#there are much more of you that have been so lovely and encouraging and I am grateful for you all <333< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[cuntycompost]

Genuine question, how could something like this be undone?

I mean obviously that level of *heavy* socialisation and internalising is pretty hard to do anything about, and I’m not going to spend all my spoons trying to “fix him” on the wrong guys but like..

Idk, I’m reminded of my grandfather(/Nana’s partner) a lot in conversations like these - he grew up in a really sexist “you have to be a strong man with no feelings”/“the only thing that matters is your work ethic” environment, but at his core is really sweet. As an adult he fell for my Nana, who is Very Much Empathy First and is essentially the matriarch of my extended family (on her/my Mum’s side).

Over the years I’ve watched him deal with those internalised ideas being challenged (ie: my Nana letting us live with them when we were older teens getting into work “because that’s what family does”, & him having to face that worldview after growing up in a place where that was *not* what family did)

He’s not exactly the same ‘kind of guy’ described here, he’s very loving and never took on the idea of viewing women as objects (only men, lol) - but my point I guess is that growing up with him has taught me that people can tackle these ideas, and changes can be made.

Idk. I spent a day once at this socialist men’s group (they were at an event I was at, but I’m unfortunately not able to attend their regular meetings) and they/we were talking about little ways to challenge men who were making sexist comments about women (bc challenging that with them, as men, can unfortunately mean they’re more likely to listen to you and has been proven by a few of us to lead to introspection and change from them)

But I wonder about these more wide-spanning worldviews,, what would be an effective way of challenging that with men without having to bring out a lot of words and ideas they’re not already aware of?

I guess some little things like “what, so if you met the coolest woman you’ve ever met, but they took a photo of their food, you wouldn’t want to get to know them?” and/or something like “why women with [descriptor] specifically?” to encourage them to think a bit more on it could be a start?

But then for the second one I feel like the response would be something like “cause they’re all selfish” or “[some other nebulous idea they don’t really understand, calling them feminists or leftists or something]” and idrk what the best response to that would be.

Idk, I hate seeing shit like this. My circle of friends is mostly queer and anarchist or socialist, but I’m a guy (trans FTM, but generally pass) and sometimes straight men talk to me (ie at work). I really want to use that position to try and help these guys challenge their worldview, but the problem is that they have so little words or understanding that it’s hard to know how to get shit through.

For lack of a better phrase - Men are Stupid

Does anyone have any advice or ideas on how someone in my position (or generally!) can get through to them?/how to talk about these things to people who lack prior understanding of how the patriarchy works etc.?

Obviously so many men are just fucked and genuinely evil, but the people I talk to are college aged(usually 17 or 18-early 20s), deciding on what their worldview will be going forward (and open to input from people around them), and often… unfortunately… getting a lot of disgusting new ideas from online gurus🤮

The longer I exist as a loudly proudly gay man the more I think that cishet men aren't actually attracted to women.

[reignpage]

❀ In which husband!Nanami makes a big decision after your labour Tw: hard labour, difficult pregnancy, allusions to death, angst, not proofread

“Are you sure about this?” The doctor asks again.

Kento leans back in his chair, staring straight ahead at the older man before him. He notes, with a little humour, how concerned his doctor looks at the prospect of a younger, more virile man like him undergoing such an operation. There seems to be some stigma surrounding the quick and low-risk operation, almost as if the idea of any man willingly sacrificing an essential part of their identity, their manhood, is so abhorrent one must check again and again if they are certain this is what they want. 

And he is. 

If asked, and he’s sure when he discloses his decision to friends and family, they will ask, he’ll tell them it is the easiest choice he has ever made — second only, of course, to his decision to marry you. 

No matter how many times the doctor reminds him that contraceptives are satisfactory, that abortion is available up to twenty-two weeks gestation, and he might come to regret this later when the pain settles in, Nanami Kento will not change his mind. Not even when you, his beautiful wife, argued, pleaded, with him. 

You resented the thought of not being able to give him the big family he’s always dreamed of, but how could he possibly tell you, through your tears and the quiet suckling of the nursing baby in your arms, that you’ve already given him everything he could ever want?

That it isn’t a big family he wants but rather, simply, a family with you. 

Years of giving you everything you’ve ever wanted makes this one act extremely uncomfortable; defying you goes against his nature, after all. But he sees no other way to go about this. Perhaps it's just better to ask for forgiveness than approval on select occasions.

The pregnancy had been hard. The labour even harder. Lasting longer than twenty hours, the nurses and doctors rushed around, beelining in and out of your room with all sorts of expressions on their faces, ranging from professional sternness to mild worry to pure panic, all reflecting the emotions he wore on his own face as he waited outside. 

At first, things went smoothly — the overnight bag was ready by the door, your contractions were consistent and you were both able to get ahead of your water breakage. He was by your side throughout it all, holding your hand, brushing your hair back, going through breathing exercises, and giving you encouragements. 

You were anxious but excited, rattling off baby names as back-up plans in case the baby was 'giving off a different vibe,' worrying about the crib you both picked out, the colour of her room, and trying to remember every single advice you heard from your experienced friends. “What was it babies can’t have until much later? Ugh, I can’t remember now. It was something I really like and was super bummed I can’t let her taste until like centuries later. “

“Honey?”

“Yes, dear?” You grinned at him.

His lips twitched.

“That’s all I get? I thought that was hilarious.”

He wiped the sweat off your forehead. “It was very funny, my love. I hope our baby gets your sense of humour. She’ll make for a successful clown.”

The eye roll you gave him, for one happy moment, convinced him that this labour was going to be just as they said.

There was nothing to be concerned about. Your tests were clean, there’s no history of complications, you followed the recommended diet and have been diligent with the vitamins. It was just going to be your standard birth and they have years of experience.

You’re in safe hands.

So why were you straining for so long?

Why were you screaming through gritted teeth, threatening to break every bone in his hand?

Why was he growing dizzy at the sight of your shaking body?

“Just breathe, sweetheart, alright? Breathe for me.”

You tried. You tried so hard. “Yes, y-yes, I am. Oh, fuck, Kento, it hurts. It really hurts.”

“I know, sweetheart. I’m so sorry.” Mouth dry, face flushed, and voice broken, he could only mutter empty promises. A true failure of a husband, unable to do a single thing to alleviate your pain. “Hang in there, please. They’ll sort it out. It’s all going to be fine.”

The nurses began whispering among themselves, too hushed and hurried for him to understand. "Is everything alright? What's happening?"

More people came in, crowding the bed and pushing him away. He tried to tell them you needed him by your side, that you needed something to hold, someone to keep your hair out of your face. He was being escorted out, wordlessly.

"Ken? Wait, don't leave. I'm scared." Your hand was outstretched and he fought, against better judgement, to hold it just for a second to soothe your worries. They didn't let him.

"It's okay, sweetheart. T-they're going to take care of you."

Hours flew by. He paced the floor, and answered all the messages and calls he received from worried loved ones with responses he didn’t really believe in but knew he had to: ‘she’ll be fine,’ ‘she’s in good hands,’ and ‘it’s probably nothing.’

Sitting on a cold, hard bench, in a large waiting room with people he could only hope weren't in the same position as him, Kento couldn't sleep. Instead, he listened to the incessant ticking of the clock, the dull thrumming of the TV in the corner, and the monotone voices of nurses talking among themselves.

He wasn’t in the room when your baby was finally out, missing out on her first cry, on watching that instant connection you talk about form, on being able to thank you.

They only beckoned him in with relieved smiles some time later. Finally, he could see you, could hold you, tell you how amazing you are. And he did. He held the baby too, small, beautiful, unable to even open her eyes, but had a great set of lungs on her, just like her mother. 

“Oh, sweetheart. She looks just like you,” he breathed out. 

You didn’t reply, couldn’t look at him, couldn’t smile. You simply held his hand and gave him a reassuring squeeze. The feeling of your cold, clammy hand weak and quivering like you were holding onto a thin rope just so you could say goodbye will forever haunt him.

"Sweetheart? What's wrong, love?" He turned to the nurses, tried to meet their eyes. "What's happening to my wife?"

The events after that were hectic and Kento, try as he might, couldn’t piece together what happened. Rapid beating and beeping, sudden shouts, baby taken away, and he was pushed out of the room. The last glimpse he had of his wife, the last glimpse he thought he would have forever, was of her spasming on the bed, surrounded by strangers in masks and stained robes. 

Alone.

Terrified.

Failed by her husband. 

Never again, Kento swore. Never again will he put you through that, the pain, the suffering, the fear. He’ll never drive you to the edge of life and allow you to teeter on your own. If it’ll be anyone, it’ll be him. It has to be.

You survived this time and he’ll do everything in his power to make sure there isn’t a next time — he’s not sure he could step up and be the father your baby needs without you.

His hand still shakes.

In his sleep, at his absolute worst, he hears your screams, holds your limp body, and grieves your presence. He's ashamed to admit he couldn't pick his baby up for days after, that he had let dark circles grow, allowed darker thoughts to permeate his mind, consuming him.

How could he possibly look in his little girl's eyes and know she almost lost her mother? That in a split second, everything you two built together could have burned down in front of him? That when it mattered most, he was powerless as a man, as a husband, and as a father?

"You've been washing the same plate for five minutes, Ken. I think you need more sleep," you said, hugging him from behind.

He had wandered into his mind again, running on autopilot as he washed the dishes. Clearing his throat, he forced a smoothness into his voice. "Yes, you're probably right."

"Are you still thinking about going to the doctors?"

"Yes."

You sighed. "I'll be okay, Kento. You don't need to do that. We're going to be fine. Let's just live as we always did and let the universe take us where we need to."

Wet hands clutched your dry ones. There was a firmness to them, unyielding and tight. When he spoke, his tone commanded attention, rendering you as silent as the baby sleeping in her crib. He didn't turn around, likely couldn't, for he knew if he did, his resolve might just crumble.

"I won't leave your life in the hands of anyone else. I refuse. Your life holds more value to me than my own and I will not spend it so carelessly, leaving it in the hands of the universe or God or whomever else. I can't see you go through...that again. I can't. I w-wouldn't survive it. And I know you want more children because you think that's what I want, but sweetheart, I need you. I need you. You may never understand what I mean and that's alright. The life we have is good. It's perfect. I can't risk it. I won't. So, I'm sorry but I don't think there's anything you can say to change my mind."

Pressing a kiss in between his shoulder blades, you said, "I know."

Unending, your patience is commendable — you don't grouch when he wakes you up in the middle of the night just to make sure you’re still breathing or get irritated when he insists on carrying the heavy lifting around the house.

He took off more time out of work, desiring nothing more than staying at home so he can keep you fed, can take care of the baby whilst you catch up on sleep, and help you shower on unsteady legs.

Every moment, every kiss on his knuckles, every brush of your hand on his cheek, every admission of love bears a thousand times more weight now. The persistent crying in the middle of the night, the mess, the diaper-changes, the vomit on his clothes don't frustrate him; they're a mark of what you and him had fought so hard for.

This is the family he’s always wanted. The family he must protect. 

And damn it all if he lets it, you, slip away. 

So, he says, calmly and with the most certainty anyone can muster, “Yes, I’m sure.”

