#they are not great for living in past a year or two

[sylvia-und-sybille]

💯 [100] How many words does your WIP currently have? How many words do you hope it’ll have when it’s done? 639 words :(

⌛️ [Hourglass] How long have you been working on this WIP? 10 days.

📚 [Books] Is this WIP part of a series or standalone? Standalone.

🎀 [Bow] How many named characters are in this WIP? How many do get a POV? OTP, 2nd character's son (briefly), a man related to a public event (briefly.)

💖 [Heart] What is your favorite moment in this WIP? How well age-gap couple was received by a man related to a public event. ("Your relationship is precious. Keep up supporting each other."

🎶 [Notes] Do you have any other WIP related things, like moodboards, character portraits, playlists or similar? It can happen in 0.001% of cases (if, then fanfictions only.)

📖 [Open Book] What form do you want this WIP to take when it’s done? Posted, printed, published, etc? Posted only.

🐀 [Rat] Name three reasons why this WIP is great at being insert genre here. (You can send a genre, or let the recipient pick one.) Romance as it's about a lot of love (as in every fanfiction about them.)

🐁[Mouse] Name three reasons why this WIP is horrible at being insert genre here. (You can send a genre, or let the recipient pick one.) Humour. Unfortunately, no funny moments.

🔎 [Magnifier] Is there a phrase/word you know you use too often? Will you change it in editing? Unfortunately, I use the same phrases from other fanfictions | original stories. When there's nothing better, I keep it as is.

🍖 [Meat] How many fictional people were harmed in the making of this WIP? EVERY SINGLE of my fanfictions & original stories has happy end (unless past when I wanted to write about harm done to or defeat of a bad or unpleasant character.) Zero harm in this case.

🌈 [Rainbow] If at the beginning of your WIP the characters knew about the end, would they kill you to stop you from writing it? No. Zero drama, uncomfortable moments etc.

‍🎨 [Palette] If your WIP was a color, which color would it be? Rainbow, as they deserve.

🍩 [Donut] What’s the weirdest thing someone eats in your WIP? What’s the best thing? No food or drinks are mentioned.

🔒 [Lock] Would you let your family, friends, or other people you know in real life read your WIP? No, and I almost don't know people in real life. Yes, I'm so called "live under a rock."

🖋️ [Pen] Describe your WIP in a single, terrible sentence. A couple is forced to kids publicly, but they don't object.

❌ [Cross] What would your WIP get cancelled on Twitter for? Two women with 20± years age gap (younger one is 18,) and they're a couple already, which can and DOES mean they had got together when the younger one was below 18.🥰 Go to Hell, haters.

Random WIP Ask Game

💯 [100] How many words does your WIP currently have? How many words do you hope it'll have when it's done?

⌛️ [Hourglass] How long have you been working on this WIP?

📚 [Books] Is this WIP part of a series or standalone?

🎀 [Bow] How many named characters are in this WIP? How many do get a POV?

💖 [Heart] What is your favorite moment in this WIP?

🎶 [Notes] Do you have any other WIP related things, like moodboards, character portraits, playlists or similar?

📖 [Open Book] What form do you want this WIP to take when it's done? Posted, printed, published, etc?

🐀 [Rat] Name three reasons why this WIP is great at being insert genre here. (You can send a genre, or let the recipient pick one.)

🐁[Mouse] Name three reasons why this WIP is horrible at being insert genre here. (You can send a genre, or let the recipient pick one.)

🔎 [Magnifier] Is there a phrase/word you know you use too often? Will you change it in editing?

🍖 [Meat] How many fictional people were harmed in the making of this WIP?

🌈 [Rainbow] If at the beginning of your WIP the characters knew about the end, would they kill you to stop you from writing it?

‍🎨 [Palette] If your WIP was a color, which color would it be?

🍩 [Donut] What's the weirdest thing someone eats in your WIP? What's the best thing?

🔒 [Lock] Would you let your family, friends, or other people you know in real life read your WIP?

🖋️ [Pen] Describe your WIP in a single, terrible sentence.

❌ [Cross] What would your WIP get cancelled on Twitter for?

[soleilapproves]

Boxer!Sukuna often thinks about what his future would’ve looked like if he didn’t pick his career over you. (inspired by Sienna by The Marías) afab!reader

The idea of what could’ve been keeps burning in his mind. It’s been burning for years, ever since that day he left you behind with your eyes brimming with tears and heart torn in two.

But he had to move forward. He fell in love with the sport before he fell in love with you.

It was all too late to go back and contemplate over the decision again. Uraume had already popped the good champagne and his friends were busy dancing and boisterously laughing inside his penthouse, celebrating the biggest win of his career. All while the champion was standing in the empty balcony, gazing at the glittering streets as the sun set.

His rise to fame was a treacherous yet rewarding journey. He was proud but he was also empty. Maybe if he had just stuck around and suffered a little longer with you then you would’ve been standing next to him today, clinking your flute with his, and laughing at his romantic and flirtatious remarks. He probably could’ve kissed you right after winning the fight and flaunted your ring to the world to announce his retirement after his final win.

Maybe you both would even have a little one being carried around in his brother’s arms for the night. A child too spoilt and adorable for their own good. Maybe they’d have your eyes. Or his—he doesn’t really care. Simply knowing that the child was a product of the love you both shared was enough to fill him with the happiness of multiple lifetimes.

Much to his chagrin, there was no veracity to his dream.

On the other side of the world, you stared at the rising sun as you thought about the past and the upcoming years of your life. How different they were. You came so far. Made so many developments.

Yet your heart still quickens when you remember your first great love, Sukuna Ryomen.

Like most love stories, it was a whirlwind of a romance. A passion felt like no other. It consumed you till you blindly believed that you were a part of his existence. His existence revolved around making you happy. He even said so, often kissing you like you were going to fade away.

But all good things must end.

You thought your life was going to stop when he bid his final goodbye. You slowly learned to get back up on your feet again, picking up the pieces that he broke.

Your heart was bandaged, and a little guarded, but you still welcomed love for you were full of it and had so much to give. A pattern you were willing to repeat.

The diamond on your finger sparkles when the sunlight hits it, bringing your gaze down to where your hand was resting on the window pane.

You often felt guilty when your fiancé talked about children with an enthusiastic hilt in his voice. While he’d revel on about how he’ll spoil the child, you were busy concealing your true thoughts.

Thoughts that made you feel horribly guilty.

What would’ve happened if you had just fought for Sukuna’s love a little harder, latched on to his legs as your scabby knees dragged across the ground as he walked away?

Maybe you’d already have a child in your arms. Your heart often swells whenever you ponder over an imaginary child with Sukuna’s temper. Tiny lips forming a pout with the most expressive eyes ever.

Lately that child has been living in your mind more often than not, making you long for them with their haunting laugh and toothless smiles.

But you know you’ll never see them. Or him for that matter. You’ve put that part of reality away in a box and shoved it deep in the back of your mind so you’ll never forget it.

And so you can be fair to your fiancé who loves you more than you know.

The only thing that gives you solace is the possible existence of alternate universes—different microcosms of the life you could’ve shared with Sukuna Ryomen had he not given you up like you were a fickle thought.

—

I know I said I wanted to get out of the boxer!sukuna bubble but I was having major writer’s block with my sentient game character ghost fic and this drabble just pulled me out of it 👍

[seat-safety-switch]

Where I live, it's hard to go out for a run in the middle of a bitterly cold winter. You still need to getyoursteps though. Or you'll die. Two kinds of people emerge from this necessity: treadmill people, and mall people. Unfortunately, the habitat for the latter types is quickly becoming extinct, and the remaining malls are bursting at the seams with joggers, walkers, strollers, and stroller-pushers. That's why the government hired me.

My project? To design the ultimate mall for people who were only at the mall in order to gettheirsteps. As a species, we've evolved past the requirement to go to a retail store and interact with another human being in order to buy things. So instantly we thought: just make a giant loop, put some furnaces in it, and good to go. No. The mind, it turns out, craves the artifice of a shopping mall.

There's precedent for this. One of the interns dug up this picture from the 4th century where a bunch of peasant children had drawn in the dirt a very realistic floorplan of the Mall of America, despite it not actually being built for nearly a couple thousand years. Come to think of it, it's a little weird there's a photograph of this. Maybe we'll have to talk to the boys down in Time Dilation Central. It's a good walk to that office. I can getmysteps.

Anyway, the project evolved at that point. We installed a bunch of mall stores selling tchotchkes that nobody would ever want. Sixteen cell phone stores. Three different places selling memory-foam mattresses. At one point, we even added a food court, but this made the health department really upset. Explaining to them that this was all artifice didn't dissuade them. Don't they know we're trying to make a place where we can getoursteps and don't have time to satisfy every little requirement about a "vent hood?" Nobody would be stupid enough to actually eat at any of these places if they were trying to stay healthy. Turns out, our first week, some dude rolled up to the New York Fries and bought a poutine for after his walk. When our scientists (in disguise: wearing hoodies over their lab coats) asked him about it, he said simply that he was "bulking."

Now, we all know what happened near the end of the project. When they heard that we had a viable place for legal human experimentation, these guys from the CIA moved right in. Started all these crazy experiments, like giving monkeys a pedometer to see if they'd want to gettheirsteps too. Adding a button where you could shock people who were walking too slowly in front of you. Turning the loop into a figure-eight so you had to dodge incoming joggers while you were trying to jog. I'd deny any responsibility for it, except those spy bastards hit a vein of gold. The Great Plains Mall is now the most successful indoor running track in history. They're gonna have the Olympics there next week. And I'll be there, getting my steps.

[axetivev]

🌹 Love of My Life...

~ Summary : Jason and Y/N have been dating for 3 years. Others might say it's rushed. But Jason has other plans on their date other than being a simple "Valentine's".

~ Warnings/Genre : Fluff! (No spoilers for you~!)

~ Words : 749

~ A/N : This is the first fic for the Valentine's special! I forget if I've mentioned it. But hey, Jason fans—nations. Enjoy this fic!! And also. Happy Valentines day!!

~ Pairing : Jason Todd x Male!Reader.

Click here for Dick Valentine's!

Y/N, a male who was known to be outgoing, maybe a little now and then he absolutely despise talking with people and easily anxious. But hey, he’s still a great guy! Unlike his… boyfriend, his boyfriend of 3 years. Jason Todd who never enjoy talking with people, it irritats him if someone looked at him—his old visible wounds showing thanks to his traumatizing past. The way people would look at him with pity annoys the living hell out of him.

But Y/N isn’t that type, he was rather understanding. He wouldn’t and never forced Jason to do something he hates. And Jason knew that everything was alright if Y/N was around, and he would hold his hand like he was a fragile being, loving Y/N with everything he has. Don’t forget to mention the fact that Jason loved to spoil his lover.

Y/N could just laying on bed, in Jason’s apartment. Scrolling through his phone to find a book. Marking it as favorite and the next morning? Boom! The book was right in front of his house when he didn’t came to Jason’s place. He simply wanted to spoil him if he had the money.

Even one time, on Valentine’s day, Friday. The couple went to an arcade. Filled by endless machines of toys and some of the visitors gasping seeing Jason, the second adoptive child of Bruce Wayne who randomly came into an arcade with a red hoodie and army colored pants. While Y/N, his boyfriend, wearing a white shirt, gray pants and some accessories of course Jason brought for him. And their height difference is quite surprising side by side, but to those aside. Both men were having fun playing some games. Even getting two huge bear plushies, one with black hair with a streak of white while the other is just Y/N’s hair color. They’ll walk together around the mall while again, people looking at them. Jason held the teddies even after Y/N offered to carry them. This sight obviously made Y/N worried.

“I don’t want you to carry them… people might thought I’m a gold digger!” Y/N exclaimed with his voice barely a whisper. Looking at Jason who just smirked.

