#they deserve that and the work i put into them deserves that

[girlkisser13]

being married to toji fushiguro would include

• toji is fiercely protective of you, even if he doesn’t always express it. he doesn’t hover or ask if you’re okay every five minutes, but he notices when something’s off and is always there to back you up.

• he doesn’t say "i love you" often, but his actions speak louder than words— shielding you from harm or making sure you’re always safe, especially when the dangers of his life as a former assassin creep in. still, he’d maintain his space, valuing his independence but always watching out for you.

• he’s the kind of guy who doesn’t put up with nonsense, so when it comes to household matters, he’s straightforward.

• if there’s a problem, he deals with it quickly, often in a practical manner. that said, he’d also likely appreciate the quiet comfort of being at home with you, especially after a long day of dealing with the outside world.

• while toji doesn’t come across as soft, there are moments when he shows his care in small ways— maybe brushing your hair out of your face or sharing a fleeting but tender look when you’re alone.

• he’s not one for big romantic gestures, but when he does something for you, it’s meaningful, like getting you your favorite drink or taking care of things when you’re overwhelmed.

• he may not always have a lot to say, but if you’re going through something difficult, toji is there for you. he’d stay silent, listening without judgment, and give you a quiet, reassuring presence.

• his support might not be verbal, but his actions would show that he’s there for the long haul, no matter what.

• if you two had kids, toji would be a hands-on (we are ignoring the fact that he is canonically an absent father), though unconventional, father.

• he’ll play it cool, acting like he’s not that interested, but you’ll catch him watching baby videos on his phone when he thinks you’re not looking.

• he’d teach them about survival, how to fight, and how to protect what’s theirs, all while being the solid, reliable figure they need, even if he doesn’t know how to express it all the time.

• toji’s not great with emotions, but he’ll secretly adore his kids, and you’ll know it by the way he keeps an eye on them from a distance or his subtle ways of making sure they have what they need, even when he won’t say it out loud.

• the trust between you two would be solid. toji would expect you to be honest with him, and he’d give you the same respect. you wouldn’t need to speak all the time to understand each other; there’d be a deep, unspoken connection, even in the moments of silence.

• don’t expect anything overly sweet or cheesy. toji’s idea of romance might involve getting you something practical, like new clothes for a dangerous mission or fixing something around the house.

• but those small acts of care would mean more to you than any grand gesture.

• life with toji is a rollercoaster of questionable financial choices.

• his idea of a budget is more of a vague suggestion. you could go to bed with a full savings account, and by morning, he’s bought a motorcycle, a new set of knives (because he deserves them), and a ridiculously expensive set of rare steaks— because, apparently, that’s how you live life.

• he will ALWAYS justify impulse buys with, "it was on sale."

• toji is very independent, and while he might not ask for help, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t need it. if something breaks or goes wrong around the house, he’ll absolutely try to fix it himself first— no matter how unqualified he is for the job.

• broken sink? he’ll attempt to fix it with duct tape and some questionable youtube tutorials. the worst part? he’s usually successful… in a very "that’ll work for now" way.

• he doesn’t exactly plan grand romantic gestures, but when he does do something sweet, it’s always unexpected.

• like that time he brought home your favorite food when you didn’t ask for it, or when you were having a rough day, and he somehow found the exact book you were looking for, even though you didn’t mention it. it’s not always flashy, but it’s the little things that show he’s paying attention.

• also, this man is WAYY too confident.

• he’s usually pretty calm, but when he’s certain about something— whether it’s a decision, a plan, or a random idea— good luck trying to change his mind.

• he’ll insist he’s right, even if he’s 99% sure he’s not, and he’ll have a smug look on his face while doing it. it’s an annoying habit, but somehow, he pulls it off.

• toji’s idea of date night involves grabbing takeout and binge-watching random action movies, preferably while he’s armed with snacks he’s "borrowed" from the convenience store.

• he’s surprisingly a pretty good cook (when he takes his time).

• it’s usually something straightforward— steak, grilled chicken, or ramen— but when he actually tries, it’s surprisingly tasty. the best part? he’ll act like it’s no big deal, even though you know he’s secretly proud of himself for not burning anything.

• toji is your scary dog privilege.

• he exudes an aura of danger, which makes you feel untouchable. not that he tries to look intimidating, but it’s hard not to notice when people start treating you both with a certain amount of caution just because he’s around.

• whether it’s the way he moves, the way he talks, or just the fact that people know better than to cross him, you’ll get used to the unspoken respect (or fear) that follows him.

• he’s not the type to smother you with affection, but he has his ways of showing he cares. whether it’s leaving a random "you good?" text, adjusting your coat when he notices you’re cold, or letting you take the last slice of pizza (even though he’s definitely eyeing it).

• while toji is pretty sharp when it comes to violence or strategy, he’s totally lost when it comes to social situations or subtle hints.

• you’ll find yourself frequently having to explain things multiple times because he either didn’t catch your tone or completely misinterpreted the situation.

• if you try to drop hints, he’ll stare at you blankly, and then you’ll have to go into full detail before he understands what you’re saying. it’s frustrating, but also kind of endearing, considering how smart he is in other areas.

• although he’ll never openly say it, in those quiet moments when he watches you sleep or shares a rare smile, you know you’re his soft spot. toji fushiguro has made you his world, and his devotion to you speaks louder than words ever could. <33

[matchatarot]

Hi my little bunny! To pick a pile don’t overthink it and chose the one that draws you in the most while thinking about the reading’s intent. For my first ever tumblr tarot reading I decided to connect with your spirit team and ask them what message they would like to share with you. Hope it resonates! Love, Matcha ♡

Pile 1 ₊˚. ༄

My love stop being so hard on yourself! We love you so much! Everything you need is in your own heart, your light is so loving, so beautiful, so healing, so creative, let it out! Stop looking at other’s expectations of who they want you to be and instead be guided by your inner light. You are not stuck like you think you are! You have everything you need right now. Set yourself free from those mental chains. You are your own savior. Spend time with yourself, not just spending time alone, actually get to know yourself. You need to integrate the shadows, get to know the dark parts of yourself but also get to know what makes your heart full of love and what makes you shine. You don’t need to address other’s doubts when it comes to your path. You’ re the one that knows best.

11:11 333 369hz

Pile 2 ୭̥° ✧

You did it! You listened to us! You’ve let go of that thing that kept holding you back and we’re so proud of you. You don’t have to look back, because you did what had to be done and now so much is coming for you! If you knew how many great things we have prepared for your life you would simply not believe it. Get ready! You changed for the best! The new You deserves compensation for all the work you did to better yourself, to be kind. You give hope to others, you’re a treasure, we’re so lucky to have you on earth. Don’t worry, you did the hard work and now your blessings are coming, settle in your new mindset, your new body. You’re more connected to your soul than you’ve ever been. Balance, justice, harmony and love are coming your way. Don’t stop dreaming, continue evolving.

Wild World by Cat Steven’s, 222 888

Pile 3 ‧₊˚♡

Take a deep breath with me please. There’s something heavy in your energy, there’s something you need to address that you’ve been scared of. But there’s no answers in looking away. Make your research, ask the opinions of your peers, whatever you do start putting your energy in solving this matter, you need it to continue building your future. There’s an addiction controlling your thoughts, what is it? I think you need to talk to someone before you start heading in the wrong direction, there’s some work you’re doing that can’t bare any fruits because you’re not addressing that one thing. The anxiety, the fears are just gonna get worse if you don’t. Please drink enough water and get enough rest. Tune yourself to your intuition. You got this! We love you.

555 888 333 639hz

decks used for this reading: l’oracle du chemin spirituel by Valérie Defour & Valérie Saussez, the angel’s tarot by Doreen Virtue & Radleigh Valentine, modern witch tarot deck by Lisa Steele

[deramin2]

So many negative reactions to Bell's Hells are a great example of how there's a broad admiration for the aesthetics of punk and watered down versions of rebellious punk philosophies or art, but also broad disgust at punks as people. The kind of folks who feel community in real punk spaces because they're alienated, angry, unpalatable, and have tons of baggage are not welcome elsewhere. Even among people who borrow bits of the aesthetic and listen to (mostly mainstream versions of) the music.

