#math class is the source of inspiration

[nokyatiri]

oc(??) art? not really i just wanted draw pretty hair

[rafey-baby]

clumsy!reader is still bad at yoga and yoga instructor!rafe wants to keep her all to himself...

c/w: rafe being touchy & blatantly flirting w her, him getting jealous, slightly suggestive, reader being oblivious, 18+ mdni!

wc: 1.9k

idk if anyone missed him but he's back & better than ever !! (after a small vacation that ended up being almost 3 months :D)

some parts are more or less inspired by this, this, this & this ask

part 1

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

Rafe is in the midst of helping someone fix their posture when he hears the gates of heaven opening in the form of a melodious giggle chiming from the back of the room. He lifts his head in order to detect the source of such a vibrant sound; noticing that his favorite client is currently directing her attention towards some guy next to her.  

The joyful expression she’s sporting makes a scowl paint over his features. Why is this random man making her laugh like that?  

“Yeah, you got it. Just keep workin’ on it though,” he quickly dismisses the person he was helping before stomping over to find her practically lying on the floor with the guy’s hands on her calf, along with his mat pulled far too close to hers for Rafe’s liking.   

“I think you should bend it more here, right? I’m honestly not too sure,” the guy chuckles as he tries to figure out what she’s doing wrong.  

“No cause I have no idea how everyone else makes it seem so easy. It’s so hard to get it right, I feel so stupid half the time,” she complains with a huff, not even noticing Rafe looming within earshot.  

“Seriously, I thought this was a beginner’s class but it feels like some of these poses are meant for like literal pros,” he continues with a shake of his head. 

“I know, right?” another peal of laughter bubbles from her throat as she shifts into a seated position, giving up altogether.  

“Everything alright?” Rafe doesn’t mean for his tone to come out so clipped but there’s something in the way the guy’s touching her so freely that makes his hands curl into fists. 

He keeps reminding himself over and over again that this is a client, which means that he can’t just smash his face in— no matter how severely his fingers are itching for it right about now.  

“Oh, I was just trying to help her with this,” the guy explains in tandem with her head turning to look at Rafe. She seems startled.  

“Well, why don’t you focus on your own form for a change? I mean, s’kinda my job to help her, yeah?” he scoffs, making the guy halt his movements in a state of surprise before he's lifting his hands up in apology.  

“Damn, sorry dude,” he mutters out from under his breath while Rafe merely glares at him with the words stay professional bouncing around his skull.  

A tense silence follows, making her grow quiet while she takes slow sips from her water bottle as a distraction; wondering why he seems so bothered to see her talking to someone else.  

However, when he finally turns his attention towards her, she shrugs it off as him merely having a bad day because it seems like the only logical explanation to her. Because at the end of the day, him being jealous makes as much sense to her as her math homework in high school.

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

Rafe is convinced that the universe is purposefully trying to poke and prod at his limits, giving his carefully curated facade opportunities to crack— allowing for the borderline psychotic aspects of his personality to breathe through the crevices. Because only a week later, Rafe sees her entering the gym with another guy she seems to be awfully friendly with. 

“That’s crazy, I don’t even wanna know what Kie said to that,” she rolls her eyes jokingly while he’s showing her something on his phone.  

”Yeeeah, guess you could say she wasn’t the biggest fan,” he laughs in a carefree manner, raking a hand through his disheveled, sand-colored hair.  

“For some reason I’m not surprised,” she mutters out before she notices Rafe standing in the hallway leading to the yoga class. “Oh, gotta go so I’m not late. See you after?” 

“Yeah, I’ll be here. Think Pope said he’s gonna join me for leg day, so we’ll see if I’m still standing when you get back. But you have fun,” he offers her a wave before walking away towards the locker rooms. 

And at last, her warm eyes meet Rafe’s. “Hi,” her voice is soft, nearly shy; a stark contrast to her demeanor only a few seconds ago.  

“Hey,” he greets her in a casual manner, although his mind is somewhere else entirely. “So, that your boyfriend or?” he tries to approach the subject with nonchalance because it’s not necessarily any of his business.  

He’s not even sure why he’s asking— keeps telling himself that he’s just curious and tries to appear friendly by making small talk. After all, some clients have given him feedback on his apparently intimidating aura, claiming they don’t always have the courage to ask for his help because they get anxious he’ll judge them. Therefore, it's something he’s been trying to work on.  

“What? Oh, JJ? No, he’s just a friend. He goes to the gym here, so I usually just tag along with him. Free ride, right?” she answers with a lighthearted tone.  

“Right. Yeah,” he scratches at the back of his neck, contemplating whether or not to ask the next question since he doesn’t want to overstep any boundaries. However, there’s something deep in his stomach that grumbles at the prospect of her being in a relationship, makes him feel nearly insane and ultimately, makes the decision for him. 

“You, uh, you got one?”  

“What?” she asks, features coated in confusion. 

“A boyfriend, I mean,” his gaze is unwavering, eager.  

“Oh, um— no, I don’t. Why?” her puzzled eyes flit over the lines of his countenance, seemingly trying to grasp onto his motives. 

“Just, uh…wondering. I mean, he’d be kind of a dick if he’s not drivin’ you here himself,” he shrugs, a strange sort of relief making his shoulders feather-light when she lets out an airy giggle in response.  

“Yeah, honestly sometimes wish I had one just so he could drive me around and stuff,” she jokes while they begin to pad over to the class. 

“You don’t have your license yet?” he raises his brows in surprise.  

“No, I do. I just don’t really like driving. I don’t know why but it’s so stressful to me. Usually try to avoid it as much as I can,” she elaborates while gathering her hair away from her face and securing the strands into a ponytail.   

“Oh yeah? Well, if you ever need a ride home just let me know, alright?” he says, fighting the urge to tuck a loose tendril that has managed to escape the restraints of her hair tie back behind her ear.  

“Really? That’s so sweet of you! But, um, wouldn’t wanna be a bother,” the hesitation is present in her voice.  

“Nah, couldn’t bother me if you tried,” he promises, wishing they could talk for longer. However, the ocean of people flooding inside the room behind them cuts their conversation short.  

“You’re just saying that,” she dismisses him with a playful scoff. 

“M’being for real. You’re my favorite face around here. Plus, makes my job more fun when you’re always stumblin' on your feet,” he can’t help his mouth from twisting upwards at the way her eyes round out in response to his words. 

“Shut up. I’m gonna go set down my mat now, before there’s only space right in front of you,” she offers him a giddy smile that makes him grin like an idiot. Then, she’s tiptoeing away from him in order to locate a vacant spot. 

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

Rafe has become awfully familiar with these newfound feelings of fondness for the girl who’s by far the most helpless little bambi he’s ever encountered. He thinks she should honestly pick another hobby at this point, because maybe yoga just isn’t meant for her. However, he’d never say any of that out loud because even the thought of not seeing her getting all flustered while she loses her balance whenever he’s near makes him feel physically unwell.  

He’s not entirely sure whether her apparently oblivious brain simply hasn’t caught onto the fact that he so clearly has a thing for her, or if she’s well aware and merely chooses to be a tease about it. Nonetheless, the moment she walked into the class today, he could feel his workout shorts tightening and all she’d offered him was a simple smile.  

And now she’s right in front of him, all tangled limbs and pretty eyes blinking up at him— practically begging for his guidance and for him to put his hands all over her (something she doesn’t seem to mind all that much).  

“You put this cute little set on just for me, huh?” he rasps out while his thumb smooths over the bubblegum pink fabric; feeling it out as he pinches the stretchy fabric between his fingertips, making her breath get caught in her throat in the process.  

“Oh, um— just wanted to…try out some new stuff I ordered. You think it’s cute?” she stares at him with something bashful glimmering in her eyes. 

“Mhm. Fits you nice,” he mumbles out as his gaze lingers on the way the tight material wraps around her figure, not leaving much to the (his) imagination. He bets it’d be so easy to just rip right through these cute yoga pants and pull her closer with a firm grip on her hips before burying his face between her plush thighs.

“Thanks,” she peeps out, flustered.  

He tries to shake off the improper, filthy thoughts with a clear of his throat when he gets caught staring at her for a little too long.  

“So, you actually wanna bend your leg on the other side of your body on the mat and support your foot with your left arm not the right one. Easy to get them confused,” he chuckles as she shifts her position according to his instructions as best as she can. 

“Like this?” she seeks reassurance with a soft tone.  

“Yeah, just like that, Bambi. Good job,” his mouth quirks up some while her mind begins to cloud over in response to his low cadence. She’s not entirely sure what exactly it is about him that makes her feel so fuzzy on the inside, but she thinks it’s nice, thinks she wants to always have him this close to her— wants him even closer.

She doesn’t remember the last time she’s had such an intense crush on someone— slowly turning into a crazy person by each second of not knowing whether he’s merely flirting with her for his own amusement or because he’s actually into her. However, she thinks she’s embarrassed herself in front of him far too many times for the latter to be true in any reality.  

“Then need you to move your right hand here,” he adjusts her form with a grip on her wrist while he maneuvers her to his liking; tingles erupting all over the skin he skims over with his fingertips.  

Her head is spinning.  

“See? Knew you could do it. Feels nice, hm?” he rumbles out, letting his hands rest on her shoulders for support, despite the position not really requiring it.  

She hums her response because she doesn’t trust for any coherent words to stumble out of her mouth at the moment, all the while Rafe is desperately trying to not pay attention to the nearly painful situation in his pants.

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

fellow + gidel ssr time fellas

(This bastard took an entire soft pity :(( but hey, I got a Dorm Uniform Jade dupe and finally FINALLY my first Dorm Uniform Floyd on the way, so I ain't too pressed about it.) RISE UP FELLOWIVES NOW’S YOUR TIME

***Character profile, voice lines, Groovy, and vignette spoilers below the cut!!***

First off! His official profile, coffin, and candy (Fox Candy):

(School) Grade/Class: None

Birthday: May 17 (Taurus)

Age: 26

Height: 181 cm

Dominant Hand: Right

Hometown: ???

Club: None

Best Subject: Mathematics (specifically Arithmetic)

Hobby: Watching theater

Dislikes: Saving money

Favorite Food: Apples

Least Favorite Food: Potatoes

Special Skill: Sewing

We finally get confirmation of Fellow’s age! (He had previously said in Playful Land that he was 20-something.)

I love that Fellow’s best subject is math Deuce is jealous/j; it makes so much sense given that his inspiration, Honest John (and Fellow himself) aren’t good at reading. It’s that whole “kids are either good at math or English” stereotype. In Japanese, the phrase 算数 is used. 算数 refers to arithmetic, or very basic math taught in elementary school (adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing). That specific phrase explains Fellow’s elementary level of understanding. His dislike being saving money is also related to numbers; he spends the money he has right away to get by in the moment. Fellow doesn’t really have the skill or the luxury of financial planning, he has to focus on the here and now, looking out for both himself and Gidel.

OMG, his favorite and least favorite foods???? 😭 Playful Land has apple (core) flavored candies and popcorn… and again, this is a reference to Honest John and Pinocchio’s first encounter! He takes the kid’s apple and eats it, lol cnsvwiwguwkw Potatoes being his disliked food… Maybe it’s because it’s the “poor” man’s vegetable? Because potatoes are so versatile, keep for a long time, and are filling because of the starch content, Fellow might resort to eating them a lot, so perhaps as a result he got sick of the taste.

