#the fighting was absolutely wonderful here

[redwinelew]

saw you’re taking requests! would love to get a lewis teammates/rivals smau where they’re both in love with each other but idiots in realizing it

repressed, compressed | lewis hamilton [1/2]

social media au. east-asian + female + driver!reader

summary as requested!

face claim chloe bennet

song compress / repress by trent reznor & atticus ross from the challengers (2024) original score

warnings suggestive (when have i not write a fic that is not), a lot of banters, lewis being an asshole a bit, a little misogynistic tone (not from lewis ofc), probably inaccurate timeline

author's note timeline is a mess so fuck it we ball. george is merc reserve driver bcs i love him so we're keeping him around here.

english is not my first language. all pictures taken from instagram, pinterest and twitter. credit to owners.

[part one] [part two]

masterlist | request info | requests are CLOSED!

ynln just made a post!

♬ Demons • Hayley Kiyoko

liked by lewishamilton, oscarpiastri and 1,882,627 others

ynln me when i'm not driving a car in circles and nobody pisses me off

view all 3,246 comments

user MOTHER JUST POSTED

user thank god she's alive

user caption omg not the shade 😭😭

user user and yet the person she's shading has the nerves to like her post — liked by ynln!

user user the fact that he doesn't even follow her 🤭🤭 but let me keep my mouth shut for now

user can't wait for the break to end i miss watching the races

ynln user u and me both except i'm driving

lewishamilton demon is exactly what you are

ynln lewishamilton omg why are u so obsessed with me 😰😰😰😰😰😰

lewishamilton ynln i'm really not

ynln lewishamilton then stop terrorizing my comment section nobody wants u here

ynln lewishamilton also that was a mean girls reference but ofc your old ass wouldn't get it

user ynln OOOOHHHHHHHHH

user ynln MIC DROP

user ynln lewishamilton i like how u guys are fighting on track but roast each other on social media

ynln user lol i would actually fight him rn if given the chance

lewishamilton ynln i'd like to see you try

ynln lewishamilton i'm literally taller than u but ok

mercedesamgf1 ynln lewishamilton okay that's enough.

ynln mercedesamgf1 oh ffs

user mercedesamgf1 i could practically hear toto's voice rn scolding his children

user GOOSE CAMEO LET'S GOOOO

user user goose?

user user her dog's name!! y/n named her dog after goose from top gun bcs she once said that she was obsessed with the film as a child and even had a top gun themed birthday party with tom cruise's face on her cake and everything lol you can find the picture on google . she wanted to become an air force pilot bcs of the film but her family didn't let her so she tried out karting and the rest is history!!

user user oh that's kind of adorable 🥹🥹 i wonder how she felt when lewis said that he was almost in top gun maverick

ynln user absolutely grateful that the greatest legacy sequel of all time wasn't ruined by his presence. the only time i'm happy for our packed schedule

user ynln 😭😭😭😭

lewishamilton ynln you are just bitter that you didn't get tom's autograph when he was at silverstone

ynln lewishamilton yk what fuck you

lewishamilton ynln i bet you'd like that wouldn't you

user lewishamilton WOAH@!_:3;3!#?

user lewishamilton WHAT DID HE SAYYYYYYY

mercedesamgf1 lewishamilton ynln i'm not getting paid enough for this shit

user mercedesamgf1 poor admin 😭😭

lewishamilton just made a post!

liked by ynln, annaxsitar and 1,729,113 others

lewishamilton ready and energized 👊🏾

view all 15,859 comments

user BARK BARK GRRRR

user raw and passionate.

user until the neighbours know his name

user as someone who bickers with lewis a lot, y/n sure does like his posts

user user especially the shirtless ones 😭😭

user user i have his notifs on and yet when i open his posts y/n is always here first 😭😭

user 100plus ahh caption 💀💀

ynln god help whichever f1 staff that is going to be fired for this

lewishamilton ynln you literally posted your whole ass the other day

ynln lewishamilton oh so you were looking?

lewishamilton ynln in your dreams, l/n

ynln lewishamilton i bet u do dream about this ass, hamilton

mercedesamgf1 ynln lewishamilton what did we talk about arguing on social media

user mercedesamgf1 omg admin is here

lewishamilton mercedesamgf1 she started it first

ynln lewishamilton u mean fulfilling your life long dream of seeing my ass? no need to thank me babe

georgerussell63 ynln i'm next to him he's blushing right now

lewishamilton georgerussell63 get out of here this doesn't concern you

ynln georgerussell63 oh? 😏😏😏😏 do tell me more

lewishamilton georgerussell63 please don't

ynln lewishamilton boo hoo too late he just dmed me 😝😝

user lewis saw y/n post and was like yk what i'll do you one better 😭😭

user user no complaints here though 🫦

user i just KNOW that mercedes and f1 publicists are tired of y/n and lewis bullshit 😭😭

user it's the way y/n and lewis practically canNOT stand each other on track but are flirting on instagram

user user y/n flirts with everybody and i don't mean that in a misogynistic tone but as in she's just nice that way

user user i don't think the hate is real, maybe it's just for pr

user user i don't think lewis has the time to do this length of pr anymore 😭😭 it's been happening since y/n joined mercedes which has been YEARS

user user also would be weird on mercedes' side. they are putting the only black and female drivers in f1 history against each other? this does not look good on their part

media day!

race day!

post race!

taglist @seonghwaexile @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy @nothaqks @serendipityf1 @jajouska @cowboylikebrie @kpop-obsessed-girly

[razorblade180]

Actor AU6

Ruby:You know what’s funny about filming a movie where you’re aged up? *steps aside*

Summer:*in DC costume* Sup.

Ruby:I wonder how many people are going to notice the difference.

Summer:They’ll know it’s me when the acting improves.

Ruby:Wow!

xxxxxxx

Blake:Excuse me ma’am. Where’s the bathroom?

Yang:Oh it’s just…*flexes bicep* That way to the left.

Blake:Haha, why thank you.

Yang:There’s also one to the…*flexes tricep* right over here.

Nora:Stop it before you pull something you dork.

xxxxxx

Interviewer: So, Yang Xiao Long, fans have noticed you got a few gains for this movie.

Yang:Yep! Never again haha!

Interviewer:What? Why not.

Weiss:She was such a baby off set.

Yang:Mad respect for personal trainers and gym enthusiasts. I like to feel a burn but I missed my arms not being sore. Adam would literally be nice enough to make me oatmeal and I’d just look at sadly because I don’t want to lift the spoon.

Interviewer:Was it as painful for the rest of you?

Blake:I actually think I like protein shakes now and that’s deeply upsetting.

Weiss:I’ve always lived the gym life. They wanted more squats so I gave them more squats.

xxxxxx

Ruby:*sitting sadly*

Superman:*sits beside her* It seems you have a lot on your mind?