They're abrasive, they're too angry, they disrupt good order, many are mentality ill or neurodivergent or disabled, they're abrasive and like getting a rise out of people, they're not deferential, they're often the kind of queer people who liberally call each other slurs as reclamation and embrace being seen as dirty degenerates, many have substance abuse issues, many have or are experiencing homelessness, unemployment or underemployment or lack of work ambition is common, they're often very disorganized people, arguing and even physical fights are common, they've given up on being likable, and they're done apologizing for their existence. They've usually been alienated and excluded from society for a reason. Punk cultures are about embracing that alienation as a mark of pride instead of smothering themselves to earn being invited back.

But since that's not how people are "supposed" to behave in a "civil" society, they're seen as unacceptable and in need of shunning until they fix themselves. Things like liberty spikes and political jackets are a way to intentionally provoke a negative reaction in people at first glance to screen out those not worth a punk's time trying to be nice to (something Taliesin pointed out directly once). It's like brightly colored frogs warning they're poisonous before anyone even tires to fuck with them.

Frankly, most people do not want to see themselves as square normies enforcing violent expectations on others through exclusion and disgust. Our society worships the idea of the underdog, and everyone wants to view themselves as the the put upon arbiter of true morals being suppressed by bad guys. But it mostly serves to just mask the hegemony of restrictive cultural values about who counts as an acceptable person that deserves to be tolerated and allowed to affect unfolding events. Most people are completely unaware they're doing this because we've been trained to see it as simply having good standards that protect society from the influences of obviously bad people.

Personally I think they did a great job at showing how a particular kind of person in a particular kind of group genuinely react when swept up in that kind of rapid societal change and power. I enjoyed their oppositional messiness and constant renegotiation for the next direct step charming. They had so much character development without giving up who they are or how they most want to be. It wasn't in moments of big revelations, it was thousands of tiny ones between other moments.

Ultimately they just asked those with a massive power imbalance to step down and let mortals have their own agency without that constant control (some benevolent and some harmful but crucially only what the deities want to happen). For the powerful to just become part of the people instead of dominating them. That's a pretty soft outcome overall. Yet still very much a punk fantasy.

[cuteandhughesy]

Congratulations on 1k followers!! It’s so deserved!

Id like to request prompts 32 + 41 with Quinn Hughes. Maybe with insecure reader ~~<3

prompt no.32: “did I stutter?” + prompt no.41: “you’re it for me.”

dating a professional athlete wasn’t for the faint of heart—that much you’ve learned in the past 7 months of being in that very position.

other wags has warned you about the fans and reporters. how boundaries will always be crossed, and even through your man is the one in the spotlight, it feel like you too are under a microscope. jealous girls will pick you apart, commenting on your weight and appearance and what colour lipstick you wear until you’re doubting yourself.

nosy reports will comment on how you treat your man. are you cooking for him? making sure his laundry is done? cheering loud enough to look supportive but not loud enough to be heard. they’ll reprimand you if you speak out or speak up for what you believe in if it doesn’t align with your views.

they’ll call you a gold digger if you don’t work, but if you do have a career, you’re selfish for not devoting all your time to your man.

look right.

act right.

perfect yourself.

at first you didn’t think much about it. for the first few months of dating vancouver canucks captian quinn hughes, it was private. soft launches that had fans knowing, but not enough proof to label what the two of you were to another. but as you got more comfortable, so did the hockey world.

girls would leave awful comments on your pictures and send you cruel messages—you’re not skinny enough, or pretty enough for quinn. you dress like a slut or sometimes you dress like a prude. you look like a bitch. you’re only dating quinn for the paycheque—even worse, you’re only dating quinn as a stepping stone for his brothers.

you tried to ignore all the negativity—from awful fans and sports blogs that have nothing better to do than comment on you—and focus on the positive comments. but even that proved to be difficult.

it started to take a toll on you, and quinn noticed. at first he waited. he didn’t want to push you into talking about something that made you uncomfortable. quinn wanted you to come to him and/or let you work it out on your own. it’s not that he didn’t care, but he knew you were strong and determined, and he knew you didn’t care about strangers opinions.

until you did start to care.

it’s almost midnight as you stand at quinn’s bathroom vanity, slowly massaging moisturizer into your skin as quinn steps out of the shower behind you. smoothly he wraps a fluffy towel around his hips, water trickling down his chest as he makes his way over to you.

you smile at him through the mirror, but it doesn’t meant you eyes. quinn’s lips tug down, pressing his warm chest against your sleep shirt covered back as he brings you into his arms.

you sigh as he starts kissing your neck. there’s no hurriedness to them, or an underlying desire, but instead the kisses or soft—intimate—and reassuring.

you gnaw on your lip, head falling back against his shoulder. “feels nice,” you whisper into the steamy bathroom. quinn doesn’t answer you, his hand slipping up your thigh and under your t-shirt, fingers skimming higher and higher up your body—feeling you. your lower half becomes more and more exposed, and your eyes narrow in on your bare skin like second nature.

thighs with imperfections that you haven’t shaved in a week.

when was the last time that bitch got a wax? poor quinn is with a beast.

your lower belly, protecting your uterus but bulging out in a way that creates a bump.

is she pregnant? she looks pregnant

your hands, hanging limp at your sides.

he’ll never put a ring on a girl who looks like that.

your breathe catches, body tensing in quinn’s hold. he pauses, raising his head from your neck and catching your eyes in the mirror. expect you’re not looking at him, but yourself.

“hey,” he starts softly, spinning you around in his hold, giving you no choice but to look at him. “what’s wrong honey?”

your lip trembles, “nothing.”

his palms slide up to your face, holding your cheeks in his gentle hands. quinn tilts your head back, just enough so that you can’t hide away by looking at the floor. his thumbs stroke your cheeks smoothly, a frown on his face. he doesn’t believe you for a second.

“it’s not nothing,” quinn says, “is it something online?”

shock registers across your face. you never told quinn about what’s happening on social media and nasty comments, mostly because you were too embarrassed to admit that it was bothering you. your mouth opens, but nothing comes out.

quinn’s intense gaze doesn’t falter, and neither does the soothing movement along your face. you sniffle, “it’s just…��� you trail off, “am I pretty enough?” you ask after a beat, voice timid and seeking as you blink up at quinn.

“are you pretty enough?” he repeats, brows pulling tightly together in confusion. “of course you’re pretty enough. you’re more than just enough?”

“but like-“

“did I stutter?”

you blink. despite his reassurance, you can’t help the wave of insecurity that’s rushes through you. when hundreds of people all comment on your appearance, negative and condescending, over and over again, you can’t help but start to believe it.

and quinn knows what it’s like being put on a pedestal only to meet others high expectations. then getting slashed down, degraded and belittled like some toy. it’s awful, but that’s just about his game. he can’t even imagine something commenting on your appearance, knowing you can’t change it.

“they say i’m not good enough for you,” you tell him after a beat, picking at your own hands absentmindedly like a nervous tick. even hearing yourself say those things makes you shiver.

quinn shakes his head, pressing a soft long kiss to your forehead. “don’t ever believe that for a second,” he says, lips brushing your skin, “you’re it for me, okay?” 

and somehow that’s enough.

—

(unedited)

[gay-dorito-dust]

Could I request some platonic batboys comforting their bestie after the bestie has to break up with someone? Going through it rn </3

I got you! Fuck your ex partner if they were a dick to you, fuck them for breaking your heart and you will come out of this with a healed heart and a sense of self because you deserve everything and everything! I also added Bruce as a bonus.

Dick would have you come over to his house, saying that Hayley was ready to also help you heal pass this relationship, all the while putting the dog into your lap and encouraging you to cuddle the blue staffy because Hayley was there to provide extra comfort beside him.

Dick had been through relationships himself and would offer the most advice to you in your time of need the best out of all the boys, he understands how your feeling in the moment, as if your life was coming to an end but he would remind you that’s not the case and that you were just not use to being independent.

‘You might feel like you’re dying right now, but you won’t feel that for long.’ He says as he rests a hand on your shoulder. ‘you’ve just grown a custom to being with someone that being without them feels as though you can’t function but I’m here to tell you that you can. You were independent before and you’ll be independent again. So I wouldn’t fret about things that’ll soon become irrelevant.’ He adds as he presses you against his side, kissing your forehead like he always did when he needed to calm your racing mind.

‘Okay?’ He asks as he looks you in the eye, smiling. ‘We’ll take care of you won’t we Hayley?’ He then looks at his dog who had long fallen asleep on your lap, letting out a little snort as you both laughed at the cuteness of Hayley and the hilarity of the moment. Dick would make sure that you were getting out and would have you come on walks with him and Hayley, or just getting coffee together, anything he can do in order to help you realise that just because your relationship didn’t work out it didn’t mean that you have to give up being happy all tighter.

