#insecurity and reassurance

[themostdesperatehoney]

like this post if you think tboy tummies are sexy I'm trying to see something

[forzathunder]

"I have many fears, most of them about Lucrezia." — Cesare Borgia (The Borgias, 2011-2013) + hints of insecurity

that she adores someone that much / if she will reject his dark nature and act of love and violence as Ursula did / if he truly is not part of her desires / that she easily forgets him

[arabella0001]

afternoon training with husband kakashi

cn: fluff, husband, kids, suggestive

You were in the garden of your home, surrounded by the flowers Kakashi had let you choose after moving out of his house—not long before the wedding, or the baby you two had together.

After putting her down for her afternoon sleep, at least, hoping she’d sleep—you tiptoed out, grabbed your bag of training supplies, and stepped outside.

A year of staying home, taking care of your baby, had changed your body. You’d gained weight, of course, and while you knew it was normal, insecurity had started creeping in. You needed to get back on track, at least for your health.

After your first set, exhaustion hit quickly—your body wasn’t used to this anymore. You didn’t notice Kakashi watching from a distance, likely having finished his Hokage duties earlier than you expected.

He worked hard for the three of you, always trying not to leave you alone for too long. That thought alone made your heart melt.

You were so focused that you didn’t hear him approach until he grabbed you from behind, arms securely wrapped around your waist, his lips brushing against your neck as he whispered—

"Oh? My wife’s sneaking out to train without me? I feel betrayed?"

You yelped, instinctively leaning into his embrace, his warmth settling over you.

"Kakashi—you scared me! You’re home already?"

"Mmmhm," he hummed, nuzzling into the crook of your neck, sending a shiver down your spine. "Need a partner? I could use some training."

You smiled. "Yeah, but you’d beat me in no time. I’m not as good as before."

He waved a hand dismissively and shifted into a sparring stance. "Don’t insult my wife like that."

Chuckling, you threw the first strike. Of course, he dodged it effortlessly. You managed to keep your composure—maybe because you didn’t want him to see how weak you’d become. But everything had an end. Kakashi swept your legs from under you, sending you falling—only for him to catch you. Except, in your attempt to regain balance, you pulled him down with you, and he yelped, eyes widening.

"Catching me off guard, huh?" he murmured, raising an eyebrow, now hovering over you.

"Oh, please. You already won," you pouted playfully, though deep down, frustration lingered. But with his body pressed against yours, warmth spread across your cheeks.

He closed the distance, kissing you through his mask—knowing exactly how much you loved that. It was meant to be innocent. Or so you thought. But Kakashi was a calculated man. He had already taken in the sight of your curves, the way your swollen breasts were perfectly framed in your training clothes.

‘If I knew you’d be wearing that to train, I would’ve left the office sooner.’ he murmur into your mouth.

The kiss deepened, pulling a soft moan from you. His mask was gone in an instant, lips crashing against yours with a low groan. His grin widened at the sight of your flustered expression before he suddenly lifted you off the ground. Instinctively, your legs wrapped around his waist, his hands settling firmly on your ass.

"Tell me," he said, eyes lustful yet gentle.

"What?" Your thoughts were already foggy, overwhelmed by how effortlessly he unraveled you.

"Don’t play dumb. I know something’s on your mind, darling." His gaze softened, shifting between your eyes and lips.

You hesitated before finally admitting, "It’s just… my body isn’t the same. I feel different. Weaker. I know it’s normal, but still..." You trailed off, avoiding his eyes.

"Y/N, look at me."

You did, and he was already searching for you, like he always did.

"You are the strongest person I know," he said firmly. "Your body has done extraordinary things, That’s way more impressive than any fight." He pulled you closer, his hold grounding you. "You were beautiful before, and you’re just as beautiful now." He paused for a beat, voice dropping. "and if you're worried about your body, don't be. I think about it all the time. In a very respectful, totally appropriate way, of course."

His breath ghosted over your ear, making yours hitch, heat pooling between your legs.

"But—" you try to reason, but he shoots you a playful glance.

"You’re still you. And that’s all I’ll ever need." he says, making you let a small gasp, emotions bubbling in your chest.

"I love you," you whispered, sincerity shining in your gaze. "For always being here for me."

