#platonic camaraderie and friendship

[mysecretwindowuniverse]

1x7 | Penguin's Umbrella ☂️

In between all the deaths via weatherballoon, clones, mutants, and resurrections, I still maintain that the biggest suspension of disbelief Gotham ever asked the audience was to pretend that Oswald wasn't stunningly pretty and most definitely didn't have a comically long line of eager suitors vying for his affection at any given moment

[aventurineswife]

Can you do a Genshin Impact story where Childe invited Lyney to show magic tricks to Teucer? Teucer meets Scaramouche, Arlechinno, Lyney, Lynette, Freminet, then invites them to a game of hockey. Because Scaramouche is there, Nahida and Raiden Shogun try to join. It's with Childe's family and the others.

Or if you don't know anything about hockey, what if Wanderer, Venti, Kazuha, Heizou, and Xiao played a board game where they play as the countries of Teyvet.

The Game of Teyvat

Summary: In a lighthearted evening at Mondstadt's tavern, Traveler and their friends—Wanderer, Venti, Kazuha, Heizou, and Xiao—gather around a board game simulating the nations of Teyvet. Each player takes control of a region, vying for territories and resources while forming alliances and plotting betrayals. As strategies unfold, personalities clash in friendly competition, and camaraderie grows in the humorous rivalry.

Tags: Anemo Boys x Traveler!Reader, Platonic, Board Game, Strategic Game, Friendship, Humor, Camaraderie.

The quiet hum of Mondstadt’s breeze swept through the open window of the tavern, carrying with it the scent of fresh grass and distant pines. A peculiar scene unfolded within: Wanderer, Venti, Kazuha, Heizou, Xiao, and the Traveler were seated around a low wooden table, stacks of cards, dice, and colorful tokens scattered about in what appeared to be a strategic battle of wits.

"I still don’t understand," Kazuha mused, looking over the board, "how exactly are we supposed to play as the countries of Teyvet? It’s... fascinating, but it’s also a bit complex."

Wanderer, who had been eyeing the pieces suspiciously, grumbled. "Are we really doing this? Playing as the countries? This feels ridiculous."

Venti chuckled, leaning back in his chair with a lazy grin. "Oh, come on, Wanderer! It’s just a little fun! Besides, you get to rule over all of Teyvet! What’s not to like?"

Xiao, seated across from him, said nothing. His arms were crossed tightly, and his expression was unreadable, but the subtle twitch of his fingers betrayed his slight interest.

Heizou, always one to embrace the unusual, leaned forward with a grin. "What’s the matter, Wanderer? Afraid you might lose?"

The Wanderer narrowed his eyes. "You know I don’t lose."

Traveler leaned in, grinning. "Let’s just start the game and see how it goes. It’ll be fun."

Wanderer snorted but said no more. The game in question was a hand-crafted board game based on the various regions of Teyvet, with each player taking control of one of the nations. The goal? To strategically conquer territories, gather resources, and outsmart the other players. It was a game of strategy and diplomacy, with the occasional surprise of a random event card shaking things up.

The board itself was a beautifully detailed map of Teyvet, each nation represented by a brightly colored piece. Venti had, unsurprisingly, claimed Mondstadt. Kazuha took Inazuma, his home nation, with a serene but determined expression. Heizou chose Sumeru, his playful nature fitting the rich intellectual landscape. Xiao had Liyue, always silent and mysterious, while Wanderer took Fontaine, an outsider to most but always intrigued by the notion of law and order. And of course, you—the Traveler—had to represent the entirety of Teyvet, which, to your amusement, meant controlling all the countries in a way, albeit with a heavier burden.

Heizou clapped his hands to begin the game. "Let the conquest of Teyvet begin!"

Turn 1

Wanderer immediately rolled the dice, frowning as it landed on a 2. "A 2? That’s the worst possible start."

"Would you like to trade your luck with me?" Venti teased, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "I could give you a better fortune. I’m rather good at guiding winds, after all."

Wanderer shot him a withering look. "I’m fine."

Kazuha, rolling his dice, looked up at the others. "This game might be more like life than we expect. There’s a delicate balance between taking risks and staying cautious."

Heizou leaned back in his chair, placing a hand on his chin. "Indeed. It’s all about finding the right balance of resources. And the alliances we form—or break—could make or break us."

The Traveler smiled, casually sliding a piece forward on the board, managing to claim the first territory of Sumeru. "Looks like I’m off to a good start."

The others groaned. You were known for your strategic mind, and it was clear you weren’t wasting any time.

Venti was next. "I’ll claim Windrise, of course!" he said, flicking his hand dramatically. "I mean, who else could possibly lay claim to such a beautiful place?"

Xiao barely glanced at the board, but his dice roll was precise. "Liyue is mine," he said quietly, though there was an edge of determination in his voice. "No one else has the strength to protect it like I do."

Turn 2

The game progressed, with each player expanding their territories, occasionally negotiating trade deals or forming brief alliances.

Venti and Kazuha were forming an unexpected alliance, agreeing to help each other with resources from Mondstadt and Inazuma in exchange for a share of the spoils.

"I’m not sure this is a good idea," Wanderer muttered, eying the two. "The two of you together are a bit too... idealistic."

Kazuha smiled. "It’s not about ideals, Wanderer. It’s about finding harmony. And besides," he added, pointing at the board, "having a bit of fun."

Wanderer, still skeptical, surveyed the board with a grimace. He rolled his dice—yet again, another 2. "I’m really starting to hate these dice."

Meanwhile, Heizou was scheming. "I think I’ll take a page out of your book, Xiao," he said with a grin. "I’ll focus on accumulating influence rather than brute strength. That’ll make me a formidable opponent when the time comes."

Xiao just gave him a quiet, disinterested look. "Do what you must."

The Traveler continued to hold their lead, collecting both resources and alliances from the different countries. They were the silent, calculating force in the game. Though no one was able to predict your next move, it was clear that no one was underestimating you.

The Final Stretch

As the game neared its climax, tensions began to rise. The alliances that had formed earlier were starting to crumble, and some players began to realize they would have to betray others to win.

Heizou suddenly looked over at you, an almost conspiratorial gleam in his eyes. "You know, Traveler," he began, leaning closer, "I’ve been watching you. You’re very good at this game. But... are you really in control, or is something else guiding your hand?"

You raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corner of your lips. "Let’s just say I have my own way of understanding Teyvet’s intricacies. Every choice matters."

Venti snickered from the other side of the table. "Ah, but that’s what makes this game fun! Who knows what tricks the others might have up their sleeves?"

Kazuha, ever the poet, smiled as he moved his piece. "In the end, it’s not just about winning, but the journey we take to get there."

Xiao didn’t respond, his focus unwavering as he slowly surrounded and cut off territories from both Wanderer and Heizou.

The tension in the air was palpable as everyone took their final turns, negotiating, plotting, and making their final moves. Eventually, it came down to you and one other player. The board was split down the middle, with territories controlled by both the Traveler and their rival.

"Well," Wanderer sighed dramatically, looking over at you. "Looks like you’ve won, haven’t you?"

You glanced at the board and nodded. "It’s been a long game, but yes. I have control of Teyvet."

Venti clapped his hands in mock applause. "And the crown goes to... our ever-calculating Traveler!"

"Well played," Kazuha said, his smile warm. "You truly understood the rhythms of the game."

Xiao, ever the quiet one, gave a rare nod of approval. "You deserved it."

Heizou chuckled. "I have to admit, I underestimated you."

"That’s the game for you," you said with a grin. "Every move is a calculated risk."

As the night ended and the game was packed away, everyone shared stories of their own nations and adventures, discussing what could have been and what might have been had the game been different. Laughter filled the room, and even Wanderer, who had grudgingly admitted his defeat, seemed to enjoy the friendly rivalry.

"This was a good distraction," Xiao muttered, finally unguarded as he took a drink from his cup. "Though, next time, I’ll be the one to win."

Venti grinned, raising a cup in mock salute. "A challenge, Xiao? I’ll be waiting."

As the stars twinkled outside, you couldn't help but smile. Maybe Teyvet would never be as simple as a board game—but for tonight, it had been a game worth playing.

And, perhaps, in the future, the countries of Teyvet would see more than just politics. They’d see the camaraderie born from games, laughter, and shared moments of lighthearted fun.

After all, in this world, even the smallest victories mattered.

[makiquas]

Its Butchtober. Bear with me for a second as I rant about children's cartoon ships, butchphobia, the conditional acceptance of butches in sapphic spaces on the basis of desirability, and feeling erased as a butch kid.

It's so funny that I realised early on as a 2000-2010s teen/kid how a lot of so called "sapphics" of social media are really, really anti butch4butch, only by interacting with certain subsets of Catradora and Appledash haters. It may be flippant to connect butchphobia with children's cartoons, but you cannot deny it is there. We finally had two canon butch4butch and masc4masc lesbian animated ships. And the fandoms decided that the best possible reaction to this is to violently hate on the ships for bullshit reasons and write up masterdocs about how the butch character actually looks better with a femme character instead (in both cases–Rarity and Glimmer, who is arguably feminine but not femme, but that's a conversation for another day, how the SPOP fandom waters down gender identities for aesthetics).

This is not just about two cartoon ships; this mindset of seeing two masc lesbians and immediately going "actually they act like bros; but this BUTCHFEMME couple has real chemistry" comes off sounding really, really bad in 2024 when you have no idea how butch identity operates, outside of depicting us as pants-wearing sexually aggressive muscular women. Butches ARE bros, even the ones who kiss each other. Camaraderie and tomboyish swagger *is* a part of their life. It's not our fault you are too fanfic trope-pilled to read these interactions are sexless friendship bantering.