You can be happy on your own as you can be happy in a relationship, you’ve just gotta find the right people to be happy independent alongside with.

Jason would also solicit similar advice as Dick, seeing as he’s been in a few relationships himself, telling you that you might feel as though you’ve lost apart of yourself but in reality it was you hiding that part of yourself in fear of your true self being rejected.

‘Such isn’t what a relationship should be, you should see each other for your best and worst, not just one or the other and you should feel comfortable being yourself with them too.’ He says to you as he throws his arm over your shoulder as you both overlooked Gotham together becuase you couldn’t enjoy the stars with all the light pollution. ‘You’ll get back up on your feet sooner or later but for now eat your food before it goes cold.’ He then scolds as he gestures to the food he had made for you before dragging you to the rooftops for fresh air.

He wants the bash the idiots head in, but he knew you needed a shoulder to cry on right now and that’s what Jason will do, for you were in a vulnerable headspace and were prone to doing stupid stuff; and Jason felt it was his duty to make sure you took care of yourself properly and would do things that you didn’t or couldn’t do if the breakup hit your mental health hard.

Jason would make sure that you and your ex’s paths never cross as he acts as a blockade between you both, having much against the ex for being a uncaring bastard for hurting you while making sure your day went by undisturbed by anything or anyone. He’s looking out for you and most of your time is spent either in a bookstore or in his apartment, where you two would watch shitty reality television, before making predictions on who’ll get kicked out tomorrow nights episode.

Damian

‘Shall I end them for breaking your heart?’ He says as he puts a hand on your shoulder, obviously not use to being the one to comfort another, but with the help of Dick he hoped he was being at least somewhat comforting for you in your time of need.

You raise a hand to pat his hand on your shoulder, weakly chuckling at the seriousness of his tone, for while he might say it out of a need to bring you some assurance that he will be by your side. Damian wasn’t one to half ass his words and was most likely not joking about taking out your ex boyfriend for breaking your heart. ‘Thanks but no thanks dami.’

‘You’re better off without them. They were weak and couldn’t keep up with you, they were intimidated by your presence and how you easily prove yourself as a powerful individual who can look out for themselves and was scared of your power.’ Damian replies as he sits down next to you, setting aside his sword as he has Titus draped across your lap and Ace lounge next to your side, knowing how much you loved the dogs as much as he did.

And you know he’s not lying becuase Damian saw no point in lying to you, it’s ridiculous and serves no purpose whatsoever other then to guard another persons feelings, nope Damian says it as it is and needles to say he didn’t like your ex and now they’ve proved that feeling he had right by breaking your heart. While you said that he couldn’t kill him, Damian would oh most definitely stand outside their window menacingly without really trying.

However until he gets the opportunity to scare the shit out of your ex, he’s by your side with you throughout your healing journey as you realise that Damian wasn’t joking about you and your power. Your heart might break but it’s still beating and to Damian you alleys proven you were stronger then your ex ten times over. Hell you might even spar if you’ve got some anger to let out…Damian will use this as an excuse just to say;

‘Imagine their face and attack with everything you’ve got until there’s nothing left.’

Damian is an advocate for expressing how you fell in whatever form you can available to you, whether it’s through art, writing, music or otherwise just let it all out because how can you feel better when your repressing your emotions; thus hindering your own healing.

Tim has ice cream, your beloved fluffy blankets, your favourite show and or movie queued up on his computer with take out on the way the moment you had told him the news of your break up.

He doesn’t waste time and tells you to put on your most comfortable clothes because you were staying over the night to recover from a rather lacklustre relationship, away from someone who didn’t deserve you in the slightest, though this is very dependant on what relationship you had with your ex partner but the message remained the same with Tim: movie night with a side of gossip session where you shit talk about your ex partner and their glaring red flags now you were out of that mess.

Seriously by the end of the night you are no longer crying tears of sadness but tears of laughter every time Tim had something to say about your ex partner, easily roasting them into oblivion while your grasping at your stomach as it ached pleasantly, before joining in on the roasting yourself by giving him some insider information that his hacking skills could never give him.

Bruce ‘I’m rich’ Wayne who takes you out on shopping sprees to heal your heart by attempting to make a dent in his wallet.

After all what wouldn’t heal the heart faster than spending ridiculous amounts of money on comfort foods, items and clothing of various kinds.

Seriously this man will tell you to get the biggest, most expensive jellycat plushy the shop had, only to tell you to get like two more of similar sizes before gifting you his card and telling you to go nuts on what you want. That or he’d buy you it himself when he sees how hesitant you are with sending his money, quickly to pick up the things you side eye for too long or wince at the price tag of and buying it in bulk for you without hesitation.

He’s treating you to a expensive dinner afterwards with expensive drinks being brought to your table bottle by bottle along with good food, not that Bruce cared in the slightest as the night was far from over for the both of you, far from it as by the end of the night you would’ve completely forgotten about your ex when your rich friend spoils you rotten.

No friend of Bruce’s will cry over a broke loser, this man will remind you of your worth but in a less threading way like a certain son would, even if the encouragement was there in spirit.

[natsredbra]

Velvet & vice

summary: You meet a girl at work. A bit more unconventional than most expect.

warnings: stripper!reader, customer!L, smut at the end, strip clubs obv, strap referred to as cock, alcohol (very benign)

a/n: big things are coming…..i actually loved this idea sm and i wasn’t sure if the person that sent it wanted a whole ass fic but i couldn’t resist the temptation guys. i hope you enjoy this cause there will definitely be a pt2

word count: 3-3.3k

The night was hazy as usual, a steaming dressing room in the backstage with a bunch of dancers getting ready. You yourself stared into a mirror as you applied glitter to your eyelid, a thousand thoughts running through your head. You were fairly new to all this, at least comparing to some of the other girls which sometimes proved to be catty and mean - not all of them though, not even most of them either. And for all it’s worth, you did make a friend! Jackie, was her name. Like you, she was looking for a job as a broke collage student, and she’d been in the game for a bit longer, kind of like your guiding light.

“You okay?” She asked, putting on some hairspray as she realized you were focusing on the mirror for a minute too long. “Did you eat?”

“No no, yeah, I did, I just kind of spaced out…just y’know - when your head does that weird thing and you just think a lot.” You said, tearing your eyes away from the mirror to look at her. She was zipping her light blue skimpy dress over the langerie she wore. Just as the rest of you, she looked gorgeous.

“Yeah babe, it’s called overthinking.” She said in a soothing, slightly sarcastic tone. “C’mon, you’re up next”

Oh shit.

You took one last glance at the mirror, making sure everything was up to par before emerging onto the stage, seeing the crowd awaiting you. It always gave you a rush, to feel so desired to be seen.

Clicking your platforms, you approached the pole, spinning around it while everyone cheered, some of the regulars you recognized chanting your name.

Halfway through the song - The Morning by The Weeknd, amongst the sweaty men you caught sight of a few girls, the tall brunette in the middle shyly eyeing you. It must’ve been her first time, you thought, she placed a few bills on the stage, 20s you presumed.

The little wink you gave her once you finished off sure was noticed, making her breath hitch. Sue you, okay? You barely get any girls here, especially ones this pretty.

The DJ collected all your tips as you got off the stage, passing Jackie who was next. It was now your turn to scower the area and get that money. You deserved it after all, dealing with the Wall Street drunk - type of men all day.

Shooting seductive smiles and making eye contact went a long way, especially when they slipped you extra just for letting a quick touch linger. You may have been relatively new, but you knew how to play them better then most. You knew how to make them feel like you gave them everything, not realizing that they left with nothing.

Waiting for anyone else to apporach again would be fruitless, and honestly by the looks of it unwelcome too. So you decided to have some overdue fun and went over to the booth where the brunette sat, greeting her friends as well.

Sure, they looked like they had money to spend with that Dom Perignon on ice resting on their table, but you were interested in something else, though you would never admit it.

As usual you made a show of your beautiful self, swaying your hips slowly as you made your way over. It was what you did best. The party lights worked in your favor, making you seem like you walked right out of a movie. Or heaven. Finally, you approached the group which consisted of two brunettes, one that was yours, you decided, and a ginger girl with who you assumed was her girlfriend, a beautiful mixed woman sitting next to her.

“Hello girls, anyone looking for a dance tonight?” You asked in a sultry tone, leaning your elbows on the table and making direct eye contact with the forementioned girl. She was illuminating, really, with the dark eyes and hair that draped over her shoulders, standing tall like the world owed her for existing and breathing. Just your type. Only a plus that she was loaded and would likely spend a fortune on you alone.