"I know," he smirked. "Sometimes more than I deserve."

You nudged him. "Stop that."

He cut you off with a soft, "I love you too." Then, in a way that drove you absolutely insane, he kissed the tip of your nose.

"So… do you still want to train?" His grin was impossible to miss, barely concealing his true intentions. "Our baby’s asleep, right?"

"Yes…" You bit your lip. "I guess I can spare some time. I mean, it’s stress relief from work, right?" You teased.

He chuckled, voice low. "More than that."

And with that, he carried you inside, both of you exchanging looks filled with nothing but love and desire—each wondering how you got so damn lucky.

[aventurineswife]

What about...

Aven with a reader that is insecure about how they look with some clothes?

Example: Aven bought the reader a suit/dress and when they prove it, they look in the mirror and they felt insecure, but Aven thinks they look beautiful. He comforts reader, telling them how beautiful they are. 🤭

Reflections of Beauty

Summary: When Aventurine gifts you an exquisite outfit, your insecurities threaten to overshadow the moment. As you stand before the mirror, doubting your reflection, Aventurine's words of comfort and his unwavering adoration remind you of your worth. Through his playful yet heartfelt encouragement, he helps you see yourself in a new light.

Tags: Aventurine x Reader, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Body Positivity, Self-Esteem Issues, Reassurance, Soft Aventurine.

Warnings: Mentions of self-doubt and insecurity, Brief internal negative self-talk (resolved with comfort), Pure fluff!

A/N: I NEED AN AVEN IN MY LIFE!! 😭🥺

Aventurine lounged back on a plush velvet chaise in his opulent quarters, flipping a gold coin idly between his fingers. "Hurry up, darling," he called with a teasing lilt. "If you take any longer, I'll think you’ve gone shy on me."

You stood before the gilded mirror, frozen in place. The dress/suit—no, the masterpiece Aventurine had insisted on buying—hugged your form like it was made of liquid moonlight. Every detail, from the delicate embroidery to the way the fabric shimmered, screamed luxury. But all you could see were the imperfections it highlighted.

“This… doesn’t look right,” you muttered, tugging at the hem. The mirror reflected your uncertainty, amplifying it. You couldn’t shake the feeling that you weren’t enough for something so exquisite.

“Aven,” you called softly, “I don’t think this works for me.”

He was on his feet before you could blink, sauntering over with his usual feline grace. His eyes gleamed with curiosity and amusement as he stopped just behind you, his warm breath tickling your ear.

“Doesn’t work for you?” he repeated, his tone a mix of disbelief and mock scandal. His hands came to rest lightly on your shoulders, fingers brushing against the fabric. “Darling, have you seen yourself? You’re stunning.”

You shook your head, averting your gaze. “I don’t feel that way. It—it clings too much here. And my arms—”

His laughter was soft, warm, and oddly reassuring. “Oh, you sweet, silly thing,” he murmured, turning you gently by the shoulders to face the mirror again. His hands slid down your arms, leaving a trail of heat in their wake as they came to rest at your wrists. “You’re focusing on all the wrong things.”

He tilted his head, eyes meeting yours through the reflection. “Look again. Do you see how the color brings out the sparkle in your eyes? And the way it flows—it’s as if the stars themselves decided to wrap around you.”

You frowned, still unconvinced. “But—”

“No buts,” he interrupted, his voice firm but kind. “You don’t have to see it yet, but I do. And I think you’re the most breathtaking sight in the room. No, the universe.”

Your cheeks heated at his words, but a small part of you wanted to believe him. “You’re just saying that.”

He sighed dramatically, spinning you to face him. “If I were just saying that, would I do this?” He took a step back, placing a hand over his heart in mock reverence. “I, Aventurine of Stratagems, Gambler Extraordinaire and Connoisseur of Beauty, hereby declare you utterly perfect.”

The way he said it, so solemn yet playful, coaxed a reluctant laugh out of you. “You’re impossible.”

“Impossible to resist,” he countered with a wink, slipping an arm around your waist and pulling you close. “Listen to me, darling,” he said, his voice dropping to a softer, more sincere tone. “I’ve lived through more than you could imagine, and I’ve learned one thing: true beauty isn’t about perfection. It’s about confidence, about wearing your flaws like they’re a crown.”