“Oh c’mon babe, out of everything you worried about that? You’re such an overthinker, my handsomely cute overthinker.” Jason teased, which made Y/N blushed, but before he could continue. Jason added. “How about dinner? It’s on me.”

At the end, they were eating in a fancy restaurant. Seriously! This man needs to stop, but who would? His family already told him to but it. It didn’t worked, never worked actually. He would literally use the whole universe’s money to spoil his boyfriend, honestly. He doesn’t care.

“Ah, babe… I have a surprise for you.” Jason broke the silence between them with a smirk, oh boy. Y/N could feel something could go wrong.

“And what would it be?” He asked, pausing cutting his steak mid-air, he raised an eyebrow with suspicion. But before a word came out, Jason pushed a small red box to the table. Y/N heart stopped for a split second.

With trembling hands, Y/N slowly opened the box, his face immediately flushed red. Not from embarrassment or his anxiety, he covered his face while the diamond on the ring shined brightly. Blinding his eyes from years of love.

“Y’know, people said Valentine’s day is a special day for love. So; would you marry me, Y/N L/N?” Jason proposed.

Y/N swallowed a lump of his throat, peaking between his fingers, he said a silent—yes. Thought Jason could hear it. Why not tease him?

“What’s that? C’mon darling. Say it louder~”

“You damn bastard… I said yes!!”

Well, since Jason booked the restaurant exclusively for them two, the staff from the distance cried while quietly clapping their hands, Jason rose from his seat. Placing his hand on the back of Y/N head, of course he hesitated for a moment, but soon stood up. Jason then captured his lips to a deep kiss, while his arm around the other male’s waist. Refusing to let go of the kiss. It felt… magical and intimate. Very, honestly. Even after the many moments they have kissed, But eventually, their lips parted, Jason rest his head against Y/N’s forehead, his face slightly flushed while Y/N is basically red as an tomato.

“I love you so much, Y/N Todd.”

“I…I love you too, Todd.”

And the night after the date? Is just filled by endless love making inside of Jason’s apartment.

[twopoppies]

Maybe it’s just me but I think they’re still together. It might feel off to a lot of you because they’re so quiet now but you have to remember they’ve lived so much of their young lives in like… dog years. What’s normal for us has never been normal for them. They’re 31/33 now but honestly feel about 61/63. There’s nothing they’re really fighting against now and I think they’ve just accepted the industry will never change. 15 years together is great and normal. I think people believe there’s no way that’s possible is due to the current downturn of society when it comes to romance. Meaningless situationships and hyper sexuality are being popularized, leading to emotionally ineptitude and incompatibility. Commitment is a thing of the past. It’s sad really.

Yes, I agree that too many people in our fandom need constant reassurance and "signs" that they're together. Too many people focus on superficial things, like whether they spent Valentine's Day together or not. And I absolutely agree that given how long they've known each other and how much life they've lived and how much they've been through, settling in and feeling like a team is really the good part (as Harry says). But a mature, settled, long-term couple is going to look different to an observer than two newly in-love teenagers.

And boy, do I agree that it's really sad to see how many people think being with one person for such a long time is impossible to do. Emotional ineptitude. LOL! I love that.

[helvegen-s]

point of no return | epilogue

index

Pairing: Charles Leclerc x driver!OC

Summary: Love and rivalry collide on the Formula 1 circuit as Ferrari's star drivers, Astrid and Charles, push the limits of their relationship alongside the boundaries of speed. Can their love survive the pressure, or will their ambition become their downfall?

WC: 2.2k

A/N: And with this, it’s finished! I really hope you’ve enjoyed the story and the characters. Honestly, I’ve loved writing it. I’m thinking about writing some extras about Charles and Astrid, so if you have any requests, I’ll be reading them :)

Big hug xx

The press room was packed. Journalists, cameras, and microphones lined up like soldiers in a battle of questions. Astrid Whitmore sat in the center, the Ferrari emblem still on her chest for the last time.

She took a deep breath before speaking.

"After much thought, I've decided it's time to close this chapter of my career. I'm leaving Ferrari and will be joining Red Bull next season."

The murmurs were immediate. It wasn’t a secret that her relationship with the team had grown tense, but hearing it from her own lips gave it a different weight. Astrid answered a few questions with the composure that had always defined her, carefully avoiding what everyone truly wanted to know—how Charles Leclerc felt about it.

When it was over, she walked out of the room with steady steps. She knew he would be there.

Charles was leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes said too much. Astrid stopped in front of him, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

"So, it's official," he murmured, a half-smile on his lips that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

"Yes," she replied, feeling her throat tighten.

Silence settled between them again. It was strange how, after everything they had lived through, there weren’t enough words to say goodbye.

"I hope you find what you're looking for," Charles finally said.

Astrid looked away for a second before meeting his gaze again.

"And I hope you keep fighting for what you deserve."

He let out a small laugh—bitter and sincere at the same time.

"We loved each other too much, but that's not enough, is it?"

Astrid shook her head.

"No," she whispered. "But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t worth it."

Charles nodded, his eyes memorizing every detail of her, as if trying to capture her one last time.

"Take care, Astrid."

"You too, Charles."

And with that, she walked away.

The following years bore witness to her greatness.

Astrid Whitmore conquered two world titles with Red Bull, cementing her legacy in Formula 1. But one day, when she felt she had given everything she had, she decided to say goodbye to single-seaters for good.

Rally found her when she was no longer searching for glory—only pure adrenaline, the thrill without the weight of expectations. There, among dirt roads and wild landscapes, she discovered there was something beyond winning and winning.

There was freedom.

And in that freedom, Astrid Whitmore found herself again.

Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc had become much more than just a Formula 1 driver.

He was a legend. Five consecutive titles with Ferrari, records shattered, epic races forever etched into motorsport history. He had become the man Monaco idolized, his name echoing with the same weight as the greatest champions of the Scuderia.

But amidst all that success, something had always lingered. A ghost that never truly disappeared.

It was Astrid.

He couldn’t count how many times he had searched for her name online over the past five years, how many times he had read about her victories in Rally, how many times he had found himself smiling at the screen as she lifted another trophy. He had always loved watching Astrid win, even if she was no longer by his side.

What he didn’t like was the feeling that followed. That tightness in his chest, that sharp pang of nostalgia reminding him that no matter how much he moved forward, a part of him had never stopped wanting her.

The years had passed, the seasons had piled up, yet Astrid remained there—lingering in his mind, in his memories. In every race where his instincts told him to turn his head and look for her in the paddock, only to remember she wasn’t there.

Now, for the first time in a long while, the FIA was hosting its annual gala in Monaco. The night he would be crowned, once again, as world champion. And in an unexpected twist, Astrid had decided to attend.

He found out days before, when he saw her name on the guest list. His reaction was immediate—he felt the ground beneath him shift. He couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to see her after all this time. If he would still feel the same. If she would too.

The salty Mediterranean air mixed with the scent of freshly brewed coffee as Astrid walked through the streets of Monaco. It had been five years since she last set foot in this city, and yet, everything felt familiar. She had arrived a few days before the gala, taking the time to wander through streets filled with buried memories.

Monaco had been her home. She had loved living here, getting lost in its alleys, driving through its roads with the sea on one side and cliffs on the other. But what she remembered most was that, in every corner, there was a piece of Charles.

They had shared a life here. The memory of those years was imprinted on every restaurant they used to visit, every bench where they had sat talking about everything and nothing, every late-night stroll when the world’s noise faded, leaving only them.

Astrid didn’t regret moving on, finding her own path. But being here stirred something inside her she hadn’t expected.

She had no plan when she stepped into that café. She only wanted a break, a quiet moment before the gala.

What she didn’t expect was to find him there.

Charles.

He was sitting alone, a cup of coffee in his hand, a folded newspaper on the table. She hadn’t seen him in years, but the moment their eyes met, time collapsed in on itself.

He saw her too. And by the way his body tensed, she knew the surprise was mutual.

Astrid stood at the door, her heart a storm in her chest. She couldn’t help but take him in—the way the years had treated him. He looked older, more mature… and somehow even more handsome. But what hit her the hardest was the emotion in his eyes. The same one she had seen the last time they said goodbye.

Charles, on the other hand, felt like the air had been stolen from his lungs. There she was. So different, yet so much the same. Her hair a little longer, her posture more at ease, her eyes reflecting something new—peace.

She looked at peace.

Something inside him broke and healed at the same time.

"Hi," Astrid whispered.

Charles felt like a teenager again, words stuck in his throat, a foolish smile creeping onto his lips.

"Can I sit with you?" Astrid asked with a small smile, trying to ignore the avalanche of emotions crashing over her.

Charles nodded without thinking.

They sat across from each other, as if five years hadn’t passed.

At first, the conversation was light. They talked about racing, titles, how life had taken them down such different paths. Astrid told him about Rally, how much she enjoyed it, how she had found something in it she had never felt in Formula 1.

"It’s not just about winning, Charles. It’s not just about proving I’m the best. It’s… something more. I don’t know how to explain it."

He listened in silence, absorbing every word. He had always loved hearing her talk passionately about racing.

"You look happy," he finally said.

Astrid met his gaze and nodded.

"I am."

And it was true.

But then Charles lowered his eyes to his coffee and murmured,

"I always knew you’d find something to love as much as Formula 1. Though… I would have liked to be part of it."

Astrid felt her heart clench.

"We hurt each other… but we never stopped loving each other," she whispered.

Charles looked up at her, his gaze intense, stealing her breath.

"No," he answered. "And I don’t think we ever really stopped."

This time, the silence between them was different. Not uncomfortable, not painful. Just… full of possibilities.

Astrid leaned slightly forward, holding her cup with both hands.

"Are you scared?"

Charles let out a small laugh, a mix of disbelief and resignation.

"Yes."

"Me too."

And in that moment, they understood something they had perhaps always known: that what had once separated them no longer existed. That life had changed them, made them grow, and that maybe, just maybe, this time they could make it work.

Charles took a breath and, with a lopsided smile, said:

"Maybe this time..."

Astrid set her cup down on the saucer and held his gaze.

"Maybe."

And for the first time in seven years, the future no longer seemed uncertain.

Monaco had always had a special magic at night. The city lights reflected on the water, the echo of music floating in the air, the feeling that, in that small corner of the world, time stood still.

Astrid felt it that night more than ever.

The gala had been a whirlwind of greetings, conversations, and reunions. She was surprised by how much she had missed some people, how much affection she still felt for the family she had built in Formula 1. But even in the midst of it all, a part of her never stopped being aware of his presence.

Charles.

From across the room, in the middle of endless congratulations and impromptu interviews, he was looking for her too. Their eyes met so many times she lost count. At first, it was almost a game. A fleeting glance here, a lingering one there. But soon, it stopped being a game and became something more. A reminder that no matter how many years had passed, no matter how much their lives had changed… they still gravitated toward each other.

Now, back in her room, Astrid let out a sigh. She slipped off her heels, letting them drop to the floor with a soft thud, and collapsed onto the bed, her eyes fixed on the ceiling.

She couldn’t ignore it anymore.

She couldn’t ignore how her heart had raced when she saw him at the café. How her stomach tightened every time she caught him looking at her at the gala. How, despite everything, he was still Charles.

She turned on her phone and unlocked it without thinking too much. Her thumb hovered over the screen for a second before she finally typed:

To: Charles"Congratulations, champion. It’s been an incredible night for you."

It wasn’t enough. It was what anyone else would say. And Charles had never been just anyone to her.

She deleted the message.

She took a deep breath. Closed her eyes for a moment. Then she typed again.

To: Charles"I can’t remember the last time we spent a night in the same place without talking. It feels strange. Good night, Charles."

She hesitated for a moment, her thumb hovering over the send button. It wasn’t a groundbreaking message. It didn’t promise anything. It didn’t ask for anything.

But it was a first step.