“C’mon Lot.” The redhead girl whispered to her, kicking her under the table. C’mon Lot, you thought to yourself too.

“Uh- yeah, okay, hell yeah.” The brunette said with determination as she stood up, you hooked your arm with hers as you led her towards the private room.

“I’ve uh- I’ve never been here before.” She said, breaking the silence between you.

“No? You seem like you know your way around.” You replied in a rasping tone, a low grin gracing your face as you pushed the padded red door open.

The girl seemed slightly flushed as she plopped down on the leather couch, looking up at you with her capturing brown eyes.

“What’s your name?” You asked as the song started playing, attempting casual conversation.

“Uh- Lottie.”

“Lottie.” You let the name roll off your tongue along with your hips against hers, your back inches away from her chest.

She couldn’t help but focus her gaze on the globe of your ass, doing her best not to jerk her body upwards as you worked your own. You were ethereal, she thought.

“What about you, what’s your name, angel?” Lottie asked in a hushed tone, her hands shaky as she slipped a bill into your glittery g-string.

“Y/N. I like angel though.” You replied with a small chuckle at the end

“Angel it is.”

It seemed a tad bit intimate, even to you. She wasn’t a pig, no. She would never touch you unless you begged her to, even though her eyes were undressing you on their own.

“So uh- this is what you do or- or you go to school or something?” She stammered, clearly flustered

“Yeah. I go to collage here.” You answered, swaying your hips to the rhythm

“Oh, me too! I haven’t seen you before though.” Lottie urged, subconsciously jerking her body towards yours.

“It’s a big school, honey.” You murmured into her ear, along with a swivel of your waist, making her eyes roll to the back of her head. “How was your day?”

“Uh - oh, uh kinda shitty. Dad’s a dick, so.” She replied. Yes, she stuttered because of you. Maybe it was the way you smelled, looked- or maybe it was the setting.

“M sorry Lot. But I’m sure you feel better now.” You honeyed, making sure to lock your eyes with hers once more.

Turning around to hover over her lap, your perfect looking boobs were right in her face, knocking all air out of her lungs. You moved like water, practiced and teasing, the lacy bra you wore giving away a hue of your pink nipples as you dropped to your knees between her legs.

“Song’s over, baby.” You reminded her with a small smirk.

All she could do was stare down at you with a lustful gaze until she realized the impact of your words, frantically nodding.

“Sorry, yeah, I should get back home anyway.” She stammered, extending a hand to help you get up.

You took it happily, intertwining your fingers with hers as you led her out, Jackie shooting a small smile your way as she prepared for her own client.

Turning to look at the girl beside you once more, her eyes were already tracing your figure.

“Come again, Lottie.” You said huskily, letting go of her.

“Wait- angel!” She yelled out, making you stop in your tracks.

The girl walked up to you again, standing face to face before slipping a - holy shit, 500$ bill into the strap of your bra.

“Make sure to keep track of it.” She whispered into your ear before walking off, back to her friends.

You stood there, stunned. It was good enough that you got a cute, respectful client but apparently she was loaded too? I mean yeah, obviously but- even more than you thought, actually. You definitely hoped she'd visit again.

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

Standing out the back with your black coat over your costume, you lit up a cigarette, leaning against the wall while exchanging a tipsy conversation with Jackie, talking smack about some of the clients.

Above you, there was a sign with the club's name reading 'Blacklight', ironically written and glowing in a fiery red.

"So! He pulls out like- a couple hundred and basically demands me to take off my bra! Like dude, you're not seeing my tits for anything under a thousand!" Jackie exclaimed laughing, to which you followed suit. "I did dance for a girl though. Doesn’t happen often."

"Yeah? Did I see her?" You asked, suddenly a bit more interested

"I think she was with that same crew as the hottie you had." Jackie said, narrowing her eyes in curiosity as she took a puff of her pink strawberry vape. "Shauna."

"Oh, cool...this was Lottie." You sassed, raising your brows, "Hottie indeed."

"Hm, okay...oh girl, your shift ended." Jackie asserted, checking her phone for the time

"Fuckin' finally. I'll go get dressed, see you tomorrow." You said in a bit of a rushed tone, stubbing the cigarette with your heel before going back inside.

“See ya.”

You got back to the ready room, greeting another dancer named Jade who was apparently getting ready to leave too. She was one of the nice girls as well, your other friend out here.

"Good game tonight?" She called out, looking up from the bag she was packing.

"Bit better then usual." You said in a flat voice, getting back into your day clothes. And you couldn't bother to take off your makeup - do it at home.

"Oh, great. Need a ride?" She asked, turning to look at you.

"No it's okay, I'll catch a cab. Thanks J." You replied, giving the girl a small smile

You remembered, before putting on your sweater, the generosity that rested in your bra. Pulling the bill out, before folding it you noticed something written on it. A phone number, signed Lottie. You pondered there a little before scrambling the paper along with the rest of your cash. While smiling to yourself just a little. It was like something you could only daydream of.

—————————————

Waking up in your apartment at around 3pm, you were groggy and a bit hungover. It had been a couple days since you’d met Lottie and since then, you weren’t able to stop thinking about her. Sure, you’d gotten phone numbers before but it was from creepy, middle aged guys promising to take you to a very good party to someone’s yacht. Hard pass.

Finally you collected your thoughts and got out of bed heading to the bathroom to take your hair rollers out, and maybe reflect on your thoughts. You were scheduled fairly late tonight, which already made you internally groan - still, it was better then working Mondays.

Now you did externally groan when you realized you were out of coffee, at the worst possible moment too. Okay, maybe not the worst- but still, you liked the dramatics.

This might actually be good, it made you get out of the house and walk all the way over to your local coffee shop. You’d been so slammed with school, you barely got out if it wasn’t for work, so you needed the fresh air and a small break.

Finally as you got there, placing your order and sitting at one of the tables. The familiar dim glow of the cafe washed over you as you made a mental note of the songs you’d want to play tonight, as well as planning to work the main floor. Your thoughts still lingered, on Lottie, that is. As tempting as it was, you weren’t gonna-

Okay, you pulled out the bill with her number, eyeing it for a moment before realizing how ridiculous it must’ve looked, staring at 500 bucks, so you quickly typed the number in.

Sure you’d always been told not to fuck around with anyone you meet at work, but this was definitely not the kind of person Jackie and Jade referred to, and anyway, you’re young! What’s a little-

“Hello?”

The voice called out, unmistakably Lottie. For a moment you were frozen in place, unsure of what to say. But you needed to say something.

“Hey. It’s Y/N, from the other night, I’m not sure if you remember.” You finally spoke.

“Oh…right, I wasn’t sure if you’d call.”

“Well, here I am. Calling.”

“Hm, calling…why?”

“I uh- I wanted to see if you planned on coming by again. Don’t get that many nice customers that tip well too.” You said in a low, teasing tone, practically hearing her smirk over the phone.

“Right. I mean, I might. Think you’ll make it worth my while?” She tried to appear smooth, but there was a noticeable tremble to her voice

“Of course I will.”

“Then I’ll see you, angel.” She sounded almost giddy

Maybe this whole thing was better than you expected it to be.

—————————————

The night in the club was as usual, teetering on the edge of being kind of fun and absolutely exhausting. It was a late Saturday night, the busiest time of the whole week, with only a few dancers available, just your luck.

At least the tips would be through the roof. Judging by the looks of it, some of these men could take care of your entire rent in just one night. Oh but how you had to work for it.

Lucky you however, you’d just finished your dance into a split when you spotted her. Standing confident as ever, in the front of the audience, Lottie.

Shooting you a sly grin, she walked away from the stage, blending into the deep sea of people in front of you. Quickly collecting all your money, you returned to the dressing room. Your mind went a thousand miles an hour, jumping at every thought and possibility. Really, you weren’t expecting her to return, or maybe you just didn’t wanna get your hopes up. Still you were surprised.

Returning back to the main floor, you spotted her sat at the bar. This time, she was alone, all yours.

“Hey, angel.” Lottie said as she saw you approaching, taking a sip of what you assumed was a cosmo.

“Hi, Lot. Nice to finally see you.” You replied with a bit of a teasing tone.

“Yeah uh- I wasn’t sure if I overstepped the other night. I know you must get creeps like that all the time.” She apologized, the slight grimace on her face softening once she saw your small smile.

As tough as she looked, she was a sweetheart really.

“Are you calling me angel to be cute, or did you forget my name?” You asked, sitting next to her.

