#like i genuinely felt like i was in danger

[whathorselegs]

All the names Chuuya and Dazai call each other in the Fifteen light novel

Note: This is not every time they insult/make fun of each other. For example Dazai tends to say things like he'll put a curse on Chuuya to remain short whilst he grows tall, more than name calling. However this list is only name calling.

Dazai about Chuuya:

Kid

Pip-squeak (Uses more than once)

Little fairy

A child

Schoolboy (Uses more than once)

Little man

Filthy dog

Chuuya - He calls Chuuya by his name for the first time in the arcade, Chuuya then tells him not to use his name. After this Dazai repeatedly says his name over using nicknames.

Chuuya about Dazai:

Kid

Surprisingly gutsy kid

Little shit

Little punk

Dumbass

Lil twig

Mummy boy (Uses more than once)

Little wimp

Bandages

Idiot

Twisted freak

Little suicide-obsessed- (he's cut off before he finishes this one)

Sly dirtbag

Slimeball (Uses more than once)

Crafty son of a bitch

Sly bastard

Demon

Weasel

Dazai - He calls Dazai by his name for the first time during their fight with Rimbaud when they agree to work together to defeat him. However, he still mixes in name calling along with using Dazai's name.

BONUS - Names Chuuya uses for other people:

Old man - Hirotsu

Old fart - Hirotsu and the Old Boss

Doc - Mori

Bastard - Mori

Piece of shit - Mori

Damn octopus - Mori

Gramps - Random GSS member

Dumbass - Shirase

Ma'am (Ane-san) - Kouyou. (She also calls Chuuya 'Young man' just before this. They both disapprove of being called these.)

Boss - Mori

Randou - Rimbaud (as far as I could see Chuuya mostly used his name, though I may have missed a nickname)

A thing I noticed with Dazai is that he generally calls people by their names. He calls Hirotsu, Mori and Kouyou all by name. With Mori it sometimes feels like that's the insult, he knows he can get away with disrespecting him this way, so he doesn't call Mori his Boss. Similarly he only starts calling Chuuya by name after he's told not to. He also prefers coming up with imaginative insults/scenarios rather than name calling, though he's not above it, so his list is a lot shorter than Chuuya's.

Chuuya however, uses nicknames for practically everyone, they just get more polite the more he respects them. Mori goes from 'Bastard' and 'Octopus' to 'Boss', once he gains Chuuya's respect. Rimbaud felt like the exception because Chuuya kept calling him Randou during their fight.

I also think it's interesting that Chuuya calls most adults something to do with being old/older. I don't know whether it was intentional or not, but to me, this emphasizes how Chuuya is used to being solely around other children. Even Kouyou who is only nineteen, is labeled as older to Chuuya, probably because there were no Sheep her age. In both the anime and the manga they are all depicted as younger teens around the same age as Chuuya.

Ane-san is also a mafia title, so it could just be that, but I do think Chuuya is genuinely not used to being around adults and that not meaning danger.

[maevebabyy]

PUSH ‘N PULL

lara raj x fem reader

req! - “fluff and suggestive flirting and things like that(if your comfy with it obvi) , dream academy! contestant reader and dream academy contestant Lara”

a/n - i hope i did u justice 🩰 anon, I LOVE THE FIC IDEA BTW

wc - 1.4k

you groaned out loud as you fell face first into the inviting couch of the dream academy’s shared household. the day had finally caught up to you after a long day of dance practice and rehearsals, the training schedule you had been following for a few months now had not gotten any easier.

you sighed contentedly as you feel yourself sink in the comfiness of the couch, melting in it.

“becoming one with the couch, y/n?” sophia giggles lightly.

sophia, your first and closest friend here, rolled you onto your back so that you were now looking up at her.

“gimme 5 minutes” you murmur out, closing your eyes once more as you feel your muscles relax after a long day.

“no, not 5 minutes. now, y/n.” sophia nagged at you, like a mother would. “apparently someone new is coming in tomorrow, and you have to clean your side of the room.”

you furrow your brows, someone new?

“what do you mean someone new?” you sit up slowly, finally opening your eyes. “didn’t they send naisha home recently?”

sophia shrugs, moving off the couch. “i don’t know either, y/n, but you need to clean your side of the room because i wanna leave a good impression.”

before sophia can leave to go join the other girls for dinner in the kitchen you quickly ask her a question. “wait, soph! do we have any info on her at least?”

sophia grins as she answers, “her name’s lara, and she’s your age”

-

meeting lara for the first time was definitely an experience.

you hadn’t been able to see her until it was almost the end of the day, whereas everybody had already met her earlier during their rehearsals/practice times. that’s why you almost dropped the iced matcha latte you had gotten from starbucks as you walked into your shared bedroom with sophia when you noticed your roommate and a stranger in your unkempt space.

this stranger was pretty– stunning even. she had long flowing black hair that framed her face effortlessly, complementing her symmetrical features. her eyes were dangerously captivating, making your heart skip a beat when you made eye contact. she had various types of gold jewellery on her, but it was her bindi and nose piercing that stood out to you the most. she oozed confidence, which was definitely intimidating, but you found yourself strangely allured to it.

striking, you thought.

“this is y/n!, she joined us a couple months ago, but she’s super talented! i’d say she’s our most well rounded contestant.” sophia grins brightly at the new girl.

your roommate shoots you a look, snapping you out of your thoughts as you introduce yourself. “uh, sorry, i’m y/n. i’m guessing you’re lara?” your gaze lingering on her just a moment longer than necessary

lara turned to you with a smile that made your heart flutter. god, you had just met this girl and you already found yourself feeling the butterflies in your stomach. “yeah, that’s me. nice to finally meet you, y/n!. i really like your room too, do you play?” she asks, pointing towards your guitar.

you smile awkwardly at lara, realising you really should’ve cleaned your room. “ah, yeah, sorry for the mess by the way.”

sophia clicks her tongue in response, giving you an ‘i-told-you-so’ look’, which you could only chuckle at.

“nah, it’s fine” lara’s smile was warm and genuine, and you felt your cheeks heat up as she extended her hand for a shake. “i’ve heard a lot about you from sophia.”

“only good things, i hope?” you replied, trying to keep your voice steady. as she laughed lightly, the sound wrapped around you like a cozy blanket.

“definitely good things! she says you’re quite the dancer,” lara said.

“just trying to keep up with everyone,” you shrugged, smiling softly at the compliment though. “what about you?”

“i like to sing a little.” a smirk tugs on the corner of her lips. 

-

a little was an understatement as you and the other contestants sat on the side of the dance studio and listened to lara sing. how does someone even sing so effortlessly like that? 

you find yourself speechless as lara grins brightly as she finishes singing, heading off into the direction of daniela, megan, and emily.

“holy shit, sophia” you looked at your best friend, who swatted your shoulder.

“language!” she laughs.

“sorry!” you chuckle, shaking your head in disbelief, “but it’s true, she wasn’t playing around.

you watch as lara chatted animatedly to the three girls, her smile lighting up the entire dance studio in your eyes. a wave of admiration washing over you, and the same damn butterflies you felt from yesterday. unknowingly, a soft grin appears on your face.

sophia follows your gaze, eventually landing on the indian girl as well. “no way-” the filipina covering her laugh with a hand over her mouth.

you turn to your roommate in confusion, “huh?”

“you’re like, the gayest girl i know” sophia continued laughing. 

you roll your eyes at the girl beside you “it’s not like that–”

“yet!’

sophia quickly runs away from you and towards marquise, who was talking to manon, to defend herself from you.

-

the days turned into 2 weeks, and the initial excitement of meeting lara settled into a comfortable rhythm. you found yourself stealing glances at her during practices, each stolen look igniting that same flutter in your stomach. you’d caught her eye more than once, each time exchanging shy smiles that lingered just a bit too long.

lara had a way of weaving herself into your day, whether it was sharing a laugh over a missed step or playfully challenging you to keep up during practice. it was light and easy, but underneath it all, there was an undeniable tension—a connection that felt electric and yet so fragile.

one evening, you found yourself playing your electric guitar, the other girls leaving the house to go eat out. the house had settled into a comfortable silence, one that came rarely considering you lived in a house with about 10+ other girls. you picked at the fretboard absentmindedly, letting the distorted and amplified sound ring around the room. the soft vibrations of the noise echoed against the walls, blending with the fading light of the sunset outside.

just as you started to get lost in your music, you heard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching. looking up, you were pleasantly surprised to see lara leaning against the doorframe, her arms crossed, an amused smile playing on her lips.

“is this a private concert just for me?” she teases, looking the same way she does, never failing to make your heart beat faster.

“i thought you went out with the rest of them?” you chuckle, stopping your playing.

she giggles back, sitting on your bed beside you. “i did, got tired though so i went home earlier.”

a silence falls between you two as you take in the close proximity between you two. she smells good, you note. like coconuts and sandalwood.

you clear your throat, trying to focus on the moment at hand rather than the way your heart is racing. “uh, so, did you wanna try to play something…?”

lara shakes her head no, giggling lightly, “no, i just wanted to listen to you play. you’re really good y’know?”

lara wasn’t lying, you were good at the guitar. you had been playing on and off since you were 7 years old. 

your cheeks flush at the girl’s compliment, “thanks, i’m just messing around though.”