What I find most interesting about Fellow’s profile are his listed hobby and special skill. He largely comes off as despicable and a slimy scammer (which he is, don’t get me wrong), but we can see different sides to him in these details—both the inner child that had his dreams trampled but remains hopeful about the future and the big brother figure/guardian to a child. Gidel is actually formally referred to in Fellow’s profile as his (non-blood related) brother, which made my heart melt 🥺 TWST must know I have a thing for beastmen who act shitty but are actually excellent mentors to the children/j

Fellow enjoys watching theater. It’s a way of transporting you away temporarily to new worlds with crazy stories and emotional performances. When words aren’t enough, you sing. And when singing isn’t enough, you dance. It’s an area that’s so full of life and joy, at least from the audience’s perspective. I’m thinking that watching theater must have been a form of escapism for Fellow, especially with how accessible it is (think of like street performances). Watching theater might also serve a dual purpose of teaching Fellow how to come across as amicable and friendly, which says a LOT about his character. He’s resourceful and able to learn from unconventional sources, then is able to apply those skills to real world situations.

Fellow’s special skill being sewing is surprisingly very cute! If you’ve taken one look at his and Gidel’s designs, we may have already spotted some of his handiwork. There’s mismatched fabric patches on their clothes!! The stitches look so clean too. The patterns not matching is probably because Fellow just used whatever scraps he was able to get his hands on, but I also like to imagine that he tried to make the best of the situation by incorporating the mismatched fabrics in a fun way (like the diamonds in his pants).

Next, can we talk about the composition of that GROOVY????

It’s another reference to the same Pinocchio scene! Fellow’s holding his book like Honest John did and it looks like he’s trying to teach Gidel the alphabet from words scratched on the sidewalk. Notice how the C is written backwards too 😂 He even wears glasses like when Honest John was trying hard to act like an intellectual.

And Gidel!!! Pencil and pad of paper in hand, he looks so interested to learn (something which was hinted at in Playful Land). Gideon in the film is also shown with a pen and pad of paper, scribbling down nonsense as Fellow pretends to diagnose Pinocchio.

Gidel glances up at Fellow with an expression of admiration. I love how wholesome their relationship is depicted as, it leaves a warm feeling in the heart.

The framing of this Groovy is very interesting. We have Fellow to our left—a direction has historically been associated with evil (in Italian, the word for left is even sinistra, as if to imply something sinister) and in the darkness. Gidel is the one to our right and in the light. It presents Fellow to us as someone who has given up on his dreams—but not completely, since we see some light touching his hat, gloves, and highest features + he is currently teaching Gidel and still has dreams of opening his own school. Gidel is shown in the light because he’s still a naive child that doesn’t understand how the world works. His dreams haven’t been destroyed yet, and there’s hope for him to have a better life since Fellow is looking after him and instructing him.

CHECK THIS OUT, GIDEL FOLLOWS FELLOW TO CLASS LIKE MARY'S LAMB OR SOMETHING????? Gidel pops out from under the desk or out of/behind Fellow's cape! Gidel also joins Fellow on the homescreen.

Some of Fellow's expressions are so priceless... For example, look at him in Flight! There's an unsure face and a little bead of sweat. (He makes a lot of pathetic accompanying sounds too, lol) Flying takes magic, so he's probably not confident or powerful enough to maintain flight for long stretches of time--though when he does nail it, he looks ultra smug.

ADGKVAVFOOEFIEQOfsl HIS SHOCKED FACE

How uncool, Fellow-san...

His attack sprites are very similar/identical to what we saw in Playful Land--Fellow's just playing for the opposite team now.

Gidel hops into battle to assist, so I guess they count as the first two-character card. It's been a while since I've seen these animations, but I think I can appreciate them a lot more now. I'm noticing new little things like how Fellow adds a bunch of showmanship into his attack, little flashy flourishes and even presenting Gidel with his arms splayed, as if welcoming a star to the spotlight. The attention to detail really is crazy for these.

If you want to read his voice lines in full, you can find an excellent fan translation of them here! I'll just be remarking on things I noticed while combing through the voice lines myself:

First off: bro calls himself Fellow Hones-SAMA???????? OKAY, KING 😭 Love that confidence you got goin' on there...

bifabsiyofbefe Love how he just reads a textbook and then flat-out admits he has no clue what the heck it's saying. Hey, honesty is a virtue.

Ace 💀 He has the balls to play a prank on an adult... I kind of want to know what the prank was, but at the same time I feel like I should be shaking my head and telling him off for doing it in the first place. I do appreciate that Ace being shitty brought out Fellow's true personality there for a second though, I live for it when Fellow gets real steamed and starts shouting that the NRC students are brats or that they should drop out if they have no motivation in school.

The way Fellow automatically clocked that Kalim is way too trusting and would surely be in danger even if he wasn't the one to come for him... Fellow, watch your back. Jamill WILL come for your sketchy ass for what you did back then.

I didn't find anything super interesting in Fellow's comments about Ortho, but I do think it reveals that there is value in him coming to school. It's only at NRC where Fellow can see such a curious thing like Ortho, and that speaks to the value of really going out there and being exposed to different things. That's part of Lilia's own growth arc too, and a large part of why he now spreads that same rhetoric.

Fellow remarks that Ramshackle is "pretty sweet", which means one of two things: either this is the refurbished post-book 6 dorm OR it's still the shabby pre-book 6 dorm, but since Fellow and Gidel have never really had their own stable housing, even run-down old Ramshackle seems like a massive upgrade.

Fellow and Gidel must have been so happy to see that lunch at NRC is free and served buffet style (so there's no limits to how much you can take). On top of that, they got dead chefs from 5 star restaurants staffing the kitchen! Those two really hit the jackpot, I hope they eat well.

AVUSDGVUADOVIAISDBIDAS THE DIALOGUE IMPLYING FELLOW CASUALLY BYPASSED THE SCHOOL'S BARRIER AND OTHER SECURITY MEASURES... So Chenya-core of him, really. Fellow may not have magical might, but he's seriously street smart to have found a way in like he has.

Small detail but I appreciate how Fellow has lines which call attention to Gidel. It doesn't just remind us that Gidel is there too, but it also demonstrates to us that Fellow actively tries to include him in the conversation despite Gidel's muteness (a condition which may lead others to outright ignoring him or talking down to him).

LAST THING (though it's not in MysteryShopTL's linked post): in his birthday greeting to the player, Fellow says that both you and him don't have talent for magic, so you should get along. I didn't think the game would acknowledge the player and Fellow's similarity in that sense, so it was very nice to be proven wrong.

And to finish off this post (which ended up being way more massive than I thought it would be), a quick summary of the vignettes!! If you want to read them in full, please check out MysteryShopTLs’ post!

In vignette 1, Fellow and Gidel are putting on a street performance in Silk City. Fellow collects fees from the onlookers and then tries to milk more out of them by spinning a story about how Gidel is a puppet that can walk without strings. Buuut Gidel moves like a normal living being and sneezes, which ruins the ruse and leads to the crowd getting mad at them. The duo run off, but Fellow reveals that while the locals were looking at Gidel, he used magic to steal some of their precious metals and jewelry. In the next vignette, Fellow and Gidel have moved on to Fairest City. It's said that they live a nomadic lifestyle and hop from place to place, never staying for too long in any one location because word of their scams may spread and cause a situation where they cannot reasonably make money through their lies. (Cute detail: Fellow listens to Gidel's suggestions on where they should go next and even praises Gidel's smarts.) This time Fellow's trying to auction off a magestone that he claims will allow anyone who holds it to use magic. The people of Fairest City don't believe him and give him the cold shoulder, which upsets Fellow (since he really hates it when others look down on him). He ends up using his UM to get his audience to be more pliant and manages to sell the magestone for a pretty penny. At the end of this vignette, Fellow drops a line about how he and Gidel are so free, how they can do whatever they want since they have nothing holding them back. I really love that thought~

AND IF YOU THOUGHT VIGNETTES 1 AND 2 WERE FUNNY HAHA TEEHEE CUTE, WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE VIGNETTE 3 💀 VIGNETTE 3 FELT LIKE IT WAS A TARGETTED SNIPE ON MY HEART

The setting is Sunrise City! Fellow and Gidel are being chased off by an angry person they tried to rob. It looks like they're unsuccessful today and will be going hungry. Gidel tries opening a random can of OIL in search of food, so Fellow scolds him and tells him to leave it be. Apparently Gidel does this a lot when he's hungry (just grabbing random shit and trying to eat it), even though Fellow has tried teaching him how to read. THIS IS WHAT THE CONTEXT OF THE GROOVY IS, FELLOW SQUATS DOWN (like we literally see his 2D model lowering) AND DRAWS IT ON THE GROUND FOR GIDEL TO SEE. O is for orange, I is for ice-cream, and L is for laugh. Fellow realizes that L is the only non-food word, but he couldn't come up with anything else. I wonder if like... this is some common game they do to distract from hunger. They have to imagine the food they could have but can't. And L being "laugh"? That can't be a coincidence. Fellow could have used any other L word as an example, even if he couldn't come up with a food that starts with L. It makes me think he picked "laugh" on purpose in an effort to lift Gidel's spirits and to try and distract from their circumstances.

Aaaah, as I was saying! Fellow gets upset that he doesn't know as much as your average 26-year old would since he never went to school. Gidel seems to sense his frustrations and reassures him with a pat, which reenergizes Fellow. He says he'll try to find some food, so Gidel should focus on making a fire. While gathering wood to burn, they come across a job posting by a shady rich man that Fellow and Gidel supposedly did another job for in the past. Fellow suggests that they check out the job and if they don't like it then they can leave. ADSKJBBSLDIADBLUBAB These are the events leading up to Playful Land... meaning that Fellow’s showmanship is wasn’t something he developed at the amusement park, but as a general coping and survival mechanism to get by day-to-day.

I uh. May or may not have cried a little at Fellow and Gidel's really wholesome interaction 😭 I MEAN YEAH OF COURSE I'M A SUCKER FOR BIG BROTHER CHARACTERS (and we certainly see that in how Fellow scolds Gidel and looks out for his wellbeing, both in the vignettes and in Playful Land) but also???????? ? ? ? ? ?? ?????? ? ? ? ?? I love Love LOVE how Gidel is shown to be supportive of Fellow as well. Fellow as the older person, the adult, and the able-bodied one of the duo is pulling most of the weight when it comes to getting resources and handling communication. However, Gidel plays an important role in their dynamic as well. He's the heart and the emotional support that Fellow needs when he's down in the dumps and being hard on himself. Gidel not only serves as a "reason" for Fellow to work hard (to support a child), but he also gives Fellow motivation and hope that tomorrow can be another day. YOU CAN REALLY TELL HOW MUCH THESE TWO CARE AND LOOK OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER OTL

OOOOOOOoooOOooOOGGHHHH MY HEART *clutches it* I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE, I CAN'T HANDLE THE ONII-SAMA OF IT ALL

[canthelpit0]

Enemies (With Benefits) PT3

Pairing: Cold!Chris x Reader

Word count: 3.9k +

Summary: Chris and reader have always been enemies ever since they’ve known each other. neither knew why they had this burning feeling in their gut. So one day they decide to fuck it out. Until, eventually doing it regularly

Warnings: language, smut, mentions of weed, (implied) RichKid!Reader, jealous!Chris, pet names (cherry), choking, humiliation, heavy degradation, sub!Chris, dom!Reader, I think that’s all.

(A/N: I got this idea from this request. Tysm for the idea & inspiration. Hope this is good.)

PT1 PT2 PT3 PT4 FINAL

I haven’t talked to Chris ever since that party.

wich wouldn’t be too shocking, since we hate each other. but I’ve been ignoring him fully. I wasn’t even responding to his mocking or arguing with him.. just…

The entire situation of us, two people who hate each other so much, and have for so long, hooking up, is extremely toxic.

And I’m self aware, I know that.

It just never bothered me before... But he was treating me like shit. And I’m done with it.

It’s been a week now, and I don’t think he cares that much honestly. At first he went on like normal making witty remarks trying to start arguments and disagreements, but since I didn’t respond he started to do it less and less.

It feels so refreshing not to have a headache everyday.

Only con is, that we share most classes. So i have to see his face all the time. Tho I just ignore him.

At first I saw him walking a round with charlotte, and honestly I don’t know why she is still talking to him after almost hooking up.

