#t/w abuse

[aceontheline]

Romance is Timeless (Main Story): Chapter 2

T//W: Alcoholism, Eating Disorder behaviors, PTSD Flashback, Abuse (Physical & Mental)

If you wish, you can skip this chapter, and just go to the previous one, the next, or to the masterlist. I will understand. Take care of yourselves! ^_^

Chapter 1: ( Here )

Chapter 3: ( Here )

Masterlist: ( Here )

Amy and Husk start hanging around each other more and more, now that they're basically inseparable. However, they each take note of each other's destructive habits.

The next morning, I woke up but I didn't immediately see Husk next to me. Hearing some vague sounds downstairs and Husk's mumbling, I decide to check in and see if he's okay, throwing on some casual clothes & rushing out of the room. Once I'm downstairs, I see Husk behind his bar, seeming to be in the process of cleaning and rearranging things... With a bottle of liquor in hand. He occasionally sips from the whole bottle, which only makes me more concerned for him inwardly. Knowing how badly people with alcoholism can damage themselves internally, I feel an immediate sense of protectiveness rise up within me. I don't inherently want to "kill Husk's buzz", but I'm rather worried. I wander over to his bar, smiling and waving at him. He leans across the bar and kisses me on the cheek, a warm smile of his own spread across his face.

"I never thought you'd wake up, doll. You sleep okay?" He asks me, his voice a bit raspy yet gruff.

"Yeah, I did. You... Doing okay?" I ask, referring to the already somewhat empty bottle in his hand.

"Uh huh... Why? What's up?" Husk asks in return, putting the bottle down for a moment.

I'm not entirely sure how to play this, so I just decide to be somewhat honest with him. My hand wrapped around the bottle, I test to see just how low it is already. It's about half empty, which makes me shake my head slowly. I ask him why he insists on drinking so many bottles in one sitting. He furrows his brows, seeming a bit angry at my questioning. He, then, asks me when the last time I ate actually was. Now it's my turn to be frustrated.

"Hey! I'm aware of my habits. Eating disorders aren't exactly easy to just 'kick', you know!" I say, crossing my arms.

"Yeah, well neither is alcohol. And y'know, I need it for particular moments in my day. Ones just like this-" he, then, yanks the bottle out of my hand and takes a swig from it. He quickly moves his hand up while exclaiming, "And another thing-"

Shit... My PTSD. As soon as I saw Husk raise his hand to me and his volume went up, my heart started racing and I recoiled. Husk curiously looked at me, wondering what I reacted like that for. I shook my head, insisting that I was fine. But that I wanted Husk to start drinking more water instead of liquor. He crossed his arms and insisted that if I ate 3 meals a day like I should THEN would he start drinking more water to counteract the liquor. I threw my arms up, rather frustrated. "Sorry if I care about you!" I scream, making him slam his fist down on the bar counter. He insists that he cares about me too, with a raised voice, borderline growling at me. I can't ignore it this time.

FLASHBACK

I'm suddenly back in Leon's apartment again. The kitchen is a pure mess, and so are my hair & clothes. Leon stands over me, looking like he's going to give me all kinds of Hell to pay. His hand is raised to me, looking at me with a venomous look in his eyes.

"You dumb bitch! No wonder you passed out on me earlier. I thought it was just for attention, since we were at my buddy's house. You don't fuckin eat. Why not?!" Leon screams at me.

"I-I don't... I don't know. I'm j-just trying to keep m-myself looking nice for you! L-Like you insist I do!" I scream back.

"... Don't you fuckin' dare raise your voice back at me-" he slaps me as hard as he can across my face, making me hit the floor in tears. "Bitch" he says, lightly kicking me in the ribcage. "Maybe I should just let you starve again anyway, since you don't wanna eat anything I or anyone else cooks for you. You ungrateful bitch" Leon finishes, yanking on my hair and forcing me to look up at him.

I practically plead with Leon to at least allow me to eat a small snack or something before bed, because my stomach actually hurts due to how little I've eaten. He shakes his head, insisting that he's just trying to "teach me a lesson". He pulls me up with a bit of force, then telling me that if I sneak food in the middle of the night, then I'd "get it" the next day. Not wanting to piss him off further, I just agree to his terms, with tears in my eyes. He drags me to bed with him and he turns while I change into my pajamas.