“messing around or not, you still sound good y/n” her eyes locked on yours with an intensity that made your heart flutter. “you must be really good with your fingers.”

her last sentence catches you completely off guard, a rush of heat flooding your face. “I, uh, yeah– i guess i am?”

lara leans in a little closer, a teasing smile on her lips– enjoying your reaction. “i’d love to see how good you really are, maybe you could teach me sometime?”

you don’t know when you two had gotten so close in terms of proximity, feeling her breathing on you. “s-sure?” 

lara giggles before pulling away, “i’m holding you to that, y/n.” she gets up from your bed as she stretches her arms above her head, the movement highlighting her graceful form. “but, for now, i’ll leave you alone, i’m still feeling a little tired.” 

you watch her as she moves, the way her hair cascades down her back and the playful glint in her eyes that makes your heart race again, eventually she leaves your room, closing the door gently.

what just happened?

a/n - i should continue this me thinks ����🤔

[puffins-muffins]

Control - Intro

Pairing: Jax Teller x Female!Reader Word Count: 7,300 Summary: A successful defense attorney returns to her hometown to represent SAMCRO President Jax Teller, the former love of her life, in a murder trial. Years after their painful breakup, old wounds resurface, and the lines between her professional duty and personal desires blur. Warnings: 18+ only please, cursing, cheating, mentions of parental death. A/N: So, this is my first Jax/SOA AU-ish fic. This establishes Jax & Reader's beginnings as teens/young adults. Feedback is so greatly appreciated! Beta'd by just myself, all mistakes are my own. I am also new to posting like this so apologies now if I've missed anything. We'll learn as we go. Please be kind.

Jax Teller leaned against his bike in the Charming High School parking lot, his leather kutte draped over his broad shoulders. With a lean, muscular build, he exuded an aura of danger on two wheels. His sandy blonde hair was a tousled mess, falling just below his ears and framing his face in a way that highlighted his rebellious charm. One flash of his boyish, crooked grin sent girls swooning, but when you walked past, you didn’t even glance his way.

Curiosity piqued, Jax straightened up. “Hey,” he called, his voice smooth yet laced with cocky confidence. “You too good to say hi?”

You turned your head slightly, raising an eyebrow at him. “What?”

“I’m Jax Teller.” He starts. “You’re Jimmy’s daughter, aren’t you?” his eyes narrowing slightly as recognition dawned. “I saw you at the clubhouse a few weeks ago when your old man patched into our charter.”

You shrugged, barely reacting. “Yeah, that’s me. So what?”

Jax smirked, intrigued by how unimpressed you seemed. “Just surprised I haven’t seen you around more,” he said, stepping a little closer. “You’re not into the whole MC thing?”

You quickly glanced him up and down, a playful glint in your eye. “Not really my scene.” 

Jax tilted his head, genuinely interested. “That why you won’t give me the time of day, huh?”

You shrugged again, a smirk creeping onto your lips. “Maybe you’re just not as charming as you think you are.”

His grin widened. Most girls would’ve melted under his attention, but you? You gave as good as you got. He liked that. “You might be right, but that’s not going to stop me from trying, darlin’,” he replied, adding a flirtatious wink. “Can I take you somewhere?” he asked, gesturing toward his bike.

You scoffed, glancing down at his bike and then back at him, your tone teasing. “With you? On that? No thanks. I only ride with my dad.”

“Alright, Pep, another time then,” he said, his tone light and flirtatious, making you bite back a smile.

“Pep?” you asked, confusion furrowing your brow. 

“Pepper,” he explained, grinning widely. “You’re kind of spicy, and I like that. I think that nickname suits you.”

After rejecting his ride, he hopped on his bike, strapping on his helmet, ready to leave. “We’ll see how long it takes before you’re begging me to give you a ride.” he said, his voice dripping with innuendo. 

You flashed him a smirk, determination in your eyes. Cool, calm exterior. “Oh, don’t hold your breath, Teller.”

But inside, a rush of conflicting emotions surged through you. His words caused your stomach to flip. The easy banter was just a front; beneath it lay the undeniable pull between you, and you felt it tugging at your heart. As you watched him take off, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you’d be craving that ride sooner than you’d like to admit. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After that first encounter, it was like a slow, steady burn between you and Jax. At first, you made it a point to keep your distance, though it was impossible to ignore the magnetism between you. He’d always find an excuse to talk to you in the halls, leaning against lockers like he owned the damn place. You’d roll your eyes, give him sass, but there was always that spark — the kind that lit up the air around you both.

Then came the day he convinced you to ride with him. He pulled up to your house one Saturday afternoon, engine rumbling beneath him, and shot you that devil-may-care grin. “C’mon, Pep. You’ve been avoiding this long enough.”

You narrowed your eyes at him, one hand on your hip. “I told you, I don’t do rides, Teller.”

But there was a challenge in your voice, and Jax heard it loud and clear. He just revved the engine, making it purr, his gaze never leaving yours. God, he was cute. “One ride with me. You don’t like it; I’ll never ask again. Please.”

You didn’t respond right away, but the way your heart thumped in your chest betrayed you. Something about Jax made you want to push your own limits, and this was no different. Relenting, you grabbed the helmet he offered and swung your leg over the bike behind him, wrapping your arms tightly around his waist. His body was warm and solid beneath your hands, and you could feel his heartbeat through his leather.

The bike roared to life, and before you knew it, you were speeding down the back roads outside town. Wind whipped through your hair, the world a blur of color as the adrenaline pumped through your veins. Every time Jax took a sharp turn, your grip on him tightened, but soon you weren’t holding on out of fear, you were holding on because you didn’t want to let go. The rumble of the engine, the feel of the wind, the pure freedom - it was intoxicating. And the way Jax handled the bike, confident and effortless, only added to the rush.

He’d glance back at you every now and then, smirking when he saw you weren’t just holding on anymore; you were leaning into it, craving more of that wild thrill. And with every ride, it became more than just adrenaline. It was the way he made you feel when you were with him, completely invincible, like nothing in the world could touch you.

The weeks turned into months, and a montage of memories built up between you two. Sneaking out at night, the hum of his bike your only soundtrack as you wrapped yourself around him, laughing into the wind. Bonfires by the old quarry, where he’d pull you close with that cocky grin, his touch always gentle with you.  Late-night rides to nowhere, where you’d hold him a little tighter, whispering sarcastic comebacks into his ear even as your heart betrayed you, racing faster with every mile.

Then there were those unexpected moments, the quiet ones that caught you off guard. Like when you found yourselves perched on the roof of Teller-Morrow, cocooned in your own little world. In those instances, a different side of Jax emerged—one that was introspective and thoughtful. He would often pull out a notebook, jotting down his thoughts and feelings, exposing a vulnerability that stood in stark contrast to his tough exterior. As he lit a cigarette, you would lean into him, savoring the warmth radiating from his body. You’d tease him playfully, the banter punctuated by that same smile tugging at the corners of your lips. And when you thought he wasn’t paying attention, your gaze would linger on him just a little too long. 

It wasn’t long before you realized something had shifted. The thrill of the ride was more than just the speed and adrenaline. It was the way Jax’s hand would find yours when you weren’t paying attention, the way he’d look at you like you were the only thing that mattered. It was the sound of his laughter, the way his eyes softened when he saw you, the fire and sass he loved to tease but never tried to tame.

One night, after a long ride along the coast, the two of you sat by the edge of the cliff, the ocean crashing beneath you. Jax was beside you, leaning back on his hands, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “You know,” he said after a long stretch of silence, his voice low, “I didn’t think you’d ever actually give in.”

You turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow. “Give in to what?”

He grinned, that playful glint in his eyes. “To this. To riding with me. To… us.”

For a moment, you just looked at him, the sunset painting his features in warm, golden light. You couldn’t deny it anymore. The exhilaration wasn’t just from the rides, it was from him. 

“I guess you’re not the worst company,” you admitted, rolling your eyes even as you leaned into him, your head resting against his shoulder.

He chuckled softly, his arm slipping around your waist, pulling you closer. “Yeah, well, you’re my Pep. No one else like you.”

And that’s when you knew you had fallen, not just for the rides, but for the boy who had made you feel alive in ways you hadn’t expected. The boy who saw through your sarcasm, who called you Pepper because he liked your fire, and who made your heart race faster than any ride ever could.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Senior year was a whirlwind. While you were focused on your classes and keeping up with your honor roll status, Jax was slipping further away from school. He barely showed up anymore, spending most of his time at the garage or with the club. There were days when you’d catch glimpses of him, riding in with Opie, that familiar roar of their bikes, the MC patch on his back more of a constant presence than his textbooks.

You had always known Jax was different, more interested in bikes and the MC life than anything school had to offer. But now, it felt like he was already halfway out the door while you were still trying to figure out where the future would take you.

The contrast between the two of you was glaring. You were getting acceptance letters from universities across the country, each one congratulating you on your achievements. It felt surreal, but there was this gnawing ache every time you thought about leaving Charming — leaving him. You had spent the last couple of years with Jax as your constant. The idea of being somewhere without him felt like cutting away a part of yourself.

One afternoon, you met Jax at the garage after school, where he was elbow-deep in the engine of a Harley. He looked up when he heard you approach, wiping his hands on a rag, that familiar grin stretching across his face. “Hey, Pep,” he called, dropping the rag and walking toward you, pulling you in for a quick kiss. “How was your day? Ace another test?”

You rolled your eyes with a smile, nudging him playfully. “Actually, yeah. I got into Berkeley.”

Jax’s face lit up with pride. “Damn, look at you. That’s huge, babe.” He wrapped an arm around your shoulders, squeezing you affectionately.

You leaned into him, inhaling the familiar mix of leather, grease, and smoke. “Yeah… but it’s kinda far, Jax. And I don’t know if I want to go that far. I was thinking maybe San Fran or even Fresno. Somewhere closer.”

Jax looked at you, brow furrowing a bit as he leaned against the workbench. “You’re gonna throw away Berkeley for Charming? Why?”

You shifted, feeling the weight of your answer before you even said it. “Because of you,” you admitted, voice soft but steady. “I don’t want to be miles away from you, from everything I know, my dad. I want to study law, stay close, and—”

He cut you off with a kiss, pulling you closer, his hand resting at the back of your neck. When he pulled away, his eyes were soft but conflicted. “You’re too good for this place. You’ve got this big, bright future ahead of you, and I don’t want to be a reason you hold yourself back.”

You searched his face, trying to understand where this was coming from. “You’re not holding me back, Jax. I want to be near you. Law school, everything — I can do that here.”

