#sorry cast for reminding you of the deadline

[emberunderscore]

Three days left. Three days left and the characters keep talking about "after all this" they think it will be over someday, they think they have enough time. Three days. Three days until all of their stories are complete, wrapped up with neat little bows. All questions answered. Three days and none of them know that they are running out of time. How much can happen in three days?

I guess we'll find out

[passengerprincessblog]

“Close Distance” ~ Lewis Hamilton short

Fluff ⭐️

Summary: In this short, Lewis Hamilton returns home after a long absence to his girlfriend, Y/N, only to realize that material gifts can’t replace his presence.

WC: 700

The city lights of Monaco cast a soft, faint glow through the penthouse window, just enough to illuminate the living room where I sat, surrounded by a mess of textbooks, my laptop, and my half-finished notes. I’d been up for hours, the world beyond my screen blurring, but the weight of the deadline looming over my head kept me from resting. Journalism was my dream, and now that I was pursuing a master’s, I couldn’t afford to slip up, especially not with Lewis paying for my tuition and supporting me in ways I couldn’t repay.

But, lately, he was a world away. Another race, another city, always somewhere that wasn’t here. I’d learned to accept it, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t sting.

When I finally dozed off, the warmth of familiar hands brushing my hair back and a soft kiss to my forehead pulled me gently awake. My eyes fluttered open, and there he was—Lewis, his face hovering over mine, a soft smile playing at his lips. He looked tired, but happy, like he’d been waiting for this moment all month.

“Lewis?” I whispered, blinking in surprise. “I thought you’d be gone for a few more days…”

He chuckled, and the sound made me melt instantly. “I couldn’t wait that long. I missed you too much.” He reached behind him, revealing a familiar small box, the sleek black and gold hinting at something extravagant even before he opened it.

Inside was a delicate Cartier bracelet and matching earrings, glinting in the dim light. I knew the routine well—this wasn’t his first gift after being away, and I knew how much he loved to spoil me. I managed a smile, letting him slip the bracelet onto my wrist.

“Thank you, Lewis,” I murmured, admiring the jewelry and trying to match his enthusiasm, but I could tell he noticed my hesitation.

A flicker of something passed through his eyes—disappointment, maybe. “You don’t like it?” he asked, his voice softer than usual, a trace of uncertainty there.

“No, no, it’s beautiful,” I insisted, meeting his gaze. “I love it. It’s just…”

But before I could finish, he stepped back, his brows knitting together in concern. “Lately, it feels like you don’t,” he said, his voice uncharacteristically flat. “Every time I bring you something, you just… don’t seem as happy as you used to be.”

The sincerity in his voice made my heart ache. I could tell he was hurt, confused, maybe even doubting whether he’d done something wrong.

“Lewis,” I began, reaching out to him, “it’s not the gifts. They’re beautiful, really, but… they don’t make up for you not being here.”

His shoulders slumped, and I could see him processing my words, trying to understand. “I just wanted to make you feel special,” he said, his voice quiet. “I thought, maybe if I could give you things, spoil you a bit, it would help… make up for the times I can’t be here.”

I stepped closer to him, gently wrapping my arms around his waist. “Lewis, you do make me feel special. But it’s not the things you buy, it’s… it’s you. It’s when you’re here, just like this, when you hold me and I don’t have to worry about you being halfway across the world. That’s what I miss.”

He let out a slow breath, as if the tension was finally melting away. “I didn’t realize it was like that,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I thought the gifts would make you happy, that they’d remind you I’m still here, even when I’m away. But maybe… I was just trying to fill the gap in the wrong way.”

I rested my head on his chest, feeling his heartbeat steady and strong beneath my cheek. “You don’t have to try so hard. I don’t need more things, Lew. I just need you.”

He tightened his arms around me, his hands running soothingly over my back. “I’m sorry. I’ll do better. No more trying to buy your love when all you need is me.”

I laughed softly, and he tilted my chin up to meet his gaze. His eyes held that same warmth, but now there was a new resolve in them, a promise. “This winter break, you’re coming with me,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Wherever I go, you’re coming too. I don’t care if school says otherwise, we’ll make it work.”

I smiled, the heaviness in my chest lifting as I held onto him, feeling the familiar warmth I’d missed so much. “I’d love that,” I whispered, finally letting go of all the doubt and distance that had settled between us.

As we stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, I felt like everything was finally right again. He was here, and that was all I needed.

—————————————-

Lmk if you want more! Liking and following let’s me know you want more writings! 💜

[7ndipity]

Take Care

Namjoon x Reader

Summary: Namjoon tries to remind you that looking after yourself is just as important as looking after you partner

Word Count: 1.4k

Warnings: slight angst, swearing, mentions of illness and medications, not proofread

A/N: Thanks to @coffeedepressionsoup for this request! Sorry it took me soo long to get to, I got a little stuck, so it might be a bit eh, but I hope you’ll still like it!💜

Masterlist

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

“Just please make sure to look after yourself.” That was one of the top five things that Namjoon said the most to you, second only to “I love you”. It might’ve made him sound a bit like an over concerned parent sometimes, but you didn’t mind, knowing he meant well.

He had always worried about you, even before you got together, and with the past few hectic weeks of work, his concern had only worsened, but you had tried to assure him that you were doing alright and managing fine, which wasn’t entirely true, but what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him. He didn’t need to know about the long hours and sleepless nights to keep up with the deadlines that were rapidly creeping up on you.

Your eye twitched with fatigue as you scanned through your notes for the nith time, casting a quick glance at the clock before saving and closing your laptop, trying to push down the faint uneasy, sinking feeling in your gut, and focusing on getting ready for your evening out with Joon.

He had asked a few weeks ago if you wanted to come with him to a special art exhibition featuring one of his favorite artists, which you had readily agreed to, although currently, the idea of spending multiple hours wandering around a gallery didn’t sound ideal, but you couldn’t imagine canceling on him, knowing how much he loved getting to share his interests with you.

You were putting the finishing touches on your look when you heard him knock, smiling massively when you opened the door.

“Hi.” He said, kissing your cheek. “You look amazing.”

“Thank you, you look pretty spiffy yourself.” You teased, turning to grab your bag, pausing slightly as you were hit with a small wave of dizziness.

“You okay?” He asked.

“I’m fine, just a little tired.” You assured quickly, flashing him a quick grin, but he still frowned slightly, unconvinced.

“If you’re not feeling well, we don’t have to go-”

“No, I want to.” You interjected, stopping him. “You’ve been looking forward to this, I want to go.”

He looked like he wanted to argue with you, but he let it slide for the moment.

The majority of the night passed smoothly, you talked and laughed with his friends, earning more a few proud smiles from him, though you also noticed him periodically watching you with a cautious eye, making sure you were okay.

You’d begun to feel increasingly unwell at various points through the evening, but you’d managed to keep a calm facade for the most part, not wanting to spoil you and Joon’s evening, until you were suddenly hit with another wave of dizziness, causing your steps to falter.

You instinctively reached out for Namjoon, catching hold of his arm for support as you tried to steady yourself.

Joon immediately glanced down at you in concern, his other arm coming to wrap around your waist to hold you.

“Are you alright?!” He asked, eyeing you anxiously.

“yeah, I just feel dizzy.” You said weakly.

He instantly went into protective caregiver mode, carefully guiding you over to an empty bench in the corner of the room, bringing you some water, and feeling your forehead for any sign of fever while going through the usual list of questions.

“Did you eat today?” He asked.

“Yes.”

“Did you take your meds?”

“I-” You tried to think back through your day, but everything was a frenzied blur of work and getting ready to go out. “I might’ve forgotten it.”

“You might have forgotten?!” He asked sharply.

“I don’t know, Joon, I was busy! What does it matter?!” You snapped, not in the mood to be scolded by him.

“It matters if you get sick!” He said sternly, carefully pulling you up from your seat. “C’mon, we’re going home.”

“I’ll be fine, I just need to rest for a few minutes.” You tried to pull away from him, but the sudden movement caused another bout of dizziness to hit you, coupled this time with a touch of nausea that had you sinking back into your seat.

As soon as he saw your face lose color, every ounce of anger and frustration in his body disappeared, replaced only with worry for you.

“You’re not fine!” He said seriously. “We’re going home.”

You didn’t bother trying to argue with him anymore, feeling increasingly lightheaded and woozy, wanting nothing more in that moment than to just lay down.

Joon barely spoke on the way home, a growing sense of guilt brewing on your stomach as you watched him, his hands tight on the steering wheel as he drove.

“Joon-” You started, but he was quick to stop you.

“We’ll talk about it in the morning, okay? Right now, I just want you to rest.”

As soon as you got home, he carried you to bed, helping you change and making sure you took your medications before finally sinking into the bed, falling into a dreamless sleep almost immediately.

Joon however barely slept, waking every couple of hours throughout the night to make sure you were alright. Eventually, he gave up on sleep entirely, watching over you while you slept instead.

You looked so fragile to him like this, his mind couldn’t help wandering back to your earlier comments. How much had you been neglecting yourself recently? Were you eating properly? He knew you hadn’t been sleeping well.

Maybe he was overreacting and it was just a one off event, but it was still more than enough to scare him. He was well aware how hectic things had been lately, but he had hoped they weren’t taking such a harsh toll on you like this.

When you woke the next morning, your eyes immediately landed on his half sleeping form propped up next to you in the bed.

“Joon?” You croaked, your voice small and ragged from sleep, snapping him to attention.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” He asked softly, gently brushing your hair away from your face.

“ ‘m okay, tired.” You replied.

“That’s alright.” He smiled. “Are you hungry? I can order food. I thought about trying to cook, but I figured that might not be the best idea.”

“Yeah, probably not.” You replied with a grin, glancing around sleepily. “What time is it?” The light streaming in through the curtains indicated that it was well past your normal wake up time.

“About ten.”

“What?” You gasped, scrambling to sit up, the sudden movement causing your head to spin again.

“Careful!” He said gently, pushing you back down into the bed. “Everything’s alright. You just need to take it easy and rest.”

