#is your friendship even real if you don't talk to each other in cringe ways???

[pointlesshroom]

we watched 365 days on a trip to Paris and now babygirl has become a sincere nickname in my friend group. just yesterday someone said "is my babygirl hungry?" with one hundred percent seriousness, while giving the person pizza. "[name], babygirl" has entered my lexicon as a standard, friendly way to address someone. i'm gonna go back to poland and sound fucking insane

[worrabei]

OKAY, hear me out before reading the text below: this blog of mine is just a place, where I can see my progress in many of things, and writing in english is one of them. the deal is - english is not my native language, and my way of writing can look very bad.

if you decide to read my little sketch, firstly - good luck; and secondly, if when you see some dumb mistakes - feel free to comment because learning stuff is fun!

(also I'm like probably need to do a disclaimer or something like this, but I don't know how :D)

well, it's just fluff (?), without any triggers and just something that was in my head for a while. also I'm using the real names on the dream team in this text. actually, all my thoughts slowly became a whole au (this is the right word for it, right?), so if I will be really confident, maybe I write something else....

UGH this is again a super long text, I'M SORRY.

imagine that you've been friends with «dream team» for an almost a three years.

originally you were an employee on a mr. beast team, something that others would call an errand boy (well, errand girl in your case). but despite your small position in a whole team, everyone was simply in love with you. you just were a little shining star, that everybody adored. and beside that, you knew how to do your job. and by one of these hard-working days, you've meet sapnap.

there were a small pause between shooting for a new challenge video, where nick was one of the judges, and it happend that you both had a chance to chat for a little bit. you two find in each other someone nice, almost like a soulmate. when you too start to speak about different topics, including hobbies and favorite things, something just clicked. after a shooting, y'all just spontaneously decided to go for a walk. you both just can't stop talking, and after a hour or so, you find yourself on a basketball court. the day slowly becoming an evening, there only a few people around, and you two with beer cans just lazily playing basketball.

and after that day your life just start change entirely.

after sapnap you've met sunshine with name karl, and then dream, george, even quackity. the boys was also amazed with your warm personality and you all pretty fast become great buddies. you start to show in theirs instagram photos, twitter posts, stories. you've slowly become an important member of their group. staying for a movie night, cook for them, give a ride on your car, making birthday presents, spending time in video games, and eventually joining the streams.

to be honest, chat was kinda aggressive by the first time and full of comments like "omg why are they even let this girl to join, she's just ruining all the fun" and bunch of other not-so-nice words. guys were super sorry that you have to deal with all this hate, but you honestly won't making a big deal out of that. you just continue to show up from time to time, and slowly but surely people realize that your "boring" side was actually a "super caring" side.

and only after this realization everybody understand how cool actually your character resonates with sometimes childish characters of the rest of the group. the memes start to full the internet, boys start jokingly addresses to you like "sweet mother of ours", and you were very audible and visible cringing at the name, but they're just unstoppable.

and after a two and a half years of your friendship, after george finally gets a visa and clay does a face reveal, four of you guys finally moved together.

and that simply become a golden era of your friendship.

you spend mornings with george, when you get ready for work and this man with no sleep schedule gives you company. at the moment that you start making a breakfast, this man just magically appears with his cute puppy eyes, and after the few times when your plate was getting empty for about a fifteen seconds, you just start to cook for you two. imagine: dark room with only one working lamp, you both eating some puffy pancakes, drinking something warm, chatting and silently giggling. it's a little foggy outside, and almost absolute silence. sounds really comforting, does it not? after you finished eating, you give george a small kiss on his head, maybe mess up with his hair and beg him to get some rest.

the days fly by really fast, when you making stuff with dream. join the stream for a moment? sure. what about the new idea for the video/song? tell me everything. maybe you want to go to the shopping together? get in my car, clay. you freely can go to his room when silence in your head gets too loud. often you just knock on his room door shyly, and ask if you can sit on the bed while dealing with work. and he never refuse. also you absolutely love to draw him in the moments when he really focused on something, maybe make him a few more knitted hats or something cute, but stupid. and he absolutely melts at every single touch. you just need to tell him that everything is okay, and he always can find a support in his friends. and he's so thankful for this.

and finally, you want the evenings to never end because you spend them with sapnap. he don't want to show it, but you just see it anyways - he cares about you. of course, that doesn't mean that other guys don't care, but sapnap do it in his own way and you really appreciate it. almost every evening he casually walks into your room, and if he sees how tired you look because of the work, all his appearance softens immediately. with his silent, raspy voice he asks how do you feel. and if your answer not satisfying enough, nick just casually says that he's going to wait you in the car. and that means - this evening going to be awesome. you both have no clue what are you going to do tonight, but that's just more fun, right? basketball court, just like in the old times? eating junk food in the car, while chatting and shouting the songs? skateboarding park, when nick trying to impress you, but just stupidly falls and now you need to bandage all his wounds, while you just can't stop from laughing? (he's trying to act offended, but inside he's all fluff, believe me).

but sometimes you decide to hang out in the house. sapnap picks up some random film, brings more pillows and blankets, you cook (or order) snaks, and you both just simply chilling together after a long day. and I don't need to tell that almost every time the rest of the group decide to join. maybe it's even spontaneously become a movie night? who knows. you can't even blink, and it's 3am already, the third movie silently playing on the back, all the boys sleeping and barely audibly snore. and only you stubbornly want to wait until the credits. and the movie finally ends, you trying to clean up a little, while you judge the main character in your mind. when you come back to the sleeping kingdom, you can't help but smile at the view of three big men just calmly sleeping, and unconsciously trying to hug something. you definitely take a few photos, and when you want to go to your room, suddenly dream wakes up and mid-sleep reach up to you, whispering that he want to cuddle. your heart was not ready for this, and you just can't say "no" to him.

and when you slowly falling into sleep, while warm big hands carefully hugs you, you just think to yourself - oh, how extremely lucky you are.

well, maybe you can skip the next day at work.

...you can't miss how nick and george all morning going to scream that they're absolutely-for a hundred percent-for sure-definitely didn't hug each other all night.

[csprslvt]

teachers aide pt.6

Summary: Abby supports and comforts reader in her mistakes and reader has never felt more loved WARNINGS: relationship trauma implied, reader is bpd coded (real af) and hates herself, but abby loves her.

Abby was the first person you went to. And when she pulled your shaking body into her strong embrace you couldn't help but to feel like you didn't deserve it. Like you were such a fuck up, like you would never deserve love, Ellie’s especially.

Eventually you calmed down enough to speak, after Abby consistently held you, telling you to not be sorry, to please just breathe, that everything was okay.

“You gonna tell me what's going on? Hm?” She spoke softly as if speaking to a wounded animal or a feral stray.

You shook your head, sitting across from her on her daybed, legs touching, enough distance to feel safe but enough touch to feel grounded.

“Im just such a fuck up.”

Abby's eyebrows furrowed in concern, “Why would you say that?”

“I kissed Ellie.”

“Oh.”

“Yea”

The aura in the room was uncomfortable and strained, had you ruined another friendship yet again? With such simple words?

“And you regret it?”

You snapped your head up at Abby, you hadn't expected those words.

“No? Yes? I don't know. I'm confused.``

“No you aren't.” Abby said sternly

“What?”

“You act dumb as if you're just confused about your feelings but you knew Ellie liked you, you knew she wanted you and you didn't reject her. A part of you,,, as much as I hate to admit it, wants her too.”

You looked at her blankly, her brutal honesty was not anticipated.

“And you know how I feel. I don't even have to say it.”

“Yea. Yes I do” you responded.

“So what do you want y/n? To mend things with Ellie? To lose her and forget? I see how you care for her, I see how you look at her. And I see how you look at me.” Abby said sternly, emphasis on her words.

“Do you want me?” She said, nervousness lacing her speech.

“Abby you treat me so well, like you understand, you think I deserve to be loved”

“You do deserve to be loved”

“Then why is it so hard for me to feel that way?”

“Is there something that's happened in the past? Someone who made you feel unworthy?”

For a minute, you wanted to lie, tell her no it's always been this way. But your track record wasn't great, every relationship you self destructed, every relationship you felt like a failure, a monster, unloveable.

“I guess so”

“Y/n, you never open up. You let me talk about my life, my family… my dad and you have never let me listen to the real problems I know you have.”

You tensed, it felt like an attack on your vulnerability or rather your inability to feel vulnerable, your fears.

“But you never lean on me, you never let me help you” Abby reached forward, holding your hands in her own calloused ones. “Never let me know you.” She spoke softly, rubbing your knuckles to sooth you. “ Never let me love you.”

You cringed.

“Please don't say that you do.”

“But I do.” Abby's expression was fearful, yet hopeful. “And I'm not the only one”

“I ruin everything.” You mumbled, jaw tense and eyebrows bunched together, it broke Abby's heart to see you so lost. “Everything I do, everyone I touch, everyone I let touch me.”

“I want so badly to just be normal. To be kind, soft, loving, to be loved. But I failed. I failed Ellie, I failed you, I failed myself especially.”

“You've never failed me.”

“But I have.”

“No, you don't get to decide how I feel or what I want or how to protect me. Pushing me away isn't going to help me, it won't protect me.”

“It's better than hurting you with my inadequacy.”

Eye contact at this point wasn't being maintained, It was too painful. Still Abby let go of your hands and moved to hold your face instead, her grasp was gentle, soft, loving. Everything you wanted to be Abby embodied.

“People who love each other, sometimes hurt each other.” Her words were the cooling ointment after the chemical burn, the ice pack on your very bruised heart and soul. “They don't want to, but people make mistakes. They hurt each other but they love enough to talk through it, to keep going.” Abby stroked your cheek, this close she smelt of pine and wood. “They don't give up on eachother. And I won't give up on you.”

Fuck,

Dont cry

Dont cry

Dont cry.

“I know you have a lot to do about Ellie. But I won't force you to do some stupid immature bullshit like pick between me or her. Whatever way you want me, need me I’ll remain. If you need a friend I'm here, I always will be. Even if I want to love you, I can't force you to let me in. I won't do that to you.”

If you weren't already falling for Abby, you certainly were now. How could you not with the way she speaks to you?

In the moment you hadn't realized the fat teardrops dripping down your flushed cheeks until Abby wiped them away. You didn't want to cry, you hated crying but it was an unstoppable salty stream. It wouldn't seem to go away. The concern in Abby's blue eyes grew and she looked at you like you mattered. Like you meant something.

“Thank you.” You wish you had it in you to say more, to show her your gratitude but her words took away all ability to speak.

Abby truly, honestly wanted to love you, wanted to know you. It was now your choice to let her.

“I think I need to get help.” You mumbled,Abby still caressing your face, wiping away the remnants of tears. She cracked a smile.

“There is nothing wrong with that. I went to grief counseling for a long time after my dad passed.”

“Well I dunno about going to therapy…”

“Y/n.”

“No I just mean like, I need to help myself, allow myself to feel and be loved…and I need to have a long conversation with Ellie.”

“Yea, very much so”

“Oh shut up” You said jokingly, a smile finally gracing your features again, Abby's heart melted. Here you were, tears stained in her arms, yet you still smiled.

The rest of the day you spent in Abby's dorm, you followed her to the gym and cafe, all successfully without being seen by Ellie. And for the first time in a long time, you felt loved.

Ellie on the other hand, she wasn't doing so hot. Promptly after kicking you out of her dorm her soft spot for you became her weakness. She was angry, so angry but she also hated to hurt you. She hated to love you. She made a mess of her dorm, thank god she didn't have a roommate courtesy of joel. And when she was done raging and realized what a mess she made she began to regret her actions, still she didn't admit it. She didn't want to be the first to apologize but she didn't want to lose you. It had been almost a year of her pining over you, of her having you as support and her best friend. She would miss you, she already missed you. She cleaned up her dorm and laid on her bed sheets, they still smelt of you. God, she had to wash them.

Notes:

Hello my readers! I have once again, been inconsistent in my updates I am so sorry, and the chapter was short. SO much has happened recently and it's hard to keep up, but I love writing and bringing you this story. Thank you all for your support. BUT I need suggestions on who reader ends up with, I'm still very conflicted. Please comment opinions and thoughts! Have an amazing day/night!

[bunny-with-a-chainsaw]

First time posting and I've decided to make it my headcannons surrounding Dave Miller from the Silver Eyes since there's barely anything for this man. Just as a warning this isn't proofread or anything, it's kinda long and this is my first time writing headcannons so expect it to be cringe. Constructive criticism is appreciated!