“No! No, I remember your name, Y/N, right?” She scurried, obviously not realizing you were joking. But a nervous chuckle did leave her when she did. “You said you liked angel.”

“I did, yeah.”

“Anything for you?” The bartender, and your good friend and coworker asked you.

“I’ll have a martini. Extra dirty.” You said huskily before looking back at Lottie, all the sparkles on your eyes beaming at her. There was a clear implication to your words, one even she could pick up on. It was also a small joke.

“Hard to imagine you with a dirty martini dressed in that.” Lottie teased.

And yes, she was right. Tonight, you wore a very cliché pink babydoll that barely covered you up. In fact, if you walked outside in it you’d likely be arrested for public indecency. The type of outfit you’d imagine with a piña colada, maybe.

“I’m more than meets the eye, Lot. So, I’m assuming you were looking for a dance tonight?” You marveled sarcastically, earning a soft giggle from the girl.

“Actually, no. I- I wanted to see you.” She said, sipping her pink drink yet again.

“Well aren’t you sweet.” You honeyed, nipping at your own cocktail. “Didn’t think you’d actually show.”

“Of course I would.”

“Then why come only after I called you?”

“I told you, I was worried I freaked you out or something…I’m really glad you called though.” Lottie asserted, physically restraining her eyes from raking all over your exposed, stunning form.

“Well I am too. You look nice tonight.” You said in a sweet tone. And you weren’t lying either.

Her makeup was pretty minimal, but she had put on a black, semi-tight dress that reached her mid thigh, showing off just enough cleavage to make you want more. It was as if you had a corny high school crush on the girl you met a few days ago, and judging by the way she acted, neither of you were opposed to it.

“I’m gonna ask you something, and you’re more than welcome to say no.” She said in a more serious manner

Fuck.

“Okay…”

“Would you like to…check out my place tonight?”

Bingo.

To understand you, you’d have to understand that you thought life was all about exciting, new experiences. Going home with a beautiful stranger being one of them. Maybe you didn’t know her last name, but you sure as hell were gonna find out the color of her underwear.

“…Sure.”

—————————————

The ride to her house completely went in and over your head as you stood by the front door, seeing her fumble with the keys while you traced her neck with slow, teasing kisses, pulling her back against your front.

Finally she swung the door open, shutting it behind you before picking you up with ease.

You crashed your lips against hers, securing your legs around her waist as she stumbled across the hall, carrying you to what you assumed was her bedroom.

She was strong, stronger than she looked, and was definitely playing into it when she tossed you onto the bed. Hovering over you, she pushed your shirt upwards while leaving a trail of kisses and spit on your jaw.

Her thigh found its way between yours, making you jolt your hips upwards, a movement she relished.

“You’re such a responsive girl, aren’t you?” Lottie called out above you, dragging the thigh up and down your center.

Earning a nod from you she continued her ministrations as she threw your top somewhere across the room. It felt like a fever dream, hooking up in a million dollar house with a girl who is just about your age. No time to be bitter about money though, not when her mouth is eagerly exploring every inch of your skin.

"Lottie please-" You coaxed out as she traced the waistband of your pants.

"Please what? Talk to me, angel." Lottie whispered, although she was already undoing your zipper.

"Please, just fuck me, take me." You stuttered.

Seconds after her soft hands traveled over your plushy, bare thighs, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.

Leaning in the taller girl kissed and nipped your tummy on her way down. Her touches were hurried and desperate, earning soft whines from you the more they went on. Finally facing your heat and seeing the wet patch on your panties, Lottie sucked in a sharp breath before hooking a finger into your underwear and moving it to the side. The first dip of her tongue into your folds was unmatched, at first slow and unsure. She was trying to figure you out, to see what movements make your breath hitch and your back arch.

Soon enough she found that one spongey spot, the friction on it making you mewl under her. Discarding your panties quickly, she pulled you further into her, throwing your legs over her shoulders and eating you as if you were her last fucking meal. Latching her lips onto your clit, her digits flew to your leaky hole, begging for entrance which you happily granted.

She moved inside you with practice and ease, hitting your g-spot over and over and over.

“Lottie - fuck, I’m gonna come.” You whimpered, not quite expecting her next course of action.

She pulled out, releasing your bud with a wet pop. The grin on her face grew when she saw your expression, needy and unsatisfied.

“I think you’re about ready for my cock, angel.” She said - it was her turn to be a tease.

Going back up, she pressed a searing kiss to your lips. It was quick and wet, just like your oh almost reached orgasm.

Soon enough she strapped up, hovering over you as the tip poked at your entrance. Jolting your hips, you tried to lure her in, at this point becoming completely mindless and putty in her hands.

Getting the signal, she finally slid into you, nice and easy. Watching your blissed out face made her own contort in pleasure, as if she could feel just what she was doing to you. Her hips moved slowly and deliberately, getting you used to the wonderful stretch she provided. Throwing your head back in a silent scream, Lottie picked up her pace, gripping your hips to keep you steady.

Jesus Christ, whoever said strippers fuck best was right. She took note of you under her, fucking back onto the length as if your life depended on it, letting out sweet, filthy pleas just for her.

Crouching down to kiss you, she whispered against your lips. “You look so fucking good baby. So beautiful.”

Her words only urged you on, making you let out desperate cries as the tip of the toy kissed your cervix simultaneously.

“Lottie I’m so close.” You warned again, though this time, it was encouraged.

“Come for me angel, go on.” Lottie whispered into your ear, her words finally pushing you over the edge and making you gush on her cock.

“God, you’re good.” She said, pulling out of you and collapsing next to your tired form.

Your chest heaved with the intensity of the encounter. Turning your head to look at her, you were met with a soft gaze and a smile. You had a hankering this would not be the last time you experience this girl.

[theeriverdawn]

fuck. this shit is so interesting but so sad to read because its literally just… the enshitification thing that capitalism does, and how critical thinking skills have eroded so much in our society that has led us to the path we’re down right now. so many mixed feelings on this subject, on one hand the nihilism of “fuck it we deserve to all suffer and die” but then im like fuck NO. we deserve SO MUCH BETTER than this. and we CAN BUILD IT! I think back to FDR, we CAN do the things that change the world for the better and we can get out of this insane mess we’ve found ourselves in through putting the goddamn work in. Anyway, call your local representatives and scream to them about how medicaid being cut will affect you because chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re probably on medicaid or know someone who is on medicaid.

[a-d-nox]

how can you glow up: your 7h - relationships and balance within them

still following my hypothesis of how you can glow up using your venus persona? it's time to take a closer look at your 7h!

paid reading options: astrology menu & cartomancy menu

enjoy my work? help me continue creating by tipping on ko-fi or paypal. your support keeps the magic alive!

7h aries (1°, 13°, 25°), 7h mars, and/or mars aspecting 7h ruler

setting and maintaining healthy boundaries

avoid asserting dominance: being direct is fine, but ensure your heard and understood shouldn't mean overpowering your partner’s needs.

balance independence with being a team: i know you value your freedom, but healthy relationships require mutual consideration and everyone's favorite word *compromise*.

don’t rush into commitment: often this energy can led towards being impulsive - take your time to evaluate whether any relationship you enter aligns with your long-term needs.

recognize when conflict is unnecessary: not every disagreement has to be a fight - learn to pick your battles wisely.

how to improve communication

express your desires without aggression: your passion is your strength, but delivery matters; approach every conversation with clarity, not force.

practice active listening (and patience): "aries goes first" - not necessarily... let your partner fully express themselves before you respond; avoid interrupting out of impatience.

be mindful of reactive tendencies: slow down before responding to avoid saying things in the heat of the moment that you might come to regret.

embrace vulnerability: not every conversation has to be a debate - sharing emotions openly builds deeper connections.

how to attract balanced partnerships

seek partners who match your energy but also ground you: a mix of excitement and stability creates the healthiest dynamic.

avoid overly passive partners: you need someone who can keep up with you, not someone who lets you full on take control of every situation.

seek relationships built on mutual passion and respect: you thrive in partnerships where both people are equally invested and independent.

be open to different love styles: just because someone expresses love differently than you do doesn’t mean they are less devoted.

how to become more confident in relationships

own your assertiveness: you know what you want, and that’s powerful - your confidence will come when you embrace this without fearing this power will ruin your relationships (that being said balance assertiveness with control (don't succumb to being overly controlling within your relationships)).

let go of the need to prove yourself: you don’t need to be “the best” in/at relationships; love isn’t a competition.

trust that the right person won’t see your fire as “too much”: your intensity will be attractive when matched with the right person.

learn to identify what you deserve

relationships where you feel free yet supported: you need both your autonomy and a deep connection.

a partner who values your drive, not one who competes with you or tries to put you down: someone who encourages your ambitions rather than challenges your authority.

excitement without unnecessary chaos/fights/argument: love can be passionate and spontaneous without being dramatic or unstable.

a partner who respects your strength but also sees your softer side and knows when to support you: emotional security is just as important as adventure.