“I can’t, I’ve got a deadline!” You tried to sit up again, but he pressed you back down firmly. My boss is probably wondering where the hell I-”

“I already texted your manager and told them you were sick and wouldn’t be in today.” He said matter of factly.

You gaped at him. “Why would you do that?!”

“Because you need to rest.” He said, pulling you into him. “They’ll be fine, everything won't fall apart just because you took a day. You need to take time to look after yourself too, you know?”

You looked down, avoiding his eyes, the guilt from the night before bubbling back to the surface.

“I know, I just…I didn’t wanna ruin your night.” You sniffed, trying to fight back the frustrated tears that threatened to spill. “I don’t know, I’m sorry I upset you.”

He pulled you closer. “The only thing I’m upset about is how hard you’ve been pushing yourself. I know things have been tough, but I don't want you to hide from me. And I don’t want you putting everyone else ahead of you. You are far too important to ever neglect, you hear me?”

You nodded, letting Namjoon wipe away the few stray tears that slipped down your cheeks, “I didn’t mean to get so caught up, it just kinda snowballed.”

“I know, I’ve done the same thing.” He pressed a kiss to your temple. “But do you remember what you did last time it happened?”

You scoffed. “Basically kidnapped you for the weekend?”

“Yep,” He grinned. “So, consider this my payback.”

Joon helped you get settled back under the covers, resting your head on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

“Thank you Joonie.” You mumbled.

“Always.” He wrapped his arms around you. “Get some rest, Sweetheart.”

You fell back to sleep in his arms, feeling safe and at peace for the first time in weeks.

Taglist: @sopebubbles-replies @btsw1fe @this-must-be-my-tardis @whitefoxgirl @bethanysnow @coffeedepressionsoup @main-bangtansmauyeondan @feminympho @a-gayish-unicorn @dfqcsqueen @mother2monsters @captainorangegoose @k4ngelz

[brewed-pangolin]

I'm sorry if I got you sick, I promise it ends at some point (maybe, probably).

For your brain chemistry pleasure, Captain Soap Mactavish would 100% act all stoic and emotionless most of the time.

But imagine the times when that shell breaks.

You two curled up in bed, you ranting about something mundane. Except it's a full body, "let me flail to show you just how annoyed I am" rant. He finds it endearing, cracks a small smile and cuddles you closer.

(And the "ITS NOT CUTE, IM BEING SERIOUS JONATHON")

I'm not gonna lie, I had a bit of fun with this one. Had to add a dash of brat taming at the end because it just felt right.

Hope you like it 💛

You had hit your wits end the moment your body sank into the bed.

Every stress, every snarky comment, every disgruntled maneuver that was thrown at you came bubbling up to the surface as the soft cushion of your mattress molded to your frame.

Leaning back into the array of pillows set around you and the strong arm of your John draped over your torso, you let loose. Released the levee of a pent-up rant as he laid silent and stoic as ever at your side.

"Today was awful, John. Just awful. The second I walked into the office, my boss was already breathing down my neck. Pressuring me with his usual bullshit, reminding me of the deadline like I can't see the calendar hanging behind my desk, and constantly interrupting my progress like he's got nothing better to do.."

You paused. Taking a much needed deep breath in a desperate attempt to calm your nerves.

John's arms tighten ever so slightly around your waist, and he leans in further, yet you pay no mind to his glacial encroachment.

The sudden air flow only fueled the fire of irritation as the demon inside took over once more and continued on with your raging tirade. Arms flailing, accentuating every syllable as your expression grew steadily more cantankerous.

"Then, when I was at the store, I asked an attendant where the baking section was because they clearly renovated and moved every aisle around. To which this disrespectful little twat waffle told me 'open my eyes and read the signs' like I'm some illiterate moron.."

Another breath. Stoke the embers. And release the demonic presence of aggravation within until fully cleansed.

John's eyes lit up at your relentless attack on the events of the day. A smile curling into the corners of his lips, running his fingers along the curve of your hip that you completely ignored as you continued with your verbal and seething regurgitation.

"And to top it all off, while on my way home, I got cut off by an absolute monstrosity of a truck that was clearly driven by a man making up for something. Nice truck, sorry about your dick and you drive like an ignoramus kind of man. And.."

You halted. Voice catching the cage of your throat as his hand gripped into the flesh of your hip.

Your eyes cast down to meet his bright and albeit boyish gaze as he stared up with endearing contentment.

"John. What are you doing?" You ask. Irritated bite to your bellowing bark.

"Ye so cute when ya let loose, m'lass. Cannae help but admire ya."

His soothing timbre at complete odds with the emotional blaze rippling off your tongue. Which only furthered your enraged fire, feeling is ripple beneath your skin and culminate within the depths of your lungs.

"I'm serious, John. Why are you being so obtuse. I'm-"

"Obtuse?" He interjects. Faltering your angered resolve with a single word.

His authoritative persona extinguishing the blaze within as he pulls you down into the bed, tearing an exasperated gasp from your chest as hemoves to cage you underneath his hulking frame.

"Perhaps yer in need of a little attitude adjustment, yeah? Need ta release tha' pent up demon a'yers in a different way, hm?"

"John, I-"

"Nah, m'lass. Not John-"

His rumbling voice traveled like a tremor through the thick density of your bones. And his eyes pierced your soul to easily pull back the rigid curtain of your fiery will.

"I'm yer Captain fer tonight. An' I'm gonnae tame tha' fiery beast a'yers. Understood?"

You nod in response. Finding comfort in his command underneath him as he tore your aggression away with every steely nuance to his words.

"Need ya t'say it, m'lass." He advised sternly. Settling himself between your legs, pulling the faintest whimper from between your lips.

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Now let yer Captain take care a'ya."

And thus began the taming of your fiery attitude that ended with a broken headboard and an overly satiated mouthy beast.

Captain MacTavish Masterlist

[artists-who-rarely-draws]

Calling Gravity falls artists!

Firstly, I love you all your art is so scrumptious mwah mwah mwah mwah!!.

Okay now to the casting call?? Listing?? Idk the term BUT! I am in the process of scripting out and designing a 80s Stan pines Dating SIM bwah bwah!

I'm planning to do the sprite work as I'm pretty good at replicating the gravity falls style.

But! For CGS, the Game Cover(?) (and / or backgrounds, maybe still deciding), I'm hoping to find an art style with a bit more - Pizzaz!!!!

**I am more than willing to pay! Your art is beautiful, and you deserve to be compensated!!!!**

Now some details about what it would look like:

- I will come to you for a few different cgs for both a Ford and Stan route in a stretched out period of time (meaning not all of once, not only because I don't want to overwhelm, but so that I can fully decide on a scene make sure it's fully what I want before coming to you for the CG for it, I don't want to think I know what I want then fully change my mind and then ya know this CG your either working on or finished now doesn't apply)

-We can talk through DM's , email (Tho my email rarely gives me notifications, so if I respond late, I'm sorry), Discord. Wherever makes you the most comfortable, artwork probably should be shared through either Drive or Email, though since Dependant on Size, most sites will kind of crunch them.

-You will receive FULL credit!!! This one feels like a given, but the internet is wild, and I've seen this misconception happen. Just because I'm paying for your art doesn't mean you don't also get credit. Credit your commissioners' kids.

-You get to set the price on your own art! Far be it from me to tell *you* what your time and effort is worth.

-communication is very important, I do work full time, but if I'm free and you need to talk to me, I'm more than open! If I don't get back to you within a day or so, feel free to give me a friendly little reminder that the notification has been lost.

-I will provide reference sheets that don't follow the canon (like other outfits or hair styles or whatever)

- as part of talking out each piece, I'd like a quote on price and a rough?? Idea?? On when it may be completed (Note: that is not like a strict deadline or anything. I understand things happen! Like i said, just pop me a message saying it can't be finished by 'blank', maybe 'blank' or just that you don't know! I won't bite! I'm an artist! I get it!

And I think that's about all of Note at the moment? If you have any more questions feel free to ask them!

If you'd be willing to be my CG artist please send me a DM with some gravity falls art examples, your rough prices (which again I understand will change from piece to piece buy just like a idea of how your prices for scenes normally are) and your prefrence for how we would communicate about the game ^^.

Thank you very much for reading! And again I love your art so much! Mwah mwah!

(Note, game might get it's own blog once I fully decide on a title, right now im thinking 'The Diners Call' but idk for sure)

[oxyvouge]

ᝰ roadtrip, autumn leaves and you .ᐟ ꩜

summary: you're an artist travelling to a village that's hidden within a forest somewhere in the countryside to paint a certain flower that could be found there only. along the way, you came across a certain someone from your past.

━━ ✦ pairing(s): remus lupin x evans!reader

━━ ✦ au where everyone is alive and happy

━━ ✦ word count: 1.5K

⟢ chapters: 1, 2 (upcoming)

AUTHOR'S NOTE: bcz my fave season of the year is coming, heres a remus story for you. if u aren't ginger do pretend so bcz its a evans reader 😭😭

FIRST CHAPTER

AUTUMN ARRIVED WITH A FLOURISH. The trees that were once painted in the finest of green shades were now adorned in a symphony of russet and amber, their leaves gently fluttering to the ground like confetti at a celebration of the changing seasons. Sunlight filtered through the foliage, creating dappled patterns of warmth on the car's dashboard. The autumn's embrace grew even more enchanting as the month of welcoming it is almost passing, ready to welcome the month of October.

Everything around you seemed to remind yourself of a person you had spent your entire life with. A certain fiery red head twin with the name of Lily Evans, now Potter.

Your hair flows with the wind like a flower that wasn't tucked within your headscarf, you're wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes against the sunlight. The music blasted against the winding road playing "Take Me Home, Country Roads" from the radio and falling leaves that made their way into your roof-free convertible. The air that flowed through you carried the crisp fragrance of fallen leaves, mingling with the distant scent of wood smoke from cottages nestled amidst rolling hills reminding you of a certain scarred Gryffindor.

The nostalgia of this season always took you back to your days at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Memories of walking through the corridors with your friends, casting spells in the courtyard, and attending classes flooded your mind.