•    I won't lie, this man absolutely despised you at first. He had always prefered to work alone as if there was any 'unwanted attention' from people who didn't know not to stick their nose into things they didn't understand, he could take care of them without much fuss. So when he heard that he'll be having someone else to work with, he was... agitated to say the very least.

•    First time actually meeting him he was grumpy and gave either one worded answers or snide remarks, to which both confused yet annoyed you. It was only when you brought up Freddy's did he show any interest in talking to you.

•    He gave you the usual tale he told anyone, with how several kids disappeared, nobody wanting to rent out any of the stores around it due to bad vibes, all that jazz. Though what really compelled him to go further into detail was the fascinated look you gave him as you listened. Reguardless of if you believe in the supernatural or not, stories about it always piqued your interest and that was something Dave could relate to.

•    Eventually your conversation branches off to other stories you both heard, and before you two knew it you guys were bonding over scary ghost stories. Of course all good things had to come to an end as 7am rolled around and the two of you headed out of the abandoned mall and back home. Dave flopped on his couch and thought about his conversation with you, wondering if working with you might not be so bad after all.

•    You guys became good friends after that and even started sharing more personal stories with each other, though Dave was always careful not to reveal too much about himself that might hint at his real identity. He simply told you that he used to work at Fredbear's Diner as a technician there and that was as close as he dared got to the truth. Over all you both greatly enjoyed each other's company... then feelings started appearing.

•    Dave was always horrible with feelings so it took him a while to realize that what he felt was more then just a close friendship then you and he looked like he got dunked in cold water when he did. It's even worse if you're amab due to the sheer amount of internal homophobia this man has, and he'll even actively try to distance himself from you though that does nothing to get rid of his feelings.

•    Either way it'll take Dave a while to confess as he wants to make sure you feel the same way he does. Though even when he's confident you are and tells you that he wants to be more then friends with you, he'll still be a little overwhelmed when you say you like him and will ask again just to make sure you actually want this. If you end up confessing first though congradualations! You've successfully caused his brain to cease all function and it'll take a hot minute for him to come back, to which he'll just ask you to repeat what you said. Best if you don't tell him while he's holding something unless you want him to drop it on his foot.

•    Now at the beginning of your relationship it'll take him a little bit to get used to it all but you guys get into the groove of things after about two or three weeks of awkward touches and hesitant I love yous. After all that one of you sitting down on the office chair while the other sits on their lap looking at the cameras, doing rounds around the mall holding hands and staying over at each other's place is quite common with you two.

•    Dave's main love languages are surprisingly touch and words of affirmation. He loves cuddling and playing with your hair while he mutters sweet nothings to you as you both lay in bed, not wanting to get up just quite yet. He also enjoys quality time, where he shows you some of the stuff he worked on as a 'engineer' or just read something while chilling on the couch with you.

•    Dates normally consist of going out in the woods, screwing around in Freddy's or a quiet cafe where barely anyone goes to. He hates going out in public incase of the little chance someone recognizes him, though he'll just tell you that he doesn't like people which isn't really a lie, so you guys tend to stick to the much less busy areas of town. If you're amab he'll refrain from any pda or even pet names as he doesn't want to draw any unwanted attention, even if you are capable of defending yourself.

•    He'll start opening up more at the same rate you do, as he sees it only fair that he tells you things about himself as much as you tell him about you. Hell give him a few months and he might even tell you about Elizabeth, though he'll only be refering to her as Lizzy and say that she just went missing one day while he was working. Just be careful not to pry too much as it's still a sensitive spot for him, and he's not fond of talking about it even to someone he trusts dearly.

•    He always makes sure to only let you know about things he wants you to know, and knows how to hide the things he doesn't want you to know well. Dave will never fully shake the fear of you finding out who he is and what he's done. If you ever do he isn't going to force you to stay with him and will even move out of Hurricane with the money he's saved up over the years, and if you decide to stay he'll just think you're too scared to break up with him. But if you somehow not bothered by everything, maybe even intrigued by what he's discovered... he might just show you all the things remnant's truly capable of.

[lonelylonelyghost]

Love me, love my voice - a Cdrama where good things happen to good people

Fair warning - it's the fluffiest fluff that ever fluffed the Earth, so if you crave some drama and violence at the moment, then maybe save this one for later.

The plot of this drama is extremely simple. A university student, going by her second identity online as Sheng Sheng Man, produces/sings traditional style music. Due to a coincidence she gets acquainted with Qiang Qing Ci - a very famous but mysterious voice actor who never shows his face in public, with whom she bonds over a shared passion for good food. And a slow, gentle love story starts from here.

If you are tired of misunderstandings, love triangles, stupid decisions and unnecessary conflicts between your romantic leads; if you want to witness healthy relationships, tight friendships and just an ungodly amount of cuteness - then you came to the right place.

(Also there's a lot of cooking and/or eating delicious food. In every episode. Really, don't watch it when you're hungry, you'll die)

Now, I don't usually read or watch something that has romance at its front and center (though there are always exceptions, albeit rare). But I'm obsessed with Under the Skin, and I loved Word of Honor, so I decided to give Tan Jianci and Zhou Ye a chance for at least one episode, and well - here I am, writing this whole thing after watching the show and then even reading the original novel.

Qiang Qing Ci (or Mo Qing Cheng irl) is a smart and kind man, a doctor, who can cook and has an absolutely gorgeous voice that he uses for good but could use for evil (Tan Jianci could hypnotize people and I wouldn't even mind tbh). How can he work as a doctor and actor simultaneously, you might ask? That's Cdramaland for you, baby! His outer softness doesn't mean that he is completely harmless however. For all of you little freaks out here (myself included), there are some *ahoy!* moments too

Sheng Sheng Man (or Gu Sheng irl) is a girl surrounded by the love of her parents, five slightly overprotective cousins and her friends. She's shy and a bit sheltered, but not stupid, and Zhou Ye's acting makes her character very charming instead of the cringe that is usually associated with this kind of type of girl on screen.

Almost every character there is a good person, and you know, sometimes you just want to see those kinds of people have a great time. They do what they like for a job, fall in love, go on holidays, have friends that are ride or die for them and vice versa. There's no jealousy and backstabbing, all problems are resolved quickly, and everybody can actually COMMUNICATE.

One thing that I'd noticed while watching that surprised me a lot - is how everybody's acting is so relaxed and natural. When they're in a group together, you genuinely believe that all of them are good friends with each other in real life too. The light teasing, interrupting one another while talking, their mutual support and closeness. The actors probably had a lot of fun while filming. And goddamn, it's so good to see it! I'm also insanely jealous.

Music

Traditional music and the profession of voice acting are as much of main characters as our romantic leads are. The way that it was shown was so full of love and respect for the craft and people involved in it, it's amazing.

Despite the simplicity of the plot, there are still moments of heightened emotions, and people there deliver! Their acting shines through especially during the on-stage performances.

That "Swan Song" broke me. I swear, during this whole performance I was bawling my eyes out.

(also insert here a joke about Shen Yi probably being able to recreate Qiang Qing Ci's face based on just his silhouette).

(This is a Night Show in Yangshuo that the characters attend at some point, "Impression Liu Sanjie", an absolutely incredible performance, and I'd pay all the money I don't have to go see it personally)

Side characters (a completely self-indulgent section):

This is a rare Cdrama where there are no annoying side characters. I love them all and would kill anyone who'd think of bothering them even slightly.

These are MuMu (outwardly cold but actually very kind and empathetic) and MoBai (a lovable dumbass), a couple of cosplayers that pop up here and there, and nothing that you say will convince me that they're not together.

(And sure, you can read it as purely platonic friendship between bros, but honestly why would you. Also, I think the creators made a perfect recipe to avoid the wrath of censorship - just get two guys, occasionally make them say that they're single and looking for girls, but then show them always together, and just don't explain anything.) (Watch me finding a subtext even in the straightest show I've watched in years.)

The same goes for singers Fei Shao and Wang Ke, except for they're both bumbasses, and I love them dearly.

Dou Dou Dou Bing, a manager of their recording studio as well as the voice actress, and she's awesome.

Jue Mei Sha Yi, a voice actor, a CEO of his own company and the one that the Viki's live comment section thirsts for A LOT.

Feng Ya Song, a voice actor and a pediatrician as a side gig, and he's cute.

Geng Xiao Xing, a friend of Gu Sheng, works for some app (?) that collaborates with the voice studio. She's also cute and I like her hairstyle.

... And some others.

***************************************************************

If what I've described here interests you at all, then feel free to check it out. I think this is a good show to watch right now, as we all collectively try to crawl out of the winter depression.

This has been your friendly ghost from Abyss, with some recommendations on how to distract yourself from the horrors of existing（*＾-＾*）

[torra-and-the-toons]

What's your opinion on the flanderization of the Eds during the later seasons? More specifically the school episodes.

I remember being so upset about it as a kid.

Double D and Ed are relatively reserved people with Eddy being pretty much the most extroverted of them. Especially in the start of the show. Ed is that weird kid that makes obscure references to TV shows and movies he's watched, he's so absorbed into science fiction comics and horror flicks he believes it's real. Double D is too weak for the other kid's games and too much of a know-it-all that'd it be a put off to most of the Cul-de-sac kids and Eddy was well.. small and a loud-mouth bossy but, he meant well. They all meant well.

He just wanted to fit in, they all did. (felt deep in my soul)

With Eddy, Ed and Double D had a sense of belonging, they had each-other and that's what mattered to them. They're social outcasts but they are outcasts that weren't alone. Them growing apart with the school episodes just made so hurt especially as I watched the re-runs while in Junior High/Middle School myself.

Am I going too deep into this? Probably. Thoughts?

Ooohhh I love talking about season 5/6!!

Opinions under the cut bc this will probably get long. (You're afraid you went too deep but I've already dug to china, my friend lmao)

My opinion of it used to be the same as you way back in the day. I remember seeing the first new episode and literally turning off the television because I was so irritated. Everything was so different, I could tell the animation was different, they were going to SCHOOL... something I hated thinking about when I was a 14-15 year old teenager myself. I used to watch this show to get away from reality, not relive the experience. I didn't like change as a kid. Change is scary, but I've come to discover as I got older that change is inevitable, and the sooner we embrace it, the happier we'll be.

However, my opinion of the later seasons as an adult has changed drastically.

I actually really love the later seasons now. The characters are so much more expressive and silly. Sure, some of the episodes are a little cringy, but don't we all have memories from our childhood that make us cringe? Looking back at my own childhood, school was just a part of the experience. It sucked in the moment, but I have so many fond memories of my friends and I going through school that I will never get to relive again.

The one thing I've always admired about this cartoon is how much it reminds me of my childhood. And part of the reason I still love it today is because I get to relive the experience of being young through the Eds over and over again. It's not about magic, or spies, or superheroes... it's just three kids being kids. It's so simple, but so powerful.

I'm sorry, but I have to hard disagree with you on them drifting apart in the school seasons though. They're growing up, showing their differences, but what mattered at the end of the day was that they were still friends. I had a couple of friends since the first grade, we all grew into different people, but despite EVERYTHING we are still best friends to this day. That's how I see the Eds. That's how I want the Eds to be if there ever exists a canon version with them as adults. No matter who they've become. No matter where they are. No matter how much time has passed, they'll always be friends.

So, to answer your question: Seasons 5/6 are one of my favorites, actually. They're different for sure, but school is just another part of being a kid. And friendships are definitely tested in school, especially for such different personalities such as Ed, Edd and Eddy. But the bond they share is even stronger at the end of the day. That's how I view it.

Idk, maybe I've spend way too much time reading in between all the lines.

I hope I was able to articulate my thoughts well enough <3 Sorry if it wasn't the answer you were looking for. But thanks for asking!

[traumasurvivorshelpingsurvivors]

No TW really apply except maybe ablism or bullying (not entirely sure)?

As far back as I can remember, I've always been treated as an "other" to my peers, siblings, teachers/adults, etc. When I was a lot younger I'd be told what was off/bad about me and I'd try to fix that so I could someday make friends and not get bullied/picked on, etc. But nothing I've done has worked and no matter what I do it seems I always cause a sort of "uncanny valley" effect.