BACK IN PRESENT TIME

I instinctively think that Husk is going to restrict food from me because of this, so I insist that I'll try to eat something, being overly apologetic about it. Husk rolls his eyes and just tells me to leave him alone right now, and to stop apologizing so much. I, with tears in my eyes, turn my back to him and head back up to my room. Suddenly, I run into the last figure that I wanted to run into... Alastor. The man, despite me living in the hotel for some time, still freaks me out. He smiles even wider as he sees my tears, but then asks me if I'm doing okay... Seeming to be genuine. I shake my head, asking for him to please just give me space. He agrees to do so, at least "for now". I roll my eyes and I step into my room, closing and locking the door.

A little while later, Niffty knocks on the door and asks me to leave the room so she could clean it out for me. I smile weakly, letting her into my room. I thank her, then walk out, leaving her to it. Then, I see Alastor leaning against the wall close by. He gestures me to follow him, into his room. Albeit a bit curious, I follow Alastor as he instructs me. I sit down across from him at the table in his room, us sitting in silence for a few moments, before he clears his throat a bit in order to get my attention. He points out that Husk seemed a little more "on edge" when he went to ask for drinks from the "cat bartender", asking me if I had something to do with it. I sigh and nod.

"Yeah, but it's only because I'm concerned about him, Alastor. He drinks in excess... He drinks alcohol more than he should be drinking water" I say, a tinge of concern and sadness in my voice. "Then, he brought up my eating disorder behaviors, which made me mad" I state matter of factly.

"Ah, I see. That is a bit of a 'below the belt' hit, as it were. But, tell me dear... You look fine. Why on Earth would you need to starve yourself like that?" Alastor asks, tilting his head slightly. I pause for a moment, not sure how to answer.

"... M-My exes made me do it. T-To 'stay pretty' for them. I-I figure I needed t-to do the same for-"

"No you don't, Dear. Husk already finds you attractive as is. He's told me and a few of the others himself. If anything, he worries for you, since... Yes, you don't eat as much as you should. I understand the concern for Husk on your end, though. But perhaps... A compromise is in order? Rather than telling him he needs to stop altogether... Tell him to maybe tone down how much he consumes in one day. And work on this with him. So, you need to start eating more yourself, Dear" Alastor lectures me, pacing around the room a bit.

I think for a moment, realizing that despite everything, Alastor is one hundred percent correct. He's basically instating that there needs to be some level of agreement between Husk and I in order for him to even think about toning things down. I thank Alastor for his time, shaking his hand and giving him a friendly smile. "You're welcome, Dear. I'm always here if you need a set of ears" Alastor offers. I nod, keeping that in mind, as I go off to my own room. I see Niffty leaving the room and her smiling up at me. I give her a gentle smile and a headpat in return, knowing she's okay with them from me. She scurries off to do her own thing, probably talking to Alastor or something. I sit down on my now clean bedding, laying down as I take the time to think about how I want to address Husk the next time I see him.

A few hours pass by, and I'm scrolling mindlessly on my phone for a little while. Suddenly, I hear a knock on my door. "It's open" I say plainly, seeing Husk himself walk in. He asks me if we can talk about what happened earlier that day. I sit up and invite him to sit down next to me on my bed. He slowly walks over and sits down, wrapping an arm around me. I told him that as per some time to think, and some advice, that I came to a solution: A compromise. Fully acknowledging that his addiction would definitely be harder to quit outright, and that I'd rather just see him slowly start toning down just how much he drinks. "I don't want to force you into it. Just know that if you're willing to, I'll do better on my eating habits too" I say with a hopeful smile. Husk's ears seem to perk up at that condition. He agrees that a compromise was a better idea, considering that he's been drinking like this for as long as he has now... Especially being under Alastor's thumb.

I nod in agreement, nearly forgetting that detail. Basically that Alastor supplies him with free liquor and shelter no matter, so long as Husk does whatever Alastor asks him, no questions about it. I sigh, folding my arms.

"While I can understand that is awful, I also want you to understand that... That's not a good coping mechanism. I mean, neither is mine, but I'm willing to work on it. I'm willing to change, and do it with you, so you're not alone. Okay?" I ask, a hopeful gaze returning to me.