As you drove down the scenic, tree-lined road of 1985, You couldn't help but smile at the thought of everything. The adventures were etched in your heart, and even now, you could almost hear the mischievous laughter and witty banter that echoed through the pages of your memories.

Years had passed since you crossed paths with most of the people from your past, except for the Potter couple. The memories of that time had become distant, with only the Potter duo consistently present in your life. The last gathering you attended was Lily and James' wedding, where you stood as Maid of Honor. And the latest encounter you had with them was last July, when you popped by to deliver a birthday gift to your nephew, Harry, the birthday boy.

When you arrived to drop off Harry's present, your twin had already been waiting at their front porch. "You're not planning to stay?" Lily inquired, a slight frown creasing her features. She knew well that her younger twin sister wouldn't be partaking in the celebration for Harry's fifth birthday, unlike the others who were yet to arrive.

You chuckled softly as you scooped up the giggling 5-year-old Harry into your arms, playfully tickling his neck. "Sorry, dear sister, but I've got an artwork I need to finish before the looming deadline next week," You replied with a mischievous wink. "I promise, I'll make it up to Harry next year."

Lily shot her a skeptical look, her eyes narrowing. She wasn't convinced by the younger's nonchalant demeanor. "You've been saying that for the past four years, Y/N," she pointed out, her tone wary. "Don't tell me you're still clinging on to the past about Remus?"

Lily's suspicions hit closer to home than you were willing to admit, but for now, you played it off with a playful smile choosing to ignore what she said. "Well, Lilykins, I would've been hanging out with Harry today if you didn't deny my request to take him with me for a road trip."

"I can't leave Harry with you for the entire day," you gasped, taken aback by your twin's lack of faith in you. "You spoil him way too often, and don't get me started on how you're purposefully ignoring Remus!" Lily yelled, her index finger accusingly pointed at you, to which you responded with a dismissive scoff.

"Auntie Y/N, why are you not talking to Uncle Moony?" Harry inquired with a sweet voice, making you turn your grumpy noise into a nice smile 'cause it made you feel better. "Did you both have a fight?"

"Who's fighting who?" James emerged from the house and encountered a duo of redheaded twins. Lily, pointing an accusing finger at the you who's hip holding Harry, turned her attention to him and handed over your neatly wrapped gift for Harry. "Well, hello there, sister-in-law."

You couldn't help but roll your eyes. "Aren't you supposed to be at work?"

"Getting into another fight, Slythia?" James arched an eyebrow, wearing a mischievous grin as he playfully addressed you by the nickname he had given you based on your Hogwarts house.

"Well, Y/N here is still holding a torch for Remus," Lily remarked, gently coaxing Harry to let go of her embrace, but the little boy shook his head, clearly spoiled by his aunt's attention. "And aren't your arms getting tired from carrying Harry?"

"Seriously? A torch?" You asked Lily with her use of metaphors.

James burst into laughter at Lily's words about you and Remus being in the same sentence. "Really?"

"Of course not, it's been years since I last saw him and I have moved on." you replied, though your intention wasn't to be humorous, the married couple found it hilarious, sharing a laugh. "I'm serious!"

"No, you're not," James countered, grinning broadly. Damn, this joke never gets old.

Lily pointed out, "It's been years since you last saw him because you've been avoiding him," as she took Harry from her arms and set him down, causing the young boy to pout, prompting James to scoop him up instead.

Defending yourself, you retorted, "I do not!" However, when you looked around, you couldn't deny how tired your legs were becoming, so you straightened your back and glanced at your wristwatch. "Would you look at that, I'm running late. See you!"

Thinking back, are you still really — you shook your head about the thought and looked straight to the road. Not a chance. You let out a scoff, "Please — it's been years."

You look into the rear view mirror to take a look of yourself and back into the road but suddenly someone emerges from the trees and speeds towards the road. You immediately hit the breaks in shock causing your chest to hit the wheel with force narrowly avoiding a collision with the person. Your heart raced. "Bloody hell — ARE YOU TRYING TO GET YOURSELF KILLED?" You pushed your sleek sunglasses up and walked out of your car where the person was crouching holding a baby sloth. "Sir, you need to look at me." Your voice mixed with irritation and concern.

When the man looked up at you with slight widened eyes your breath hitched. "Y/N?"

"Remus?" Your irritation turned into shock at seeing your ex here in this situation. "What are you doing here? Why did you — I could've hit you!"

"I was traveling, and I saw the sloth—" Remus stumbled on his words as he still can't process seeing you here of all people. "Wait — How — What are you doing here?"

"Wasn't I the one who's asking you that?" Your voice carried a mix of relief and concern.

Remus, still clutching a sloth in his arms, looked shaken but managed a weak smile. "I suppose you're right," he replied, his voice a tad shaky. He carefully placed the sloth on the grassy roadside.

You quickly parked your car, your concern growing. "Nevermind," you said, shaking off the earlier irritation. "Are you alright?" You extended a hand to help him up, realizing he must have sprained something during his heroic rescue of the sloth.

Remus winced as he tried to stand, clearly favoring one leg. "I think I might have sprained my ankle," he admitted, trying to put weight on it but wincing in pain.

With a concerned frown, you gently supported him and helped him stand, careful not to put too much pressure on his injured ankle. "Let's get you back to my car," you suggested. "There's a store not so far from here, I think I can temporarily take care of that."

And you carefully guided him back to your car, "You're a witch, Y/N." Remus reminded but you shook your head.

"I'm not a healer, Lupin, unless you know a healing spell for that." Suddenly, you felt like you were being hit by a stray rock. "Oh right. Ferula." You conjured the bandaging charm, wrapping them around his ankle.

Remus nodded, appreciative of your help. "Thank you," he said, his voice tinged with gratitude. "And thanks for not hitting that sloth. They're not exactly the fastest creatures."

"How could I not stop when you darted out from the forest, trying to take that hit instead?" You shook your head in disbelief at his recklessness. Despite your astonishment, you gently tucked him into the car seat and made sure he was securely fastened by the seat belt. You closed the door and walked to your side of the car and shut it too before starting your car again.

"I can do that, you know?" Remus stated about how you secured him with a seat belt.

You nodded. "I know." You gave him a quick glance, and started to maneuvering the wheel. "So, where are you off too?"

PS. if yall have other title ideas other than this, do tell bcz i suck with them

NEXT CHAPTER >

[arxxq]

CHAPTER ONE — SILLY NICKNAMES?

The soft glow of dawn filtered through Y/N’s curtains, casting the room in gentle hues of pink and orange. The city outside was still quiet, save for the occasional hum of early commuters. To her own surprise, Y/N found herself awake at this ungodly hour, blinking in disbelief as her phone’s alarm flashed 5:30 AM.

“Ugh, I actually woke up on time,” she muttered, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand. She wasn’t the type to rise before the sun unless absolutely necessary, but today? Today was different, like the universe had aligned to make sure she had more hours to conquer. Maybe it was the adrenaline from yesterday’s debate, still fresh in her system, or the looming deadlines she had to finish by the end of this day? Who knows?

Dragging herself out of bed, she headed for the bathroom, hoping the warm shower would shake off the remnants of sleep clinging to her like a fog. The water cascaded down her back, a soothing reminder of the calm before the storm—a storm called ‘highschool deadlines.’ the girl groaned in the showers having reminded of the large pile of things she has to do today.

Once dressed and ready, she padded out to the kitchen, where the smell of frying eggs and toast wafted through the air. Her roommates, Izumi and Haruka, were already up, bustling around the kitchen like two chefs preparing for battle.

“Morning, sunshine,” Izumi greeted, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm as she flipped a pancake in the pan.

“You’re up early, for once,” Haruka chimed in, pouring herself a cup of coffee. “What, did hell freeze over?”

“Ha ha,” Y/N deadpanned, sliding into her usual seat at the kitchen table. “I have deadlines, okay? Thought I’d be productive today.”

She took a chair and shoved toast into her mouth. She reached for her laptop, which had been sitting untouched since last night, and flipped it open. The bright screen illuminated her face as she took a bite of toast, scrolling through the various tabs she had left open. There were assignments she needed to finish, readings to catch up on, and… an email notification. Her heart did a small leap as her eyes caught the subject line.

From: Anonymous.

Her mysterious pen pal had replied.

They've been talking once in a while, it's mostly just Y/n talking about her day since of course her mysterious pen pal had already told her they weren't amazing with words.

Y/N’s lips curled into a smile, her curiosity piqued. She hadn’t expected to hear back so soon, but here it was. The email she had been half-expecting, half-forgetting about amidst the chaos of her life.

She clicked on the message, her fingers lightly tapping the keyboard as she read:

---

Hey,

Sorry for the late response. I’ve been swamped lately with practice and classes. I hope you’ve been well.

I still liked the idea of keeping things a little mysterious between us. Makes it more interesting, don’t you think? Not that I haven't mentioned this multiple times but now...

Y/N snorted softly, amused by his dry tone. He—or whoever this was—seemed to have a similar sense of humor to her. She liked that. Leaning back in her chair, she pondered her reply, her fingers hovering over the keys before she began typing.

Hey there!

No worries about the late reply—I get it. Life’s been chaotic on my end too.

Also, since we’re keeping things interesting, how about we drop the whole ‘pen pal’ or ‘anonymous’ thing? It feels kind of... detached, you know?

I had this embarrassing childhood nickname, “Honey.” Long story short, I used to smear honey all over myself as a kid—don’t ask. It stuck. Why don’t we use nicknames instead? Could be fun!

Looking forward to hearing your story,

— Honey (I can't believe I'm actually owning up to it HELP)

Y/N smirked as she hit send, the adrenaline of the moment leaving a lingering excitement. Of course, she didn’t expect an immediate reply; whoever this was seemed just as busy as she was. Still, the conversation was a nice escape from the usual university grind.

“Was that your mystery email person again?” Izumi asked, sliding a plate of pancakes in front of Y/N.

Y/N glanced up with a raised brow. “Yep. I think I suggested the nickname thing just to see what he comes up with.”