A bridge between yesterday and tomorrow.

She sent it before she could regret it.

The phone vibrated on the nightstand. Charles wasn’t expecting any messages at that hour. His fingers, almost instinctively, reached for the device.

When he saw her name on the screen, his heart skipped a beat.

For a moment, he did nothing. He just stared at the message, allowing himself to feel everything that came with it.

"I can’t remember the last time we spent a night in the same place without talking. It feels strange. Good night, Charles."

He closed his eyes and let out a soft laugh. Of course it felt strange. All night, he had felt her close and, at the same time, out of reach. All night, his mind had drifted between the present and the past, between the urge to go to her and the fear of crossing a line they maybe shouldn’t cross.

But now, this.

A message.

Astrid had been the one to send it, the one to leave the door slightly open. And Charles wasn’t the kind of man to let an opportunity like that slip away.

He sat up in bed, leaning his back against the headboard. His fingers moved across the screen with more confidence than he actually felt.

To: Astrid"You’re right. It feels strange."

He paused. Then added:

"I don’t think we’ve ever avoided each other this much."

And he sent the message.

Just seconds later, his phone vibrated again.

Astrid:"I don’t think we’ve avoided it, Charles."

He frowned, his thumb tapping lightly against the screen.

Charles:"No? Then what have we done?"

Astrid took longer to reply this time. Charles imagined she was debating between many possible answers. And when it finally arrived, he knew he hadn’t been wrong.

Astrid:"We’ve been waiting."

Charles read it several times. His lips curled into a silent smile. Because yes, she was right.

They had waited.

To see if time would wear down what they felt. To see if the other would make the first move. To see if, after everything, there was still something left between them.

And the answer was obvious.

Charles:"And now?"

He waited. Seconds, then a minute. Until the screen lit up again.

Astrid:"Now I don’t want to wait anymore."

Charles let the phone fall onto the bed and ran a hand over his face. His smile widened, accompanied by a sigh he wasn’t sure was relief, excitement, or simple acceptance.

After years, after so many stolen glances and unspoken words, they had finally said what truly mattered.

And for the first time in a long time, the future felt like something they could write together.

[bardic-tales]

Title: Heaven

Pairing: Bianca Moore(f!oc) x Sephiroth

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 1384

Fandom: Final Fantasy VII

Warnings: Eroticism, intimacy, dominant/submissive themes, possessive dynamics, emotional vulnerability, references to past trauma

Summary: In the quiet solitude of their hidden cabin, Bianca and Sephiroth share an intimate bath, a moment of quiet devotion and unspoken understanding.

Author's Note: Sephiroth is a service dom in Fantasy Worlds Collide, even as the One-Winged Angel. His need for control is deeply intertwined with his desire to care for Bianca. This interpretation draws inspiration from the ending scene of the Nibelheim Incident, before Cloud’s infamous counterattack, where Sephiroth, despite his godlike presence, displayed a quiet, almost reverent focus on Jenova. That moment of intense devotion resonated with me, shaping how he approaches his bond with Bianca, not just as a dominant force, but as someone who finds fulfillment in tending to her needs, ensuring her well-being, and reinforcing their unbreakable connection.

💞🌹Happy Valentine’s Day to those who celebrate! Thank you for supporting Bianca and Sephiroth since I decided to share their story on Tumblr. I appreciate every one of you.

1.

The fire crackled softly in the corner of their secluded cabin. Its warmth gently mingled with the faint scent of vanilla and lavender. Bianca leaned back against the edge of the clawed bathtub set before the crackling black marble fireplace and felt the weight of her head settle on the porcelain. Her long, onyx hair cascading in wet waves around her. The tub was deep. Sephiroth had filled it with water infused with a few drops of vanilla, lavender, and milk. Droplets glided over her shoulders, drizzling down her breasts until meeting the surface of the white cloudy water. Rose petals floated on the top, occasionally bumping into her body. Tucked away in a corner of the North Crater, untouched by time, the cabin seemed far from the chaos of their lives. Here, it was just the two of them.

Sephiroth stood at the side of the bath. His imposing figure was a strange contrast to the intimate, peaceful atmosphere. His long silver hair hung loosely, parting in front of his cyan eyes. Those sharp cat-like irises watched her with an intensity that made her shiver—not from fear, but from the deep, possessive care he had for her.

No, Sephiroth never feared her. He was perhaps the only thing in Creation to accept her just as she was: a cosmic entity capable of doing great evil. The absence of his coat, pauldrons, and gloves left him bare from the waist up. His broad, muscular chest glistened as the flickering light of the candles swayed. His pecs were visible under the crisscrossing suspenders that held his large stomach guard in place. How many times had she traced the Shinra logo engraved into the black leather with her fingertips, feeling the groves and indents beneath her skin? His presence was a force in the room, but tonight, there was something softer, something quieter about him: a reverent and almost worshipful side that only Bianca had ever seen.

"Are you cold?" he asked, his voice smooth, carrying a subtle undercurrent of concern that only she could recognize.

Bianca didn’t answer at first. Instead, she closed her eyes, relishing the gentle pressure of the warm water against her skin. The bath seemed to soothe her, calm the frayed edges of her soul. How long had it been a long time since she had felt this vulnerable, this unguarded? Five years ago? In Nibelheim?

"No," she murmured, her voice low, almost a purr. "I’m fine, Seph." Her indigo eyes flicked up to him, meeting his intense gaze. "Just… stay with me."

A subtle twitch of his lips—the barest hint of a smile—was the only response before his hand reached down. He bent forward and curled his long fingers around her chin beneath the water. His touch, heavy with unspoken vows, pressed into her chest; a silent promise, a reminder of their shared destiny, her heart thrumming in a rhythm of belonging.

With a measured grace, Sephiroth knelt fully beside the tub. The defined muscles in his legs shifted beneath the tight, black fabric of his trousers. He never took his eyes off her as he reached for a soft black washcloth with silver embroidery, dipping it in the warm water, and slowly, almost deliberately, ran it over her bare skin.

The sensation of the cloth gliding over her was almost too much to bear: the warmth, the softness, and the intimacy of his touch, sending a rush of heat to her cheeks. Although his hands were always powerful, a new stillness and gentleness hung over them that night; they felt different. His hands moved with a tenderness that spoke of years spent understanding her soul, each touch acknowledging the unspoken burdens she carried.

His touch was slow and unhurried. Every movement of the washcloth was a caress, every stroke an act of devotion. He moved from her shoulders down her arms, tracing the curve of her collarbone with a tenderness that made her breath catch. His cyan eyes drifted to the swell of her breasts floating on the surface of the water: a heated gaze that told what he wanted in an intensity that words wouldn’t have been able to. The touch was possessive, a branding that marked her as his; the warm water, scented with lavender and vanilla, washed away the grime and the lingering chill of the harsh world.

“Bia,” he whispered, his voice low, the sound of her name falling from his lips like a prayer. It was a tone that he used for her: not Jenova, only her. “You are mine. I am glad you stopped pretending you aren’t.”

The words echoed in the room's silence, but it wasn’t just the words that mattered. The feeling was overwhelming: the weight of his touch, the quiet intensity of his gaze, and the way he made her feel both loved and utterly his. She shuddered, leaning into his touch. Her eyes fluttered closed, a sigh escaping her lips as she reveled in the warmth of his presence.

She felt him lean over her. His lips brushed against her warm skin, licking up the droplets of water from her neck. His breath warm against her ear, nipping the soft lobe with his teeth.

“Do you feel it, little bird? The bond between us?” His voice was a gentle murmur, but behind it lay a strength as solid as rock, a palpable power that emanated from him. “You are everything to me. When we finally open the path to the Promised Land, you will rule beside me and Mother.”

Bianca’s breath hitched. To her, his words were a sweet melody, filling her heart with commitment and hope. Like a warm embrace, they offered reassurance, unwavering affirmation, and a bond that wove them together, tighter than anything she had ever known; an unbreakable connection. In this moment, she felt the tug of their connection—a powerful force that transcended time and space, a warmth spreading through her chest, like a silent promise.

He dipped the washcloth again. This time, he slid it lower, the whisper-soft fabric gliding over her stomach, arousing her skin. His hands, large and steady, continued their meticulous work, their touch feather-light yet firm. Each motion was more intimate than the last. He washed her slowly and methodically, as if savoring the act of caring for her, taking pleasure in the simple intimacy between them.

Every accidental brush of his fingers or palm against her skin sent shivers of warmth through her, a heat far more intense than the fire’s glow or the hot water. It was him. It was always him. The man beneath the titles ignited in Bianca, a Celestial being, feelings she shouldn’t have known: a burning love, an overwhelming desire, and a wild, intoxicating loss of self.

“Sephiroth,” she whispered, her voice thick with a need that stirred deep inside her. Her hand rose. With a tremor in her fingers, she lightly touched his chest, her fingers brushing against the damp leather of his suspenders. A delicious tremor started deep within her, radiating slowly outward until her whole body was trembling, causing her thighs to clench tightly together. She moaned, then. “I can’t...”

But he didn’t relent to hear more. While washing her, he leaned down and brushed his lips lightly against the crown of her head. His touch was a paradox: simultaneously unyielding in its firmness and gentle in its caress. He didn’t need words to convey his devotion. His actions spoke louder than anything he could ever say.

Time seemed to slow down as each minute stretched into an eternity, each moment unfolding like a breathtaking and seemingly endless dream. As Bianca melted into his gentle care, she felt herself sinking deeper into the tranquil, secluded haven they had built together, a refuge from the outside world. The world outside was far away. Here, in this cabin, there were only the two of them. Without words, their bond was clear, a silent understanding woven into the fabric of their shared moments; it was present in the stillness between them, the intimacy of their touch, and the subtle dance of his movements.

The bath, the quiet, the warmth? These were all hers. They were his. Their fates written not in the stars, but in the fire of their love.

tagging some fellow mutuals. Thank you all for showing interest in my Bianca.

@asirensrage @themaradwrites @whatwedointhecraft @serenofroses @megandaisy9

@watermeezer

@seastarblue @prehistoric-creatures @creativechaosqueen

@chickensarentcheap @arrthurpendragon

@inkandimpressions

[raptinsound]

Just professing my love for Stolitz <3

What better time than Valentine’s Day to admit outwardly how absolutely SMITTEN I am with Stolitz!! AACK.

A ramble under the cut, just because.

I’ve been watching Helluva Boss off and on from the sidelines since the release of the pilot back in 2019… Blitz and Stolas always captured my attention, but I was never captivated enough to watch the show devotedly. That is…until the second half of season 2 HIT ME LIKE A FREIGHT TRAIN OF EMOTION. The advancing storyline between Blitz and Stolas became too irresistible and has now completely drawn me in. I’ve been in a spiral of hyper-fixation since November, and I officially can’t get enough of them! I haven’t fallen this hard for a ship since Killugon (from HxH), which is saying A LOT considering I’ve been loving those two endlessly since 2014 without much reprieve. Needless to say, I don’t wear my shipping heart on my sleeve. It really takes a special pairing to make me SWOON this much. And HERE WE ARE with Stolitz. These two wonderfully complicated men!! I just can’t even. I’ve been eating up all the wonderful fan content and even coming out of video editing-retirement to work on my own Stolitz video that I hope to finish by the end of the month. I just couldn’t stay idle on the sidelines a moment longer. These demons have taken over my life in the best way!!

Here's a random list of things I’m hoping to see in the upcoming shorts/seasons:

-A love confession (obvs) (From Blitz FIRST!) -Seeing Blitz, Stolas, Loona, and Via as a happy family (hopefully the end game scenario...) -Via finally learning about/understanding the marital abuse her father suffered over the years and realizing that Stolas loving Blitz has never/will never reduce his love for her as her father. Also, Via learning that Blitz truly cares about Stolas and wants the best for her too.