I don’t know what he was trying to achieve with that. But if the point was to make me jealous he is so bad at it.

I’ve been talking to Ethan a lot though.

And like I thought, he’s a nice guy, and he always shares his weed.

Even though I have enough friends, most of them are ‘lunchbox friends’. Well except for Matt and Nick, but I can’t really talk to them often considering I’m trying to avoid their brother.

I feel like most of my friends are fake. Wich they are.

We’ll talk and have fun in school, but if I walk past them at the mall they will act like they’ve never seen me in their entire life.

Ethan though. Ethan is nice. His skater friends not so much. Well I guess they’re just critical. After all I’m not any type of alternative at all, and I frankly, don’t know how to skate.

But at least they respect me. Probably because I’m wealthy but ih well.

Ethan and I haven’t done anything.

Other than kiss.

I walk out of history class, a class I share with Ethan. We walk down the hallway side to side.

When we get to my locker- wich is only two away from Chris’ -I unlock it to put my books in it.

All this time Ethan had been complaining about how his next class would be math and whatnot. I had noticed that Ethan was skipping less and less classes now. I never realized how many classes we shared because he was always skipping. But now he wasn’t. And the lack of tobacco in his system was making him itchy and I could tell.

Once you got to know him he actually got quite talkative.

I look over my shoulder to look at Ethan but see Chris in the corner of my eye.

Chris…

Chris.

Without thinking I grab the collar of Ethan’s sweatshirt roughly crashing my lips onto his.

Ethan, having not expected it, doesn’t do anything for a moment, before he kisses back.

Pushing me against the lockers behind me roughly. His tongue finds its way into my mouth as we start to make out.

In the middle of the hall.

My arms wrap around his neck holding him close.

He was kissing me like i was the only source of oxygen. And it felt good. I could tell he liked kissing me, and he wasn’t bad at it.

“Gonna suck face in the hallways now too?”

I pull away slightly. My breath was coming out in short and harsh pants.

I ignore the voice. Chris’ voice.

…Chris

Instead I stare back into Ethan’s eyes. I try to focus on the way his hands feel on my waist as he holds me against the lockers.

His grip isn’t too tight, but it was firm. His forehead pressed against mine as I stare back into his dark eyes.

“Disgusting.”

I look over at him at the disgusted tone. I scoff. My eyes lock onto Chris’ and it feels like electricity shoots up my spine.

Ethan looks a lot like Chris, but he doesn’t have the blue eyes.

The blue eyes that I-

I pause all the thoughts leaving my brain as I hear Chris let out an irritated huff.

And suddenly the feeling of Ethan’s hands on my clothed skin feels too hot. Even tho he unironically resembles Chris a lot, he isn’t Chris.

And god when did my standard become: Chris.

I tare my eyes away from Chris’ gaze. My eyes locking back onto Ethan’s dark eyes.

While Chris’ seem cold and icy, Ethan’s are warm and welcoming. But I don’t want to be welcome and the warmth seems too hot.

It feels like going out in a hoodie on the hottest summer day.

-suffocating

“Fuck off Chris. You’re not any better”

I say to Chris, while staring back at Ethan. But before I can hear Chris reply the bell rings.

I let out a breath. Out of the corner of my eyes I see Chris slam his locker harshly and leave. And once he does I leave a peck on Ethan’s lips.

I slide out of his grip chuckling.

“Imma go now pretty boy, I’ll see you later” I smile at Ethan.

I quickly take out my stuff for my English class and speed walk past him.

★ ★

I’m late to my class but I can’t help but not care.

I share this class with none of them.

Not Ethan, not Chris, not charlotte.

Wich was a relief. Because I don’t know what that was. Ethan has never done anything to make me feel uncomfortable.

Chris had.

So why am I comparing them.

Why do I feel like the lack of just simple bickering with Chris is giving me withdrawal? Why does his glare burn through my soul? Why does it feel wrong being near Ethan when Chris was there? And why the tell did it feel like Ethan’s touch burned?

Why did I want Ethan to be Chris?

Well no let me rephrase that.

Why did I want Chris to be nice to me.

He’s always been rude and mean. I knew what I was getting into. And I liked it, and it felt great. So why am I missing the attitude.

Am I that much of an attention whore?

My eyes trail around the room. I take in the whiteboard none of the words written on it register in my head. I look over the students, mostly only seeing the back of their heads, since I sat all the way in the back

I’ve never felt so loved, alone and hated at the same time.

I know Ethen likes me, and it feels like I’m using him for escapism. To distract myself. I’m leading him on..

I feel so alone. Literally the only people I would usually tell, are the brothers of the problem.

And I’ve felt hatred so intense from Chris. And I know he hates me, and I know that’ll never change

★ ★

He days seem to pass so fast, yet so slow. And at this point I don’t know what I’m doing.

I stick to Ethan. Sometimes I’ll make out with him other times I’ll just stay close to him. Especially when Chris is around.

And I can see that he is getting more and more pissed off.

I’ve been wearing more revealing clothes. Atleast as revealing as it can get with the dress code and all. Mocking the fact that Chris can’t do anything about it.

I was hanging out at home. Alone since my siblings were once again at a sleepover. It wasn’t like they were always at one. And I feel like they’re too young to party and I trust them.

I trust that they aren’t lying to me.

Anyway, since they’re only one year apart they share some friends. So they both went to a sleepover birthday party from one of them.

I’m sitting on the couch, for once enjoying the pice and quiet. I have a movie playing, but I’m drowning more in my own thoughts than watching the movie.

I pause when I suddenly hear the doorbell ring.

I think that maybe it could be my siblings? No neither can drive yet.

Maybe it’s a package. Did I order something? But no it’s midnight they wouldn’t still be delivering orders at midnight..

I get up anyway trading over to the door.

I mean if it’s a killer and I go out this way…. Oh well.

My eyes meet Chris’ as soon as I open the door.

I go to slam the door in his face, but he catches it roughly throwing it open.

“Cherry, please” he huffs. He walks in his sharp eyes trained on me. Chris closes the front door behind him.

“Chris get out” I sigh. I purse my lips glaring right back at him.

If he stays i don’t know for how much longer I can control myself. I feel like I’m having withdrawal symptoms. I miss the way he hates me.

“Cherry, listen” he snaps slightly. I raise an eye cockily. I shift on my feet and cross my arms. My glare doesn’t let up.

But Chris is looking at me different. He doesn’t glare, he looks at me with… desperation?

“What?” I snap back harshly.

“Cherry, please? Literally give me anything?”

Oh, so he is as desperate as he looks.

“Give you what?” I play dumb. My arms stay crossed. I keep looking back at him, his pathetic state only serving to piss me off more.

He can’t even drive, how the fuck did he get here. Nobody knows were fucking so he probably didn’t ask Matt. But Ubers are expensive at this time.

“You know what I mean. Cherry, I’ll literally get on my knees right now and beg.” He says that slightly jokingly. He doesn’t actually think he’ll have to go that far, but if he needs to he will.

“So, get on your knees than, Chris” I mock back, thinking that he wouldn’t actually do it.

But before I can blink he’s going down on his knees right in front of me.

I raise my eyebrow staring down at him.

He dramatically puts his hands together making a begging motion. “Please, please, please cherry??”

I look down at him. He looks so cute when his eyes don’t look like they want to bore through me.

He actually looks desperate and needy right now.

I know I said I wouldn’t hook up with him, and I’ve been doing good at ignoring him for almost a whole month. But god he looks so cute, so… god

I thread my fingers through his messy long hair. His wavy brown hair. And I suddenly pull him up. He winces at the harsh treatment, but he lowkey deserves it for being an ass.

I hate how he stands just a little bit taller next to me.

I crash my lips on his and it feels like fire works go off. I’ve kissed Ethan so many times these past few weeks but it never felt this good.

My arms wrap around his neck. My fingers play with the hair at the nape of his neck. Chris’ hands instinctively go to my waist. He holds me flush against him and I feel so comfortable under his touch.

I pull off of the kiss scoffing. My hand wraps around his neck harshly. I pull him down to my eye level while slightly choking him, and he just lets me.

“Hm? Did you not get your dick sucked by someone else?” I mock him, my tone is harsh and condescending.

“Did she not do it as good as I did?”

“Don’t flatter yourself” he grumbles under his breath. He has the audacity to roll his eyes at me.

My grip on his neck tightens and he lets out a sharp breath, one that almost sounds like a moan.

“And yet you still came to my house, got on your knees and begged for me?”

He falls silent at the harsh words. He purses his lip staring back at me with what looks like shame in his eyes.

I move him harshly, changing the place where we stand so I’m close to the door. I harshly squeeze his neck before letting go.

“Go to the living room, I’ll be right there” I nod to the living room behind him. Chris eagerly nods before going to the living room.

I sprint up the stairs and with in a minute I’m back again.

“You’re so fucking pathetic you know that?” I glare at him while towering over his sitting figure.

I go to slowly straddle his lap. His back is pressed against the back of the couch. He looks up at me with ever so pleading eyes. Looking at me like he was desperate, wich he was.

“Such a pathetic bitch. Going to your enemies house and begging to be fucked” I say harshly. My grip goes back to his neck as I choke him slightly. Not enough to actually choke him, but enough to make him lightheaded.

“Sorry, sorry” he closes his eyes for a moment before opening them again.

His eyes meet mine and he looks purely submissive now. It’s funny to me how he is so needy. Maybe I need to ignore him and make him submissive more often, because I like this sight.

I pull him closer by his neck kissing him again. His hands ghost over my sides not daring to actually touch.

I pull away abruptly, listening to his whine.

“Undress.” I says simply standing in front of him.

While I watch him undress I turn off the TV fully. The movie had been paused, but I hadn’t paid attention to it anyway.

He does as I say. He slips off all of his clothing. He’s left fully nude in front of me for me to look at.

He squirms under my harsh gaze. But he is turned on. It’s obvious by his rock hard dick. It’s already red and swollen, leaking pre cum, looking for some release.

I pull out the vibrator from my pj pants pockets. I had gotten it from upstairs. Chris never let me use it on him, unless he was being really submissive.

And since he was, I might as well have fun.

I press it to his tip gently, not turning it on anything yet. I look back at him. I capture his mouth in a kiss. And then turn the vibrator on. He actually flinches at the sudden stimulation.

The kiss is messy, mainly because Chris can’t focus. But The vibrator is literally on the lowest level.

I pull away from the kiss listening to Chris whines and moans. He keeps his hands at his sides. He knows better than to try to get it away. But he looks like he’s itching to just push it away, overwhelmed by the amount of pleasure.

“You look so stupid right now” I chuckle.

I put the vibrator on the secound lowest level. But that alone is high enough for Chris to physically hold himself back from flinching. His moans and whines turn into breathless whimpers.

“Answer.” I scoff. And before I knew it I slap him across the face harshly. The clap echos through the room.

I was letting my pent up enger out, but Chris was enjoying it. As soon as I slap him, his mouth falls open in a silent moan.

Chris didn’t seem like the type. But he had a raging degradation kink.

The sting of the slap traveled right to his dick. His length was twitching in my hand. He was sinking further and further into the couch. He was enjoying this.

“I know-“ he breathes out. But I cut him off by turning the vibrator on higher.

His body practically jolts forward in pleasure. He tries not to come right then and there.

His hand grabs my wrist, the one that was holding the vibrator. “I’m close-“

“I don’t care Chris. If you come now you’ll have to go through the rest overstimulated.” I shrug. Then I abruptly turn the vibrator to its highest setting

He tries to curl his body in on himself but I push him back. And within seconds hes coming all over himself.

I keep the vibrator situated on his tip. I watch how he stays rock hard. His dick starts twitching as his whines get louder and needier.

He weekly pushes my hand off. But after A moment I take it off fully.

While he heaves for breath, I start to undress. I straddle him. When he feels me sink down on his tip his hands go to my waist out of instinct.