Ruby:A lot has changed since we last met; big changes. Atlas fell, my sister and I got into a fight, now we’re here and…Jessica keeps asking about Jaune.

Superman:*tucks lips in* Mmhmm..

Ruby:Like…damn bitch, it was adventure. Let it go.

Crew laughing in the background

Ruby:I got dozens with this guy. Get in line!

xxxxxx

Ozpin:*swinging cane*

Ruby:*getting beaten*

Jessica:*off screen*…I’m actually the director on this episode.

Ruby:*having a panic attack*

Jessica:I wish I was joking. I needed the experience.

xxxxxx

Blake:Guys, I think I know where we are.

Beautiful wide panning shot

Blake:…I think we’re in Candy Land~

Weiss:Fuck ooooffff. *covers face* That was so random! Ahaha!

Yang:Honestly falling from your world into Candy Land sounds more terrifying than a place like Wonderland.

Bloop!

Blake:I think we’re in Wonderland.

Director Roman:Ever After…

Blake:*nods*…I said that so confidently to. Holy hell…

xxxxxx

Jaune:Today I met a little girl who was a RWBY fan. She asked me if there was any way to come back stage to pet Juniper. *bites muffin* I couldn’t tell her that Juniper was a prop.

Neo:So what did you say?

Jaune:I told her I actually don’t get to see him either. Now both of our days are ruined. This job is cruel.

xxxxxx

Pyrrha:Sup guys. It’s me, here to traumatize you again. *flips camera*

Penny:I’m here for the kill assist.

Pyrrha:You think we’ll be in final episode somehow?

Penny:Oh absolutely. I signed up for the role of “Ruby’s friend” and somehow landed “ghost of the narrative” by mistake.

Pyrrha:Saaame! Funny how that works out.

xxxxxx

Weiss:Where are Blake and Yang?

Jaune:Must’ve had bigger things to work out.

Meanwhile on storming bridge

Yang:Bl- what the!?

Adam:*draws sword* THIS ONE IS FOR ALL THE MARBLES!!

Blake:Sorry! The more I tried to not of the worst situation, the harder it got!

Yang:…*looks at camera* Can we keep this?

Roman:No.

Yang:But I want another cool fight!

xxxxxx

Oscar:*getting makeup done*

Penny:Ready to die on screen?

Oscar:Yeah. I took notes from the best.

Penny:So you’ve been looking at me?

Oscar:Whenever I can.

Penny:*giggles*

Coco:Hold still and stop flirting!

xxxxxx

Jabberwok:*crumbles into Neo*

Neo:*finger guns*…..*makes Adam*

Blake:Oh my gooood!

Yang:*grinning* THIS ONE IS FOR ALL THE MARBLES!

Adam:JUST WHAT I WANTED TO HEAR! FACE MEEEEE!

Ruby:At this point you should just put him at the tea party.

Nora:You don’t even canonically know him!

Ruby:But it would be hilarious!

Weiss:What kills me is an army of Adams would probably be more effective than the Jabberwoks.

xxxxx

Ruby:*in a bat suit* This is the secret life option the blacksmith didn’t want to reveal.

Weiss:Ruby calls on quits and chooses Gotham over Remnant.

Blake:Willingly going to Gotham City is crazy. Life is not that bad.

Ruby:I don’t wanna take this off.

[battleofbojeremoments]

Battle of bojere moments 2024 Round 3 results ⁉️

After an absolutely brutal, excruciating fight, the top 8 in the Battle of bojere moments 2024 has been revealed. In no particular order, these moments are:

VKV hug

Bojan tucking Jere into bed

Minun ukkelini & meidän rakas huone

My fire and water

Fire heart & ain't no sunshine

Cyprus reveal

The best thing that ever happened to me

Bojan followed Jere to Finland after Cyprus

🙌❤️‍🔥🙌❤️‍🔥🙌❤️‍🔥🙌❤️‍🔥🙌❤️‍🔥🙌❤️‍🔥🙌

These, in turn, are the bojere moments we must say farewell to:

Lol ur not käärijä shirt

Colder months

Beautiful symbiosis

My Bojan, my love, baby

Is Bojan here?

I wanna love you and treat you right

Jealous Bojan in Ruisrock

Damn I miss @ paidatonriehuja VKV hug repost

They may be gone, but they will never be forgotten. Remember:

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

There are no words to describe the heartbreak we have suffered voting against our beloved bojere moments on these three rounds.

Have you stayed up late at night wondering what if things had been different? What if my favourite had had a different opponent and had made it further in the battle?

What if?

I have great news that might ease some of that pain.

During Round 4 we will have three extra polls to determine which bojere moments from Rounds 1-3 deserved better (not that they all didn't :(((). These polls will include 12 moments from both Rounds 1 and 2 that received the most votes against their opponents, as well as all 8 moments that were eliminated on Round 3. From each of these matches, the 4 moments that receive the most votes will move forward. During the final round (Gold/Bronze medal matches), out of these 12 moments, the 3 moments that receive the most votes will receive honorable mentions as the ones that truly deserved better 😔✊

Are you ready to give your favourites some justice?

‼️ ROUND 4 of Battle of bojere moments will take place tomorrow approx. at 12 pm (EET) ‼️

While I'm urging you to prepare yourselves, I'm afraid nothing will.

[euanslauner]

Defending Tdl? (Final Showdown)

Ok so I feel like the TDL hate is kinda goofy so here's my opinion on the final showdown

Im not saying TDL was in the right, but I'm kinda getting sick of people saying he was stupid for not just giving up the project he probably spent months, if not YEARS working on.

Chosen had plenty chance to communicate to Dark about y'know, how he doesn't wanna take over the world and off everyone :/

So the fact is, Chosen waited until the VERY LAST MINUTE before telling Dark to stop. And, of freaking course, Dark refuses. He doesn't think of Chosen as disposable! They both simply lack communication, like really bad.

Dark thinks Chosen will like his new plan, he excitedly shows it off and everything. Chosen, on the other hand, was probably just happy that no mischief was going on, until then. I wonder how frequent he even checks up on Dark to NOT notice what he was up to... I mean. They litterally have a house together what??

Also regarding the Dark doesn't care abt Chosen thing, he doesn't immediately fight back, in fact, he takes a lot of hits from Chosen, proceeds to throw one fireball, and gives up. He never intended to get rid of Chosen and even sent his virabots just to hold him off. (Flash to him killing everyone and leaving chosen with the virabots)

Also imagine how horrible it must have felt, he finally had Chosen pinned down, finally he could go through with his, um, concerning plan. And then some absolute RANDOM shows up.

Not 1, not 2, but 5 people defending Chosen. Who was there to defend Dark when he was getting beat up? Bingo!! Noone.

Also finding out your one and only best friend secretly has more friends like um, probably overwhelming emotion.