I've been told I'm inhuman, an alien, uncanny, a creature, robotic, etc but I don't know what I do wrong? I always am polite and I try to make sure that the person(s) I'm talking to is comfortable and offer help if they need it, and I've cut down on infodumping as much as I can. I've been told my voice is monotone and I don't emote properly (among other things that make me seem uncanny like my wording or how I stand?), but I've worked really hard to get to this level of voice inflection and emoting.

Do you have any tips or advice? I currently work an isolated online job (couldn't afford school) and live in a pretty isolated area. Also got unofficially kicked out by my aunt so I don't really have any family (and my two friends I get to see once a month tops).

Thank you and I hope you all have a good day :]

Hi anon,

Thank you for reaching out and I am so sorry to hear of your experiences of othering and I believe, a bit of cringe culture.  It’s sadly a very real issue that yes, can often be related to ableism, but also other forms of bigotry as well.  Of course we should be aware of own biases, and if we’ve encroached on someone’s boundaries have that addressed and make amends as needed - but in general, it is very unfortunate that so many people have a very specific idea of how one presents themselves in conversations and what the social etiquette around those “should” be.  There’s far too many variables at play to ever get it “right” across the board, and sometimes, what’s acceptable to one, might not be to another - for example, maybe in one relationship, deep conversations around politics, or religion would be welcomed and even encouraged, while in another, it would very much not be.  But regardless of what someone’s boundaries, motivations, and goals are within relationships, those should be shared in the context of clarity and for strengthening the relationships, never to shame someone.  There is a vast difference between someone saying, “I would love to talk more about these topics in our conversations, would any of these be of interest to you?” vs say, “If you talk about this one more time, I am so done.”

As for tips, or advice, I wonder if online options/platforms might be a good alternative for you?  That if your tone/body language is read one way - well, both of those things are removed in text based communication, and sort of eliminates the possibility of someone commenting on eye contact, or how you stand, etc.  I myself really enjoy discord, but there’s other platforms like private chats on Twitter, or Facebook groups, and other online forums (the link above has some 20+ suggestions as well).  It’s a good way to practice communication, and also find other people who are into the same things you are, since some of them can be very niche and tailored to your interests.  Only you can decide your digital and time boundaries regarding involvement and what you want to pour into, but some can be as close as relationships in real life - where you might join online events, digital clubs, make and send each other birthday gifts, do card exchanges, and so on. And nothing says you can’t still nurture the friendships you have with people you’re able to see once a month, or potentially work on restoring your relationships with family (if that is a goal of yours), while you’re also meeting a social need <3 Either way, I wish you luck!

[constellarations]

when you come home with a stray animal

pairings: xiao, diluc, venti, childe (separate) x gn!reader

warnings: not proofread, childe's real name

notes: first writing post on this blog ? ? ?. also the dog in diluc's has no gender

XIAO ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ

stares at you blankly when you appear with a cat cuddled up in your arms

mortals these days...

he's very. neutral. no opinion, blank face mr. adeptus as always!!

that is, until you oh-so coincidentally have to leave for a commission, leaving xiao alone with that. thing. (cat)

he stares at it, daring it to make a move.

obviously it doesn't. xiao's gaze is very scary, even to animals

"tch, i don't get why [name] likes you so much." xiao says as he crouches down to get a closer look at the feline, unfazed as its pink nose brushed up against his own

to adepti, the term 'cute' was highly unheard of. and to xiao? the closest thing to cute was you

he'd never tell you that, though. nope! absolutely not! the thought makes him writhe in cringe!

Gazing uninterestedly at the cat you had brought home after adventuring in Mondstadt, it was safe to say that Xiao was not amused.

Not only did both you and him have very busy schedules, what were cats even supposed to eat?! Fish? Meat? Grass?

The Yaksha grumbled under his breath, cursing the heavens for leaving him alone with this cat as he'd much rather it be you in its stead.

"Meow," It spoke.

"No," Was all Xiao replied with. He had no time for this, whether it be cat or human interaction, the Adeptus had duties to fulfill! Demons to slay!

"Meooow?"

". . ."

this cat was just. existing. yet somehow, it really got on his nerves

"what do you want?" xiao queried, paying no mind that he was. in fact. speaking to a cat

"meow."

"what?"

"mew."

"???"

xiao just stays there, eyes knit in confusion as the purple rhombus on his head wrinkles in deep thought. deciphering the meaning of this cat's wise words, you come home from your commission to the sight of xiao trying to communicate with a cat

"eh? xiao? are you talking to the cat?"

"what? no. of course not, you mortals think so lowly of us adepti," xiao clicks his tongue and crosses his arms, looking away with an embarrassed expression as the cat sitting besides him clearly says otherwise

"is that so?"

"are you doubting the words of an adeptus?"

"nope!"

you were in fact doubting the words of an adeptus.

DILUC ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ

doesn't really pay much attention to the dog you brought home

of course, diluc's house is huuge! it's no wonder he wouldn't notice a dog wandering around. obviously, he's aware it's a stray, but he doesn't really... care? i mean, he cares because you like it. but otherwise, this dog is of no substance to him

do not. i repeat, do not leave it up to him to name the dog. he'll name it something like "bob" because that's all he could think of

now, diluc starts to notice the dog when you begin bringing it along with you on your dates with him. is that weird? to have a dog thirdwheel his date with you? uh, yeah, it is. diluc doesn't know how to feel about a dog taking up his lover's attention more than him.

"diluc! isn't koko so cute?" you exclaimed, ruffling the dog's head cheerfully as the dog barked in response to its name. koko, koko was a weird name, diluc must admit, but it did sound cute

"yes," what was he supposed to say? '[name], i feel like you're dating koko instead of me now]'???

noticing your lover's hesitant reply, you were quick to acknowledge how stiff diluc was around koko. and it was because of this that you came up with the elaborate, master plan!

"Diluc, are you free?" You peeked in the doorway, observing the typhoon's mounds of paperwork and endless array of business deals, all that were either rejected or accepted were sorted neatly into piles.

"It depends," Diluc responded absentmindedly, "what do you need, [Name]?"

"Can you walk Koko today?"

The pen stopped moving, vermilion eyes trailing up to gaze at you in disbelief.

"Me?"

"Yep!"

"Why not the maids?" Diluc wasn't opposed, per se, he was just shocked that you would leave such a job to him. Maybe you didn't enjoy walking Koko as much as he assumed.

"Because I want you to do it!"

the male sighs, conflicted over how your words sway him so easily. of course, he agrees, not knowing what else to say

after he finishes his paperwork and before his nightly duties diluc grabs a leash and takes koko out for a little walk around the winery

(not mondstadt because he has an image to uphold)

honestly? he enjoys it a little. going out for fresh air that doesn't involve battling is in fact, very, very relaxing.

now. after his very first peaceful walk with koko, diluc will begin to appreciate the dog more; bringing home dog toys and different treats, the dawn winery head has now become very soft for an animal

OH!! and diluc sometimes sleeps with koko on his chest!!! so cute

whenever you're out for too long diluc definitely hugs koko in your stead... koko is very fluffy and warm and you love koko so diluc loves them too!!

VENTI ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ

let's just say you brought home a cat.

actually, if you brought home a cat, there would be no home anymore. venti would sneeze the literal roof off your house

so put the cat back, bb. it's okay, you don't need it... not anymore... not when you need a house...

"[Name] is that a... a... cat?!" Venti gasped, standing on top of a kitchen counter as he acted as if the cat had contracted one of the deadliest diseases.

"Get it out!" He yelped, waving his hands around as his nose got redder and redder, sneezes leaving his lips as you sighed.

CHILDE ࿐ ࿔*:･ﾟ

i saw this hc that childe was terrible around animals and i 100% agree

the moment you bring home a dog, it starts barking at the sight of childe. and no, not like you childe simps barking, its yapping, wanting to get out of the harbinger's presence right away

"[name]? who's this little puppy?" slurring his words like a baby, childe smiled cheerily before crouching down to pet the dog, only for it to bite his hand

". . . uh, i found it."

exchanging a staring contest with each other, childe's bright smile dimmed ever so slightly, a close-eyed expression indicating that "if [name] hadn't brought you home, i'd kill you."

with this dog's existence, it doesn't let childe anywhere near you. and because of that, he hates it. when they think you're not looking, childe and the dog have a piercing staring contest as if to say "what are you going to do? huh?"

of course. they come to a peaceful resolution when a treasure hoarder decides to invade your personal space bubble. obviously, childe could make waste of the good-for-nothing punk, but stepping back with a grin, he let the dog do its work!

cheering in the background, the harbinger was very impressed with the dog's display of [name] protection!

and this. this is the birth of a new friendship.

"Ajax?" You blinked, confused at the way the Harbinger held himself proudly, hands on his hips as the dog sat beside him, wagging its tail.

"That's me!"

"What are you doing?"

"Protecting you!"

"What protecting are you doing?"

The ginger pointed at himself and then at the dog.

Oh.

He trained the dog to become a guard dog.

[devikyuu]

Fluffy Love

Pairing: Iwaizumi Hajime x GN!Reader Tags: Angst with Happy Ending Summary: You firmly believe that you aren’t worth loving. Word Count: 4.0k

“I don’t think I’ll experience a fluffy kind of love.” You confess to your friend.

“The fuck are you talking about?” They don’t even pay attention to you. Choosing to continue scrolling through their phone.

You grumble a bit. “You know, like...” You trail off on your words, wondering how to explain to your clueless friend. “Like when that other person just loves you so much and they just give you flowers or they just want to cuddle or when you both stare at each other with so much love.” As you say these things, you imagine all of that in your head. “No way in hell that type of love is real.”

“Man, shut your ass.” They yawn. “You’ll get that kind of love. Just wait.” They stand to stretch and your eyes go back to the TV that’s playing an action movie you’re not really paying attention to. “I’m gonna go back. I still have a lot of shit to do. I’ll see you soon.” They grab their things and before they could leave, you call out to them.

However, you hesitate on what to tell them and decide to send an insult. “You’ve been swearing too much lately. Tone it down.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.” They roll their eyes and murmur. “As if you don’t swear.”

“I heard that.”

They give you the universal sign of ‘fuck you’ and leave.

When they do, you pause the movie and breathe out a sigh.

“I always give everything no questions asked, though.” 

-----

It’s been weeks since you’ve opened up to your friend about what you think and you’ve been drowning in endless amounts of projects that seem like a mountain whenever you see them.

You stare gloomily at your laptop before deciding that maybe you need to go outside. Your face cringes just thinking about it. But you really needed a break.

Grabbing a jacket and wearing some shoes, you decide to just walk around the park nearby. Maybe even just sit on a bench and look around just admiring everything.

What you don’t expect on this little break, however, is a gorgeous man with messy brown hair coming up to you and saying, “Hi! My friend kept looking at you and was wondering if you’d want to be his--”

The man, who later on you find out is Oikawa Tooru, was cut off by a hit to the head that seemed way too hard to be a normal hit.

“Iwa-chaaaaaan,” He whines, “I’m just trying to get you a date!” He tries to justify himself but looking at this ‘Iwa-chan’ guy, he seems thoroughly annoyed. Though you couldn’t deny that this man also looked gorgeous.

“Shut up, Shittykawa.” As he grumbles, he looks at you with an apologetic look. “Sorry to bother you, we’ll take our leave now.”

Without any other words to say, ‘Iwa-chan’ grabs his friend's collar and drags him away. Truthfully speaking, it’s a funny sight that makes you giggle a little bit.

Before they’re both too far away to hear you, you decide to speak. “I’m not looking for a date but we can definitely be friends.”

With a soft smile like yours, Iwaizumi can only stare with an amazed look on his face which doesn’t escape Oikawa’s vision. With a smirk, Oikawa decides to answer you. “Perfect! My name is Oikawa Tooru. This is Iwa-cha--” Yet again he is hit on the head, but lightly this time.

“I’m Iwaizumi Hajime. Nice to meet you.”

“Well, Iwaizumi-san, Oikawa-san, I’m (L/n) (Y/n).”

Once again, Iwaizumi is given a chance to see your smile and he wishes to see more of that in the future. 

“It was nice to meet you, but I have some things to do back home. Would you like to exchange numbers?” 

----

To explain your friendship with your new friends, it was a wild ride.

Oikawa was fun to tease and Iwaizumi seems content that he's not the only one who thinks that Oikawa is a piece of trash ("This is called tough love." You both tell Oikawa to which he only pouts at).

Sometimes, Oikawa has to bail out on your hangouts due to volleyball but you find that you don't really mind.