-Blitz going to GREAT LENGTHS to get on Via’s good side and get her to finally talk with her father. -Stolas finding out about all of Blitz’s trauma and providing comfort/reassurance (making Blitz realize that he deserves love). -Stolas realizing that he DID belittle Blitz on multiple occasions in the past and apologizing for it.

-Stolas coming to terms with the fact that he was living in a fantasy before his banishment, but after experiencing the real world and seeing Blitz for who he truly is, finds himself falling even harder for the unromanticized, tangible version of him.

-Blitz having a run in with his dad and finally standing up to him. Maybe have Stolas tell him off? -More flashbacks of Blitz’s mom. -Maybe learn about Stolas’s mom? Who was she? Where did she go?

-More scenes with Barbie! -Blitz getting Stolas some plants, or Stolas just having plants around Blitz’s apartment. -More Stolas laughing at Blitz’s jokes.

-Blitz and Stolas doing more mundanely cute, domestic shit as “roommates,” not realizing how they’ve somehow bypassed several steps in their relationship and moved right along to long term, live-in boyfriends.

Some of these might be unrealistic, but a girl can dream, right?

[xxbrightshadowxx]

I may not be able to draw but I can write. Your idea has been circling my brain since I saw it. I’m assuming this is based off your switch au. For anyone not in the loop, this Drabble is based off of op’s Arcane Switch au where Jinx goes to jail and Vi is taken under Silco’s wing. They have a great fic of the concept on Ao3 titled: base violence necessary {Arcane AU} by the name hunnydew. They have more about this au on their TikTok: itsdigichiaki. Go check it out they post cool stuff about arcane and the au. This might be bad but whatever. without a further a due, let’s begin!

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Starting a revolution was—hard. To say the least. Those who were under the chem-barons The undercity was riled up. First Silco, the one who most would argue had the most power was dead and now half the Council was dead.

And it was all thanks to Jinx.

Sort of. It was very complicated. Regardless, with her at the firelight’s side it was easier to recruit others to their cause. This meant the amount living at the base grew significantly in numbers. They nearly tripled in amount of residents in the span of almost two months.

It wasn’t always easy at times. With such a quick change to the dynamic it meant supplies ran out quick and Ekko became responsible for more and more people. Not all of them got along, members of old chem gangs fought over past conflict and issues. Finding a middle ground that everyone agreed with was an issue in itself.

The one thing he was glad for was not being alone in this. He had Scar, Vi, surprisingly enough Sevika(if you had told him that months ago he would’ve had laughed), and Jinx.

Speaking of which—

His eyes darted down to the grass area. He leaned over the rail of the treehouse. The teen was with Isha, the little girl fascinated with the older girl’s tattoos. Jinx didn’t spend a lot of time at the firelight base. She preferred to spend time at a hangout near the mining ventilations. Honestly, who could blame her? Half of the residents looked up to her. They praised her and looked to her for guidance. She was the figure of rebellion in the eyes of Piltover. Dangerous, deadly. For Zaun, she was a sign of hope.

For Ekko she was something more.

The boy coughed, bringing his arm to his mouth. Not that he’d ever tell her that. Oh, no, no, no. Many things could kill him. A raid, an accident on his hoverboard, heck even from a mis-step leading him to fall to his death would be less mortifying than her finding out. Death from embarrassment is not how he wanted to go out. He wouldn’t tell her. Not now. Maybe when their top goal wasn’t surviving first.

Still, it didn’t mean he couldn’t look. He leaned over and slumped his arm over the rail, his chin resting against his knuckles. She had changed as did he, over the years. No longer did the soft and innocent glint in her blue eyes shone as bright as day. Pink, sharp eyes with bags or exhaustion rested on her face. She had gone through a lot. Powder was not the same girl he fell for. But Jinx was still a sight for sore eyes in Ekko’s heart.

The girl turned, her eyes landing on where Ekko was standing—emphasis on was. The white haired boy bolted to the side out of her sight, praying that she didn’t see him run like a doofus. He waited for a while before peeking his head over. Jinx was back to talking to Isha, attention away from him.

Oh thank, Jana.

Ekko relaxed before he began to make his way down the ladder. He had work to do and he should start on it before he did get caught for staring. He made his way down a shortcut he knew to another section of his base, weaving through the shadows—

“We promise to treat her right. We swear!”

Ekko paused in his steps and turned. Leaning against a shady section of the tree was Vi, Silco’s old right-hand woman(besides Sevika) and Jinx’s sister. She had her arms crossed over her muscular chest as she looked down at a small group of firelights. There were about eight of them, all guys and shorter than Vi. They looked familiar. The red-head blinked at them before saying, “Excuse me?”

“We are asking for your permission to ask Jinx out,” the one in front, the leader, replied in a meek voice.

‘What,’ Ekko thought as he stood there dumbly. He looked at the group and instantly recognized them. Out of all of Jinx’s admirers there was a small group that took the term admiration a little too far. To be more specific, they were enamored by her, singing praise and compliments about the teenager constantly. Yes, it was well, weird. Jinx wasn’t a fan of them but that didn’t discourage them from being her biggest fans. Or at least that’s what Ekkl thought.

“No, I heard you the first time. I’m asking why?” Vi deadpanned as she narrowed her gaze at them.

The group took a step back, eyes shifting from one to the other. The leader took a step forward and replied, refusing to look at her. “Well, we just wanted to make sure we didn’t upset you if she said yes to one of us. Since you’re her older sister and all.”

“Uh-huh,” Vi nodded her head slowly. Might also have to do with the fact that under Silco Vi was sort of a ticking time bomb. Pissing her off, especially in regards to her sister was like signing your death sentence. “And you think she’d say yes to any of you?”

Ekko held back a chuckle. Vi spoke her mind often to those she wasn’t close to. Her dry response resulted in the group wincing but the boys still refused to give up. In fact, her doubt just seemed to make them more determined.

Huh. That struck a chord with Ekko. He knew there were people who had a crush on Jinx.(who wouldn’t?) But what really bugged him was they actually had the courage to shoot their shot. Most of them barely knew Jinx, at least not the real her. They didn’t know her pain, her life, or how wonderful she truly was. They just knew the figure that blew up the council.

Vi looked at all of them, eyes landing on each of them—before she grinned. She spoke again, “Okay, I will give my blessing to date me sister if…” the group all hung on her words, ready for any challenge she’d throw at them. “You tell me her real name.”

The group went still and silence was their answer but another boy in the back asked, “Jinx isn’t her real name?”

“Nope,” Vi shrugged, enjoying as they squirmed in front of her. “Come on, you all want to date her. One of you has got to know her actual name.”

She was having way too much fun with this. Making them feel uncomfortable. One of the boys muttered something before he walked away and soon the group dispersed, leaving the woman alone.

Vi hummed satisfied. She leaned her head against the oak before saying, “I know you are there, Ekko.”

Welp. Looks like his cover has been blown. The teen walked forward to stand beside Vi. He looked at her. “How long have you know I’ve been there?”

Vi chuckled before lightly elbowing him in the side. “Can’t hide from me, little man.” She looked forward to where the group of boys had scattered. “Those guys are going to lose their minds trying to figure out her actual name. Bet you’re happy about that.”

Ekkp began to nod before stopping and glaring at Vi. “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

Vi snorted letting her arms fall to her sides. “Whatever. Take your sweet time. Just don’t wait forever. I think you two will both die from it if you do.”

Ekko looked away to prevent letting her know how embarrassed she was making him. “Let’s head back to the open. Just in case Powder gets in trouble.”

Vi tilted her head. “Powder huh?”

Ekko huffed, his heart hammering in his chest. “Yeah. Powder.”

Headcanon that I'm too lazy to draw :

When Jinx is in her revolution arc, she develops a group of young, die-hard admirers. They go to VI to ask for permission to ask her out, and VI says she'll grant it if they know what her 'actual' name is. Unfortunately for them, none of them know her by anything other than Jinx.

Except for THE BOY SAVIOUR RAAAAAH

He doesn't ask because he's a bashful yearning idiot, though.

[gulliblelemon]

Young Royals Fic Recommendations 5

Find previous lists here: 1, 2, 3, 4

I also have my own fic list here.

running with wolves by intothelight @enjoythesilentworld 28k words. WIP. Rating E. Wilhelm and Simon are on two sides of a war on drugs and corruption and greed. And yet, they just can’t seem to stay away from each other. (Honourable mention to call ur crush! by the same author).

Met You At The Right Time by itsme_hi_imtheproblem @iwouldnevergetintofanfic 45k words. Complete. Rating M. When their kids get into a fight at school, single dads Simon and Wille are brought together at a meeting with the teacher. As the experienced professional that she is, she suggests a joint craft activity to repair the damage that was caused. Both Wille and Simon expect sticky paste fingers and potential meltdowns but surprisingly enough discover that they have more in common than they thought. Their friendship starts out easy, yet the growing attraction between them threatens to make things a whole lot more complicated. (Honourable mention to Crossing Lines by the same author).

Sabotage by @dreamyelectronicmusic 419 words. Complete. Rating G. A moment on a balcony at a party where Simon's boyfriend confronts Wilhelm. “I see the way you look at him,” a voice startles Wille out of his reverie, “when you think he can’t see you.”

land between our bodies by phnelt @phneltwrites 76k words. WIP. Rating E. Simon holds up his phone on his notes app. He’s been brainstorming. It reads: Hi, Wilhelm. Sorry to message you but I’m having a situation at school with some bullies that I could use your help with. I get if you don’t want to. Thanks. An exes fake dating fic. (Honourable mentions to joy that lights the fire and this life’s for you go outside by the same author).

come closer and see into the dark by @bigalockwood 43k words. WIP. Rating M. A ghost pandemic has descended over Europe, the dead back from their restless sleep to haunt the living. When a case goes horribly wrong, Wilhelm’s agency is thrust into a fight against an unknown opponent – and suddenly, staying alive seems harder than ever. If only Simon cared a little less whether stupid Wilhelm lived or died.

your breath lives in mine, even if it’s been a while by allforyoumylove 45k words. Complete. Rating E. Wilhelm isn’t sure exactly when he fell in love with his best friend. All he knows is that it’s taken root deep inside him, that he loves Simon always and unwaveringly, even when he hates everything else. But the timing is cruel. He’s found what he wants, only for it to slip away before he gets the chance to hold on.

If only you dared to watch by @larrylover3000 24k words. Complete. Rated M. A school camp takes them to the woods, leaving Wilhelm face to face with his sexual awakening - and it’s not pretty.

Never Not You by @pagegirlintraining 81k words. Complete. Rating E. It's been twelve years since Wille publicly denied being in a viral sex tape with Simon, and they've been great friends for years. While Simon's in a committed, long-term relationship and his dreams of becoming a successful musician finally seem to be within reach, Wille's still struggling with his fate of being the Crown Prince, and everything that means for his love life. When nothing goes as planned for Simon, though, and friendly comfort turns into more, how will they cope with the consequences? And what if Wille's been keeping a secret from Simon all these years that might very well destroy whatever it is they have? (Honourable mention to Missing you missing me by the same author).

Now we’re falling like snow by @skibasyndrome 7.8k words. Complete. Rating E. The first heavy snow of the season - what a great opportunity for a slow morning and keeping each other warm.

Fools in a Fable by @unfortunate17 39k words. Complete. Rating E. Simon, a journalist at a left-wing magazine, eagerly accepts the chance of a lifetime to write a scathingly honest piece about the newly crowned King Wilhelm, who has a history shrouded in parties, drugs, and gay allegations. His plans, however, go to shit when he realizes that Wilhelm is nothing like he expected.