Jello! Had some time to make this since my exam was pushed later. Sorry for yet another angsty piece, I just couldn't get the idea out of my head. It's very rushed, as I'm sure you can tell. I think I'm a little out of practice cause it's been almost a week since I last wrote something

Well anyways, this is just a snack to keep you guys fed whilst you wait for me on the other side

Blessing and good tidings y'all

[freak-accident419]

knockin' on heaven's door

Rhett Abbott x Reader

Summary: The day after an intense, drunken argument with each other, you decided to cool down with Rhett by the lake to talk things out the proper way. As you both dwell on the time you first met, you finally confront the unspoken thing between you two. (Rhett Abbott x GN!Reader)

Word Count: 3.1k

Content: 18+ SMUT, MDNI, gender-neutral reader, no use of Y/n, no pronouns for reader, no specific genitals mentioned for reader, penetration, oral (reader receiving), reader is implied to be a musician, sex by the lake pretty much, so public sex?, friends to lovers, your dogs are little shits (some silliness)

A/n: if you’re new to this account, hello! I strive to write gender-neutral reader fanfics to encourage the use of gender neutral language, usage, and pronouns in xReader fics! Inclusivity is important, especially in the year 2025 <3 having said that, I would love to use my platform to show it is possible to write in fics where gender does not play any (significant) role. Happy reading <33 reblogs and likes are much appreciated :)

Taglist: @pearlstiare @gryffindorquid-ditchcap-blog

-

A heavy sigh left your lips as you shut your eyes softly, the gentle wind blowing towards your skin and the nearby trees. You felt grounded through your slow breaths, sitting above a cloth blanket that separated yourself from the muck surface. You've never felt such tranquility and peace in a long time.

Instantly, however, you were brought back to the earth, feeling an object fall lightly onto your knee. In your cross-legged position, your eyes shot open, finding that the object was a stick that your dog had dropped to continue his exhilarating game of fetch. Huffing, you grabbed the slender trunk and threw it in the water to entertain him, watching him sprint towards it after.

Last night was exhausting. It shouldn't have even happened, but it just did.

You got into a stupid argument with your close friend, Rhett. You knew him for several years, as he was one of the first people you met when you moved to Amelia County, and yet you still couldn't get used to his daunting idiocy. He was even more stupid when drunk, which he had been the previous evening. The verbal fight ended bitterly, as you gave up on explaining yourself, feeling burnt out.

You felt like you needed a break from everything, which impelled you to find solace in nature. You could tell that Rhett needed it too. Therefore, you casually proposed this idea, also prompted to bring your dog, Leo, and Rhett's dog, Stu. Those two mutts somehow got along with each other more than you and him would.

The sky was slowly transforming into a muddy blue as you two had only just arrived at the lake by dusk. Moments passed by then, but the two of you barely spoke to each other since you first got here; just silently setting up the blanket and beers, engaging with the dogs, and lighting cigarettes.

He still sat beside you, though. He wasn't angry with you, but neither were you angry with him.

After taking a mellow drag of his cigarette, Rhett extinguished the silence with his western twang. "I'm sorry," he mutters, exhaling the misty smoke.

Your ears perk up at the sound of his apology, turning your head to look at him. His eyes never looked at yours yet, as they remained onto the glassy lake.

Stubbornly, you asked, "for what?"

Rhett shook his head. "You know what."

He finally turned his head to face you, his soft, dark eyes looking into yours. "I was being a drunk asshole last night," he elaborated shamefully. "I shouldn't've snapped at you like that. It was unnecessary."

You couldn't muster up the courage to prolong the eye contact with him, looking down as you knew you were guilty too.

"Well, I just made things worse," you sigh, throwing the stick again once Leo fetched it. "I knew it would've upset you, but I kept rambling on anyway."

"Yeah, but I shouldn't have brought it up in the first place," he reasons, rubbing his forehead.

"Okay, but you were drunk, so I only elevated things by arguing back instead of being mature."

Rhett suddenly scoffs with a grin of levity. "Well, would you look at that?” He comments instantly, “We seem to be arguin' with each other once again.” You two looked at each other for a split second before chuckling it off, smiling at the issue rather than scowling.

His dog, Stu, moved to lay down beside you on the blanket. Your palm met his smooth, fluffy coat, petting him idly.

"To be honest," you huff under your breath, "I totally forgot what we were arguing about last night."

Rhett snickers, amused by your confession. "At least I have an excuse for not remembering. Weren't you sober?"

Your shoulders shrugged as you let out a faint snicker. "Well, that’s just how forgettable that stupid argument was."

You both felt a weight being lifted off of your shoulders once you talked it out, releasing the tension between you two. After all, you've always had a friendship built on mutual understandings, which was one of the things that made you work well together.

For the next few minutes, you two were just sitting with each other quietly, hearing the hushed chirps of the crickets and the two dogs now roughhousing close by the lakefront. It was a comfortable silence nonetheless, as you found Rhett's sole presence soothing.

"Do you, uh," he began roughly, nodding towards you as he fidgeted with his fingers, "do you remember how we first met?"

You chuckled breathily, shaking your head. "How could I ever forget?"

He grins at your response. "You were just... playing your guitar at The Handsome Gambler like always..." Rhett described the moment as if it happened just yesterday. When you first moved here, a full-time job just wasn't enough for you to thrive on, and so you entered the gig economy, playing live music at the local bar.

"Then this asshole," he continues with an eager smirk, "he, uh... You were playing... what was it...?"

You remembered that night like the back of your hand. "Knockin' On Heaven's Door,” you two ended up saying at the same time with a shared smile.

"Right," he says pleasantly. "Well, this asshole, he begins to just... heckle you, you know? For what—‘butchering’ a Bob Dylan song with your version? Anyways, I just... I couldn't just sit there and watch you get criticized by this dickwad, so I..." He playfully gestured a punch in the air.

"Hey, you beat him up hard," you laugh, remembering the scene quite fondly. "I was scared he wasn't going to be able to get up!"

"He deserved it," Rhett sneers pridefully. "But I was drunk too, so that probably… y’know, made me more aggressive… Hm, and then what? You bring me ice for my knuckles and thank me for it?"

"Yeah," you nod, confirming what happened right after the fight. You smiled to yourself as you thought about the memory, until a curious consideration came across your mind. "Hey, I always wondered... You barely knew me at the time. Yet you defended me like that. And you didn't come out of that fight unharmed either—you knew you were going to get bruised too. So... why did you do it?"

Rhett was slightly taken aback, not expecting that question, nor prepared with an answer. He took off his cowboy hat thoughtfully, setting it aside on the ground as he ran his hand through his tamed hair. "I dunno. I just... I've been around that bar several times. Saw you play the moment you first arrived, and then every other night since then. I always enjoyed your performances. Kinda felt protective when that son of a bitch started talking shit. Plus, I really liked your take on the song. It felt… original. Sounded nice. You know, I’ve always loved your playing before you stopped with the gigs.”

“Really?” You smiled wistfully, appreciating his attentiveness for you. "Well, I'm still forever grateful for what you did. And I mean, I was still going to play regardless of that guy, but... it meant a lot to me at that time."

You both looked at each other warmly. If you had to be honest with yourself, you would admit that your friendship with Rhett wasn't as simple or typical like others. There was this underlying feeling of admiration and affection that fell towards a more intimate tone rather than friendly. Of course, you two were close friends before anything, but you couldn't deny the romantic tension between you two.

As stated before, your friendship was built through mutual understandings. There was no doubt that you two knew your feelings might've been reciprocated.

You had been through a lot together. After meeting him many years back in that bar, you were still very close to him now. You were always there for him, from his failed bull rides to the recent disappearance of his sister-in-law, and he was there for you at your lowest moments, be it your financial struggles or awful past.

"You, um... You mean a lot to me," you mutter hesitantly, adding on to your previous statement. You looked up into his irises, which seemed to resemble a hauntingly beautiful cyclone, convinced you were drowning in them due to apparent breathlessness.

Frankly, the two of you were sick of this unspoken thing between one another. You knew there was something there, something more, but none of you had the guts to do anything about it. Right now, however, it finally felt right to just try.

Rhett's breath shivered as his eyes bored into yours, feeling his heart swell at your words. Hesitantly, his hand went up to cup the side of your face, feeling your soft cheek in his palm. Naturally, you leaned into his touch, blinking slowly as your breathing matched his.

And suddenly, you felt his lips meet yours, pressing a soft, gentle kiss against them, instantly feeling a blissful sense of euphoria throughout your body. All those years of tension and close calls, and you finally had him.

It was a brief kiss as you two looked at each other coyly, unable to stop grinning like the idiots you were.

Eagerly, your hands cupped his face as you kiss him again, feeling his hands grab your waist as it became more ardent than before. The kiss itself wasn’t at a fast pace, yet deeper compared to your first. His lips moved with yours fervently, fingers slipping under your shirt to feel your stomach and waist. His touch explored your ribs and your chest, fingernails lightly dragging over the skin so ticklishly. It was a new sensation, feeling the hands that belonged to Rhett’s touch you like this, feel your body like this.

Rhett became rougher, slipping his tongue in your mouth to deepen the kiss. His hand under your shirt moved to your back, his palm cupping your spine as he rubbed your skin. Then, he moved his fingers to the hem of your shirt, eager to undress you. After lifting it over your head and throwing it off somewhere, he laid you down on the blanket, attaching his lips to your neck. You laughed delightfully at the action, indulging in the fact that you would finally have him like this, knowing that he adored you the same way you adored him.

He pulled away briefly, sitting up to remove his shirt, then laid back down on top of you, kissing you once more. His gentle palms continued to explore your warm skin, trailing from your stomach, to your chest, then back down to your waist. He worshipped your bare torso in awe, taking advantage of the privilege of seeing you shirtless like this. Your body was addicting and he was desperate to keep feeling you against him.

“I’ve waited,” he muttered huskily in between slow kisses, “so damn... long for this.”

With his face back in your neck, nibbling the sensitive skin, he fumbled with your belt. His skilled fingers worked to unbuckle it as he kissed you, unzipping your pants after and dragging them down. Once the article of clothing came off, his lips dragged down your sternum to your lower stomach, stopping at the waistband of your underwear. He glances at you for a second with arousal and appeal before hooking his thumbs under the elastic, slowly dragging the cloth down your legs.

You felt the cold air hit your exposed warmth as the thin fabric made its way from your knees to your ankles, until Rhett finally slid it off your feet. He moved his head between your legs, hands resting on your hips. He began to nip at your thighs sensually, switching between your two legs as he would inch his way up your inner thighs. You shivered lightly at the feeling, his eyes gazing intensely into yours before his mouth began to work on you.

You gasped and flinched at the feeling of his tongue against your core, letting out a quiet moan as your eyelids grew heavy. His hands gripped your hips more firmly, pinning them to the ground after your legs merely trembled at the sensation. He slowly yet passionately licked at your most sensitive parts, prolonging the eye contact as he tasted your flesh.

Your fingers find his hair, tugging it lightly in pleasure as he continued with his movements, closing his lips around you. More whimpers left your mouth, feeling confident you were going to reach your orgasm through this. That was until he pulled away with a smirk, you whining at the loss of his touch as he quickly got out of his jeans. Throwing it to the side, he slipped his boxers off, letting his length spring free.

Seeing him naked above you stirred a new, indescribable feeling of arousal in yourself. Watching the man you’ve adored for years prep your body for him to take.

“You ready?” He mumbles, looking down at you for your confirmation.

You nodded, heart racing. “Yeah.”

Rhett’s hands propped himself up against the blanket, hovering above you to see your face. As his cock slowly pushed through your entrance, his lips parted slightly, opening his mouth in awe of the feeling. The further he moved into you, he had stretched your inner walls until his hips met yours. The two of you let out a satisfied moan once he was fully sheathed inside of you, your tightness bringing him immense pleasure.