7h gemini (3°, 15°, 27°), 7h mercury, and/or mercury aspecting 7h ruler

setting and maintaining healthy boundaries

avoid superficial connections: it’s likely very easy for you to keep things light, but deeper emotions/conversations are necessary for real intimacy.

balance social time with personal time: you thrive on interaction, but ensure you’re not overextending yourself in relationships.

set limits: make sure both you and your partner respect each other.

be clear about your expectations: ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings, so express your needs openly and directly.

how to improve communication

be mindful of overanalyzing: not every conversation needs to be dissected.

avoid deflecting with humor or distraction: playfulness is one thing, but true communication requires depth and honesty. so focus and try to read the room.

practice active listening: immerse yourself fully instead of thinking about your response.

express your emotions clearly: love isn’t just about words - allow yourself to feel your emotions, not just explain them.

how to attract balanced partnerships

look for partners who stimulate your mind but ground you: lntellectual chemistry is key for you, but emotional security is equally important.

avoid partners who are too rigid or overly possessive: you need freedom given this airy influence to explore ideas and connections without feeling confined.

choose relationships that allow for variety and spontaneity: routine-driven partner may not suit you long term.

look for someone who communicates: these people's relationships thrive when both partners are curious, expressive, and engaged.

how to become more confident in relationships

own your adaptability: your ability to see different perspectives makes you a dynamic and engaging partner - you are anything but boring. know that.

trust that depth doesn’t mean loss of autonomy: real intimacy can exist alongside independence and exploration. just because you feel locked in doesn't mean you aren't your own person.

commitment doesn’t equal monotony: long-term relationships can still be exciting and full of surprises especially if you are with the right person.

learn to identify what you deserve

communication and mental connection: deep conversations and shared curiosity keep your love alive - there is nothing wrong with that.

freedom to explore: you deserve space to express yourself without feeling boxed in.

someone who understands and embraces your duality: you deserve a partner who appreciates both your playful and serious sides.

7h cancer (4°, 16°, 28°), 7h moon, and/or moon aspecting 7h ruler

setting and maintaining healthy boundaries

recognize emotional enmeshment: your relationships may feel deeply personal, but ensure you’re not absorbing your partner’s emotions as your own.

avoid mood-based decisions: your emotional status influences how you approach relationships, so take time/space before making major commitments.

separate past wounds from present situations: your attachment style will be shaped by past experiences, so aim to heal (or learn coping techniques for) any unresolved emotional patterns prior to relationships if possible.

how to improve communication

express emotions without fear: emotions are strength; don’t suppress them to "keep the peace".

avoid passive-aggressive tendencies: if something bothers you, say so instead of expecting your partner to guess at your feelings.

communicate beyond emotions: all feelings are valid, however, logical discussions are also necessary for resolving conflicts effectively.

recognize emotional triggers: be mindful of how past wounds and insecurities influence your reactions. make your partner aware of these potential triggers.

how to attract balanced partnerships

seek emotionally mature partners: you need someone who understands deep emotional connections and at the same time doesn’t rely on you for all their emotional needs.

look for nurturing but independent partners: a healthy relationship supports emotional depth while allowing for both partners to maintain their own identities.

how to become more confident in relationships

trust your intuition: your emotional intelligence helps you read people well - don’t second-guess yourself. "a spade is a spade".

embrace vulnerability without fearing rejection: the right person will appreciate your emotional openness rather than see it as weakness.

learn to self-soothe rather than seeking constant reassurance: trust yourself to navigate tough emotions independently.

learn to identify what you deserve

someone who respects and values emotional depth: you need someone who embraces emotional intimacy, not someone who avoids it.

a safe space to express feelings without judgment: emotional security should be number one in your relationships.

7h aquarius (12°, 24°), 7h uranus, and/or uranus aspecting 7h ruler

setting and maintaining healthy boundaries

allow for freedom without creating distance: you value independence, but emotional closeness is just as important.

avoid impulsive decisions: the urge to seek (or create it if you get too bored) excitement may lead to relationship instability, so take time before making major decisions.

define what “commitment” means to you: you definition may be unconventional to say the least, so ensure you and your partner are on the same page.

balance personal space with connection: too much distance can create instability in relationships, so maintain open communication at all times if you can't be in each other's space.

how to improve communication

be clear about your need for independence: your partner should understand that love for you doesn’t mean constant togetherness.

avoid being emotionally detached: deep emotional discussions are essential for intimacy - i know i know that's likely tough to swallow for logic loving aquarius.

recognize when you’re being obstinate just because: not every disagreement needs to be a challenge for authority...

how to attract balanced partnerships

seek partners who enjoy change and excitement: you need a dynamic relationship that allow room for growth and new experiences.

avoid overly controlling or possessive partners: you need both respect and autonomy - make that very clear.

look for intellectual and energetic chemistry: mental stimulation and shared passions are essential to holding your interest.

how to become more confident in relationships

own your uniqueness: your unconventional approach to relationships is a strength, not a flaw. love is changing in today's world and you are well suited to step into this new romantic era.

stability doesn’t mean boredom: you can have a committed, fulfilling relationship without sacrificing your excitement for life.

find confidence in flexibility: your adaptability allows you to thrive in various relationship dynamics without fear.

learn to identify what you deserve

someone who appreciates your unpredictability rather attempts to tame you: you deserve someone who enjoys change and spontaneity - they will complement you well.

excitement without chaos: you deserve a love that is thrilling but also emotionally secure.

mutual respect in an unconventional relationship dynamic: whether it’s non-traditional roles, unique ways of expressing love, or alternative commitments (open relationships, polyamory, long-distance, etc.), you need a partner who understands and/or is willing to try your approach.

7h ruler in 1h

setting and maintaining healthy boundaries

avoid losing yourself in relationships: your identity can easily get deeply tied to partnerships, so make sure you maintain your individuality and fight against codependency.

set clear expectations from the start: your relationships will impact your self-image; make suee they align with your values and needs.

balance personal desires with relationship dynamics: avoid over-prioritizing your partner’s needs at the expense of your own.

how to improve communication

be direct about your needs: relationships influence your sense of self so have clear and honest communication to prevent misunderstandings.

self-reflect before reacting: your responses in relationships can be immediate and personal; take time and space to process emotions.

make sure conversations are 50/50: since you likely take the lead, make sure you are allowing space for your partner’s thoughts and perspective.

speak from personal experience, don't make assumptions: avoid projecting your thoughts and beliefs in the relationship; focus on understanding both yourself and them.

how to attract balanced partnerships

look for partners who complement you rather than define you: a good partner will enhance your identity, not "wash you out".

avoid overly dominant or passive partners: you thrive in relationships where you both stand strong.

seek someone who values your independence: a partner who respects you as an individual creates a more overall fulfilling relationship dynamic.

how to become more confident in relationships

embrace self-sufficiency: you don’t need a relationship to feel whole; your strength lies in your own identity. love with come when you aren't looking for it.

recognize that relationships reflect your personal growth: how you engage with others mirrors your self-awareness and growth.

by empowered by love, not dependent on it: partnerships should support your autonomy rather than diminish it.

learn to identify what you deserve

you should be valued and respected: you need a partnership that acknowledges and respects your individuality.

partners who inspire self-growth and confidence: relationships should encourage your personal development rather than limits it.

love is a choice, not a chore: you deserve a partnership where both you and them choose one another, not out of need but out of genuine connection.

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[matchalovertrait]

An intimate talk under the stars.

Start from the beginning (Gen 2)

Previous | Next

[Once they arrived at the park, Dulce and Antonio changed into a fresh pair of clothes. Running around in skintight costumes all night was NOT comfortable! They wouldn’t recommend it.]

[They also took this time to catch their breath. The crisp air felt rejuvenating while they embraced the comfortable silence, taking in the crazy night they had. What an insane idea. But they did it. Together.]

[After a few minutes, Dulce cleared her throat.]

DULCE: ..Antonio. I want to say I appreciate you for doing this with me. I know it was ridiculous. You’ve already helped me a lot, and I can’t thank you enough for it.