I sigh at the feeling. We haven’t fucked in what feels like ages. The stretch hurts. But still I purposefully clench around him to make it even tighter.

His eyes are clenched shut. He’s a moaning mess.

“Chris open your fucking eyes” I slap him again. His eyes flutter open.

“You look so cute all submissive” I taunt. I’m only half way down and I’m struggling. But he doesn’t need to know.

Before he can whine in answer I ram myself down. I wince at the feeling. But Chris’ moans are louder.

I start to gently bounce on him. But he is growing overstimulated quick.

I keep on doing that, my glare focused on Chris. Chris’ eyes shut tightly for a moment. He breaths harshly.

His eye meet mine again. He looks purely submissive. His head tilted down slightly, mouth slightly agape.

“Handsome boy, all needy to get fucked like this hm?” I wait for him to answer but he just whines and moans in response to my movements.

“Can you talk baby?” I ask, huffing. I grab his face, slightly squishing his cheek together with one hand. “Hm? You like getting fucked like this?”

He gasps when I speed up the pace. He blinks a few times, halfheartedly throwing back his head.

Another slap echos through the living room. His head is turned to the side his eyes wide. His mouth is agape as he tries to hold it together. “I told you to fucking talk Chris”

One of his hands goes to his cheek. He grits his teeth trying to formulate words.

But before he can, my hand goes to his neck gently squeezing as I start to ride him harder.

“So good- fuck-“ he breaths out harshly.

His eyes are half lidded. The rough treatment only serves to turn him on even more.

“Yeah, you like that?” I scoff. My hand snakes from his throat to his neck. I pull him in for a sloppy kiss. He can barely focus on anything, every sense in him overwhelmed.

I pull away from the kiss. My hands both move to his shoulders, To use as leverage to ride him harder.

Chris throws back his head, his eyes shutting. He only gets increasingly louder. My movements get harsher and more relentless.

I take one of his hands from my waits and position it at my clit. “Rub it” I demand. And as soon as I do he starts to rub it vigorously.

I clench around him, feeling my release wash over me. Chris’ hand on my hip gets harsher and harsher. I keep moving though, until I feel him twitch.

I quickly pull off an hover over him.

I sit down on his thighs, then start to jerk him off harshly. I put the vibrator back to his tip and turn it on.

Chris’ body harshly jerks forward. I put a hand on his chest and push him back.

And within a few seconds Chris is coming all over himself again.

We both pant as I stare at him. I keep sitting on his thighs as I watch him for a moment.

I lean down and leave a peck on his forehead. I pull him into me. My arms wrap around his neck, putting his face into the crook of my neck.

I pull away from him and slowly get up off of him. I pull on my panties, and pj pants again. As well as my top. Quickly getting dressed again.

I really don’t want to, but he needs to go. As much as I missed him, I made it a point to not hook up with him.

And now that I have, I might as well treat him like he treats me.

“You have to leave.”

He pause looking at me questioningly, It’s like he hadn’t expected me to tell him that. Like he expected us to just hang out and cuddle or something.

Which is not going to happen.

“What?” He questions, his tone sounding blunt, almost harsh.

“Christopher, I want you to leave” I say more sternly. I overpronounce every word to make sure his stupid brain understands it.

“Why” he scoffs frustrated. He stares at me like I’m crazy. Like I’m crazy for telling him to leave when leaving is literally all he ever does.

“Christoper.” I grit out my tone more harsh and serious.

I can’t help the loud scoff that I let out. I walk to the nearest bathroom. I grab a towel halfheartedly dampening it.

I walk back to the living room, where Chris sits mildly stunned. I throw the damp towel on him watching as he awkwardly cleans himself.

“What’s up with you” he sasses me. His gaze is judging.

“I hate you, Chris. I always will.” My words are harsh. And the more I talk the more I can see him narrow his eyes at me in anger, growing more upset by the second.

“Just because we fuck, doesn’t mean I like you. You’re a shitty person.” I take in a deep breath. I feel like I could say worse than that.

“I hate you, and you should leave.” I purse my lips. I watch his expression shift. His jaw clenches, and I can see that he looks like he is about to blow up on me.

The withdrawal symptoms of not fucking me were too much, but now he feels the rage. He remembers why he hated me so much. I can literally feel the hatred and anger radiating off of him.

His already sharp jawline only seems accentuated by the way he clenches it. He swallows his Adam’s apple bobbing.

Chris’ eyes narrow at me, but he just gets up and puts his clothes back on. He looked furious.

I hate him, so why would I let him stay, why would I forgive him. He got the Sex he wanted, so why was he so pissy about leaving?

Now fully dressed he walks closer to me, not touching me.

“What’s wrong with you?” He scoffs. His mood was now definitely sour.

“That’s how you always treat me Chris. Now leave” I snap back at him, getting just as angry as him.

“Okay cherry, have it that way” he gives me a halfhearted sarcastic nod. He then brushes past me to the door, opening it, before a loud slam echoes through the house.

I had sworn to not hook up with him anymore. And if I did that I’d treat him like he treats me. But why do I feel so shitty now?

Can’t a girl have sex and then he all giddy and want to cuddle?

Yes but Chris’ presence irks me. It’s disgusting. He is disgusting.

Masterlist

A/N: requests are always open. pls give me ideas on how to continue this <3 comment if u wanna be on the taglist

‼️please don’t copy my work/idea‼️

Taglist: @muwapsturniolo , @sturnad , @iluvm4ttsturni0l0 , @evie-sturns , @me09love , @fratbrochrisgf , @spideylovin , @chrissgirlsstuff , @stunza , @whicked-hazlatwhore , @sturniooolos

[moistvonlipwig]

🔥

kara danvers :)

ok well you and i have discussed this at length so this will not be new to you but imco (in my correct opinion) kara danvers [as portrayed by the cw's supergirl, not necessarily in other versions] is actually pretty lazy, and i would argue this is one of her most central and consistent character traits. and i don't just mean physically lazy, although i should note that per 3.17 "trinity" she canonically Hates Walking and doesn't understand why humans exercise. i mostly mean on an intellectual & moral level.

kara wants to be a reporter, but when she figures this out (because......a pretty lady told her she should do it? ig?), she does not apply to journalism school, or take online classes. instead she is handed a reporter job by her boss (who scrawled 'reporter' on her hilariously terrible resume when they met for reasons known only to her) and from then on proceeds to basically just do whatever she wants and get offended when more seasoned reporters who have gone to journalism school ask her to do basic functions of the job like Acquire Sources and Report On The Facts And Not Just Your Personal Opinions. at no point do we really see her ask her colleagues, even friendly ones like james, for advice or help; instead, advice is something that's imposed upon her by the wicked snapper, who dares to be unimpressed by her uneducated slay. throughout the show, on multiple occasions, the idea of actually Doing Her Job seems to offend her -- lena even calls her out for this explicitly in 3.02 "triggers," but she continues to display this behavior with andrea in s5 & s6. in the finale, when she is promoted to editor-in-chief in an act of blatant cronyism that truthfully should prompt the entire catco staff to quit in protest, it is not on her initiative, nor due to her efforts, nor is it because anything about the position has piqued her interest; it is, again, simply handed to her, and she just accepts.

additionally, we rarely see her express meaningful curiosity about, well, any subject, really -- we know she learned calculus young, but her interest in math and science seems nil; she is deeply naive about the u.s. justice system in s6 in a way that suggests she has never looked into it, though her own mother was a judge on krypton; and a lot of her interests seem very Basic (pizza, potstickers [? why girl.], nsync, the wizard of oz, harry potter), which to be clear is not inherently a sign of intellectual laziness or incuriosity, but it also does nothing to suggest that she is someone with a wide knowledge of food, literature, music, or film.

she also demonstrates what i would argue is a kind of moral laziness, though you could call it an offshoot of her intellectual laziness, in her general lack of real self-reflection about, like, any of her actions. although some of the other characters sometimes bring up how messed-up the DEO is (e.g. james in s1 with the gitmo comparison -- which, CRAZY line to put in your show and then never address, btw), kara herself does not question it (until the Wrong People take over, of course). her rhetoric in early s2 about daxamites suggests that she is quite comfortable believing sweeping generalizations she was taught as a child and has never really sat down to interrogate them, but while mon-el being.....pretty bad but i guess not as bad as his mom? yay? inspires her to stop being bigoted against daxamites specifically, we will later still hear her say that certain species tend to be peaceful or aggressive, etc., with no self-reflection. in 3.05 "damage," when morgan edge tries to make it seem like lena's lead dispersal device that kara activated poisoned children, kara does not take the opportunity to self-reflect on the choice she made and whether it was worth it; instead, her arc for the episode is reacting emotionally to her best buddy feeling guilty (about the thing kara also did. i cannot emphasize that part enough).

i would argue the conclusion she draws in 5.13, too, smacks of this moral laziness; she spends the episode looking for a magic shortcut to not having to feel bad anymore, and when she can't find one, she decides that actually, meh, there was never a perfect way for things to go down, so all that lying wasn't such a big deal and lena should just get over it. kara is dripping with a lot of guilt in 5A, but throughout both 5A and 5B there's very little actual, thoughtful self-reflection on what she did wrong and why, and that carries over into S6 when, after like ten episodes of lena (and also william ig) repeatedly trying to tell her not to play god, she decides in the very penultimate episode to solve her problems by eating the sun, and then when she decides against it partway through doing it, there's again very little self-reflection on her part of why the hell she thought that was a good thing to do. kara's morality, on the whole, seems largely based on (a) alex and (b) vibes, and not so much on any actual thought she's dedicated to the moral questions at hand.

and similarly to when kara is asked to Do Her Damn Job at her place of work -- when kara is challenged on her morality (like when lena challenges her on the kryptonite in s3, or on myriad in 5.17), she acts annoyed at the very idea of having to do the hard work of thinking about the morals she espouses as a superhero. and it doesn't read as someone who has thought very hard about her moral choices and is offended because she believes so strongly that she's right, because we never actually see her thinking hard about these moral choices she makes at all. it reads as someone who hasn't thought about it beyond a very cursory level and is frustrated that she's being asked to. because, again, she's just fundamentally kind of lazy.

and the thing is this might sound like i am dunking on her but actually i think this is a trait that is incredibly funny. my favorite portrayal of supergirl/kara danvers is the one from the children's cartoon dc super hero girls 2019, whose version of kara is ALSO lazy, on top of being an aggressive, quick-to-anger, rude, irresponsible, selfish brat. and she's hilarious in that show, she's one of my favorite characters. another favorite character of mine, also a children's cartoon character, is anne boonchuy from amphibia, whose entire character journey is about learning not to be physically, intellectually, or morally lazy and learning to [school principal voice] Apply Herself instead. it can be incredibly fun to watch characters be lazy and incurious and self-centered, whether they change for the better or not. but it is a bit strange that some people act like kara is this super disciplined person who loves working out and loves learning and reads widely and is curious about everything and self-reflects on her own decisions and how she affects others to the point of obsession. i wonder if part of it is 'femslash same-character syndrome,' where people slap other characters' traits from other popular femslash ships onto each other. because the character i just described is adora from she-ra. who a lot of people think is similar to kara. except no. she's not at all. as evidenced by this whole write-up ☝️ lol. they're just both blonde and for some reason (#blondephobia?) femslash fandoms wanna act like all blonde girlies are the same. but they are not. #wakeupamerica.....

[itsbensart]

Unspoken Doubts

Pairing: Fiyero Tigelaar x Male Reader | Part 3

Summary: Y/N’s success in the semester, thanks to Fiyero’s support, leads to an invitation to the Ozdust Ball. As they share a dance, Y/N’s internal doubts cause him to pull away from Fiyero without explanation, leaving both of them heartbroken and uncertain of where they stand.

Warnings: Emotional distress, Unspoken love, Self-doubt and insecurity, Sudden emotional withdrawal, Vulnerability in moments of intimacy, Themes of rejection, Angst, and Heartbreak.