You and Iwaizumi get closer. Going on a first name basis that makes you feel comfortable enough to ask him to join you on spontaneous ideas you come up with. 

"I don't understand how I let you talk me through this."

"I have super powers. Deal with it."

You tell (F/n) about all your adventures with Hajime and you even introduce them to both Oikawa and Hajime.

"I feel like I'd be punching Oikawa a lot. Is that normal?"

"Please, be our guest."

"Iwa-chaaaaan."

As your friendship with Hajime gets closer, you find that you feel more comfortable with him than you do with Oikawa.

You open up about it to your friend and they start teasing you about how you're falling in love with him.

"I am not. I just find them really easy to talk to. I find it easy to talk to you but I'm not in love with you."

"True. But you also don't talk about me twenty-four seve--"

"I do not talk about Hajime twenty-four seven."

"... Right. And who's the topic of this conversation?"

Your pride refuses to answer that question.

You ask Hajime if he wanted to take a walk with you since you decided to take a break from your schoolwork. You also asked Oikawa but he said he had to bail this time. Hajime confirms that he could walk with you, though.

You were having such a great time talking and walking with Hajime that you didn't see him clenching and unclenching his fists nervously.

Before you could rant more about how you hate the projects and the teachers in your classes, Hajime stops walking. You stop walking, too. Confused with his actions.

That's when you finally notice the way that his cheeks are slightly pink (From the cold, maybe?) and his hands that keep opening and closing.

"Hajime? What's up? Are you okay?" Genuinely concerned. "You didn't have to come walk with me if you felt a little under the weather, you know?"

Hajime is quiet for a while. 

"No. No, it's not that. I'm fine, really."

You're just even more confused now. "Then, what's up?" Your eyebrow is raised, waiting for him to answer you. 

He stays quiet and you patiently wait for him to speak.

"You don't' have to be so nervous, you kno--"

“Do you want to get into a relationship?” He asks and you’re stunned to silence. 

"With… who?"

"With, uh, with me." His fists are clenching together even faster now. You're still stunned at what he said.

But at the same time, you feel confused. There’s an ache in your chest that makes you feel queasy. It makes your face scrunch a little. 

“You want to be with me...?” You look at him properly to see if there are any indications that this is all a joke or he’s lying, but all you see is a red face.

Iwaizumi’s blush is as clear as day and he looks away from you to hide that, you assume. He sticks his hands in his pockets before answering you. “Yes.”

You want to say yes, but you think about all the times you’ve loved with an end of you giving your everything until there’s nothing left. Until you’re running out of things to say and do. Until they’ve decided that they don’t want to be with you anymore. Until you’ve become broken enough to care about nothing anymore.

“Hajime, I…” you try to accept, you really do, but you’re too afraid. “I’m sorry…” 

“Oh.” He sounded disappointed but it also seems like he expected this outcome. “Thank you for being honest with me. I’d still like to be friends, though. If that’s possible.”

You hear him, but you dive back into memories you never wanted to go back to. Your desperate attempts to make them stay, telling them that you’d do better and that you’d fix whatever you thought you broke.

The memories of when they ghost you for months. The memories of waiting for them to reply to your messages that only get shorter. The memories of them just ending everything despite waiting patiently for them to come back.

When you come to, he’s still in front of you. Waiting for an answer. He notices the far away look you had just a few seconds ago but he decides not to comment on it. Instead, he settles with, “Are you okay?”

You blink away the memories and look at him.

Why would such a nice guy come to you? Do you deserve this?

No, you don’t. 

“Yeah!” You try to say in a cheery tone that contradicts with your behavior and shaky voice. “I’m okay. I’m sorry, Iwaizumi-san, but I--” you cut yourself off. 

Is this really the best thing to do?

You sigh and force yourself to push the words out of your mouth. “I don’t think we can stay friends, either.” You look away with guilt that bursts throughout your entire body. Making your feet curl, your fingers itching to turn into fists, and your chest feels heavier and heavier the longer you stand in front of Iwaizumi.

“Oh.”

He sounds disappointed, again. 

‘It’s for the best.’ You convince yourself. ‘Apologize and walk away. You don’t deserve this.’

“I’m really sorry, Iwaizumi-san. Goodbye.” You walk away from him, with a heavy mind and a heavy chest. The further you walk away from him, the more your chest feels like it’s dragging you down and slowing your movements. 

As you continue to walk, a tiny part of you hopes he decides to chase you. You hope he decides to hold your hand or call out to you. Just anything that implies he would chase after you.

But Iwaizumi is a nice and respectful man. This is reality and your hopes are based on fantasies and cliches. You reach the comfort of your bed with no one holding your hand. You reach the comfort of your bed with no one calling out to you.

You’re in your room with the lights off, under your blanket, seeking for any kind of warmth to make the cold disappear. Staring at the ceiling, the wall, the laundry that’s piling up, the table that has your laptop, the mirror, and back to your ceiling.

You want to cry, but tell yourself that you have no right to. You made that decision and you were the one who said it was for the best. You try to fall asleep but the lump in your throat makes it hard. Sighing in frustration, a tear falls from your eye.

“Tsk.”

Sighing again, you sit up and stare at a random spot in your room. Letting your thoughts roam free. Letting them dance in your head that only seems to taunt you.

In the barely lit room, you see your phone light up. You stare at it until the light is gone and stare at it for a few more seconds before deciding to check on the notification.

‘You good?’

Is what the message says. Your friend knew that you’d be with Iwaizumi today. Even teased you about it. But how’d they know to check up on you?

Another message was sent. 

‘Iwaizumi asked me to check up on you. Want me to come over?’

And of course Iwaizumi asks your friend to check up on you. 

You think about it for a while, but ultimately decide that you don’t want to see anyone. But you do tell them everything that happened. Your insecurities and hesitance to get into a relationship. It all stumbles out. 

‘I’m going to call you.’

Before you could do anything, their contact name shows up and you decide to just answer the call.

It’s silent on the other side for a while and you’re too drained to say anything or clarify that they’re in the call.

It’s silent for a few more moments until they decide to finally speak. 

“I understand that you’re hesitant and afraid, (Y/n), I really do. I’d be afraid, too.” They start. “But it’s not fair to assume that with every person you meet.”

“But they used to be like that. What if Iwa is the same? I don’t think I can handle another, (F/n). I’ll break even more. I can’t…” You trail off, afraid to continue because the tears have decided to finally fall and a sob is ready to force itself out of your throat.

“(Y/n).” Their tone is firm. “Didn’t you want to experience that fluffy love that you talked about? The one about… uh…” Your friend trails off, trying to remember your words. It made you choke out a little laugh. “The one about buying you flowers or cuddling and shit.”

You sniff and wipe your nose with your shirt. “Well, yeah. I do.” You admit. “But I firmly believe that I'm not deserving of it.”

“You can’t decide how deserving you are of something. It doesn’t just hurt you, it hurts other people as well.” You stay quiet as they speak. “Don’t you like this guy, (Y/n)?” They ask. “Everyone is deserving of love. Even you. So if you want this dude, and he wants you, why not give him a chance?”

Your conversation lasted a bit longer. Talking about anything once the main purpose of the call was somewhat over. Before your friend actually hangs up the call, they give you one more piece of advice. “Talk to him, okay?” 

You say your goodbyes and you’re left in your own thoughts again. This time, with the wise words of your friend instead of your negative ones.

----

“They rejected me.” Is what Iwaizumi tells his closest friend. “Said that they couldn’t be friends with me either.”

Iwaizumi and Oikawa met up after the whole fiasco happened.  With Oikawa wanting to know what happened, they stayed in a coffee shop to put caffeine into their system and hopefully ease the heartache that Iwaizumi is most likely feeling.

“Well, I can still be friends with her, right?” Oikawa teasingly tells his friend but quickly stops when he sees the focused look Iwaizumi has.

“They looked like they wanted to say yes. But they stopped themselves.” Iwaizumi’s mind drifts back to your torn look and fear filled eyes. He wonders what you’ve been through. “I asked (F/n) to check on them.”

“Always such a gentleman aren’t you.”

“Shut up.”

The two friends are surrounded by a comfortable silence but with the silence comes the noisy mind of Hajime.

He wanted to ask you what was wrong, but you said it yourself. You didn’t want to be friends. He wanted to respect your decision but he wanted to check on you. He wanted to ease your pain in any way that he could. He couldn’t just leave you to your own suffering but he didn’t want to scare you away. 

“That’s the problem, isn’t it?” Oikawa suddenly asks.

“Huh?”

“You’re always such a gentleman.” Oikawa explains. “Try being selfish for once. You want to run to them, don’t you? You want to check on them and ask why they seem so hesitant.” Oikawa looks at Iwaizumi and gives him a cheeky smile. “Why don’t you chase after them? You like them a lot, right?”

Iwaizumi is silent as he stares at his cup of coffee. He did want to chase you. But what if you didn’t want him to?

“What if they don’t want to be chased?”

“You said they wanted to say yes but stopped themselves. Is that not proof enough?”

For the rest of the day, Oikawa’s question repeats in his mind no matter how much he tries to get it out. 

He thinks about Oikawa's words so much that he thinks about it for days until he suddenly finds himself going to your apartment. Knocking on your door. 

His anxiety grows every second that you don’t open the door. 

God, what if you weren’t even home?

His feet start tapping on the floor and he places his hands in his pockets. Clenching and unclenching them. 

His movements stop once the door finally opens.

---

“Hajime? What are you doing here?” Seeing him made your chest tug a little (either from happiness or guilt, you weren’t sure. Maybe it was a mix of both?). “Did you need something?”

Hajime only stares at you and he looks as confused as you are. With the cold breeze of the night, you thought it wise to bring Hajime inside before he gets a cold.

“Do you want a drink?”

He declines your offer and you’re both swallowed in awkward silence. The last time you’ve spoken to each other was his confession.

That you rejected.

And then proceeded to say that you didn’t want to be friends.

So to say that the silence was awkward was the understatement of the century.

'Talk to him, okay?'

Your friend's words echo in your head but you decide to ignore it. Trying to tell yourself that the heavy air between you and Iwaizumi is just in your head.

You wanted to sit down and offer Hajime a seat but the words are stuck in your throat. Why? Most likely because of the awkward tension that’s happening. However, you try to push out the words.

“Do you want to--”

“About the--”

Both of you shut up after hearing the other person speak. Hajime gives you the chance to speak, but you decided to hear him first. After all, he did come for you. Didn’t he?

Motioning for him to speak first, he clears his throat. “About the confession that happened, I kind of noticed that you were... hesitant.”

Everything seemed to stop for you. He noticed that? It was back to the silence but it was more suffocating this time. For the both of you. While you were diving back into unwanted memories, Hajime was back to overthinking.

Was that a mistake to point out? Did he make you uncomfortable? Was that something you weren't ready to talk about? Oh god, he probably screwed up real bad. 

You and Hajime continue to be surrounded by the tight silence. Anxiety eating away at you both for different reasons.

“Uh, (Y/n)?” 

“Oh. Sorry, Hajime.” 

You debate on telling him the truth or a half truth. But seeing him in front of you late in the evening, you think that he deserves to hear the reason why you rejected him. 

Swallowing your pride and anxiety, you tell him why you rejected him in the first place.

“I’m afraid.”

“Afraid?”

“That when I get with you, it’ll end the same." Your voice starts to get shaky at this point. Memories and experiences playing through your mind that make you hold your arm as tight as you could just to ground yourself.

"That when I get with you, I’ll be the one chasing you. I’ll be the one begging for you to come back. I’ll blame you for making the first move in everything but in the end I’ll forgive you because that’s how stupid I am when it comes to all this love bullshit.

“I’ll have to see you move on faster than I ever could and I’ll be in my room closed off from the world because I’ve given everything I could ever give to you and I’ll start thinking that you used me and that you were bored and I was just someone you could pass the time with. That I'm someone you never really cared for or loved.”

The tears are slowly falling down your face as new tears form in your eyes. The hurt in them is as clear as day and your eyebrows scrunching in frustration of yourself. You’ve told yourself that you’ve moved on and that you’re doing better without them.  That you're completely fine wanting something that you know you could never get. 

So why does your chest constrict so much that you're gripping on your shirt like a lifeline?

Why do you feel hurt even when you've convinced yourself everyday that no one could ever love you?

Did you not convince yourself enough?