Rhett couldn’t believe he was taking you right now. He’s wanted you for so long, and now, you were finally his.

With a short peck against your lips, Rhett began to thrust in and out at a steady pace. He didn’t want to go too fast so soon, as he was just indulging in the feeling of your body around him. Just knowing it was you he was making love with had spurred him on. He’s never felt so good before.

“Fuck!” You cry out once he decided to increase his pace. With each thrust, his cock caressed your fleshy insides, him letting out low grunts with every movement. His gentle, warm hands moved down your sides until they reached your thighs. Firmly gripping onto the flesh, he wrapped your legs around his waist to fuck you in a much closer position.

Soon, the sounds of him ramming into your body echoed louder throughout the quiet lake as the lewd, wet noise of skin slapping against skin filled your ears. You whined softly at the gratifying feeling of him pounding into you like this.

Your hands moved to cup his face, trying to kiss his lips as much as you could while he thrusted his hips. The moment became more intimate as you poured your deep affection for him into the kiss, only for it to not last as long, due to your persistent moaning.

“Oh, Rhett… Mmm…” you whimper, closing your legs tighter around him to push him in deeper. One of his hands left your thigh to reach for your palm, interlocking his fingers with yours next to your head. Rhett groaned as his eyes briefly closed shut, his pace getting quicker, motivated by the beautiful sounds escaping your lips.

“God, you feel too good,” he mumbles hotly, continuing to penetrate you as he reached down to nibble your neck. Rhett's moans were loud and feverish, nearly drooling in his mouth from the pleasant feeling of your body.

However, the blissful moment was ruined when you hear your dog barking in your ear.

”Fuck,” you huff, frustrated by the interruption while Rhett felt prompted to continue his motions, regardless of the circumstance, “go away, Leo.”

Your dog whined at you, continuing to yelp, in which Rhett couldn’t help but laugh, his thrusts faltering. “Leo, git!” You pant, trying to push his scrunched face away with your hand.

Rhett’s movements inside you came to a subtle halt as he chuckled softly at the circumstance. “He wants you to throw it,” he snickers.

You turned your head to see a new stick that your border collie brought you. “Yeah, I know,” you sigh, grabbing the stick as you looked at Rhett’s grin, unamused. Finally, you threw it far, adjacent to the other dog by the lake, hoping the two would go back to being occupied with each other.

“Damnit, that is such a mood killer,” you scoff, looking back at the snarky cowboy above you.

“Yeah, we probably should’ve done this back at your place,” he says with a teasing smirk.

“Well, you’re the one who decided to do this here,” you retort.

”And we’re only here because you brought us here,” he raises an eyebrow, chuckling.

He had a point. “Oh, shut up.”

After an affectionate giggle, Rhett’s lips kisses yours again slowly, in a rhythm that no song could ever surpass. He angled his head to kiss you deeply, gradually beginning to thrust into you again with his hardened length. You moaned, feeling his cock rubbing your flesh once again, moving in and out. For now, his movements had been slow, focusing on the pleasure his body brought you.

Rhett’s hands left your fingers and thigh, hooking his arms under yours to grip the back of your shoulders. This allowed him to thrust faster, his hips finally rolling rapidly into yours. “Oh, fuck!” You whine at the powerful new pace. “Fuck, I’m so close!”

Rhett moaned with you shamelessly, mouth gaping in pleasured wonder. “You’re so damn beautiful, you’ve always been so fucking beautiful,” he rambled under his breath, kissing your lips sloppily, “cum with me, sweetheart, come on.”

Before a coherent word could leave your mouth, a loud, long moan escaped your throat once you came intensely. As your walls clenched amorously around his girth, Rhett spilled his warm, white semen inside of you, groaning as he kept himself in that deep position.

You both panted heavily, catching your breaths as Rhett collapsed on top of you, his sweaty, bare chest pressed against yours. A lazy grin appeared on his face, peppering light kisses on your neck.

You didn’t want him to pull out yet, but you knew he had to, whining softly at the loss of his warmth once he did. His dark, gentle eyes were fixed on yours as they had the entire night, cupping your face for another doting kiss.

Rhett’s lips pressed against yours passionately, tasting you once again with both affection and lust. After the short gesture, the two of you lay there, comfortably naked by the lake, as it might as well have been the Garden of Eden. You looked at each other tenderly, as there wasn’t enough words to describe your affections towards one another.

Your head rested on Rhett’s heaving chest, idly tracing his tattoo with your fingertips. You knew you would eventually have to get dressed and get back home, but you gave rein in the pleasure of this particular moment.

It simply felt like heaven.

[tarotlexa]

PICK A PILE READING- should you stay friends?

welcome back to another pick a pile reading, today's concept is a little bit different and i wanted to offer my take on some really cool pacs i've seen around lately (i'm referring to the yes/no/maybe piles with eyeshadow palettes lol). just think about a friend of yours you have been having doubts about and i'll offer my perspective on said friendship. this is a collective reading so take what resonates and leave what does not! <3 much love as usual.

(i haven't added numbers on the picture but it's 1-2-3 (top) and 4-5-6 (bottom))

⠀.　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀✦ ⠀ ⠀　　　　　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀* ⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀✦⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　　　　.　　　ﾟ .　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　✦ 　　　　　,　　　　　　　.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

　　　　　　*　　　　　　　　　　　.

.　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　✦⠀　   　　　,　　　　　　　　　*

　　　　　⠀　　　　⠀　　,

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　 　　⠀　　　⠀.　

　　˚　　　⠀　⠀  　　,　　　　　　.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　.

　　　　　　*⠀　　⠀  　　　　　⠀✦⠀　

　　　　　　*　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　.

　　　　.　　　　.　　　⠀

　　　　　　　　　　　.

　　　˚　　　　　　　　ﾟ　　　　　.

　.⠀　　⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀,

　　　*　　⠀.

　　　　　.　　　　　　　　　　⠀✦

　˚　　　　　　　　　　　　　　*

.⠀ 　　　　　　　　　　.　　　　　　　　.

　　　　　✦⠀　   　　　,　　    　　　　　　　　.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀✦ ⠀ ⠀　　　　　　　　　　　　　　⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀* ⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀✦⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　　　　　　　　　.　　　ﾟ .　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　✦ 　　　　　,　　　　　　　.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

　　　　　　*　　　　　　　　　　　.

.　　　　　　　　　　　　　. 　　✦⠀　   　　　,　　　　　　　　　*

　　　　　⠀　　　　⠀　　,

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀.　　　　　 　　⠀　　　⠀.　

　　˚　　　⠀　⠀  　　,　　　　　　.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　.

　　　　　　*⠀　　⠀  　　　　　⠀✦⠀　

　　　　　　*　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　.

　　　　.　　　　.　　　

　　　　　　　　　　　.

　　　˚　　　　　　　　ﾟ　　　　　.

　.⠀　⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀‍⠀,

　　　　　✦⠀　   　　　,

pile 1: i mean, yes but don’t get too attached. this person can be someone fun, lighthearted and energetic but at the same time, they can be fickle about their commitment to you or your friendship. more of a seasonal friend so to speak, think spontaneous hangouts and bonding over a few shared passions. but don’t expect emotional depth or long term reliability. this person is genuine and does care about you and you probably shared great memories together. but they’re still somewhat inconsistent and impulsive in their actions. it’s fun and it’s casual.

pile 2: yes!!!! there’s so much growth potential here. it might not be the flashiest or most passionate connection ever but it’s reliable and it’s stable. you might not communicate a lot but when you need them, they’re always there. this person actually respects you and your growth in life, they show up when it matters. they show they care about you through consistency. with the queen of wands being here there could be mutual admiration, you don’t feel threatened by each other’s success, you encourage it. invest in your bond with them.

pile 3: uhhh…maybe. big huge MAYBE. this is not a soft connection. you both carry emotional wounds from the past that bleed into this connection. this friend might be critical towards you sometimes or emotionally distant or hard to read, they may believe that vulnerability is a weakness and that makes building something intimate truly hard. both of you have battle scars, trust issues or past betrayals that haven’t been processed yet. there’s also emotional hoarding here, someone (or both of you) is holding tightly to something, resources, time or trust. the only way this friendship can evolve into something better is if you can both trust each other and drop your walls. if you can’t do that, then walk away because chances are, nothing is going to change passively.

pile 4: there is a DEEP spiritual connection here, maybe even past life vibes if you’re into that. you and this person were meant to meet. but right now it might be messy as hell. the lovers say this bond is significant but paired with the nine of swords…it might be triggering your anxiety and emotional confusion. you may overthink everything you say or do with them, you might feel exhausted by them but you’re still very much in love with the idea of your friendship. this person might not be as emotionally mature as you thought they were at first, there’s inconsistency or maybe some attention seeking behavior that you don’t really enjoy. you crave depth and they crave simulation. this relationship COULD evolve into something more solid but this person has a lot of growing up to do first. don’t let the depth of the connection or the past hold you back from leaving. this to me is a maybe or a no, more leaning towards no. i feel like this person was a lesson for you.

pile 5: NO lol this friendship is deceptive as hell. lots of red flags that include lies, manipulation, passive aggression or even hidden intentions and a good dose of back stabbing too. this person may smile in your face while secretly resenting you for something they don’t have and that you do, or they could be projecting their own insecurities onto you and making you into a villain. judgement shows that you have been given plenty of signs, this person has already shown you who they really are. you need to let them go so that you can finally evolve from this and move onto better things. the hanged man as the final card is poetic because it’s like a toxic waiting room, how long will you sit in discomfort hoping they’ll change? they won’t. let them go.

pile 6: yeah but with some new boundaries and space. this is such an interesting pile to me because it shows that there is something worth celebrating and holding onto here but there are also past wounds. the six of swords shows that something went wrong, a conflict or a misunderstanding or emotional baggage has clouded what was once a great connection. the chariot shows that there’s potential to rebuild but only if you’re honest about it and intentional too. things won’t go back to the way they were but you can start fresh now that you know better. if you’re both willing to acknowledge the past and forgive each other, this friendship can come back even stronger than before but if you’re still stuck in the past, it’s better to move on without them.

thank you for reading <3

[ghost-kings-court-jester]

@starry-eyed-psychopomp yeah literally like I just love the moments where we see how Hua Cheng is less like “swooping protective” and more “don’t ignore that, you don’t have to ignore that, it’s okay to be in pain” like the scene in the desert with the snake bite comes across as very swooping romantic at the time and then as we get context we see the E Ming scratch happen and then we see the moment with the needle in Xie Lians foot which is like the least insane injury he’s had up to this point but it’s just as urgent for Hua Cheng because he’s in pain and needs help and getting that explained to him that no matter how big or small that pain is, Hua Cheng cares if he’s in pain and that allows Xie Lian to feel the pain too. Because he’s always just been in survival I don’t have time to coddle myself energy.

Like so much of Hua Cheng ‘courting’ Xie Lian isn’t like big flamboyant bird showing off and winning fights to impress him but little ways to encourage letting someone in too care and worry for him because he’s important too and it works!

I’ve said this before but you read tgcf and you are like aww Xie Lian saved baby Hong Hong’er and it’s so sweet Hua Cheng fell in love with him and searched for him and gets protective over him. He’s so chivalrous truly a knight in bells booted armour.

Until you read the rest of the books and you realise that Hua Cheng is in fact not acting out of chivalry and must have been going out of his mind for 800 years because every time he and Xie Lian interacted he saw Xie Lian being in a situation and his go to plan was to basically always push the self destruct button and for extra measure throw himself on the chopping block in literal seconds.