"... Yeah. I'm willing. I just know it won't be easy. But, what really IS easy, y'know? There's a bit of a potential challenge in almost anything we do here. 'Specially since we're kind of allowed and almost encouraged to keep up our vices" Husk states, pulling me somewhat closer to him.

"I know. It won't be easy. But, it's better than fighting your addiction alone. I'll help you any time you need it. Okay?" I say, kissing his cheek and smiling as I take his hand in mine.

Husk agrees, stating that he'd maybe cut down on how many bottles he has to drink. He says that he typically drinks up to 3 a day, which is already concerning to me, but I try not to let that affect me too much in the moment. I suggest that he starts with cutting down to just 2, then by next month, maybe try cutting to 1. Husk nods in agreement, then telling me that I need to start eating more in a day too. Gently suggesting to me that I should at least try to eat 2 meals a day first, followed by some snacks during the day if I get hungry enough. I agree to this condition he sets, with the added stipulation that I'll only eat what I myself cook, or what he cooks.

This is simply because of my Autism, and therein my aversion to certain foods, textures and smells. He asks me if this is why I don't eat as much in a day, due to my issues with food. I nod my head firmly, giving him a few examples, based off a list of foods. I call this list the "Unsafe Foods" list, explaining that it's either "unsafe" because of my genuine issues with food, or because of my disordered eating patterns. I highlight them in red and blue, with red meaning it's genuinely my Autism preventing me from eating the food properly, and the blue meaning my eating disorder "won't allow" me to.

Eggs

Bananas

Melons

Peanut Butter

Cereal (w/Milk)

Tomatoes

Mushrooms

Jello (though, texture also bothers me)

Regular Bacon (taste also bothers me)

Sausage (taste is an issue)

Ham (texture and taste too)

Apples (unless skin is peeled prior)

Potatoes (unless instant mashed)

Chicken (not over-seasoned)

Cooked Fish

Bread (Toast, Bagels, etc)

Husk looks at the rather extensive list there, and says that in order for me to beat the eating disorder patterns, then I need to eat some of these things. I sigh heavily, initially refusing to do so, but then remembering the fact that I want Husk to get better. And the whole fuss I made over this matter. After some mental gymnastics of my own, I agree to Husk's terms: For him to cut down on the amount he drinks, I need to increase my food tolerance & eat more.

We shake hands... And Husk gives me a strong, tight hug. He told me that he was sorry for raising his voice and all that earlier. That he saw me dissociate and have a bad flashback, wondering if it was his fault. I shake my head, insisting that it was my PTSD, which was my own mental health issue that I was trying to work hard on. "Recognizing my own triggers and calming myself & all that" I say, insisting that he or others won't always be there to help me in case I need it. He wraps his arms around me, resting his head on top of mine, making me smile softly. He, then, pulls me down onto my bed for a cuddle session, making me squeal softly and giggle a bit.

"That's what I wanted to hear. I love hearing you laugh, seeing you smile. All of it. It only makes you more adorable, my little rose" Husk says, kissing my cheek as he has me cuddled in his arms.

"Hehe... You know I wanna see you smile too, Husky" I respond, nuzzling into his chest, listening to his heartbeat to calm me.

"Then you just need to keep being you, Sweetheart" Husk says in a gentle, sweet tone, kissing the top of my head softly.

We spend the rest of the day cuddled up together and just saying sweet nothings to each other, at least until his shift later that night. He asks me to come along with him, so that I'm hanging with him most of, if not all of the day. I agree to go down with him, sitting at the bar and talking. I see him reach for another bottle, but then immediately take a deep breath and put it back on the shelf. He informs me that he already had 2, and that he didn't want to do any more, enforcing me to act as his "eyes". I take on that duty, stating that I'd better not see him taking or sneaking any from me.

Surely... Husk actually was good about this. I would hand him water to drink instead and he'd drink a good chunk of it instead of the stronger stuff. I even offered him juice or soda if he wanted some sweetness to go down. He seemed to take a liking to apple, grape, and orange juice, so I just gave him those interspersed with the water. Husk made me a meal as well, and I ate a bit of it in front of him, so he could see me eating. He had me eat some peeled apple slices and some lightly seasoned chicken, with a glass of water. After I finished up, and he completed his work for the night, the both of us went up to bed. He invited me to sleep with him in his bed again, and there was no way I could say "no".