“I’m afraid you’re gonna leave like the rest, I’m afraid I’m gonna run out of things to say, I’m afraid I’m gonna love so hard I’ll have nothing left to give and when I have nothing left to give you'll see it pointless to be with me. I’m so afraid, Hajime.” Your tears are falling faster now. Your voice shakes even more as you repeat how afraid you are to love. You’re facing downward but your eyes are shut tight. Hoping that that’s enough to stop your mind from thinking of anything. “I’m afraid I’m not worthy to be loved.”

As Hajime listens, his heart breaks in big chunks. Breaking into even more pieces as it hits the ground. His brows are furrowed, his eyes stare holes into you, hoping that you’d look at him so you can see how he only wants to love you the way you deserve to be loved, to care for you the way you deserve to be cared for, and to help you the way you deserve to be helped.

He wants to hold you, comfort you, show you that you do deserve to be loved. He’ll remind you every chance he gets. Even if you don’t believe it at first, he’ll be patient with you.

He tries to take a quiet step forward but you hear the quiet shuffle that his movements make and you take a step back. That makes Hajime question his movements. Should he not go to you?

“Don’t.” You whisper so quietly with tears still falling and Hajime wants to wipe those tears away. 

He decides to trust Oikawa for once and be selfish. He continues to walk towards you until he’s finally able to hug you. Holding your head against his shoulder and rubbing your back soothingly.

“I’m sorry for hugging you so suddenly,” he starts softly, “but I just couldn’t handle it anymore.” He hugs you tighter and he notices how you’re slowly relaxing into his hug. Whether you’re consciously or unconsciously doing it is beyond him. “You deserve to be loved. I’ll help you realize that. No matter how long it takes.” 

You stay in his hug for a while but it doesn’t seem like Hajime minds. You try to take a peek at him but he’s already looking at you with so much worry but there’s also so much love that it makes you feel emotional again.

Your doubts start spilling out and before you can even stop yourself, you’re asking him in a hushed voice, thinking that the moment would disappear if you disrupt the silence that envelops you both. “But what if you leave? What if I run out of love to give? What if you decide I’m not worth your time?”

Hajime continues to look at your eyes, trying to look for answers in them.

How could you think that way when you have so much to give? How could you think that when you’re so selfless to the people you love? How could he ever leave you when you’re so imperfectly perfect in his eyes?

The silence that follows your questions only gives you room to stare at him back. As you stare, you start thinking that maybe, just maybe, you’ll give it one more shot.

“I will stay for as long as you have me.” Is what he replies with and that’s more than enough for you. “We’ll take it slow, I promise.” Hajime’s arm circles around your waist, pulling you close until there’s barely any space left. His head is leaning in, thinking that he would kiss you, you close your eyes. But instead, you only feel his forehead touching yours. “I’ll let you call on the shots, okay?”

You can feel him breathe and it calms you. His words overwhelm you enough to have tears in your eyes again. He’s going to let you decide. He’s putting you first. Your eyes squeeze shut even more, hoping to stop the tears from flowing but it’s all in vain.

Even if the tears flow, he’s there to wipe them away and it feels warm and it feels comforting. Like you could breathe. Like your anxieties are being wiped away with those tears. 

With a shaky voice, you reply.

“Okay.”

This fic was longer than I expected. However! I like how it turned out! I hope you guys liked this too and I hope you all know that you’re worthy of love even if you don’t think so :))

[because-of-a-friend]

Seventeen Reaction: You Suddenly Being Shy

MASTERLIST

Thanks for the request anon! Hope you like it!!!!

CHOI SEUNGCHEOL

He thinks is the cutest thing in the world and he also cannot believe he has that kind of sway over you. He's like????? They're shy around me?????? He'll do a lot of cute little things to try and get you to relax around him and be more comfortable being yourself around him. When you're not super close, he'll do random things to make himself look ridiculous so if he's intimidating to you at all, he seems less so. Then as you grow more comfortable with each other, anytime he notices you becoming quiet he'll do something like plucking your chin or some other cute gesture that he knows you'll have some sort of witty comeback for. He appreciates and adores both sides of you, but always wants to make sure you feel comfortable around him.

YOON JEONGHAN

Jeonghan will likely match your energy depending on how you're feeling. But he does have a habit of challenging your more sarcastic side because he tends to talk quite bluntly, so he thinks those conversations are more fun. He honestly has a lot of fun figuring out how to push your buttons until you two are ceaselessly teasing each other. He'll leave you be if it really seems like you're not up to it and respects when you're more quiet. He can always easily go with the flow depending on your mood.

JOSHUA HONG

Josh tends to also get shy around new people or one on one with people he doesn't know that well or in other moments he's not prepared for. So if you suddenly get shy, it'll probably trigger his shyness as well. He'll suddenly be unsure of what to say or where to look or how to act. Moments between you and Joshua tend to be very sweet and lighthearted since both of you are very careful towards each other. Any sort of friendship/relationship with each other with each other will progress slowly because it takes you two awhile to fully open up to each other. But it means that you two also eventually feel very comfortable around each other since you spent so much time building up trust.

WEN JUNHUI

He probably hates this lol. Not because of you but because he just can't stand awkward silence and puts all the pressure on himself to fix it. He also doesn't really get it????? Like you were fine around him when you were hanging out with other members or friends????? He watched you roast Wonwoo with no hesitation earlier???? But now that it's just you and him you're so shy?????? Get ready for chaotic Jun because he's going to be pulling all of the punches to get you to laugh again. Honestly when there's an awkward silence he can't really help but keep talking to fill it in, so you might learn a lot more about Jun in five minutes than you thought you would in years lol.

KWON SOONYOUNG

(Sorry for using such a big gif but he really is the prettiest man on earth omfg)

Might also be a little awkward when you suddenly get shy. He worries that he said something to offend you or that maybe you don't like him. So he tends to approach you carefully when he notices that you're shy around him to make sure that you two are on good terms. He'll actually make an effort to talk more quietly around you and try to sit really still and not make any sudden big movements so he doesn't catch you off guard or upset you. He tries to be as polite as possible and will make a real effort to start enjoyable conversations. Probably asks other people stuff like what movies you like or what songs you listen to so he has something to talk to you about when he sees you.

JEON WONWOO

Pls this is his worst nightmare. He's not confident in handling social situations so when you suddenly get quiet around him, he has no idea what to do. He'll awkwardly blurt out some random questions and cringe inwardly every time it doesn't lead to an actual conversation. He'll wonder what's up since you seemed so confident around other people. Like Soonyoung, he'll worry over you not liking him for some reason. He'll probably actually end up pulling back and letting you approach him in the future so any contact between you two can be on your terms so he knows you're comfortable.

LEE JIHOON

May not fully notice. Jihoon tends to be off in his own world anyways so your mood change around him may fly right over his head. He's not always conscious of people's behaviors and changes in them because of his tendency to zone out. Honestly it's sort of a relief. If you're feeling a little more nervous as you spend one on one time with him, it's almost nice that he seems to continue on with business as usual. It's nice that he won't really point it out or make a big deal of it. He's usually pretty gentle during conversation anyways so it's not like there's anything he's doing to be intimidating. If he notices you being shy, he might get a little shy as well, but he'll do anything he can to make you comfortable and get on your good side.

LEE SEOKMIN

Seokmin is such a people pleaser so you suddenly going quiet is going to be a problem for him. He needs you to like him so much. He's going to figure out what makes you feel the most comfortable around him. Do you want him to take the lead in conversations? Would you prefer he back off a little? Do you like it when he's joking? More serious? He'll test the waters and feel out what brings back your more confident side so he can tell what makes you more comfortable around him. He'll navigate every conversation with care so you'll enjoy talking with him.

KIM MINGYU

Also the type to kind of slip up when this happens. He doesn't know how to continue when you suddenly get shy around him. It highkey gives him butterflies, he thinks it's so cute. So then he's shy around you, leading to him doing awkward things, all while he's trying to help you feel less shy around him. He's a giggling/blushing mess around you 24/7, which definitely helps him seem less intimidating. But he very much genuinely wants you to feel comfortable around him so he'll always be as kind and friendly as possible.

[A/N: So Tumblr has suddenly decided I can only add ten imagines to each post even tho up until now, I was able to add gifs for all thirteen members. Soooo I was wondering if you guys preferred for me to either separate maknae line and hyung line for reactions, or if you want me to leave gifs out and have all members in one post for reactions, or if y'all want to do it by request??? Until I get a good read on what y'all want I'm just gonna cut the gifs are where I have to lol. Please let me know what y'all want me to do!!!!]

XU MYUNGHO

Myungho takes this in a silent stride. When he notices you suddenly get shy around him, he'll just sort of quietly take note of it. He'll try to encourage your usual sarcastic side to make sure you know he's comfortable with it. If it doesn't seem like it's working, he'll back off and try to take things slow and gentle with you until you feel more comfortable around him one on one. He'd never admit it but he is ecstatic when your sarcastic side starts to show. Any biting remark you have for him is met with a smirk and an equally biting remark. He's fine when you're more shy but he'll feel uneasy himself until you're comfortable around him.

BOO SEUNGKWAN

Seungkwan will have an "oh no, oh no, oh no, oh no" moment when he realizes you're suddenly shy around him. He also wants everyone to like him and be happy around him. He will also wonder if he did something to offend you and be incredibly nervous and unhappy until you're comfortable around him again. He's constantly hesitant when approaching you and then as conversation progresses, he'll pull out the big guns with his humor to get you laughing and hopefully back to your normal self.

VERNON CHWE

This may also go over his head. Vernon isn't always super in tune with the people around him just depending on what's going in his head. He also usually lets the people around him lead conversations anyways, so he'll just follow your vibes conversation to conversation. When you're shy he'll just speak to you casually and keep it light. When your more sarcastic side shows, he'll vamp it up and match your energy (although with him, he'll use sarcasm as a way to casually flirt for sure lol). But overall it's hardly even noticeable to him.

LEE CHAN

Dino probably also gets shy when you get shy. He may not notice your change at first but as soon as he does he just goes "oooooooooh" and then backs way off. He's the type to awkwardly laugh every other sentence when speaking to you, desperate to make sure the conversation feels light and happy. He's not really the best at navigating meeting new people and learning how to connect with them specifically. He's happy to try anything and everything to help you feel more at ease around him, though.

[ironicbalderdash]

Lol sorry, gonna be high key cringe real quick.

Twisted Wonderland Character with Yuu Takahashi (OC, MC): Relationship Dynamic HC

Malleus, Yuu invites him to everything. Constant plus 1. He loves it, knows she's not afraid of him at all, and gets to go to things with her. They're like cousins in a way? Like, they have a lot of fun together, but don't see each other as much.

Silver, supportive but very sleepy. Claps every time after Yuu finishes singing a song, but also takes a full body nap if she even remotely sings a ballad.

Sebek, two passionate dorks speak together and hear the other one out. Yuu listens to Sebek about his dedication to Malleus, Yuu gushes about the school's architecture and how she could possibly recreate it for the Ramshackle Dorm.

Lilia, pranksters the both of them. Openly references and sends memes to each other. Will say "owo" unprompted to each other unironically when passing by in the hallway.

Leona, older brother/younger sibling, they're too mean to each other and fight a lot but ultimately have the others back. Sometimes flirt, completely meaningless since it eventually becomes an insult.

Ruggie, "god, rich people-". Solidarity since both are poor, and have been taking care of others basically all their lives. Trades stories: Ruggie talks about his siblings, Yuu talks about her orphanage family.

Jack, scary guard dog privileges, protective friend, big cuddler. Very much a hugger when comfortable with you. Yuu sometimes asks for "uppies" and he does, in fact, carry her like a toddler. It's an elaborate joke, since she's 5'10 and he's probably one of three people who could actually carry her like that without letting her feet touch the floor.

Riddle, cat friend, initiates interactions. Always awkward at the beginning of conversations that eventually become pleasant. Touch starved, will randomly ask for a hand hold. Yuu gives Riddle headpats sometimes, and even though he says he hates it, she can basically hear him purr.

Ace, instigator friendship. Hype each other up to do dumb shit. Says "that's gay" whenever Yuu gives him friendly affection.

Deuce, dumb and dumber friendship. When together, things get stupid. Like him getting stuck on a math problem and Yuu trying to explain it, but she has to increasingly dumb it down to the point that it sounds like a car alarm and Deuce is all like "OH! I GET IT!!" No one understands what they mean, ever.

Trey, older brother/younger sibling relationship. But like, he's actually nice and sometimes lectures Yuu. She takes it only because she knows she did something wrong.