He let out a long breath, running a hand through his long hair. “I don’t have a plan. Shit, I’m barely gonna graduate. I’ll probably work at the garage, help with the club… I don’t know where I’ll end up, but it’s not gonna be college, that’s for sure.”

You grabbed his hand, intertwining your fingers with his. “I don’t care about that. I care about you. You don’t have to have some perfect plan. We’ve got time to figure things out.”

Jax smiled softly, but there was something behind it, a flicker of doubt, maybe even fear. He pulled you close, resting his forehead against yours. “You deserve more than just ‘figuring it out.’ You deserve everything. And I don’t know if I can give you that.”

You held his face in your hands, making him look at you. “You’ve always been enough for me, Jax. Always. I’m not going anywhere unless you tell me to.”

Jax only kissed you, this time slower, deeper, like he was holding on to something he was afraid to lose. When he pulled away, he rested his forehead against yours, his voice barely a whisper. “I could never tell you to go. I just… I don’t want to hold you back.”

You kissed him back softly, the noise of the garage fading into the background. “You won’t,” you promised.

But even as you said it, there was a part of you that knew things would never be that simple, not with the club, not with the way Jax was already tied to a world that didn’t leave room for easy choices. Still, in that moment, with his arms wrapped around you and the world at your feet, you believed that somehow, you could make it work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Two years into undergrad and everything felt different. The late-night rides and stolen moments that used to bring you and Jax together now seemed like distant memories. You were buried in textbooks and case studies, drowning in deadlines and long hours at your internship. The law classes were brutal and balancing your workload with everything else left you running on fumes. You’d chosen a college about an hour outside of Charming, far enough to give you space but close enough to keep Jax in your life.

But even with that proximity, things were… different. The once easy connection between you and Jax felt strained, pulled thin under the weight of time, distance, and the lives you were both living now.

You were sitting at a small table in a coffee shop near your campus, your laptop open and legal notes scattered everywhere. Your phone buzzed, a text from Jax lighting up the screen. Hey, been trying to call. Busy?

You stared at the message for a moment, guilt swirling in your chest. You had seen the missed calls earlier, but your study group had gone long, and then there was work. You typed out a quick reply: Yeah, sorry. Studying. You okay?

His response came fast. Yeah, just haven’t seen you in a while. Miss you.

That simple sentence hit harder than you expected. You missed him too, desperately. Lately, it felt like missing him was all you did. You weren’t the same girl who had spent nights riding on the back of his bike, laughing into the wind. Now, you were someone constantly pulled in a dozen directions, and Jax was being swallowed up by the club. He was taking on more responsibilities with the Sons, more rides, more late nights. And you knew what came with that lifestyle - the danger, the temptations. You’d heard about other women. Nothing concrete, but the rumors alone were enough to keep you awake at night.

You texted back, I miss you too. Maybe I can come by tomorrow?

Yeah. I’ll be at the clubhouse. Be good to see you.

The next day, you drove back to Charming, your stomach knotted with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. You parked outside the clubhouse, a place that used to feel like a second home, but now felt distant — like you didn’t quite belong in Jax’s world anymore. You walked inside and immediately saw him at the bar, his back turned as he talked with Opie.

“Hey,” you called, and he turned, that familiar smile lighting up his face as he saw you.

“Hey yourself!”  he said, walking over to wrap his arms around you, a tender kiss placed on your lips. The feel of him, solid and warm, instantly melted some of the tension inside you. For a moment, it felt like everything could be okay, like you were still those two kids who fell in love years ago. But as soon as he pulled away, reality slipped back in.

He led you back to his clubhouse room. Both of you sitting on the bed, his hand resting on your leg as if to anchor you both. You made small talk, catching up on each other’s lives, but the conversation felt stilted. There were gaps now, things unsaid between you, like the life he was leading in the club, the hours he spent with them, and the stories you heard but never wanted to ask about.

“School’s killing me,” you admitted. “I barely have time to breathe, let alone come back here. It’s just... a lot.”

Jax nodded, but you could see the distance in his eyes, the frustration he was trying to mask. “Yeah, you’ve been busy. I get it.”

You sighed, looking into his eyes. “Do you? Because it feels like… I don’t know, like we’re both living these separate lives. When’s the last time we spent more than an hour together?” There was always this heightened tension between you two now.

Jax’s jaw clenched, and he leaned back, rubbing a hand over his face. “I know, I know. But it’s not just you. I’ve got a lot going on too, with the garage, the club and everything…” he trails off.

“And what does ‘everything’ include?” you asked, your voice quieter, a trace of the hurt you’d been holding back slipping through.

He looked at you for a long moment, eyes shadowed with a mix of guilt and defensiveness. “What are you asking?”

You hesitated. This was the conversation you’d both been avoiding, but you couldn’t pretend anymore. “I’m asking if there’s someone else, Jax. I’m asking if the club has taken more than just your time.”

His expression hardened, but there was a flicker of something else beneath it - regret, maybe. “There’s no one else, Pep. Don’t be ridiculous.” He snapped. “But this life… it’s not easy. And you’re not here as much. I’m not saying that’s your fault, but it’s how it is.”

You nodded, blinking back the sting in your eyes. “Yeah, I get it. You’re right. We’re both busy, and it’s hard. But we’re growing apart, Jax. And I don’t know how to fix that.”

He reached for your hand, squeezing it gently. “I don’t want to lose you. But I don’t know how to fix it either.”

There it was — the raw truth neither of you had said out loud until now. You still loved each other, deeply, but it was like trying to hold on to something that kept slipping through your fingers. The connection that had once felt so unbreakable was fraying at the edges, and neither of you knew if you could tie it back together.

You leaned into him, resting your head on his shoulder, his arm wrapping around you like it always had. For now, in this moment, you could pretend that everything was okay. But deep down, you both knew that things had changed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Another year had passed, and your relationship with Jax was hanging by a thread. Between the LSAT’s, your paralegal job, law school applications, you were constantly thinking about the future. A part of you still wanted that future to include Jax, despite all the cracks.

The tension between you two had been building for months. He’d invited you to a big MC party, but things between you were so fragile that you weren’t sure if going was the best thing. The law firm you worked for was in the middle of a huge case and you didn’t think you would be able to get away from the piles of research you had in front of you. Just as you were grappling with whether to go, your phone buzzed, Jax’s name lighting up across your screen.

Hey Pep, you coming to see me, or what? ;)

The pull between duty and heartache twisted in your chest. The case you were working on was critical, your future in law depended on it, and yet, a part of you longed to see him, to feel connected again. But you couldn’t ignore the creeping sense that you no longer fit in his world. The MC lifestyle felt more alien with every passing day.

Your fingers hovered over the keyboard. I’m slammed with work right now… not sure if I can make it.

The moment the message left your screen, a wave of anxiety hit you. Would he be disappointed? Relieved? Part of you wanted him to push back, to make you feel like you still mattered enough for him to want you there.

A few seconds passed, then your phone buzzed again. His response appeared almost immediately, as if he had been waiting for your message just as eagerly.

You’re always slammed with work. But this is important to me. Come on, it’s just one night. I miss you.

Your heart clenched. He was good at that, making you feel guilty for choosing anything that wasn’t him or the MC. You read the message repeatedly, feeling the weight of his words.

"I miss you."

It was what you wanted to hear, but at the same time, it left you more torn than before. School, the case, it all seemed so distant now. Your mind flickered back to the last time you'd seen him, the strained goodbye, the unsaid things between you two. Maybe one night wouldn't change anything, but what if it did?

The screen dimmed as your phone idled, but you couldn't take your eyes off the words, wondering if you could keep walking this fine line between your past and your future.

You typed out ‘I'll try’ and stared at it for a long moment, your thumb hovering over the send button. It felt like a compromise, a way to keep one foot in each world without fully committing to either. But as you sent it, a pit formed in your stomach. You knew deep down that it wasn’t just about this one night—it was about all the nights before and all the ones that could come after.

Your phone buzzed again almost immediately.

That's my girl. I’ll be waiting for you.

His words sent a familiar warmth through you, but there was something bittersweet about it too. His girl. You weren’t sure if you even belonged to him anymore. Jax had a way of making you feel like nothing had changed, like the years apart hadn’t put a canyon between who you were and who you’d both become.

You sighed, glancing at the stack of case files on your desk. The logical part of you said you should stay, focus on the case. But another part, the one that still longed for the way things used to be, pulled you towards him. Like always.

You decided to work for another hour, hoping the mountain of research would drown out the thoughts of Jax and then head to the party. But time slipped away from you and when you finally glanced at the clock, a surge of panic shot through you. You were hours behind. Cursing under your breath, you threw everything into your bag and bolted out of your dorm.

The drive to Charming was long and familiar, each mile pulling you back to a life you’d tried so hard to leave behind. You hadn’t heard from him; you knew you were hours later than you planned, and he probably thought you weren’t coming. You decided to surprise him at this point, to see his face when you showed up after all. Maybe you could feel like you still belonged in his world, even if only for one night.

The roar of motorcycles echoed faintly in the distance, a sound you knew all too well. You parked a little way down from the clubhouse, your heart hammering in your chest as you walked toward the sounds of the party.

The parking lot was crowded with bikes, the familiar smell of leather and gasoline hitting you as you approached the entrance. The music was loud, people spilled out from the doors, laughing and drinking. You weaved through them, feeling the weight of old eyes on you, some curious, others familiar.

As you stepped inside, the chaos of the party washed over you. It was everything you remembered - loud, wild, and unapologetically SAMCRO. You scanned the room, looking for him, the anticipation of seeing him again made your heart race.

As you navigated through the crowded room, the air thick with smoke, alcohol, and the unmistakable roar of laughter and loud voices, you couldn't help but notice the women, Crow-eaters as they were not so affectionately referred as, draped over several members. They were scantily clad, their bodies pressed close to the bikers, and you felt the sharp sting of being out of place. Their boldness, their ease in this world, it was a stark contrast to the careful, controlled way you lived your life now.