Can I be close to you? by @vvachillessongvv 1.4k words. Complete. Rating G. Sitting on the sofa they've sat on together a thousand times before, Wille realizes he's in love with his best friend. (Honourable mention to lovers & friends by the same author).

futile devices by @jordensgolde 73k words. WIP. Rating E. Wilhelm is caught in a consuming infatuation with someone who can never truly be his. Struggling to reconcile his feelings, he tries to ignore the longing, but it lingers, a constant ache beneath the surface. Meanwhile, Simon is overwhelmed by the burdens of his work and the unresolved ghosts of his past, leaving little room for anything else. As he navigates his tangled emotions, love seems like the last thing on his mind — until, perhaps, it isn’t.

Falling in Love is a Full-Time Job by signedmeraki @invisiblewille 4.3k words. Complete. Rating T. Wille and Simon are colleagues and roommates and it feels like there's always been... something between them.

The honeymoon suite by @stretchoutfics 14k words. Complete. Rating E. Wille is stuck up in the far north doing his military service, Simon in Stockholm studying. They've come to an arrangement about how they're going to handle their relationship while they can't be together: they're no longer exclusive. After three months apart, Wille has a weekend's leave and they can finally see each other again. They have a lot to talk about. Amongst other things.

[cryptidafter]

A Love Letter to GagaOoLala

If you, like me, have recently discovered (or rediscovered) the wonderful world of non-western queer media then I highly recommend you get a subscription to GagaOoLala (no I am not being paid for this. I love Gaga that much lol)

Look, I know what you’re thinking: “Why would I pay for another streaming service?” But, hear me out. Gaga offers a treasure trove of engaging, thoughtful, and unique queer media. Indie films, TV shows, old stuff, new stuff. AND IT’S ALL GAY! Whenever I want to watch something new, Gaga is the first place I go. I know I’m guaranteed to find something that suits my tastes or that scratches a particular itch. Gaga’s catalog puts Netflix to shame. 

I’ve seen so many posts and videos about people hungry for more queer media. They don’t like the little variety they’re given. I get it, it sucks when you can’t find any mainstream media representation…but here’s the thing. IT’S OUT THERE. Once you look past your own shores, you’ll find that so many other countries are putting out the queer shows you’re craving. I’m an American so I speak from a US perspective: PUSH PAST YOUR OWN BOUNDARIES AND OPEN YOUR MIND TO SOMETHING NEW. 

Gaga has shows from Korea, Japan, Thailand, France, Spain and more. I’ve learned so much about different cultures and regions from the writers and directors who make these shows/films. It’s a refreshing change of pace and a much needed reminder that the queer experience (despite a few societal or cultural differences) is universal. As Bong Joon Ho so eloquently stated: "Once you overcome the 1-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films."

You want some examples of what Gaga has to offer? Here are just a small selection of some of my favorites: 

Fragrance of the First Flower (Taiwan)

A delightful short series (season two airs on February 18th!) about two women, Yi-Ming and Ting Ting, who reconnect years after high school and rekindle a relationship. Yi-Ming is in an unfulfilling marriage and afraid to live openly due to fear of judgment. Ting Ting is a free spirit who’s confident in herself and her desires (though she also has secrets of her own). I can’t recommend this show enough for those who enjoy high tension and drama with heartfelt moments of tenderness and vulnerability. 

Su Hee (Korea)

A short film about Su Hee, a young woman stifled by the overbearing presence of her devoutly religious mother, who finds solace and connection at church through the pastor’s daughter, Han-na. This one is beautifully filmed and acted. I’ve watched it probably five or six times at this point. Despite only having a runtime of only 25 minutes, the story manages to flow well and the emotional punches hit hard.

Yes Or No (and the sequels) (Thailand)

A movie that’s credited as the first lesbian film from Thailand that features a butch lead! Pie moves into a new college dorm and is shocked to find that her roommate, Kim, looks and dresses like a boy. Despite early bumps in the road, their relationship gradually develops until romance starts to bloom! This one is so wonderfully mid-2010s in presentation. I loved both of the main leads and it’s great to have a film with a more masculine presenting romantic interest! 

Honorable mentions (aka other stuff I really, really loved because this post is already too damn long): 

Sleep With Me

Chaser Game W 

Call Me By No Name (on-going)

Sipjangsaeng (did I understand this movie? No. Did it compel me? Yes.)

Candy Rain 

As lesbian media is my obsession right now, I asked my friends and fellow Gaga enthusiasts @technicallyverycowboy & @lugarn to give me some of their personal recommendations that cover other shades of the queer spectrum: 

Shadow (Thailand)

Set in 1999, it's about a teenager named Dan who transfers to an all-boys Catholic high school and becomes entangled in the mystery of a former student, Trin, who vanished the year before. As Dan delves deeper into who Trin was and what secrets he and the school were hiding, he beings to uncover more unsettling things about his own life. It’s a show that really deftly weaves together mystery and horror and history, complex relationships, and what it means to live with the ever expanding consequences of your choices.

End of the World With You/Bokura no Micro na Shuumatsu (Japan)

As an apocalyptic meteor heads toward Earth, a guy who has been stuck in a dead-end job with little joy in his life named Masumi accidentally reconnects with wealthy and successful Ritsu, who broke Masumi’s heart in college. The two of them set out to help two other strangers get back to family before it all ends, while realizing how much they meant to each other and maybe still do. This show uses the premise of “if you only had ten days left to live, what would you do with them?” so, so well. The characters are so vivid in their strengths and flaws and in the ways they come through for each other. The way Masumi and Ritsu’s relationship, from the moment they meet to the last moment of the show, is a particularly nuanced take on how important a second chance, even a brief one, can be.

Beyond the Green Mountain (China)

The official blurb for this movie is "One summer, in a little fishing village in China, a teenage boy's quiet life is interrupted by the return of a childhood friend. A story about youth, friendship, and blossoming love in the summer breeze." And honestly, that's perfect! It's a very short (15 minute) film that is gorgeous and captures a lot of the longing of youth. The majority of the film is shot after beautiful shot of where these boys live with them included in it. The way the visual language grounds the film in the place where it's set is just wonderful and once again, the longing. Such longing! 

Honorable mentions (some that I have also seen): 

Playboyy

4 Minutes

Kiseki Dear To Me 

My Personal Weatherman

Bed Friend 

Meet You at the Blossom

Pornographer

The Heart Killers

Caged Again

I hope you’ve been thoroughly convinced to give Gaga a try! It’s worth every penny. 

[veilosdaigoa]

Daily Writing Challenge February 2025 Day 5 - Navigate

Veilos leaned both elbows atop the desk, resting his face against his fists as he stared blankly at the closed door to his office at The Shielded Mind. All of his appointments for the day were finished, and he was done cleaning and tidying up. From the sound of it, or lack thereof, everyone else had finished up for the day as well and departed, aside from a small handful of night crew.

It had been about two weeks now since he had started working for the clinic, and while he loved the job and helping people, it still felt as if something were missing. He had been a career military man up until his medical discharge, and before the invasion of the scourge in Quel’thalas, he always had someone to come home to. Now, it was just him. He wasn’t seeking pity, his situation was no different from that of many others that had lived through that horrible event. The vast majority lost all or most of their family and friends, but not even the shared trauma could cure how lonely it could be. At times it felt like an impossible situation to navigate.

He could go home, he should go home, make himself dinner and focus on relaxing. Instead, he sat there and stared at the door, feeling completely unable to even make himself budge an inch. Depression was one hell of a drug, and even with proper medication and healthy habits, it never went away completely. However, if he kept sitting here and staring, his mind would start wandering too much and he would no doubt end up attempting to wash away his feelings at the bottom of a bottle.

Reluctantly and with a great amount of effort, he stood and made his way towards the outside of the building, breathing in the crisp twilight air. He didn’t want to go home just yet, but he also couldn’t stay here - so instead he wandered aimlessly. His path unconsciously brought him to the infamous Murder Row, a place he had previously done his best to avoid at nights. Although the way he felt right now, if anyone tried to fuck with him they would be in for a world of hurt.

A sudden, muffled roar of cheers and applause coming from inside of a nearby building immediately caught his attention. There were no bouncers present outside, so whatever this was didn’t appear to be some sort of private affair. He would find out soon enough. He walked into the dingy dive bar where a few patrons clustered around the small tables and bar - surely this was not where all that noise had been coming from.

“Brawl is downstairs if that’s what yer lookin’ for. Through them back doors and down the steps to the right.” The bartender called out while refilling a couple mugs.

He had visited a few brawling clubs in his younger years, but had never participated himself. While he was trained in hand-to-hand combat, being punched for fun and sport had never been his cup of tea. Regardless, he continued downstairs, eyes widening as the area opened up into a rather swanky club. It could be assumed this space was also used as a night club at some point, with all the bars and booths hugging the outside of the space and a large open ring in the center.

The excitement of the crowd gathered around the two fighters was contagious, and he found himself suddenly enamored with the entire atmosphere. He maneuvered his way to the front of the crowd, eagerly watching these two participants beat the absolute shit out of each other while everyone around placed bets, and smoked and drank and took drugs of all sorts with no fear of consequence. It was exciting and thrilling, the spike of adrenaline was more than he had felt in the past year.

When one man was finally knocked out, some of the crowd threw up their arms and cheered while others groaned at their loss. A couple large bouncer types dragged the unconscious man out of the ring as a gorgeous, fiery redhead stepped into the center with microphone in hand. “Well friends, it looks like we have an opening. Any of you brave souls want to step into the ring and show us what you got?” Before Veilos could even talk himself out of it, he found himself speaking up as he ducked through the barrier. “Me. I’ll do it.”

@daily-writing-challenge

[maggotfurby]

Ticci Toby:

         (Solitary  confinement: Feelspasta)

          Written by MaggotFurby

(Trigger warning: if you feel incredibly upset grab a tissue or offended while reading this pasta, you can scroll pass it. as it contains scenes of emotional betrayal and heartbreak; reader discretion is advised)

Tobias Erin Rogers; now a twenty-eight year old man who lived his life free from escaping authority along with his girlfriend, Natalie. Those two were inseparable, a power couple as some would say… But even though their love was strong, as depressing as it may sound. It did not last long.  The incident happened over a year ago, it was getting close to Valentine’s day and it was their tenth anniversary. Toby was preparing to ask her the famous question since he had saved up a bit of money by smuggling money from the dead victims wallets after he killed them. Toby wrote the words in his head of how he would propose to her in an appropriate and healthy manner without acting like a nervous wreck. 

So far, things were going along just fine with Natalie. Her partnership with Toby was great, of what she could ask for…until she had a dream where that love turned into something sour. Clockwork often had vivid dreams/realistic nightmares that put her into a dark, and somber mood. The dream was that Toby, like father like son, verbally and physically abused Natalie. The pushing, shoving, punching and yelling seemed too real to handle.  Natalie was a victim of abuse in the past, so it was nothing new.  She started to have doubts about her relationship with Toby, since she tried to help him forget his past and dealing with severe depression. He wouldn't budge. One time, Toby accidentally scolded Natalie when she interfered with the hunt, wanted to lend a hand. The victim Toby was trying to kill got away scott free.

His tone was full of murderous malice as he was in the middle of a psychotic episode. That sure made Natalie visibly upset and she ran off away from him. Toby got his composer back and chased after her, frantically apologizing for what he had done to her.  He tried to calm her down but Clockwork pushed his hand away from her and scolded right back at him, saying “how dare you speak to me that way, what have I ever done to you?!” while having angered tears poured out from her one eye. 

Toby stepped back and dropped his head down, the wave of guilt flooded his face as he stressfully twitched . “Natalie, I'm so sorry…I didn't mean too…please I'm sorry” Toby whimpered in shame, full of sincere regret. 

“Please don't be upset with me…I promise I won't yell at you again, I swear…! I'm sorry!”.

“Tobias…” Natalie replied. She would use his full first name whenever she felt incredibly upset or feeling annoyed.