Cater, complete extrovert friend. Will advocate for Yuu to be invited to parties, always has video or photo evidence (for memories and blackmail), and helps Yuu with social media. Part of "beauty nights" with Rook, Yuu, and Vil.

Floyd, puppy friend. Always wants to play, rarely tired, wants to hang out all the time. Yuu indulges him, of course, he has a puppy dog look he does that makes her crack instantly. He knows that and DOES take advantage of it. When she says "no" he gets a little sad but he knows that there's a reason why and not because she hates him or anything.

Jade, secondary instigator friend. Will hype you up AND help you out. Just to see where it goes. Also, casually flirts, but in a "I like to fluster people for fun" kind of way. Yuu just flirts back, everyone kinda gags at them, they do it for fun and fun only.

Azul, cat friend with anxiety. The friend you need to reassure is your friend sometimes. Very sensitive, emotionally literate for everyone but himself. Asks for skin contact when alone or with other friends. Usually hand holding, sometimes a hug.

Epel, complicated. Yuu thinks he's very cute and him wanting to be really cool doubly makes him cuter, Epel wants to be like the suave guy that can sweep her off her feet. Like he's genuinely crushing on her, Yuu has no idea and basically indulges him as if he's a little brother. He can tell, which doubles his efforts, but sometimes he just takes advantage of it and gets like, hugs and headpats and sleeping on her lap and stuff.

Rook, hot goss epicenter. Rook knows all the hot tea, Yuu drinks it. Sure, he's like, super weird and some of the info is coming from a place of stalker tendencies, but a hunter needs a confidant. And who would think someone as helpful and sweet as Yuu would know your dark side?? Ofc Yuu also fact checks the tea, or adds more details that Rook can't get because he's… Rook.

Vil, fashion mentor. Sees Yuu as a "work in progress" and openly gives her things to make her try to look better. Focuses on skin care since that's like the base of a good face, and does always initiate "beauty nights". Yuu appreciates his efforts and always tries to go through with what he recommends. It doesn't always end up being a routine thing.

Kalim, younger sibling/older sibling. HUGS!! Yuu is always being hugged by Kalim, like he will run and hug her when he sees her. A couple of times has insisted on Yuu sitting on Kalim's lap, but has declined every time. Especially because Jamil did NOT look happy about it.

Jamil, they are mortal frenemies. Yuu and Jamil go back and forth back and forth on how Kalim is treating her. He insists that she should stop him from being so clingy, and she insists that he should back off and let Kalim do what he wants. Like they argue about boundaries all the time, but she will always ask him to help her when she needs to take a break from the constant bubbly cute energy. Like they kind of trade Kalim around like a Pokemon card.

[redxblueihateloveyou]

Am I the only one who doesn’t get why some (tw) are shitting on Haru and Rin separately just for the fact that they reciprocate each others feelings? Because it’s not the feelings they wanted them to reciprocate? Just curious because I'm new and recently entered the fandom. And since when miscommunication in between means that they don't deserve to be happy at the end? Because you're an idiot when it comes to love, doesn't mean you're a bad person. I came from chinese bl and it's weird to me.

Hehe welcome to the madness, perfect time to join! Yeah, tbh that's the thing in the fandom that always bugged me the most. The fact that some act like if you don't reciprocate someone's feelings, it makes you a bad person. I always found it incredibly cringy when ppl in real life for example make ppl feel guilty for not feeling the same way and make you feel like shit bc of it. I don't get why you have to apologize for that or feel bad, if you never ever gave him any hope or anything in the first place.

Nowdays it's thankfully a rare sight already in this fandom, bc most already grown and see perfectly what's truly healthy and unhealthy, it's just tbh only the same 3 accounts ppl keep sending me that are still on that, who also think that Haru is literally possessed in the last movie so I don't see the point of like arguing with ppl like this. It's just they're always getting extremely angry when Haru wants Rin as if it's his fault that he feels this way and always go about it like he is inconsiderate of Makoto's feelings. Implying that they're mad that he doesn't feel that way about Makoto, while Makoto does. I'm same as @tododeku-or-bust for example said here (idk what fandom brought this on, but just in general) also do not get what's appealing about this kind of relationships in the first place.

If they shipped it in terms of like it's mutual I'd get it, but they go on about how Rin or Haru are bad friends bc they're not in love with their best friends... like ?????? I didn't know you owe it to your friends to have romantic feelings for them.

In real life if you found out that your bestie feels that way for you while you don't reciprocate, it's a burden, that'll make you feel uncomfortable and at times guilty when you shouldn't technically feel that way. So putting on someone a burden of "I was pining for you all along", when you know they don't feel the same is giving me this feeling of cringe. So I personally do not get what's enjoyable at seeing it like that in Free. But to each their own kink lmao.

It's like... is Haru at fault for the fact that he was Ikuya's first love too? I do not get it really. Like he doesn't have to take responsibility for everyone who falls for him and he doesn't owe anyone to reciprocate their feelings. Even to Rin. Like if he didn't feel the same way for Rin, it wouldn't be his fault either. But since he does feel the same way for him, it's like... good, great, happy for them.

Like once again if someone believes that Makoto and Sousuke are unrequitedly in love with Rin and Haru, that's not rinharu fault. Haru literally never ever lead Makoto on EVER. He never ever did anything that would make Makoto believe that they're more than friends. He was always honest about everything. Like when Makoto thought that he went out to see him, but Haru just wanted to see the sunrise, he told him just that. He never encoraged anything, he refused to live with him and never wanted. I do not get why it's supposed to be his fault that he doesn't like his friend in that way. If Makoto has some unrequited feelings for him and decided to hang up on this, it's his own life choice in my opinion.

It's like saying that Onodera and Takano for example don't deserve to be together just because they unintentionally hurt each other and got separated for 10 years bc of misunderstanding. This argument is like typical Yokozawa life position aka "but I was there when he left you heartbroken for several years, that means you MUST pick me". As I've said before, that's just not how it fucking works. And just bc they couldn't explain things to each other normally, doesn't mean that they don't deserve be happy now. Being idiots is not a crime.

Or if you came from chinese bl, lets go "Guardian" for example. Zhu Hong also was on about how "why you love Shen Wei, not me, I always did everything for you and I was always there, I even wore heels bc you once said you liked those etc". Like he never asked her to do this, he never gave her any hope, he was beyond rude and open about the fact that he's not interested, he never did anything to make her think she had a chance since the beginning. Just bc she decided to dedicate her life to false hope that maybe one day something might change is not his fault. It was her choice. Why Yunlan should feel like shit bc of that I do not get personally.

I'm just buffled bc like Haru for example is the most caring about other ppl's pain person, but they call him selfish and rude bc of the way he is with Makoto at times, not even realising that it IS in fact what means being kind sometimes.. to not give someone a chance when you know you don't feel it. I was always saying this like since forever, being kind doesn't mean for example giving everyone second chances, loving everyone, wanting to be friends with anyone etc. In some situations it's not being kind, it's being stupid or even not being a good person. Once again... offering someone friendship after he openly dissed your friend and you see that he's not in any position to talk back is not kind. Or if someone cheats on you constantly, but you always forgive them it's also not you being kind. It's you being stupid. Sometimes you have to be harsh. It's for the greater good.

And like I saw several times stuff like someone under scenes where Rin has his eyes for Haru only, commenting like "oh great, look at Rin being inconsiderate of Sousuke's feelings again. Can't believe you guys find this romantic." I mean, if in their opinion Sousuke is in pain from being Rin's friend, he can end it, it's his choice. It's not Rin's fault that he thinks of him as just his friend. So thinking that Rin is an asshole bc each time he simply hangs out with Sousuke he's a selfish bitch is fucking insane. I'd feel extremely bad if my best friend was seeing it this way for example. It's like hella ugly.

This annoys me also bc of the fact that Rin, the person who at the age of 12 single-handedly saved his family from falling apart after his father's death, who's an amazing friend to Sousuke and did everything to make his happy after he found out about his trauma and always checks on him first and cries about his shoulder, who in the late evenings taught Rei to swim, when everyone else gave up already xD, who was looking after Nitori during his training, who pretends to walk the same road, just because he's scared to let Gou return alone in the evenings, the most amazing son and brother, is suddenly an asshole just because Haru is in love with him, but not with Makoto. I mean, thats just... huh? Like I dont mind you ship what you want to ship, it's like to each their own crayons for real. But like dissing them and call them selfish just bc they only see their friends as friends and don't want anything more is weird to me.

As for the fact that bc of the misunderstanding they don't deserve to be happy, that's just idiotic. I mean, lets punish Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan too just bc Lan Zhan couldn't voice his real feelings back then and bc WWX misunderstood him. Lets ship WWX with Wen Ning instead. Nezumi is cancelled, he doesn't deserve to be with Shion. He left him. Takano should stay with Yokozawa, Onodera is trash. Wu Xie is trash for wanting to be with Zhang Qiling too. It doesn't matter why he leaves, it only matters that he always does. I can't believe he doesn't see that Pangzi is there with him all along xD. What an ungrateful trash of a human being I can't even.

And anyways btw both Rin and Haru are not ideal human beings in any way (otherwise I wouldn't love them this much tbh xD). But their flaws are definitely not what for example mh shippers usually blame them for. You can argue about their other imperfections easily. Like being stupidly stubborn for example. I won't point fingers here, Haru lolz. Or literally anything else.

My point is you can find what to trash them for logically, if you wanna. Do it smartly tho. Otherwise you make your ship look bad.

And I once again say what wise person said about his relationships and about the fact that not being able with someone he loves hurt him and 'why is he doing this to himself' he answered: "it's not on him. my happiness and my pain is for me to handle". Everyone decides for themselves. This is why for example Haru was so broken about voicing this to Rin and didn't have any intentions to tell him that in the first place. Bc it's not right, if you're not sure that it's requited. Technically he has no right to blame Rin for making him fall in love with him and then leaving in the first place. It's not Rin's fault really, that he made him feel what he feels for him, it's ultimately Haru's problem. That's why he feels has no right to blame him in the first place. I mean, he doesn't know that Rin feels the same, that means saying to him "you break my heart each time you leave" and making him feel bad about it is technically wrong. That's why Haru to himself said "no, please, don't say such things to him". Everyone for himself decides who deserves your 5, 7, 800 or 10000 years of your pain. It's your decision. It's your life. If Haru feels like Rin is worth it, then you have no say in that matter really. The only reason we call Rin an idiot or Haru an idiot is because we know they feel the same, so we can. But blame someone else for not feeling what you're feeling is not right.

So like even if you feel like Makoto and Sousuke have feelings for their friends, blaming Haru and Rin for having feelings for each other and not for them is beyond weird. And there's nothing wrong with putting someone you love first, every bro/sis gets it. You can say bros before hoes all you want, but like Lan Zhan might just drop his bro for his hoe, if he was given a choice. Would it make him a bad person? The fact that Wu Xie chose to save Xiaoge before Pangzi makes his a bad person? My point is it's not all that easy.

I just feel like many ppl in this fandom are very weird about many things. Either because they do not get what it's like to go through some things or maybe they just do not get that no matter how cheesy this sounds love is not that simple. I mean, for example not all selfish is bad, sometimes like in Haru's case for example not being selfish is also bad. Bc if he finally asks for what he wants, he will make both himself AND Rin happy.

To be angry at Rin bc of the aftermath of his father's death and s1 I never had it in me, after knowing everything and how adults handled it. If some of Sousuke's fans bc of Yakusoku and the fact that Rin found his salvation in Haru bc he helped him to move forward after getting his family out of this hell alone and that Haru was the safe haven that made him happy in this moment of his life, want to trash Rin for the fact that he "neglected" Sousuke, its like your opinion. I personally do not get it. Rin doesn't owe Sousuke anything. It's not his fault again that Haru's existence helped him to feel better.

Just like not everyone will get why Haru in 1x12 was so happy about the fact that he could help Rin. To be that special somebody for someone who can "save" you in moments of your life like this, especially if you love them is an incredible feeling. And no, your bestie isn't always the person for this job, no. I don't see why people do not get that I guess, that's all. But we all have our own opinion on everything, so...

We same as you do not get it since forever, but its like it is what it is in this fandom. I personally just have another life position on stuff, so I'm very far from that point of view they have.