So yeah just me defending TDL instead of sleeping yay

[homemadesterekpie]

for the people who watched Downton Abbey do yall remember the arc when Anna gets assaulted by that shit stain of a vallet and starts pushing Bates away because of it? and then Bates practically forces Mrs. Hughes to tell him the truth and the goes to “confront” Anna about it?

well i’ve always wanted a story like that for Sterek. the sheer emotional satisfaction that single scene between Bates and Anna is so beautiful and amazing i always wanted something similar for them.

the only thing that i would change is that Derek would find out on his own about what happened to Stiles.

Stiles feeling absolutely disgusting and drowning in shame about what happened even though none of it was his fault. he can’t look Derek in the eyes anymore. he shuts down every conversations Derek tries to have with him. he evades Derek’s touches like they physically hurt him. he starts sleeping at his dad’s place again even if he’s moved in with Derek months ago.

it comes to a point where Derek thinks he’s going insane because he has no idea wtf is happening. Stiles smells of misery and pain and the smell just keeps getting worse and worse.

until it all clicks together and when it does he’s running at neck breaking speed to the sheriff’s house and he goes through Stiles’ old room’s window like old times and he hears Stiles in the shower so he just stands there and waits for Stiles to come back in his room.

but as he waits he can hear Stiles crying in the shower. and its not pretty, its those painful hacking sobs and wails that sounds distressingly similar to the ones Stiles was making when Derek had been gravely injured after fighting to protect the town against [insert a real nasty villain thingy here] and they hadn’t been sure he would make it.

it takes everything in Derek not to rush into that bathroom and take Stiles into his arms and comfort him but he makes himself wait for him. makes himself listen to Stiles’ anguish until finally the noises subsides somewhat and Stiles finally makes it out of the shower and the bathroom.

at the first sight of him Derek’s heart gives a painful pang. now that he knows what happened he wonders how he hadn’t pieced it all together faster, he’d been so blind. but he isn’t now. it takes way too long for Stiles to notice him standing there at the window but his eyes seem to be glued to the floor these days.

when he does notice Derek, his eyes goes wide with shock and the acrid smell of fear almost knocks Derek back a few steps. it’s a smell he hasn’t smelt from Stiles targeted towards him in years. his very soul aches with that realization. but then Stiles’ eyes falls right back to the ground and the smell of fear abates to give way to the distinct smell of shame.

Stiles asks him what he’s doing here. he sounds annoyed. but Derek can hear the tremor in his voice. he can see how tightly wound Stiles is. his shoulders are shaking with it under the thin sleep shirt he’s wearing.

Derek just says he knows. and Stiles stops moving. he was rummaging in his sock drawer but at Derek’s words he goes still.

it takes Stiles multiple attempts but finally he says “what?” and he sounds so small and vulnerable.

Derek just repeats that he knows, he knows what happened and as he does, he approaches Stiles slowly like he’s approaching a wounded animal.

but before he can touch him Stiles darts away from him saying he’s fine. i’m fine Derek, okay i’m fine! but he’s still not looking Derek in the eyes and his bottom lip is wobbling.

Derek decides to try another angle and ask why didn’t Stiles tell him. and immediately tears starts falling down Stiles’ face.

Stiles just says that he was too ashamed and that he knew Derek would find a way to blame himself when it was actually all Stiles’ fault. and then seeing Derek isn’t saying anything Stiles finally adds that he feels too dirty to be with Derek and that he doesn’t think he’ll ever be clean again. and a sob escapes him and thats when Derek finally engulfs Stiles into his arms.

Stiles keeps sobbing brokenly into Derek’s chest and Derek fights his own tears as he tells Stiles in a strained voice just how much he loves him and how he’s Derek’s and nothing would ever change that. Derek would never let him go and would always love him no matter what. he’d always be beautiful and precious to him, etc, etc.

Stiles goes back home with Derek that night. they even make love again. it’s slow and gentle and Stiles cries during it but he never tells Derek to stop even tho Derek asks him about a hundred times. Stiles feels a lot more like himself the next day. Stiles had been so used at having Derek be his rock, his sun, his centre, that pushing him away had made the whole situation worse. Derek is the foundation of his support system.

[ashrayus]

MORE FIC RECOMMENDATIONS DUDE???

DUDE so sorry i kept u waiting for a while XDD here they aree make sure to give them some love <3

also here's part 1 and part 2 of my fic recs as well :p

one of many dreams by sunlitlemonade

On the headstone is a boy.

absolute poetry that sun cooked up based on my drawing?? ToT read it right neowww!!!! <33

Big Brother Big Brother by bloggerspam

“Damian, this is…Robin.” Mother falters over the name, a rare occasion. She looks unsure, which makes him scrutinize the teen harder, “They have just about finished their…training.” Robin looks towards Mother, reacting to the name by getting up and sloping over. They seem to toddle, as if unused to their own limbs, before stopping next to Damian. Robin crouches, staring at Damian with vacant eyes, searching, too big hands reaching over. One gently prods at his neck, where the bruises are no doubt now surfacing. The other cradles his still assuredly small hands, turning them this way and that to inspect the cracked up nails. Robin grunts, scooping Damian up into his arms despite his protests. The teen is strong, holding him tightly and looking at Mother with some kind of expression that causes her to heave a heavy sigh. “Let us get you cleaned up, Habibi. It seems that you will be seeing more of Robin in the future.” Or: I explore the brotherly relationship between Damian and Jason, tracing all the way back to their days at the LoA. Damian POV, Mute+Pre-pit!Jason.

cantt believe this beautiful fic was inspired by my art!! absolutely wonderful jason&damian and talia right here!!!!

Sickening Succession by Geeves

The stars can be so blinding When you get tired of fighting You know the one you can look to ----- Two scenes where they can't help but push themselves too hard. Two different moments in time and in life where they question if they're loved. Two similar situations that reflect each other like mirrors as their bodies buckle under the weight they're holding. Two brothers being there for the other.

very sick dick and robin jason (and a little bit bruce) lovee this sm i love the way geeves writes them always :)

door, opening by cowboysorceror

It’s barely audible, but he knows what he heard. A short, four-note whistle, chirping down – E, C#, then jumping up to A, F#, a little trill on the finish. He waits a moment, head turned slightly towards the dim shapes of storage containers between him and the ramp, eyes straining against the blackness. Long, stretching seconds. There it is again. His gloved hand, prickling with cold, closes into a fist. It’s a wood thrush. A small North American songbird that doesn’t sing at night, doesn’t live in the city. He knows what it means. It means hold, steady, not yet. It means wait for me, I’m behind you.