“Look… I know what you did was wrong but what you said to me back there…that really hurt, Rogers. I thought you knew me. I've told you about my past, and yet, you've made it return with that sentence alone…” 

“please…I'm sorry, Natalie…” Toby said back, trying not to break down right in front of her. 

“Toby, I'll be fine. It'll take a while for me to forgive you, but not right now.” 

A few days passed by and they were back together and forgave each for what happened.  Toby was preparing to meet up with Clockwork over by the hillside later that night to surprise her with a lovely dinner date. Her response over text was typical, she barely used emojis because she wanted her conversations to be serious. It was almost around 8pm, Toby patiently waited for Natalie to visit over at the picnic Toby spent hours preparing for. He wore an outfit that was formal and well kept; a black formal suit. He combed his hair making it less messy than before. He set a small table with a single candle lighting the romantic scene. 

He sat down and waited for her, one hour turned to two…two became three…

Toby was beginning to feel worried, did Natalie get distracted with another hunt? Maybe she was late because of that…? 

Toby was about to stand up from his seat and instantly stood up when he finally saw Clockwork walking around the corner of the woods. strangely, she still wore her usual outfit. Whenever they're on a date, she would often wear a long black dress and wore a pearl necklace Toby gave to her for her birthday. 

“Rogers…this looks…nice?” Clockwork said in her chill expression with a hint of curiosity.

“ looks like you outdid yourself, you look professional”. 

“Aw, don't mention it…I tried to make it special” tried to sound confident if it weren't for his constant ticks. “I've been planning this for a long while…” 

“It seems like it” Natalie replied. “But, Toby…” She was almost going to tell Toby the sad news about their relationship but Toby happily interrupted her with a sincere and caring voice while gently holding her hand. 

“Natalie…I love you. Sure, I've made mistakes in the past but tonight. This will definitely make it up for it…” 

Toby reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a small velvet blue box. 

“T-toby…? What is this?” Clockwork said in confusion. Instead of infatuation what Toby expected from her.

“What…? I-its a ring…I got it for you” Toby responded with a hint of concern in his tone, almost sounding confused as well. Inside was an emerald diamond crested engagement ring. The most gorgeous ring you could've ever had. 

“...Toby, please…we need to talk…it's about us” Natalie slowly lets go of Toby's hand. Toby closed and placed the ring box back inside his pocket. “What's wrong, Natalie. Was there something I did that upset you…?”

“No…it's not you, Toby. Look, what you did was romantic and all, but I think this is not really worth our time together… I've been thinking about this for a long while now and made a decision for myself.  I'm sorry, I don't want to continue any further with our relationship.” Natalie confessed.

Toby was silent, his eyes widened when she told the painful truth. 

“I know…you're upset with me. This is what I was expecting. But you probably knew it would not last long, Rogers. I do appreciate you wanted to patch things up about our relationship but…it's your troubles from your past, Toby. No matter how hard I try to fix the problems, you always deny and push me away from helping you. It made me feel like I was nothing but a burden”.

As Clockwork continued on with her sincerity, until Toby responded in a saddened yet angered quiet voice. “Why…? Why do you want to get rid of me so badly? How did I make you feel like a burden when all I ever wanted was some closure… We've been together for ten years, Natalie…TEN YEARS.” 

“Toby, I'm sorry…! I didn't mean to make you upset. I'm just telling you how I really feel…-” 

“So what…? So you can just run off and leave me alone and make me feel miserable again? I thought we were meant to be together… but turns out I was wrong…” Toby stopped and withheld himself while facing away from her with disgust and betrayal on his face.

“...Toby, please I-”.

“Leave.” 

“Wh-what…?” Natalie replied in a near crying tone. 

“please…just leave. It's over, we're done” Toby said coldly. 

Clockwork abruptly got up from the table and ran off into the far woods with heavy tears rolling down her face. 

Since she left, Toby went into an emotional outburst. He angrily threw the table over and stomped on the candle, extinguishing the small flame. Then he punched a nearby tree, he pummeled his fists into the bark so much that his hands were covered with broken shards of wood and splitters. Some pierced through his pale hand as blood oozed out. 

After the unnecessary self-inflicted injuries, he catched his heavy breath, his face still filled with anguish and sadness; tears heavily fall from his eyes. 

“God… why do you hate me so much…? Toby said to himself as he sat down on the ground as his back laid against the exact tree he injured himself with.  He curled up into a fetal position and cried loudly. His throat strained and raw from his screams of sorrow, as the birds flew away when they were spooked by his extreme meltdown. 

He curled up himself tighter, his eyes tight shut. Then a blinding light caught him off guard from his depressing moment, a police helicopter hovered over him with its spinning blades blowing rapid winds surrounding his location. 

“TOBIAS ERIN ROGERS. YOU ARE UNDER ARREST FOR THE COUNTESS MURDERS AND AVOIDING LAW ENFORCEMENT. PLEASE COME FORWARD AND COMPLY. IF YOU CHOOSE TO LEAVE, YOU WILL BE SHOT DOWN. STEP INSIDE THE HELICOPTER” The loud speaker shouted by one officer inside the copter. 

Toby looked up at the hovering craft, knowing he would be sent away for a long time. So, he had to choose to fulfill their word. He stepped forward and placed his arms up in the air in surrender. Two other officers climbed out and detained Toby and carried him inside the helicopter. Suddenly, Toby got clobbered in the back of the head by the cop behind him. Before Toby passed out, the cop muttered under his breath “This is for my son, you fucking bastard…” 

Toby woke up in a daze, his sight blurry for a few seconds. Around him, he was surrounded by padded walls and he was constricted with a straight jacket. He couldn't move his arms at all due to them being locked within the jacket. 

He grunted with frustration as he struggled to remove himself from his constraints. Only fueled his anger even more.  “H-Hey…! Someone? Help! get me out of here! Get me the fuck out of here!!” 

“Toby…? My son, is that really you?” a familiar voice spoken through the intercom from the roof part of the padded cell. 

Toby turned his head at the glass window attached to the cell… The person was his dear mother, Connie. 

Connie looked older now, in her late 50's and still wore her favorite green sweater she would often wear. 

Toby: …M-mom? 

Connie: Yes, honey…! It's me, sweetheart. Oh, I'm so happy I finally found you again…I've missed you so much. 

Toby: What happened…? Where am I…? Mom, please. Get me out of here, I don't belong here…!

Connie: Toby, sweetheart… You're in a mental institution. The police found you last night and detained you here… Honey, I can't just let you go, it is against the law to do so. You're not well, son. You've been through so much. 

Toby: …I thought you loved me, mom…

Connie: Honey, I still love you. But murdering people doesn't solve problems, son. You need to stay here. I know that sounds harsh but this is for your own good.  But I can visit you every weekend and check up on you so you wouldn't feel alone. 

Toby: …I'm always alone…

Connie: Pardon?

Toby: I've been alone since my sister died, mom. Don't you remember? Not only that…Natalie left me.

Connie: Who's Natalie, sweetheart? 

Toby: You…wouldn't get it. She's in the past now. 

Connie looked up at her son with great sympathy and responded back. 

Connie: Oh, honey… I'm so sorry.  I know, heartbreak is fairly common, son.  

Her conversation cut short when a staff member stepped up next to Connie.

Sm: Alright, ma'am. Visit time’s over. 

Connie turned back to her son before walking with the staff employee. 

Connie: Goodnight, son. See you next Saturday… I love you. 

His mother left. Now Toby was alone again. He fell back onto the padded floor and stared up at the padded ceiling. His head ringed, a loud, screeching ring pierced through his ears. Slenderman was trying to locate where he was. 

“N-no…! Leave me alone…leave me alone. You ruined my life…! Please leave me alone!” He screamed and screamed. Two institution staff members rushed him and pinned him down. One of them jabbed a syringe into his leg. A sedative that made Toby cease and fell asleep cold. 

                       One year later…

The day was the same as any other day. Tobias Erin Rogers, now twenty-nine years old. Still held captive at the Denver mental institution for the unwell. He was resting at the corner of his cell, his eyes shut, as he tried to fall asleep since he hadn't slept in days. His mother came by for the usual weekend visit, the same old responses back and forth. 

But that day…was different. After his mother left. Toby tried to fall asleep in peace. ‘til he heard a small movement from the window. He picked up his head and tilted his sight towards the direction of where the sound was coming from.  His half-lidded eyes gazed up and saw a young woman. It wasn't Natalie, nor his mother but a young twenty-four year old woman. She was about 5’3ft, wore a dark purple denim jacket with a raggedy black t-shirt along with black jean pants and black shoes. Her skin was pale but slightly peachy, had strawberry blonde hair with tired, bright hazel emerald eyes that complimented well with her jacket. She was holding the microphone that was attached to the outside speaker. Toby slowly got up and walked over towards the mysterious visitor, gazed down at her with a look of eccentricity. Her name tag read “Caryn”. That was her name. 

A moment of silence passed when the woman first spoke:

Caryn: Hi…you must be Toby?

(This is a prequel pasta for Rescue mission 1 & 2, thank you for reading ) 

(note: I cried while writing this 😢)

[forgetme-eternally-blissfully]

Sorry it took so long to respond I've been occupied all day-

It's not a spoiler for me to tell you that Heniroksoo can use Kim Rok Soo's abilities! We learn it in part of the side stories and you will love it once you read it, trust me. As far as we know Heniroksoo doesn't have abilities of his own but some fandom theories (including my own) have begun to think maybe there's still more to learn about the character Cale!KRS yet. We don't know what abilities are, or really even what ancient powers are. It's all still up in the air.

My turn to put a read more...

Now! AHSHHHHSIGE YOURE AMAZING, I love it, oh my god. I love that the closer to the edge he gets, the safer and better he feels. I already feel bad for his teammates. Imagine when they're in a 3 story building and they enter a room to see their coworker, see krs, sat with his legs hanging out of a window, peering off the edge, just staring at the ground below. He's never done that before- is the situation getting to him? Is he a danger to himself? Im sure he's great a balancing because of his life in the tower but they don't know that!

If the walls were slightly concave that would be even better because it psychologically fucks with you into thinking that you're not on a tower, you're on a ledge. It also really shows how paranoid Brother is about Cale being able to leave. He wants to trap Cale forever in a small prison and never let him out, but if he gets depression that could lead to suicide: bad for hair. So Brother has to go through all this emotional manipulation in order to keep Cale from choosing the way down.

It's dangerous, it's risky, it's not worth it, you should just stay inside with me and we can brush your hair and eat candy and read books and be happy, okay? Stop looking out the window. Don't be interested in the outside past a certain extent. Stay with me (or rot alone).

I think it'd be cool if Cale was trapped in the tower in a similar way that in canon he trapped himself in his trash persona to protect Basen and Violan and Lily from the nobles scrutiny

OOOH my god what if he remembers being taken?

What if Brother entered the mansion to kidnap Cale, and Cale and Basen were in the same room, and Brother offered to Cale, "I can take you, or I can take your brother." (He doesn't know it was set from the start.) So Cale willingly takes Brothers hand. Brother tells him, "I'm your secret brother that you never learned about. We're going to go somewhere happy, and you'll never be left alone again." So little 8 year old Cale takes Brothers hand and lives in the tower and eventually it's been long enough that he doesn't question why he's there, just that he had to go. Then he dreams of krs and he has to confront the idea that, maybe, he shouldn't be kept in this tower- and, if he shouldn't be here, why did Brother take him? For what reason?

If he asks... would he get an answer?

The fact that he knows Brother would never tell him isn't assuring.

And with the added hallucinations? Major manipulation opportunity.

So, when, he was a kid, Brother would tell him that he's sick. He needs to stay or he'll hurt himself. Then he possesses krs and the hallucinations stop. He gets better- only one day for krs to shut him out entirely. Krs knew Cale and Cale knew krs, he wouldn't just cut him out without an explanation. Something bad must have happened. It's excruciating. Krs knows that isolation gets to Cale really bad, especially after that 4 week period where krs refused to let him in. So why couldn't Cale get in?