His hand came up to cup your cheek, thumb brushing gently along your skin. “And you, my dear, wear it all so well.”

You hesitated, but his words warmed something inside you. Maybe, just maybe, you could see yourself the way he did—if only for a moment.

“Thank you, Aven.” you whispered, leaning into his touch.

“Anytime,” he replied, his lips curving into a genuine smile. “Now, shall we?” He gestured to the door. “Let the world see what I already know: that you’re nothing short of extraordinary.”

Hand in hand, you let him lead you out, his confidence and adoration bolstering your own. For the first time that night, you caught a glimpse of the beauty he saw in you.

[desultory-suggestions]

While seeking reassurance from a loved one is a wonderful thing, if you find yourself seeking it often this is a sign to start attempting your own reassurance. It’s ok to parrot what your loved ones have said to reassure you, even saying “X said that they’re not upset with me and they would tell me if there are.” It’s also good to practice from your own point of view, affirming or acknowledging your feelings through simple statements. Doing this doesn’t replace the need for external reassurance, but can help you build a solid foundation and give your loved ones some space between attempts to comfort you. While it can be difficult, it’s possible to balance internal and external support and create a healthier environment for everyone involved.

[matchamiko]

I think Bokuto is so intense and needy in bed. In a skinship, desperate to kiss you, hold you, touch you kinda way.

His favourite position is with you in top so you can wrap your forearms around his thick, bulging shoulders and bury your head in his throat. Chest to chest, his lips on your hair line or whimpering into your ear, his arms magnetised around your waist, hands spanning your back to under your arms, just shy of your breasts. Every part of you is always touching, bellies clenching and flexing against one another, thighs slipping and sliding from sweat and slick. His pubes mash against your clit with every grind, every pulse of his hips into yours.

And Bokuto whines, he huffs and tells you he loves you, loves your pussy and your eyes and your tits and the way you cum so messy and teary. Face scrunched in pain when you dig your nails into his skin, louder and messier with every milking clench of your cunt. Nd he’s hiccuping his way through his orgasm, pleading and promising and trying to bury himself deep in your soul, curl into your chest and the cavern of your loins. Bokuto just loves and loves and loves when there’s no space between the two of you, hearts beating as one and breaths mingling between your open mouths .

[rheya28]

“Trust me…”

Beginning 𓆩♡𓆪 Previous 𓆩♡𓆪 Next

[lilithofpenandbook]

Sometimes Severus comes up to Minerva. Right up behind her when she's busy. He'll stand there for a good minute as she works on marking assignments and cursing the boy's youthful energy and brilliant eyes- both of which directly responsible for his finishing his work in half the time it takes her.

"What is it, Severus?" Minerva sighs. Might as well get the obligatory nonsense over and done with, she was due a dose of Severus's antics by now (Merlin forbid he go more than three days without bothering her with nonsensical questions or infuriating wit).

"Am I ugly, Minerva?" he asked. Never there was a being with such innocence in their voice.

Minerva took a moment to take in a breath and silently call on all her patience and all her strength. "Yes, very." Her tone was blunter than the knives used to decorate at Halloween- an incident with some particularly idiotic third years had them ban anything sharper than the corners of a book during the Halloween celebrations.

Severus gasped as if stabbed. "What? Minerva, I thought we were friends!"

Minerva snorted. "Any time we interact, it's completely against my will."

"Minerva! you lie so shamelessly it shocks me." Severus made as if to swoon, a hand clutching the right of his chest.

"You must be shocked; your heart isn't where it should be."

Honestly, Minerva had to admire the fact that the insolent little kitten did not falter in his dramatics with her pointing out the key flaw in his act. If anything, he seemed to be encouraged.

"Ay! The pain of the shock, it has spread throughout my chest! Ah, I cannot breathe!" Severus swayed on his feet, leaning against the chair that Minerva was sitting in. "Oh, how your lie shocks me!"

"Well, then, you had better tell me what exactly I lied about," Minerva said briskly, "before you gasp all the air out of your skinny little lungs, laddie."