I only read the first chapter so far but mindd blown with the writing,,love love loved it. i think its batfam but mostly focusing on dick and jason

No Complaints by couldyoublameme

“Hood?” There’s a dead body on the floor. The boy’s throat is bared open, too many slashes to justify it as impersonal. He has Tim's face, mouth parted in a silently deafening scream, eyes blue and scared and unseeing. Jason squeezes his eyes shut, lets out a breath, and looks away. It’s not real, he repeats to himself. It’s Fear Toxin. It's Crane. It’s something that could’ve happened but didn’t. It's not real, it’s not real, it’s not real. -- Jason gets hit with fear toxin. His older brother is there, for better or for worse.

same writer!! really really good, mind the tags

Miscommunications and Misnomers by JouskaAndVellichor

Buzzing. He shouldn’t be out here, with the buzzing in his veins. He’d not even wanted to go out tonight, couldn’t trust himself to keep his temper on a leash and not hurt someone who didn’t need to be. Fuck Two-Face, for getting his hands on the Man-Bat serum some-fucking-how and deciding to break out and use it tonight. Jason's choices catch up to him, as his family do their best while kept in the dark.

jason and the lazarus healingg!!! loved this, but mind the tags

Stick the Landing by pinstripedJackalope

Roy and Jason are in Belle Reve for a mission when things go fantastically sideways. It's pretty hard to catch a bat off guard, but hey, there's nothing a little appendicitis can't ruin ;)

had me going crazyyy such great jason&roy andd some alfred sprinkled in the end suchhh a good read!!

between a rock and a high place by LadyHaleth

"Let him go!" Nightwing snarls through the com, voice raw and strained. Jason laughs. The modulator of his helmet crackles, and the sound of his laughter echoes cold and cruel. "Are you sure you want me to do that?" During an unplanned and unsupervised encounter with the Red Hood, Tim takes an (also unplanned) dive off the side of a building. As Tim's life hangs by a thread, Red Hood taunts Batman and Nightwing, threatening to drop him. But does he really mean it? Because for someone threatening to let go, Jason's grip is awfully tight.

i wrote down "Tim is here and jason is being an ass XD" to this i guess its pretty accurate. and dick&jason as well :')

Covers by stealthdisaster

Prompt 17: Only One Bed

little then&now fic with dick and jason with suchh great fluff to melt u :')

carry your heart by Aelig

"Dick carefully looks over at Jason, as his concentrated face as the hero confronts the villain on the screen, as his food halfway to his mouth but already forgotten. He looks terribly young, like this - all his thirteen years of life and a relaxed posture he’s still not used to have. Dick kind of wants to ruffle his hair or hugs him casually, like he does with the Titans; but he and Jason still aren’t close enough for that, he thinks. They just start hanging out together, outside of some messages by phone and video calls, and that without counting the two-something patrol they did together. But Dick is already sure of one thing - he really, really likes Jason. He’s a cute kid, full of curiosity and bright intelligence, sharp words and amazed eyes. Dick decided since the beginning that Jason will be his little brother, but it’s more say than done. But now - now, Dick thinks it will be easy to love Jason and see him as his family. He likes the idea even more, too, now that he learns to know Jason." OR: Dick, Jason, and two movie nights at two different point of time.

fluff!!!! safe and warm <3

There You Are by calamityin

Jason Todd is not an idiot and he makes good choices. Most of the time. But occasionally he doesn't and he has to rely on others to get him out of things. This would be manageable if he could just remember to let people help him. And remember they need to know he needs help first.

this one is so,, :(( mind the tags

Fail Safe by Goldmonger

“All good?” asked Jason, who was bouncing in front of him, eagerly watching Clark scrutinise his own body. He looked spooky, all bathed in red light, but Clark had been in photography darkrooms before. This was hardly any different. “All good,” Clark said, smiling. “Just… new.” “Do you feel all weak?” Clark laughed uneasily. “Do you?”

adorable robin jason and clark!!

and lastly guest appearence from wally but such a nice fic <3

déjà vu by Muddell

For a second, it’s déjà vu. The sight of the small, dark-haired, colorful blur that flips through the air. Then, Wally sees the differences. The murderous glare on the kid's face. The variations in his costume, how his hair sits. The knee-jerk expectation of Dick Grayson is replaced by Dick Grayson’s brother. Wally is staring at Damian Wayne. Who just crawled—dressed as Robin, with his hands bound behind his back, blood streaming from a cut on his forehead—free of a van.

[dreadpirateella]

I promise we will get back to our regularly scheduled turtle posting soon but guys I have to yell about Sonic 3 bc ohhhh my gosh

Sonic 3 spoilers below!!!

this movie, y'all. I should preface this with the fact that I know next to nothing about Sonic outside of the live action universe, so a lot of my excitement comes from my limited knowledge of this franchise

Shadow is so much different than I thought he would be! Keanu did a phenomenal job voicing him imo. He made him seem a lot more like a person with actual feelings than I thought he was before I watched this. I kinda had an idea in my head that Shadow was this emo angry kid and didn't know why but this was an incredible subversion of those expectations and I'm so glad his character is the way he is!! He's so interesting to watch. His realization at the end that this definitely isn't what Maria wanted (or what he wants) was just so incredible. I loved his team up with Sonic!

Honestly the entire story of Shadow and Maria was just so devastating to watch. It's so important for how the audience views Shadow for us to see that past and how happy he was so that we can understand why he wants revenge so bad. It's so so so good and his sacrifice at the end of the movie was incredible. The fact that he was willing to give up his life to fix his mistake just says so much about who he is.

and Maria's line of how the light still shines even after the star has died was beautiful. That sentiment is just so heartwarming <3

Also I'm an "always watches the credits" girlie so YES I SAW THAT SCENE AT THE VERY END MY BOY IS ALIVEEEEEEE

and SPEAKING of credits scenes, THEY'RE MAKING ANOTHER MOVIE???? WITH AMY???? HELLO????? let's freaking go I'm so pumped

Knuckles and Tails were more of sidekicks in this movie than in the ones before, which was a tad bit disappointing. I know that with as many characters that are in this universe it can be hard to balance screen time between them all, but still. I think watching an entire show focused on Knuckles skewed my view a bit too, so that could just be my like weird warped perception throwing me off idk (and my love for Knuckles is definitely throwing me off haha)

I loooove the way Robotnik's story ended!!! He died doing something good, and I just rly like that. The closure of the plot line between him and Agent Stone was wonderful too!!