Haruka, who had been sipping her coffee quietly, chuckled. “Watch him come back with something worse than ‘Honey.’”

“Can’t be worse than yours,” Y/N shot back, making the girls laugh.

As they chatted, Y/N noticed the time ticking by faster than she expected. She glanced at her laptop again, realizing she had spent way too much time enjoying breakfast and procrastinating on her assignments.

“Crap!” she exclaimed, bolting upright from the table. “I’m gonna be late for class!”

Izumi smirked, unimpressed by the sudden rush. “Told you not to get distracted.”

With her backpack hastily thrown over her shoulder and one last gulp of coffee, Y/N was out the door, racing against time. As she hurried down the bustling campus paths, she couldn’t shake the feeling that today held more than just deadlines. There was something about her anonymous pen pal’s email that lingered in her thoughts, like a thread connecting them in ways she couldn’t yet understand.

But for now, she had to focus on getting to class. Everything else could wait.

ᶻ 𝗓 𐰁 .ᐟ

Meanwhile, Rin's POV:

Rin sat on the sidelines of the soccer field, a towel draped over his shoulders as he watched his teammates run drills. His mind, however, wasn’t entirely on the game for once. His phone buzzed in his bag, reminding him of the email he had sent last night. He had taken a chance responding to his pen pal, though he had kept his message brief and to the point.

With a quick glance to make sure no one was paying attention, Rin pulled out his phone, checking for any replies. When he saw her message—Honey?—a faint, amused smile tugged at his lips.

Honey, huh? he thought, rolling the word over in his mind like a soccer ball at his feet. I wonder what kind of person smears honey on themselves as a kid.

His fingers hovered over the screen for a moment, contemplating a response, but the weight of practice still lingered. Sliding his phone back into his bag, Rin let out a quiet sigh and shifted his focus back to the field. His body was present, but his mind still wandered, the image of this mysterious “Honey” now stuck like a sticky note in the back of his thoughts.

Who even calls themselves that?

“Yo, Itoshi!” a voice broke through his daze, pulling him back to reality. Rin blinked, looking up just in time to see Bachira waving his arms wildly, his grin as infectious as ever. “You zoning out or what? Come on, we’ve still got drills!”

Rin frowned, his focus snapping back like a rubber band. He hadn’t even noticed that the drills had moved forward without him. A few of the other guys—Isagi, Chigiri, and Reo—were glancing in his direction too, clearly picking up on his distraction.

“Get your head out of the clouds, Rin!” Chigiri called, tossing a ball in his direction. “We don’t have all day.”

Rin caught the ball with ease, his fingers curling tightly around it as a subtle flush crept onto his face. “Yeah, yeah, I’m coming,” he muttered, shaking off the lingering thoughts about the email. His focus narrowed as he stood up, tossing the towel aside and joining the rest of the group.

But even as he moved into the next drill, his mind couldn’t help but wander back to Honey. The distraction was fleeting, but it was there, simmering just beneath the surface, like a puzzle piece he couldn’t quite fit into place yet.

13:15:

It's afternoon now, Y/n was currently in Mrs Rei's class, History class. History wasn't bad it's just that she hated how the next class she has to go to next was calculus with the most annoying and boring Professor ever. By boring, she meant he was strict asf and she had no clue exactly why he had a stick up his ass. Sighing softly the girl pulled up her phone from her pockets when she felt vibration from it. No doubt it was Nagi being so lost as usual.

'well that certainly helped!" The girl tried to cheer herself up. It didn't. She knew who Rin was but not that much. He was intriguing but cold and harsh hence why Y/n tries not to approach him to get on his bad side. All Y/n knew about him was that he was part of the soccer team and the Blue Lock program, people fawn over him and that he was this so called prodigy that Isagi and almost everyone in Blue lock probably wanted to beat.

As the morning dragged on, Y/N focused on her assignments and the lectures, occasionally glancing at the clock. The bell rang, and she gathered her things, heading to her locker where her roommates, Izumi and Haruka, were waiting.

“Did you see Nagi’s last goal? It was like he was dancing on air,” Izumi said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Yeah, and Bachira was practically bouncing off the walls after it,” Haruka added, leaning against the lockers. “It’s a good thing they’re all on the same team—Blue Lock is really making them shine!”

Y/N chuckled, shaking her head as she unlocked her locker. “They’re just having fun out there. I wouldn’t call it dancing. It’s more like… organized chaos.”

“Organized chaos?” Izumi echoed, laughing. “You mean like how you navigate your life?”

“Exactly!” Y/N replied with a grin, tossing her textbooks into her bag. “Chaos but somehow still getting things done. That’s the dream.”

The girls continued chatting about their friends on the soccer team, and Y/N found herself rolling her eyes at their playful admiration. “Honestly, it’s like you two have a crush on every guy in the program,” she teased.

“Can you blame us?” Haruka shot back. “Have you seen how cute they are? Especially Chigiri and Isagi! And then there’s that Itoshi Rin guy—they say he’s basically a god on the field.”

At the mention of Rin, Y/N fell silent, trying to hide her disinterest. She had heard plenty about him—how he was a prodigy, a genius with a reputation for being cold and unapproachable. Still, she felt a twinge of curiosity. “He’s just another player,” she said dismissively, trying to keep her tone casual.

“Just another player?” Izumi said, raising an eyebrow. “Have you seen his highlights? He’s unreal!”

Y/N shrugged, closing her locker with a firm click. “Yeah, but I’m not here to fangirl. They’re all like brothers to me.”

“Still, it wouldn’t hurt to appreciate the talent,” Haruka added, nudging her playfully.

Y/N laughed, the sound bright and light. “I appreciate them for their skills, but it’s different when you’re friends. They’re just a bunch of goofballs to me.”

As they talked, Y/N couldn’t help but feel grateful for her friends. They were a solid crew, supportive and endlessly entertaining. However, as the bell rang again, the lightheartedness of the conversation faded into the background as they made their way to class.

The day passed in a whirl of lectures, notes, and the occasional side-eye at her phone. Every time she checked it, she reminded herself that the world outside was alive with soccer, but her friends were busy grinding on the field for Blue Lock. Her thoughts drifted, and she caught herself wondering about her pen pal again. Did he play soccer? What would he think of her suggestion? Would he laugh, or roll his eyes? She was both excited and nervous about his response.

As she headed toward her next class, her mind was interrupted by a familiar voice calling her name. It was one of the teachers, and her heart sank slightly as she approached.

“Y/N! The principal wants to see you in his office,” the teacher said, a serious look on her face.

“Me? Why?” Y/N replied, confusion washing over her.

“Not sure. But it sounded important. You should head there now.”

“Great,” Y/N muttered under her breath, her mind racing with possibilities. What could the principal want with her? As she walked toward the office, she couldn’t shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something unexpected.

Just as she reached the principal’s office, she took a deep breath. Whatever was waiting for her behind that door, she would face it head-on, just like she tackled every other challenge in her life. Little did she know, the principal had a proposal that would link her closer to the Blue Lock program—and perhaps lead her down a path she never expected.

→ really sorry for the short chapter, I've been busy since I just finished exams and my national debate competition

→ extra info: your author does not have a schedule to post this. I'm very busy with my life off screen which makes it difficult for me to make one. I'll only post when I have time

→ about y/n she sort of sound like an oc, I get it but that's a guide for her backstory that I have for her to add conflict in future chapters. Not much to complain about this tbh but if you are you know you're just one click away to just not read it right? you didn't need to waste your energy complaining 😭 plus I did it as y/n because it's to make people imagine easily. Don't know if this makes sense

→taglist: @mizyu98 @imraespace @bestboileeknow

→comment or message if interested to be in taglist

→ TWO/PROLOGUE/BACK TO NAVIGATION/ABOUT Y/N

[bumbleroach]

I FINALLY FINISHED THE PRE LOG, IM SO SORRY FOR THOSE WHO WERE WAITING 😭

Small reminder that this story is completely fanon and I have tweaked some parts to better fit my story 😋

I would really appreciate it if you liked and reblogged, as it helps boost my story to more audiences, and I am working on my Grammer, so plz be patient.

Golden peace times- when tcgf took place

Sephos- antagonist of the story

TCGF Descendants: Pre-log

The Interlinked theory. It was a theory that had been created by a scholar of the name of __ ____ from the 'golden peace' times. It suggested that gods and ghosts were interlinked together, that without a god's golden light of worship, there would be no ghosts of bickering to hide within the gods' shadow. This theory also brought up a striking question; what if gods were to cease to exist?

That question became reality quite quickly.

It had all started with the disappearance of a deputy in one of the lower courts. No one thought much of it, as they were merely replaceable. The same happened with the lower court heavenly official that the deputy had worked for. Only for the heavenly official to come back and suddenly rise to the upper courts quickly. It had seemed only slightly suspicious, but no one dared to question too much, all being focused on their own duties to carry out.

However, chaos broke out as a plague started, affecting not only mortals, but the inhabitants of the heavens. as well. It was too late to stop it, the gods were wiped out, the heavens shattered, and as that theory goes, ghosts died out as well. But, suddenly, a new savior had arised, promising to protect the mortals under his rule, as the new emperor of the heavens, Sephos. (thats not his actual name in the story, its just who you as the reader will refer to as)

But the common people were quickly shunned out, as he claimed they didn't benifet his vision. they were casted down into the undergrounds, where the ghosts had once resided.

(chapters 1-5 will be out on December 21st, the deadline is January 2nd!)

[butch-lesbian-marshadow]

Jaya in the Sea of Stars

Jaya had never really gotten what it would be like, up here, in the stars. She followed the instructions from Star-Camp to slow her rotation and stop her from passing out or throwing up, but her suit's fuel was low: only enough for a slight, gentle push.

"You're so beautiful, my king," It was a fleeting thought, said only to the glorious Mondiary Dwarf star and the wavy locks of auroras that danced at the poles of her homeworld, just above her polar homeland.

Her shattered shuttle was difficult to see now. The bodies of her comrades were, too. It's not like the boat races back home: no one can turn around for you now, Jaya. She did better than her shuttlemates had with their Null-Hysteria, but she could still feel it already settle in: the loneliness and the sudden absence of connection, made worse by the bodies of her old schoolmates all cast away from their boarding shuttle.