I follow Husk into his room after getting some pajamas from my own room, climbing into bed with him and cuddling closely to him. He kisses my forehead. "Goodnight, little one" he says in a sleepy tone, followed by a yawn. I giggle softly, kissing the tip of his nose. "Goodnight, handsome kitty" I reply, my voice equally sleepy. He giggles softly at that, pulling me even closer to him, so I'm right against his chest.

[alastorbyalex]

What was the worst of your fathers abuse we know he hit your mom but did he ever hurt you?

"My father was certainly a case. He was rarely ever around but the few times that he was it was never pleasant. Beatings were a common occurrence for any sort of misbehavior. There was also name calling and other threats. I would say the worst bit that stuck with me was when he had picked me up by my hair and threatened to throw me out of the house for refusing to do the nightly chores. In any case, my mother and I were both terrified of him and she didn't know how to leave the situation. Thus, I handled it when I knew how."

[dukeofthomas]

Here's my controversial opinion; if you're trying to write Bruce as a non-abusive, good parent, you should also write him respecting his kids' privacy, boundaries, and not stalking&surveying them.

[byierficrecs]

❝ the strawberries are dying ❞ author: @willelmikes

link: archiveofourown.org/works/46686322

personal blog || submit a story || support me on ko-fi 🍂

[angel---eater]

godddd the lalondes drive me insane. roxy in candy vs meat makes me feel like im in the 5th ring of hell (/very pos). thinking about the toxic, manufactured, 'inherent bonds' between women (trans + cis) and people dfab that hinders so much, including self-discovery by way of transness. sapphics especially get hit with this hard. the urge to copy and the fear of becoming your mother in tandem. youre part of The Cisterhood whether you like it or not, whether you are actually a girl or not. what you actually do or want doesnt matter because The Game and Fate dictates that you are just a girl, so you're going to be 'treated like one'. youre playing by The Game's rules. the other crabs will never let you go and you're sooo selfish for thinking you can develop or explore yourself outside of the crab pot. dont you like it in here? isnt it fun though? you dont present right for your old crush to notice you so curl your eyelashes tighter and put on more lipstick, its the only way he'll notice you. he's not a homosexual, you better not wear that hoodie. of course no one would like you for yourself, you already tried that. you desperately want to be like your mother but your mother despises you as your daughter. she can't even LOOK at you. you are your own mother

[chibifox2002]

Ew gross, shitty parents... 🤢🤮

Get the flamethrower.

[voidtoufu]

heeeeey！

this emotionally reaped arpart psychopathic marshmellow is new to tumblr and struggling

how do things work here?

do I get to bitch and moan about how I ain't got any skills I want cus we've been too busy keeping ourselves outside of a psychward or is it just about being gay and liking bugs

[olberic]

just observed a fascinating phenomenon of someone drawing megastar fanart (and tagging it as such, i braved the view post button despite my blocked tag) and they had a banner under it saying proshippers dont interact. have i fundamentally misunderstood the state of online discourse that ppl engage in or was that person a new level of hypocritical

[conkreetmonkey]

I wanna make a Conky ref and lore sheet/bio, I'm really growing attached to that goober

[aceontheline]

Romance is Timeless: Prologue (Chapter 4)

C//W: Physical, Mental, Financial Abuse, S.A

Amy had agreed to date her newly close friend, Leon. Oh, how quickly she realizes the colossal mistake she's made.

((I've inserted a text cut. Only proceed with this chapter if you're okay enough to do so))

I don't understand what it is about my so-called "luck" when it comes to dating. Men or women, they've ended up being huge pieces of trash. Leon was no exception. In fact, I'd say that he was the worst of them all. Giovanni cheating on me with those girls felt like a walk in the park. Jessica forcing me to lose weight? Fucked up, sure. But not as bad as me being someone's personal punching bag/walking, talking sex doll.

Leon was a total sweetheart in the beginning. Always checking in on me, making me food when I forgot to eat. Super sweet, cuddly, funny & smart... The list went on and on. I know exactly where things went wrong. One of the boys from the friend group went off the handle after breaking things off with his girlfriend at the time. Leon witnessed his close friend, Kyle, slowly break down.