Word Count: 2,000 words (approximately)

Y/N couldn’t recall the last time someone had made studying feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. Fiyero had that uncanny ability, infusing even the driest topics with his playful charm and relentless optimism. Between the teasing remarks about Y/N’s obsessive highlighting and exaggerated groans during all-nighters, Fiyero had somehow turned their late-night grind into a source of laughter.

“You know,” Fiyero mused one evening, sprawled out on Y/N’s couch with a textbook resting precariously on his chest, “I don’t think this semester would’ve been half as fun without me.”

Y/N snorted, looking up from his notes. “You mean ‘half as distracting.’ You’ve got more commentary than this entire book.”

“Hey, I’m a multitasker,” Fiyero replied, smirking. “I can distract and inspire at the same time.”

Y/N rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. For all his antics, Fiyero had been a lifeline, keeping him afloat during moments of doubt and burnout.

But their dynamic wasn’t one-sided. When Fiyero’s own struggles surfaced, Y/N was there, unwavering.

Fiyero, for all his confidence and charm, had his academic Achilles’ heels—anything involving numbers, formulas, or rigid logic was enough to make his head spin. One night, as he sat hunched over a mock exam for his math class, his normally easygoing demeanor faltered.

“Y/N,” he groaned, dragging his hands through his hair, “I swear this stuff is designed to break my spirit.”

“Math isn’t out to get you,” Y/N teased, pulling up a chair beside him. “You just need to look at it differently.”

Fiyero sighed dramatically. “Unless you’ve got magic powers, I don’t think that’s happening tonight.”

“Not magic,” Y/N said, leaning over to point at his paper. “Just patience. See here? You’re overthinking it. The equation isn’t as complicated as it looks—try breaking it into smaller parts.”

Under Y/N’s guidance, Fiyero’s furrowed brow slowly relaxed. His frustration gave way to cautious understanding, and after solving a particularly tricky problem, he beamed.

“Holy Oz, I actually did it,” he said, turning to Y/N with a mix of disbelief and gratitude. “You’re a miracle worker.”

“Hardly,” Y/N replied, smirking. “You just needed someone to explain it in a way that didn’t make your brain short-circuit.”

Fiyero leaned back in his chair, his smirk returning, though this time with a glint of mischief in his eyes. “You know, if you keep being this amazing, I might have to...... reward you.”

Y/N froze, blinking. “R- Reward me?”

Fiyero leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand, his tone dropping into something dangerously teasing. “Mm-hmm. Something special. Something... unforgettable.”

The heat rushed to Y/N’s face, his voice faltering. “I-I don’t need a reward!”

Fiyero laughed, clearly enjoying his reaction. “Don’t be so modest, Y/N. You’ve earned it. I mean, it’s not every day someone teaches me math and keeps their sanity intact.”

“I’m fine with just... knowing you passed,” Y/N mumbled, his cheeks burning. He buried his head in his notes, wishing the couch would swallow him whole.

The truth was, for all of Fiyero’s teasing, Y/N didn’t mind the attention. It left his heart racing, even if his mind screamed at him to brush it off.

Their late-night study sessions became a two-way street. Fiyero would lift Y/N’s spirits during moments of exhaustion, and Y/N would ground Fiyero when the weight of his challenges threatened to pull him under. It was an unspoken exchange of support, a rhythm they fell into naturally.

And somewhere in the midst of equations, essays, endless plates, and scaled models, Y/N began to notice the moments in between. The way Fiyero’s face lit up when he finally grasped a difficult concept. The way he’d absentmindedly drum his fingers on the table whenever he was deep in thought. The way his laughter filled the room, warm and contagious.

It wasn’t just admiration. It was a spark—quiet at first but growing steadily, warming parts of Y/N he hadn’t realized were cold.

What is this? Y/N thought, his pulse quickening as the realization began to settle. It’s nothing. Just... he’s just a good friend. He shook his head, trying to push the thoughts away, but they clung stubbornly, refusing to be dismissed.

He tried to ignore it. He told himself it was nothing, just gratitude for Fiyero’s friendship. He’s just being nice. That’s what Fiyero does—he’s charming with everyone. This isn’t special. It doesn’t mean anything.

But every time their hands brushed, his breath hitched, and the warmth of Fiyero’s touch lingered far longer than it should. Stop it. You’re overthinking. It’s just an accident.

Every time Fiyero shot him a mischievous grin, Y/N’s heart betrayed him, skipping a beat before thudding painfully in his chest. Why does he have to smile like that? Like he knows exactly what he’s doing to me.

And every time Fiyero leaned in a little too close to explain something, his voice low and his presence all-consuming, Y/N found himself unable to focus, his thoughts spiraling. Don’t look at his lips. Don’t look at his lips. Just... focus. Please.

The spark flared, undeniable and terrifying, no matter how much he tried to extinguish it. This can’t happen. I can’t feel this way.

Not about him.

.....

By the end of the semester, they had both overcome their struggles—Y/N had passed his classes, and Fiyero had conquered his math demons. It should’ve been a moment of pure relief, but for Y/N, it was anything but simple.

Sitting together on the campus, in their usual resting place in an oak tree, the evening sun casting a golden glow over them, Fiyero turned to him with a smile that made Y/N’s heart race.

“You did it,” Fiyero said, nudging him lightly. “And you know what that means?”

Y/N raised a brow, pretending not to know. “Let me guess. You want a thank-you speech?”

Fiyero laughed, the sound warm and genuine. “Nope. I want to celebrate. You’re coming to the Ozdust Ball with me tonight.”

Y/N froze, his pulse quickening. “The Ozdust Ball?”

“Yes, the Ozdust Ball,” Fiyero repeated, his eyes twinkling with excitement. “You’ve worked yourself off all semester. You deserve a night to let loose. And who better to drag you out of your comfort zone than me?”

Despite his reservations, Y/N found himself agreeing. He didn’t know if it was Fiyero’s infectious enthusiasm or the way his eyes seemed to light up at the prospect of them spending the evening together.

What he did know was that being around Fiyero felt…different. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once, like standing on the edge of a cliff, unsure whether to leap or retreat."

.....

The Ozdust Ball was an extravagant affair, yes, but it was no ordinary celebration. The grand ballroom, tucked away in the heart of Oz’s hidden district, pulsed with energy, its walls vibrating with a sound that was more jazz than waltz—more raw and rebellious than refined. Lanterns floated lazily through the ceiling of the underground landscape, casting soft glows over the guests, their faces lit by a dangerous mix of wonder and defiance. The instruments played, laced with dissonance, stirring something wild in the air. It was a place where nothing seemed quite real, yet everything felt more alive than ever—a place where the rules didn’t just bend; they broke.

Y/N stood at the edge of the ballroom, feeling more like an outsider than ever. The dancers twirled around him, their movements free, unrestrained. They were all part of something illicit—something forbidden, yet utterly intoxicating. His heart raced, not just from the unfamiliarity of the scene but because of Fiyero, whose presence beside him seemed to throw him off balance. There was admiration, yes, but also something deeper—something more overwhelming. Fiyero’s gaze lingered on him with an intensity that felt like a silent challenge, a daring invitation into a world Y/N wasn’t sure he was ready for.

Fiyero’s smile was mischievous, almost daring as he extended his hand. "Dance with me?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of a promise—dangerous and sweet.

Y/N hesitated, the words swirling in his mind like the chaotic energy around him. But something pulled at him—something magnetic. He placed his hand in Fiyero’s, feeling the spark of contact, and together, they stepped onto the dance floor. The music swirled around them, and the rhythm was infectious. Fiyero led him effortlessly, his hand on Y/N’s waist firm, yet his touch made everything feel electric.

“You’ve worked so hard for this moment,” Fiyero murmured, his voice warm, but there was an edge to it—an undercurrent of something more, something like rebellion. “I’m proud of you, Y/N, and tonight, you deserve to celebrate everything you’ve become.”

But Y/N couldn’t focus on Fiyero’s words. His thoughts were a tangled mess of uncertainty, the constant tug of conflicting emotions—his doubts, his fears, and the intense, overwhelming pull toward Fiyero.

What if this isn’t right? The question gnawed at him. What if I’m not enough for him?

The tension between them grew as the music slowed, the movement becoming less structured, more intimate. Fiyero pulled him closer, the space between them closing until all Y/N could feel was the heat of Fiyero’s body and the pulse of the music beneath his skin.

Fiyero’s voice dropped lower, a whisper now, but filled with urgency. “Y/N, I need to say this before I lose the chance.”

Y/N’s heart pounded in his chest, his breath catching.

Fiyero pulled Y/N slightly closer, his voice barely above a whisper but filled with emotion. “You mean so much to me. More than I can even say. I don’t just want this dance. I want all of them. Every single one, for the rest of my life. I want to tease you, to make you blush, to see you smile like this forever. I want it all—with you.”

Y/N’s chest tightened as the weight of Fiyero’s words settled over him like a heavy fog. The moment felt surreal, his mind spinning. He wasn’t ready for this. How can I give him what he wants when I don’t even understand myself?

The doubts clung to him like a thick, suffocating cloud. What if I hurt him? What if I don’t know how to love him?

The music continued, but it sounded distant now, drowned out by the racing of his heart. He felt the pull of Fiyero’s gaze, but all he could do was shut himself off further.

What if I ruin this?

The air around him seemed to shift, the dreamlike atmosphere of the ball turning dark, suffocating, as his pulse quickened. Without warning, he pulled away, his voice breaking as he muttered, “I… I can’t.”

Fiyero’s brow furrowed, concern etched across his face. “Y/N?”

But Y/N couldn’t stay. He turned abruptly, the sound of his footsteps echoing across the polished floor as he fled the ballroom. The celebration, which had seemed so magical, now felt hollow and distant, fading into the background as Y/N’s heart pounded louder in his ears.

He didn’t look back. He couldn’t. The chaos inside him was louder than anything else—louder than the music, louder than Fiyero’s hurt.

Back in his room, Y/N sank to the floor, his chest tight. I don’t know what I’m doing, he thought, the weight of the moment heavy on him. I don’t know how to love him.

Meanwhile, Fiyero stood frozen in the center of the ballroom, the noise of the celebration surrounding him, but all he could hear was the silence left in Y/N’s wake. The moment had been stolen, leaving him alone and empty. The intensity of what had just transpired felt like an unanswered question hanging in the air.

Was it me? he wondered. Did I push him too far? But the answers were nowhere to be found.

The ball, with all its illicit allure and hidden promises, had lost its magic. Fiyero was left standing there, consumed by the ache of unanswered questions and the pain of rejection, unsure if Y/N would ever come back—or if he had just lost him forever.

To be Continued

[mariemarieohcontrary]

Choices MCs (Filipino Edition lol)

《Next》

Finally drew four of my Choices MCs inspired by @cassiopeiacorvus and her wonderfully done OC compilations (how do you have the patience to draw all of em omg)

I'm thinking of doing the same for my Romance Club MCs too (background would be the purple of the homescreen there)

Interested in commissioning me? Click the source! 💗

Evangeline Marie G. (Guzman) Lakandula - Ah yes, my soft, anxious babie with self-worth issues. She comes from a messy background with a horrible father. She was close to her late (paternal) grandparents and had a very complicated relationship with her late mother. One of her relatives shes v close to is her older cousin, Ethan.

She's a college dropout thanks to her father's bad choices and worked the moment she had a chance to.

After her mother passed, that was it for Evangeline. She kinda needed to go away from her dad and his loud voice and other issues. So she left home and Ethan helped her out before he left for a business trip abroad.

He had her go to a house he owned in Laguna where she could live in provided she just do the cleaning in there. She found simple work that she was qualified for and that was her life for the next few years until a certain bachelor party came into her life.

Diwa Kalangitan M. (Masangga) del Rosario - My chaotic good and very protective MC who definitely rabbleroused in the school she works in.