"You said," the boy said, a sudden glint in his eye and none of the apparent weakness, standing to face her and one of those long, delicate fingers pointed straight at her, "you said, that our interactions are without your will."

"That is no lie, what part of this looks like it's my will?" Minerva replied, knowing full well she wasn't going to appreciate the cheeky answer Severus had prepared for her.

"Why, the part where you remain for my company, mother," Severus replied, his voice light. "Surely, if you didn't want this, you would have, in your infinite wisdom, simply have employed your great power and assumed your famous feline form and just walked away from me."

Minerva fought her smile. His cheek was infuriating while his logic impeccable. "Perhaps I am simply conversing my energy, you arrogant wee rascal."

"You? Too lazy to avoid a nuisance?" Severus scoffed. "Minerva, you wound me. Don't you know how I know you? You've done much more to avoid the mildest of annoyances, do you truly think I believe that you are here against your will merely to converse your energy?"

Minerva let him see the flicker of a smile disgusted as a smirk, letting the bothersome raven have a little treat for his cleverness, hinting to him that he had essentially won this particular argument. "At my age you no longer have the patience to waste on annoyances. You learn to value your peace. You will understand that some day, I hope, little one."

"And if I die, my hair still black and my skin still smooth?"

Merlin, did the child have a turn towards the morbid. Minerva ignored the voice in her that told her that this would have been a retort of her own had she been in a similar conversation.

"Then you'll die a fool."

"A fool, perhaps, but my funeral will be the biggest," he replied, moving to sit on her desk and grabbing the biscuit jar. Minerva intercepted, lifting it from his grip and replacing it with a towel. His protests died in his confusion at the towel, and Minerva huffed and began to wipe his hands as if he was a child. She did not trust him to correctly clean his hands after handling goodness knows what when experimenting with his potions and she didn't care if he knew it.

"Aye, and how did you figure that?" she asked.

"Surely if I die young, I shall be the first. Therefore you all will be part of the funeral-"

"What makes you think I would want to attend your funeral, you little rascal?" She let go of his hands, almost satisfied that they weren't contaminated.

Severus ignored her and instead took a biscuit from the jar. "You will all be there, therefore I will have the biggest funeral. If I die old, you all shall be gone, so my funeral will be the smallest."

Minerva tried not to think of how depressing that sounded, how lonely it seemed. For a brief moment she felt guilty for being so old and he so young. She involuntarily could see him in her mind's eye, going through their funerals until he stood alone. She and the others- Rolanda, Pomona, Poppy, even Fillus and Hagrid- they were all of an age, weren't they? They could expect their lives to reach the end around the same time, surely? Severus was but a child next to them, he'd stand alone one day.

Minerva tried to ignore the ache in her chest at the thought of him standing alone. Merlin, no. He was far too young. No.

"You truly are besotted with the morbid and the miserable, you melanchonic masochist," she said, her tone just a trifle too sharp to be a simple retort.

Severus paused, swallowing the biscuit. Then he answered. "Ah, but the morbid is much more fascinating, the forbidden has a certain thrill, dear mother." His voice was a little softer, and his fingers, slightly coated in crumbs, were gentle when he tapped her forehead. He was sorry he upset her.

"You and your thrills," Minerva scolded, "yet you cannot even eat a biscuit without making a mess of yourself." Yet even as she spoke, the hand that she used to swipe the crumbs away, was gentle, almost tender, in its movement. She had quite forgiven him.

How could she remain angry? At this boy who looked at her with a scowl of indignation yet whose deep, dark eyes twinkled with mischief and cleverness and brilliance, who stood taller than her, yes, yet was far more delicate in his build than she had ever been, whose hair was as dark as hers had been in her youth, carelessly falling across his forehead. No, she could not remain angry.

If only he had been in Gryffindor, perhaps then she would have noticed him sooner. Or rather, if only her eyes didn't only open for her Gryffindors. How this boy could ever look at her without resentment and anger, she didn't know. Then again, he had been so incredibly isolated and lonely, was it any wonder he let go of his rightful grudges and instead accepted her friendship?

Minerva blinked as if soot from the fireplace got in her eyes. She didn't want him to notice the tears that almost inevitably formed whenever she thought about him. Who would have thought that she'd cry so much for the little devil?