It's also quite concerning, given how there are only a handful of butch4butch books in the market, and almost all of them talk about the stigmatizing of relationships between two butches/studs/masc lesbians. There are many butch lesbians who themselves face internalized butchphobia because of societal standards and expectations of being turned into the "gallant" provider of femmes. Butch and femme are not always inherently complementary, butches can be attracted to other butches, there is no "natural order" model of lesbian/sapphic attraction and your thinly veiled butchphobia is really off-putting, given you guys don't seem to extend that same rhetoric to mascfemme ships like Korrasami or Caitvi, or femme-femme ships like Harlivy.

Here, I must mention relationships like Rei and Kaoru from Oniisama E, or Jess and Lupe from A League of Their Own, who have bucket loads of chemistry but still have some vehement antis only because both the lesbians are masculine. (What's funny is the new wave of lesbian Oniisama E fans are almost all Rei/Kaoru shippers despite the show putting them into two butchfemme pairings.) Something something to be butch4butch is to be failing the tests of palatability and desirability according to conventional models of societal norms. Forever.

Again, one may have valid reasons for disliking these fictional ships (what, I genuinely don't know). But it *is* weird that you guys can watch fifty white fem4fem sapphic shows in a year and read 100+ GL with the same feminine girlish blonde and brunette/pink haired archetype and not bat an eyelid, but conjure a world of made-up "platonic" dynamics just because you read every butch4butch interaction as fundamentally platonic.

A lot of you love to throw around Stone Butch Blues as a catchphrase to educate strangers on the internet about 1950s-70s blue-collar bar culture and USA butch femme history, but how many of you actually know that within the book itself, the lead character acts prejudiced and hates on another butch for being butch4butch? How many of you know that she apologizes to her friend at the end for her hateful remarks? Fun fact: when you ostracize a butch for not fitting into your butch-femme subculture aesthetic, you're no better than lesbiphobic bigots actually.

Anyway, here are some butch4butch resources if you are a baby butch4butch and feel alienated by these kinds of weird rhetoric in online and fandom queer spaces too:

Butch4Butch romance books

My Butch4Butch books masterdoc (**being updated regularly**)

Leo Wilder's Butch4Butch writing (18+)

Butch4Butch photography archive (insta)

Boyish² Butch4Butch yuri anthology (insta)

@milsae Butch4Butch artist (tumblr/insta)

This post is made by a trans masc butch of color. Terfs, racists, biphobes and radfems kindly do not derail or interact.

[rhys-writes-some-shit]

The Dilemma of a Rubber Duck

Alastor x Reader (Queer-Platonic) ft. Bestie Lucifer

(TW: Mentions of depression, mentions of suicide attempts)

You knew Alastor didn’t like Lucifer. You weren’t 100% sure why, only that the King of Hell really got on Alastor’s nerves. Ever since Lucifer had moved into the hotel in the aftermath of the battle with the angels, Alastor had spent hours ranting and raving to you about him. They were constantly trying to one-up each other. It was comical, really.

Except that you were stuck in the middle of it. 

Unlike Alastor, you and Lucifer had hit it off right away, getting along like two peas in a pod. There was a certain camaraderie that came with being clinically depressed and still having to force a smile, which both you and Lucifer were experts at. Many late nights had been spent exchanging stories and finding humor in things other people might not otherwise find humorous. 

(“I tried to kill myself twice, and then end up getting hit by a car! That’s how I end up in Hell? What did I do all that work for?” That was the first time that story had been met with laughter, and that was when you knew Lucifer was a good guy.)

You were constantly thinking about how Alastor would react to knowing you enjoyed hanging out with Lucifer, or vice versa. It worried you to no end, so you tried to keep your friendship with Lucifer under wraps, for Alastor’s sake. He needed someone to back him up, and you wanted to be that person. You wanted Alastor to know he could trust you.

One evening, you and Lucifer were talking in the parlor, drinking tea. Alastor was out for a fancy Overlord meeting, so you were able to relax a bit. 

“I’m so glad we have Niffty around,” you were saying. “Sometimes I just can’t find the energy to do my laundry, but I know that if I leave it on the floor, she’ll take care of it right away.” You thought for a moment. “It’s not like I’m forcing her to do it. Or taking advantage of her. Right?”

“Nah, I thought cleaning was her job,” Lucifer reassured. “My loophole with that is all my outfits are the same. Also magic. Magic is very helpful.”

“Man, I’m jealous!” You gave a lighthearted groan. “I wish I could have magic like that.”

“Who’s saying you can’t?” Lucifer shrugged, sipping at his tea. 

You snorted. “Have you seen me? Do I look like Overlord material to you?”

“I didn’t think Mr. Crimson Asshole was an Overlord, so looks aren’t everything.” Lucifer hesitated. “Oh, shit, I shouldn’t have said it like that. You two are like, dating, right?”

You made a ‘fifty-fifty’ gesture with your hand. “Eh… Not really? It’s like… a mutual relationship. Neither of us are the ‘dating’ type, so we just kind of… vibe. But it’s fine, I get it. You should hear the things he says about you.”

“Oh?” Lucifer leaned forward, curious. You mimed zipping your lips, grinning playfully. “Alrighty then, keep your secrets.”

The feeling of guilt you’d been getting used to returned, but you smiled past it. If there was anything Alastor taught you, it was that you could hide everyone behind a smile. And it worked, for the most part. The only person who’d ever been able to see though it was Alastor himself. Similarly, you were the only person able to see through his ever-present smile.

Setting his cup down, Lucifer waited for a lull in the conversation. “Before I forget, I have something for you.” With a wave of his hand, a little yellow rubber duck appeared in his palm. Its features and markings made it resemble you. 

Eyes wide, you carefully took the duck from his hands like it were an actual duckling.

“This one doesn’t breathe fire or anything, but…” Lucifer paused, like he was struggling for words. “I haven't had a real friend in… a really long time. S-so I wanted to thank you. For that.”

You were at a loss for words. The only other person to get you gifts since you’d died had been Alastor. That feeling of guilt hit you like a train, but it was masked with a bright, grateful smile.

“Lucifer, I… I’m honored. Thank you.” You struggled to tear your eyes away from the duck. “Can I hug you?”

Instead of replying, Lucifer pulled you out of your chair, hugging you close. You matched it, hoping your appreciation for his existence was properly conveyed.

“Ahem.”

You and Lucifer pushed each other apart like a teenage couple caught making out. Alastor was standing in the entrance to the parlor, teeth bared. His grin was sharp, borderline violent, and his eyes were narrowed. 

“Al,” you tried, but no other words followed.

Then Alastor sighed, and the murderous look in his eyes disappeared. You were still holding the duck Lucifer had given you. Looking down, you realized you were shaking, and felt a little faint. 

You stumbled back, right into Alastor’s arms. Head spinning, you allowed him to set you down on the chair. Alastor kept a hand on your arm, watching your every movement with surgical focus. He knew, you realized. He knew how guilty you felt, how much anxiety it was causing you. How long he’d known, you had no idea, but you could feel it in the way he wouldn’t let you go. You didn’t want him to let you go. 

“Are you okay?” Lucifer looked frantic, obviously worried. “Do you need water? Something to eat? Medicine? I’m sure there’s some around here somewhere, if you just give me a minute—”

“I’m fine,” you interrupted, trying to muster a smile. You failed. How Alastor held his grin all day, every day, was a mystery to you. “Well, okay, maybe not fine.”

“They could use water,” Alastor provided, only a slight edge in his voice. Nodding, Lucifer ran off to get a glass of water, leaving you and Alastor alone in the parlor. 

Alastor was silent for a moment. You could tell he was trying to figure out what to say. “I apologize for not noticing your anxiety sooner.” A little joy fluttered in your chest. Alastor enjoyed watching everyone’s suffering—everyone except for you.

“It’s not your fault,” you told him. “I should’ve been more upfront. I just…” You were still a little shaky. Alastor’s hand moved so it rested over your hand. The rubber duck was still in your other hand, and you turned it over with your fingers, fidgeting with it. “I didn’t want you to leave me.”

“Now that is nonsense if I ever heard any!” Alastor laughed. “What a ridiculous sentiment, my dear. It would take more than that to take me from you, I assure you.”

“But I know how much you hate him.” You looked towards the direction Lucifer had gone. “You hate that he’s here. You hate that he’s meddling. And this is just another reason to hate him.”

Alastor was contemplating his words again when Lucifer came back. He gently handed you the glass of water, causing you to have to put your duck down. Alastor was right to ask for it—the water helped. The air was tense as Lucifer and Alastor glared at one another while also keeping an eye on you. 

“When you are happy, I am happy,” Alastor said out of the blue. Both you and Lucifer looked to him for clarification. “If talking with Lucifer makes you happy…” Alastor swallowed, gritting his teeth, glowering deeply at Lucifer, “then, by that logic, it makes me happy.”

“Hey, same here.” Lucifer put his arms up symbolically. “I’m not gonna leave my friend just because I hate their boyfriend– er, whatever you are, that is.”

“Partner,” you and Alastor said in unison.

“Right. That.” 

The air was still tense, but it made you feel better knowing that Alastor and Lucifer wouldn’t be fighting over you, at the very least. 

“Okay,” you said suddenly, having finished your water. “I’m going to bed. Thanks again for the duck, Lucifer.”

You barely heard Alastor growl at Lucifer upon realizing that he’d given you a gift, but it just caused you to smile fondly. Alastor was quick to step in beside you, taking your arm to escort you up to your room. 

“You’re welcome!” Lucifer called back. “But don’t think that just because you and Alastor are partners that I’ll make one for him too!” You had to stifle a laugh. Lucifer was too sweet for his own good, no matter how awkward it made him seem.

You turned so Lucifer could see your grin. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

[xxspringmelodyxx]

Why Her and Not me?

Here part III is! I hope you all enjoy it! I also wanted to thank you all so much for the love and support on this story! I honestly wasn’t expecting this much feedback, so once again, thank you my lovelies! Enjoy~

Gojo Satoru x F!Reader x Geto Suguru (Angst)

Part I | Part II | Part IV

Several weeks had passed and things were starting to look better for you. Your heart felt lighter, your smile was more genuine, and the weight of your past relationship with Toru seemed to be gradually lifting. You found solace in the supportive presence of your friends, especially Suguru, whose unwavering support and understanding had become a source of comfort during these tumultuous times.