[Antonio shifted with discomfort.]

ANTONIO: Don’t thank me just yet. We haven’t won the case.

DULCE: Many things could’ve gone wrong, though.

ANTONIO: Technically they did... but we got through them, right? And we got the notebook.

DULCE: We did!!

[Dulce took out her notebook and flipped through the pages in awe.]

DULCE: I wish I could see the look on Caruso’s face once he realizes the notebook is gone.

[The “security”, Caruso, and Isabela should be able to put two and two together. Dulce and Antonio knew that. However, Caruso and Isabela had no proof. The Operation Fox team covered their tracks, and Matthew was able to erase any surveillance camera footage once the power came back on.]

[She looked up at Antonio with a soft smile.]

ANTONIO: I’ll guard that notebook with my life when I take it for the ink dating in the morning.

DULCE: I almost didn’t take it when I was in his room because I felt bad... We’re kind of the same.

ANTONIO: What do you mean?

DULCE: Maybe his video about me was some weird karmic stuff for the Alto exposé video I made. Maybe Caruso is just me as a man and I deserve what I got.

ANTONIO: You’re mistaken. You’re a lot smarter than Caruso. In your video, you didn’t give any names and you were very vague. Quite impressive if you ask me. How old were you? About 16? 17?

DULCE: Around there.

ANTONIO: Second of all, you have more love in your heart. It’s that simple.

ANTONIO: Alright. Picture this: Alfonso Alto watches your video. He laughs but is secretly freaking out. What if people start suspecting his shady business? He contacts his legal team to try to stop you.

ANTONIO: They rewatch your video repeatedly in an attempt to find something to sue you for—which, by the way, only adds onto your view count—but, they have nothing. Absolutely nothing. He’s furious to have been outsmarted by a teen girl. Things lead to another and he’s in prison all because of one video.

[Dulce nodded. Antonio would know from experience.]

DULCE: Hm, yeah.

ANTONIO: Think about all the lives you probably saved too. Caruso can’t live up to that. That’s probably why he’s so vengeful.

DULCE: ..Speaking of which, what about you and Isabela? Is she a vengeful ex-girlfriend of yours?

[Antonio waved his hand in dismissal.]

ANTONIO: Absolutely not.

ANTONIO: Actually, she hates me because I turned her down.

DULCE: What??

ANTONIO: We used work closely as interns at the same firm. We had to. Along the way, she somehow developed feelings for me. When she asked me out, I declined. I explained to her that I’m dedicated to my work. I don’t have time or energy for love.

[Dulce’s heart dropped.]

ANTONIO: I thought she took it well. Then, she started screwing me over in subtle ways. She would provide me with incorrect deadlines or “forget” to tell me about important calls.

ANTONIO: I couldn’t say anything. Isabela was untouchable because her uncle was a senior attorney at the firm. When my internship ended and I looked for jobs, many places rejected me because I received a bad reputation.

DULCE: I’m sorry that happened to you. Isabela’s a witch for doing that.

ANTONIO: It all worked out. I’m fortunate that the firm I work at now took a chance on me. I get to do what I love. And that place has allowed me to meet some incredible people.

DULCE: ..Sometimes I think about possible alternate timelines. “What if I didn’t do that?” or “What if I had done this instead?” ..Maybe I would be in a more fortunate situation.. but maybe I wouldn’t have experienced the good things in this timeline.

ANTONIO: Like what?

[The two looked up at the starry night.]

DULCE: Like adopting Cosi! Caruso was the one who insisted we get a dog on that day, actually. Maybe someone else would’ve taken her.

DULCE: Okay, your turn to name something.

ANTONIO: Hm..... One time I broke my leg. If I didn’t have all that spare time to watch movies, maybe I wouldn’t have found out I like Star Wars. Your turn.

DULCE: I got lost in the city once. If I didn’t make a wrong turn, I wouldn’t have run into the person selling the refurbished iMac G3. I love it! Your turn.

[Suddenly, the two of them turned to face each other at the same time. They hadn’t realize the closing distance between them.]

ANTONIO: I..

DULCE: I think we should leave. Isabela and Caruso could be out looking for us right now.

ANTONIO: Yeah, and it’s getting late.

DULCE: Mhm.

ANTONIO: C’mon. Let’s get you home.

[2isted-chocol8-art]

Hey! Just to tell you that I devoured all your art on Outer Wilds, I literally loved everything, and if there are some that I didn't "like" it's because I forgot, because everything, absolutely all your posts deserve the love of the entire fandom. Thank you for the fics that you made me discover by the way, I have some good reading to come!

Also, I would be infinitely grateful if you could draw Hornfels, like in they're daily life, or interacting with other hearthians, anything really (they're my favorite character, and there is so little art of them ;-; )

Infinite thanks you for everything you made, your art is damn gorgeous <333

Thank you so much for your lovely ask!! It makes me really glad to see people enjoying my art so much, specially since I put a lot of time and care in every drawing!

As per your request, have some Hornfels checking on Hatchy and Hal while they work on their translation software ::]

-> More Outer Wilds Art!

[werehamburglar]

I actually went through this... surprisingly recently. Months ago-- almost a year ago-- I committed some sort of faux pas with a group of friends, tried to talk it out (tried), and asked that they communicate with me more up-front about what I'm doing wrong in the moment because I can't tell what I've done to upset them. I can pinpoint, sometimes, that people are upset (sometimes), but the actual cause is much harder; and that sometimes is operative, since I don't know most of the time. I really, really don't. Either the whole world is in on a joke and I'm joking along and taking it too far, or I ruin the joke, or it wasn't actually a joke, or, or, or-- I never know where I stand. You know? I don't think asking for more communication about when, where, and how I've messed up is that big an issue.

Only, it happened again-- I took something too far without knowing that I did so (because they didn't tell me after I asked), and this burbled and festered at the same time that an apparent wound concerning something else I was apparently doing wrong was beginning to rot, and apparently there was an issue that was going on for years that nobody told me about and was silently mad at me for without telling me; and how am I supposed to know without being told? I can ask and I can guess, but putting the onus on me to navigate these mazes when I have the "can't navigate social mazes" disorder is... well, it's not insulting, but it does hurt. It sent me reeling, to the point of crying at work while I was scrubbing dough shelves. And I'm sure they didn't think twice about it, but I was thinking over every possible interaction I could have messed up with them over the past four years.

Friend groups refusing to help, callout posts, these cultures of silently rolling our eyes and deciding to condemn rather than communicate-- who does it help? Genuinely? Who does it help? This culture of punishment only serves to reinforce that we are other, that we are lesser, that we deserve worse-- and, I'm not sorry for saying this, but I don't. We don't.

I think... I think we're all able to say things like, "That wasn't quite appropriate and here's why," or "Hey, knock it off." It's not too much to ask. It makes things easier for everyone.

I saw some snippet of a callout post for an autistic trans woman where they list social faux pas she committed, and I think we allistic people should all feel 100x more ashamed of not telling people in the moment how we feel about what they're doing. I think its extremely evil and cruel to not only lie to an autistic person and blame them for it but also to feel justified shaming them for your behavior. And it's currently the social norm to do that

[wlwsoccerfics]

World Cup Semi-Finale Drama(StephCatleyXGwinnReader)

A/N: i Hope you enjoy this request.

Warnings: Lots of Angst and self doubt. Mental health struggles.

Summary: you are the captain of your national Team cause your sister is out injured and you Play against your wife's team. Australia wins and you blame yourself for the loss.

There it was. The final Whistle. You were Out of the world Cup. Losing in the semi Finals against Australia. Your wife's team. So there was now one Captain Catley that made it to the finals and one captain Catley that was doubting all of her skills. You were the second one.

You had been dreading this day. This Game. Everything felt like the world was ending. Which in a way it did for you. Not knowing If you would ever get another Chance to make it this far in the world cup.

Of course you were proud of your wife. She deserved it. But you felt like your team deserved it as well. You weren't a good captain and that's why they lost.

Your wife and her Team were celebrating. Well your wife was struggling. She was over the moon that she Made it to the finals but she saw you sitting on the pitch. Hiding your head in your Jersey. Your entire Body was shaking from the sobs. Your best friend Laura was sitting next to you. Hugging you close. Even though she was crying as well. Your sister made her way over to you as well.

"Babe..." Steph whispered out. You stood up quickly. Looking at your wife. Giving her a hug before pulling away just as quick.