"I'll leave you to your work, dear mother," Severus said cheerfully, hopping off her desk.

"Aye, after you've cleared out my biscuit jar, you villain" Minerva grumbled, looking into the empty jar. Severus shrugged.

"You ought to see it as a compliment towards your taste, really," Severus said. "But I see I have taken the last of your patience"- for indeed, Minerva looked ready to strangle him- "so I shall take my leave. Good night, my good Headmistress, and may you have peace in the silver embrace of the moon!"

And with a laughing twinkle in his eye and a boyish bow, Severus Snape left the room.

Minerva sighed. She wasn't sure if it was out of relief, or because she may have felt some sorrow at his departure.

The door opened again, and a rather meek Severus poked his head in.

"Er, Minerva?" he asked.

"Yes, Severus?"

"Er." Severus stepped in, looking away from her, walking with the awkward gait of a newborn foal, and the nervousness of a deer. "Er, Minerva?"

"Yes, Severus?"

"Am I really ugly, mother?" His voice was a whisper. His raven hair curtained his face, hiding his shame at asking such a pathetic question, and his fingers picked at one of the cuticles of a nail.

Minerva smiled, and walked to him. Softly she brushed the boy's hair out of his face and gently tucked it behind his ear.

"Only as long as you let yourself believe it, dear heart."

[buffonias]

Your dialysis machine is all set up in the bedroom, so... Oh, how romantic.

[sleepy-sham]

Big Post 16. Ngl I cranked out some bangers with this one. Might be my best post yet

more aot memes

[eshden]

okay but,,, Blake encouraging Yang to take that next step? creating that safe space for her? Yang saying it’s like a cliff and if i do it, i’m just gonna fall, and Blake responding i think we’re already falling. it’s Blake letting Yang say it first, and not even pausing to breathe before saying i love you too. it’s Blake letting Yang take the step but holding her hand out the whole way there, assuring her that she would never let her fall. not alone

[overflowingteacupoflove]

"I look better in the dark" insecure!reader x reassuring!chris NNN Day 7 ! Tw: body image issues, insecurities, crying.(take caution when reading.)

You know you're not the prettiest girl. The skinniest girl. You don't have the most perfect skin or perfect teeth. You know you don't deserve Chris and you never will.

But Chris thinks you're the prettiest thing he's ever laid his eyes on. He knows you have flaws, everyone has their flaws and imperfections. He just doesn't see them as much as you do, or as much as you think he should.

You're standing in front of the mirror in only your underwear, pointing out every flaw and imperfection your eyes land on. A blemish here, a stretch mark there, some discoloration on your leg, a pimple that wasn't there yesterday. And you feel shitty. So shitty. You want to pull on the biggest clothes you own and hide yourself under the covers for the rest of your life.

You feel ugly and unwanted and disgusting. Chris isn't having any of that. He had walked in the room just seconds ago to find you in this position. "Baby?" His voice is cautious. "What's up?" You turn around, bottom lip trembling and eyes brimming with tears.

The light is on and you cant help but feel like you look better in the dark. So much better. You wouldn't be surprised if Chris thought you were ugly in the day time. That you weren't the one he wanted because you looked so much better in the dark.

The night time covered up any imperfections, swallowed them whole and didnt allow them to show unless you made the darkness go away, turned on a light, lit a match.

"Chris." You whisper and wrap your arms around yourself, covering what you can. He seems so sad. You feel so upset that you make him look so sad.

"Hi, my perfect girl." He whispers back with a sad smile. "What's wrong?" His dark eyebrows are furrowed as he walks closer, closing the door behind him, to you.

You pull back on your over-sized sweatshirt and sit down on the bed. "It's just one of those days. I'm sorry."

"You don' gotta apologize. Nothin to apologize for, sweet girl. I'm sorry you feel shitty. Can i do anything to help?" He knows that sometimes the best help he can give is to just turn on a movie for you and leave you alone to sleep it off.

"Can you just...stay with me? Please? We can watch a movie or something. Just turn off the lights and come lay down." You ask sadly, tears spilling over. Chris nods and switches off the lights before climbing in bed.