Focus, Jaya. Focus, Jaya. Focus, Jaya. Focus, Jaya. Focus, Jaya. Focus, Jaya. Focus, Jaya. Seven Mantras mouthed in the dwindling oxygen of her suit, like the Star-Camp Chaplain had taught her. Jaya turned her limited gaze towards the streaks of light launching from her Bare Witch Mountain Carrier. Streaks of light by the hundreds, or thousands. She watched the trails of drive engines spill out from her homeworld by the thousands. So many thousands of her planet's children. So many just like her, leaving their home-soil for the first time in their lives, and for most, the first of their families’ to step to the heavens.Jaya's eyes followed the streaks towards their shared destination: a pair of distant Dreadnaughts, fearsome kaiju of the stars, known only by alien names: Evian, Freya. They were Leviathan beasts of ships, that bore guns that could shatter the sky, rifles as long as as the mountains are tall, bullets who could pierce the crust-skin of the beautiful homeworld and spill her mantle-blood across the land: her apocalyptic molten mantle-blood, all across the plains. It was why they all had to take to the shuttle and corvette and fighter and more. To do something, anything, against the conquering titans.

You shouldn't cry up here, too much. The water will stick to your eyes, make it hard to see, Jaya. The stranded cosmina blasted a quick jet of air to blow clean her eyes as she blinked furiously to wick away the water.

Cosmina-379184-Jaya: Estimated Stasis Deadline has approached, and you have not yet executed a recovery operation. Are you planning a special maneuver, or should I notify the Fleetmistress? The Cosmina suit-computer felt oddly comforting, if only because it used her voice.

Jaya knew she wouldn't make it back in time. She knew she had precious little lucid, rational thought left. She just didn't want to be alone. "Call her. I-I am ready to swim, please."

It took only a blink to feel the presence of the Fleetmistress whispering in her mind like a lover coyly murmuring in her ear after waking in bed. "Jaya, your shuttle is gone; I'm sorry." "I won't make it back, I, I don't think I can take it, I don't think I can take it, I don't-" Jaya's feedback is filled with the Fleetmistress's warm and subtle humming. A gentle touch, a reminder. Jaya remembered the old teachings with the last remnants of her mortal lucidity. "Fleetmistress Tiamat, is my unit still alive?" "Those who survived the initial impact have come back to the waters, Jaya." "Return me to the waters, Fleetmistress. I wish to swim, too." " Then nest your mind in my waters, and sink in me, my love."

[moviemunchies]

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a Mission Impossible movie; I’ve watched the first, second, and sixth. The movies come in and out of Netflix and Hulu, so sooner or later I’ll get to them all.

Oh, hey, J.J. Abrams directed this movie!

Our protagonist, Ethan, has a fairly stable life right now, and he’s engaged to a nurse named Julia, and everyone’s happy! Except then Ethan is abruptly pulled into a rescue operation to save his protege at the IMF, Lindsay Farris, who was sent to spy on an international arms deal named Davian. They do get Farris out, but a detonator implanted in her head goes off, killing her and any possible intel. To finish her mission, Ethan and his team capture Davian, discovering that he’s after something called the Rabbit’s Foot, but shortly after learning (from a message left by Farris) that Davian had a mole within the IMF, Davian escapes. He and his henchmen kidnap Julia and force Ethan to steal the Rabbit’s Foot, or else he’ll kill Julia in 48 hours.

I’ve decided that I can’t watch these movies too close to each other. Ethan is always on the run from his superiors, and always being pushed to his limits. I’m sorry, but it can get repetitive if I watched these one after the other. I would only get exhausted. It’s great that these movies are willing to go all-in on the action and the stakes; I just think you’d get numbed to it if you dealt with them in a row in a short period of time.

The biggest problem with this film is that Abrams often doesn’t show us some of the coolest parts of the story. Ethan is given a deadline of forty-eight hours to grab the Rabbit’s Foot, but the movie skips around without telling us how long he’s got left (through dialogue) until it’s only a couple of hours. And then skipping ahead to less than that. And THEN not showing us the actual heist itself. That’s a cop out! I want to know how, in a matter of minutes, Ethan breaks into a heavily-guarded facility to steal the Rabbit’s Foot and only barely escape! Isn’t that the entire point of a Mission Impossible movie?

Also pretty egregious is the final battle–when Ethan and Davian finally duke it out. Spoiler alert, Ethan wins (which you knew because Tom Cruise is in four more Mission Impossible movies after this). The way that he wins, after a brutal battle, is not due to anything he did, but a total coincidence that neither character had much control over, making it seem pretty cheap. There’s also a resolution to a problem that I don't think would have worked–and reminds me that J.J. Abrams often works on a vague understanding of how science works.

Worst, though, is that we don’t have a clue what the Rabbit’s Foot actually is. It’s as generic a McGuffin as they come because of it. One character theorizes what it might be, but no one ever says. And yes, it could be any generic doomsday bioweapon and the Plot wouldn’t change; still, I think it’s likely that, given what I know of J.J. Abrams in 2023, he didn’t want to do the work to have a clue what to do with it. I don’t know, and he never did, either.

Ethan’s team is underdeveloped, though that’s pretty par for the course at this point. I believe that the next movie is when team members other than Luther have personalities developed enough to care about. It’s a little disappointing though because it’s a great cast.

The action that we do see is very good. The fight scenes are all exciting to watch, there’s a great chase scene, and the scene where Ethan rescues Ferris is a pretty awesome showcase as to what type of agents they are and how effective they are in the field. Tom Cruise does really good action scenes, and watching the film you can tell why they keep Ethan around even if they keep disavowing him–he’s really good at his job!

Ethan also isn’t stupid, which is better than a lot of action heroes. When his team points out that they can’t just hand the Rabbit’s Foot to Davian, he explains, rather frustratedly, that he knows that, he’s planning on tagging it with a tracker before they do that so that they have a chance to get it back right after the handoff. I think that there’s a lot of action movie protagonists who would not even consider something like that, being too overwhelmed with emotion to do anything but fulfill the villains’ demands.

Davian’s a fun villain? In an understated way. He’s not the greatest of the great, but he is interesting in that he almost never loses his cool. In these movies, spies are able to buy time and leverage by talking, and Davian always shuts down Ethan by not giving a crap about whatever he’s talking about. I appreciate that. Philip Seymour Hoffman does well in this role.

So this movie’s fine. It’s fun, though there are a few very notable problems in the film’s execution. It’s good, but those problems are holding it back from being an excellent movie. I understand that some of that is perhaps time constraints. Still, I think that you can have fun watching this one if you need a loud, action-packed movie. It’s not a must-see, though, and there are other movies in the series that are more worth your time.

[destinyc1020]

The Cleopatra rumour is true. I know Denis denied it but I rember in 2017 Denis dismissing the idea if making Dune and he ended up doing. All I'm gonna say is that as a fan of Z from a career point, this is great step for professional career. She is now becoming a leading lady. I'm proud that hard work is paying off. Personally as a black fan, I'm not excited. I feel we have our own history and cosplaying a role of a dead white woman is tired and dull. I was excited about the Ronnie Spector story because it has so much depth and meaning as she was prevalent in black history. Right now Z is the Halle berry of our time. This might be her Monster's ball lol. In future, we will see if the backlash she will get will be worth it. Denis is a great director I'll give him that.

At the end if the day Z is racially ambiguous woman so she can swift easily in roles where ethnicity isnt strict. I also have to remind myself that Z's social fame didn't come solely from black ppl. It's mainly universal. I saw a Z fan who was of Mexican descent on twitter write that they feel represented by Z's media presences as a poc because of her racially ambiguity and that's when I had to let go that she's a rep for black girls and women. And that's okay. When one becomes mainstream the goal to influence everyone not one specific group.

Let's hope it ain't like Flex Alexander in that MJ biopic lol.

What are your thoughts?

https://www.worldofreel.com/blog/2023/11/16/tgnl6tqsyc1j612laxkyic7nyhx4m9

Anon, I am STILL VERY skeptical about this rumor.... And even if Denis IS perhaps planning on filming a Cleopatra film at some point in the future, that STILL doesn't mean that Zendaya, Timothee, and Daniel Craig are starring in it.

Look...Until I get some OFFICIAL casting news about this project from either Variety, THR, or Deadline, I am still lumping this in the "Just rumors" category. 😏

Anon, are you REALLY going to put your trust and faith in this website (that looks like it's just a film fan blog anyway), that couldn't even tweet out the correct DECADE for this supposed upcoming "Cleopatra" movie filming? 😅😅

🤭🤭

Sorry, but I just don't trust World of Reel lol, and Denis' people already contacted this site to dispel the rumor last week anyway. 👇🏾

So, I think that until something official comes out, there's no need in getting all heated over a casting (AND a film) that hasn't even actually been officially announced yet.

[treesap-blogs]

HI GUYS IM POSTING ON SUNDAY INSTEAD OF SATURDAY!! Sorry. Back with a review of “The Sunbearer Trials” by Aiden Thomas

Hello, Tumblrians! It’s been a while since I’ve made a review, I’m sorry about that. Alas, only two weeks after school, my mom took me down to the South to go visit some family 😔it was lowkey miserable! 2/10 don’t recommend I got gaslit so many times lmao

SORRY FOR NOT POSTING ON SATURDAY😭I was very busy! I’m gonna try to stop making self-imposed deadlines, because a) I literally never follow through with them so they read like empty promises, b) I get last-minute anxiety paralysis and never upload.

Anyways! Here’s a review of a queer book, because they probably would’ve been restricted in the state I was in. Maybe not banned per say, but definitely not accepted with open arms. The only open arms we’re getting in South Carolina are guns, and dear old Uncle Dave pretending he’s asking me for a hug and not forcing me to do it out of moral/familial obligation. Sorry.

Not really any Book Discovery Backstory for this one, except for that I wanted to get around to reading every single Aiden Thomas book. And this was originally meant to be for the Trans Rights Readathon, but I got tired and gave up! Oops.