She was raised in a household that follows some precolonial beliefs and traditions. She has a stepfather who's an albularyo and two half-siblings. One is studying in college, the other is still in high school. She has a close relationship to both her parents.

And she is rather happy with her job as a teacher in a private school. Sure she sometimes goes against curriculum to make sure the kids enjoy her lessons. She's a class advisor also so when she found out their math teacher humiliated one of her students, she confronted said teacher.

Her trip to America is really just a birthday trip until the events of the book started. In the end she ends up in a poly relationship with Nik and Cal. (She does end up pointing out to the boys that she'll have to go back to her work and family at least just to properly resign and find work near them and also to assure her family she's safe.)

Maya Chelidonia C. (Caacbay) dela Rosa - The local tired detective who had to move abroad for their own safety. Love them SM.

Maya is the child of Jaime dela Rosa, a cop in the Philippines who does not follow in corrupt practices and tries to do right by the community. He was killed after coincidentally seeing signs of corruption in the force and wanting to expose it.

After their father's death, Maya also followed in his footsteps. On their end, they wanted to try and do some good in their job but ended up experiencing some discrimination in the work force. Enter them finding the same evidence of corruption that their father found as well. This time they managed to expose the corruption but in the end, one of their few friends in the force warned them that they'll have to flee the country due to some v angry officials.

So they fled with their mother and younger sister.

Their sister became a fashion designer. Maya found work as a private detective and the two teamed up to be able to live a decent life. Their sister travels with their mom on fashion shows. They're fine living nearby their maternal uncle with their dog, Spudge. (He's a scaredy cat and a lil crybaby who doesn't like strangers and by that I mean he starts crying when the strangers notice him. It's not out of trauma, he just likes Maya and their fam more than anyone else and is v shy with others. He's also scared of the dark and loud noises.)

Inocencia Honorata G. (Galang) Valenciano - and finally, my love's embarrassing bby. My Rafael Aveiro romancer. Love her sm.

She and her mom, older brother and little sister ran away from their father when they were a kid. Her parents annulled their marriage after a few years.

Her older brother became the youngest lawyer in the country and had a firm in New York seek him out. This led to him helping Inocencia and her sister (who had skipped grades and managed to enter college the same year as Inocencia).

Inocencia is v non-competitive that she chose De La Salle University while her sister went to their grandfather’s alma mater, University of the Philippines. At college, Inocencia got dubbed as SiaSia because of the repeated -cia in her first name and surname.

The two got accepted into Edenbrook when they were gonna start. Inocencia being 27 and her sister being 25. By then, Inocencia still isn't competitive and didn't sign up for the competition for the diagnostics team but her little sister shoved her to try it out.

[novella-november]

heh... first day.... almost three thousand words.... in class... instead of paying attention...

like I'm happy I was writing but please do you have any hints of how to contain the artistic muse? Or more accurately the ADHD?

My best thing to say to contain the muse is to jot down keywords, phrases, and ideas as they come to you so you don't forget them, and try to wait until you're in full free time to unleash them!

Inspiration always strikes me at the inopportune moment, so I try to have a pen, sharpie, or my phone with me so I can quickly jot down a sentence fragment -- some real world examples are

"fake death w blue jolly rancher"

and

".... Meat plants"

If you're in school and you're excited to write, try to contain it to times between classes, or after you have finished your work, or try to treat it as a reward for when you've finished your homework, or use a timer and work on homework for half an hour, then write for half an hour, on and off until you're finished your school work for the day, then you can write to your heart's content!

Just try to keep track of time with alarms and try to head to bed at a proper time, as hard as it can be sometimes, ADHD already causes sleep problems, so try to do what you can to mitigate that so your quality of life isn't suffering for your writing!

One thing that helped my sleep quality, other than not being in school anymore (best feeling in the world, ngl) is to avoid major sources of caffeine any time after 3pm or 4pm, and if you truly are a night owl who doesn't fall asleep before midnight.... Instead of forcing yourself to sleep (or attempt to sleep) before 10pm, see what kind of schedule works for you and your work/school schedule?

If you work at 9am, what time do you need to be up to be on time? How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? Can you get a decent amount (preferably 8 or more) hours before then, and what time do you have to actually go to bed to achieve that, even if its not the (neuro)Typical™ Bedtime?

I don't go to bed until 12am about 99% of the time.

I can usually wake up at 8am when its summer and light comes in naturally through my window, but if I don't have anything in the morning to do I usually sleep til 10am during fall and winter when its dark out more than usual (or too cold to get up in the morning in a house without heat, but that's less of an issue now).

So, tips for dealing with ADHD:

Try to restrain yourself to bullet points, sentence fragments, and keywords when you're engaged in work or school, something that will quickly remind you of what you were inspired

Don't lose your notes! Immediately put handwritten ones in your pocket or snap a picture of them on your phone.

Try to keep to a reasonable bedtime, and if reasonable bedtimes never worked for you, do some math to see if you can rework your morning schedule to see if a delayed bedtime and thus delayed wake time can help you.

Try to plan out your day to keep writing to set aside free time, and fill in gaps between classwork or work; if you ride a schoolbus to work, try writing on your phone on the ride to and from school, or if you walk, try using a dictation or speech to text app to write while you travel.

I can't recommend trying to dictate your novel while you are driving, but I am also incapable of driving on a normal basis because of AuDHD and anxiety so that just might be me being overcautious.

[yourmomxx]

M A S T E R L I S T pt.2

* · 　　 . .　 ★ 　　 ✧　 .. ˚ 　 * · . .　 ★·　　 ✧　 .

Incorrect Quotes. ⊹　°. * ✧ . ✦　. • ✺ ° ★ . ° .   

Precarious Situation

Tim Drake being relatable

Do no Wrong

Stress Relief

Ew Feelings

Creep Defense Class 101

About Koalas

At Dick's funeral

Pregnancy Scare

Drugs

Autocorrect

Dad Jokes

Grocery List

Puns

Source Not Found

About forgotten Birthdays

Table Manners

On Edge

Alphabet of Plans

Pain

Opposites

No Survival Skills

Why can't dinosaurs clap?

Crosswords

Salt and Sugar

Unhelpful Advice

Motivation, Inspiration

At 3 a.m.

Butt Match

Belongings

Drastic Measures

An Idiot's Logic

Your Mom

Keep it Casual

Barbara Gordon

Would You Rather?

Gotham Villains

Feelings

Sibling Love

Trick Question

Like Father, like Son

Young Dick Grayson was a Menace

Escape

Unsupervised

Funny

Best Thing That's Happened to Me

Great Christmas Idea

Precautions

Finding Tim

Muggy Conditions

Kitchen of God

4xS-rule

Terrible Idea

Dealing with Trauma: The Batfamily Way

Careful

What Seems to be the Problem, Officer?

Jiu-Jitsu

Bad at Math

Secrets

Car Shenanigans

Dinner Plans

Pick-Up Lines

Constructive Criticism

You love me

Hard Time

Offsensive

Problems in Traffic

Special Dinner

The Bitch Is Back

Power Couple

Health Check

Family Additions

Bedroom Activities

Reincarnation

Subtle Signs

Horoscopes

POLAR opposites

Shitposts. ⊹　 °. * ✧ . ✦　 . • ✺ ° ★ . ° .    ⋒

Wayne Family Adventures WEBTOON 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Red Hood: Outlaws WEBTOON 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

[authoralexharvey]

INTERVIEW WITH A WRITEBLR — @vsnotresponding

Who You Are:

V || They/she

Born and raised in a town in Catalonia, Spain. I always had an interest for stories and storytelling, and art in general, as well as math. I wrote my first book at 17 as my project to graduate high school. I'm currently majoring in math, translating said book, and plotting another one.

What You Write:

What genres do you write in? What age ranges do you write for?

Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Tragedy. Young and New Adult

What genre would you write in for the rest of your life, if you could? What about that genre appeals to you?

fantasy, mainly because i love worldbuilding and i often focus on religions or magic systems

What genre/s will you not write unless you HAVE to? What about that genre turns you off?

i don't think i could ever write a purely romance book. my aroaceness makes it very hard for me to write romance in general.

Who is your target audience? Do you think anyone outside of that would get anything out of your works?

i'm not really sure. i write mostly for me. probably just soft fantasy readers? i think people that enjoy worldbuilding and lore might enjoy my stories too. i think anyone could get something out of my books. the setting is just an excuse to write about other things at the end of the day

What kind of themes do you tend to focus on? What kinds of tropes? What about them appeals to you?

grief and circular time appeal the most to me, also main characters struggling with mental health, feeling displaced and out of place. as for tropes, found family and people who dislike each other forced to work together. i don't know why grief comes up that much in my stories. i am obsessed with thinking about circular time, tho. and the mental health issues of my main characters is mostly projecting. as for the tropes, it's all about finding your people whom you feel like yourself with.

What themes or tropes can you not stand? What about them turn you off?

i can deal with pretty much any trope as long as it's entertaining. certain styles of writing is what ultimately turn me off when reading.

What are you currently working on? How long have you been working on it?

i'm currently translating and posting púlsar, i book i wrote when i was 17. i've been translating for three months, and posting for one. i'm also working on untitled project (that's the actual name for the wip), figuring out plot details and that kinda things. i've been doing that since 2019, when UP was born

Why do you write? What keeps you writing?

i write because i am my own target audience, and because i want to tell my ocs' stories. that's what keeps me going too. i can't just be rid of them, they live rent free in my brain

How long have you been writing? What do you think first drew you to it?

since forever, i guess. i remember writing stories as a kid. i was also an avid reader, and a lonely only child that was left alone to their own devices too often, so i found ways to entertain myself

Where do you get your inspiration from? Is that how you got your inspiration for your current project? If not, where did the inspiration come from?

from my daily life, i guess. púlsar doesn't have that many sources of inspiration that i'm aware of, but UP has lots of influences from my philosophy classes from back in high school. in general, music helps a lot with how i approach my writing.

What work of yours are you most proud of? Why?

some short stories i wrote in high school. they are all writing assignments, but i went so hard on them they are still one of the bests things i've ever written. also my answer to a question in my philosophy final, which i later turned into a short story. circular time, man, i told you

Have you published anything? Do you want to?

i haven't, but i'd like to. i just want to share my worlds and characters with other people

What part of the publishing process most appeals to you? What part least appeals to you?

the sharing, but i also think it's very stressful

What part of the writing process most appeals to you? What part is least appealing?

putting it all together. i love finding out how i've unintentionally set up scenes i hadn't even thought about, or how unimportant details turn vital when i add a new scene

Do you have a writing process? Do you have an ideal setup? Do you write in pure chaos? Talk about your process a bit.

oh boy. my writing process is a mess. it's mostly non linear, and i sit with my stories for a long long time before ever starting to write. i also pull from my drawings. sometimes i'll randomly draw one oc doing something completely arbitrary, and then see that it actually fits with the plot so why not add it. generally, i have a very rough direction of where i want to go, 2 or 3 key scenes i know for sure have to happen, then i put the characters in A Situation and let them take the reins from there. because i've sit with them for so long before actually writing, i'm confident enough in my knowledge of them so i never doubt where they are going, they just go. usually i plan ahead for two or three chapters, mostly a bullet point summary or an explanation of events for UP it's been way more complicated because of the nature of the story and its non linearity

Your Thoughts on Writeblr:

How long have you been a writeblr? What inspired you to join the community?

i joined four months ago. i just wanted to share my work with other like minded people, and i'm honestly glad i did. i've met so many wonderful people in such a short amount of time, and the community is wonderful

Shout out some of your favorite writeblrs. How did you find them and what made you want to follow them?

i recently started following @mjjune. i simply fell in love with their now betaing twtr and their general vibes @moondust-bard has also created a bunch of writblr initiatives like a tag game list, and other ongoing projects and i have to mention @my-cursed-prince. she asked me a lot of questions about circular time, and then i checked out her wips and adopted her ocs on the spot

What is your favorite part about writeblr?

tag/asks games, and in general the community. i like sharing, sure, but it's also nice to be able to talk about worlbuilding and lore and how annoying ocs sometimes are with people that get it

What do you think writeblr could improve on? How do you think we can go about doing so?

huh, i'm not sure. more interaction with actual written stuff would be great, but everyone's busy with their lives outside of here so we can't ask of everyone to read everything that comes across their dashboards every day. it'd be great to have an easy to access place to check old and new writing without having to go to an individual blog every time, but that's also a time consuming project to manage

How do you contribute to the writeblr community? Do you think you could be doing more?

if i see someone asking for asks i always send one. i also try to be encouraging of others as much as i can. i do think i could be doing much more. for starters, i'd like to engage more with written content from other writblrs more, but i can't due to time constraints

What kinds of posts do you most like to interact with?

anything that strikes my fancy. i enjoy posts about the writing process struggles people have, or little thoughts they have as they write or plot

What kind of posts do you most like to make?

i love rambling when someone asks me a question. and also posting púlsar

Finally, anywhere else online we may be able to find you?

i have a half abandoned instagram art account with the same handle (vsnotresponding), and my main tumblr blog @iwrotemyowndeliverancesblog (i talk about maths and complain about life)

[tymime]

I honestly think that if you have intelligent, well-educated parents (like mine) to guide you, you could replace public school almost entirely with television.