Like all his over protectiveness isn’t so much about making Xie Lian a damsel in distress as it is instead a parent taking away all choking hazards and baby proofing the locks except the baby knows martial arts and could kill a man just by twitching his elbow yet he continues to use himself as target practise.

[mylovesstuffs]

OT13 reaction to an older s/o

Request: Hi, Celeste! Just gotta say, it's been months of me following you, and I absolutely live for your content! 💜 I just came across your "Younger SO" for SVT, and I was wondering if you can do the opposite: SVT with an older SO? Thank you for considering!

A/N: Whether it’s a few months or a few years, these boys would absolutely thrive with a ‘noona’ s/o who has a little extra life experience + I think they're very cool with both younger and older s/o. Also, hi hi!! Tysm, I’m so happy you enjoy the content and stuck around this long.

Seungcheol: He is a leader with so many members to handle, so being with someone who’s just a bit older, gives him a sense of calm. Loves when you guide him through decisions or offer wisdom, but also gets adorably sulky when you tease him for being younger. “I’m still oppa in this house,” he’ll say while reaching for your hand in public.

Jeonghan: You being older? He’s using it. Teasing you? Constant. “You should take care of me~” He lives for the dynamic. Always playing it up, but deep down he respects the maturity and insight you bring to the relationship. Plus, he finds older s/o's incredibly attractive; something about the confidence and experience just does it for him.

Joshua: The “age is just a number” kind of guy [ahem, que that fancall]. He’d love having deeper, mature conversations and would appreciate the emotional intelligence you bring. He’s probably calling you “baby” just to balance the dynamic a bit, but when things get hard, your ability to stay grounded makes him love you even more.

Jun: I don't think he actually doesn’t notice the age gap. You’re older? Oh. Cool. Jun is too much of a vibes/personality-first person to really care. He’s charmed by your poise, but also still drags you into pillow fights. If anyone points it out, he’ll just blink and say, “So?” Because to him, your soul feels like it matches his.

Hoshi: He jokes that you’re “the boss” in the relationship, but he adores it. He’s all about affectionate teasing, spontaneous affection, and showing off for you. He also really wants to impress you and is always a little extra excited when you praise or encourage him. You bring out the more grounded side of him without dulling his sparkle.

Wonwoo: He’s so so soft for someone who brings emotional clarity and maturity into his life. He’s not the type to care about age gaps at all, but he’ll note how soothing it is to be with someone who has a stable energy. Will 100% ask for book recommendations and sit with you in peaceful silence like it’s love language gold.

Woozi: You being older makes him feel a little relieved, he doesn’t have to over-explain his workaholic tendencies or emotional blocks. He values how self-aware you are, and he absorbs your perspectives like a sponge. Plus, he finds the way you handle conflict so hot. If anyone comments on the age thing, he gives them the death glare.

Dokyeom: He’s all giggles and heart eyes, older s/o or not, but he definitely benefits from your emotional maturity. When he gets overwhelmed, you know how to help him reset. He’ll call you “Noona~” in the most singsong way, but still treat you with total love, babying and respect.

Mingyu: Will still insist he can carry all the groceries himself. He’s a bit extra about wanting to prove himself, especially if you’re accomplished or confident. Loves it when you guide him but also wants to be the one taking care of you. Over time, he realizes you don’t need “taking care of,” and starts just enjoying how easy it is to be himself around you.

Minghao: Old soul meets old soul 😌😂 He goes the best with someone older anyway. He’s all about mutual growth, and an older s/o is often more emotionally steady, which suits him perfectly. He appreciates the lack of drama and the introspective conversations you bring. He’d never flaunt the age gap, but he would brag about you non-stop.

Seungkwan: At first, he might be shy or overthink things, wondering if he’s “enough” for you. But once he’s reassured, he’s in. Loves having someone who can match his emotions but handle them a bit more maturely. You make him feel secure and loved, which is everything he really needs.

Vernon: To Vernon, age doesn’t equal power; energy does. If you match his energy and give him space to be himself, he’s head over heels. He’ll appreciate that you’ve probably figured yourself out more, and he finds your confidence very attractive. Bonus: he never forgets your coffee order or how you take your ramen.

Dino: He loves older s/o's but can get a little flustered about proving he’s mature enough. You’re a source of motivation for him, so he wants to meet your standards and show you he’s grown. Will occasionally pout if you “Noona” him, but secretly loves it. Your stability + his ambition = power couple.

[e-vay]

Why do you think Amy should get her own year(or not) and What would be your Year of Amy wish-list

There should be a Year of Amy because Amy is the best, of course!

Seriously, I think it would be so beneficial to have a Year of Amy. When I hear from people who tell me they used to hate Amy, it turns out a lot of them had just misunderstood her character (either by their own doing or by some of her prior portrayals). I think it would be a great opportunity to really let her character shine and be able to establish everything she represents in a clear way so SEGA can set the record straight. It's been really encouraging to see Amy included in the lineup more often lately, but personally I still say it doesn't happen enough! (I'm greedy when it comes to my girl, it's just how I am lol). Plus, I think it'd be good to highlight the feminine representation that's in this franchise. This fictional world is full of so many awesome characters, including strong and powerful women, and I think sometimes that gets overlooked when there's so much emphasis on 'The Big Three' (Sonic, Tails and Knuckles).

If I'm shooting for the stars, my wishlist would include Amy having her very own game! I love getting to play as her and she was my favorite part of the Frontiers DLC, and I feel like the story that happened in Frontiers is a great setup for any of the members of Team Sonic to have their own game. OR! If it's too much to ask for Amy to have her own game, I'd be happy with a follow-up game to Frontiers where you get to play large portions of the game as each member of Team Sonic individually. I loved how you got to play as everyone way back in Sonic Adventure, and I'd love to get that experience again now that their characters have developed in different ways.

I'd also love to see some animated shorts with her. Whether it's super-detailed, story-driven animations like SXSG Dark Beginnings or something simple and cute like Chao Tales, I just want to see more! Animation is incredible and I love that the Sonic Team creates a lot of animated shorts; it would be even better if they revolved around my favorite hedgehog!

ALSO! I want more accessories/merch. Amy loves shopping, so this would be an awesome opportunity to sell some skirts/dresses, cutesy mini backpacks (I know there are a couple of Loungefly bags out there but I want more!!! Especially more artistic designs instead of the same character art they've been using for decades), wallets, baking sets, etc. I want to buy ALL the cutesy things!

I don't know that Year of Amy will ever happen, but hey, maybe 2027 will be Year of Amy since that's when Sonic 4 comes out! Either way, every day is Amy Day in my heart!

[muletia]

ok this is really long, I'm sorry. so I remembered someone had an idea for the reader in the merformer au to be "rescued" so imagine they're taken from Optimus and their guppy. so they escape from people interested in how they changed to being more mer like from the bonding. and now they're like Odysseus spending the next few years fighting to get back to their wife, optimus. the reader runs into other mers and maybe some of them are interested in them? the reader isn't fully aquatic but has some enhanced strength from the bond changing them so they can actually stand a chance against them bc we know they would get demolished as a full human lol. maybe Megatron is like Poseidon, chasing the reader as they try to avoid him. at first he's going after them bc they mention being close with Optimus and he's like "oh I could kill them or kidnap them to use it against him". then seeing the reader's ferocity, is like "oh damn, I'm keeping them for myself". then starscream is circle, he hears about Megan's interest in the reader and wants to keep his trine safe from the human, so he tries to fight the reader but loses so he goes fuck it, I can take them, just not in a fight and tries to rizz the reader up, but like Ody in There Are Other Ways, they just go "no I can't... ugh I miss my wife, it's been so long since I've seen him and I love him so much ❤️❤️" he's like "ew that's disgusting but ig I'll kinda help since it'll piss off Megatron". so he gives u some vague directions for how to find the og mer island since that's where Optimus was at. back there maybe ratchet is trying to encourage Optimus to leave and bring the guppy to a new pod, since it looks like you won't be coming back and the guppy shouldn't be isolated to this island with a depressed sire. Optimus is super against it and he knows you'll come back to him and your baby. cut back to the reader, what are they up to, uh oh looks like they're being held captive by coral snake naga knockout. he's Calypso, a naga that lost his mate and was stranded on an island after being washed too far out to sea in a storm. he's desperate for attention and becomes obsessively attached to the reader. so after months of barely being able to get a moment alone, they secretly make a raft and pull an Appetite and make a run for it. sorry KO. they finally are within sight of the island and boom, Megs pulls up like sike bitch. so they have a big confrontation and maybe the reader beats him some and gets it across to him that they will never be with him. if he took them they'd fight every second of the way. so he maybe has some respect for this warrior and leaves them to go home. when they're home they have a Would You Fall In Love With Me Again moment where they apologize for being gone for like 5 years maybe? definitely not 20 like the Odyssey, but a good amount of time and I don't think optimus would survive a decade or more lmao. Optimus would ofc forgive them and says he'd always loved them. then they're a happy family. I just think we should have a full spectrum of reader: moron to badass

-💕

Average Tuesday in an x reader land

No, but this is genuinely great! It’s hard for me to add much, since I’m not too familiar with the source material, but I really love the concept of Optimus as your waiting wife hehe

Oh, I can totally imagine how, once you finally return to him, he kisses every single inch of your face and refuses to let go of you for the next few weeks. You’re completely grounded trapped between his torso, your little guppy, and Optimus’s arm

[miyasmagnolias]

𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 ⭑.ᐟ

miya atsumu x f!reader

atsumu catches you dancing in your bedroom to a certain viral song.

part five of the in close quarters series, a friends-to-lovers college au featuring you, atsumu, and the ten months you spend living together senior year.

a/n: this is a very unserious drabble you guys. i needed something lighthearted and fluffy to get me through the work week! ( ╥ ᴗ ╥)

You didn't even like the song at first.

A couple girls in your university dance troupe were gushing over the music video before practice the other day, crowding around someone's laptop like fraternity boys did for playoff sports games.

"I can't believe they switched up their style so quickly," one of them lamented. "Their last song was better. Much easier on the ears."

"I dunno. I kinda dig it," another argued. "Sure, the lyrics are a little unhinged — but people don't make this kind of music to wax poetic. They do it so they can shake ass."

"Oh, this dance is going viral for sure," a third agreed.

"What are we watching?" you asked her, slinging your dance bag on the studio floor. You were 99% sure her name was Mina.

"Gnarly by Katseye! Have you heard it yet, Y/N?"

“I haven’t. Is it new?”

“They just released it yesterday,” Mina replied, scooting over on the hardwood floors to make room for you to sit. “The Internet is going wild about it.”

"I see," you murmured, squatting beside her as each member of the global girl group started twerking onscreen in perfect unison. Frowning, you asked, "Why are they holding sandwiches?"

"Couldn't tell you. But it's making me hungry," Mina mumbled. "Anyone wanna grab McDonald's before we start?"

That was two days ago — and you hadn't been able to get the song out of your head ever since. It was everywhere: your TikTok feed, other people's Instagram stories. You'd even heard it at the damn grocery store.

Now, as you sat at your desk trying to analyze the lines of a Shakespearian sonnet, you couldn't help but mumble the words to Katseye's Gnarly instead.

The inner English major in you was livid. Out of all the poetic compositions in the world, you had to be fixated on the Internet's most unserious song? Virginia Woolf would be rolling in her grave right now.

Tossing the book of sonnets onto your bed and opening your laptop, you pulled up the music video on YouTube and cranked the volume up. Maybe if you listened to it enough times, you would finally get it out of your system. Maybe if you overplayed it to death, you could finally focus.