Maddie and Tom were (as always) absolute MVP's here! I love that they give the boys freedom to go do what needs to be done, but they're also always willing to get involved and help. It's wonderful I love them a lot <333

SPEAKING OF TOM????? dude I was PANICKED OHHH MY GOSH and Shadow's immediate regret at seeing how upset Sonic was GAHHHHH :(((((( SO glad Tom's okay bc omg I woulda lost it. I loved how Sonic was fueled by his grief and OH the part where Knuckles was gonna fight him over the master emerald but backed down bc he wanted to keep his oath???? that stabbed me in the heart I love him

Ok I'm done yapping thanks for reading my nonsense <3333 I actually can't express my excitement over these goobers I just love them so so so much

[swordduels]

“What do you think?” She whispered gently while caressing Regalia’s hand. There was a warmth between them that felt far more intimate than anything they had experienced before this. It felt so genuine to see the growing wonder in Regalia’s eyes when being told about Luna’s condition. A sense of vulnerability followed with curiosity layered her wish to connect with another being. This was a very rare moment for Circe to witness and it felt like a great sign of progress. Regalia showed genuine interest in another being and didn’t force her will with violence, only a careful offering of small treats. It reminded her of a wide eyed child who experienced something beautiful for the first time. A child free of ill cynicism about the world and its toxicity. Perhaps she would grow to care for the protection of these beings and if that was the case there was hope for something beautiful to evolve. A need to change the world into something better. Circe wanted to believe it but she also knew it lay within Regalia’s nature to take things for herself. Someone who represented the ugliest aspect of humanity might not be able to fully change into something else. Circe tried not to pry but feelings and thoughts seemed to seep through, perhaps unknowingly. Though she could also feel their hearts slowly connecting minute by minute even though they didn’t make love. This connection was different. As if they started to understand each other better. Circe could sense Luna’s mind searching for answers regarding this sanctuary and she answered with full honesty. The life that once was had been harmful and didn’t prepare for a being like Luna to live where she ought to be. In here there was no need to do tricks or perform for an audience. There would be no more cages unless they had to temporarily move Luna for medical reasons. No one would take away her children for good. Circe would make sure they would be treated properly. It seemed to calm Luna as she sat down and even cleaned herself in front of them. 

“It’s a cooperation with larger organisations for the protection of wild life. I’ve been placing my own money into building these places…I get government support and donations from various sources to keep them alive. It’s harder to earn money in something that is supposed to keep animals safe without being treated like attractions.” Circe admitted while sighing deeply. This was not just a scam to get rid of filthy men or something to earn money. It was a passion project.

“You figured it out on your own.” She turned to Regalia who spoke about Luna and her kittens. There was a sense of pride in her as she answered. “They are very healthy with a strong mother and my personal will make sure it stays that way.” Circe leaned in and stole a kiss, this time on the mouth. A patient smile appeared as the small hint of jealousy peaked through. Instead of mocking it or openly speaking about it she stole another kiss. “I can sense the tiny little hearts, can you feel how many?” She gently had her goodie bag shift to rest around the wrist as she touched Regalia’s cheek. “You can borrow some energy from me.” While saying it she opened up her mental doors. If Regalia wished to use it she would sense emotions, thoughts and memories from Luna as long as it was done carefully. 

They were about to move on when the thief appeared out of the shadows. He seemed to disregard anything Circe or Regalia told him when approaching them with his gleaming knife. Circe thought he would be brought out of balance with her picking his mind apart but that was sadly not the case. Her eyes began to storm with turquoise waves as the thief took Regalia hostage. What an absolute asshole. Scum of the earth to threaten two women like this. Regalia’s fear was living inside Circe as if it was her own. There was genuine fear of them both being harmed. In the past Regalia would have been unstoppable but right now she was still not strong enough to hold it on her own in a fight. She had to protect her from this worthless flea bag. The black locks began to move about as if Circe was standing in streaming water. “Don’t you dare lay a hand on my wife…” She spoke with a stern voice while focusing on his wrists. Your hands works no moreThe bones are brittleNot as strong as beforeBreak into pieces 

Bones of fickle wristsFilthy is the human species

The poetry wasn’t as solid as she wished it to be but there was no time to polish it into perfection with deadly threats like this.  @fallesto

Regalia’s eyes grew wide with wonder. “How can you tell?” She whispered, not daring to disturb the peaceful scene. As she leaned forward and would look, focus and hold her hand out and concentrate even more than before.

As she would judge it herself and show that her power of greed and sins was not always meant to be used for evil. “It’s the way she’s carrying herself. The gentle curve of her belly, the way she moves slightly more cautiously. Plus, I can sense it a little now, a faint echo of new life within her.” She offered a knowing smile. She can sense the flow of time.

Her gaze fixed on the lynx, who had finished the chicken and was now grooming herself with meticulous care. The animal’s movements were indeed graceful, almost hypnotic in the moonlit night. “How do you earn money from here?” She asked, was this a charity or was this something else an operation to earn wealth from she was not sure.

Her head turned and she studied the lynx thoughtfully, her eyes tracing the outline of her belly. “ I’d guess she’s in her second trimester. The kittens should be born in the spring, if all goes well.” Which would be a good thing then, as she looked at the witch.

Regalia watched Circe’s interaction with the lynx, feeling a strange mix of awe and jealousy. The creature seemed to trust her implicitly, allowing her to come so close without a hint of fear. She wondered if she would ever be able to experience that level of connection with such a wild creature. Such as the witch, without being rejected and stabbed in the back as she sighed out for the moment.

As they stepped away from the fence, the lynx’s eyes followed them, and for a moment, Regalia thought she saw a spark of understanding in those piercing orbs. It was as if the animal knew that Circe was more than what she seems, in a way they both were.

Then it was ruined. The thief's voice was gruff, his eyes cold and piercing through the slits in the ski mask. Regalia's hand tightened around the bag that held their precious treats for the animals, her heart hammering in her chest as the knife was held up, reflecting the soft lantern light. Then she felt a sudden jolt of fear and anger, her instincts screaming to protect herself and her companion from this unexpected threat. The man took a step closer, the knife now just a foot away from Regalia's face. As he would shake his head at her words.

"Look, I don't know what you think you're doing," Regalia began, her voice steady despite the tremble in her hand, "but we don't have anything of value to give you. Just let us go and we won't call the authorities."

The thief sneered, grabbing Regalia by the arm and pulling her in front of him. She winced but remained silent, her eyes wide with fear. He pressed the knife against her throat, a clear warning to Circe. "I've been watching you two, whispering sweet nothings and feeding animals like you own the place. You're either rich or you're hiding something. Either way, I'm not leaving until I get what I want." As he pressed the knife into Regalia throat and held her there, as she remained still, how amusing! Being robbed already, what a world this is, humans are truly scum,

[birdy-bird27]

Here is my live blog notes of reading the new chapter of The first of a shattered mirror

Mostly for @volivolition I didn’t send this as an ask bc it was long lol but here are my thoughts as I read the chapter

This chapter is hilarious already the physical crew always brings the A game

Hand cordination saying gun? Like a puppy hearing treat lol

Savvy my boyyyy he’s back! All for a couple coins from an altar lol

lol we are not punching a child part

Love when contact Mike is brought up Voltion is like we gotta put a stop to this

Poor volition putting up a. Plea to be reasonable but the phys gang is in control this time around. The whole intervention Voltion really stressed out

Naurrr Harry don’t listen to the fascist ideas of time travel 😭 don’t do it

Echem is really shining this time lol especially around the princess “big *woman*”

I knew the voice of stubborn would get along great with the coach

The home made Gatorade lol

LMAOOO the coach check and echem both saying they can take her I cantttt this chapter I knew it was going to be good

Reaction speed returning just the right time

Omg the voice of the stubborn joined the team! You impressed the coach son 😎

Ahh yes just what I expected the voice of the stubborn starting to push his power.