Word of Osaka and Toru making their relationship official spread around fast, and it didn’t take long for it to get to you. At first, hearing about Osaka and Toru's official relationship stung a little. It was a reminder of what could have been, a bittersweet realization that the person you once loved loved someone else. But with each passing day, you found yourself accepting their relationship, understanding that it was time to let go of the past and focus on your own healing journey.

And instead of dwelling on what could have been, you threw yourself into spending quality time with your friends, relishing in the laughter and camaraderie that filled the air whenever you were together. Suguru, in particular, had become a constant presence by your side, serving as a beacon of hope during moments of doubt and uncertainty.

Those weeks turned into months, and as the time flew by, you couldn't help but notice the subtle shifts in your relationship with Suguru. What started as a platonic friendship had evolved into something deeper, a connection that resonated on a soul-deep level. His presence brought you comfort in ways you never thought possible, and you found yourself drawn to him in ways you couldn't fully understand. It was in the little things—the way he would brush a stray hair from your face, the warmth of his hand on your shoulder when you needed reassurance, the genuine concern in his eyes whenever you spoke of your struggles—that made you realize there was something more between you.

You found comfort in his company, cherishing the moments you spent together, whether it was sharing quiet conversations late into the night or simply enjoying each other's presence in comfortable silence. There was an unspoken understanding between you, a sense of mutual respect and admiration that only deepened with each passing day.

But amidst the growing bond between you and Suguru, there lingered a lingering sense of uncertainty. You couldn't shake the feeling that there was something holding you back, a shadow of doubt that whispered reminders of your past heartache with Toru. Despite your growing feelings for Suguru, you couldn't help but wonder if you were ready to open your heart to love again, to risk being hurt once more.

Yet, despite your reservations, you couldn't deny the undeniable pull towards Suguru, the magnetic attraction that seemed to draw you closer with each passing moment. And as you navigated the complexities of your emotions, one thing became clear: no matter what the future held, Suguru had become an integral part of your life, a beacon of light in the darkness, guiding you towards a path of healing and self-discovery.

However, there were still moments every now and then where you caught your mind going back to Toru. It had been a good 6 months since his confession about Osaka, and you did your best to keep your distance and tread carefully around him, mindful of the emotional turbulence that lurked beneath the surface.

Occasionally, you would find yourself in Toru's company, the echoes of your shared history a reminder of both joy and pain. You always made sure, however, that whenever you were with Toru, either Shoko, Hime, or Suguru were with you. You weren’t quite ready to be alone with Toru, not yet anyways.

You figured he wouldn’t notice, and you were right…for a while. Toru seemed completely consumed by his newfound relationship with Osaka. He appeared to be thoroughly enjoying his time with her, often seen buying her gifts and showering her with hugs and subtle kisses. Their affectionate displays only served to reinforce the growing distance between you and Toru, highlighting the undeniable shift in his focus and priorities.

However, it wasn’t long before he started to notice your absence during his relationship. At first, he brushed it off, attributing it to your busy schedule or other commitments. But as days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, your presence grew increasingly scarce. A sense of unease began to settle in the pit of his stomach as he found himself missing the easy banter and shared laughter that characterized your guys’ time together, the void left by your absence becoming more pronounced with each passing day. It was as if a piece of the puzzle was missing, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake the feeling of incompleteness that lingered in your absence.

Whenever Toru and Osaka ventured out together, certain places would trigger memories of him and you, especially your bakery. Passing by it every day with Osaka, Toru couldn't help but be engulfed by the tantalizing scents wafting from its doors. And despite knowing your schedule, he would linger around, hoping to catch a glimpse of you. Maybe even get a chance to finally speak to you. Sometimes, he would wait nearly an hour, yearning to talk to you, to see you again. But you never emerged, leaving him with a hollow ache in his chest.

What’s worse is that he now finds his thoughts often drifting to you, wondering where you were and what you were doing. Were you safe? Were you with someone he knows? Were you out and about having the best time of your life without him? He himself couldn’t believe how much you were on his mind. Even when he had Osaka, the girl he had been wanting to date for a while now, he found himself yearning for your company instead. There was something about you that she couldn’t replace, and it was becoming more and more obvious each day.

Beyond the longing for your presence and the fun that came along with you, Toru found himself missing your baking. Despite Osaka's efforts to replicate your treats, they never quite measured up. Your creations were perfection, each bite a symphony of flavors that left him craving more. It was as if every pastry, every loaf of bread, was crafted just for him, tailored to satisfy his every craving.

As time passed, Toru also couldn't ignore the growing realization that he and Osaka had little in common. Their conversations felt forced, their interests diverging more with each passing day. She would suggest activities that held no appeal to him, and he struggled to find common ground with her. It was as if they were two puzzle pieces forced together, their edges rough and incompatible, unable to fit into each other's lives seamlessly.

Despite his best efforts to focus on his budding romance with Osaka, Toru couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. It was as if his heart was pulling him in a different direction, toward someone he never expected to fall for. And as he grappled with his conflicting emotions, he couldn't help but wonder if perhaps he had been looking for love in all the wrong places.

As he reflected on the dynamics of his relationship with Osaka, Toru couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt for the growing distance between you. The more he tried to immerse himself in his newfound romance, the more he found himself longing for the familiarity and comfort of your companionship. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to confront these conflicting emotions, choosing instead to bury them beneath a facade of contentment, hoping they would eventually fade away with time.

Despite his outward appearance of happiness, Toru couldn’t get rid of the nagging feeling that he was living a lie, pretending to be someone he wasn’t just to fit into the mold of the perfect boyfriend. Deep down, he knew that his heart belonged elsewhere, tethered to you by an invisible thread that refused to be severed. And as he grappled with the weight of his emotions, he couldn’t help but wonder if he was destined to remain caught between two worlds, torn between duty and desire, until he found the courage to follow his heart. Maybe he just needed to give everything a little more time and everything would soon fall into place…Yeah! That’s it. All he needs is time…

———

One evening, you decided to invite the group over for a movie night, including Toru and Osaka. It was true that you still had mixed feelings with them, but overall, you were still their friend. And you weren’t cruel to invite everyone else but them. Besides, it’s been a while since you all have hung out together as a group, so it would be good to have everyone back together again.

———

I heard a knock on my door, recognizing the voices of Shoko and Hime from the other side.

“Y/n! Hurry up and open the door already! It’s freezing out here! Honestly, you should just leave it unlocked at this point for the amount of times we come over,” Shoko complained from the opposite side. I chuckled as I quickly made my way to the door and swung it open, greeted by the sight of Shoko and Hime bundled up against the cold.

“Hey bestie! Look what I brought!” Shoko exclaimed, proudly displaying a couple of bottles of alcohol.

I rolled my eyes playfully at her while Hime shook her head in disapproval, her fingers pinching the bridge of her nose.

”I tried to tell her not to get so much, but she didn’t listen,” Hime sighed.

”Shoko, you do realize this isn’t going to be a frat party, right? It’s just a casual hangout,” I reminded her, making her pout.

”Yeah, but we can still have some fun! Besides, it was on sale!” Shoko defended her choice of beverages.

”Fine, fine. Just don't overdo it, alright? We don’t want a repeat of last time…” I cautioned, remembering a particularly rowdy night. Shoko had drank way too much for her own good and it resulted in us having to run after her down the street. She was buttnaked, running freely around. Eventually, we caught up to her, but not before the cops got involved. She was dressed properly and taken in.

”Oh come on, you guys are no fun! Besides, it was a great memory, don’t you guys think?” Shoko asked with a playful grin.

”Not when we had to pay a hefty fine to bail you out!” Hime chimed in, earning a sheepish grin from Shoko. She put her hands up in defeat, not wanting to get a rise out of Hime.

”Okay, okay! I won’t drink too much… probably,” Shoko relented, eliciting a groan from Hime.

Suddenly, a familiar voice interrupted our banter, causing us to turn around.

“…Osaka?” Shoko began, momentarily confused. Hime quickly nudged her, prompting a correction.

”I-I mean…O-Osaka! You’re here!” Shoko amended, rubbing her side from Hime's nudge.

”Yeah! Me and Toru brought some snacks to share. I made them myself!” Osaka announced, holding up a box of homemade treats. I smiled, pushing past Shoko and Hime to grab onto Osaka’s arm.

”They look amazing, Osaka. Please come in. You must be freezing out there,” I welcomed her, noticing the curious glances exchanged between Shoko and Hime.

”I can’t imagine they’re anything like your sweets, Y/n, but I hope they at least satisfy you. Toru is constantly talking about how great your food tastes,” Osaka said sweetly, making me, Hime, and Shoko tense up.

”H-He does?” I asked, feeling a familiar ache in my chest.

”Mhmm! I don’t think a single day passes where he doesn’t stop by your bakery. He always talks about how you make the best Kikufuku! Sometimes he stops by to say hi,” Osaka continued, unaware of the tension she had stirred.

Guilt began to build up in my stomach. I knew about him coming to my shop, and I deliberately made sure to stay in the back when he visited, avoiding him. It was just too much for me to talk to him…alone especially.

“Y-Yeah…” I responded weakly.

”Though, I can see why. Your baking is the best! Anytime I talk to my friends back in my hometown, I always tell them about your desserts and how amazing your food is! You’ve sure got a talent for that, Y/n!” Osaka praised, making me smile softly at her kindness.

Guilt nagged at me as I accepted the sweets from Osaka. I couldn't shake the feeling that her presence was a constant reminder of what I had lost.

”I’m sure these sweets taste amazing, Osaka. Now, you go sit over there… and try to ignore the alcohol that Shoko brought. I’m pretty sure it's all just for her,” I teased, hoping to lighten the mood. She nodded, sitting politely on the couch, waiting for Toru to come in.