You had never been more wrong.

Meanwhile, Atsumu had just returned home from his evening run, keys jangling as he let himself in and kicked his shoes off by the front door. He heard the deep bass thrumming from your bedroom, and for a second, he thought he was back at the fraternity house.

"Y/N?" he called out to you over the music, taking his AirPods out and peeling off his sweaty t-shirt. He flung the latter onto the couch, making a mental note to pick it up before you had the chance to kill him. "Y/N! What the hell are ya listening to?"

He ambled over to your side of the apartment and rapped twice on your ajar bedroom door. When it was clear you hadn't heard him, he opened it just enough to poke his head through.

His jaw went slack.

Now, Atsumu knew you'd taken dance classes in the past, had even encouraged you to audition for a university dance troupe so you could meet more likeminded people. He knew how formative it would be for you to find community in something you clearly loved to do, just as he'd found his community in volleyball.

What he hadn't known was just how good you were.

In fact, as Atsumu watched you flip your hair and body roll in beat to the most heinous song he'd ever heard, he started questioning whether he knew you at all.

He pushed the door fully open and leaned his bare shoulder against the doorframe, smiling lazily as you performed your heart out in the middle of your bedroom. You were ridiculously cute, what with your tousled hair and confident facials and the way you spun around in your socks —

"Fuck!" you reeled back, the sight of your half-naked roommate nearly sending you into cardiac arrest.

You hit the space bar on the performance video you'd been dancing to for the past twenty minutes. The silence that followed was deafening. Chest heaving, you pressed your hand to your now-racing heart and shot Atsumu the most offended glare of all time.

"Why are you shirtless?"

"Why are you gyratin'?" he asked in an equal amount of disbelief.

You crossed your arms. "I'm taking a study break."

"And what the hell is this song?" Atsumu performed a deep lunge so he could take a closer look at your screen. "Gnarly by Katseye..."

"It's just this silly viral song that's been stuck in my head," you said, collapsing onto your bed. Face pressed into the mattress, you mumbled, "I swear, I don't like it."

"Well, ya liked it an awful lot just a second ago," Atsumu replied amusedly. You peeled your face from the comforter just in time to see his smile turn saccharine. "Where'd ya learn to twerk like that?"

You shucked a pillow at his face.

"What?" he cackled, catching it with ease. Atsumu laughed the same way the sun burst through a dense billow of clouds — warmly and unapologetically. "Ya sure as hell didn't learn it from those damn books of yours."

"None of your business," you quipped, staring daggers at him from across the room. "Shouldn't you be out on a run or something?

"I ran fast," he chirped. As if his sweaty, frustratingly chiseled physique weren't enough of an indicator. "And I'm so glad I did."

"We are never talking about this again."

"Fine by me," he drawled, tossing your pillow back. It hit you with a pathetic thud. He was already halfway out the door before saying, "Oh, and Y/N?"

Your jaw tensed. "What."

He flicked his sweaty hair out of his eyes and shot you his signature shit-eating grin. "Just for the record, I think yer way hotter than a bag of Takis."

Great, he was quoting lyrics now. This was worse than him reading your smutty short stories.

"Out," you growled behind bared teeth, curling into a fetal position as Atsumu's retreating laugh engulfed you like a seismic wave. "And put a shirt on!"

Once you heard the door to his room slam shut, you turned onto your back and unleashed a whimpering sigh.

Atsumu had seen you dance.

To add insult to injury, he'd seen you throw it back.

Fuck. You squeezed your eyes shut and felt your face flush.

You were never going to live this down.

Two days later, Atsumu ran into his teammate at the student rec center.

"Sakusa," he said, dumbfounded. "The hell ya doing here?"

The wing spiker perked up at Atsumu from where he was furiously disinfecting his press machine with a Clorox wipe.

"Atsumu," he started, glancing between the setter and the piece of gym equipment. Almost as if he'd been caught red-handed.

"Flu outbreak on the team?" Atsumu guessed. His teammate's shoulders slumped.

"The student athlete gym is disgusting," he grumbled honestly. "Everyone keeps coughing. At least here, there's room to breathe."

"Fair," Atsumu admitted, setting his stuff down and taking the press machine next to Sakusa's. Beside him, Sakusa eyed him carefully.

"How are you doing?" he asked, his voice tense. Tentative. "You ready to come back next week?"

Atsumu paused. It had been three weeks since his coach had put him on mental health leave, and while Atsumu had done all the perfunctory steps — sticking to his gym routine, getting enough sleep — a small part of him wondered if he'd lost his spark. If that fierce, relentless flame of his that only ignited on the volleyball court was forever extinguished by what had happened to him.

"To be completely honest? I don't know," Atsumu admitted, looking around at the student rec center he'd been banished to for the past month. He once thought it sad, borderline plebeian of him to work out anywhere but the student athlete gym. Now, he found himself here every day.

Sakusa considered him for a moment.

"If you're embarrassed about being kicked out for a month, don't be," he said matter-of-factly. He may as well have dumped scathing hot water down Atsumu's back. Softening, he added, "The team's got your back."

Shoulders relaxing, Atsumu said, "Thanks, Sakusa."

His teammate fiddled with the Clorox wipe in his hands. "The team also sucks without you, so you better come back ten times better. Else your leave of absence would have been for nothing."

At that, Atsumu chuckled. "Don't stroke my ego too much."

Shoving an AirPod into each ear, Atsumu pulled up his workout playlist on his phone and hit play. Little did he know his Bluetooth hadn't connected yet. His music blared from his phone speaker like a fire alarm.

"Hottie, hottie! Like a bag of Takis, I'm the shit! I'm the shit — !"

Atsumu slammed his finger into the pause button.

The silence that followed was deafening. A couple girls on the stair masters snickered. Meanwhile, Sakusa shot him the most judgmental glare he'd ever seen.

After a moment, Atsumu said, "Please don't tell anyone."

"Hey, whatever it takes for you to heal, man," Sakusa said, though his lips frowned in displeasure. After finishing his sets, he stood from the press machine, wiped it down, and said, "See you next week?"

"Yeah, man," Atsumu sniffled, trying to act like he wasn't just caught listening to the world's most viral girl group. "See ya."

Once Sakusa was out of his line of sight, Atsumu mouthed a silent 'FUCK' and hid his face in his hands.

He hadn't meant to get addicted to the song, but after catching you dancing to it the other day, he started listening to it out of morbid curiosity. On his runs. During his workouts. Hell, he even listened to it in the shower when you weren't home. He knew he wouldn't hear the end of it if you found out.

Still, it didn't stop him from hitting rewind once his AirPods reconnected.

"They could describe everything with one single word..."

He bobbed his head to the beat as he gripped the handlebars of the press machine and began his set.

If anything, the song had given him the unexpected confidence boost he needed before his return to volleyball.

And if he had even a shred of the confidence you had when you danced, that would be more than enough.

@miyasmagnolias, 2025

[telluriannovice]

I greatly enjoy pompous pep because it’s the only place where you can get a certain type of character and relationship analysis.

Canonically, in the one good scene of Phantom Planet, Vlad tells Jack he’s a half-ghost and that it was the accident that Jack caused that made him that way and that he’s been trying to kill Jack this entire time – and Jack apologizes. Jack could possibly forgive Vlad of pretty much anything, but would he forgive Vlad having sex with his son? Maybe if Danny is an adult, but otherwise? It’s an evil that can’t be brushed aside with apologies and understanding.

Jack wouldn’t notice any subtle signs, he’d have to walk in on them fucking to know it’s happening, but how would he react to that? Would he immediately break Vlad’s neck? (probably not) Would he doubt what he saw and come up with an innocent reason it just looked like they were having sex? (most likely) Would he actually support it, because it could mean Vlad becomes his son-in-law and legally part of the family? (not unlikely if Danny’s an adult when it’s discovered)

And how would Maddie react? She might immediately start hunting Vlad for sport, but she also has more reason to gaslight herself into thinking she didn’t see what she saw. She wouldn’t pick up on any subtle sign either, since she knows Vlad is, or at least was, into her, so it wouldn’t make any sense for him to suddenly be into Danny from her point of view. And there’s an even more interesting, angsty option: that she’s grateful that Vlad’s creepy obsession isn’t on her anymore. She’s disgusted with herself for thinking that and it could fuel her immediate Vlad-hunt and she tortures him for how he made her feel, or she could wallow in guilt while letting Danny take the bullet for her. She’d feel even worse if she confronted Danny about it and the reason he gives for the relationship is “yeah, it was to get his attention off of you and dad.”

Why is Danny doing it? Did Vlad give Danny an ultimatum? Or maybe Danny subconsciously noticed that Vlad wouldn’t attack his parents if Danny gave him intimacy of some kind? It is 100% in character that Danny would literal hell to keep his parents happy and together. Maybe Jack confronts Vlad about it who explains that, he just doesn’t have the self-control, that Danny came to him asking for this kind of relationship and Vlad gave it to him, like giving a kid candy for dinner – you know it’s bad for them, but you just wanted to please them. And that’s what happened! Danny the endling found another of his kind and desperately clung onto him and Vlad was too lonely and desperate to listen to his better judgment.

Though, there's not a lot extra stuff from "why Vlad is doing this" side of things, there are very interesting ideas for how it changes him, or how he refuses to let it change him. Vlad could get better, not likely, but finally having someone "love" him might make him a more reasonable person. And he could develop so much morally, he has a crisis of whether or not to keep the relationship going - how much has he really changed? Or he could get worse, fully just focusing all his obsession on Danny. Getting what he wants once might encourage him to just try harder to get the other stuff he wants, you know, world domination and the like.

How would Jazz react? She would notice the little signs, but she waited for Danny to come out as a half-ghost, would she also wait for Danny to come to her for help with this too? He wont do that if he’s “taking the bullet”, and this is a worse situation, so would she try to confront him about it? Could she do anything about it at all? The last time she tried to get at Vlad, she ended up needing Danny to save her – would she realize that she just doesn’t have the power to fight Vlad off and can’t risk letting Vlad use her against Danny to make his situation worse, or would she not notice or not care and try anyway? Is there literally anything she could to if Danny’s the one who made the choice to take the bullet for his family’s happiness? If Danny’s the one who’s in love with Vlad?

And Sam and Tucker are in the same sticky situation. If Danny doesn’t hid it or they find out, who are they going to go to? They know they’re no match for Vlad, they’ve never even tried to fight him themselves. Sam knows police and judges can be bought, and Vlad can easily get rid of the ones he can’t buy. Does Danny dismiss their concerns with Vlad the same way he dismissed their concerns with Paulina and Valerie, Danny’s other villain love interests?

Not to mention Dani! Like, non-consensual cloning is often viewed as a metaphor for sexual assault, and there are interesting and complex ideas of parenthood and relationships to be explored with that metaphor.

I just think pompous pep allows for a kind of character and relationship exploration that can’t really be explored in non-pompous pep content.

[aziraphales-library]

Hi! I love your blog! I was just wondering, could you point me to some fics where Aziraphale gives Crowley flowers? Or other gifts. I have read a few, but I would love to read more if they exist. Thanks!!

Hey! We have #gifts and #flowers tags, so check those out. Here are more to add in which Aziraphale is doing the giving...

A Season For Gifts by Sodium_Azide (G)

After all of the unpleasantness, the Earth remains, and so do an angel and a demon. After all of the assumptions and unkindness, Aziraphale does his very best to show Crowley how much he is loved.