. Much like the game how he takes over the narration I love it

Good call Harry out Voltion and the physical skills

Drat I forgot which skill is missing. Visual calculus? I have foolishly thought he was not missing though

Yooo spinal cord!

I was right Visual calculus! My boyyy so underrated!!! Yess

Even the voices can appreciate his awesome work hell yea

“VOLITION [Medium: Success] - If you make it out of this in one piece, you *definitely* need to get back in touch with that therapist. None of this is good.” So true Voltion

Yess visual calc with his math

Oop he threw the jersey away

That ending beautiful muah love it. There’s more to all of it. So many thoughts woah. Absolutely visceral and bloody I love it!!’

Perfect balance of humor and sadness to it all absolutely wonder.

God I love this fic so much

[lucabyte]

I don't know how everyone isn't also always constantly thinking about how burial rites seem to be potentially one of the few things Siffrin instinctively remembers about their culture. But rest assured. I am in fact always thinking about it.

Textless version where they're just hanging out. It's fine!

[mc-critical]

1.06 / 2.09 (33)

[virtueofsanityx]

perhaps it speaks to how far gone reggie is, mind nothing but lusty haze and pleasure that threatens to explode from him before they've even really begun, but he's starting to wonder if he can have it all. if he can be such a good boy that dmitri will stop finding other pretty boys to bring home like this. perhaps not a relationship, as even his slut addled brain knows that his best friend isn't interested in something that serious, but they are already best friends. how hard would it be to tack 'with benefits' on to the end of that? they can still go out and have a beer together, still stay in and watch a game and talk about work or friends or whatever the hell else comes up, but this could be their dark little secret, something to enjoy between friend things.

he isn't going to broach the topic, he's far too cowardly. he isn't sure they would have even gotten here if dmitri hadn't been so insistent on knowing about the man reggie pined for. he wonders if he'll be allowed to keep that moment in his memory forever, the slow dawning realization on dmitri's face, the way things shifted in a moment, in a breath. while his body jerks and flushes and reacts to every touch offered to him by the man, his mind latches on to that little moment, tucks it away like something precious and special.

if this is their first, last, only night together, that will be where reggie always starts his replay.

thoughts zero back in as the harsh command sends a jolt of pleasure straight down his body, and his already weeping cock jumps again against his stomach. "yes, sir." is all he says once again, twisting his body as instructed, and burying his face into the fur under him for a moment to hide the smirk on his face. he's not stupid, he's already seen how dmitri reacts to it, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with a little fun of his own. he isn't a brat by any means, but reggie knows a few brat behaviors.

there's a bit of a heady stillness in the air, and though he wants to twist, to look up at dmitri as the pause goes on a bit longer than he thought, there isn't a chance to as he feels soft lips against his back, soft in contrast to what he knows is going to be that complete and utter domination, that taking over that he's giving himself up to. eyes close for a moment and savor that, the softness. he knows what dmitri's looking at now, the pause. those scars, ugly and crisscrossing over his skin, marring up the flesh like an angry cat on the arm of a couch. they're ugly in contrast to the rest of him, and he knows it, but he keeps his mouth shut about the thought.

"do i drive you crazy, dee?" his voice is rough from moaning, but he manages to slip some sugary sweetness into it, lifting his hips just enough to wiggle his ass at the other man teasingly, some of that brat behavior he's aware of. he doesn't want to admit that he's nervous. that it's been a while since the last time he'd been fucked and that he's worried with dmitri's size that he might not be able to handle him. he doesn't want to admit that because he doesn't want dmitri to stop, especially when he feels those slick fingers at his entrance, and he muffles another soft moan into the fur under his mouth.

the thick digit sliding into him causes his hips to jerk forward a bit, cock rubbing against the silk under it for some relief as sweat slicked hair falls in messy curls against his forehead where it presses to the bed below him. that slow and tantalizing stretch burns for only a moment before he's fucking himself back onto that finger, seeking any kind of relief from the deep pressure built up inside of him. it's nothing compared to the sting and the burn of two fingers, forcing a whimper out of him as he bites down hard on his bottom lip, worried for a moment he'll taste the metalic tang of blood and relieved when he doesn't. his body wants to tense, to fight against the intense pain and pleasure mixing in his lower half, but as he hears that dark voice in his ear, it steels his resolve, forces him to relax his body so that he can take more of dmitri's fingers.

"it-- ahm-- it's been a while-- omph-- a while since i've had anyone inside me." it's a miracle he manages to get even that out through grunts and moans as his body slowly starts to adjust to the stretch and he allows himself to sink a bit more into the pleasure of the feeling, instead of just the pain. "i promise i'll be good for you, sir--" he's cut off again, another moan choking off of him as he pushes his hips back against those fingers again. "-- take everything you give me."

All rational thought shatters to fucking pieces, obliterated against the searing heat flooding Dmitri’s body------- his skin ablaze, muscles heavy and powerful, cast in an incandescent glow from the candlelight that's dancing over every ridge and curve. The intensity has grown unbearable, scorching, smothering, until all the chaos in his mind dissolves, leaving nothing but primal hunger. Carnal. Merciless. His body pulses with the unrestrained instinct to claim, to take, to own. It coils tighter and tighter, that dangerous craving, swelling with a pressure so overpowering it feels unstoppable. And he wonders------ can Reggie feel it too? The way that kind of dominance closes in, promising no escape. The sense of control that heightens with a guttural hiss tearing from between Dmitri's teeth as Reggie's nails sink into the granite-hard muscles of his shoulders, clutching, desperate. His body answers in full, heat pounding under every inch of his skin, deliciously heady, dangerously alive, cock so fucking big and pulsating he's practically fitting to burst and claim Reggie by covering him in his cum. He lets Reggie work his hips in desperation, not because it's the relief he requires (the contact isn't nearly enough, even with their cocks pressed together, rubbing and dripping up against each other so lewdly,) but because there is no prettier sight than watching Reggie need it. He looks like a helpless thing, whining with that blushing, warm honeyed skin, seeking anything Dmitri has to offer at all, like if he just keeps looking the right amount of pathetic his sir will relent and feed him that thick cock.