He kisses away your tears and turns on 'Juno' he knows you love the movie, and that it makes you laugh. He just wants you to be happy. "Y'know i like you a lot in the light." Chris whispers, pulling you closer and burying his face in your hair.

You smile softly and nod. He likes you in whatever lighting. Doesn't matter to him at all

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

a pr3ttyf4wn scroll !

[easterndelights]

きみの継ぐ香りは The Fragrance You Inherit (2024) | EP 4

"I don't really know what my mom likes. When she chooses something, it's like she's thinking about me more than herself."

subs by isaksbestpillow

[epiphainie]

i can't with all these "the show is highlighting tommy's jealousy, they're planting seeds that it will cause problems" takes like bffr. he mentioned being envious over the 118's dynamic twice, sure, but in what world (literally how?) would that cause a relationship problem? do yall expect him to be in cahoots with gerrard behind their back and murder buck to take over his life or something?? like even with the hyperbole aside, i genuinely cannot see how they can turn this into relationship drama without going against everything they showed us with tommy so far

[aventurineswife]

Can I ask for aventurine with an s/o who looks really giddy and excited except they're actually really nervous and depressive inside to the point they randomly stop acting happy one day and tell Aventurine that he can break up with them anytime he wants since they don't feel sufficient for him? Like they don't think they can compete with the pretty ladies he must see at the casino?-

“You're Everything”

Summary: Aventurine has always been able to read people, but the one person he can't quite figure out is you, his partner. Though outwardly cheerful, you've been hiding insecurities beneath your bright demeanor. One evening, during a quiet moment at home, your walls finally come down as you confess your self-doubt, feeling unworthy of Aventurine’s affection. This revelation shatters the illusion that everything is fine, and Aventurine takes the opportunity to reassure you of your worth.

Tags: Aventurine x Reader, Romance, Emotional Support, Insecurity, Reassurance, Vulnerability, Tender Moments, Established Relationship, Confessions, Trust.

Warnings: Mild emotional distress, Insecurity/confidence issues, Mild mentions of self-doubt.

A/N: shit why does that sound like me...? 😕💔

Aventurine had always been able to read people, to sense when something wasn’t quite right, when the masks people wore didn’t match the truth lurking beneath. But there was something about you—about how you always wore that giddy, almost dizzying smile—that kept him second-guessing himself. You never seemed to show your hand, always too busy hiding your true feelings behind that infectious energy.

It had taken time, but over the months of your relationship, he’d come to know you better, catching the subtle hints when your laughter wasn’t quite as bright or your movements just a little too stiff. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t worry—his strategic mind always assumed something was amiss, but you had become his anchor. He’d convinced himself that he didn’t need to dig deeper, that everything was fine as long as you looked happy. But deep down, that little seed of doubt always lingered, nestled in the back of his mind.

And that day... that day it all came crashing down.

It started with a quiet evening at home. The two of you had shared a meal, laughed about something trivial, and as always, you had worn that bubbly, almost too-exuberant smile. But there was a shift, a subtle drop in the energy that only someone who had spent so much time with you would notice. The tension in your shoulders, the way your eyes darted away when he met your gaze—it was like a veil had dropped, leaving a raw vulnerability behind.

You didn’t say anything at first, as if waiting for him to notice, to say something. But then, just as he was about to speak, you broke the silence.

"I don't think I'm good enough for you." you muttered, voice strained. Your hands trembled slightly, though you tried to keep them hidden in your lap.

Aventurine’s heart twisted. The moment you said those words, the mask shattered, and the heavy truth hit him. You hadn’t been your usual self—hadn't been genuinely happy—and he knew it was time to uncover the secret you’d been holding in.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, studying you carefully. “What do you mean by that?” His tone was soft, but there was a depth of concern behind it.

You swallowed, trying to compose yourself, but the words kept slipping out in a rush. "I—I don’t know, I just feel... like you could do so much better. I see how you are at the casino, surrounded by all those beautiful, confident women, and I... I can’t compete with them. I don’t even feel like I’m enough for you. You can... break up with me anytime you want. I wouldn't blame you."

The words hit Aventurine like a sucker punch. He froze for a moment, his usually steady hand twitching as he fought the urge to reach out and pull you into his arms. But instead, he stayed where he was, keeping his distance, allowing the weight of your words to settle between the two of you.