[theowritesfiction]

hm okay, I'm gonna try to send some rare pairs & pairs we haven't really talked about or that I don't know how you feel about your way for fun now :)

azula/mai, katara/ty lee, zuko/mai, zuko/katara, azula/jet, yue/zuko, azula/suki, sokka/mai

Maizula

OTP | love it! | it's ok | not a fan | very much dislike | thinking about it makes me feel rage

I get more of a friends vibe from these two. It doesn't really help that Mai is the one lady from the show I tend to see and write as straight. I think that they have quite complex feelings for each other that would be interesting to explore, I just don't see them as romantic.

Katara/Ty Lee

OTP | love it! | it's ok | not a fan | very much dislike | thinking about it makes me feel rage

I have read exactly one fic with them as a couple and it was kind of cute. I haven't really thought about them too much, and at first I'm struggling to find something meaningful for them to bond over. I could see them having a bit of a fling, a cute friends with benefits thing, though.

Maiko

OTP | love it! | it's ok | not a fan | very much dislike | thinking about it makes me feel rage

When I started writing in ATLA fandom, I made the common Zutara writer mistake by being way too dismissive of Mai and her relationship with Zuko, which I have since come to reconsider completely. I think it's clear that Mai and Zuko care a lot for each other, but I also think that their relationship is bound to be a rocky one. But that's also what makes them interesting as a couple. I want to actually write them together in a future fic, I haven't really done that.

Zutara

OTP | love it! | it's ok | not a fan | very much dislike | thinking about it makes me feel rage

The ship I started out with (cringe at the lack of originality there), and I still think they have a good dynamic as a couple and could work together well, but I'm just no longer interested in them since I'm done with Katara in F/M ships. If you were to put a gun to my head and told me to ship Katara with one of the boys, I'd go with Zuko.

Jetzula

OTP | love it! | it's ok | not a fan | very much dislike | thinking about it makes me feel rage

Just don't like Azula in F/M ships, same as with Katara. Azutara has ruined that for me. <3 I think Azula and Jet have an amazing dynamic, and I really love the way you write their friendship, which is exactly what I prefer, a rather volatile friendship. Again, if you were to put a gun to my head and told me to ship Azula with one of the boys, I'd actually choose Jet. It's why I chose Jet as her attempt at heteronormativity in WLG, and I will probably use Jet as Azula's 'phase' in the future.

Yue/Zuko

OTP | love it! | it's ok | not a fan | very much dislike | thinking about it makes me feel rage

I actually like this pairing a lot. I think if you were to take all the reasons why people believe that Zutara works and applied them to Yue/Zuko, those reasons would apply and work even better there. I feel like Yue could handle Zuko's tantrums better than most. The ship would also allow to explore some interesting political alliance angles, the whole arranged marriage turning into something real trope would literally write itself for these two.

Azula/Suki

OTP | love it! | it's ok | not a fan | very much dislike | thinking about it makes me feel rage

I can see this being a very explosive relationship. Honestly, I chose love it! because my mind immediately went to 'oh god just imagine the crazy hate sex these two would have'. I think that if I spent more time thinking about these two, I might come up with other things for them to bond over. They kind of give me that Fuffy vibe. <3

Sokka/Mai

OTP | love it! | it's ok | not a fan | very much dislike | thinking about it makes me feel rage

I have no idea how to rank this, I have literally never thought about it for some reason. I'm struggling to see how they would function as a couple, they both bottle everything up so much. But I'll also say that all the potential disastrous issues they would face, also makes me kind of fascinated with them as a couple. I might need to think about these two some more. :)

[tomfreakinghollandneedsaoscar]

Ice Cream Princess

Pairing: JJ Maybank x Reader

Summary: There isn't a day that JJ doesn't come to visit you at work. On the day he doesn't, you decide to visit him at work instead.

Word Count: 1,876

Note: A Stranger Things and Outer banks crossover imagine that no one asked for. Please give me feedback on anything but the title, I'm judging it and laughing at myself because of it. I hope you love it!

An ice-cream parlor opens up across the street of The Wreck. The owner quickly judges all of the teenagers that come in looking for a part-time summer job. Luckily for you, your older cousin Robin sweet talks her way - agrees to watch his daughter- to get Hopper to hire you on the spot.

Your favorite co-worker is Steve. Both of you share stories and talk about anything and everything. You're weren't too surprised to find he hang outs with "lil punks".

He has a childish side that comes out when it's you two in the shop. If a touron gives you a weird feeling and tries to flirt with you, Steve takes over like a protective older brother. You started calling him mom when he bossed you around the first time.

Last night there was a party held by the Pogues at the Boneyard. When Robin's girlfriend texts you saying that she woke up with a hangover, you agree with her that it would be best if you cover her shrift.

When you get to the shop on your bike, you park it next to Steve car and cringe when the annoying front door bell rings as you enter. "I'm surprised to see your face this morning."

"Good or bad surprised, mom?" He rolls his eyes as you walk past him and pat his shoulder.

He yells, "the worst!" As you make your way to the small back room and put your backpack in your locker.

You grab the lanyard Pope gave to you and trace the lil doodles Kiara drew on your nametag.

Clocking in, you wave at Hopper through his open office window. He learns further in his chair, arms across his chest.

"You work too much."

"You don't pay me enough."

Humming to the radio that's connected to the speakers that hang from the ceiling, you look over Steve shoulder to see which Playlist he's playing.

You mutter, "I hate that thing" when the bell rings.

JJ is leading everyone, arms flaring around as he jumps on top of the counter. He bends one knee underneath his other leg to sit more comfortably sideways and grins at you.

"You're ass is going to break that and you'll have to pay for it."

"Are you telling me I have a fat ass?" He puts a hand over his heart and fakes cries. "That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me, Princess."

You shove him off, chuckling when he almost doesn't save his fall and trip over his own two feet.

"So dramatic like always and Y/N is still my name." You point down at your nametag. "Y/N. Not Princess."

"What do you guys want today?" Steve asks.

JJ glares at him but smirks when you pick up a scoop. He leans over the counter and says, "I'll like a lick of that."

You tell Pope thank you for slapping JJ in the back of the head, making his gray and red snapback fall off.

He runs his fingers through his hair and you barely catch it when throws it towards you.

"You would look better in it than that." He reaches over to tap on your uniform hat wear.

You blush at the hidden complaint and slap his hand away.

"Stop flirting." John B says as he hands over JJ his ice cream.

Kiara slightly pushes him towards the table, they always sit at.

Steve smirks as he leans against the counter. "Princess?"

In the corner of your eye, you see JJ giving himself whiplash. You know Steve is on a mission to find a nickname for you, especially something that you hate as much as he hates 'mom'.

But JJ doesn't. "It's a long story."

"I'll love to hear it someti-"

JJ claps his hands together as the chair slides across the floor as he stands up. "Once upon a time, little miss Y/N dressed up as a princess one Halloween. There was a picture of proof that her mother gladly showed me. Ever since, I've called her Princess and one day she'll call me her Prince. The end."

Sarah 'awwws' and says, "That's actually really adorable."

"Thank you, I know." JJ says proudly and you both smile at each other.

─────

During your next shift, it's only John B and JJ.

"Well hello there boys."

JJ takes off his sunglasses off slowly and puts his arm on the counter. "Princess."

You try not to pay attention to how good his arms look with his gray tank top.

You're the one who breaks eye contact. You don't miss the little fist pump he does but you miss how his shoulders drop when you look at him after seeing how panic John B looks.

Oh, right.

"We need to get the biggest bowl of Sarah's favorite ice cream. Her monthly came to visit and John B, the sweetheart idiot he is, doesn't remember her flavor."

You make 'o' shape with your mouth. "Got it. It's the end of the world for him. Well lucky for you, I know it."

John B screams out, "I owe you one" as he grabs the cup container from you and runs out to the Van.

JJ puts money in the tip jar. "From future Sarah."

After you watch him put his sunglasses back on and the door bell rings when the door closes, Robin pinches your leg.

"Are you going to start helping me again with this or am I going to have to restock everything myself?"

Blushing, you say, "I'm not Steve."

She stops laughing after a few seconds to say, "I bet you that JJ knows his Princess favorite ice cream flavor."

"Shut up."

─────

Pope, Kiara, and JJ all give you a pointed look when they stop by the shop before seeing a movie. The movie you agreed to go to one minute but then the next you said "wait sorry, I have to work." and hanged up on JJ.

"I'm about to drag you and your cute stubborn ass out of here for once and all, Princess."

Kiara has a hand on her hip, when she says, "You need to take a break."

You close your eyes and throw your head back, annoyed that she's right. "You guys know how much I need this job and the money."

A look of understanding crosses JJ's face but he straightens himself and says in a stern voice, "You are also supposed to have fun with your friends once a while."

"I know that!" He doesn't flinch at you raising your voice.

Thinking he's used to it, your heart and face fall.

"I- I'm sorry. How about we all hangout tomorrow at the Chateau and relax? Or we can do anything you guys want to do. Let John B and Sarah know and-"

JJ strides behind the counter and pulls you in a hug. No one words are needed when you shove your face against his chest and catch your breathing.

Pope puts a hand on his shoulder. "Come on, JJ. We're going to be late."

"You know what? I'm actually in the mood for ice cream not theater popcorn. Go on without me."

Kiara tells you both goodbye and Pope mouths "whipped" and does the wrapped around a finger hand's motion as she pulls him away.

You look up at JJ. "You didn't have to do that."

"Do what?" His cocky grin becomes bigger when you roll your eyes before helping a costumer. He leaves the counter to sit at the table, hands on the bottom of his chin as he does silly faces from behind the stranger's shoulder.

─────

Steve looks up when he hears the bell ring and watches as JJ loses his step.

Before he can walk away, Steve says, "She will be back shortly. I sent her to the bank real quick for more change."

JJ lets the door close behind him. He takes a big breath in as he turns around. "You trust her that much, huh?"

"Don't you?"

JJ lets out a dark laugh. "It's different. You get payed to see her, I do it because I want to."

That's Steve's breaking point. "Okay, I don't understand why or how you started hating me the first time you met me but I think I can get a wild guess why. A attractive, couple of years older comes into her life. You're jealous over nothing, dude. I see her as annoying little sister. And yeah, I get payed to do this shitty job but when she's working too, she makes it fun."

"Are you done?" JJ is looking at anything but him.

"One more thing, don't waste anymore time."

Steve looks at the clock on the wall and figures you'll be back any minute.

"I have to get to work." JJ looks over his shoulder.

He opens his mouth but changes his mind, and closes it and walks out.

On the other side of the sidewalk, he doesn't stop when you call out his name.

──────

"Funny seeing you're here."

JJ slams his tray down on the table next to yours. "I work here."

He stops wiping it down and gets the sudden urge to squirt you with the cleaning product bottle when he hears you tapping your feet against the chair across on of your table.

When he looks around and notices there aren't a lot of people in the dinner room he sits down and huffs and puffs. "Why are you here?"

"What? You can come visit me at work but I can't?"

When you both notice another bus boy, you let JJ grab the nearest glass pitcher and pull you some water.

"Now you can't walk away and ignore me, like how you did a couple of hours ago."

"I'm sure Steve told you all about it." The biter in his voice makes you lean over the table to grab his hand.

He jumps but doesn't pull away.

"He told me that you came in the shop, you looked like a little lost puppy when you made eye contact with him instead of me. You guys actually had somewhat of a conversation, which, I'm surprised actually happened."

JJ smiles a little as you start spinning one of his rings. "Steve didn't tell me what it was about...at first."

JJ can't sit still.

He stands up and as he talks, he walks in pace. "He, he uh- shit. Fuck, okay. He got in my head. I couldn't talk to you cause I didn't want to say something that would ruin our friendship. I didn't even know how I would say it-to be honest, still don't but you're smart, I think you know where am I going with this-"

He stops talking, mid-sentence when you laugh. "JJ, just say it or I'll crush your ego by saying it first."

"I love you." He says it over and over again in the middle of the kisses after you say it back.

He stops when someone yells his name and tells him to get back to work.

You give him a quick peak and have to put your hands on top of his to move them off of your hips.

"I'll see you later, JJ. We can go watch a movie?"

"Sounds like a date, Princess."

[btsandvmin]

hey! can i ask you what did you mean by I can relate to Vmin's dynamics? I mean have you fallen in love with your best friend too? I think i can understand why people don't find friends to lovers story interesting bcoz of their personal experience with their friends like I literally cringe when I think about falling for my bestie 😅 so maybe that's why Vmin is cringy for other people. Btw I would love to hear your experience, only if you're comfortable of course :))

Indeed! I have a tendency to become friends with people first and then it might develop into feelings as they show more interest. Basically I am the clueless one in the start of a friends to lovers type of romance. Or the pining one who is too afraid to say anything and let’s their chance slip away.