Nonetheless, Reggie has no patience for prolonged teasing, as he springs forward while simultaneously yanking Dmitri down closer into him. Dmitri, however, is right there sinking into Reggie's arms willingly, his breath a darkly tempting growl in Reggie's ear. Now they're both acting wild, and Dmitri just soaks in the way Reggie's mouth both attacks and showers him with affection; Reggie sinks his teeth into his neck and Dmitri expels a low, intoxicating hum of approval. Reggie mouths at his collarbone, sucking idly at the heated skin there, and Dmitri trails a hand underneath him to palm at his ass, cupping Reggie's tight little glute and squeezing greedily. Then, the begging begins, and fuck, nothing's better than that. Fucking makes him wanna pound Reggie into the mattress until he's outright whimpering and sobbing, like Reggie won't know what to do with himself once he's taking Dmitri's cock in real deep. Those delicious pleas weave in and out of Dmitri’s immediate awareness, as if he's already been locked under some type of spell that's all purely Reggie; he can’t maintain his composure or tenderness as Reggie’s words provoke that inner beast of lust. And that's----- oh, that's so goddamn fine. Let them be wrapped up in each other and fuck the night away like a pair of crazed, delirious creatures.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Dmitri pants, his words coming out disjointed, responding to anything because his mind is clouded. When he pulls away from Reggie, his eyes are so glazed over, he seems like he’s no longer himself, more driven by ruthless instinct than reason. "Roll onto your stomach for me. Do it, right now." The command intensifies, utter impatience harshening his tone, as he shifts to give Reggie space. Reaching into the nightstand drawer beside his sprawling fur-covered bed, he digs around quickly before slamming it shut with a force that matches his rising urgency. But just as he's about to return and claim Reggie’s sexy little body again, his eyes catch the old burn scars on his best friend's back, freezing him for a moment. Naturally, concern spikes up, because this is your best friend remember? You can't just toss him about and break him like he's disposable.

Dmitri momentarily considers asking if Reggie’s still hurting there, if he needs to be more gentle------ but that feels too emotional, doesn't it? They’d agreed (at least, he thought they had,) that this was just a sudden, compulsory fling between friends, a way to shed the tension that’s been damning them from the start. Dmitri was never meant to see these scars up close, yet now he feels as though he's stumbled upon something both precious and deeply personal, teetering on the edge of violating his best friend’s trust. Thickly swallowing, Dmitri wills himself to deeply suppress the abrupt swell of emotion, and keeps his silence. He bends forward, pressing a soft kiss to the small of Reggie's back, and then makes himself move on. With Reggie's soft, round, pretty looking ass all out and presented to him, Dmitri runs his teeth along his lower lip, growling from his firm chest and palming one perfect, supple cheek. "God---- I wanna fucking ruin you," His voice lowers in a jagged rasp, steeped in velvety darkness and the most ravenous energy that feels as though it's meant solely for Reggie. He never expected Reggie to bring out his deepest, meanest impulses, but after the jealousy over another man, only to realize it was himself all along, maybe he should’ve been prepared for something this overwrought. "I bet you like this shit, huh? Driving me fucking crazy, just so I can treat you like my pretty little slut, make you all mine." With a swift flick of his thumb, Dmitri pops the cap off the small bottle from his nightstand, then squeezes a generous amount of lube (a slick, slippery oil that warms upon skin contact,) onto his fingertips. That same heated, firm touch grazes Reggie’s most sensitive spot, coated wet fingers stroking his boy's puckered pink entrance that goes all twitchy and jumpy at the first brush of contact.

Dmitri can't take it anymore, but when he drives a single finger inside, stretching him open just a bit more, it brings a twisted and rather satisfied smirk to his lips. He rubs Reggie softly through the stretch, slickening his plush walls, before adding another thick finger----- and that's when an even more intense stretch begins, two big digits fucking into Reggie until those spasming walls were squelching noisily with each heavy, commanding glide. When Dmitri's voice cuts through the stifling air again, it's to taunt with an intimidating malice right up against Reggie's ear, "Now how are you supposed to take my cock when you can't even handle my fingers?" And he might sound mean, but he loves it; after all, the bedroom is the only place it's fair to make pretty boys cry.

[fictionadventurer]

I run beneath the winter's icy skies while taking care to note the lovely scene so often it becomes a common sight and has no more enchantment for my eyes. Wrapped up within the veils of dull routine, to heaven's joy's I've given up the right. Yet when it seems my inattention bars my eyes from noting miracles unseen I stop to take a glimpse into the night and lose my breath to find the stars So bright

[shima-draws]

Grips my shirt and tears it apart so that all the buttons go flying and SCREAMS I love Law and Cora so much what the FUCK!!!!

[deus-ex-mona]

suddenly remembered this thing from an old interview soooo

Q: You mentioned that the characters, Suzumi Hiyori and both Someya Yujiro and Shibasaki Aizo of LIPxLIP, were created at the same time, but how did they come to be?

Yamako: Yujiro and Hiyori made their first appearance at the end of the MV for “Koiiro ni Sake” to indicate that a new generation was about to begin as the first generation of characters from the CEC graduated from high school. At that time, I didn’t have a specific vision for their future, but it gradually took shape as I thought up Aizo’s character visuals afterwards. I think LIPxLIP became idols because shito said that he wanted to create idol characters in the series.

shito: Yes, that’s indeed the case (laughs). Up till then, we had only written love songs for the CEC, but even before that, I had wanted to write idol songs. So, since we’re able to create our own characters and have them move around as we wish through our songs as HoneyWorks, I proposed the idea of creating a two-man idol unit. Around the same time, we also created Hiyori, a girl who could bring out the two-faced nature of the idols, since a completely ordinary girl like her would be able to bring out both their natural personalities and their bad-tempered natures (laughs). So I get the feeling that Hiyori naturally came about as we were creating LIPxLIP.

[charliexclayton]

The clock ticks, the world spins, life continues even when something claws at Charlie to hold her back. Maybe that’s why the hands on a clock are needle shaped, because nothing cuts like the passage of time. Nine years of needling, survival etched into the pores of her skin like an invisible tattoo, one with no meaning, with no justification, a wound that continues to fester. They’re all wounded from being here, she reasons, but there is something of a deeper hurt in the brown eyes she had clung onto like a lifeline moments ago. Paz is an enigma that threatens everything Charlie knows about herself. She realizes then that perhaps she doesn’t have it in her to hate someone she never really got to know properly.

Hate should be easy enough, but if Charlie closes her eyes, she can feel Paz’s hand on her face, and it causes her heart to stutter painfully. It’s a reaction that makes her swear to herself that she will never drink again, as alcohol must be the only fuel for the way her body reacts to Paz. And with it there’s a fear that seeps into her bones, nearly paralyzes her, the way she begins to wonder why she cares what Paz thinks about her. Release me from this torment of wanting you, she wants to beg, hate me so that I can hate you.

Instead, she stands, legs unsteady but determined to make her way towards the bathroom without further incident. Green meets green in the reflection of the mirror and it nearly levels her how little she recognizes herself, a shell of who she was, if she was even ever whole before coming here. She sees Conor behind her in her reflection and the swivel of her head is sharp. Her eyes land on Paz with violence, sickeningly nauseated by the intrusive thought that she needs her, sicker still at the idea of losing her like Conor.