As I turned to retrieve some movies from my room, I felt a firm grip on my arm, pulling me into the bathroom. I let out a small shriek as I found myself face to face with Shoko and Hime. Osaka looked behind her to see no one. Confused, she looked both ways to see where you went, but saw no sight of you. She shrugged, thinking you just went back to your room. Little did she know, you were being investigated as to why you brought her here in the first place.

”Why is she here?!” Shoko demanded, her frustration evident.

”What do you mean?”

“Y/n, don’t play dumb. You shouldn’t have invited her! It’s only going to make things worse,” Hime interjected, her tone serious.

I listened to their concerns, but a part of me couldn't bear to exclude Osaka and Toru, no matter how much it hurt to see them together.

"I know, but I can’t just invite everyone over and not them. Besides, it’s not their fault that they fell in love with each other. I can’t hate them forever just because Toru chose her over me,” I reasoned, my voice tinged with sadness.

”Yes you can!” Shoko argued, but I shook my head. I placed my hand on theirs, looking them deep in the eyes.

“No, girls. Just because things are complicated doesn't mean we should shut them out," I interjected, recognizing their concerns but unwilling to let bitterness dictate our actions. "We've always valued our friendships and treated each other with kindness, no matter what. Let's not forget that now."

Shoko and Hime exchanged a silent glance, their expressions softening as they considered my words. After a moment, Shoko sighed and nodded in reluctant agreement. "Fine, but I'm keeping an eye on them," she declared, her protective instincts still in full force.

Hime offered a small smile of reassurance. "We'll stick together, no matter what," she affirmed, her loyalty unwavering.

With a collective understanding, we stepped out of the bathroom, ready to face the evening with resolve and unity.

As I opened the door to rejoin the others, a tall figure stood before me, catching me off guard. Another small shriek escaped my lips as I began to fall backwards. Thankfully, the tall figures hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me close to him.

”Woah, sorry n/n. I didn’t mean to startle you. I was just wondering where you were when all I saw in your living room were Osaka and Toru,” Suguru explained, his eyes warm and apologetic.

Shoko, Hime, Osaka, and Toru observed the scene unfold, each reacting differently to the unexpected encounter.

Despite the mixed emotions swirling inside me, I managed a smile as Suguru pulled me into a comforting embrace.

“I’m just glad you're here, Sugu!” I said, grateful for his presence amidst the turmoil of conflicting emotions. Toru saw the warm embrace you gave to Suguru and couldn’t help but feel…off about it. Whatever that feeling was, he didn’t like how it felt.

“Let’s get this started already! I’m starving!” Shoko declared, eager to break the tension.

Suguru's arrival seemed to lighten the mood, and soon we were all gathered in the living room, ready to enjoy our movie night together.

———

As the night unfolded, laughter and conversation filled the air, creating a sense of warmth and connection that enveloped the group. Despite the initial awkwardness between you, Toru, and Osaka, the shared moments of joy and lighthearted teasing between everyone helped to bridge the divide, easing the tension that had been simmering beneath the surface.

As the movie played, you found yourself stealing glances at Suguru, noticing the way his eyes sparkled with amusement at a particularly funny scene. A smile tugged at the corners of your lips as you reveled in the easy comfort of his presence, grateful for the genuine connection you shared.

Meanwhile, Toru's gaze seemed to linger on you more often than not, a subtle shift that didn't go unnoticed by Suguru or your friends. Despite his efforts to engage with Osaka, there was an unmistakable tension in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken feelings that lingered between you and Toru.

———

As the evening wore on, Toru found himself increasingly preoccupied with the sight of you and Suguru. Despite the movie playing in the background, his attention was drawn to the quiet whispers and shared laughter between you two on the couch. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy as he observed the natural chemistry that seemed to flow effortlessly between you and Suguru.

He watched as Suguru poked your opposite shoulder to trick you into thinking Shoko tapped you. He watched as you playfully punched him, smiling at his tomfoolery. He watched you two ignore everything around you, acting as if you two were the only ones left in the world.

Each shared smile, every shared glance—it felt like a silent declaration of a bond that Toru couldn't quite comprehend. As much as he tried to focus on enjoying the movie night, his mind kept wandering back to you, to the way you leaned in closer to Suguru, your laughter ringing through the room like music to his ears.

And It wasn't just the laughter that stirred a sense of longing within Toru; it was the way you looked at Suguru with such genuine affection and admiration. It was as if you were sharing an inside joke, a secret language that excluded him from the intimacy you shared with Suguru.

Toru couldn't help but recall the times when it was him by your side, sharing those stolen moments of connection. He missed the easy bond you once shared, the way you would listen to him with unwavering attention, making him feel like the most important person in the room. He missed the way your eyes sparkled as he talked to you about the randomest things in the world, the way your giggle filled his chest with pride, the way your voice helped calm him down when he needed it most. He desperately missed you and the way you made him feel…and yet there you were, acting the same way around someone else that wasn’t him. As he watched you and Suguru, he couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider looking in.

As Osaka snuggled up to him, Toru was busy in his own mind as an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. Despite her presence beside him, he found himself drifting into a reverie, reminiscing about moments shared with you.

"This movie is boring..." Osaka's voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him back to the present. He glanced up, noticing the familiar scenes unfolding before him. It was one of your favorite movies, a film you'd watched countless times together. The movie held little interest for him compared to the memories it evoked. The thought of you made him smile faintly, recalling how you'd eagerly convinced him to watch it, even if he had already seen it with you numerous times already.

The memory brought a sense of warmth and nostalgia, a stark contrast to the chill that seemed to permeate his current relationship. He remembered your playful insistence, your determination to lift his spirits and distract him from the burdens of his work. It was a small gesture, yet it spoke volumes about your caring nature and the depth of your bond.

As he watched the movie, snippets of moments spent with you replayed in his mind like scenes from a cherished film. He remembered the way you'd prepare his favorite snacks, your gentle touch as you comforted him through his worries, and the soothing sound of your voice as you reassured him that everything would be okay.

Despite his best efforts to focus on his current relationship, his heart couldn't help but yearn for the warmth and familiarity he found in your presence. And It was in that moment that Toru realized the depth of his feelings for you. You weren’t just a friend; You were someone he couldn't bear to lose. And yet, he couldn't deny the growing distance between them, a gap that seemed to widen with every stolen glance between you and Suguru.

As the night went on, Toru continued to find himself lost in his own thoughts, grappling with the realization that he might have let something precious slip through his fingers.

Little did he know, your feelings were also beginning to shift, your heart drawn towards Suguru in ways you never expected. And as the lines between friendship and something more blurred, the stage was set for a love triangle that would test the bonds of friendship and loyalty in ways none of you could have anticipated.

________________

Part IV coming soon? Depending on my school schedule (I hate you college!!)

Taglist: If you’d like to be added, just let me know what username you want to be notified and I will get you added right away :)))

@creolequeen11210

@pompompompompompompom

@xccharlie

@ritsatoru

@jcrml

@melancholyhill5

@deeeeexx

@aishies-stuff

@crystalorbb

@smolbeanzzz

@mel1mak

@hojoslutoru

@artist1936

@1800imgay

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@strxxberries

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@itsmenillo

@v4lll

@luciledreamz

@ichikanu

@lolmais

@rh-tg1

[princesscait26]

An Unlikely Friendship: 2

Summary: The two rivals wives are caught (I’m really bad at summaries)

Alastor x reader, Vox x unnamed wife, Vox’s wife x reader Platonic!

Part 1

At the Hazbin Hotel, Y/n sat at her vanity, meticulously getting ready for the day. The room was dimly lit, the only light coming from the soft glow of the vanity bulbs. She was applying her lipstick when she noticed a familiar shadow in the mirror's reflection. Without turning, she spoke with a slight smile curving her now red lips, “I know you’re here.”

The shadow shifted, and in its place stood the Radio Demon himself. Alastor’s crimson eyes and broad smile fixed on his wife with a blend of curiosity and suspicion. “Where are you going today, my darling? It’s still only the morning,” he inquired, his tone deceptively casual.

Alastor was known throughout Hell for his malevolence, but in the presence of his wife, he was softened, almost vulnerable. Her absence left him feeling incomplete, a sensation he loathed.

Y/n turned, meeting his intense gaze with practiced ease. Avoiding his question, she picked up her purse and leaned in to plant a light kiss on his cheek. “I’m going out. I’ll be back before you know it. Don’t forget you have a meeting with Charlie today, dear!”

Before Alastor could react, she slipped past him, the reminder of his meeting momentarily distracting him. She made her way to the door, her heart pounding as she sensed his gaze burning into her back.

The moment the door clicked shut, Alastor’s smile twitched, replaced by a look of steely determination. His possessiveness gnawed at him. Where was his wife off to, and what was she doing? His mind raced with possibilities, none of which he liked.

He could not simply let it go. Summoning his shadow, he issued a silent command. "Follow her. Report back to me."

As Y/n exited the hotel and stepped into the bustling streets of Hell, she felt a chill, a whisper of unease that she couldn't quite shake. She knew Alastor's nature all too well, knew he wouldn’t take her abrupt departure lightly. Yet, she couldn’t let him control every aspect of her life.

Back at the hotel, Alastor paced his room, the meeting with Charlie all but forgotten. His thoughts were consumed by his wife’s mysterious outings. Though he trusted her, his darker instincts drove him to ensure her safety and loyalty.

———————————————————————

Y/n was blissfully unaware of Alastor's shadow trailing her as she made her way to the café. Believing she had successfully slipped away, she pushed open the door and was immediately enveloped by the comforting aroma of coffee and pastries. The gentle hum of conversation filled the air.

“Y/n!” a familiar voice called out. She turned to see Vox's wife, waving enthusiastically from a corner table. Y/n smiled and waved back, weaving her way through the tables to join her friend.