Kyle became this person who was obsessed with money, cars & women. But not the kind of "woman" that I was, for example. Kyle wanted a woman who didn't have body hair, no cellulite or stretch marks, had a "body count" down to 0 or less than 2, short and small... Basically, a child. I had called Kyle out on that and he stopped being friends with me after that. OH– Speaking of friends... I'm just going to list the ways that I was put through the worst type of crap.

Starting off with mental abuse. I was suddenly always coming home "too late" from work. Or hanging out with friends. During this time, I actually reconnected with Blitz and Husker. I would hang out with them separately on occasion. When the breaks in my work schedule would allow me. Blitz kept up his goofy and friendly energy toward me... Husker was getting a little flirty. But after not receiving love or compliments from Leon sometimes, it felt nice to hear Husker say the nice things he did. After about 7 months of dating, Leon though, he demanded that I lose all my guy friends. "I don't trust you around them when I'm not around. I don't hang with the girls anymore, so it's only fair you do this for me." To my knowledge, this was true. I slowly started ghosting Blitz and Husker, which made me feel sad to do. Eventually, it turned into: "You only leave the apartment for work & going shopping, the latter is done with me there too." So... Isolation.

Leon putting his hands on me was also common. If I didn't clean the apartment to his standards, he'd get me pretty good for it. Planned to hang out with friends? Without him? He'd go apeshit. Then, he claimed he was merely "teaching me a lesson" or "correcting my behavior." Leon would also just use me as a punching bag if he had a bad day at work. First, venting his frustrations. Then when I'd tell him I was too tired from work & clean-up to listen, he'd say, "Oh? You think YOU'RE tired? Let me give you a real reason to be 'tired' then."

The repeated counts of SA... Every time I told him I wasn't in the mood, Leon would guilt me into it. "You're my girlfriend. It's one of your duties to please me. If you don't, I could always look elsewhere," "I'm showing my attraction for you by doing this. I thought you'd want that," "Fine. No action from you? You can cuddle the long pillow you got because you don't deserve cuddles from me if you're not putting out..." If I started to cry, he'd just threaten the typical, "Oh, I'll give you a reason to cry."

These reasons were the main factors in me wanting to get the hell out. Problem is... There weren't that many gigs open for me at the time to continue my event planning gig. And Leon would make me pay him rent, as I was staying with him in his apartment, so that I could be in an at least somewhat safer part of Pentagram City. I knew I wasn't supposed to do this, but I asked Leon if I could just go out for a walk by myself, as I needed to make an important phone call. It was in regard to my "women's health." Leon grumbled a bit, agreeing to it.

I was doing no such thing. Instead, I called Husker once I was out of earshot. His pleasant voice made me feel better as soon as I heard him talk.

"Well well... Here's a name I haven't heard in a while. How're you doin', Amy? You wanna plan a hangout tonight? Or did you just miss hearing my voice?" Husker says all this in a teasing, somewhat happy tone. Poor Husker. Blissfully unaware of everything I was about to tell him.

After clarifying as to why I was calling, going into detail about Leon's abuse... I could hear Husker growling on the other end. He went on a rant of his own, saying how bad it was that I ended up in a situation like this. He thinks for a moment, then says the following in a rather stern tone of voice:

"I am getting you out of this. NOW. You are getting out of there & a restraining order on him while you're at it. Pack all your things & break things off with him. I'm sending some muscle & transportation to your place. You want them to take you straight to the station? Or to me?"

"... Husker, I can't thank you enough for this. Really. I mean it... I-I'll just go straight to you. I need a friendly presence in my life right now..." I reply, my voice a bit shaky. "Maybe I can see about staying with Blitz again until I find a place of my own" I finish.

"Ah yeah, I'd look into that. I'd offer you to stay with me, but you know him more, right?" Husker asks.

I also reiterate that it's because Blitz isn't as overtly flirty with me, to which Husker laughs. "Knowing you don't get it from Leon, though... Isn't it nice to feel loved & wanted, hm? Besides, he's an idiot. You deserve all the love, doll," he replies. Now I'm blushing a little, heading back up the stairs. I tell Husker to let me know when transportation is getting closer to me, so that I can run from Leon if needed. Husker sighs heavily after hearing that, agreeing to it.