The Gift of Love by Mizma (G)

Crowley moves into the bookshop, and is perplexed when Aziraphale suddenly starts giving him presents. What, exactly, is his Angel trying to tell him?

Like Any Rose It's Not Itself by his_infinitevariety (G)

A single white rose grows from one of Crowley’s plants. Which is weird, because none of his plants are rose bushes.

i am just the (new invention) by littlesnowpea (T)

A list of hobbies Crowley has picked up over the past 6000 years: -gardening -cooking -fashion -pining for Aziraphale -making YouTube videos A list of hobbies Aziraphale has picked up over the past 6000 years: -reading -book restoration -music -pining for Crowley -commenting on Crowley’s YouTube videos When Aziraphale starts giving Crowley flowers, Crowley takes to his YouTube channel to discuss the meaning behind it, where Aziraphale comments encouragement to confess his feelings – under an alias, of course. There is absolutely no way any of this could ever go wrong.

Camellia by MoroseMagnetrix (T)

But never before had Aziraphale given him a cut flower - and certainly not a red camellia. His counterpart might have been more enamored with Victorian culture than Crowley had been, but Crowley remembered the language of flowers quite well. A red camellia, given with the right hand, was a burning declaration of love.

Not too long after the apocalypse has wrapped up, Crowley thinks that they’re finally dating; Aziraphale thinks that they’re only friends.

The Courting Habits of Doves and Crows by vaguelydemonic (T)

Aziraphale and Crowley's tendencies to beat around the bush finally start coming to an end. They've been at their careful back and forth for millennia, but when notorious Gift Giver Crowley receives a present from Aziraphale, the ball truly gets rolling and the limits of how oblivious a pair of immortals can be are tested.

- Mod D

[cultkinkcoven]

hello hello!!! i was wondering if you could offer advice... some words of encouragement... something, you know? but its totally okay if you cant, id just like to know your perspective i suppose

so, im a fairly young practitioner. im closing in on my first year of practicing with deities, this november will be my anniversary of when i started. and, in the span ive been working with deities, according to them and my friend who practiced witchcraft for 6 years, ive made a shit load of progress.

my deities kept telling me over and over how everything will be alright, how eventually i wont look at someone else's path and think "i wish that was me", and ect. i've had multiple deep heartfelt discussions on my jealousy issues and my deities try their best to comfort me, reassure me, and so on. but its like... i dunno... when i see someone online who has such a fruitful relationship with their deities, who seems so well established in their life and practice, it just makes me feel a bit... inadequate in return.

one of the reasons im coming to you specifically is that - well - i heavily admire your work and relationship with your deities. you seem able to be so completely comfortable with your path and your loved deities, and i cant help but read how smitten you and your deities are for each other, the experiences, the altars you make, the knowledge you have on so many diverse and interesting topics and... truthfully, i end up crying sometimes because i feel as if ill never live up to the type of wizard that you are. i know its stupid, itll most likely fade with time as i gain more experience with my deities, and its not as if what we have is not amazing. i love them and i absolutely wouldnt trade what ive gone through with them, but i just... i just wish i could speed up time. that i could see into the future and know if im ever going to be half of what you are.

i do tarot readings for myself and my friend has done them as well, they always come out saying ill be absolutely wonderful as a witch. that ill be so happy and fulfilled, but it just takes time, it takes living out my tribulations and reading each sentence of my book instead of worrying about the last page, but im just... i just cant seem to tell myself that. i know that no matter how much my deities will gently hold me and kiss me with reassurance, that no matter how much my cards will give me the most vivid descriptions of my future that they can, none of it will actually do anything if i do not believe it myself. and i know it sounds silly, but since youre one of the individuals that i look up to the most, i thought youd be able to help.

im sorry for the long rant, and youre free to trash this ask or something. ill totally understand. thank you for reading this far anyway. <3

This ask is from so long ago but it feels very relevant now. You’ve probably already dealt with this so I’m just gonna yap.

I always find messages like this funny when they’re directed at me, I’m always flattered and surprised that people view my work and relationships as exemplary.

It’s funny because I still have this exact same sense of yearning and jealousy at times towards other people’s craft. There’s someone I’m friends with on here that’s really close and chummy with Lord Hermes. And I’ve always felt like “damn he’s never so friendly with me”. Like he’s great, but he just doesn’t talk to me the way he talks to them. But on the flip side, that person doesn’t know Lucifer nearly as well as I do.

A year or so ago I felt the exact same towards Lord Lucifer. There was a witch I was following on Instagram that had just such a beautiful and cozy relationship with him, and I wanted that.

It’s funny looking back in hindsight from where I am now. Funny because, near the beginning of our relationship, the dynamic between Lucifer and I felt far more romantic and classy. It was very controlled, affectionate, playful, he was always sweet gentle and kind.

Now Lucifer is still all of those things, but he no longer has to worry about dazzling me as much. We get into petty stupid little arguments, we had one last night. He gets frustrated with me when I don’t listen, and I get frustrated with him when he ignores me. He bothers me sometimes, I annoy him sometimes. He doesn’t approach me with the same “hello! hello! my dear! you’re here! this is so exciting!”, though he does still express pleasure in seeing me, it is far more casual now.

I don’t think the me from a few years ago would envy how our dynamic has evolved, but this is not a bad thing at all. People see the chocolates, the flowers, the kind messages. I think that for most practitioners, once you get to this stage in the relationship where intimacy and love are not pursuits, but affirmed and constant elements, things in reality start to be more complex than how they appear. And for the person in that position, things just feel extremely normal.

Don’t get me wrong, I am beyond blessed to be in Lucifer’s presence at any time. But, for example, the relationship I have with Aphrodite is far more polished and clean, light, fluffy and pure than the one I have with Lucifer. Aphrodite and I don’t bicker ever, I’ve never been frustrated at her, never felt the need to talk back to her. But I don’t know Aphrodite nearly as well as I know Lucifer. Lucifer knows me so well he knows exactly how I am going to react to his words. So he chooses them deliberately, sometimes to intentionally piss me off, i’m a way that Aphrodite never would.

I guess the tldr of this is basically, once you do get to that point, the point you admire in others, you probably won’t even notice it. You’ll have become so comfortable in your relationship that you too will be surprised when someone else mentions how nice it seems.

Because it is nice, I love Lucifer. But it’s not a fantasy, it isn’t all positive and it isn’t all easy. But what you’re observing is true. It is definitely worth it. There is no cure to the feeling you’re feeling except continuing to grow, not in spite of your fear but because of it.

[janiehellion]

Not to be dramatic, but this comment on AO3 actually made me tear up in the best way possible. I did respond to it already, but I still feel like nothing I say could do justice to how much it really means to me. (Keeping their username hidden due to privacy and out of respect.)

And I know... I don't usually post randomly like this, but writing fanfiction—especially in a fandom like The Walking Dead, where so many writers are ridiculously talented, writers like Krys, Murda, Taylor, and so many more, but especially those that I follow and got the incredible chance to interact with so far.

Yes, there are writers who put out works way faster than I ever could and ever did in years—it can be really isolating. (If this is the right word... I don't know how to explain it better.) Especially when you write slowly, when you're anxious as shit, or when your fics simply don't get much reach or interaction because they're just... too damn long.

(My current draft for a requested one-shot is over 30K, and I'm trying to shorten it simply because I know that most don't wanna read that many words regarding a Daryl Dixon x Reader fic. My drafts just keep getting longer, so no wonder I barely even post, and I do wanna apologize for that.)

Anyway, I'm one of those writers who rereads their own fanfics over and over again, and constantly hearing that little voice telling me, "This isn't good enough. It's just bad. Delete it." Like, all the time. I overthink every line and every word. So I end up trying everything to make a fic at least okay to read… and then doubting whether the plot even makes sense or if it sounds the way I want it to. Especially when writing for characters like Daryl, Rick, Negan, or Shane—these kinda characters that have been written so incredibly well by so many others, those who are able to put it all in fewer words than I do.

But then someone, a stranger, leaves a comment like this.

They didn't just say "Great fic!" (which I also appreciate so deeply, don't get me wrong,) but they saw the exact things I try so hard to do: tone, emotion, clarity, and consistency. They said my writing was inspirational. They literally bookmarked it as a reference for what they want to achieve. As someone with English as their first language, no less. And, as you can see, they said I should be less hard on myself.

Do you understand how healing that is to read?

I still can't believe it's real. This is just insane to me. It makes all the hours of obsessing over every damn draft feel seen and heard.

To the person who wrote this: thank you. You are one of the few humans that encourage me to keep writing. Same with the other authors I got to know through Tumblr, AO3, and Wattpad so far.

I just never would've thought that sometimes, a stranger somewhere on this planet, this world, would remind me of how much I love writing at exactly the right time. You never know what someone might go through offline, and I absolutely needed this. This is why feedback matters.

[haveihitanerve]

Through Space and Time: Pt2

Part 1

Titch had been anxious all day.

Derek could tell, in the way he kept running a hand through his hair, turning it all spiky and beautifully messy, tugging at the strands as though he wanted to rip them from his head, always pacing.

“What's the matter, love?” Derek murmured, stepping up slowly behind him. Three years ago he wouldn't have dared to be so bold. Wouldn't have crossed this line, this forbidden secret. But a lot had happened in three years. Titch had kissed him for the first time three years ago. He had kissed him. And... had made it official. Made them official. Derek had never been happier, but he knew his boyfriend still struggled with it, sometimes. Having someone around. Someone who cared. 

Titch froze, hands at his side, shifting from one foot to the next. “...Nothing.” He answered, after too long of a pause. His fidgeting halted, but more out of forced restraint than actual relaxation. 

“Uh huh.” Derek agreed easily, letting his hands drop carefully onto his boyfriend’s shoulders. When dealing with a Titch who was nervous and anxious, one had to tread carefully. (He felt like he could write a book on the subject) In times like these, Derek felt more like a farmhand than a farmer, careful not to spook the nervous animal.

“And can I maybe know the cause of this, “nothing”?” Derek asked with a small smile, squeezing gently. Titch snorted in spite of himself, and Derek felt like he’d won a great battle, letting his arms curl around his lover from behind. The farmer let out a little sigh, leaning back against him and allowing himself to be held. Derek didn’t even know if he was aware of the reaction or not. Either way, he adored it.

“Trouble sleeping?” Derek murmured, letting his chin rest on Titch’s head. Wrong thing to say. Titch pulled away, embarrassed, and as much as it hurt him to let go, Derek allowed him to step out of the embrace. It wasn't his nature to constraint Titch. He wasn't meant to be confined. 

“I didn't mean to wake you.” Titch apologized immediately, gruff, withdrawn, staring at his shoes. Derek sighed, rolling his eyes. It was something he'd never have dared to do before, but sometimes his boyfriend was rather thick skulled and needed a little more push. More annoyance. 

His hand reached for Titch’s, tugging him closer again. The shorter man accepted the touch immediately, fingers curling around his as he let himself be pulled in. It was like Derek was a flame, and Titch a helpless moth. He couldn't stay away for long. 

“I don't mind.” Derek murmured, voice low. Careful. Titch still wouldn't look at him. “Can I know the cause of your sleep troubles, love? The bed gets so cold when I don’t have my little furnace.” He squeezed his lovers hand, intertwining their fingers. Titch huffed a quiet laugh, and let himself be sequestered once again in Derek’s arms.

“I don't… know.” He admitted finally, quietly, when he was adequately cocooned in the embrace. Derek pressed a kiss to his head, encouraging. Even if they couldn't find out the reason for the problem, he could still be there. Could still hold him, and take away the problems, just for a little while. “I just… I miss you.” Titch admitted, and Derek didn't really know what to say to that.