My idea is that when the towers appeared, certain people were automatically sent into the tower to climb. The closest ones, perhaps. Krs being one of them. So since krs wasn't on earth but inside the tower, Cale's wandering consciousness wasn't able to find and enter it. The rejection he was feeling wasn't krs shutting him out, but the world being devoid of people who could let him in. Krs turns out to be the only one with room for two in his body. Maybe that's the GoD's doing.

Krs finally makes it out of the tower, whatever qualification that requires, and he finds Cale's consciousness on the edge of his, waiting. He lets him in. Cale is teetering on the edge of a breakdown as Krs fills him in. He sees the walls torn down... something fits. He's meant to be on the ground, he's meant to be here, in this place. He turns to look at KRS's floating soul... but it's not there.

His stomach drops.

Also the apocalypse being a magic tower climbing scenario is AWESOME because Cale has been in a tower his whole life, and now these people or whatever want him to go back into a tower? One he can't leave of his own accord? Absolutely not!! He did that for so long already!!!

I think Cale, once he gets permanently stuck in krs's body, is able to use krs's abilities and his own. To everyone outside, his personality suddenly changed and he got new abilities. But, like you said, the apocalypse does crazy things to people.

I really like the idea that Cale and Kim Rok Soo are drawn to each other. Cale feels at home in krs's body but he knows that they're supposed to share. Kim Rok Soo is fine in Cale's body, but he needs to know how Cale is doing. What happened?

They both end up feeling conflicted when they deeply prefer being in the other's body than their own because they understand that it doesn't belong to them. Though, they both also understand that the other didn't like their situation- so what are they to do?

At least once, they need to talk to each other and communicate. I think that's one of the big Missions, something the main characters are working towards. Saying, "hey, are you cool with me living as you?" to each other. Just once, nothing big. If they check the other's living status, well, that's just a coincidence.

They were friends for years, too, there's no way they wouldn't be concerned for the other.

"The apocalypse started 6 months ago and the isolated princess who has lived in a tower his whole life just has to deal with that."

"My brother literally trapped me in a tower my entire life and now that wannabe slacker orphan has to deal with all my drama."

These are my thoughts though.

I like the idea that as soon as Cale gets an ability in krs's body, that's when the switch happens.

I think Cale!krs's ability should be something that makes his strength towards his weaknesses stronger. For krs, he got Record and Instant. Record because he remembered all of his tragedies too well- but it was that great memory that helped him survive in the apocalypse, and later Instant because he would time and time again break his limits to save what matters to him. So Cale!KRS would be similar.

Maybe it'd be like an ability to calm himself in the midst of chaos, a grounding method that would help immensely in group coordination. Or an ability like Observe, where he can see everything that's going on in an area from an aerial view- it'd help him become a scout. Perhaps something even more complex, like Wander, an ability that untethers his soul and allows him to walk around invisible and undetectable, while his body remains unconscious and safe.

Okay finally I'm done. I've been writing intermittently throughout the day and I finally covered the things you said...

But then we've gotta ask the bigger question... now that there's a rough idea for Cale in KRS's body, what is KRS gonna get up to in Cale's body?

Rapunzel AU!

Cale has been inside of the tower for his entire life. His hair is long, much longer than his brother's. His brother doesn't have a name. Cale knows they're brothers though- because they both have red hair, even if Brother has short hair and Cale does not.

Ever since Cale was 12, he'd been dreaming of a different world. He went to sleep and woke up as someone named Kim Roksu. This Kim Roksu was not in a similar situation as he was- Kim Roksu wandered the streets and ate food from the floor and hid in the small cabinet in his uncle's house. Kim Roksu was weak and strong.

Kim Roksu is a friend to Cale. When Cale wants to see the outside, he sleeps, and he dreams.

Kim Roksu figured out how to communicate with Cale after several years of simple body swapping.

Somehow, they are similar! They both agree that being trash is the best. Kim Roksu because it's easier being a bad person than a good person, and Cale because Brother won't let him be trashy and he wishes he could throw a fit without Brother punishing him.

"Your brother keeps you in a tower?" Roksu asks when he learns.

"Yeah. Is that weird?"

"Well, I don't know anyone who stays in a tower." Cale kicks a rock on the sidewalk with his barefoot, sending it skidding across the dirt road. "Ow, my toe." Roksu complains blandly.

Sharing a body, they also share the same sensations.

"You barely felt that and you know it."

"Shut up."

"You shut up." Cale retorts. He wants to say more, but he swallows those words and tucks them into his chest.

'The bruise over your eye hurts more but you don't complain about that.'

He bites his lip and looks down.

"Do you think," he asks quietly, "if I asked Brother to let me out, he would?"

Roksu, disembodied and floating over his body, frowns. "You haven't asked before?"

Cale smiles bitterly in Roksu's body. "... I did, once." After, Brother said he was going to be leaving for two weeks, and told Cale to ration his food well. Cale knew better than to think it was a coincidence. He didn't have Roksu yet. It was very lonely for a long time.

Roksu doesn't say anything.

"If," his voice trembles, "If I got out. If I left..."

"Cale." Roksu stops him. Cale winces, expecting to be reprimanded.

"You are trash. Trash does whatever they want, no matter what anyone says. If you want to leave, then leave." Roksu's translucent body floats over to stand in front of Cale. Sternly, he says, "Don't worry about useless things. Worry about making a plan and executing it."

Then, abruptly, Roksu turns and ignores him. Cale laughs and folds in half, a childish grin splitting his malnourished cheeks. How can someone be so blunt but so shy? Kim Roksu frowns, but it looks like a pout. Cale rubs away a tear and looks up at the back of his friend. No, the person who sometimes feels more like a brother to him than his real brother.

"And will you help me?"

Roksu rolls his eyes. "Don't ask something so obvious."

Cale smiles and looks down. "Right. Obvious, isn't it?"

Something like receiving help wasn't obvious to either of them. Yet, when it came to the two of them together, it was the most obvious thing in the world. It wasn't obvious with Brother, who he shared blood with. But Kim Roksu, who was abused and beaten down at every turn, chose to welcome a wandering soul into his body and share everything with him.

'You're the one who shouldn't want to be here,' Kim Roksu said when they first started talking and Cale asked why he didn't try to force Cale out. 'When you're in control, I can relax. Why would I want you to leave? That's so difficult.'

They learned that Kim Roksu really could force Cale out when his uncle kicked Cale, sending Kim Roksu's body sprawling onto the floor, then stomped on his arm so hard they heard a clear snap. For Cale it only hurt for a short moment. Roksu threw him out so fast you could imagine that he had practiced beforehand.

Every day and night, Cale slept to try and enter Roksu's body, check on him, share the pain, but Roksu kicked him out every time. It wasn't until four weeks later that Roksu let Cale back in.

Even that much pain was a lot for being four weeks after the incident, but while Cale was struggling to keep his cool, Roksu floated around him and spoke as if nothing was wrong. When Cale started sweating a few hours later Roksu kicked him out again.

'Don't be stubborn,' he said when Cale returned the next night. 'Just say that it hurts. If you still want to stay after you admit that it hurts then I won't kick you out.'

It was a very Kim Roksu thing to do.

"Brother," Cale asks one day at 15, impatiently brushing his hair. He gets scolded lightly, and Brother takes the brush from him. "I read in a book about something called a phone. Do you have one?"

Brother gives him a blank look. Then, as if it had been a lie, his expression changes into something kind and gentle. "Fone? Can you show me the book?"

Cale and Brother roughly root around in every book for anything like the so-called 'Fone,' coming up short.

"Maybe it was a dream," Cale excuses it like that, rubbing his neck. Brother looks at him, worried.

"It must have been. Get some rest, Cale." A kiss to the top of Cale's head, Brother hugs him and promises to bring him more paint. "I'll be gone for a few days this time. Do you want something?"

"Ah," Cale smiles, pressing his face into his Brothers neck to hide his face. "Could you bring me -------?" Brother freezes.

"... you-"

"I learned it from the books! This time I really did, Brother. Please?"

Slowly, Brother releases the tension in his body. "... If that's what you want. But you have to close the window if you're going to mess around with alcohol."

"Yes!" Cale jumps with joy. Then he suddenly runs to a bookshelf, changing the topic by talking about a book Brother brought to him last time. "-and I'd like to know if the sequel is out yet."

"I'll do that." Brother smiles. "You've been asking for more things recently, Cale." Brother settles a hand on his head, stroking his hair.

"It's because of my reliable older brother!" He grabs onto that hand, keeping it there, resembling a naive little brother who only has his role model in his eyes.

He sends his brother down the tower using his hair, and watches that spot of red disappear in the distance.

His face drops.

"... Bastard."

Cale turns on his foot. It's time to see Roksu.

[folliesandfolderols]

Writing Prompts Day 1

From this prompt list. I set a goal of writing at least 150 words per day in 2024, which sounds pretty pathetic but if you take into account the fact that I haven't written any fiction since 2019 it felt like a feasible target. Anyway I've finished the first draft (it topped out at 88k words) and will be unlocking each post as I edit.

***

"So how do you want me to fuck you?"

***

Tim was crawling under the bed in his old room in the Manor, looking for an external hard drive he'd misplaced ages ago, when the door slammed open and then slammed shut again with just as much vigor. He nearly hit his head on the bedframe, but managed to keep that much dignity before slowly rising to his feet.

"Damian?" It had been a long time since they were at each others' throats as a matter of course, but the instinct to view Damian with caution remained. Admittedly, that was due to other reasons now rather than out of fear for his life.

Damian nodded at him in acknowledgement, eyebrows furrowed. "Drake."

Tim stepped closer as he realized that what he'd first interpreted as anger (teeth gritted, muscle jumping at the hinge of Damian’s jaw, redness crawling up his neck and into his cheeks) looked like a different emotion altogether. He hadn't recognized it at first because Damian so rarely allowed himself to appear embarrassed. "What's wrong?"

"I—I require something of you." Tim gave him a dubious look in automatic offense, and Damian hastily changed tactics. "I request something of you. I have a burden which must be shed and I believe you are an tolerable associate to help me do so."

Tim moved closer still, enough to reach out and touch Damian, except that the other's clear wariness kept him from making any sort of gesture. "Sure, you know I'm happy to assist.” A lie, but a useful one until the truth needed to be spoken. “What's the problem?"

Damian squared his shoulders and fixed his gaze somewhere over Tim's left shoulder. "I have yet to engage in sexual relations with anyone. I am asking you to take care of the problem."

Tim froze. He didn't kid himself that he'd heard wrong, because his brain couldn't have come up with a more inconceivable combination of words no matter what the circumstances. His initial, inconsequential response was to think, Well, that's several suspicions I had confirmed, in one fell swoop.

This might explain some stuff. Damian had been acting weird for a few weeks now.

First came the drone. Or rather, Damian dropping the drone in front of Tim’s face onto the desk where Tim was working in the Cave.

“May I help you?” Tim had drawled, not that he actually wanted to.

“I would like to request your expertise.”

Tim had whipped his head around to stare at Damian in shock. “You. You what?”

Damian must have known how bizarre it was for him to ask for any help whatsoever from one of his least favorite people, but he met Tim’s gaze with nothing but defiance on his face. “I would appreciate your help in repairing the broken traces on a circuit board in this drone. I could do it, of course, but I have other demands on my time.”

Tim, stunned into wordless compliance, had pulled the drone closer and given him a nod. Damian nodded back in acknowledgement, turned on his heel, and left without further ado.

So that had been strange.

But then came the weapons smuggling case.