His gaze softened, his eyes fixing on you with an intensity that left no room for doubt. “You think I’m with you because of how you compare to others?” he asked, his voice a little more stern than usual. But underneath it was something deeper—something fragile, as if he was trying to keep his own composure intact.

Your head hung low, and you nodded, unable to meet his eyes. “I don’t know… It just feels like... I’m not enough for someone like you. You deserve someone who can make you happy without all this baggage."

Aventurine let out a small sigh, shaking his head slightly, as if processing the sheer weight of your words. His lips twitched upward into a soft, bittersweet smile, the kind that spoke of knowing something far deeper than surface-level impressions. He stood and walked over to you slowly, his movements calculated, but not with the usual sharpness of someone managing a deal. No, this was different. His steps were careful, as if afraid of shattering the delicate balance between the two of you.

Reaching out, he cupped your chin gently with one hand, lifting your face so you would meet his gaze. "You really think I care about comparing you to other people?" His voice, though steady, held a quiet intensity that resonated through you. "Look at me. Look at me, and understand something."

You blinked up at him, your heart thundering in your chest.

Aventurine exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. “What matters to me, what’s always mattered to me, is you. Not the ‘pretty ladies,’ not the ones who look perfect on the outside. I’ve never cared about that. Not when it’s you who can make me laugh when the world feels like it’s closing in. Not when it’s you who makes me feel... human, not just the strategist, not just the Stoneheart. I don’t need anyone else."

You felt a pang in your chest at his words, but it only deepened when he continued.

“You think you're not enough, but you're everything. The fact that you’re here, sharing this with me, means more than you can imagine. You want to know why I chose you?” His voice was softer now, coaxing, as if breaking through a dam that had held so much back. "Because you're you. You don't have to pretend to be someone you're not. You never have to compete with anyone else, not when I’ve already chosen you."

Tears welled in your eyes, but you didn’t wipe them away. His words felt like a balm to wounds you hadn't realized were so deep.

Aventurine gave you a small, sincere smile, his gaze unwavering. “I’m not going anywhere. And if you ever doubt it again, I’ll remind you. But I’m asking you now, don’t doubt yourself. Not for a second. You’re exactly what I need, exactly what I want.”

The weight that had been crushing your chest seemed to lift, and for the first time in a long while, you breathed a little easier. You couldn’t help but let out a shaky laugh, your lips curving upward despite the wetness still on your cheeks.

Aventurine laughed with you, the sound warm and full of tenderness. “There’s that smile again. I’m never letting go of it.” He wiped a stray tear from your cheek with his thumb, his eyes glimmering with something you couldn’t quite put into words.

In that moment, you understood. You weren’t just his partner. You were his, completely and irrevocably, no matter what the world outside thought or how you felt inside.

And with that, you finally let the real smile break free, one that didn’t feel forced, one that was only for him.

[moonshere]

Been thinking a lot about this “the family plays isat” AU and how it might happen

Siffrin would probably refuse for them to play it if he was aware of it (thinking about how they said when learning about the diary in the library that they would hate it if someone read their deepest thoughts) and the rest of the family would also respect that, because it really would be a breach of trust. They’d prefer it if Siffrin talked to them himself, after all.

A situation I could see it happening is if, post-Loop battle, Siffrin’s Craft exhaustion got so severe he gets knocked out for a full week or two, maybe more! And the family would be so worried and desperate to understand what happened so that if the game appeared to them suddenly, they’d be tempted enough to play through it. If only just to figure out how to help Siffrin wake up again

(and probably a mixture of other emotions too, wanting to see the conversations Siffrin had with them that they don’t remember, feeling guilty that they didn’t notice soon enough, terrified that Siffrin is hiding something else. I mean, Siffrin straight up did not mention the Loop battle to them at all, even after they promised to talk! so they’d be worried on what happened there already)

Honestly I think all of them would also be exhausted and on bed rest after the whole quest to defeat the King was over, it took months of constant movement and stress so the whole family would crash hard afterwards. Cuz of that they’d be stuck together on like the infirmary or a private room with strict orders to take it easy, what better time to play the game than that?