The Sunbearer Trials is the book in question! For once, its advertising is pretty accurate: Think The Hunger Games’ nail-biting (and televised) battle royale, mixed with the demigod folklore and plot aspects of Percy Jackson (but make it gods of Mexican instead of Greek/Roman mythology)! Teo, a Semidiós transgender teen(son of Quetzal, the god of birds), because of his Jade status, doesn’t expect to be chosen as a competitor in The Sunbearer Trials: a group of deathly games played by Semidiós teens, where the lowest-ranking has the “greatest honor” of all—be sacrificed in order to fuel the Sun’s power and keep the Obsidian evil gods at bay. However, that doesn’t mean Teo’s worried about others: his friend Niya, the higher-ranking Gold daughter of Tierra, is one of the strongest heroes of their generation and dangerously likely to be chosen. So he’s in for a nasty surprise when two Jades get selected for the games this year, one being Xio, the thirteen year-old son of Mala Suerte, and Teo. Now the two of them must compete in five mysterious trials, against far more powerful opponents, for glory, pride and their own survival.

For a book with that intense of a summary, I wasn’t expecting for it to be as humorous and fun as it was? But I’m kinda glad for that, because hundreds of pages of just on-page child death will inevitably get emotionally taxing. So, I found this to be a very enjoyable read! I liked the descriptions of food!!(don’t read this on an empty stomach), and our character dynamics, which I was pleasantly surprised by because I usually dislike or outright hate books with large casts! Aiden Thomas definitely had his priorities straight on the characters to center though, and although we got to know a bit about everyone, it didn’t feel like there was too little or too much time spent with anyone. It didn’t feel crowded, basically.

Not to be that book account, but we also got a bit of rivals to lovers, with Aurelio and Teo! I was a little on-the-fence about it at first because, you know, tropes, but I ended up growing to like the genuine bond they developed amidst the trials. Also, Aiden Thomas just has a way with writing gay yearning I think! 

With all that said, although this book was a fun read, it felt juvenile at times. If some of the cursing or sexual humor was cut out, it could definitely pass as a middle grade. Personally, I don’t like middle grades, so this was disappointing to me especially considering how dark the summary is? Some of the lines (particularly Niya’s) were so corny or cringey I had to laugh. Add that to this being in a modern world, and I take critical damage from being reminded that memes and vine coexist with demigod death games in this book. 

Anyhow! Overall, this was an enjoyable (even if flawed) read. As you guys should know, I love culturally rich stories, and I loved the Mexican parts of the settings and story. And if you read the summary for that and thought to yourself “hey! That sounds right up my alley”, I’m not stopping you from checking it out. I’ll also be reading the sequel, because there was a hell of a cliffhanger.

Book rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½ stars/5. Finished 04/05/2023.

(Book content/trigger warnings: fire/fire injury, child death(on-page), violence+blood, bullying, gender dysphoria.)

-Paz, signing off!

[riabef]

✎ I feel a summer breeze (and it reminds me of you) TIGHNARI X READER

SUMMARY: There are many things Tighnari did during his days at the Akademiya, notably, being your classmate was one of them. Even now, after it’s been so long since you two met, he just hopes that you think of him as much as he thinks of you.

FEATURING CAST: Tighnari and the reader are… the only people…

PRONOUNS: gender neutral reader!, second person perspective “You” (please inform me if there’s any fem mentions!)

WORD COUNT: 1 931

WARNINGS: None, bittersweet (?), fluff but then it’s angst…

PROOF-READ: nope! written at 1am 🫶

AUTHOR NOTES: hi hi!!! This is the first fic I’m publishing, haven’t procrastinated this much in ages, sorry I swear it’s the homework. There are probably grammar mistakes, I had a nightmare that a former teacher told me to learn some grammar while writing this…. I also snatched the opening two lines from a song it’s very nice “pusong ligaw by jona” is mwah.

also sorry if it’s obvious that I started listening to Shakira halfway through the piece 😔 listen, hips don’t lie is an absolute banger

ps: send help I don’t know how to center things.TM

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

It is still you that my lost heart looks for

You are its destination, where it will go

Rustling leaves, vines threaded together in intricate patterns unknown, and all the sounds of the forest mixing in a melodious dulcet calming those who stopped to listen. “Stop, and smell the roses”. Blossoming flowers, roots that entwine the earth to meet the sky, the trees’ canopy providing shade to weary travellers, and a noise rustled within the forest

Their strides were confident in nature, their dendro vision glowing as if pulsing to a heartbeat, and the clinking of metal hitting against fabric resonated slightly throughout the forest. It wasn’t exactly an easy duty to organize the forest watchers to be efficient, persistence was the key, and that would also be the reason why he was walking down this very path.

It didn’t take him very long to arrive, it never did; once he let his heart lead his movements, he would always end up in the same spot as always.

Sitting atop a branch, legs dangling in the zephyr below, Tighnari never felt nostalgia and loneliness hit him quite so hard.

Just for a few moments, he would be allowed to sit with his thoughts, and maybe, just maybe, he would be allowed to dream of a world where he didn't lose you. Minutes were spent wondering if he was an idiot for not realizing his feelings until he didn’t see you anymore.

A heart grows fonder with absence

It felt far away, memories of the Akademiya were buried, unfavoured compared to the work that Tighnari had in the present. Although, that’s not to say that they were necessarily forgotten. Even months– no, years later, Tighnari swears that even though he wasn’t a sculptor, he could sculpt your face, down to the smallest details; a lost strand of hair, a forgotten smudge of ink on your hands from writing so much.

Ah, he needs to return to work.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

When Tighnari was in the Akademiya, there wasn’t much he would accurately remember, memories were slightly blurred, months, days, and time had all faded together in one huge deadline. Get this done, review this, read this, and prepare for this. Despite the number of people who had talked to him, his sole focus was on his research.

Although, there were memories that had stuck out to him, like water lilies in a pond; beautiful, vibrant, and utterly transparent.

One of those memories was made when he met you.

Tighnari remembers how the faint glow of the sun hit your features or the way you had haphazardly entered class even more tired than how you were the days before. He wasn’t one to pay much attention to looks, but in that moment he felt as though he didn’t appreciate them enough.

His breath hitched when you took a chair and sat across from him.

“Please tell me that water evaporates.”

Perhaps,,, he had miscalculated.

“Pardon me?”

In a moment he never felt as baffled as he was now, and you never felt more relieved that you weren’t the only one absolutely floored by your friend’s statement.

“Could you please tell me that water doesn’t evaporate– I swear, I’ll treat you to something, just please tell me that water, does, in fact, evaporate.” The exasperation in your voice and the way that your eyes glinted with nothing but absolute exhaustion drew a subtle smile to his face.

“Last time I checked, water does evaporate.”

He watched as you sighed into your hands, before quickly saying your goodbyes to him, and running back to your friend with the answer. If meeting you wasn’t a memory at the forefront of his mind, it would probably be how your friend’s face had held absolute anguish upon hearing his answer.

Or it was the way they had screamed in misery, “SO WHO WAS GOING TO TELL ME?!”

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

A week later, he’d find that you were in one of his biology classes, and was able to put a name to your face, and upon seeing you in class, he wondered for brief moments, if it would be alright to sit next to you.

In Tighnari’s defense, maybe being next to you would be helpful to him (since he couldn’t get his mind off of you at all).

Seeing you hunched over a few stacks of paper, and seeming to chant a mantra over and over, Tighnari took a seat next to you before lectures had officially begun. It did take an impressive amount of self-restraint to not laugh right there and then.

“When I said I wanted to study plants I didn’t mean this.”

Tighnari’s tail swished back and forth as if expressing the nervous gestures he couldn’t make, and he took one glance at your papers before he nodded his head in sympathy. It was only then that you realized that someone decided to book first-row tickets to your sanity being undone like it was a knitting mistake, your head shot up faster than students darting away when they saw the General Mahamatra.

Before you were able to question this man’s sanity (as well as yours), you were luckily interrupted by the start of the lecture and it was nothing short of a blessing to you… since you weren’t sure that he would appreciate the lovely string of curses that had almost left your mouth.

That day, after classes, a few offerings of Candied Ajilenakh Nuts could be found at a nearby statue of the seven.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

It was awfully too easy to step into a routine with you, Tighnari admitted. From spending his mornings, afternoons, and evenings dedicated to his research in a comfortable solitude to his thoughts slowly consumed by you the longer he knew you. It wasn’t a rare occurrence for him to look at a few plants and wonder if you would like them, or how he would stare at the setting sun and wonder if you would like this particular spot as well.

You, on the other hand, felt absolute joy at the prospect of gaining a new friend, but it was hard to deny that your heart fluttered when you woke up in the morning, not because of the Akademiya, but because of Tighnari.

The affection you two held for each other was clear to see, for everyone except you two. The peers in your class would sigh when that fact was made obvious, at some point it had begun to feel a bit painful to them; especially with the puppy-love crushes that you two seemingly had on each other.

During a lecture that could beat even the eternity that the Electro Archon idealized, it was no surprise that you fell asleep. Tighnari knew of your struggles, the amount of work that you received was akin to a tunnel (that had no light at the end), and he decided to save the lecture about the importance of sleep for later.

It was then that Tighnari felt a gentle breeze, the breeze blew past him albeit a little cold. Deciding that he was better off without it, he places his coat on your shoulders, taking notes for the both of you.

Lingering touches and lingering gazes flitted across the classroom. He reached out to push away stray hairs, hand hovering above your face before he thought better of it.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Hesitant movements, and hesitant phrases said to each other, all in the name of unshared feelings. Words that ached to be granted a voice, and undone actions that added to regrets.

Friends don’t do this.

When graduation had approached, the mixed feelings that conflicted in his mind had him nauseous. Should he be feeling crushed at the notion that he wouldn’t be able to share notes with you in class? Or that he wouldn’t be able to look at you disapprovingly when you tried to tell him jokes during a class, or the times he’d scold you to take more rest.

It all faded into a dream, and before he knew it, he was graduating.

Where were you?