It was unusual for Jason to ask for assistance from any of them with his cases. Damian seemed an odd choice for helper as well, although the two shared a great deal of experiences, if at disparate times. Still, Tim hadn't thought about it much until Damian sent him a folder of crime scene photos from a recent weapons deal gone wrong, along with notes on the leads he'd found.

The accompanying message had read, Your help in examining the scene for further clues would be useful.

Intrigue didn't prevent Tim from texting Jason to be sure the request had actually come from Damian. It was weird enough to be suspect. But when he got confirmation, the case had instantly sucked him in. It was a multi-pronged operation with both northern and southern arteries, its heart in Gotham, and exactly the sort of conundrum guaranteed to get Tim’s full attention.

This current situation was definitely a step up on the Damian Weirdness Scale.

Tim’s heart seemed to have split itself into multiple pieces and was now pulsing madly in his throat, his ears, his palms. His dick, too, because God forbid he make anything easy on himself. 

Damian must have interpreted his shock as a desire to be persuaded, because he continued at a rate of speed that suggested the words were being forcibly shoved through his teeth. "It's rapidly becoming a liability. I don't want to go pick someone up anonymously when Father will almost certainly find out, because he manages to find out everything humiliating. Anyone else whom I might consider is currently partnered in a monogamous relationship. You are unattached at the moment—unless you have been keeping the truth a secret even my detective skills are unable to uncover, which is of course impossible. And judging by some indiscreet things your former partners have said in the past, you are at least moderately competent in these matters. You are a logical choice for my sexual denouement." He darted a sideways glance at Tim's face, and just as quickly redirected his gaze out the window as his cheeks blazed a darker shade of crimson. "I would consider it a satisfactory training exercise if you were my sparring partner."

"What kind of sex are you picturing exactly where I'm your sparring partner?!" Tim demanded before he could think better of it, then shook the resulting images away from his brain and started over. It would be irresponsible to ignore all the signs that Damian was highly uncomfortable, the red flags ranging from defensive anger to having foregone contractions. "Damian, I'm flattered, but—you're only twenty. What do you mean, a liability? It's not that big of a deal. It's not like you're being sent on honeypot missions, right? Please say no." Damian wordlessly shook his head. "Okay, so . . . what's the rush?"

At that, Damian met his gaze with sheer fury. "The rush is that I want to. Now are you going to help me, or not?"

Tim glared back, an answering surge of rage coming to his sanity’s rescue. Of all the people to actually consider fucking, Damian had to be one of the worst prospects. He'd probably stab Tim if he felt like his technique wasn't up to par. “Absolutely the fuck not. Now get out of my way.”

And he stalked out, hoping that Bruce hadn't replaced the bugs in the hallway lately.

***

After making his demands, Damian retreated into ignoring Tim when at all possible and speaking like Mr. Darcy but with a bigger stick up his ass when it wasn’t. It made things kind of weird with the single case they shared, but Tim decided it was a relief to have everything else back to normal.

The problem was, now he was noticing Damian.

He seemed to have settled into his adult height, having outstripped Tim a good five inches ago. (No, Tim wasn’t bitter. At all.) His newly broad frame boasted muscles nearly as thick as Jason's but lithe and flexible as Dick’s. And those eyes. It would’ve been hard for anyone attracted to men not to notice, but somehow Tim had managed until Damian forcibly brought the matter to his attention.

He was trying not to stare at Damian changing the tires on his motorcycle one night after patrol when his desk chair spun in place with a sudden well-placed kick from Stephanie. He put his feet down in time to face her scowl. 

“Oh my God, Tim, are you listening to a single word I’m saying?” she demanded.

“No,” he replied without thinking, then ran the past several minutes back and amended, “Sort of. When did Babs want to have us over for movie night?”

Appeased, Stephanie started to reiterate the plan. Behind her, Damian’s face relaxed into an almost-smile as Alfred the cat hopped on his lap and yowled plaintively. 

“How did you get down here?” he asked, soft-voiced, caressing Alfred’s head. The cat started purring loudly enough for Tim to hear from his seat. “And don’t bother complaining to me. You’ve got plenty of food, where it’s supposed to be.”

Tim swallowed, watching Damian’s hand move down Alfred’s spine, gentle as always when it came to his pets.

“Seriously.” He jerked his gaze back to Stephanie to see her rolling her eyes. “You’re obviously exhausted. Please go home and get some sleep so we can have a conversation.”

“Uh-huh.” She started toward the showers, and he called, “Sorry!” after her because that had been an asshole move, even though he hadn’t meant to do it.

Involuntarily, Tim looked at Damian again, only this time Damian looked straight back. Bruce was gone on Justice League business, so it was just the two of them now.

They stared at each other in silence for a minute, then Tim found his words. “Come here.”

To his surprise, Damian actually rose to his feet and approached, though he stopped a good three feet away. His face was blank, but his fingers tightened into fists against his thighs.

Tim gulped against a sudden dryness in his mouth because it had been a while and the baby had grown up really fucking hot. He idly wondered what it would be like to grab those wide shoulders and pull him close. Fortunately his voice came out unruffled, even though it sounded far away. “I’ve been thinking. Since the last time we talked. Do you still want me to . . . to do what you said?” “Yes,” Damian said, almost before he finished speaking. His back had straightened to military attention.

“Okay.” Tim stood up and rubbed suddenly damp palms down his thighs, ignoring the fact that his costume was designed to repel wetness so it wasn't really an effective gesture. At least it spread the sweat out a little. “Why don’t you give me a head start and then come over to the Nest tonight? Unless you’re too tired.”

Damian gave him a jerky nod, a single bounce on his toes giving away his nerves. “That would be fine.”

“Great.” Tim had to resist the urge to wave or something equally dorky. “Uh. Yeah. See you there.” He turned on his heel and retreated as fast as he could without breaking into a run.

True to his word, Damian gave Tim plenty of time to shower, head home, and eat before he knocked at his front door like a civilized human being. When he swung the door open, Tim spotted telltale wetness around the edges of his hair that meant Damian had showered before coming over, too.

"Come in," he invited, then shut the door and re-armed the security system while Damian kicked off his shoes. "You hungry? Thirsty?"

Damian scoffed. "I see no reason to delay the main event with meaningless niceties."

Tim rolled his eyes as he started to lead the way to his bedroom. "Don't be a brat. I prefer to at least display a modicum of social skills with my partners. Courtesy begins outside the bedroom, and should extend into it too."

"Spare me the lecture. I'm here for a physical act, not instruction in other types of human relations."

Tim spun to face him at the bedroom door, extending his arm to block it when Damian would have continued past him. He narrowed his eyes and jabbed Damian in the chest with his other hand, ignoring his look of outrage. "Excuse me. This is part of the physical act for me. I'm sure lots of people are different, but I can't enjoy getting naked unless I know I'm with someone who bothers showing me the bare minimum of respect when we're both fully dressed. Is that gonna be you, or am I kicking you out now so I can get some of the sleep I need way more than I need sex?"

Damian hesitated, and Tim tried to look bored with the delay. Finally, Damian swallowed, hard enough for his Adam's apple to bob visibly, and dropped his gaze. "I apologize. I recognize that you're doing me a favor. I’m uncertain of my skill set in this arena."

Tim allowed his surprise to show on his face. "Thanks. For being honest with me, I mean." That much wasn't easy for anyone in the family. Damian really had been growing up, in more ways than one.

Damian nodded in acknowledgement. Tim let his arm drop, and Damian walked past him into the bedroom, sitting at the foot of the unmade bed with his legs close together, hands folded. Tim closed and locked the bedroom door, then checked the windows too, just in case anyone got the bright idea to drop in uninvited. Turning back, he saw Damian hadn't moved an inch, but was watching Tim with singleminded focus.

Something needy and grasping lurched in the pit of his stomach. He shoved it away, and immediately felt guilty he had to do so when Damian's hands tightened on each other till the knuckles went pale.

"Hey." He knelt at Damian's feet, put his hands over where Damian's were knotted together. "You wanna stop now? If you're having second thoughts—"

Damian flipped his hands, quick as thought, and held Tim's in a loose grip. "I am not. I simply do not know what to do. In my minimal previous experience, we engaged in the precursors to this sort of activity without any previous discussion or planning, so this type of interaction is outside the scope of my experience."

Tim folded his lips in tight, considering. It was hard not to overthink this, to ask all the questions whirling in his head that he just couldn't help having, but none of the answers were things he was entitled to know. Damian had asked for a favor, and no matter what standards Tim had for courtesy, he was no stranger to casual hook-ups. This was a transaction between acquaintances. Coworkers? Sort-of friends. 

"Okay. Let's start with this, then. What are you already comfortable with? What have you done before that you liked?" He shrugged. "How do you want me to fuck you? That's figurative 'fuck,' by the way, penetration isn't necessary for sex to happen."

"I know that." Damian gave him a withering glare, but his heart clearly wasn't in it. "I enjoyed kissing. Both on the mouth and elsewhere. I enjoyed being touched anywhere that isn't ticklish, like the bottoms of my feet. I enjoyed frottage. I haven't done much more besides."

Tim tried not to sound as incredibly turned on as he was at the moment and likely failed miserably. "Anything you didn't like?" God, the mental image of Damian grinding against someone—probably Jon but who knew—until he came was enough to make him lightheaded. 

"I am not comfortable . . . being penetrated." The color in his face was bright enough to glow in the dark at this, but he pressed on. "Either by myself or anyone else. Anything else, for that matter." His lashes lowered as he stared at Tim's hands, still laid quiescent under his own. "If you change your mind, knowing that, I will understand."

Tim freed his hands so he could rub Damian's thighs, watching closely for any reaction. The pulse point in his neck beat a little faster, and his pupils dilated a bit, but those both seemed positive. "Not at all. There's a lot left on the menu if that's the only no you have. Of course, you'll probably find out you have other limits as you try more stuff, but we'll keep it basic tonight. Are you okay with doing the penetrating? Or trying it out?"

Damian nodded, fast and eager. "I would be willing to try."

Tim suppressed his smile, in case Damian thought he was laughing at him. Honestly, that was pretty cute. Not a term he was used to applying to Damian, but this night was already full of surprises so why not one more? "We can try, then. How's your stamina?"

One big shoulder jerked up. "Typical for one of my experience and age."

So probably about five minutes, max. "No worries. That just means your recovery time is great, too." Tim slid his hands up again, and this time skimmed one higher so he was palming Damian's obvious erection. It felt like he'd grown up proportionate everywhere, which was nice. “What about condoms? It’s been more than six months for me and we both have Bruce’s health screenings to deal with so . . . is it okay if we go without?” 

Damian shrugged with obviously faked casualness. “I don’t believe anything could get past Father’s tests. It’s all right with me.”

“Great.” Tim fiddled with his pants button. "Why don't I blow you so we can make you come right away, and then we can work our way up to the rest?"

Damian's voice came out breathy. "That would be acceptable."

Tim couldn't keep himself from giving him a Robin grin, sharp edged and cocky, as he opened Damian’s pants and pulled them and his underwear out of the way. Damian's eyes widened with shock as Tim closed his fingers around his dick. Uncut and thick and fucking gorgeous, already dark with arousal. Tim's mouth was watering at the thought of sucking it. "Let's see if we can get this whole thing a little bit past acceptable."

day two here

[handweavers]

i was accepted to do this beautiful textile artist residency in oaxaca mexico on a mutual exchange like where i go to local indigenous weavers and natural dyers who will share some of their knowledge with me and i will share my knowledge of southeast asian natural dyeing with them and explore each other's dyeing practices together like back in september but i need to apply for funding before i can secure any dates for it and i can't even find the will to do that. i haven't touched my dyes or a loom since august and the thought of doing any of that right now or filling out the funding apps or anything just feels overwhelming. and they will let me come to do this whenever it's not time sensitive but it feels very strange to be so sad that i don't even care about this (one of my life's greatest passions) right now or much of anything else, i'm going through the motions. i just want to sleep