"I ordered your usual," she said with a warm smile as Y/n sat down. "Late again, I see. Did Alastor give you a hard time leaving?" She laughed, the sound bright and infectious.

Y/n giggled, sharing in the inside joke that both women held—how their husbands never made it easy for them to leave. "You know him too well," she replied with a chuckle. "It’s like trying to escape a shadow."

Vox’s wife’s eyes twinkled. "Well, we manage. It’s nice having these moments to ourselves."

Y/n sighed contentedly, her expression softening. "I enjoy your company so much. It’s rare to find someone who truly understands. You’re a great friend."

"You're too sweet," Vox’s wife replied, her smile widening. "If only our husbands knew how much they actually had in common."

The two women laughed, their voices mingling with the ambient sounds of the café. They reveled in their shared moments, finding solace and camaraderie in each other's presence.

Unbeknownst to them, Alastor's shadow had witnessed the entire encounter. It slipped away, returning swiftly to its master. Alastor listened intently to the shadow's report, his expression shifting from curiosity to shock, then to anger. How dare his wife meet with Vox’s wife, of all people!

On the other side of the city, Vox had grown suspicious as well and decided to follow his wife. When he arrived at the café, he was surprised and annoyed to see Alastor approaching from the opposite direction. Their eyes locked, and both men bristled at the sight of the other.

"What are you doing here?" Vox demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Alastor sneered. "I might ask you the same thing. I have every right to be here."

"As do I," Vox retorted, stepping closer. "However, it seems we have a more pressing matter at hand."

Their attention turned toward the café’s interior, where Y/n and Vox’s wife were laughing and chatting, oblivious to the storm brewing outside.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Alastor's tone is dripping with amusement, but his eyes betray a flicker of something darker. He stands at the entrance, his silhouette casting an imposing shadow over their table. Next to him, Vox's eyes blaze with barely contained rage, his screen flickering.

The café falls silent, the patrons' eyes darting between the two imposing figures and the women. Y/n's heart skips a beat as she locks eyes with Alastor, his usually warm gaze to her now cold and penetrating.

"Alastor," Y/n starts, attempting to keep her voice steady, "This isn't what it looks like."

Vox's wife stands up, her chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Vox, I—"

But Vox cuts her off, his voice low and seething. "You think I wouldn't find out? That you could hide this from me?" His words hang heavily in the air, his fists clenching at his sides.

Alastor steps closer, his smile never wavering but his eyes darkening. "My dear, I am not so easily deceived. And to think, you two have been meeting behind our backs. It seems our rivalry has taken a rather... unexpected turn."

Y/n can see the hurt beneath Alastor's facade. Despite his charm and confidence, there is a sting of betrayal in his eyes. She takes a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Alastor, we just wanted a break from the constant fighting. It was never meant to hurt you two. To be with someone who understands."

Vox's wife nods in agreement, her eyes pleading with her husband. "Vox, please understand. We needed to escape the endless cycle of your battles. We needed each other."

But Vox, his pride wounded, steps forward towards the two women, his voice cold. "You think I care about your excuses? This betrayal is unacceptable. You think sneaking behind our backs was a good solution" He glares at Alastor, as if blaming him for this newfound alliance between their wives.

Alastor, ever the performer, turns his attention back to Y/n, putting a hand up stopping Vox from getting closer to Y/n. His smile returning but now tinged with bitterness. "It seems we have more in common than we thought, Vox. Betrayed by those closest to us."

Vox scoffs, his gaze never leaving his wife. "Don't lump me in with you, Alastor. This changes nothing between us. If anything, it intensifies our rivalry."

Y/n steps forward, her voice firm. "Enough. Both of you. This isn't about your rivalry. It's about us, your wives, who have had enough of your childish antics. We wanted peace, but it seems that's too much to ask for."

Vox's wife joins her, her voice soft but determined. "We love you both, but we can't keep living like this. It’s exhausting. All of your time goes to your fight with him, Vox. Something has to change."

The tension in the café is palpable, the silence deafening as Alastor and Vox process their wives' words. Finally, Alastor speaks, his voice softer but still edged with frustration. "Perhaps we do need to reassess our priorities."

Vox, his anger simmering down to a low boil, nods in agreement. "For once, I agree with Alastor. This isn't over, but maybe it's a wake-up call."

Alastor's eyes flicked to Vox, surprise flickering across his face. "You're suggesting we... call a truce?"

"Temporary," Vox clarified, his tone grudging. "For the sake of our marriages."

Alastor considered this, then nodded slowly. "Agreed. Temporary."

Relief washed over Y/n and Vox’s wife as the tension in the air finally began to ease. The initial shock and anger on Alastor and Vox's faces had subsided into something more manageable, though still simmering beneath the surface.

Alastor, ever the gentleman, extended a hand to Y/n. “Come, my dear,” he said softly, though his eyes still held a hint of possessiveness. “Let’s return home. We have much to discuss.”

Y/n took his hand, squeezing it gently. “Of course, darling,” she replied, casting a reassuring smile over her shoulder at Vox’s wife.

Vox, meanwhile, wrapped a protective arm around his wife’s shoulders. “We’re leaving,” he said, his tone brooking no argument. “We need to talk as well.”

She nodded, leaning into him slightly. “Alright, Vox,” she murmured, her eyes meeting Y/n’s with a mixture of amusement and solidarity.

As the two couples moved in opposite directions, the two women turned back to each other, sharing a silent understanding. Their eyes met, and both broke into large, conspiratorial smiles. They waved goodbye, their hands lingering in the air as long as they could see each other.

“Until next time,” Y/n mouthed, her smile warm and genuine.

“Definitely,” she mouthed back, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

The café doors closed behind them, separating the two women physically but not in spirit. As Alastor and Vox led their wives away, the men’s grips firm yet gentle, the women’s thoughts lingered on their cherished friendship, silently vowing that this unexpected encounter wouldn’t be their last.

In the bustling streets of Hell, amidst the chaos and constant noise, two friendships stood resilient, bound by shared experiences and a mutual understanding of the complicated men they loved. For now, at least, the truce was a step toward peace—a fragile, tentative step, but a step nonetheless.

———————————————————————-

Taglist

@that-dumb-bitch

@alastorthirsty

@generalthirsty

[paisleypens]

too cool pt. 2 | spencer agnew x f!reader

the hair i’m crying.