You tugged at the hem of your jacket, suddenly hyper-aware of the more conservative clothes you wore and the way you didn’t fit in. You were polished, buttoned-up, and in a crowd like this, it made you feel like an outsider. The club girls knew their place, their roles in the MC hierarchy clear, but you used to think you belonged here. Now it felt foreign, like you were intruding on a life that had moved on without you. You weren’t one of them, and as much as you tried to pretend this night was about reconnecting with Jax, the reality was painfully obvious. This just wasn’t your world.

When you finally spotted him, it wasn’t the reunion you imagined. There he was, in the corner, alone with another girl, a girl too close for comfort. She was laughing, her hand on his chest, and his expression wasn’t one of protest.

Your stomach dropped. You’d heard rumors swirling around for a while, whispers you hadn’t wanted to believe, but this? This was undeniable.

You stormed over, heart pounding. “What the hell, Jax?”

He looked up, startled and shocked, and you saw the guilt flash across his face. The girl backed off immediately, sensing the tension, but it was too late. The damage was done.

“Pep, wait—” he started, but you weren’t having it.

“Wait for what? For you to finish whatever this is?” You could hear the anger and hurt in your voice, and it took everything not to lose it right there in front of everyone.

Jax stood, frustration mixing with his own guilt. “Shit, Babe - It’s not what it looks like. She’s no one, I swear—”

“Then why was she all over you?” You could feel your hands trembling, the betrayal sharp in your chest. “Do you even care anymore, Jax? Or am I just holding on to something that doesn’t exist?”

He stepped closer, grabbing your arm gently. “Of course I care. Pep, you know I love you and I’m not screwing around.”

You wanted to believe him, but that image of him with her was now burned into your mind. Still, as you stared into his eyes, the same eyes that had looked at you with love for years, you found yourself softening. Maybe it was out of habit, maybe it was out of hope, but you nodded, letting out a shaky breath, not wanting to do this with an audience. “Jax, this can’t happen again.”

He nodded quickly, pulling you into his arms. “I know. I’m sorry. I’ll do better. I swear.”

After the confrontation, he had come to you, apologizing, trying to explain away the situation as a misunderstanding, a mistake. And in that moment, you wanted so badly to believe him, to let the history between you two be enough to erase the pain of what you’d seen.

You stayed and he held you close that night, whispering promises that felt hollow. His arms around you were familiar, but they no longer felt like home. You could feel the space between you two, even as he lay beside you, his breath steady as he fell asleep.

You stared at the ceiling, your mind racing. Everything about this night, this life was a far cry from what you had imagined your future would look like. It didn’t matter how many times he apologized or promised to change. Something between you had shifted, and no amount of love was going to fix it. You knew deep down, as you lay there in the dark, that this had to be the end.

It wasn’t just about the girl he flirted with or the way he had laughed with her like you didn’t exist. It was about the path you were on, the future you were fighting for. It was about who Jax had become and who you had grown into. Jax had chosen this life, and in exchange, never fully choosing you. The club would always come first, and that realization cut deeper than anything else.

Your heart felt heavy as you got dressed quietly, careful not to wake him. The thought of leaving without saying goodbye tore at you, but you knew this had to be done. You had to walk away before the weight of staying crushed you.

You leaned down, placing a soft kiss on his lips, your hand resting on the side of his face, memorizing the feel of him one last time. His lips moved slightly under yours, and for a moment, you thought he might wake, but he didn’t. Part of you was relieved, saying goodbye right now would have been too hard.

Standing over him, you took a deep breath, knowing this might be the last time you’d ever see him like this, your Jax - peaceful, vulnerable. Your eyes lingered on him before you turned and walked out of the room, your heart breaking with every step.

The drive out of Charming felt endless, every mile putting more distance between you and the life you once knew. It gutted you to leave him behind, but deep down, you knew it was the only way to save yourself. You had outgrown this world, and it was time to let go of the one person you thought you’d never lose. As you merged onto the highway, the sun barely beginning to rise, you wiped away the tears that had silently fallen. This was the end, and even though it hurt like hell, you knew it was the right choice.

It had been a few weeks since that night and the heaviness in your heart had only deepened. You spent countless hours wrestling with the decision to end things with Jax. The memories of laughter and love felt like distant echoes, overshadowed by the harsh reality of your lives drifting apart. Tonight, you’d finally decided you were going to have the talk - the one that would sever the last ties binding you to him.

As you gathered your things, the clutter of books and notes on your desk only reminded you of the life you were trying to build apart from him. The stack of law books felt like a barrier, protecting you from the emotional storm you knew was about to hit. You took a deep breath, steeling yourself for the words you would say.

Just as you were about to walk out, a firm knock echoed through your small dorm. You paused, quizzical. You weren’t expecting anyone, and a twinge of anxiety twisted in your stomach.

“Hey,” came the gruff voice from the other side, and your heart dropped. It was Jax.

You opened the door, and your breath caught in your throat at the sight of him. He looked pale, his normally vibrant eyes clouded with something heavy. His usual confident demeanor was replaced by an unsettling vulnerability, and it sent a jolt of panic through you.

“Jax? What’s wrong?”

He stepped inside, his presence both comforting and terrifying. “I—” His voice cracked, and he took a moment, visibly struggling to find the right words. “It’s your dad. He… he’s gone.”

The world around you seemed to tilt on its axis. “What do you mean, gone?” you stammered, heart racing. “What happened?”

His gaze dropped, and he rubbed the back of his neck, a gesture that made your stomach churn. “There was a deal that went south. He got caught in the crossfire. They got him to the hospital, but it was too late.”

Shock flooded your body, a cold wave that left you feeling numb. “No. No, this can’t be happening.” You stumbled back, your vision blurring as tears threatened to spill over. Your father had always been your rock, the steady hand guiding you through life, it had always been just the two of you. “What do you mean caught in the crossfire? He was just… he was fine. I just saw him!”

Jax stepped closer, his expression pained, his own tears threatening to spill over. “I’m so sorry, baby.”

You shook your head, refusing to accept the reality he was laying before you. “You don’t understand. This is… I can’t… I don’t even know how to process this.” The words tumbled out, a desperate plea for understanding that fell flat.

He reached for your arm; his grip firm yet gentle. “Please, let me help you. You don’t have to go through this alone.”

The warmth of his touch ignited a swirl of conflicting emotions within you. He was the last person you wanted to turn to, yet in that moment, the desperation for comfort overpowered everything else. You felt so fragile, and the thought of facing this tragedy without him was daunting.

He cupped your face and in that moment, it was like the ground dropped out from under you. The room spun, and suddenly, everything—the fight, the tension, even your plans to leave Jax, seemed insignificant. Your dad was dead, and the club, the same club that had taken so much from you with Jax, had taken him too.

You collapsed into Jax’s arms, your tears soaking his shirt as you clung to him. And just like that, all your plans shattered. You weren’t thinking about law school anymore. You weren’t even thinking about breaking up with him. All you could think about was the fact that your dad was gone, and Jax was the only one who could understand the weight of that loss.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You and Jax made it through your father’s funeral, now bound together by grief, but even in the depths of your sorrow, it was a fragile connection. He had become your lifeline, holding you close as you navigated the crushing waves of loss. The club surrounded you, providing support in ways you hadn’t expected, ensuring that you wanted for nothing as you buried yourself in your studies during your last year of undergrad. You moved through life on autopilot, the world around you fading into a blur as you focused on school, pretending that everything would somehow work itself out.

As the months passed, acceptance letters from several schools filled your mailbox, a testament to your hard work and determination. But the joy of those accomplishments felt overshadowed by the grief that still clung to you like a heavy fog. Each letter was a reminder of a future you were hesitant to embrace. You were torn, unsure of where to go. Part of you wanted to stay close to Jax, to the familiarity of Charming, while another part yearned for a fresh start, a chance to break free from everything that haunted you.

But while you clung to Jax for comfort, the distance between you was palpable. You knew he was there, physically present, yet your relationship had become stagnant, a shell of what it once was. Jax provided a familiar solace, but it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap that had formed. The love that had once burned brightly now flickered like a candle, struggling against the grief that surrounded you both.

Everything came to a head one night at the clubhouse. As you paused outside Jax’s door, your hand froze on the doorknob, heart racing at the faint sound of laughter inside - his laughter. But he wasn’t alone. With a deep breath, you pushed the door open, and everything seemed to freeze around you.

There he was, sitting on the edge of the bed, shirt half unbuttoned, lips locked with some woman you didn’t recognize. Her laughter mixed with his, a sound that shattered your world once again. Time felt suspended as the reality of the moment set in.

“Jax!” The sound of your voice echoed painfully in the room, causing their laughter to halt abruptly. His eyes widened in shock, but they quickly filled with shame as he processed your presence. The woman beside him blinked, confusion dancing in her eyes, but you ignored her, shaking with betrayal as you stared at him. You didn’t even recognize him anymore.

“Shit! Pep, I—” he started, his voice thick with regret, but the words evaporated in the tension that filled the room.

Anger boiled within you, raw and relentless, as you stepped forward, heart racing. “You said you loved me! You promised you’d do better!”

He shifted uncomfortably, guilt etching deeper lines on his face. He couldn’t meet your gaze, knowing he had fucked up royally. The realization of what he had done hung heavily in the air, a small part of him recognizing that he had sabotaged your relationship out of fear. Fear of feeling stifled, of the stagnant love that no longer felt like home to him either.

When he reached out to touch you, desperation tinged with shame, you yelled. “Don’t! Don’t fucking touch me!” The slap was swift, fueled by raw emotion, landing with a force that surprised even you. The sound echoed in the room, sharp and definitive, as Jax's head snapped to the side, his face flushed with the imprint of your anger. The room seemed to hold its breath, and everything inside you unraveled.

The warmth and safety Jax once provided had turned cold. You could see the regret in his eyes, but it wasn’t enough to undo this betrayal.