“I’m right here, love. I’m not going anywhere.” He soothed, hand running up and down his back. (Okay, maybe he did know what to say)

“I know, I know.” Titch agreed, arms circling around the taller man's waist as he burrowed closer. “I know. You and James, you’re here, and you- you’re…" A swallow. "You're all I’ve got.” He whispered, arms tightening. Oh. Oh . Derek opened his mouth, and closed it again. 

“And, and well with- with James gone all the time, y'know, doing his- his footballing… I’m just. Scared. I guess.” Titch’s voice grew progressively quieter, as though the words were shameful to say. Derek pressed his lips to his boyfriends head, holding him tighter.

“Scared that you… you’ll leave me too. I mean,” A hoarse, non-humorous laugh. “Jamie outgrew farming, too. He changed. He grew. I… I haven't. I’ve been a farmer since I was a little boy, and I’m still a farmer now, and maybe- maybe I’m the only one who doesn't move. And I’m just here. Watching as you all leave.” The words were hurt and whispered and pained. So pained. So afraid. 

Derek had thought, that maybe, with knowing the problem, they could also find a solution. But this wasn't something he could fix. This was only something he could prove. Only a promise he could make. Titch was going to have to be the one who had to believe it.

“I love you, love.” Derek whispered quietly, and Titch’s fingers dug into his sides. As though he were going to disappear. As though by saying it once he had already doomed their combined existence. “And I am happy here, with you. And James, James comes back here, to our little village, as often as he can. Because he loves you, too.”

Titch might not have believed it, but Derek knew it was true. The younger man's brother adored his big brother, and skipped hanging out with his teammates to come home and spend time with Titch. Playing football and visiting Old Lady Margaery, inviting them out to dinner because he could. Because he'd found something he was good at, something he could show off to his brother, and he loved that.

Derek had spent many a nights with the younger Jones brother, talking about Titch. About how much Jamie craved his approval. About how much he missed his brother when he was gone. About how he wished his brother looked at himself the way he looked at James. They had built a friendship over the last three years, a simple bond of camaraderie against Titch, that blossomed during family board game nights, or turned into a competition during his birthday. 

Derek's shirt was growing suspiciously wet, but he continued on, unbothered, hand stroking his boyfriend's hair. “And I know, I know there's not much I can say to get you to believe me. But I promise ,” He pressed a kiss to Titch's hair and pulled back, taking his hands.

Titch’s eyes were red, but he looked up, met Derek’s gaze. “I promise that I will never leave you.” He reached forward with a smile, tucking a lock of that perfect blond hair behind his ear. “No matter the distance, no matter the time, no matter how long or how old we are.” He leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to Titch’s lips. His boyfriend reached up, standing on his tiptoes, hands moving to cup his face as he longed for the kiss, moving forward greedily, soaking up the affection. But Derek pulled away, forced him to look.

“I will find you in every universe.” He promised. “You’re never getting rid of me, Love. Never.”

[lonelytundramother]

I Would Always Wait For You

A PureCacao fic

———————————————————————

A Promise of the Past

Pure Vanilla certainly had not had luck on his side on the cold, dark day that Dark Cacao was to be crowned King.

To start his lovely day off, he had to stumble his way through the snowy streets of the Cacao Kingdom, trying to get to the seamstress’s shop before it closed for the ceremony. It would not have been a necessary trip if he had not underestimated just how cold the kingdom would be during his visit. Truly, he had been lucky to have arrived just before the door had been locked. He had made sure to pay the lady quite a bit more than what the simple, soft, and warm purple coat had cost, if only to ease his own mind for being a bother.

After that, he had to rush his way to the only tavern that was still open to get breakfast. He had almost forgotten about the meal, just like how he frequently forgot to eat many of his other meals. He wouldn’t have even dealt with grabbing something to eat if it were not for the fact that he had promised the soon-to-be King Dark Cacao that he would eat three meals a day during his stay in the Cacao Kingdom. Pure Vanilla hated to break promises and Dark Cacao had very well known that when he had made him promise.

Then he had to deal with the pain of his staff getting in the way of everyone as he tried to make it back to the Citadel in time to see his friend crowned. He felt bad for having to take up so much space while roaming about, but he truly could not help it at all. He needed his staff to see and he could not give it up just to not be a bother. He’s sure that the crowd would understand if he were to tell them.

Despite all of that, he made it to the coronation a few minutes before it started. He pushed his way to the front of the crowd, going to stand with the rest of his friends who had come to see their dear Dark Cacao be crowned.

Hollyberry had this aura about the situation that screamed joy and Pure Vanilla faintly heard her plans about how she planned to get Dark Cacao to drink some berry juice with her. He saw how Golden Cheese was leaning against Hollyberry, encouraging her plans and adding her own input every so often.

To the side, White Lily anxiously held onto her own staff. Pure Vanilla knew that she was also happy for their friend, but he also knew that she must have been overwhelmed by the crowds. She had always been the more introverted between the two of them and probably did not enjoy having to be around this intense and joyous crowd, even if she was also full of joy. Pure Vanilla would not be surprised if she decided to retire to bed early tonight.

He noticed how the crowds suddenly silenced around him, Hollyberry and Golden Cheese joining them in said silence. The ceremony must be starting then.

He moved his staff to have the eye directly looking at the stage where Dark Cacao would be crowned, catching sight of Dark Cacao on the stage. He looked utterly divine at the moment. He wore deep purple robes, intricate designs of two dragons on the shoulders on the said robes. In his hands, the soon-to-be King held his sword, gleaming in the sunlight that had decided to grace this beautiful day. He looked the part of a powerful and cunning king, and if Pure Vanilla were to be honest, he must say that he thought the look was a nice one on Dark Cacao. He pulled it off well.

The coronation ended up taking no more than two hours with how insistent Dark Cacao seemed to be about getting out of the public eye as quickly as feasibly possible. He had given a large speech to the kingdom, but Pure Vanilla had not paid too much attention to it, much more intent on just watching Dark Cacao’s movements and smiling when he realized the other kept glancing at him. He loved the glances they stole from each other, no matter the situation.

Now that the coronation was over and Dark Cacao was officially a king, the public was gone, having been sent to return to their normal lives. It was now just their group of friends and them alone, celebrating the achievement of Dark Cacao’s. They had been celebrating for hours by this point. Hollyberry was as drunk as could be while Golden Cheese was clinging to her in her own tipsiness. The only one of the girls that hadn’t had anything to drink was White Lily and that was prevalent as Pure Vanilla watched in amusement as White Lily tried to get the other two to drink some water and sober up a little. He remembers at some point earlier in the night, Hollyberry had even gotten Dark Cacao to drink a glass of berry juice. Truly, an accomplishment he knew the woman would never live down.

Pure Vanilla was broken out of his thoughts when he felt the broad and calloused hand of Dark Cacao gently grasp his shoulder. The eye on his staff moved to look at him, giving him sight of his companion he held so very dear. He looked to be deep in thought, a hint of deep sorrow gracing his features. He wondered what was on the other’s mind.

“… Pure Vanilla, my friend. Would you be so kind as to accompany me to the balcony for a moment so we may talk alone?” Dark Cacao asked in that way that was so distinctly him.

Pure Vanilla couldn’t help but smile and nod. “Of course, my dearest friend. Please, lead the way.”

He heard the other let out a grunt of acknowledgement and gently grab his hand, holding it with a gentleness only Pure Vanilla knew from him as they walked to the balcony attached to Dark Cacao’s bedroom; the one that overlooked his friend’s frigid kingdom.

When they finally stood out on the balcony, they let the silence grace them for a few moments, taking in the serenity of it all; the quietness. In all honesty, the silence made him miss his own kingdom in the moment.

It was Dark Cacao who finally broke the silence of the moment. “Pure Vanilla, you are aware that I love you, correct?”

“I am aware of that, yes. I love you too.”

“And I hope you are aware that I hold that fact dear to my heart. Your love is dear to me. And it is our love—specifically my love for you—that has made me be able to make the hard decision that I cannot marry you. Not now.” Dark Cacao spoke softly.

Pure Vanilla finally realized why the other had seemed sorrowful earlier as sorrow came over him at the other’s words. He had always wanted to marry the Cacaoian King and he did not understand why the other would ever say they shouldn’t marry, but he would do his best to respect and understand the decision. “… I see. I understand, Dark Cacao.”

“… no, you don’t, my dearest. Let me help you understand. Do not mistake my words. I want to marry you; to call you my one and only; to know you are my husband. But in good conscience, I cannot do that.”

“Why not, Cacao?”

“Because in the end, it would make you unhappy. You thrive in the sun that the Vanilla Kingdom gifts you with. With just one week here, it is easy to see how miserable you would be living here, my love. It is dark and cold and gloomy. While you might be able to live here peacefully alongside me, you would not enjoy a second of it. You could not live here happily and I know this well. So out of my utter adoration for you, I will not curse you to a fate of being a dove in a golden cage. You are still the only one I love, but I cannot marry you right now.” The other spoke with a passion only Pure Vanilla was used to, holding his hands firmly yet gently.

“… I hate when you’re right.” He sighed, a light stream of tears starting to fall from his eyes. “… Will you ever marry me? Or are we fated to be friends and nothing more?…”

“… no. I will marry you one day, that I promise you.” Dark Cacao reassured, letting go of his hands to reach into the pocket of his robes and pull out a stunning ring. It looked like it was made of the same materials as his crown.

“I thought you just said you weren’t marrying me, Cacao?” He chuckled, a smile gracing his face.

The other gave him a smile in return. “I’m not. Not right now. This ring… it is my promise to you. My promise is that the moment I no longer rule the Cacao Kingdom, I will come to the Vanilla Kingdom and marry you, if you still want me by the time that day comes…”

Pure Vanilla looked at the ring for a long while before he finally took it from the other, sliding it onto his ring finger. “I believe that I am willing to wait as long as it takes for you, my dear.”

“And for that, I am more than glad.” He sighed, gently caressing Pure Vanilla’s face. “… Will you spend the night with me?”

“Of course.” Pure Vanilla sighed, leaning into his touch.

As they fell asleep together that night, their limbs entangled together, Pure Vanilla dearly prayed that it would not take forever for that promise of his lover’s to be fulfilled.

Fulfillment of a Promise

So far, nothing special had happened on the warm and bright day in the Vanilla Kingdom and Pure Vanilla was quite content with that. A peaceful day was always better than one that had a handful of bad surprises or conflict. A day of peace was a necessity for many, especially for him. He relished in the peace that he had not had for so long. Though, he wishes he could be enjoying this peace with Dark Cacao at the moment.

It had been a few months since they had defeated Dark Enchantress, returning White Lily to her former self, as well as having defeated the Beasts and having started the Beast Rehabilitation Program. While some of the other Ancients had protested heavily against it, Pure Vanilla had suggested it in hopes of letting the Beasts see the light of the world once more. In fact, he had been the only Ancient to vote in favor of it at first. It had taken quite a lot of convincing to get any of the other Ancients on board, but he had gotten their approval in the end.

Warmth filled his heart as he thought about how well the Beasts were doing with the rehabilitation program. With their halves of the Soul Jams having been revoked, the vices that filled the Beasts had all but vanished. They were readjusting to life quite well, even if it wasn’t the life they had once known. Despite how happy he was for the Beasts, a part of him envied Shadow Milk slightly. The Beast that once had been his counterpart had recently gotten married to Burning Spice, the lover that Shadow Milk was attached to more than life itself. Pure Vanilla wishes that he had a marriage of his own to celebrate. He thought him and Dark Cacao would’ve been married by now. He was beginning to tire of waiting. After everything he had been through—everything they had been through together—he had foolishly hoped Dark Cacao may be willing to pass down his kingdom and fulfill his promise. He would continue to hold onto that foolish hope, as no one but the King of the Cacao Kingdom would ever have his heart.

