make a distinction.