That’s when Opie appeared, his expression a mix of sadness and empathy. He stood silently, a protective barrier between you and the pain. Without saying a word, he placed a hand on your shoulder, grounding you as everything inside you threatened to collapse. Jax remained quiet, his shame on full display, knowing he had lost something precious but feeling powerless to reclaim it.

“I’ll take care of her,” Opie said quietly, his voice steady. He didn’t need to say more; Jax knew better than to push. The hurt in his eyes was evident, but it was too late for apologies.

“Pep, please,” Jax finally managed, his voice hoarse, but it lacked the strength of conviction. His eyes were desperate, but beneath that desperation lay a deep-rooted acknowledgment of his failures, the realization that he had successfully pushed you away.

“Stop,” you snapped, tears streaming down your cheeks, anger morphing into deep-seated sorrow.

He stood there, paralyzed, unable to find the words that could ever justify this.

Opie stepped forward, his presence a comforting weight, trying to navigate you out of the room. “Come on. Let’s get you out of here.”

You turned away from Jax, feeling the ache of loss settle in your chest like a stone. Only a silent farewell passing between you. It was done. You and Jax were over.

As Opie led you away, the weight of everything crashed down on you. You had lost your father, and now, Jax too – his love that once brought you to life felt distant, unreachable. The noise of the clubhouse disappeared into the background, leaving you in a world where the only constant was your grief, and you didn’t know how to move forward.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leaving Charming felt like tearing a piece of your heart out. You had chosen the best law school you could, deliberately picking one as far away from California as possible. It was a decision that both terrified and relieved you. You needed to escape the memories, the grief, and, most of all, Jax.

As the day of your departure drew closer, the reality of it settled in, leaving you with an emptiness that clashed with your determination. You packed your things meticulously, each item a reminder of what you were leaving behind. But as much as you wanted to flee from your past, a part of you still ached for closure.

So, you agreed to meet Jax for a final goodbye, knowing it was something you both needed, even if it felt hollow. You chose a secluded spot in the park where you used to share lazy afternoons, a place where laughter once rang in the air. But today, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken words and lingering sadness.

Jax was already there when you arrived, leaning against his bike, arms crossed, looking every bit the man you'd fallen for. His eyes locked on yours, and for a moment, neither of you said anything. The silence felt thick, filled with all the things you couldn’t say anymore.

“So, this is it,” Jax finally said, his voice quieter than usual. There was no edge, no teasing, only rawness.

You nodded, unsure of how to respond without unraveling. “Yeah, it is.”

He looked down, running a hand through his hair, the same way he always did when he didn’t know what to say. “I get why you’re going. You need to do this.” Jax replied, his eyes searching yours for something - understanding, perhaps, or forgiveness. “It’s just… hard to believe you won’t be here.”

You swallowed, your heart tightening in your chest. All you could muster was a simple nod of understanding.

For a solitary moment, it was like time rewound, and you were back to being the two of you, before everything got complicated. Before the weight of the club, the violence, and the grief. It would have been so easy to fall into his arms, but you held yourself still, knowing that this moment wasn’t about holding on, it was about letting go.

Jax straightened, stepping closer, his blue eyes still searching yours. “I wanted this life for us, you know? A real future.” His voice broke, just slightly, and it hit you harder than you expected.

“I know,” you whispered, your own emotions threatening to spill over. “But that’s not where we’re headed anymore.”

He reached for your hand, his grip firm but tender, as if it was the last connection keeping you from drifting apart. “Just… promise me one thing.”

You looked at him, your throat tight with unshed tears. “What?”

“Don’t forget about me, alright? Even if I’m just a memory, don’t forget.”

The weight of his words settled deep inside you. You could promise that, but you weren’t sure how much of Jax would be left in you once you stepped onto that plane. Still, you nodded, because in that moment, it was the only thing you could give him.

“Goodbye, Jax.”

His jaw clenched, and he pulled you into a hug, strong and secure. The scent of leather, smoke, and something distinctly Jax, washed over you, making you dizzy with the realization that this was truly the end. And when he let go, you didn’t look back.

As you walked away, each step felt heavier than the last, there was no turning around. Not now. You had to let him go, even if part of you never would.

[anakinstwinklebunny]

mafia anakin being so tough and cruel to everyone but once he step to the house and you meet him with a warm smile he turn into a puddy in your hands (sorry for my bad English)

The Softness of Power

TW: none!! Just fluff cause I need fluff to live.

Author's note: of course love! This is a safe space, I don't judge your language abilities ;) tysm for the request, hope you'll enjoy it!

The heavy mahogany door creaked open, and ANAKIN SKYWALKER stepped into the dimly lit hallway of his mansion. Outside, he was feared—the Mafia King, ruthless and cold. His name alone sent chills through the spines of anyone who dared to cross him

He had just come from a 'meeting' that ended with blood on his hands and he swore the weight of decisions still lingered in his mind. Because for Anakin, when it came to business, everything was expected to be perfect. No mistakes, no betrayal - because if, there will always be a punishment. Now, hours later, his jaw was still clenched, shoulders tight and every muscle coiled with lethal tension.

Yet the moment his eyes found you standing at the other end of the hall, bathed in the warm glow of a flickering fireplace, everything changed. Your smile, so genuine and unguarded, softened the hard lines of his face. You stood there like an angel, wearing one of his (for you) oversized shirts, your feet bare on the cold marble floor.

"You're home," you stated softly with voice nothing but gentle

He just exhaled, as if it alone was enough of a response while he quickly took off his shoes and, without caring about his outdoors clothes, made his way to you. The coldness in his eyes was no longer there, replaced by something much more tender. He reached for you, hands that had once delivered death now seeking warmth, gentleness - something he knew you could provide. His large frame towered over you, but in your presence, he was no longer the Mafia king—just a man. Your man.

As you wrapped your arms around his neck, you felt his face dipping into the crook of your neck. He squeezed you in his arms, grasping you almost in fear as if you were about to leave - like everyone else "You have no idea how much I need this," he muttered into your skin, voice gravelly yet filled with vulnerability he didn't dare to show anyone yet you

You moved your hands up to the back of his head to ran your fingers through his tousled hair. Your lips pressed a soft kiss to the base of his ear. "Rough day?"

"You could say that," the darkness of his world still lingering in his tone. But with you, that darkness began to slowly fade. You were the light he didn’t deserve yet so desperately needed. As if without you, his being didn't make sense, wasn't full filed

“Come on,” you whispered, tugging now at his hand towards the couch. “Let me take care of you.”

He followed without protest, the fierce, commanding man from earlier gone, replaced by someone who only craved your touch, your softness. You guided him to sit, and he collapsed onto the couch, his head falling back, eyes closing

You straddled his lap and your hands moved to unbutton his shirt, revealing the firm planes of his chest. His breath hitched when your hands glided over his skin, tracing the familiar lines of his body. You could see the flicker of desire in his eyes, but it wasn’t just lust—it was need. The need to be grounded, to feel something real amidst the chaos of his life.

“You don’t have to be strong here,” you murmured, pressing a kiss to his lips—soft at first, but deepening as his hands found your waist, holding you like you were his lifeline.

“You always make me feel so...” he murmured after your lips separated

“So what?” your lips brushed against his as you spoke.

“Like I’m not a monster"

Your heart clenched at his words. To the rest of the world, yes, Anakin was terrifying, unyielding. Something to be scared of. He was like a wild, dangerous animal that always bites. But to you, he was more than that. He was the man who would press gentle kisses to your forehead after a long day, who would give you everything you want. The man who held you close in the quiet moments of the night, the man who loved you fiercely despite his brokenness.

“You’re the only good thing in my life,” he murmured, his breath warm against your lips. “You’re the only one who makes me feel... whole..safe”

You smiled softly, kissing him again, slow and deep, as if to remind him of everything good, everything pure that existed between you. His hands roamed up your back, pulling you even closer, and in that moment, the world outside didn’t matter. The violence, the bloodshed, the power—it all faded away.

Here, in your arms, ANAKIN SKYWALKER wasn’t the Mafia king. He wasn’t a man feared by everyone around him. He was yours, and with you, he could be vulnerable. He could be soft.

And as you held him, whispering sweet nothings in his ear, you knew that no matter how dark his world became, he would always come back to you. You were his sanctuary, his safe haven, and in your arms, even the most dangerous man in the city could find peace.

“You’re everything I need,” he whispered, his voice hoarse as he pressed a final kiss to your lips. “And I’ll never let you go.”

You smiled against his mouth, your fingers threading through his hair, and for the rest of the night, Anakin let himself be exposed—let himself be loved again.

Because with you, the king could finally let down his crown.

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[blackenedsnow]

I have a request if that’s okay 🥺

Beetlejuice is in love with a breather who gets murdered, she finds beej in the netherworld and he’s devastated to see her there so he seeks vengeance on her murderer. Maybe they were an ex lover or something lmao. Hope that makes sense 😅

vengeance

WARNING: Murder and violence

PAIRING: Beetlejuice x (Fem) Reader

NOTE: Omg, I absolutely love this concept!!! No worries at all—it makes total sense. Hope you enjoy!

SUMMARY: When you’re murdered by an ex-lover, Beetlejuice finds you in the Netherworld and is devastated by your death. He is determined to make your killer pay for what they did.

You hadn’t expected to end up here, not so soon. Sure, Beetlejuice had told you all about the Netherworld—how it worked, how breathers like you never imagined what truly lay on the other side—but you always thought that was a conversation for some distant, far-off future. You had so much ahead of you. And yet, here you were, sitting in the waiting room of the afterlife, a ticket clutched in your hand with a number on it that seemed lightyears away from being called.

The soft hum of the waiting room filled your ears as other souls milled around, some with decaying features, others still in shock over their untimely deaths. You could feel the weight of it all pressing in on you, the strange stillness of this place mingling with the deep sadness in your chest.

I shouldn’t be here.