Pure Vanilla sighed and shook his head, banishing those thoughts away. Now was not the time for such thoughts. He should be enjoying the peaceful day life had decided to give him, especially since it was one of the first ones he had gotten in ages.

He ended up deciding to spend most of his day with the calm presence of Mystic Flour. The former Beast had politely asked him to help her shop for a new wardrobe as she was tired of wearing the same set of robes everyday that reminded her of what she had done. When he had asked why she wanted his help in the matter, she had merely told him that his style was similar enough to hers before her fall and that she wanted to return to that style of clothing, which he could not fault her for.

They had been in the middle of clothes shopping for her when Black Raisin came speeding into the shop, immediately approaching him. “Pure Vanilla, when will you be returning back to the palace?”

“I am not sure, my young friend. Why do you ask?” He curiously inquired, tilting his head.

“Dark Cacao has arrived in the kingdom and wishes to speak with you in the Royal Garden at your soonest convenience. Dark Choco has not accompanied him.”

Now, that was certainly odd. Dark Cacao had not said that he would be visiting the Vanilla Kingdom anytime soon. Pure Vanilla had not been expecting a visit anytime soon either, considering his most recent letters with his dearest had vaguely stated he was dealing with a very important political matter at the moment. It made him worry that something had happened and he needed his help.

“You should go. Do not fret about leaving me so suddenly. You have been a big help today and I am grateful. While I would enjoy more time with you, it seems your company is desperately needed somewhere else.” Mystic Flour chimed in, a knowing smile on her face. Did she know what was going on? Now that he thought about it, the look on Black Raisin’s face was suspicious as well.

He gave her a nod and a smile in return. “Thank you. I’ll see you later, friend.”

The former Beast of Apathy merely nodded in return, her smile growing wider.

Pure Vanilla’s mind raced as he walked back to the palace, wondering what in the world Dark Cacao was doing here.

When he arrived in the Royal Garden, he saw his dearest standing there, though he looked different than usual. He was wearing formal robes, fancier than even the ones he had worn on his coronation day. His hair was done up in a way that made Pure Vanilla swoon like a schoolboy over his crush. His sword was laid off to the side. But most surprisingly, Dark Cacao no longer was wearing his crown. Pure Vanilla found it odd.

“While it is nice seeing you here, I am quite shocked by your surprise visit. What is the occasion?” He softly spoke, now standing behind his love.

Dark Cacao turned around to look at him, a small smile gracing his beautiful features. “I bring good news, that is all. I wanted to tell you about it face to face, Pure Vanilla.”

“Oh? And what is this good news, my dearest friend?”

“Dark Choco had his coronation a week ago. He is now king of the Cacao Kingdom.”

A feeling of excitement filled his being. Their son was king of the Cacao Kingdom now. That meant Dark Cacao no longer was king. Was his waiting finally over? Had his dearest finally come to fulfill his promise that he made oh so many years ago?

Dark Cacao seemed to notice his excitement as his smile only grew wider.

Pure Vanilla thought he might explode with joy right then and there as he saw his dearest get on one knee and start to passionately speak. “Pure Vanilla, my dearest love, I have kept you waiting long enough. I am here to fulfill my promise that I made to you all those years ago, if you will still have me. I am here to ask that you give me your hand in marriage and make me the happiest being to ever exist.”

“Yes! By the Witches, yes! I will marry you, Dark Cacao!” He exclaimed in pure happiness, abandoning his staff and tackling his lover.

Dark Cacao swiftly caught him, the widest of grins on his face. He gently caressed Pure Vanilla as he led him into the sweetest of kisses, happiness seeping from both of their very beings.

His waiting was finally over. He finally would get to marry the love of his life.

A Royal Wedding

“Shadow Milk, I truly do not need this much makeup on my face!” Pure Vanilla protested as the former Beast continued to do his makeup.

“Nonsense! It is your special day, silly Vanilly! You deserve to look as divine as I can make you look!” He scoffed, floating a thing of lipstick over to them. “Plus, your makeup is actually pretty lightweight. I just enhanced your natural features. Like I said, it’s your special day and you deserve to look good.”

“Yes, I suppose, but…”

“Shut it. No ifs, ands, or buts about it, Vanilly! My word is final on this matter!” He huffed and carefully applied his lipstick. “There, now your makeup is done. We just gotta get your hair done within the next hour and you’ll be all ready to meet your soon-to-be husband at the end of the aisle!”

“I will take it from here.” Mystic Flour hummed, approaching them with a calm look. “Now, Shadow Milk, you should take your leave. Go get in your outfit for the event so we may celebrate this union with the others.”

“If you insist, Mysti!” The former Beast of Deceit chuckled before disappearing.

Once he was gone, Mystic Flour looked at Pure Vanilla and spoke with assurance. “You are nervous.”

“Of course I’m nervous. This is the biggest day of my life that I have been waiting for too long for. I am finally marrying him after all this time.” He sighed, a soft smile on his face.

“It is expected that you are nervous. It is fine as well. I merely meant to tease you, my friend. Ease your nerves a bit.”

“… I appreciate that, Mystic.”

“Do not mention it. Now, relax and let me get your hair ready. Shadow Milk was right about making you look your best for your wedding day.” She hummed, starting to work on his hair.

It took her until fifteen minutes before the ceremony for her to finish his hair. As he looked in the mirror, he couldn’t help but admire himself. This was the best he had ever looked and would probably ever look. They had done a good job in making him look his best. All of his friends had been such a big help on this day and he could not appreciate them more than he did at that moment.

He watched as Mystic Flour left the room, having said something about giving him a moment to himself before the ceremony. He wasn’t completely sure, but he did appreciate the gesture.

To think, just a few months ago, he would’ve told himself he was foolish for thinking Dark Cacao would fulfill the promise after all this time. And now, he would soon be walking down that aisle towards the love of his life. It was a dream come true.

Though, a small part of him worried that Dark Cacao might regret fulfilling his promise. He knew it was foolish thought on his part, but he couldn’t help but worry about every possible thing. It had always been one of his biggest flaws, in his opinion.

It wasn’t much longer before he heard a knocking at the door to his dressing room. He called out to them to come in. He watched as the door opened, revealing Hollyberry and Golden Cheese in the fanciest attire they must’ve owned. Golden Cheese gave him a smug grin, her wings giving a little twitch.

“Come on, loverboy. It’s time for you to walk down that aisle and kill it!”

“As my birdie said, it’s time, Pure Vanilla. Go be the most stunning groom to ever walk down the aisle. Go and stun your husband with your beauty!”

He merely chuckled, smiling. “Alright, alright. I’ll be right behind you, my friends.”

He grabbed his staff from beside him and followed his friends as they led him out of his dressing room and to the entrance of the building where he would marry his beloved.

As the doors were opened, his sight landed on Dark Cacao at the end of the aisle. He wore robes of a rich blue color, the same colors as Pure Vanilla’s eyes. The sight made him fall in love all over again. He looked stunning. He looked perfect. Pure Vanilla couldn’t believe how lucky he was to be marrying that man.

He fell even deeper in love when Dark Cacao finally looked upon him. He saw how the other looked at him in pure, devoted adoration. He swore the other had a tear or two in his eye from looking at him.

When he reached the end of the aisle and finally stood at the altar with Dark Cacao, his lover leaned in and whispered. “You look as beautiful as ever, my dear.”

“The same goes for you, my love.” He whispered back quickly.

The ceremony soon proceeded on, their friends cheering them on in support.

And when they were finally permitted to kiss each other as husbands, Pure Vanilla melted into the kiss, knowing that everything was how it should be. He didn’t regret a single thing that had led up to this moment. He was so glad he had waited for Dark Cacao like he had always planned.

He would always wait for him.

[lonewolflupe]

I stumbled upon this during work but wanted to take the time for a proper reply, so now that I’m home and sat myself down behind my laptop, fasten your seatbelt because here I go (:

First of all, and I need you to listen carefully because this is very important: Tumblr needs the enjoyers. Because there’s nothing more encouraging to creators than reblogs and comments. Whether it’s a small novel, some tags, a keyboard smash (like aldfjadlkfjasdklfjdskalfjsadklf) or simply some heart emojis or reaction images to tell a creator how much you love their content, this is what keeps us going. This is what feeds our motivation to keep on creating, to come up with new content, because we know there’s a hungry crowd out there (even if it’s always the same 2 or 3 people), ready to devour your content.

BUT 

You can be both an enjoyer AND a creator <3

And this reply is not about me but I’d like to use myself as an example here to give you the courage you need to start becoming a contributor, hopefully, and only if you want to of course (because no pressure!!). But I’ve always been a bit of a loner, never really fitting in anywhere. I haven’t really felt at home somewhere until I stumbled into the Tumblr clone community, and now I don’t want to return to any prior or new hyperfixation ever again, between us. This place is wild, it’s unhinged, and people go feral over either very mundane things or the weirdest kark you’ve ever seen/heard. But I’ve never felt more welcome in any community.

And to be honest, it took me about 10 weeks after creating my Tumblr account before I found the courage to start interacting at all, but boy am I glad I did. Most people here are really nice, and of course everyone has their favourites and niches, but you’ll find the place where you belong. I only played the Republic Commando game for the first time ever last month (damn was it April?!? Feels like the brainrot has been there for much longer, what), and yes it’s a niche, but the other Tumblr RepComm simps have been nothing but kind and encouraging to me (and hyping me up to create even more content, haha, thanks vode).

Last thing about my own experience I’d like to share is that a year ago, I didn’t even draw humans. I think I had just started writing fanfiction? I’ve enjoyed drawing my whole life but always tried to evade drawing humans, because I just couldn’t? But I started drawing clones and my Jedi OC after joining Tumblr and I think I’m allowed to say I’ve grown so much over the months. So I’d like to say: just go for it. If you want to create, go create. Maybe it isn’t great at first, but that’s okay. You have to start somewhere! And if it’s something you enjoy, you’ll keep doing it, and you’ll keep getting better and better.

And it will be daunting to share stuff, I know it is, but we’ve all been there. We all started somewhere. And to be fair, I still find it scary to share some content I create, and I know artists/writers way way more skilled than I am still find this scary too, sometimes. We’re only human. But most important is to enjoy the process, to have fun whilst creating. You’re doing this for yourself in the first place!

And I don't know if I even have any impact in this community; we’re all just part of the big (Republic) cog. But there will always be people out there who’ll like your content, who’ll encourage you to keep going, and you’ll gain a bit of confidence every time you share something new.

Whoops, very long story short: please go share your Deltas and your squad. Post your art, post your fics, share your headcanons. Enjoy your journey, notice your progress, make friends!! This space is wild, but it’s our Wild Space, and we’re here to encourage everyone with a love for clones. No, you’re not too ‘new’ to start sharing content. Today’s the day to start showing us what you’ve got! And remember to have funnnnnnn <3

Did you ever feel to "new" in a fandom to produce content? People have created so much fanon and hc stuff and I'm sitting here and thinking "oh, well, people will hate the way I see a character". I love the Deltas. But I'm not sure someone will like my Deltas. Also I have created my own squad and I don't know if anyone would like them. Everyone is writing and drawing so much amazing stuff...