You approached him, excitement painted on your features, the thrill of finally completing something over the long years you’ve spent at the Akademiya. The bounce in your step was enough to show that, and the glint in your eyes said more than words ever could.

Unlike him, a coward to his feelings, and a coward to himself, you spoke the very sentence he was dreading,

“I guess this is the last time we’ll be seeing each other!”

His instincts demand him to counter your words, “What makes you say that?”

You and your damned smile, the smile that he dreamt of for so long, “I don’t know, I just have this… let’s call it intuition, yeah?”

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

After Tighnari left the Akademiya he didn’t engage much with its affairs, although you were an exception. While he remained rooted in the forest, you had taken flight like the birds you were always fond of; delving into research and travelling nations for the answers.

Not even a letter to remember you by, no letters in a box that he could’ve kept stashed away, the only thing that he had left of you was your memories.

And he was trying to pick up the pieces, desperately trying to glue them to create a comprehensive picture.

Regrets and regrets piled up, and everytime he sat in a branch of a tree, hidden away from the rest of the world, he still wonders, if you two could’ve worked out.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

His memory flickers to a sunlit room, the setting sun casting its glow on the world for a minute. If meeting you was his favourite memory, this would definitely be in second place. The two of you contemplating life after graduation, and possibly, life without each other.

“You know, it’s a bit odd, I never planned it out because I didn’t think that you wouldn’t be in it.” You move your gaze to the sunset, more interested in the view than seeing the expression he made. Almost as though you were scared of seeing what he would say.

He opens his mouth, and for once, he’s unable to form a sentence.

The silence had washed over the both of you, and it wasn’t a comfortable silence between good friends. The kind of silence that belonged between two people who knew they were reaching the end of their paths together.

Tighnari reaches out to hold your hand, he wants to reassure you that he’d keep in contact with you, that you two would remain friends after graduation.

Like always, he returns his hand back before you could even notice.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

It’s no secret to the forest rangers, or even those who chance upon the Avidya forest that Tighnari is an amazing man of organization, and confidence.

Although between you and him, he’s a man of regrets. The kind of regrets that he wakes up at night, wondering what would’ve happened, or what could’ve been, if he had taken one risk. One chance, and he could’ve at least known your feelings for him.

It isn’t until he hears heavy footsteps, that he snaps out of his thoughts; you were important to him, but his duty called and he was to answer.

[evaiskindaweird]

Wordgirl reboot announcement (IMPORTANT!)

Ok, I have finally decided that the reboot will be in development by the end of this year! I have all the new character’s planned out, and the scripts (up to episode 7B) have been finished! So here’s a few reminders on my reboot:

- I’m sorry, but due to the fact I’m too young, I can’t afford to pay any of my reboot employees. However, to make up for that, I’m going to be the best crew member I can be!

- October 31st is the voice headcanon DEADLINE! I’ll still be able to get voice headcanons via ask, but I might be a little busy during school

- If you are a part of the production crew/cast, PLEASE be respectful to one another and the show. If you leak ANYTHING (even a cover card) from a wordgirl reboot episode without my consent, you will get a warning or even FIRED depending on the leak (fireable leaks include: Identity reveals, critical plot points, IF YOU LEAK AN ENTIRE EPISODE BEFORE THE RELEASE DATE WITHOUT MY CONSENT)

- Have fun with the reboot!

Also, I will be making a side blog for every reboot announcment!

[moonbeamwritings]

the three times you kiss jotaro’s forehead + the one time he returns the favor

Summary: Jotaro didn’t find himself to be an overly affectionate man, accepting it reluctantly and dishing it out rarely. With you, though, he might as well be putty in your hands.

Author’s Note: This fic is dedicated to the lovely @jostepherjoestar​ who listened to me babble on about this idea. I’m also still working to chip away at requests, so keep an eye out! I hope y’all enjoy !!

!! slight tw for descriptions of nightmares/blood/mental health issues and spoiler warning for part 3 !!

Jotaro was certainly no stranger to affection. His mother’s goodbye smooches, pressed to his cheek while he ducked to meet her halfway; The way his grandfather would ruffle his hair the moment his hat was off his head; The girls from high school, desperately clinging to his arms and coat, making him squirm in discomfort under their hungry gazes.

And yours.

Your affection, so minimal and subtle in its delivery, never failed to make his heart race, to make his face heat up in slight embarrassment. You kept your public displays minimal, straying away from kisses and hugs in favor of wrapping your hand around his or keeping close to his side, arms brushing against one another.

At home, though, you held back less, never shying away from kissing his cheek or wrapping your arms around his waist, nuzzling against his back.

He never thought he’d be one for affection. Hell, he barely knew how to return the favor, but here you were, showing him you cared through such small, intimate acts.

i.

His computer monitor burned his eyes as his fingers danced along the keyboard in front of him, clock ticking away to punctuate the silence of his home office. The files spread out across his desk acted as a constant reminder of the deadline for his research paper. Jotaro sighed.

You, on the other hand, were out in the living room to give Jotaro the time and space he needed to get his work done. Your heart tugged as you looked at the time.

12:43 AM

The movie credits rolled on the television in front of you and you decided to take your leave, finally ready to wrap yourself in your comforter and drift off to sleep for the night.

On your way to bed, you saw the light from his office drift out into the hallway, casting oblong shadows onto the walls. Stopping to stand in the doorway, you admired your boyfriend’s form, quietly tapping away at his computer.

Without sparing you a glance he asked, “Heading to bed?”

You smiled as you stepped into the room, coming around his desk to hug him from behind. “Mhm, you?”

Jotaro quickly shook his head, pulling a hand away from his work to hold one of your forearms in his grasp, “Not yet. Sorry.”

You hummed, rolling your eyes. “You work far too hard, ocean man.”

He nearly groaned at the little nickname.

“But I’m tired.” You continued. “G’night, love you.”

“Love you.”

Hearing his reply, you hunched farther over his shoulder to plant warm, chaste kisses to his temple. Once, twice.

“Don’t stay up too late.”

You knew that telling him that would ultimately fall on deaf ears, but hey, you could dream couldn’t you?

He listened to your footsteps pad down towards the bedroom as his face warmed, reinvigorated by the soft kisses you pressed to his forehead.

ii. 

Jotaro appreciated you, so much so that sometimes it made his heart burst. He was bad at expressing it to you, either verbally or physically, but god did he love you.

Jotaro’s day at work had been… less than stellar, to say the very least. The data his lab had been collecting hadn’t been saved correctly, thus setting the lab back by a whole week, another researcher had practically berated his methodology in front of their colleagues, and to top the whole thing off, someone had spilled coffee all over the front of his favorite white coat.

In short, everything sucked.

His head hung low, hat having already been flung off when he began to drive home. His coat was at the cleaners, leaving him in his simple, black turtleneck.

Kicking off his shoes and dropping his bag in its usual place, Jotaro was quick to rest back against the couch, stretching his limbs out as he placed his head against the armrest.

“Baby? That you?”

Baby. The pet name made a ghost of a smile appear on Jotaro’s lips.

“Yeah, it’s me.” He called back, slinging an arm up to cover his eyes.

When you saw the state Jotaro was in, splayed out on the couch like a dead man, you frowned.

“Bad day, big guy?”

“Really bad.” His response was short, a grumbled mess hidden behind the sleeve of his sweater. As you made your way over, leaning down to hover above his tired form, all you wanted to do was wrap him up in your arms, shielding him from whatever weight was on his shoulders.

“Wanna talk about it?”

“No, not right now.”

Jotaro was a man of few words, but it especially made your heart ache when you could so plainly see how upset he was. You watched as he shifted his arm away from his eyes, gazing up at you, “Sorry.”

Closing the distance, you hunched lower to leave one, gentle smooch right in the center of his forehead, cradling his cheeks in your hands. The feeling of your soft lips against his forehead eased the tension between his brows, lifting the weight from his shoulders. It was as if your mere presence made his heart that much lighter. He was beyond grateful.

“It’s okay. I’m sure I’ll get it out of you one of these days. You hungry?”

Jotaro’s stomach growled in lieu of a verbal response.

You laughed. “Come on, handsome, I tried making one of your mom’s recipes.”

Maybe this day could be salvaged, Jotaro thought as your fingers came to twine with his.

iii. 

He saw Kakyoin, Avdol, and Iggy often, but no, not in the way that you’d think.

They haunted him. Dreams, nightmares filled with nothing but blood, gore, and the whirring roar of sirens. Their voices were often warped, both far away and so, so close that Jotaro felt as though he would go deaf. Accusatory fingers pointing in his direction as they leered, hurling insults his way. Your fault, selfish, fuck up. You could’ve saved us.

On this particular night, Jotaro was visited by DIO himself, descending his grand staircase with bodies littered behind him as blood raced down the steps.

DIO sneered as he hovered near Jotaro’s ear, whispering pure toxicity into it and trying as he might, Jotaro couldn’t land a single punch.

He was rocked off his feet as DIO kicked him away, knocking the wind from Jotaro’s chest as he toppled to the floor. DIO crouched before him, smirk more and more evident as his voice rose to a thunder. 

“It’s your fault, you know? How truly pathetic.”

Just as DIO reached out to grip Jotaro’s chin in his hand, Jotaro shot awake.

His breathing was labored as he moved to sit up, chest heaving as hot, wet tears began falling down his cheeks. Without realizing it, Jotaro had jostled the bed under his weight, waking you up as well.

“Jotaro? Baby, what’s wrong?”

You sat up next to him as you placed a warm hand against his back, rubbing it in soothing circles. He leaned over, curling against your side to rest his head on your shoulder.

“A nightmare, that’s all.” He replied once he found his voice, keeping his eyes closed as he willed his heart to slow.

“What can I do?”

“Don’t leave.”

The solution was simple enough, given you had no intention of doing anything of the sort. You didn’t think you’d ever heard his voice sound quite so small. Smiling despite the situation, you responded, “I think I can do that.”

This time, the kisses you planted against his forehead conveyed everything you wanted to say. I love you. You’re important. I’m not going anywhere.