thank you for the love on the last one!! here’s part 1

i was so busy recently but i love this story so let me know what you think! new part soon trust

~~~

In the days that followed their impromptu trip to the park, Spencer panicked over his feelings for Y/N. He hadn’t felt this close to anyone in a non platonic way in a while. After endless hours of thinking about her and their excursion, Spencer realized something haunting. No way was he cool enough for someone like her. Yes they could nerd out together, but why would she want to be with someone like that? He concluded that Y/N would never choose him as the ideal guy for her.

The next few days passed in a blur of meetings, rehearsals, and editing sessions. Spencer and Y/N maintained their easy rapport, but the unspoken tension simmered beneath the surface, growing more palpable with each passing interaction.

It was during a casual lunch break that the topic of relationships surfaced. They sat at a small table, sandwiches forgotten as they engaged in a lighthearted debate about romantic comedies.

"I've never been a fan of those over-the-top love stories," Spencer commented, taking a sip of his Kickstart.

Y/N raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh, really? You’re too cool for a good slow-burn romance?"

Spencer chuckled, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. "Well, I suppose there's something nice about the anticipation, the build-up between two people. But maybe I'm just not cool enough to get it."

Their eyes met briefly, a shared misunderstanding of their words passing between them before they both looked away, the moment lingering in the air like an unspoken confession.

As the days passed, their dance of denial continued. They buried their feelings beneath layers of professional camaraderie, exchanging playful banter and supportive gestures while tiptoeing around the undeniable chemistry that crackled between them.

It was a delicate balance, a silent agreement to keep their emotions in check for the sake of their work and friendship. But with each passing day, the longing glances and fleeting touches spoke volumes, unspoken desires waiting to be acknowledged.

As the days turned into weeks and the unspoken tension between Spencer and Y/N continued to simmer, Spencer found himself grappling with a realization he couldn't ignore—he was falling for her.

It was an unusually quiet Tuesday afternoon in the office, the usual hustle and bustle replaced by a serene calm. Spencer sat at his desk, fingers tapping absently on the keyboard as he tried to focus. But his mind kept drifting, thoughts consumed by Y/N and the unspoken emotions that had taken root in his heart.

He replayed moments in his mind—the shared laughter, the stolen glances, the way her eyes lit up when they discussed their favorite games. Each memory was like a whispered confession, a testament to the depth of his feelings. Spencer leaned back in his chair, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. He knew he couldn't continue denying his feelings, couldn't keep pretending that his heart didn't ache every time Y/N walked away.

“Hey, you good man? You’re looking pretty… gone right now.” Spencer's friend and closest working relationship, Shayne Topp, asked him.

“Yeah… yeah uh what’s up?” Spencer coughed out.

“Well I was going to ask what your dinner plans are but… do you want to talk?” Shayne asked, his eyebrows sewing together in worry.

“No it’s dumb I don’t- I don’t even know what i’d say.” Spencer answered, slumping down in his chair farther.

“Shoot.”

“Well… I really like someone. I- I can’t get her out of my head. I can’t work, I can barely sleep when I could just stay up thinking about her.” Spencer admitted.

“Damn, to be honest I never thought I would see this day. What’s stopping you from getting her?” Shayne questioned, laughing at his school yard confession.

“I don’t man have you seen me?”

“Uh yeah you’re the ideal man.”

“Very funny. But no I'm serious she’s- let’s just say she is way too cool for me. Very far out of my league.”

“Dude have you seen my relationship? If you like her that much it’s dumb to torture yourself like this.”

“Yeah but, we're friends. What if I screw it up?”

“But what if you don’t?”

[lecsainz]

from pit stop to push-up

pairings: lando norris (platonic) x driver!reader

summary: you go to the gym "of your own free will" with lando.

authors note: I can say that I love writing about the reader driver and her friendship with the drivers. in my head, she and lando would be the most chaotic duo on the grid.

word count: 770

☆. . . masterlist!

Y/N groaned as she pulled herself out of bed, dreading the upcoming workout with her trainer. She knew it would be tough, but she also knew it was necessary if she wanted to stay in peak physical condition for the racing season.

As she made her way to the gym, she spotted her teammate Lando Norris chatting with some other athletes. She tried to slip past him unnoticed, but Lando spotted her and called out a greeting.

"Hey Y/N, what's up? Ready for some training?" he asked, grinning.

Y/N scowled. "I'm never ready for training. You know that, Lando. It's always a nightmare."

Lando laughed. "Ah, come on. It's not that bad. Besides, I hear your trainer has some new exercises that are supposed to be killer."

Y/N rolled her eyes. "Great. Just what I need."

They entered the gym and met up with their trainer, who greeted them with a wicked smile. Y/N knew she was in for a tough session.

As they started their workout, Y/N couldn't help but complain. She grumbled about the exercises, the weights, the reps, and everything in between. Lando just laughed and teased her, making her even more frustrated.

But as they neared the end of their session, things took a chaotic turn. Y/N was in the middle of a difficult set of squats when she suddenly lost her balance and stumbled. She crashed into Lando, who was doing pull-ups on a nearby bar, causing him to lose his grip and fall to the floor.

Their trainer rushed over to see if they were okay, but Y/N and Lando were too busy laughing to answer. They helped each other up and continued joking and teasing each other, making light of the accident.

As they left the gym, Y/N realized that despite the chaos and the tough workout, she had enjoyed herself. She felt grateful for the camaraderie she shared with her teammate and the support of her trainer.

"Same time next week?" Lando asked, still grinning.

Y/N groaned, but she couldn't help but smile. "Sure, why not? But maybe we should stick to individual workouts next time."

Lando just laughed. "Where's the fun in that?"

As Y/N and Lando finished their workout, they said their goodbyes and headed off in different directions. Y/N, thinking the training was over, started to head towards the exit, but her coach called her back.

"Hold on, Y/N. We still have one more exercise to do." Her coach insisted.

"Oh come on, coach! I'm already exhausted. Can't we just call it a day?" Y/N complained, already tired.

The coach finding amusement in the excuse she always gave and simply replied with the same thing after every training session. "Nope, we need to work on your endurance. Let's go, one more round."

Y/N groaned, but reluctantly followed her coach to the next exercise. As she started the workout, she couldn't help but complain. "Why do I even bother coming here? This is torture."

Your coach stated the obvious. "Because you want to be a better driver, right?"

Y/N joked. "Yeah, but I don't want to die trying."

Lando, who had come back to retrieve his forgotten phone from the gym locker, overheard Y/N's complaints and couldn't help but laugh.

"Come on, Y/N. You can do it. Don't be such a baby." Lando made a joke about his best friend.

"Easy for you to say, Mr. Fit and Fabulous. You probably do this in your sleep." She stuck her tongue out at him.

Lando struck a pose, flexing some of his muscles. "Hey now, I work hard for this body."

Y/N rolled her eyes, "Well, you can keep it. I'll take a pizza and a nap any day." saying dreamily.

Everyone laughed as Y/N finished up the workout, feeling both exhausted and relieved that it was over.

Y/N celebrated. "Finally! Can we go get some food now?"

"Sure, but don't forget to stretch first." The coach spoke, interrupting the celebration.

"Oh, come on! Can't I just skip it?" She said, trying to convince him.

"No, you can't skip it. You know the rules." The coach gave her a playful look.

Y/N grumbled as she begrudgingly started to stretch, but deep down she knew her coach was right. If she wanted to be the best driver she could be, she had to put in the work, no matter how tough it was.

[mercurianchild]

Venus in the 11th house

🦋Venus in the 11th House:

Love flourishes in the garden of friendship🦋

Nestled within the realms of human connection, Venus finds her haven in the 11th house, where bonds are forged amidst the laughter and shared dreams of kindred spirits. Here, love isn't confined to candlelit dinners or stolen glances; it blossoms in the vibrant tapestry of friendship.

Imagine a gathering of souls, each unique in their essence yet bound together by a thread of mutual understanding and affection. In this space, Venus, the celestial muse of love and beauty, sprinkles her enchantment, weaving tales of camaraderie and shared joy. Within the walls of the 11th house, relationships take on a kaleidoscope of colors, painted with the strokes of shared interests and a genuine appreciation for each other's quirks. Here, friends become family, and the boundaries between platonic and romantic blur into a beautiful mosaic of affection and admiration.

With Venus in the 11th house, the heart finds solace in the company of kindred spirits, drawn together by a magnetic force that transcends mere companionship. Social circles become sanctuaries, where love flows freely, unbound by societal norms or expectations. Yet, amidst the warmth of friendship, Venus also teaches the delicate dance of balance and harmony. She reminds us that true love celebrates the individuality and autonomy of each person within the group dynamic, fostering an environment where everyone feels seen and cherished.

In the realm of the 11th house, Venus invites us to embrace the beauty of collective joy and shared experiences, where every smile and shared moment becomes a testament to the boundless capacity of the human heart.

So, let us raise our glasses to Venus in the 11th house, where love flourishes in the garden of friendship, nurtured by the gentle breeze of connection and the radiant warmth of camaraderie.

[aventurineswife]

hello, platonic aventurine with an in-debt teen reader?

"Let me make you an offer, Friend"

Tags: Aventurine x Teen!Reader, Platonic, Mentor-Apprentice Relationship, Found Family, Protective Aventurine, Gambling Metaphors, Debt Repayment, Strategic Mind Games, Subtle Bonding, Hidden Emotions, Survival Tactics.

A/N: Why does this sound like me...? 😕 I need an Aventurine in my life to pay debts fr

Aventurine met you in a rather unconventional way—caught in a game of your own, albeit one where the stakes were dangerously high. You were attempting to negotiate your debt with some questionable IPC associates when he happened to stroll by. He watched the interaction with mild curiosity, and when you caught his eye, he gave a knowing smirk and intervened with his characteristic smoothness.

He’s intrigued by your situation, partly amused by the audacity of someone so young to get mixed up with IPC debts. He decides to help you—not out of pure kindness, but because he sees a bit of himself in your resilience and audacity. He “pays” off your debt as an investment, but he makes it clear this is not charity. His favor comes with strings, and he subtly suggests that you “owe him” now. But there’s something protective in the way he delivers this message, almost as if he's warding off others who might take advantage.

Despite his initial aloofness, Aventurine takes a strange liking to you and becomes a bit of a mentor, though he would never call himself that. Instead of lecturing, he offers advice in cryptic phrases, urging you to think five steps ahead in every decision. He teaches you the art of reading people, gauging their motives, and knowing when to bluff and when to hold back. There’s a thrill in the way he demonstrates this, turning ordinary interactions into high-stakes “games.”

Aventurine provides you with occasional tasks, small errands that allow him to gauge your talents. He lets you accompany him to upscale IPC events, knowing that exposure to this world of high-stakes deals and strategy is the best teacher. He’s a sharp observer, quickly noting your strengths and weaknesses, and he offers blunt advice when needed. While he maintains his enigmatic aura, he never allows you to get too close, reminding you in his own way that trust is earned—and rarely granted freely.

With time, Aventurine drops subtle hints about his own life philosophies. He talks about taking risks but always with a hidden safety net, teaching you how to survive in a world that might otherwise devour you. He tells you, with a shadow of seriousness, to never let anyone see how deeply they’ve cut you, reminding you that even vulnerability is a weapon when wielded correctly.

Aventurine’s protective side reveals itself whenever he suspects someone might try to exploit you. Though he doesn’t make a show of it, he’ll quietly “rearrange” circumstances to keep certain people away or to ensure you’re not drawn into IPC’s darker undercurrents. He’ll offer a calm warning with a smile, his eyes glinting, as he reminds you of the “price of trust.” You know that, while he claims your debt as his own, he’d sooner see you free from it than bound tighter.