Public education kinda sucks. They might tell you some vague outline of the Revolutionary War, like mentioning George Washington and Ben Franklin and Paul Revere, and something about "taxation without representation", whatever that means. What they don't tell you is all the stuff behind it, like the French philosophers and other social commentators who inspired the Founding Fathers, the intense excitement of the violent bloody battles, Ben Franklin's revolutions in newspapers, the idealism, the internal debates, the way King George III went insane.

They might mention how ancient Egypt had mummies and pyramids, and some gods like Anubis and Ra, but never mention the complex mythology, the way every pharaoh tried to gaslight the populace into thinking his version of religion was the correct one, and radicals like Akhenaten and Hatshepsut.

You could learn more about history from PBS and YouTube documentaries than you could in elementary and middle school. I learned more about science from Bill Nye the Science Guy than at a class. I've learned more about practical math from Cyberchase than I ever did in school.

The trick, of course, is to fact-check stuff you watch, especially on YouTube. If you use Wikipedia, check the citations and see if they're a reliable source.

It actually makes me worry about teachers' jobs, especially when it comes to music. I've learned more about music theory and playing guitar from YouTube than I ever did in the approx. 5 years I took guitar classes- although admittedly I wasn't very ambituous back then.

[briar--rising]

I remember you talking about Alice: Madness Returns before and thought I would let you know I'm giving it a try. I'm playing it on easy because I am very bad at video games but I want to see if I like it. I have never read the book or seen the movie(s?) so I am basically going in completely blind except for the little bit of knowledge/background I have from you talking about it

OMG I LOVE ALICE: MADNESS RETURNS!!!!!

I am also very very bad at video games and even on easy I was unable to finish the game, so I watched a let's play to get to the end, because platformers are just so hard for me. But it's a fantastic game with such a darkly beautiful aesthetic and great story. I've been obsessed with Alice's Adventures in Wonderland since we "studied" it in my first grade class. I have since genuinely studied it, as I directed a play based on it for my college thesis. The game has nothing really to do with the book or movie, it's got a darker version of the aesthetic and it has some of the same characters but the story is completely divorced from the source material. The actual book is fun and for all ages and is mostly math jokes and Victorian ettiquette jokes. The game is...horror trauma time with an Alice in Wonderland coating. But I love almost all things inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, from the 1951 movie to fucked up horror versions. And I'm a sucker for themes about trauma and abuse and memory loss and psychosis and dolls and fighting to regain autonomy, all of which this game has in spades, so it's a real favorite of mine. I hope you enjoy, and I'd love to hear your thoughts as you play!

[charlieslowartsies]

For the writers block/burnout thing, I have a few tips that I personally use, so I hope they help!

1) Caffeine. I usually have an energy drink when I know I’m going to be doing lots of work or writing, and that usually gets me in a writing mood for a couple of hours. Tea or coffee, while good sources of “clean” caffeine, make me feel a bit too cozy/homely and it makes it harder for me to do writing specifically. The energy drink (I prefer rockstars or monster, but watch those mg’s cuz they’re not the best for you) usually keeps me productive and on-task, and if it doesn’t? I switch to another task. In your case, it could just be a wip you have, or even some entirely new little blurb that doesn’t necessarily have to be posted.

2) Music, the kind that I’m into right now, something older, or even music that’s new to me/that I’ve never heard before. It’s good for the soul and good for the brain for inspiration. Relating to the last bit of #1, it can inspire you to write parts of a wip or a little oneshot or even a scene that you were inspired to write. Any writing is good writing, and if that little drabble gets the brain juices flowing, so be it!

3) Environment change! See, I have this fun little habit of sitting in my car post-class and chugging the rest of an a energy drink with a little snack while writing in a doc for a couple of hours. I typically don’t even realize how much time has passed, and I’ve written upwards of 3k words in one sitting over the span of like two hours. It’s a change of scenery of what I used to do when I write stuff, and it’s made me more productive! If you normally write on your phone in your room, try a different device in a different room! For example, use a laptop in the living room, a tablet on the kitchen floor, an old iPod touch in the bathroom, literally any combo that you can think of is worth trying! Sometimes your brain just needs that little bit of freshness to get the creativity flowing.

4) Other sources of inspiration! I mentioned music earlier, but reading other things (be it fanfiction, published books, or your own writing) can be a way to get your brain working again! Comping up with what-ifs can be useful, because if you get bored of that, then you can redirect the energy into writing something else! You can also look at art, like old museum type stuff, and make up a little story about the piece, then you can try and fit and mould that into something relevant to a current wip! Will it work in a planned story? Probably not, but it got you thinking and that’s what matters! Movies can also be good for this too.

5) Skipping scenes can be really helpful when writing in a lengthy wip that has a preplanned outline. You can always jump around in the story and write segments of dialogue that won’t be used yet, create some description for a future scene that might not be perfect or even good right now, but it’ll get you thinking about the wip. Me personally, if I have a chapter that I think needs more scenes or a scene rewritten, I make a whole new doc for it and just start spewing ideas and actual writing into it; that includes sentence changes in wording or structure, alternate scenes, bonus characters, dialogue thag I KNOW I’ll never use but it’s good except side anyway, etc. I can always go back to it, but it gives me some peace of mind. I also have docs separated by fandoms that’re filled with dialogue blurbs, mini-schemes, random descriptions, and the like. They might not lead to much in the separate doc, but when the time comes when you need inspo or to pull some content from it, you’ll have it on hand!

6) Math. Do some math. I’m dead serious. Some easy algebra or calc equations will either get your brain thinking or frustrated, and either way you can turn that around and put the energy into a wip. Been there, done that (usually when procrastinating lol), but it helps me redirect!

That’s about all I’ve got! I especially want to emphasize the caffeine, music, and environment change part of the list. A combo of that stuff has really helped me productivity, and I hope it can help you too! Remember that no matter how much or how little you write, it’s enough and YOU are enough. Hope your day is well!

I appreciate all this advice. The math might be something I try, at the very least I might try doing a Nancy Drew game on Master mode bc those typically help my creative side relax and my logical side get the reins.

[lady-strange0]

astrantia, blue star and aster

By: Lady_Strange0

Words: 2470

Rating: General Audiences

Published on AO3: 30/05/2023

Relationships: America Chavez & Stephen Strange, America Chavez & Wong, Stephen Strange & Wong

Summary:

“You know, in Hindi faith, hibiscus is associated with the goddess Kali who embodies nothing less than the force of life itself. I think that’s you, and your lively energy in my life,” Stephen said after a moment.

The young girl pulls back out of the hug and looks at him, and smirks before saying “you know you info dump fun facts when you are nervous or in an emotionally charged situation.”

-or-

America loves drawing and painting flowers, and Stephen is a supportive dad who likes seeing his daughter happy.

Inspired by this post

https://www.tumblr.com/changes-fandoms-too-much/717769219089006593?source=share

It started off with doodles in the margins of her notebooks. Stephen and Wong had decided early on after America moved to the sanctum that she should be attending a normal high school to make up for the years of teaching she’s missed. And Stephen was enjoying being a tutor in both magic homework as well as her normal maths and physics homework.

He had just been explaining quadratic equations to America when he noticed the little images at the sides of her notes and homework. Simple doodles of flowers and stars, as well as some of a small familiar basset hound, Bats. They were all done in blue pen and often half-minded. He couldn’t help but notice though, that among the messy pictures there was also a drawing of a flower with large round petals and intricate lines in the middle for the seeds. Almost like a poppy, but he couldn’t tell for certain, his botany knowledge went as far as magical remedies that used flowers required, but nothing outside of that really. Stephen also didn’t know much about art aside of the artworks he bought for his house back when he had money to throw around, but he could still tell that America had real talent if she chose to channel it there.

America could tell that Stephen had zoned out while talking and asked, “what? Maths now even too boring for you to bother explaining? Cause then at least we are in agreement.”

“No, no. I was just thinking about something. Those little doodles are very nice. Do you enjoy drawing or was this just from being bored in classes?”

The girl blushed and ducked her head, “thanks, I don’t know, I liked it when I was young, but then the bee incident happened, and I just never had the time or interest to pick it up again.”

“Well, I think it would be lovely to see some more of your art, we could hang it on the fridge.” America just giggled in response, and they went back to doing her homework together.

Stephen didn’t think about it again, until a week later. He was returning some books to the library in Kamer-Taj that America had borrowed and had asked him to bring back for her as she was going for pizza with her school friends. As Wong was now the Sorcerer Supreme, he no longer worked in the library and the new librarian was even stricter on the ‘no portals in the library’ rule then he had been, and had set up some wards to prevent them. Stephen could get around them but he just didn’t couldn’t be bothered.

Just as he was about to walk up to Mirou, the new librarian, he saw the corner of a sheet of paper sticking out the side of the old book, he opened it to find a beautifully sketched drawing of what he thought to be a Gerbera flower inside, this time done in pencil and shaded to look soft and realistic. He moved to sit down at one of the tables to study the drawing further, it was on a A4 sheet that had evidently been ripped from a school notebook, the printed lines still visible in the back. He removed the drawing from the book and closed it. Sling ring in hand, he opened a portal to his bedroom and placed the drawing on his desk.

Over the next few weeks, he keeps spotting drawings and sketches on loose sheets and starts collecting them in a pile in his study. Soon after he starts to leave blank white printer paper around, the drawings start appearing on them instead. America doesn’t mention the missing drawings, but Stephen is certain she knows he has them.

He wasn’t even the one who bought the coloring pencils and watercolours, they weren’t there one day and then they were the next day. He spots America in their living room sitting on the floor in front of the low table with Bats on the sofa behind her, using them. She was sketching small flowers and attempting different techniques to fill them. He also sees that she is watching a YouTube video on her laptop explaining different types of brushstrokes and how to implement them.

America presents him with a stunning watercolour drawing of a collection of small yellow, pink and purple hibiscus’ with a small smile two days later. “Stephen, I think it’s time for me to actually give you a drawing of mine, instead of you stealing and hiding them like troll.”

“Trolls actually aren’t kleptomaniacs, they usually just take things when their homes are in danger and the stolen things are part of the danger. So,-“

“That’s not what I meant, and you know it,” America said exasperatedly, and Stephen just grinned at her. “Anyways, I want you to have this, yellow hibiscus represents happinesses and sunshine, because you helped me find happiness in a universe that isn’t my own, the pink hibiscus represents love of all kinds but especially familiar and platonic love, and the purple hibiscus shows mystery and knowledge. They remind me of you.”