The messages blossomed in his head, overgrowing and covering the images of DIO and blood, obscuring the anxiety and dread that found a home there. He allowed himself to be lulled back to sleep, comforted by your lips and your warmth against his skin.

i. 

Jotaro could tell you’d had a bad day the moment you stepped into his office. As he watched you frown while lingering in the doorway, his mind raced through all the ways you’d comforted him in the past.

Kind words. Soft touches. Forehead kisses.

“Bad day?” He asked, trying to emulate the tone of voice you typically used with him, hoping to convey even a fraction of the gentle, calming lilt you often gifted him with.

All you could do was nod.

“What are you waiting for then? Come here.”

He waved you over, pushing his desk chair out so you could slide into his lap, legs resting on either side of his hips as you tucked your face into the crook of his neck. Jotaro let a quiet moment pass as he relished in the warmth of your body and the sweet smell of your shampoo.

His movements were awkward as he began moving a hand against your back, smoothing circles into the fabric of your shirt. He was out of his element, you both knew it, but it was exactly what you needed.

“Wanna talk?”

He felt you shake your head against his neck. Letting out a quiet hum, he pulled away from you slightly. As you looked up at him, eyebrows creased in confusion, Jotaro left a warm, loving kiss against your forehead.

Your head returned to his neck moments later and he was quick to rest his hand against the back of your head.

He may not always know what to do, but if nothing else, Jotaro loved you. Plain and simple.

[stennnn06]

supercorp 83

83- another sleepless night, huh? writing prompts

and here is the post reveal version of this prompt. i guess we could say it’s somewhere toward the finale, where instead of hand shakes and agreeing to take on lex, they actually ya know... make up. bonus (helpful?) andrea rojas because i do what i want.

Kara slams the backspace key of her laptop in frustration. She watches the letters of the few words she's written get swallowed whole, returning her to the beginning. It's almost midnight, and she's no closer to finishing this stupid article for Andrea than when she started. She sighs loudly, staring at the screen. She doesn't want to write about millennial fashion, or any fashion for that matter, but she has no choice. Andrea made it clear that she's on a limited beat, and an even tighter leash, and all of it is just impossible.

"Burning the midnight oil, Ms. Danvers?" Andrea's voice drifts over the quiet din. There's no one else in the office, which means no one to run interference from Andrea's prying eyes. Kara doesn't want to talk to her boss, and she definitely doesn't want to give an update. She wants to stew over her blank document in peace, and let her mind drift over more important things. She doesn't want to face Andrea's smiling scrutiny, or her sarcastic tone, or think about the way she reminds her so much of Lena that she wants to rip her own hair out.

Kara grits her teeth in frustration, nodding silently. "Yep," she mutters, keeping her face trained on her laptop. Andrea appears at her door in seconds.

"Well, you're just full of surprises, aren't you?"

Kara huffs. It's condescending, and she knows it. Andrea thinks she's lazy, and argumentative, and honestly, maybe she's right. Kara is tired of caring. She isn't here to please Andrea. She thought journalism was about something more -- about relentlessly pursuing a story no matter what, in order to expose the truth. Instead, she's writing about "athleisure" and answering reader questions about high waisted jeans. She ignores Andrea and glances at her phone. She hasn't had a text message in hours, not even from Alex. It's a quiet night in National City and she should be thankful, but really she's just anxious. There's a familiar name in her phone that hasn't reached out in so long, it's beginning to feel infinite. She doesn't know if she and Lena will ever get back to where they were, even if they aren't truly at odds anymore. Maybe there has been too much said, maybe there has been too much damage done. The lack of closure is enough to drive her to distraction. But her phone remains silent, with only the clock to keep her company.

11:45 and silent.

"I'm glad to see you working hard on this," Andrea says again, blithely unaware of Kara's attempts to deflect her conversation.

"Yep, just focused on this deadline," Kara says through gritted teeth, not even trying to hide her annoyance. Andrea only comes around when she wants something, so Kara braces for a bizarre request. She's not in the mood to play nice or get into an extended conversation, but she also can't afford to get fired.

Andrea pauses at the threshold, pursing her lips. Kara feels the way she lingers, but she chooses to ignore it.

"Can I give you some advice?" Andrea eventually asks, approaching slowly. It's rhetorical, Kara knows. She's going to say whatever she wants anyway. Kara's cheeks go hot. She wants to tell her to mind her business. That no, she's fine in the advice department, thanks. But instead, she simply looks up and offers a blank stare.

"Go see her," Andrea says directly. "Don't let time pass you by."

"What do you--"

"I've known Lena for longer than most--" Andrea interrupts. The way she says Lena's name stops Kara from arguing. "And I've hurt her more than anyone."

"I'm not sure about that," Kara mumbles, rolling her eyes.

"Trust me," Andrea insists. She takes a step in toward Kara's desk, which forces Kara's attention to float to her face. Andrea's eyes are cast down, and she chews on her lip the way she does when she's particularly displeased. "It pains me to say this, but I know how she feels about you."

"What do you mean?" Something shifts in Kara's chest at the suggestion.

Andrea's eyebrow raises sharply. "Don't make me spell it out, Kara. You're not as naive as everyone thinks."

"Okay," Kara gulps.

"She's already forgiven you," Andrea says matter-of-factly. "She just needs help admitting it."

"I don't know," Kara says, her heart rate picking up considerably. Can she really trust Andrea to be acting in her best interest? "Why are you helping me?"

"It's not for you," Andrea says sharply. She glances at her watch, clicking her tongue. She looks back at Kara, her mouth slightly open in exasperation. "What are you waiting for?"

Kara slaps her laptop closed. "Thanks, Andrea," she says, shouldering past her in an effort to get to the elevator before Andrea reconsiders.

"Thank me by finishing that article."

It's been ages since Kara has gone to Lena's apartment as herself. As Kara. She toys with the idea of landing on the balcony with her cape billowing slightly behind her, but it doesn't feel right. She doesn't want the crest. Not tonight.

She lands softly and discards the suit, opting for the front entrance. A new beginning, as herself. 

It's past midnight by the time she approaches, but Lena’s light is on, as always. Kara knocks softly.

There's a quiet rustling, and a muffled "Who is it?" behind the door. Kara clears her throat.

"It's me," she says, her voice cracking. "It's--"

The door opens before she can finish.

"Kara," Lena breathes, her eyes wide with surprise. "Is everything okay?"

"Hi," Kara says quickly. Her mouth is terribly dry. Sometimes she forgets just how stunning Lena is. Especially when she hasn't seen her for awhile. It's always unnerving, no matter how many times it happens. "Yes! Yes, everything is fine. I just noticed your light was on. Another sleepless night, huh?" Kara chuckles nervously, unsure what to do. She didn't actually plan before coming over here, which is glaringly obvious now that she's nervous and tongue tied.

"You seem surprised," Lena says softly, a teasing smile on her lips.  "Do you want to come in?"

"Thanks," Kara says, relieved. She follows Lena into her apartment, over to her couch. They haven't sat on it together since Kara thought they were still friends, when she tried to make up for her transgressions by bringing her all her favorite foods. The memory aches in her chest.

They sit in awkward silence, fidgeting amongst themselves until they both start speaking.

"I--"

"Kara--"

Lena's cheeks flush an attractive crimson, and Kara's entire body feels molten. They both bring their eyes sheepishly to the ground, careful to avoid disrupting each other again.

"You can go," Kara insists after a pause.

Lena studies her hands, working her fingers delicately. Her wrist flexes, and Kara is mesmerized. She always had the loveliest, most capable hands. Lena catches her eye finally.

"You aren't wearing your glasses," Lena muses, and it’s so unexpected that Kara unconsciously brings her hand to her eyes. It's a journey of emotions -- first, fear that she's forgotten something crucial, that she's showed up completely unprepared and wrong. But then the cold realization that there are no more walls between them, and what it means, settles in her gut. She lets her hand hang down slowly. "I'm still getting used to it," Lena explains softly.

"I'm sorry--"

"No," Lena shakes her head, smiling. "It's nice. I'm just-- I'm glad you came."

"Me too."

There's an awkward silence, and all Kara can hear is the humming of the dishwasher, an indicator that Lena's out of scotch tumblers. Which means she isn't doing so great, either.

"I wasn't ready to forgive you, before," Kara says, trying to square her shoulders and find the strength to confront this. "After everything, and all the lies, I just kept expecting you to let me down with another con. And you didn't. You just kept showing up, over and over, and I-- I wanted so badly to go back to how we were. But I didn't know if I could get hurt like that again."

"You didn't deserve that," Lena says, hanging her head.

"Neither did you."

"I got lost in the madness of it all. I've always been susceptible," Lena smiles wickedly, her self-deprecation on display. She sighs, her eyes softening. "Part of me kept waiting for you to rescue me."

Kara frowns, her pulse racing. "But I tried -- I did everything I knew how--"

Lena's mouth twitches, her chin quivering. "Not Supergirl." She swallows hard. "You."

Kara's mouth hangs open... She thinks of all the times after - how almost every single time she saw Lena after confessing her identity, she was National City's hero. She was Supergirl, and she was free of pretending -- but in the process, she was someone unknown. It was always heavy, their interactions always pleading and begging on behalf of greater interests, never just them.

"Lena," Kara's voice quivers. "But it was always me."

"Was it?"

Kara hesitates. She isn't sure how to answer that.

"What did you say when you told me why you kept it from me for so long?" Lena asks, her eyes welling with tears. "I was so angry at Supergirl-- but I loved Kara." Lena hesitates, taking a watery breath. "I've always loved Kara."

It hits like a hurricane, and Kara has to remember how to breathe. She inhales sharply. Lena doesn't say anything more.

"And now?" Kara whispers.

"And now," Lena says, smiling through her emotions. "Nothing about that has changed."

Kara's eyes fill with tears. She stands, opening her arms. She doesn't want to talk anymore. She just wants them to fall back into place, fitting together the way they did before. Lena melts into her arms and lets out a sob as she clutches Kara's back.

"I love you, too," Kara whispers into the space between her ear and her neck, holding her as close as possible. "Always."