Charlie doubles over, eyes shutting as her hands grip the bathroom sink, knuckles white against the porcelain. The haunting of ghosts that are real, that are here, such a part of Charlie that they threaten to break her. What are ghosts if not memories? What are hauntings if not the manifestation of guilt in those memories? Charlie communes with the ghosts like it’s her fucking job. After all, horror is the monster we let in when we try to keep grief out, that’s what her father had said once. Control. Breathe. Her muscles coil tightly, effectively freezing her in place. She opens her eyes to stare down at her bloody hands, understands better now that nothing stains red like regret. Will these hands ne’er be clean? Hell is murky.

The sink turns on with ease, and she dunks her clean hands under the water like it might take these memories down through the drain with it. Despite the warm water, a chill cuts through Charlie and everything goes numb, the edges of her eyes go dark as the air is snuffed out of the room.

And suddenly Charlie gets the sense that they are no longer alone.

Imagine this: No matter what, keep your eyes on these words, do not stray from the edge of your screen. Now, in the furthest corner of your eyes, just out of sight, something looms, monstrous, heavy, deadly. Don't blink. It is so quiet that you hardly want to believe it’s there, yet you know from the fear that clings to you that it is, that right now as you read these very words it closes in on you. You will try to reason with yourself that it isn’t there. But you will hear it rumbling, you will hear it breathe, you might even smell the decaying sulfur. You will not know what it is –where it is, just that it’s there. It could be behind you, it could even be in front of you, behind these words, behind this screen. And you will want to look, but you can’t because you know with absolute certainty that once you do, it will pounce. You will not have time to run. You will not even have time to scream.

And so, Charlie fights with her all her might not to look.  

Death beckons, her hands tremble, and she knows if she does look there won’t be any way for Paz to bring her back, not this time. So she keeps her head down and turns towards the soldier, shaking fingers grabbing at the hem of her shirt with a lack of tactility that betrays how afraid Charlie is. And she would very much like to stop feeling so afraid.

“It’s not real,” she murmurs to herself before struggling to pull her shirt over her head. Her coiled muscles scream in protest, every injury Charlie has ever had manifesting at the motion. She manages to remove her shirt; scarred skin laid bare for Paz to see and then meets her eyes. Fear exhales loudly from her lungs, winding her and she freezes in place. She knows that if she takes her eyes off the one thing that’s real her mind will send her tumbling through doorways that can’t be shut. She knows if she closes her eyes whatever it is will claw her throat out. Her heart hammers in her chest. Paralyzed. It whispers her name.

Charlie looks.

Her eyes widen and she stumbles backwards, her back hitting the sink hard enough to bruise. Unspeakable horror hidden in the shadows. It jumps at her then, teeth bare, claws sharp. Charlie closes her eyes, waits for the hit that never comes. Instead, a warm hand is on her shoulder and her eyes open. Paz. The room spins, panic makes Charlie's chest its home.

“What is happening to me?” she whispers out loud.

𝗣𝗔𝗭 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦. Every detail is CARVED into the marrow of her being, every moment a stone in the river of her memory. She cannot forget, even when she wants to, even when the weight of it threatens to pull her under. She was never allowed to be a child — not truly, not fully. The role was stolen before she ever knew what it meant, replaced by the burden of CAREGIVING for those who should have cared for her.

Before adoption, her parents drifted in their own hazy oblivion, caught in a web of needles and powders that DULLED the edges of their lives — and hers. They forgot her needs in their stupor, and when they woke, they left her behind to chase worship in the bodies of others, DESPERATE to cope without their drugs, desperate to find more. Paz became the caretaker, the lifeline. She remembers dragging her mother’s limp body to the shower, scrubbing away the grime of days lost to addiction. She remembers her father’s rage, the sting of his hands when she dared to ask, at the tender age of eight, why they lived this way. She remembers feeding herself, teaching herself, patching together an education from scraps of books and stolen moments of clarity. She wonders what cruel lottery gave her this family, this fate, this relentless trial of survival.

And she remembers the end of that chapter, too. The overdose that took her mother. The cold inevitability of strangers arriving to take her away as her father was handcuffed. The homes she was shuffled through, each more PAINFUL than the last. In some, father figures let their eyes linger too long, their hands hovering too close. In others, mothers turned cruelty into discipline, punishing her for the sins of others. There were places where she was just a number, a source of income for caregivers who spent the checks on themselves while the children went hungry. She worked, she rebelled, she fought back, but none of it changed the system or the roles she was forced to play.

Then, at ten, the Kaius family came into her life. They saw her — a FERAL, wary thing, all sharp edges and mistrust — and they stayed. She tested them with every ounce of her defiance, certain they would abandon her as everyone else had. But they didn’t. They held on, nurturing her despite the storms she unleashed. Slowly, painfully, she began to let them in. She remembers the cautious hope that bloomed in her chest, fragile and new, as she became part of something larger than herself. The arrival of her younger sibling solidified it: a family. Love. A place where she belonged.

But even that joy was not eternal. Her sibling disappeared, and the family FRACTURED under the weight of grief. Paz stepped into the role she knew too well, mediating arguments, absorbing blame. Her mother, once a source of comfort, became a stranger filled with resentment, lashing out at Paz for the loss of her sibling, the one child she was able to carry to full term. Eventually, even she left. She left her adopted daughter and husband, and Paz took up the duty she had carried all her life. She stayed to care for father, as she had once cared for her birth parents. Every act of kindness was a ghost of a memory, a painful echo of a life that refused to release her.

She wonders now, in the stillness of this moment, if a child ever TRULY has control. Does anyone? The thought drifts through her as Charlie clings to her, breathing in sync, grounding them both. The words she told the blonde words she wished she had heard herself. But the moment, like all others, shatters. Charlie falters, her body betraying her, and Paz is pulled back into the present. She steadies herself, even as the weight of it all — the past, the present, the future — presses against her chest, threatening to crush her.

❛ The bathroom’s to the right, ❜ she says, her voice thin and tired, pointing Charlie toward a space of privacy. ❛ There’s a shower cloth — just use it. ❜

And then Paz stands after Charlie, though every fiber of her being BEGS her to stay down. Exhaustion blankets her, thick and unyielding, heavier than it has ever been. She has always been taught to endure, to be strong, to carry the weight of others without complaint. But now, for the first time, she feels the frailty of her own humanity. It cracks her open in ways she doesn’t expect, leaving her exposed.

She wants to scream, to claw at the air, to thrash against the UNFAIRNESS of it all. She wants to collapse into someone’s arms, to feel their warmth and know, if only for a moment, that she is not alone. She wants to run, to flee this life that has been nothing but a series of trials, one after another. But those are dreams, not reality. Her reality is this: the unending labor of care and protection, the relentless expectation to be more than she is, more than anyone should be.

And so she stands, her body trembling with the weight of it all, and she presses forward. Because that is what she does. Because that is ALL she has ever known.