It wasn’t your time. Not yet. You had plans—dreams. And the person responsible for cutting all of that short? Your ex. Someone who, at one point, you trusted, even loved. But love had twisted into something darker, and when things fell apart, so did their sanity. The next thing you knew, you were dead. Just like that.

You shifted uncomfortably in your seat, eyes flicking around the room, trying to make sense of what was happening. And then, suddenly, something clicked in your memory. Beetlejuice.

You could call for him.

You didn’t need to wait for this absurdly long line or the endless bureaucracy of death. You had a connection. All it took was three little words.

“Beetlejuice,” you whispered, feeling a sense of urgency bubbling up inside you. You looked around nervously, half-expecting someone to stop you, but no one paid any attention. “Beetlejuice… Beetlejuice!”

The air in front of you shimmered for a moment before he appeared in a flash, his striped suit and wild green hair unmistakable. He looked around, momentarily confused, before his eyes locked on you.

“Holy shit,” Beetlejuice muttered, his voice lower than you expected, his usual manic energy dimmed. “Babe… what are you doing here?”

Your heart clenched at the look on his face—an expression you hadn’t seen before. Genuine sadness. He looked absolutely wrecked as he knelt in front of you, grabbing your shoulders as if he couldn’t believe you were really there.

“You—what the hell happened? You weren’t supposed to die yet!” he exclaimed, his hands gripping tighter as his eyes scanned your face, trying to piece together the situation. “You had so much ahead of you babe! This isn’t right!”

You swallowed hard, your own sadness mixing with the anger that had been festering since your death. “My ex,” you muttered, your voice thick with emotion. “They… they murdered me.”

The words felt heavy, even now. But Beetlejuice’s reaction was instant. His eyes flared, and his grip tightened even more. “Your ex?!” His voice was sharp, venomous. “That no-good breather piece of—” He cut himself off, pacing in front of you as if he could barely contain his fury.

“This is exactly why I hate 'em. No sense of decency!” Beetlejuice ranted, his anger growing by the second. But then, he stopped, his wild eyes snapping back to yours. “You didn’t deserve that! None of this. You were supposed to be out there, living your life, not stuck here... yet!”

He stared at you for a moment longer, and then a dangerous glint entered his eyes. “You know what? I’m not letting them get away with this.”

“Beej—”

“No, no, no. Don’t ‘Beej’ me,” he growled, that chaotic energy surging back full force. “You got murdered. I’m taking care of this. Your ex? They’re done.”

You could feel a twinge of apprehension, but also… satisfaction. If anyone could make this right, it was Beetlejuice. And honestly? You didn’t mind the idea of your murderer getting what they deserved.

Beetlejuice cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders, the manic grin spreading across his face as he prepared for what was sure to be a messy act of revenge. “I’ll be right back, sweetheart. Gonna go take care of some unfinished business.”

Before you could say anything else, he vanished, leaving you alone in the waiting room once more. The minutes stretched into what felt like hours, and you found yourself wondering how he was handling things. Part of you worried, but a much bigger part of you was just… relieved. You hadn’t deserved this fate. And knowing that Beetlejuice was out there, dealing with your murderer, brought some small comfort in the strange, unsettling place you now found yourself.

When Beetlejuice returned, his suit was slightly disheveled, and there was a smear of something dark on his cheek, but the grin on his face was positively gleeful. “Well, that was fun,” he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. “Your ex? Toast. And let me tell you, they didn’t see it coming.”

Relief flooded your chest, but it was quickly replaced by a gnawing realization that hit like a punch to the gut. The Netherworld—this waiting room—it wasn’t just for you. It was for everyone.

Including… your ex.

Your eyes widened as the truth settled in, the air suddenly feeling heavier. “Wait…” You swallowed hard, trying to suppress the panic rising in your throat. “Beej—my ex… They’re gonna end up here. Any minute now.”

Beetlejuice blinked, then grinned wider, looking almost entertained by your epiphany. “Ohhhh, right. Guess I didn’t think that part through, huh? But hey! Silver lining—you’ll get to see the look on their face when they show up and realize their breather days are so over.”

You groaned, burying your face in your hands. “Are you kidding me!? I don’t wanna see them again!”

He laughed, clearly enjoying your reaction. “What, you don’t think I did a good enough job making ‘em pay? Trust me, they’re gonna be in for a world of afterlife hurt.”

“Yeah, but I didn’t exactly plan on a reunion with my murderer!” you snapped, glancing nervously at the waiting room doors, half-expecting them to swing open at any moment with your ex walking through.

Beetlejuice shrugged, nonchalant as ever. “Eh, you’ll get used to it. Besides, once they get here, I can always… rearrange some things. You know, make sure they end up in a real fun spot in the afterlife.”

You shot him a look, torn between frustration and gratitude. “Beej, you’re not exactly making me feel better.”

“Well, how about this?” he said, leaning in with a sly grin. “No matter what happens, I’m here with you. I got your back—forever.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, his mischievous energy back in full force. “And who knows, maybe I can convince someone to fast-track ‘em straight into the most unpleasant part of the Netherworld. A special VIP treatment.”

You exhaled sharply, still unsettled but slightly reassured by Beetlejuice’s sense of loyalty. The waiting room felt more ominous now, but knowing he’d do whatever it took to make your afterlife bearable—even if it meant tormenting your ex—was something.

“Fine,” you muttered, crossing your arms. “But if they show up and try anything, I’m calling you immediately.”

Beetlejuice winked. “Don’t worry, babe. I’ll be waiting.”

You couldn’t help but smirk despite the tension. “Well, I guess we’ll see who shows up first then.”

He chuckled darkly. “Oh, I’m betting on it.”

[arendaes]

Owlcatober Day 2 - Fake Names

Day 2 of the @owlcatober prompts also marks my first attempt at a Rogue Trader fic! I don't have much more to say beyond being nervous to post this, and hope you enjoy 😅

The Spice of Life (904 words)

Fandom: Warhammer 40000 - Rogue Trader

Rating: T

Warnings: None

Ship: Jae Heydari/Rogue Trader

Characters: Jae Heydari, Female Rogue Trader

Can also be read here on AO3

“I do so love your eccentricities, shereen. But tell me - is there any point to this charade? I do believe everyone on Footfall knows the esteemed Rogue Trader Von Valancius on sight by now.”

Imogen turned her head slightly, shooting Jae a wry grin. "Do they now? Well, I suppose that for this evening, they'll have to be mistaken. After all, the feared Rogue Trader Von Valancius wouldn't dream of stepping foot off her ship without an entourage, now would she?"

Jae's answering chuckle was genuine, if strained. "You joke, but even such an agreeable personage as yourself has enemies. Perhaps dallying about the decks of Footfall under a fake name is not the wisest course of action, all things considered?"

Imogen stopped short, turning around to face her lover. With a hand thrown across her chest in mock indignation, she said, "Are you suggesting that Kartalis van der Thorn is not a believable name for someone such as myself?”

Jae laughed, and she was pleased it didn’t sound too much out of pity. “It sounds like you picked that name out of a hat, my love.”

“Maybe I did. After all, the preparations for this little surprise did take me quite a long time. There wasn’t much left to come up with a convincing moniker.” As she said this, she turned to Jae, holding out her arm.

“Ah, yes, let’s talk about this surprise, shall we?” Jae flashed her a winning smile as she took her proffered arm. They began strolling down the deck like it was the finest garden in the Expanse and not the scum-ridden hole it actually was. “Whatever it is must be quite important, given you are forgoing our usual entourage to reach it.”

Imogen shrugged. “Yes, but that’s not entirely why it’s just the two of us today.”

"Well obviously my esteemed company is the finest the Von Valancius flagship has to offer, besides your own, of course. But somehow, I doubt that is solely what this little sojourn is about."

"Oh, do you? Well, I'll have you know -" Whatever she wanted Jae to know was fated to dwell in obscurity for the moment, as a large shadow stepped out from the column in front of them, causing her to trail off and raise an imperious brow.

"Can I help you, sir?" she asked, trying her best not to let the agitation she rightfully felt creep too much into her voice. They were supposed to be incognito, after all. Best to save the threats for when she inevitably had to out herself as the Rogue Trader. Which, judging by the way the man continued to stare at them, a vacant half-smirk on his face as he was joined by three others, was going to be sooner rather than later.

He didn't answer, just jerked his head in their direction. If it weren't for the weapons, she might have mistaken it for a poor attempt to crack his neck.

"Told you," Jae whispered under her breath as drew out her pistol. With a sigh, Imogen unclipped the chainsword at her hip. The damn thing was only supposed to be for show.

***

"Ashmags. This was my nice coat." As she said this, Jae brushed another stray piece of gore from her shoulder. "Well, I'd say the secret is out. Rogue Trader Von Valancius is on Footfall. Now will you tell me what is so important that we had to risk life and limb?"

"We're almost there," Imogen said, reaching forward to pick another red glob of Jae's shoulder, earning her a wrinkled nose.

"Will you at least tell me where we're going? Adore you as I do, you did also just put my life at risk."

"Why, Lady Heydari, where is this recalcitrant reservation coming from? I've never known you to be one to balk in the face of danger."

Jae chuckled, though it distinctly lacked anything that could be called mirth. "You have been a bad influence on me, I'm afraid. Now I find the thought of either of our lives being cut short to be a very unwelcome one."

"Hm. Well, I guess it's a good thing I actually know how to use this chainsword, then?"

At this, Jae stopped walking, turning to give Imogen an exasperated look. Whatever words were meant to accompany it died in her throat as she caught sight of what was behind her. The officer's deck of Footfall was decorated in candles and roses, an elegant dinner for two laid out at the table nearest the bay window. It almost would have been romantic, if not for the general griminess that pervaded Footfall. "Is...is this the surprise?"

With a glance behind her, Imogen said, "Oh, yes. It might not be the fanciest of setups -"

"You can say that again."

"But I thought perhaps it would be nice for us to get off the ship for a while. Just the two of us."