Leon gets home from work and sees my suitcases briefly. I see the involuntary, somewhat scary twitch in his eye as he demands an explanation. At first, I told him that I planned a work related trip and that I needed to leave for a little while so I could be closer to the gig. Leon seemed to buy this, then asked me for what's dinner tonight. I sigh in relief, remembering that I was actually cooking it at one point. "Filet Mignon with Garlic Butter Potatoes. One of your favorites," I reply in a weak, somewhat happy tone. Leon nods in approval, going to kiss my cheek. He leaves & goes to the kitchen, grabbing himself a plate. I silently cried, as that kiss on the cheek was the first random act of love I've gotten from him in 2 months...

Just then, I get a text from Husker. "Transports on its way for you." At first, I hesitate, out of pure nerves and adrenaline pumping through me. But then, Leon "corrects" me for making his steak wrong. There's now a new black eye & bruises. Luckily for me, I was smart in figuring stuff out like this... Leon had cameras in his apartment, in case anyone came in & stole stuff or something. I set it up so the footage would make it to my phone as well. So, when I'd take this evidence to the cops later, they'd believe me. Along with everyone else in our friend group. When I got that text from Husker, I got up in Leon's face. My confidence returning.

"Listen... I have been nothing but nice to you. Patient, loving, understanding... Yet what have you given me time & time again? ABUSE. It's over, Leon. I'm leaving you." As I say this, I hold my butterfly knife in hand, making him tremble a little bit. "If you try to stop me, I KNOW how to use this!" I finish, holding the knife up to his throat.

"What? You think I'm scared of some small girl with a knife?" Leon jokes. "Also, 'leaving me?' Real funny, Baby. I've got my hooks on you. You ain't going nowhere–"

Just then, Leon and I hear some banging on the door. I confidently walk up & see three tall & large bodyguards. One of them goes to the room & gets my suitcases. Another one wedges himself in between Leon and I, while the last one of them takes me down to the car outside. "It's over, Leon. Don't call or text me," I say, following the bodyguard down the stairs. As the one with the suitcases leaves, so does the bodyguard who was shielding me from Leon.

When I arrived to Husker's Casino, I saw another familiar face sitting with him. Blitz. Tears in my eyes, I hugged Blitz as tightly as I could. When I tried to tell him, he clarified that Husker had already filled him in on everything. "As much as I wanna kill the bastard myself for doing this to ya... I know you probably wouldn't want me to" Blitz said, his voice shaking with anger. I nodded in agreement, knowing full well that killing Leon would probably pin Blitz and I & get us into deep trouble. And that it wouldn't really solve anything in the long run.

"I know, I know. No need to get the cops on my back. I'm kinda already in legal webs for I.M.P, but I got someone fighting in my corner for that. As for you, Amy? You're more than welcome to stay, until you're back on your feet. Same deal as before. Cleaning & occasional cooking. I just want you to see you happy & away from these jerks..." Blitz said, sympathetic hands on my shoulders.

"Thank you so much. Both of you, really. Blitz, for letting me stay again. And Husker... For doing all of that for me. The guards & the way out–"

"No need to thank me, doll. Was just doing what I knew was right. Now, c'mere," Husker replies, his arms for a hug. "I know how much you like hugs, ya Cutie," he finishes his thought.

I walk up to Husker, giving him a hug with the energy I could muster. Just then, him and Blitz take a look at my face. Husker turns off the club's multicolored lighting, shifting it to normal. He and Blitz are horrified to see the fresh bruises & black eye on me before I remind them that I have the footage of it to show to police. They collectively sigh in relief, as Husker goes to get me some ice for the eye. The guards recieved instructions to take my suitcases to Blitz' apartment then come back to the Casino, so I see them walk through the doors. Blitz asks me what I plan on doing now... To which I shrug my shoulders. As soon as Husker comes back in, I look to him curiously.

"I heard ya, doll. You're coming with me to get that fucker put in Jail. Or get a restraining order. Whichever comes first" Husker stated.

"If I may, Sir... Amy should get the order first so that Leon can not come within a reasonable distance of her. Press charges as well, of course. But while courts are processing this, Amy should either get the order or have Blitz or one of us protecting her" one of the bodyguards pipes up. Husker smirks.