Had someone asked Stephen ten years ago if he ever wanted kids, let alone a mulitversal traveling, pizza obsessed, and slightly disaster-prone teenage girl, he would have sent them to the psychiatric ward of the hospital. Yet, here he was in the kitchen of their haunted mansion, with a sentient red cloak around his shoulders and a ghostly dog floating into the room, and America starring at him expectedly as she held out one of the best gift he has ever been given, and Stephens eyes start watering.

“Th-thank you, America, they are beautiful,” he was really trying to not cry, with the love and happiness filling him from deep within, “I know the perfect place for it.”

With that he magiced up a small dark wooden photo frame with small carved swirls and curves on it, and placed the painting behind the glass with shaky hands. As he lifted his eyes from the picture frame, he was surprised to see tears in her eyes too, and a quivering lip.

“Hey, hey are you okay, Star?” They were both equally surprised at the nickname, but America looked into Stephens eyes as if looking for something before she threw herself into his arms and hugged him tightly.

“Yes, I am. I really, really am.”

Stephen hugged her back one trembling hand going to her head as the other moved up and down her back.

“You know, in Hindi faith, hibiscus is associated with the goddess Kali who embodies nothing less than the force of life itself. I think that’s you, and your lively energy in my life,” Stephen said after a moment.

The young girl pulls back out of the hug and looks at him, and smirks before saying “you know you info dump fun facts when you are nervous or in an emotionally charged situation.”

Stephen rolled his eyes fondly, carefully picked up the frame and moved out of the room, before he’d start getting ‘emotionally charged’ again.

The frame now sits on his bedside table.

In hindsight, the acrylic paint may have been a mistake on Stephens side. Actually the paint wasn’t the problem, it was the movie that was. She had used the paint to draw on virtually everything. The cardboard boxes from the attic were covered in stars and galaxies and planets, her sketchbooks were filled with paintings and still life’s and kinda off looking portraits, as well as the floor and table, but they didn’t look intentional. So, he forgives her and cleans up the mess with a quick flick of his wrist.

See again, the paint wasn’t the problem, the movie was. They had set up weekly movie nights for her to catch up on movies and tv shows she had missed while traveling across the multiverse. Their current favorites list included ‘Star Wars’, ‘The Greatest Showman’, and Disney’s ‘Tangled’. And ‘Tangled’ was the problem.

A girl who loves to paint and draw watching a movie about a girl who paints her entire room and ceiling in stars and flowers? Yeah, it was bound to happen.

So, it comes as no surprise when he comes home from Kamer-Taj to a home cooked dinner as a begging strategy. Actually the dinner was a surprise, he had expected puppy eyes, from both her and Bats.

Yes, he says yes, when she asks about painting the walls of her bedroom. Stephen helps her pick out some more paints and brushes at the shops, and then assists in moving the furniture from her room.

It’s a large room with big windows on one wall and window seats below them. Random colourful pillows are spread across the seats and the bed. The walls are a soft blue colour matched by the large wooden bed with a blue canopy from which glow in the dark stars are hanging. The thick curtains danced as they moved through the air and out of the room, the soft white carpet rolled itself up and walked out and the furniture shrunk until they could be picked up like doll house pieces. Leaving an empty room for her to paint and decorate as she pleases.

It starts with the wall opposite to where her bed was, she paints a green field with flowers of all kinds, roses, lily’s, yellow coneflowers, pink and white daisies, poppies of every colour as well as flowers which Stephen did not recognize. Upon asking she told him stories of the plants from her home planet, the way some smelt like chocolate, while others would bloom to be blue and purple and pink, how some would be used for special medicines or in her moms food. Stephen loved listing to her talk about her home, and see that despite everything she has been through she still has so much love to share.

The next day, he wakes up to his room with a key being missing, the Cloak, and Bats, but he has started sleeping in Americas bed rather than his. But the Cloak missing was bizarre, so he pulled himself from the bed, and wandered down the hallway in just his pyjama pants and an old T-shirt. It’s the sounds of quiet music that leads him to the ajar door of Americas bedroom. Stephen knocks and upon getting a quick “come in” enters.

What he was expecting when he walked into the room, he didn’t know, but he was surprised to see America sitting on top of the Cloak floating quite high to the ceiling as she is painting fluffy white clouds to above her.

“You know, Michelangelo almost went blind after spending four years painting the ‘Sistine Chapel’, because paint kept dripping in his eyes, so can you please wear some goggles or something,” is all Stephen said once he understood the situation.

“Apparently the info dumping is not exclusive to emotionally charged moments, but also when you are still half-asleep,” America giggled from where she was lounging on the Cloak with a paint brush in one hand and a plastic cup of white paint in the other. “Also, I have no idea how a turtle would have painted a ceiling.”

“A turtle?”

“You know, that movie we watched with the crime fighting turtles, one of them was called Michelangelo.”

“I’m gonna have this conversation after I’ve had coffee,” said Stephen as moved to turn around. “Come get some breakfast in the kitchen with me.”

It was only minutes later when they both sat on the wooden chairs of the kitchen table with a mug of coffee for Stephen and a cup of orange juice for America, as well as some toast with honey, that Stephen saw what America was wearing.

“Is there a reason you’ve gone through my wardrobe and are wearing my old college shirts?”

The girl looked down herself, looking at the grey shirt that was so large on her it reached below her shorts to look almost like a dress, before she looked up and simply said, “it’s not like you wear them anyway.”

That was the end of that conversation, but Stephen did leave a pile of them with her, so she could use them when she moved on to paint the rest of her walls, until they where covered in beautiful fields of flowers on one side which transitioned into a blue sky with clouds that looked like they were moving (maybe they were, Stephen would never say) as the painting continued to the ceiling until it evolved into a dark galaxy filled with stars and planets and pinks and blues and purples over and behind her bed.

After America moved all the furniture back into the room with Stephen help, it looked like a cozy place for America to come and sleep, and read, study, watch movies, and relax. He was so proud of his girl, and after she added the glow in the dark stars to the back wall to match her canopy, he added a light spell that allowed the stars in her paintings to twinkle and slightly sway.

It was after she had also painted her wardrobe and night stands as well as the inside and outside of her bedroom door to match her room, that she ran out of space to paint on.

It’s now been a few weeks and somehow Wong is yet to notice the way the living room walls have small flowers all along the bottom edge in different colours and shapes and sizes. Stephen thinks Wong is just pretending to not see them, as he seen plenty of her other drawings and paintings. Stephen also knows that he has a framed painting of a portal opening to a calming landscape hanging above the desk in his office in Kamer-Taj. America had given it to him as a gift for Luner New Year.

But in Stephens eyes nothing will ever top the colour pencil drawing that hangs in the Sanctums living room, directly above the stone chimney in a place of honour. It depicts a bouquet made out of three flowers held together by a large ribbon.

The left most flower is a light pink star-shaped ‘Astrantia’, which is a soft and elegant flower that represents strength, courage and most of all protection.

The middle flower is a ‘Blue Star’ which is a dainty and delicate little flower that symbolizes endurance, strength and determination.

And the last flower is a purple ‘Aster’, a flower that is named after the Greek word for ‘Star’ and symbolizes love, wisdom, and faith.

The flowers each represent one part of their little star shaped family and Stephen is filled with love and happiness whenever he looks over to see it on the wall.

[debbielearningcove]

Why Math Tuition Is the Key to Academic Success

Mathematics often evokes mixed emotions among students. For some, it’s a subject of endless fascination, while for others, it’s a source of stress. 

Regardless of how one feels about it, mastering mathematics is undeniably crucial. It forms the foundation for many academic and career paths, from engineering to finance and technology. 

However, not all students find it easy to keep up with the challenges of maths. This is where math tuition steps in, offering tailored guidance to unlock every student’s potential.

Personalised Attention and Pacing

One of the main reasons students struggle in maths is the one-size-fits-all approach in classrooms. Teachers, no matter how dedicated, often cannot address each student’s unique pace and learning needs. 

Math tuition bridges this gap by offering personalised attention. Tutors assess the student’s strengths and weaknesses and adapt their teaching methods accordingly. This ensures that students grasp foundational concepts before moving on to more complex topics.

Building Confidence and Reducing Anxiety

It’s not uncommon for students to feel anxious about mathematics. A poor performance in exams or the inability to solve problems can significantly affect their confidence. Math tuition provides a safe space for students to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn at their own speed. 

As they progress, their confidence grows, turning what was once a source of dread into a subject of achievement.

Strengthening Problem-Solving Skills

Mathematics is not just about numbers; it’s about logic, reasoning, and problem-solving. These skills are invaluable in real life, even beyond academics. 

Through math tuition, students are exposed to a variety of problems and learn different techniques to tackle them. This enhances their critical thinking abilities, which are crucial for success in any field.

Preparing for Crucial Exams

For students in secondary school, the Integrated Programme, or Junior College, mathematics can be a deciding factor in academic success. High-stakes exams require a deep understanding of concepts and the ability to apply them effectively. Math tuition equips students with the strategies and practice needed to excel under exam conditions.

Why Choose Debbie's Learning Cove for Math Tuition in Singapore?

Looking for the ultimate math tuition Singapore? Look no further than Debbie's Learning Cove! Led by the inspiring Mrs. Debbie Wong, a graduate with First Class Honours in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge, Debbie's Learning Cove offers a nurturing environment where students from top schools across Singapore have discovered a love for math.

Mrs. Debbie Wong's unparalleled knowledge and infectious enthusiasm create a winning formula for success. Recognized as one of the best math tuition Singapore, her programs are tailored for success at every level – A-Level, O-Level, JC math, H2 Math tution Singapore, IP Math, and A Math. Whether you're a student seeking extra support or a parent looking to equip your child with the tools they need to excel, Debbie's Learning Cove has a program designed to empower you.

Debbie's Learning Cove Details

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Debbie’s Learning Cove offers a nurturing environment where students receive personalised guidance to overcome challenges and excel. Their experienced tutors ensure that every student gets the support they need to succeed.

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[makers-muse]

Why should schools invest in high-quality STEM programs? 

https://makersmuse.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/children-learning-more-about-chemistry-class-scaled.jpg

In a bustling classroom, young minds light up as they design robots, solve real-world problems, and code their own games. These scenes are no longer science fiction but the reality of schools that prioritize STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs. Investing in high-quality STEM education isn’t just a trend; it’s an essential step toward preparing students for a competitive, tech-driven world. 

Bridging the Skills Gap 

The job market is rapidly evolving, with 75% of the fastest-growing careers requiring STEM skills (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). By integrating high-quality STEM programs into curricula, schools equip students with skills that are in high demand, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and technological proficiency. This not only benefits students but also addresses the global skills gap. 

Encouraging Innovation and Creativity 

STEM education encourages students to think outside the box. A study by the National Science Foundation revealed that students in STEM programs are more likely to innovate and apply knowledge creatively. Projects like building solar-powered devices or coding apps inspire students to create solutions for real-world challenges. 

Fostering Equity and Opportunity 

Quality STEM programs level the playing field for all students, regardless of gender or socioeconomic background. Initiatives that promote diversity in STEM fields ensure that every student has the opportunity to excel. For example, programs like Girls Who Code have significantly increased female participation in tech fields, setting a strong precedent for schools worldwide.learn more 

Enhancing Critical Thinking and Collaboration 

STEM activities often involve teamwork and interdisciplinary approaches. Whether solving complex math problems or designing engineering prototypes, students learn to collaborate effectively and think critically. These are essential skills for both academic success and professional life. 

Preparing Students for Future Challenges 

Climate change, artificial intelligence, and healthcare innovations are just a few challenges the next generation will face. STEM education empowers students to tackle these issues head-on. Schools that invest in high-quality STEM programs are not just teaching students; they are shaping future leaders and problem-solvers. 

Start building the future! 

Investing in STEM is investing in the future. Schools must embrace high-quality STEM programs to nurture a generation of innovators and critical thinkers. Start today by advocating for STEM initiatives in your community!