Over time, your bond with Aventurine becomes something close to friendship, even if he’d never label it that way. While he maintains his air of mystery, there’s a camaraderie in the way he smirks when you catch onto his tricks or in the rare instances when he actually praises your progress. You share jokes—most at others' expense—and a silent understanding grows. Though his motives may remain unclear, you realize Aventurine has become an unexpected ally, guiding you with a peculiar mix of mentorship and care that only he could offer.

Aventurine is careful not to coddle or shelter you. Instead, he pushes you to stand on your own two feet, even as he watches over you. “No one else will hand you a chance,” he reminds you, “so make your own and gamble on it.” Eventually, he hints that he sees potential in you to one day challenge him in the art of strategy. And though he says it with his usual enigmatic tone, you sense a rare glimpse of pride behind his guarded gaze.

[regheart]

From one old men yaoi shipper to another… I notice that a lot of marauders and wolfstar works tend to portray Sirius as kinda mean towards Remus, where tenderness, kindness, and understanding normally come from James. It’s either that or Sirius being completely devoted and in ride or die love with Remus. Do you think Sirius could deliver tender moments and more sincere exchanges with Remus (romantic or platonic)? Or was their relationship not like that?

well, there are two moments in the book that come to mind in terms of portraying how sirius feels about remus

first, is when they meet again at the shrieking shack at the end of PoA. remus is the one whose feelings are easier to read, because so far we've known him pretty much for who he is, while sirius has yet to prove himself innocent

Then Lupin spoke in an odd voice, a voice that shook with some suppressed emotion.

“Where is he, Sirius?”

[...]

Lupin was lowering his wand, gazing fixedly at Black. The professor walked to Black’s side, seized his hand, pulled him to his feet so that Crookshanks fell to the floor, and embraced Black like a brother.

and, you see, the really cool thing about the ending of the book is that sirius was willing to show up, kill peter and probably run off again. harry is the most important person in his life, but at this moment he has no hopes of building any sort of relationship with him. remus is the one who calms him down and helps him see the bigger picture (before harry does the same to both of them), and obviously there's the narrative factor of needing to come clear about a lot of information and keeping the action as easy to understand as possible, but sirius stands on the back for the big part of remus' story

it is obvious, from the start, that they've had their differences, but they fall back swiftly into easy camaraderie as soon as they reunite and you can't do that if there was never any trust, love (however you want to see it) and companionship before

“Ready, Sirius?” said Lupin.

Black had already retrieved Snape’s wand from the bed. He approached Lupin and the struggling rat, and his wet eyes suddenly seemed to be burning in his face.

“Together?” he said quietly.

“I think so,” said Lupin, holding Scabbers tightly in one hand and his wand in the other. “On the count of three. One — two — THREE!”

we are lead to believe that james and sirius were equals — equally brilliant, equally confident, equally brave — while remus and peter were excluded from that. but looking at the way adult remus interacts with sirius, and how he's included in the joke after their owls, his participation on creating the marauders map and the general propensity to mischief, he was their friend and it's frustrating when people completely overlook that because his role in their friendship (and the main things that distinguish him from peter, his loyalty and the capacity to stand oh his own*) is no demerit to whatever the other two have and his magical skill and his intelligence is not erased because it manifests differently

everyone and their mother has this scene memorized but i'll post it again

the second thing is how sirius speaks of remus in OotP, which is more than one moment but i think it shows how he tends to act towards him as a friend

i. when they're talking about prefects

“No one would have made me a prefect, I spent too much time in detention with James. Lupin was the good boy, he got the badge.”

“I think Dumbledore might have hoped that I would be able to exercise some control over my best friends,” said Lupin. “I need scarcely say that I failed dismally.”

ii. sirius comforting harry about umbridge

“Yes, but the world isn’t split into good people and Death Eaters,” said Sirius with a wry smile. “I know she’s a nasty piece of work, though — you should hear Remus talk about her.”

iii. discussing SWM

“Of course he was a bit of an idiot!” said Sirius bracingly. “We were all idiots! Well — not Moony so much,” he said fairly, looking at Lupin, but Lupin shook his head.

“Did I ever tell you to lay off Snape?” he said. “Did I ever have the guts to tell you I thought you were out of order?”

“Yeah, well,” said Sirius, “you made us feel ashamed of ourselves sometimes.... That was something...”

in these three scenes we see sirius bringing up remus in conversation, even when isn't present, and including what he thinks is relevant and positive, half of the time with remus assuming his own failings after sirius cuts him some slack

now, it could be argued that the compliments in each case are condescending (as if saying remus was nice! and also uncool), but i think they show acknowledgement of something remus was probably proud of (being a prefect, at that time) and sense of fairness that he feels he should point out (being less of an idiot), and remus confesses to his share of guilt

the fact that they are living together, hanging out, discussing werewolf legislation from two years ago, suggests closeness and comfort in spending time together. i see both the joining forces to murder our traitorous friend and the casual relationship as a reflection and a continuation of the friendship they had during the first war. once they take down the obstacle of believing each other the spy, they trust each other completely and they share similar experiences and understandings of that time, more similar than any other pair in the order

i understand that people believe they don't understand each other (no one fully does, get it together), and i see this particularly in how sirius tends to soak into his own sorrow once he is there and not realize how others may feel similar to him (when harry says he wishes he could stay with sirius, even if it were in grimmauld place, and not with the dursleys, sirius replies that fighting dementors is exciting which is not at all what harry is complaining about), and remus is so used to suffocating his own wishes and complaints that he can also fail in providing comfort to others because he can endure making himself miserable

and that is reflected on the prank and how sirius speaks of it, and remus prioritizing dumbledore's orders over sirius' well being

but this specific issues are what make their mid-30s relationship compelling to me, not at the cost of their shared history and knowledge of each other's worst traits and mutual forgiveness and unspoken tenderness and aligned morals and politics and internal jokes and shared secrets and willingness to try again and make it work this time

*remus lives a miserable life, but he lives a life nonetheless, he has multiple jobs, he makes right decisions and wrong decisions, he is a valuable member of the order and a friend to multiple people, peter was a servent to other death eaters. do we really need to argue on this?

**not referring back to anything but while i do think james was more aware of other people's feelings and had a better response to them, i don't think he was particularly kind, in the broad sense of the word, not until they were older, and i don't think it was impossible for sirius to have emotional awareness and responsibility, just that his upbringing made it difficult for him to have acceptance and understanding as his default reaction to anything, so this is something he probably had to work on himself and be conscious of his own acts of kindness

[the-bar-sinister]

Personal musings on platonic relationships and experiences (as an aplatonic).

Friendship: An intense, mutually supportive, emotionally intimate, and potentially physically intimate platonic relationship with the expectation that this relationship will be intentionally sustained, maintained, and refreshed over time, by both parties equally, ideally indefinitely, without being damaged by changes in the lives of the parties engaged in the relationship. 

Camaraderie (or fellowship): A situational feeling of platonic intimacy and good will between parties generated by a mutual pursuit of a goal, participation in shared interest, activity or hobby, or participation or defense of a shared ideal or belief. A sense of camaraderie is generated when parties are engaged together in something which may be bonded over.

A sense of camaraderie or fellowship might be generated by: sitting down with a new group to play Dungeons & Dragons, running next to someone for a few minutes during a foot race, attending an event to support the same cause, playing on the same side of a pick-up sporting competition, posting about the same fandom ship online.

Friend: Someone with whom a person shares a relationship of friendship. The key elements of a friend are an extended duration of time, and a level of emotional intimacy that is deeper than bonding over shared activities.

Comrade/Fellow: Someone with whom a person shares a sense of camaraderie or fellowship. The key elements of a fellow or comrade are a shared sense of purpose or interest, and a temporary or limited duration, and intimacy that are not deeper than bonding over a shared activity or interest.

Buddy/Pal: Someone with whom a person shares a level of emotional intimacy or good will deeper than camaraderie, or camaraderie over a sustained period of time, or with multiple points of camaraderie to bond over, but more casual and without the expectation of dedication, deliberate maintenance, or sustained duration over time that comes with a friendship.

As an aplatonic (speaking for myself only and not for other aplatonics): 

I experience situational feelings of camaraderie/fellowship

I have many buddies/pals at different times, and happily engage in casual, temporary platonic relationships based on mutual interests.

I do not experience a desire or urge to create or maintain friendships over the expected duration at the expected level of commitment or intimacy.

I am capable of creating and maintaining friendships over the expected duration and at the expected level of commitment and intimacy despite my lack of desire to do so.

I find it difficult to understand when other people are experiencing feelings of friendship toward me.

I find it difficult to differentiate when people are experiencing feelings of friendship toward me versus when they are experiencing feelings of romantic affection toward me.

I find it difficult to differentiate the appropriate and expected level of emotional or physical intimacy in a given platonic relationship.

I find it uncomfortable when someone whom I consider a buddy or a pal and have a casual relationship with appears to desire a more intimate or sustained level of friendship.

[ans-arcade]

ANS Platonic Week 2024

ANS Platonic Week 2024 is October 1st through October 7th! As usual, any platonic relationships can be shown or created for this event, and like last year, our last two days are focused particularly on family relationships, which can be interpreted as found family or however loosely you would like to interpret it. If no ideas come for family relationships for those days, friendship or other platonic relationships can definitely be used as well.

We are also trying something new this year, and we decided to give you some audience prompts, if you are too busy to create anything for the event or if you are not one who creates stuff, just enjoys seeing other people's hard work. The Audience prompt bonus question is either for the day after the event or whenever you would like to answer it. Audience prompts are down below underneath the creative prompts for the event!

We hope that you have a lot of fun this year with Platonic Week! The prompts are down below!

Day One: Camaraderie

Day Two: Pranks

Day Three: Reunion

Day Four: Overprotective

Day Five: Soft Spot

Day Six: Brotherhood

Day Seven: Absence

Platonic Pairing Appreciation Prompts:

Day One: What is your most favorite platonic pairing and why?

Day Two: What platonic relationships did you think, respectively, got the tall and short straws in the manga or anime? Why?

Day Three: What is your favorite moment/scene with that (platonic) pairing?

Day Four: Tell us about your favorite fanworks with platonic pairings in them.

Day Five: Tell us who's family you would like to learn more about, and why?

Day Six: If your platonic pairing either doesn't exist or has an unknown first meeting, what do you think would bring it about?

Day Seven: What characters would you like to see become eventual friends or family?

Bonus: Create or bring attention to a platonic pairing of two or more people that you'd like to share with the rest of us!

We are excited for this event! We can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