"Good idea. Amy, you go home with Blitz, alright? Get some good rest & some time to think this all over, okay? Once you know what you wanna do, call me, okay?" Husker demands, to which I agree.

Blitz and I head back to his apartment. My suitcases are in the living room, delicately put down. Once he and I got situated... He hugged me close. "I'm so proud. Getting out of that must've been so scary. But you did it" he said reassuringly. I silently wept into Blitz' shoulder. I knew he was right... I just didn't care to hear how "brave" I was, over and over again. Because in truth... I felt like a coward. For never leaving Leon, even when a small part of me knew I should have.

I was a victim of abuse, through & through. I had seen the "Good days" Leon had and stuck with the belief that those would come back... Eventually. But when they didn't, and that belief bit me on the ass, I knew I needed an out.

Part 3: ( Here )

Part 5: ( Here )

Masterpost: ( Here )

[bonefall]

Honestly, the two most interesting parts of Bramblestar's character to me in cannon are his heritage to tigerstar and the effects of Ashfur's takeover of his body on his mental state. Does BB!ashfur basically just stick Bramblestar's spirit in a cage in the dark forest like in cannon? Because you could still do interesting things with that.

Bramblestar just being stuck in the dark forest, the place that both his father and brother were put in, and just being forced to do nothing but THINK about his life up until now. It could be the moment of reckoning for Bramblestar, were every delusion and lie he built for himself is unraveled by him as the possiblity that no one comes to save him gnaws at his mind.

And then he comes back to life and finds out that his body got put through a wood chipper and the imposter personally killed several of his clanmates with said body.

That's so interesting to think about, how does this affect him? How does he cope with all of this? Does he still try and be leader or is it basically a formality until he figures out how to make squirrelflight the new leader?

I don't rewrite arcs until they're done, but honestly, I simply don't want a "moment of reckoning" for Bramblestar. I include them for plenty of cats, like Spiderleg, Bumblestripe, Hawkfrost, but I absolutely don't want most characters to get one.

I don't really like it when every (or most) abusers realize and apologize for their actions and have a big turnaround. It kind of rubs me the wrong way that every crappy person has to "see the light" when so often, you don't get that. They live their whole lives acting this way, always insisting they never hurt you, and if they did, you deserved it.

You NEED to learn that they will INSIST it was your fault, when no, it wasn't. And they will never be sorry for what they did. That's it. You were hurt, and there's nothing deep or beautiful about your suffering.

And a person like that can really, truly be in pain (and they usually are, because being a crappy person sucks) and they can still not deserve your extended hand to pull them out.

Bramblestar already worries constantly about the possibility that no one will save him. It's why he plays games with his power. It's why he drives people away to watch them yoyo back. The fact that his family always comes back to him no matter what he does is a comfort. The Dark Forest Cage that Ashfur tosses him in didn't put new thoughts or feelings into his head.

So, we're going to see how ASC pans out, but I'm currently leaning towards Bramblestar clinging to power until the end. He even set up one last "fuck you" to Squirrelflight on the way out with his petty Nightheart Spy Plan, a textbook abusive set-up.

[fuck-you-im-the-president]

you aren't. not when your son is spending every moment off almost every day either working, or trying to appease you in any way he can. And if he isn't doing that, he's trying to protect Quackity. you aren't a good parent, and you are a TERRIBLE partner.

That's called lovebombing, and it's a manipulation tactic.

– An insider.

fuck. shit– uh, well– well he's doing work! that's all that matters right now.

that isn't lovebombing. :/ I don't manipulate him.

[byierficrecs]

❝ last true mouthpiece ❞ author: @miwism

link: archiveofourown.org/works/44549692

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[brettdoesdiscourse]

I just had someone defending Chris Brown to me and they deadass said, "if we look at your life, I'm sure there's stuff we can judge you for too."

Yeah, bro. And none of those things have ever been ASSAULTING SOMEBODY???

[chibifox2002]

Oh yeah... I uhh...

I made a "first episode" of Daisy B.

.... Woo!

[thetreethatspeaks]

people who don’t like certain “controversial” theatre shows because they feel bad for the abuser grosses me out!!!!!