Jae drew closer to her, a genuine smile playing at her lips. "I do appreciate the effort, I will admit. Though next time, I would prefer we remain on the ship. Your quarters are much nicer."

Imogen wrapped her arms around her, pulling her closer. "All right. Though I believe there's an old Terran saying -"

Whatever this saying was, it was lost when Jae leaned forward and pressed her lips to hers, pulling her close as she could get her.

[sh1-n0bu]

OH NO NOBU KSAGJ

I'm so glad you saw the red flags with this group of religious people 💀💀

Immediate baptism is definitely not normal askgnj, (based on my experience), there's actually classes and stuff to get baptised, because you're supposed to like. Actually know what you're getting into, and they wanna make sure that the person is really serious about wanting to stick with the religion (Christianity is my reference, but idk about other religions). Cos like someone can't commit wholeheartedly if they have no idea what they're committing to ykwim??

STAY CAREFUL OUT THERE NOBU, RELIGIOUS CULTS ARE SCARY

(sorry for getting rambly, I get worked up about religious people pressuring others)

~ a concerned🧁anon

well, they did told me abt the baptism steps and what it does but still, an immediate baptism after only telling bits and pieces abt ur religion is super weird💀💀 like bitches even called an older person inside and i was like “i found it odd how the bible verses u told me says that everyone is going to be saved yet say that non-believers would be thrown into lake of fire. so, are u saying that other religious ppl would be included?” and bitch straight up dodged my question with a

“i just want ur soul to be saved😃😃” like BITCH STOP PLAYING AND STOP SMILING AT ME😭😭

[uncanny-tranny]

Amatonormativity has destroyed so many people's understanding and acceptance of themselves, and it's heartbreaking.

Yes, it is normal to be in your 20s, 30s, or older and not have lost your virginity, had a first kiss, or a partner. It is normal to say that you aren't ready for those things, too! It is normal if your life doesn't follow the "college graduate -> engagement -> buying a home -> 2.5 kids and a dog" trajectory that so many people have idealized.

So many people associate maturity with losing your virginity, or having a first kiss, or a serious relationship, and I think that's a dangerous association. Maturity isn't gained through those things, and you don't have to have those experiences to be considered "mature" or "grown." It is not a bad thing to go at your pace. Nobody else can live your life but you. If you end up having those experiences, that's great! But it should be done because you want to experience them, not because you feel "broken" and "immature" without them.

[silverwhittlingknife]

good coping mechanisms [not pictured]

nightwing 116 & red robin 12

[suffarustuffaru]

why the emilia camp thinks otto is their most threatening member 👍

i see some people being confused on why the emilia camp collectively seems to agree that otto is the biggest threat there for some reason and like. yeah. i get it.

but let me explain real quick why i think it makes sense for the emilia camp to think that :O !!

otto though is disarming because. well okay look at him he doesnt look threatening at all. he has the looks and personality of a wet cat. hes whiny. hes cringe fail. he gets stressed out with paperwork. he looks like you could just smack him around like a bug. he HAS been smacked around like a bug. but that makes him unpredictable because apart from roswaal, he is the Most Amoral one there. you can expect roswaal to be trying some shit, but youd never know when to expect otto is planning something. his moral compass is just “does this benefit me or my loved ones in some way? if not, then its gonna be gone 🥺”.

sure, he does nice things sometimes out of the goodness of his heart. he genuinely means well a lot of the time.

but also then you read the shit hes thinking in his internal dialogue and its like.

“should i go save some girl i dont even know from bandits??? hmm lemme think for a couple minutes. im the only one that can help rn… some guy claiming to be her dad is begging me to help his daughter, but also hes kind of annoying… but i dont even live in this city so why should i help… or Care. actually. but i feel kinda bad about this girl… but also this is gonna put me and my profits in danger… but if i reject helping then im forever gonna be known as the guy who abandoned them and then i wont be able to make any sales in this city anymore :<<<< ……anyway im gonna help them then lol im so smart.” and then he gets captured by the exact same bandits anyway so hes like “well okay now me and this girl might be sold into slavery so i might as well save both of us or ill feel bad ☝️☝️”

(yes. yes this is genuinely ottos thought process if you read through the Otto's Bittersweet Peddling Log side story.)

except all the back and forth Calculation he does in his head Stays In His Head and doesnt match up with his outward appearance most of the time. which means that sometimes his words dont match up with his actions. “dont be surprised if i leave at the first sign of danger,” he says, right after risking his life and writing a suicide note over a dude hes known for like four days. “ahah thanks for giving me a vacation to see my family…” he says, damn well knowing he cant go back home yet otherwise he’ll get sniped by assassins. “im gonna give you some of my own money bounty money to help you BUT BUT BUT DONT THINK THAT IM NICE OR ANYTHING I NEED MOST OF THE MONEY FOR REPAIRS OK YOU CAN ONLY HAVE A BIT :<<<“

this also means that whenever otto says or does something Particularly Questionable, all his friends are still kinda blindsided by it because otherwise otto seems Mostly Fine in comparison to whatever the hell everyone else has going on. hes just a wet pathetic cat of a guy ahah. theres nothing more going on with h—

“if everyone in vollachia dies but rem and natsuki-san live, then we’ve won. if everyone in vollachia lives but rem and natsuki-san die, then we’ve lost.”

um otto can you repeat that. what the fuck did you just say.

otto looks Mostly Normal, Just Stressed Out or Somewhat Chilling the vast majority of the time, and then he whacks you over the head with a steel chair. like can you imagine being garfiel and learning that this pathetic rag of a man is actually pretty brave when it counts. youre like “oh cool lol we kinda beat each others asses and i was Annoyed but now that thats all over i got some newfound respect for you!!” and then you read through his diary and hes got a suicide note in there, which is like. okay fine whatever hes kind of a clown just like my New Captain lol but hes dedicated to his friends, ill give him that. and then a year later you find your now brother figure (whos also lowkey highkey an alcoholic) with a broken hand after punching a wall because he couldnt do his Lets Abandon 50 Million People Plan and youre just sitting there going

and okay dont get me wrong—subaru is Batshit Crazy. in Multiple Incomprehensible Ways. if the emilia camp (or Anyone. At All.) knew about all the shit hes done and been through with rbd, subaru would INSTANTLY be skyrocketing up the Most Threatening People list. but at the same time subarus less threatening than otto in the sense that subarus Always going to want to do good. hes Always going to want to save everyone. hes Extremely forgiving, on top of that. he goes along picking up friends everywhere he goes in his own Incomprehensible Unhinged Way and hes fond of All of them.

otto? yeah his opinion of you could shift on a dime and you could end up in his personal shit list unless youre one of the *checks list* *clears throat* maybe like ten people he cares about. and even if youre on the I Care About You! :) list, he could still get pissed enough at you to, i dont know, punch a wall over you? and spiral into obsession? and even if hes not upset at you hes still gonna mansplain manipulate malewife his way to his goals <33

and yeah of course subaru is also Mansplain Manipulate and Gaslight Gatekeep but at least he has way more good intentions AND his attitude about it is gonna be like "sorry :<<< i just gotta do this for your sake :<<<<<< :((( haha dont worry about it". subaru would never ever want to do anything big to hurt his loved ones (except for rbd). while otto doesnt even bat an eye. everyone can be manipulated if he has to. he goes down his list of Things I Need To Do and goes "yeah that had to be done. oh well. anyway i got more shit to do (like maybe kill a toddler lol)"

also lets talk about roswaal's perspective really quick. post-arc 4 hes like "well subaru-kun is always gonna want to save everyone and hes doing a pretty good job of things in general so whatever lol. i can still keep him in check by killing everyone if even one of his friends dies :)". so its like. YEAH subarus an Unhinged Wildcard. roswaal knows that. but right now subaru is more predictable and also again, roswaal knows he can keep subaru in check by making subaru have to reset if roswaal really needs to.

but otto? yeah ottos second in line for being an Unhinged Wildcard. but whats even worse is that otto is Basically Subaru but More Calculating and with a moral backbone thats Near Nonexistent. roswaal was genuinely concerned for otto in arc 8 for once and there was still Literally No Stopping Otto from being a stubborn little shit whos hell bent on all the maladjusted insane mentalities hes got floating around in his head, half of which he doesnt even say out loud, and all of which he thinks is Completely Right and that theres Nothing Wrong with what hes doing.

and also otto being underestimated and Not In The Tome was a big help as to how subaru got the win over roswaal in arc 4 👍and then otto Continues to try keeping an eye on roswaal after arc 4, to the point of getting roswaal's tome and actively trying to investigate roswaal's actions, so roswaal is Very Aware that otto is. a bit of a threat. roswaal of course is smarter and more powerful than otto though, but that still doesnt change the fact that otto is still capable of being a threat if roswaal doesnt Also kind of keep an eye on otto back. because roswaal kind of lost to otto already in arc 4!!

but okay, on top of all of this, no one knows the full extent of whats going on with otto, not even roswaal (though he has his Suspicions), and most definitely not subaru yet (whos Still a bit of an otto apologist anyway), and otto is already a bit menacing even without knowing All of that. and the rest of the emilia camp are already a bit more lenient with roswaal (as hes seemingly chilled out after arc 4 + they all need him still). that, and you can easily Expect roswaal post-arc 4 to be suspicious and Probably up to something. you wont know what it is, but you wont Exactly be surprised when it happens.

and also roswaal isnt publicly batshit crazy like otto is. otto of course isnt as Openly Weird as subaru, but otto is still Openly Unhinged and Pathetic. just look at him declaring julius and anastasia, HIS CAMP'S ALLIES, as enemies right to their faces alsdfjlsdjfl.

and with subaru, there is Zero doubt in the emilia camp's minds that subaru wants the best for them and everyone around them.