Sincerely,

— ANS Arcade Mod Team

[mostmagical]

what's your favorite thing about shakarian 👀

WOW there's honestly so much I love about them, but when I really think about it, what it all boils down to for me at least is that it's a partnership in every sense of the word. everything shepard gives to garrus, she gets right back and vice versa.

I’m a big fan of friends to lovers transitions, and the amount of trust and support that kind of relationship is able to foster and grow, and shakarian does this fantastically. they start out as friends and it's not just falling straight into bed because why the hell not, it's "is this good for us? are we sure?" "yes. I trust you. I care for you. I want to be there for you." everything comes back to that support— in battle, in camaraderie, in sickness and in health, etc. etc. even if garrus doesn't always agree with her, that never stops him from listening and supporting her through every turn. even if shepard decides to break up with him, garrus will never hold this against her or get angry, even if it does clearly hurt him; he's not going to risk that partnership, that trust and support. the friendship is the foundation and it's so incredibly solid.

as partners, they pull each other up from the depths, no matter if their relationship is platonic or romantic. both of them see each other at their lowest and become each others' closest confidants. it's such an earnest and genuine relationship, built on relying on one another and working together symbiotically. adding love to the equation is really just like adding a cherry on top.

I really think shep said it best: there's no shepard without vakarian

[vividzzxz]

can you do a one shot of best friend! beomgyu x reader?

and maybe where they’re both in denial of their feelings but they realize it (idk how)

Sure !! And also sorry for the long wait, I was travelling and couldn't get internet access in most places.. But thanks for waiting.

Finding Love in Memories

Beomgyu and Y/N had always been inseparable. Their friendship was the stuff of legends—unbreakable, effortless, and filled with the kind of camaraderie that made everyone around them a little envious. They shared everything from childhood secrets to late-night conversations about their dreams and fears. But as time passed, an undercurrent of something deeper began to stir between them, though neither was ready to acknowledge it.

One summer evening, Beomgyu and Y/N decided to visit their favorite lakeside spot, a place they had frequented since high school. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the water, and the air was filled with the gentle hum of cicadas. They laid out a picnic blanket and sat down, their legs brushing against each other in a way that felt oddly comforting.

“I can’t believe it’s been so long since we’ve been here,” Y/N said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. She looked out over the lake, her heart feeling both light and heavy at the same time.

Beomgyu nodded, reaching for a sandwich. “Yeah, those were some good times. It’s nice to just relax and be here with you.”

Y/N glanced at him, her gaze lingering a little longer than usual. She felt a flutter in her chest, a sensation she couldn’t quite place. She quickly shook it off, attributing it to the warm summer breeze. “I’m glad we’re still doing this. Even if we’re both way too busy with our lives.”

Beomgyu chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Yeah, we’ve managed to keep this tradition alive. It’s one of the few things that feels… consistent.”

As they chatted and laughed, the evening wore on, and the sky turned into a canvas of pinks and purples. Y/N found herself drawn to Beomgyu’s laughter, his easy manner, and the way he looked at her as if she was the only one in the world. She felt a twinge of something that she quickly dismissed.

After a while, Beomgyu turned serious. “You know, I’ve been thinking about us. About how we’ve been friends for so long.”

Y/N’s heart skipped a beat, but she forced a casual tone. “Yeah? What about it?”

“Well, I was just wondering… do you ever think that we’re maybe… too close? Like, maybe we should be branching out more? Meeting new people?”

Y/N’s heart sank slightly, though she tried to mask her disappointment with a laugh. “You mean like dating? I suppose it’s something we could think about. But honestly, I’m pretty happy with how things are.”

Beomgyu seemed to nod in agreement, though there was a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. “Yeah, me too. I mean, it’s not like we need to change anything. We’ve got a good thing going.”

As the days turned into weeks, the subtle tension between them grew more palpable. They were both undeniably attracted to each other, but neither wanted to admit it. Their friendship was too precious, and the fear of ruining it kept them in denial. They went on with their lives, dating other people and pretending that their feelings were purely platonic.

One evening, Beomgyu invited Y/N to a small gathering at his apartment. It was a casual get-together with friends, but Y/N noticed something different about Beomgyu’s demeanor. He seemed distant, preoccupied. She couldn’t help but worry.

“Hey, you’ve been a bit off tonight,” she said softly as they stepped out onto the balcony for some fresh air.

Beomgyu sighed, leaning against the railing. “It’s nothing. Just… I’ve been thinking a lot about what we talked about.”

Y/N’s heart raced. “About us?”

“Yeah.” Beomgyu’s voice was almost a whisper. “I’ve been trying to figure out why I keep feeling like something’s missing, even though I’m surrounded by people.”

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat. “You think it’s about us?”

Beomgyu met her gaze, his eyes searching hers for answers. “Maybe. But I don’t know. I mean, we’re so good as friends. Why complicate things?”

Y/N looked away, feeling a pang of hurt. “Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

The conversation left both of them feeling more confused than ever. The next few days were tense, with each trying to suppress their feelings and pretend that everything was normal. But the more they tried to ignore it, the more they realized how much they meant to each other.

Few days later, Beomgyu arrived at her house in the evening without informing. They arrived at a quaint wooden bench under the natural canopy of a large oak tree a few steps away from her home. Beomgyu sat down and motioned for Y/N to join him by patting the spot next to him. She took a seat next to him, and for a while they just sat there, side by side, the comfort of each other's warmth greater than the warmth of the fall sun.

Beomgyu's voice broke the silence, soft and tentative. “Y/N, have you ever wondered if there’s something more to our friendship? Something that we haven’t explored yet?”

Y/N turned to look at him, her heart skipping a beat. “What do you mean?”

He took a deep breath, his gaze steady. “I mean, I’ve been thinking… maybe we’re not just meant to be friends. Maybe there’s something deeper, something that could turn into something beautiful.”

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat. She had been feeling the same way, but the fear of risking their cherished friendship had held her back. But now, with Beomgyu’s heartfelt confession, the fear seemed to melt away, leaving only hope and possibility.

She reached out, gently placing her hand over his. “I’ve been feeling the same. I didn’t want to ruin what we have, but maybe… maybe it’s worth exploring.”

Beomgyu’s eyes softened, and he turned his hand to intertwine his fingers with hers. “I’ve always felt like we had something special. And I’d love to see where this could lead us.”

They sat there for a while longer, their hands linked and their hearts open. The stars began to twinkle above them, as if the universe itself was celebrating their newfound connection.

As the days turned into weeks, Beomgyu and Y/N’s relationship blossomed into a tender romance. They shared sweet moments, from stolen kisses beneath the moonlight to quiet evenings wrapped in each other’s arms. Their love story was a gentle melody, a song composed of shared dreams and whispered promises.

One evening, as they lay on the same blanket where they had once watched the meteor shower, Beomgyu turned to Y/N with a soft smile. “Remember how we used to wish on shooting stars?”

Y/N nodded, her eyes reflecting the starlight. “Yes.”

Beomgyu took her hand and kissed it softly. “Well, I wished for you. And I’m so glad that wish came true.”

Y/N’s heart swelled with love, and she leaned in to kiss him, her lips meeting his in a tender, heartfelt embrace. In that moment, under the canopy of stars, Beomgyu and Y/N knew that they had found something extraordinary—an everlasting love that was as deep and enduring as the night sky itself.

And so, their story continued, a beautiful romance born from the magic of friendship, woven together by the threads of serendipity and the promise of forever.

✧( ु•⌄• )◞*◟( •⌄• ू )✧

-Note

I take requests for writing...

It can be from Skz, Svt, TxT, En-.

It can be based on smut, fluff, etc.

[theunsinkableship1]

STILL CRUISING!

⚠️DISCLAIMER: This is LUKOLALAND only. Skip this if you're not a shipper.

This is only my point of view and it is written with the following assumptions: 1 L and A are done or almost done, 2 L and N are endgame. Skip if you don't believe.

No harm intended.

From the beginning, Jake has been publicly acknowledged as a close friend of Nicola, with their connection going back to long-term, platonic interactions and they may have been on vacation with their close friend Louisa Harland in 2022. Their frequent appearances together, such as attending events and casual hangouts, have always been within the framework of their established friendship. Thus, interpreting these appearances as anything more overlooks the historical nature of their bond.

Jake is well-known in Nicola’s circle as a close, supportive friend, which has never suggested any romantic attachment. Yes, men and women can be friends, just like people say Nicola and Luke are "just friends." I've seen no photos that suggest any romantic involvement, not even the ones from the festival. Nicola is naturally affectionate, especially with those she loves, and Jake is also openly touchy with his friends. From what I've seen, there's no romantic energy in the way they look at or touch each other. If they are dating, their lack of public displays of affection is surprising for both of them, given how comfortable they seem with being physically close to friends.

They are together in public and not afraid to be seen together.

Nicola and Jake being seen together in public while Luke and Nicola remain unseen doesn’t necessarily indicate anything romantic between Nicola and Jake or a lack of connection between Luke and Nicola. Public appearances can often be interpreted in various ways, but they don’t always reflect the full story.

In photos where Nicola and Jake appear together, their body language consistently conveys camaraderie, but not romantic intimacy. There’s a significant difference between physical closeness that indicates romance and that of friendly affection. Most of their photos reflect the latter, showing a comfortable dynamic more indicative of platonic friendships.

The existence of photos with Jake doesn't invalidate the belief in Nicola’s relationship with Luke. Public figures, especially close friends, often maintain deep connections outside the public eye. The consistent emotional undertones observed between Nicola and Luke are based on documented interactions over the years. Photos with Jake neither negate nor disprove those observed patterns with Luke. In fact, if anything, these friendships can coexist without conflict, as Nicola can have close friends who are men without them being romantic.

Luke and Nicola's lack of public appearances together or in photos might not mean anything significant either. The fact that they aren’t seen in public or photographed together could be a deliberate choice, especially if they’re trying to avoid speculation or protect their private lives. Given how public scrutiny can impact relationships, it's plausible that Luke and Nicola may simply be choosing to keep a low profile.

Ultimately, just because we see Nicola and Jake together more frequently doesn't disprove the belief in a deeper connection between Nicola and Luke. Absence from the public eye can often be a sign of wanting privacy, rather than a lack of connection. For those who continue to believe in Luke and Nicola’s bond, it’s important to remain focused on what’s been consistently observed over time: their history, mutual support, and undeniable chemistry.

As for staying on the “ship,” it’s about faith in what has been witnessed before, and understanding that public appearances can be misleading. The quiet moments or periods of absence don’t necessarily diminish the belief in their deeper connection.

That’s why I’m staying on this ship. Until there’s concrete evidence of anything different, everything I’ve seen suggests close friendship, not romance. I believe in the genuine bond Luke and Nicola share, and I think people often jump to conclusions based on limited information. We are all making assumptions here, and the only reason I'm even in this corner of the internet is because I truly, intuitively, and faithfully believe in what I've seen between them. It would take much more than speculation or scattered photos to change my mind. Their connection stands out, and unless proven otherwise, I’m confident in what’s unfolding.