Though it should be stated this is no “walking around for years being just friends and not knowing my own feelings”. Usually the other person makes it clear after some time what intentions they have in some way (at least what I am aware of).

So personally I think if any ship in BTS is real, it’s likely there has been something at least from one party from more or less the start (the start doesn’t have mean instantly, but before the friendship get it’s own “routines” and settles). Maybe not something they would act on and maybe not something that was returned, but something. Because I agree it’s very rare for feelings of friendship to change between two people without any form of catalyst. That’s why it’s more common for there to at least be feelings from one side. I think this would be likely to apply to all inter-group ships.

I think an LGBT+ relationship might be a bit more complicated though, as there is both internalized homophobia and the fear of coming out. So, a coming out to a friend could for example be a catalyst that opens up the possibility of a romantic/sexual relationship. For famous people that fear can also be tied to their careers, or what their company might even allow.

Basically, for friends to lovers to happen I think there usually needs to be a change. Internal or brought on by something external. One thing that makes them go from what they are used to, to something new. That change could happen for many reasons, and at various times, so I won’t speculate too much on it.

If you ask me, there are weird moments since 2014 that I think could indicate some type of feelings from at least Taehyung’s side. Jimin on the other hand has always seemed to friendzone Tae to some extent. Intentional or not is hard to say. I can’t deny that 2016 and the dumpling fight does seem to be very significant though. Another change if you will. If we look at Taehyung’s own lyrics from Sweet Night, a window that was once opened might have either closed or turned into a door at some point.

Obviously there can always be a million ways something happens, but watching Vmin I think there are three patterns most likely if we consider something beyond platonic feelings between them.

1. They both had feelings since very early on but decided to not act on them, alone or together. At some point one or both could have changed their stance on it and decided to act on feelings they knew they had since long ago.

2. One of them had feelings for the other since quite early. One of them tried to act on them at some point and the second person came around and fell for the first because of their intentions.

3.  They didn’t realize their feelings for each other until something happened that changed how one or both view each other. That opened up a new possibility for something other than friendship.

A fourth alternative coule be that they did act on them, but kept it hidden, or more casual. For example fooling around and then developing feelings further down the line. This could also be related to fear or not feeling it being worth the risk etc. In this case there would have been something, and then that something changed. Basically they had something, something they might not have been able to define, or been too scared to explore, but something happened that changed their minds. This would be more of the lines of friends with benefits turn into lovers trope if translated to fiction

Not to mention, if there is a hidden relationship and you are super close but unable to state you are together, the best friends label might even just be what they have to use.

Either way it’s hard to tell and we don’t even know if there is anything except a queerplatonic bond there at all. It’s all really just based on a lot of faulty or partial information and interpretations. So, in the end these are just some of the guesses I see as more likely for a friends to lovers kind of scenario when it comes to Vmin.

Thanks for the ask. :) Hope you enjoyed reading it. I went quite a bit beyond talking about myself in answering, because even if it is all speculation it is fun to think and write about.

[watchinglikeafangirl]

Kiss Me Again - first reactions

Out of boredom, I started watching Kiss Me Again also because I've already watched Dark Blue Kiss. I saw many people saying both shows should be seen as two seperable things because some important details got lost on the way of making spin-off.

Let's see how much of a difference there actually is. From what I've heard, Pete is going to be very different. Anyway, here are my first reactions during the watching process:

Episode 1

Oh well, Pete is so different. He's a whole other person here. He's the typical cool guy who just wants to show off but at the same time, he's a bit socially awkward and I love it. This faked boredom and annoyment are only there because he doesn't know what to say when Kao is around and especially when they are alone because the atmosphere is just weird between them. Acting all annoyed is his way of socializing and I like it because I believve we all have weird tactics to try to lighten the mood or find a topic with peopl we don't know. Here, Pete is "annoyed" to look cool but I guess, he does this because he tries to find something they both can agree on and annoyment is the simpliest way. You can easily agree with people on negative emotions concearning a topic, so it's the easiest choice to pretend to be annoyed. What's funny here is that Kao is really not impressed by it and already knows Pete just wants to be cool. I think, Kao just doesn't like Pete in the beginning because he sees Pete is just pretending and is never true. I guess, that's why he will fall for him later, because they will probably have real talks and bonding moments.

Episode 2

Okay, Pete and Kao shared an awkward kiss and now things are even more weird. Here's one difference to the Pete I know from Dark Blue Kiss: he's not honest. Now, whenever Kao wants to address the kiss, Pete gets defensive and aggressive. Yes, it's probably because of his confusion but in Dark Blue Kiss, Pete always addresses everything - even the uncomfortable or negatively loaded topics - but not at this moment.

And also, I know, Pete is not the nicest person at this moment but he is really respectless. After the kiss, he stares into Kao's eyes in surprise, pulls away and then wipes his mouth in disgust more than once. As if Kao's lips and the taste of them are dirt on his lips and that's so disrespectful. Kao is obiously hurt by it and I would be too. Of course, you are allowed to not like a kiss but reacting so disgusted is very harsh.

Episode 3

And now, Pete is bullying Kao by isolating him from the group. He makes the others believe Kao doesn't like them, so he will end up being the king of the group since Kao is not the kind of person who talks about such things and just accepts the circumstances.

The scene between So and Sansuay in the parking lot was obviously not right bahavior on So's part because Sansuay was clearly uncomfortable being pressed against another car. She had no way out and I love the random dude walking by and just checking if she is okay. No romanticizing. Just a statement that this behavior is wrong.

Episode 4

Pete and Kao now claim to be "annoyed" of each other and all the other ones are still left wondering what the real problem is.

But at least, Pete confides to Sandee and confesses he only gets angry because of the kiss. I mean, we as the audience understand him better but I just find Sandee's frustration very amusing. Pete is obviously not realizing his feelings and is just helpless. Sandee is such a mood.

Until now, I really don't like R at all. He is pushing Sanwan around and invades her ersonal space all the time while saying he cares. Dude, if you care, don't force her, don't drag her into your car and especially don't kiss her when she doesn't want to.

Episode 5

Its just my speculation but I'm pretty sure Pete is bisexual because he has an ex-girlfriend (we know of) but seems to be attracted to both gender and he's not the kind of guy who falls for the personality or character of someone. The gender matters to him, I would say. But it's nice to see a bisexual character because mostly shows want to tell me that people are either homo- or heterosexual but there are obviously many other sexualities in between. Living in a gay relationship doesn't mean you define yourself as homosexual, real life doesn't work like that and I like they give us a character who is neither homo- or heterosexual.

What's going on with the men in that show? WHy are there so many red flags? Except for Kao, Mat and Sun, everybody pushes the women around and invades their personal space in a very uncomforting manner. Are they all going to "change"? I don't know if I will be able to believe them...

Episode 6

Mat's mother wants Sanson to "turn her son straight"? Okay, just gonna leave that there because I don't have words how wrong this thought is.

Oh, the scene which I saw many gifs of, happened. But I thought Pete and Kao would spend more time laying in the grass. I though this was a very romantic scene. But it's just a second long. But who cares, their relationship took a next step. They stop fighting and come to some sort of agreement (the agreement being that fighting is pointless). But somehow this scene feels like they broke the ice and finally found peace.

Episode 7

And again, a scene I've seen very often: the hospital. But it's really sweet they all went there because of Pete and wait all together until he can go home. That's real friendship and I think this show portrays their friend group really accurate because they are so natural with each other. They are a bunch of people thrown together who bond over weird fun talks at night and getting home drunk. Even though they are so different, they are loyal and trustworthy. It's heartwarming to see a group of friends be portrayed like this because mostly in shows, the protagonist has one really good friend and just a few people they know but are not very close to. but a group of friends is exactly this and it's rare on TV because showing a whole group bonding is difficult and also because they dynamic is totally different.

Episode 8

Kao (giving me the chills): Mint, even if he doesn't like you back, it doesn't mean you are not good enough. No matter how beautiful you are, no matter how good you try to be to him, if he's not into you, he's not the one for you.

I can't believe So gets away with stealing Sansuay's phone. She will never know it was him. I don't know what to think about him.

Epsiode 9

Sun flirting with Kao over coffee makes me cringe so much right now. This is uncomfortable and not as romantic as Sun may think it is. And then, Kao is scared Sun meant him, this is uncomforting to watch. Also, I really don't think Kao and Sun are a match. It doesn't fit at all and I hope it will be over soon.

What? Wayu wants to rape Sanwan? Did I miss something? How did we get here? I thought this was a warm show for teenagers. Now there's rape? I could deal with the sexual harassment even though that was not fine to watch, but rape? I'm confused how we got there? But of course, R saved her.

Not Mork casually cleaning his gun...

Episode 10

I love the fact Pete and Kao just quietly accept the fact they spend a night together. It happened and they can't change it. They don't even mention it and I'm relieved there's no "don't ever tell anybody" or something. It just happened and that's it. Nothing further to dicuss about it. Also, they made pretty clear already they have certain feelings for each other. The wuestio now is just how they are going to deal with this and if they will be in a relationship.

Kao: I will stop seeing other people when things between us become clearer.

Episode 11

I can't believe they actually address the bullying I mentioned before. Kao is very right when he says Pete needs to earn his trust because of the past. This is just right because you can't forget the past just because of romantic feelings. If you don't address the other person made you feel ad, you won't be able to move on from that and relationships are about trust, so I find this very mature and good for both of them. Pete needs to understand he hurt Kao in the past and can't just change his mind over night and Kao will say yes right away.

A planned engagement? Isn't that a bit old-fashioned? Sanwan and R don't know each other at all and why would their parents decide this for them. It doesn't look like it would be good for family's business or something. This seems so random.

And Wayu tries to rape Sanwan again? How? Why? And what is wrong with Sindee for initializing this? But of course, R saves her again.

Episode 12

Oh Mint. I always had mixed feelings about her and now i know for what reason. Is she fine? Making someone feel bad for leeting her go by threatening she would hurt herself is not healthy or normal or anything. That's a serious matter. No wonder, Pete feels like his life is messed up and is extremely stressed about it. And then, Mint woders why he's not comfortable at all and doens't see Pete just let her stay out of fear her threat might be the truth. Because he's a nice person. But Mint is just crazy and plays mind games.

I've never seen a drunk kiss be that cute and meaningful. They are just pure. Now, I really know why people love Pete and Kao so much. I already fell in love with their dynamic in Dark Blue Kiss but seeing the beginnings of their relationship tops that. This script is too good. They both know, the kiss meant a lot and I like they are way past the regretment state. Or at least, they don't regret the kiss. They regret they are not in a relationship which makes the atmosphere afterwards more sad and hurt. Again, they are so mature about this.

Mint took a picture? I can't with this woman.

Episode 13

Why did tehy not report Wayu? They are covering up a crime. And Sanwan doesn't seem to be traumatized which makes me wonder a lot. She is more than fine and I'm not buying Wanyu's apology at all.

And now Mint send the picture to Pete's dad. Does she have no shame? It's not her right to out Pete. That's a thing between Pete, his dad and Kao. Mint has and nothing to do with it and shouldn't have ever. She took Pete's power away by letting his dad now. Things were in Pete's hands and I hope Pete will tell mint very clearly she had no right to do that and her behavior is wrong.

Wow, Pat has guts. Telling your best friend you like them even though you know they don'yt like you is very brave. I love Mat being so cool with it because it's obviously a hard moment for Pat to outlive.

Episode 14

I love Pete's dad. They both were so scared but he doesn't say anything and I like what he says. He talks with them like they are adults (which they are) and doesn't talk to them like they are kids who don't know anything. They don't need to be lectured by their parents. They are adults already and make their own life decisions. I like very much he has this calm talk with them and then drops the topic.

Sanson being the first to confess fits very good because mAt is alway the wuieter one of them. This scene is so bittersweet and Sanson is so vulnerable, it hurts my heart. If it stays like this, then it would be a strong statement of the show because not everything works out in the end. You can try, you can ask, but in the end, maybe your efforts were all for nothing.

Finally, Pete calls Mint out. But he forgives her?... But at least, he doesn't want to be her friend any more.

Of corse we have happy endings all over the place.