otto though? yeah he also wants whats best for the camp. he Cares about them, he really does. but hes so obviously Questionable by the time you get to arc 8 to the point where the entire rest of the camp starts eyeing him like this:

theres also the fact that ottos dp allows him to have eyes and ears Everywhere so long as he doesnt overuse it. that paired with his Intelligence, Stubbornness, and Lack of Morals or self-awareness/sometimes guilt/regret over his actions is dangerous. theres a reason why gluttony if subaru decided to flood The Entire Surrounding Area Around Otto. the flood took away the potential army otto couldve made out of the animals and allies otto had in the city, and once you do that, whats otto going to do against someone like shaula? all of ottos power regarding his People Skills and Animal DP was stripped away.

but if that Isnt stripped away... well honestly otto can do whatever the hell he wants the moment he figures out a solid plan to try and get what he wants. his biggest ability at the core of what makes him dangerous is his ability to quite Literally be in the background. so long as hes underestimated, so long as he still has secrets, no ones gonna know the full extent of his bullshit!! you cant stop him if you dont even realize what hes going to do, and hes Good at doing that!!

and if gluttonybaru hadnt taken out otto, subaru would be skyrocketing right to the top of ottos shit list after subaru literally just killed All of ottos (and previously subarus.) loved ones. otto wouldnt stop until he figured out how to destroy subaru. its to the point where im pretty sure if otto had to choose between destroying half the world vs kill gluttonybaru once and for all, otto would certainly choose one of those options in a Heartbeat.

anyway. if youre an emilia camp member, and you see the dude whos in charge of the Vast Majority of the factions political affairs, the guy who you Know is very intelligent and competent and determined when it counts, say shit like "if everyone dies in this entire country i wouldnt even give a single flying fuck as long as our friends get back safe and sound :) it would be such a loss if the entire country lived but our friends didnt :<<<" OF COURSE I WOULD BE LIKE YEAH THAT GUY IS THE MOST DANGEROUS ONE HERE. HE HAS THE SKILLS AND THE MOTIVATION TO BACK UP THAT STATEMENT AND I WONT EVEN KNOW WHEN ITD HAPPEN. he also has the Mental Instability to back that up too, given the amount of times he spends drinking and Raging and Being Terribly Anxious over Every Little Thing.

youll be sweating buckets being wary of otto while ottos casually standing there with his wet cat looks and a knife in your back.

and otto has, for the most part, some of the most normal trauma compared to a bunch of people in this cast (not to discount ottos trauma and pain or anything but its true lajdsfls sorry otto. but also im not sorry because arc 5 was partially on you T^T). he doesnt have rbd, he doesnt have some weird family drama bullshit going on like the astreas or emilias family or the segmunts, he hasnt been erased by gluttony, etc etc. but hes still like this. if you put him in subarus position and gave him rbd, he would get even worse than he already is.

yeah so anyway thats my quick rambley psa about why i think it makes sense that the emilia camp's voted otto as the most threatening one there 👍

but the fact that we (the audience) (or at least some of us!!) keep questioning why the hell the emilia camp thinks otto is the biggest threat there is means that otto's funny silly guy image is. Kind of Working??? just a little bit.

because. granted. of course i think subaru is easily the most threatening person there with both His Flavor of Insanity and rbd. subaru is an eldritch horror in every single way. but at the same time - hes an eldritch horror who thinks friendship is the best magic of all T^TT !!! he FORGIVES PEOPLE WHO'VE KILLED AND TORTURED HIM. hes not threatening in this sense - the fact that hes kind of just way too nice in this sense!!! granted yes, he IS abusing rbd and Terrifying and Threatening in a multitude of ways, but i'd rather take my chances with mainbaru over main otto right now HAH T^TT at least subaru will apologize and start bawling his eyes out if he stabs some random innocent civilian and stranger in the gut for Some Necessary Reason!! otto would feel a bit bad and then completely Eradicate that feeling of guilt with "i had to do it. it was them or me so no regrets <3".

because otto..................... yeah otto is the Worlds Most Pathetic Yandere to his whole camp.

[posletsvet]

When Geto goes searching through the Time Vessel Association's facilities one by one, who or what is he looking for, exactly?

He knows Satoru is dead. Riko, too. I can't possibly imagine what it could've been like -- to come back to your senses and be hit with this realisation all over again. What thoughts raced through his head as he traced his steps back to where he'd left Satoru? As he approached that site of slaughter which Satoru's promise had become, how did he prepare himself to see his best friend's corpse? And then he saw nothing but the clearing torn through the ground like a ragged wound in Gojo's frantic attempt to keep the enemy in sight, buildings adjacent to the main shrine ripped out by their foundations and blown to smithereens. A splatter of sickening crimson where Toji landed his final blow. A few bug-like fly-heads still lingering. No bodies left.

How could Suguru make sense of Gojo's body disappearing along with Riko's? Did he think of his closest friend's corpse getting sold on the black market as an honorary prize and feel his nerves clench close with desperation and anger? Did he make peace with never being able to mourn Satoru properly, or was it a thought thrumming in his head like blood in his temples? Was that what he feared to reveal while rummaging through the Star Cult's scattered buildings?

And what if it was an imperative from Jujutsu High?

For Shoko to be able to patch Geto up, he must have made his way back to the college after his confrontation with Toji. And I can hardly imagine Suguru, being as deligent and rule-abiding as he was, not reporting the failed mission -- and Satoru's (presumable) death, too. And as we know, in order to prevent a sorcerer from turning into a curse after death, they should be eliminated using cursed energy. And Gojo was killed by Toji, who, bound by Heavenly Restriction, had no cursed energy.

Does this mean that immediately after being healed by Shoko Geto got sent on a mission to confirm the state of Gojo's body and potentially deal with the consequencies of him turning into a curse? Judging by immense amounts of cursed energy that Gojo holds, the curse born after his death would be extremely powerful, with Geto likely being the only one on par with it as the other half of the strongest duo. It's only natural that in case of something like that occuring Suguru would be the one to be sent to deal with it. Even if that means purging a curse once known as his best friend.

So Suguru asking 'Is it really you, Satoru?' is not him taken aback by Gojo being alive (well, this, too, but I'd argue that a different reaction would be better fit to express this sort of disbelief), but rather him inquiring about the nature of his friend's resumed existence after he was announced dead by Toji: 'Is it you as I know you? Or is it a cursed apparition that came into being with your death?'

[jabeur]

okay like the thing is that suicide jokes and such are probably not that bad or that big of a deal if you're not really suicidal but if you're For Real suicidal or have been before and are not doing well mentally and you keep making them and start finding comfort in the thought you could kill yourself if you wanted to. be careful

[compacflt]

hey! i was just going through your blog, and i saw a post about ice&carole and mav&goose. i looked a bit more but i couldn't find a post about your take on mav and goose's relationship, so i wanted to ask what it was. if you have answered this, i'm sorry about asking you again. imo i think what they had was wayy deeper than friendship but complex and probably not romantic, but again, i just wanted to know your thoughts on it.

thank you! and this blog has probably been one of the best finds i have ever come across on tumblr, i'll be sad to see you go.

yeah, i was really trying to be suave and subtle and mysterious about it with this parallel

like, you should be able to figure it out for yourself.

but luckily for you i looooove beating dead horses. to a problematic degree.

the full story of my vision of mavgoose (moose?) is in the completed draft of the extras that are coming out on Saturday. about halfway through. But i want to bring it back to the internal craft-of-writing debate i brought up yesterday—my inability to summarize, or to cut superfluous sections that don’t really matter.

I’ll stick it under the cut for spoiler reasons, but i wanna show the simple first draft of this scene versus the complicated, heavier final draft. And I want to ask any of you, if you’re interested—as a reader, which is more impactful? which should i end up publishing?

the simple first draft:

then i kept turning it in my head thinking of different ways to edit it to say something slightly different, to get a little more specific, coming up with things to add, and ended up adding like five extra paragraphs. which is this:

about 1/4 of the final draft (by which i mean, this is about 1/4 of the whole final discussion scene, but the goosemav-specific content only goes on for about another graf [omitted bc spoilers]):

(so to answer your ask explicitly, i actually don’t think they were anything deeper than good friends. imo there’s no evidence that they were anything deeper than good friends, especially with maverick blowing goose/goose’s wishes off soooo many times [‘she’s lost that lovin feelin;’ volleyball; refusing to do the responsible thing at least twice even after goose tells him it puts his & his family’s livelihoods at risk…bro all he does is blow off goose]. see me bitching in the tags for more on this)

obviously in my head the complicated in-depth version ⬆️ is the True version, the version of events that really Happened. i think the writing is in some spots much more compelling. But it just doesn’t make for a particularly good reading experience when it’s surrounded by like 3/4 pages of other discussion of history! sometimes too much of (what i think is) a good thing turns that good thing bad! & this is a major keystone dynamic of my whole series so i just want to get it right, for my own peace of mind. I guess im asking you to be the harsh editor i wish i had sometimes, if ur interested in doing so—this is genuinely a major major problem i have with my writing, i can’t ever just leave well enough alone 😭 please let me know if simpler is better/less is more in this case! do i publish the short vague “the reader fills in the blanks” version or the long boring “here’s EXACTLY how i see it” version?

[semiotomatics]

what are the consequences of lying to a psychiatrist asking for a friend

[bipirate]

As much as i hate having to self isolate over christmas i know i'm doing the right thing. Like i want to see my family more than anything (we had our xmas gift exchange evening planned for today) but i dont want to run the risk of infecting them. And the idea that so many people rn have covid, know they have covid, and are continuing life as usual is so insane to me. Like did we forget everything from the past few years??

[ozlices]

watched the kdrama celebrity over the last few days. was hooked from the first few seconds bc the EDITING in the show, & just the cinematography in general is on a whole nother fuckin level, man.

also, just. a really great show in general. v good at building suspense & throwing loops & very nice themes/takeaways. also just a rly interesting way to convey those themes/takeaways.

i think the only issue we had w it was the romance, but. eh. it wasn't so bad that it took away from the ample amount of good shit in the show.

def recommend it!! especially to anyone who really enjoyed the glory bc it has v similar themes.