"congrats. I am proud of you, stephy!" You told her, you couldn't even stop crying while talking her. She really wished she could make you feel better but she knew she couldn't. And the distance you put between you and her was a sign that you clearly couldn't deal with being close to her. Not while you had so many negative thoughts about yourself running through your mind.

"she is gonna come around." Your best friend and teammate whispered to your wife. Steph sighed sadly and walked away. Greeting Fans and giving Interviews. Thankfully you didn't have to give one. Sara & Klara did.

Harper ran over to you, hugging your legs so you picked her up.

"auntie Y/n. Don't cry! You can always win another Game!" She told you. It was the child Like innocene of not understanding how important this game was for you and your team. And that you felt like you also let the Fans down. Not only your Team. No you let everyone down.

"i will be okay. You are right. I can always try again." You told her. Then she just held onto you and you held onto her. She always managed to cheer you up or at least take a little bit of the pain away when things were rough. Giulia, your sister was rubbing your back, she was sad as well, you could tell because of how quiet she was and it looked like she was trying not to cry.

After a while you put Harper down cause she went back over to Mini and the rest of the team.

You and your team left the Pitch and walked inside to the changing rooms. You took a few deep breaths before you spoke up.

"i would like to apologize to you. I let you all down! I take full responsibility for what happened Out there! I wasn't a good Leader!" You told them.

"y/n...this isn't your fault! We are a Team! We win together and we lose together! It hurts right now! But we all were Out there and didn't make it work!" Sara told you.

"yeah Sara is right! Like i think you did so well as a Leader. You managed to Score the only Goal we Made. Yes we lost. 3-1 but this Is not your fault!" Felicitas stated.

"i am proud of you! You stepped in for me! You did a good Job! You were leading until the end. Sometimes things just don't work out in our favor!" Giulia answered.

Before you could speak up again, your other best friend showed up in the doorway. Kyra was also one of your teammates at Arsenal. Your coach also showed Up.

"y/n? I wanted to check in. Sorry about your loss Guys. But you all did a great Job." She said, walking over to you. Pulling you in for a hug. You hugged her back. Tearing up again. The rest of the Team congratulating her.

"thanks Kyra. I am proud of you!" You let her know. Hugging Kyra close. Sobbing again. "Where is Steph?" You asked her. Knowing you couldn't just let this go like this. You needed to talk to her. Maybe it was a good thing that Kyra showed up cause you were tempted to step down from international Duty for Germany and just Focus on your Club. It was something you had thought about before and this day kind of pushed you more towards it. But you were emotional right now so this might not be the right time to drop something like that in case you might regret it in a few days.

"she is in the changing room with the others. let's go See your wife. Cause she is struggling as well. She is over the moon we won but also sad and actually cried cause of the pain you are going through!" Kyra admitted. You frowned softly. You didn't intend to make your wife feel that way.

"Go See your wife!" Jule said.

"now!" Your sister stated.

"i agree!" You coach replied.

you left with Kyra to the other changing room.

"Steph? I have someone who wants to see you!" Kyra stated. You were greeting your wife and her team with a sad smile.

"hey, congrats guys." You spoke up.

"thanks. You did great as well. And we are all proud of you!" Mini told you.

"thanks you! It's appreciated." You answered and looked at your wife after replying. Walking over to her. Hugging her, giving her a soft kiss. Wiping away her tears. She hugged and kissed you back.

"auntie y/n is Not Mad at auntie Steph anymore!" Harper announced. You pulled away from the kiss and gently pushed a strand of hair behind your wife's ear.

"i was never mad at auntie Steph. She is the best. I was just hurt cause i didn't feel like i was a good captain and that i let the fans and the team down!" You tried to explain to her. The reply surprised everyone. They knew you were heartbroken over the loss, but they had no idea how you put all the blame on yourself.

"Baby. You fought hard. You were an amazing captain. Don't blame yourself!" Steph said, kissing your forehead gently.

"i am working on letting that go. It just...i am sorry for not reacting more positive and congratulate all of you earlier." You explained.

"what are you sorry for? Your emotions matter. I understand how difficult this must be for you, love!" Your wife replied. You kiss her her cheek.

"means alot to me to hear! I love you." You replied.

"i love you too. Always will!" Steph answered.

"i Love your love!" Macca said. You smiled at her. There still was a hint of sadness which was probably gonna stay for a bit but you genuinely did feel a bit better being in your wife's Arms.

You talked to your sister, your best friends and your wife about your thoughts on ending your international career. They listened and didn't judge. They also helped you figure out that you don't want to retire just yet.

You played for the third place against spain and won. Your wife and her Team were there to Support you.

Australia won the world Cup against England and of course you were there wearing your wife's Jersey. Sitting in the stands with Harper & Harley in your lap. You were so very proud of the entire team.

[emo-gremlin]

how emotional would Harley be if he saw the one he loved down in the factory and he reunited with them? What are you head canons for that?? (I just wanna see tears and angst tbh)

💻 He genuinely thinks it's some kind of programmed hallucination when he first sees you. He wouldn't put it past Leith, the two hated each other with a passion.

💻 The second he sees you, and realizes its...it's really, truly you...his anger rises. Not at you, but at Leith, at Stella, at Dr. White, at EVERYONE who put him in this accursed machine!

💻 The fact that Leith never gave you any closure boils him to no end. He NEVER wanted you to see him this way. He had hoped that the bastard would have at least told you he died on the job, or SOMETHING, ANYTHING but making you stay up at night without any answers.

💻 He knew he wasn't a good man, he wasn't the best partner either, he'd admit that. But you...you never deserved to be part of this, to even SEE any of this. You were too good, too pure for this.

💻 He tells you, no, COMMANDS you to leave. To forget about him, forget everything you've seen here. He'd make sure to get you safe passage to the surface, he'd deal with the Prototype.

💻 When you tell him you're not leaving without him, you can hear the pain and sorrow in his voice. He was not the best at talking about his emotions, he never was, but you could tell...He regretted everything, it was HIS fault that you came here, HIS fault that these monsters were hunting you down...

💻 While he still had pride in his work, his accomplishments, the progress he'd help make, it hurt him to see you, battered and bruised, all because of what he'd created.

💻 He tells Yarnaby to stay by your side. He may not be able to stick by you, but at least he can give you more of a fighting chance.

💻 Its the Prototype that takes him out, his final words...."I'm so...rry m-my...lov..."

Don't mind me imma cry in a corner

[anulithots]

THIS THIS THIS THIS Okay so I either missed this dialogue or don't remember it (probably the later my memory can be as bad as Siffrin's.) BUT THIS. LIKE ESEPCIALLY IN THE WAY THAT LOOP IS NICE. Only after an insult to the friends, who Siffrin doesn't tolerate being mean to (at least not for 90% of the game) and this in paticular would work SO WELL for Siffrin because it's supposed to catch them on guard and put things into perspective and KLSJDF Loop being the 'version of Siffrin' that gave up, still hates themself, but sees another version of them and choses to be kind is just *inchoherent screaming becuase THE WAY THIS GAME DEPICTED THE ~ MENTAL ISSUES~ IS MORE RELATEABLE THAN ANYTHING IVE EVER SEEN* LIke yes! Hating yourself! Being very, very mean! Still being helpful because some small part also wants to leave, wants to win, wants to keep the younger self hoping because it was so painful to lose hope and those small moments of kindness because you deserve it. you both do.

ok i have. several things to say about this.

loop acts like a little shit so often that getting a moment of genuine kindness from them like this always makes me want to walk into the sea. everything theyve gone through, everything theyre still going through, and they still find it in themself to, on occasion, be kind. explodes.

maybe you wouldnt miss things if you CRABBING TOLD YOUR FRIENDS, YOU MEAN. but why would siffrin tell them ANYTHING if he can just loop back and do it better themself! and never have to ask for help with anything ever again! the pattern of constantly trying to help everyone, GENUINELY trying to help everyone since he never knows if helping will result in a reward of some sort, and yet never once considering that siffrin themself might need help. explodes again.

[thenyoumightaswellwrestleangels]

Even without an answer (perhaps the search will be enough)

carry me slowly, my sunlight (these colours, they fade for you only) - series masterlist here

pairing: damian wayne x reader (gender neutral)

length: 2.2k

genre: angsty hurt/comfort

warnings: non-sexual nudity, they're in the shower the whole time, injury / chronic pain talk, hmm trauma lasts forever and you have to live with it ig

a/n: I hope this makes sense I hope it's gooood I hope y'all like it <33

The ache that sets further in as you stand in the steam of your shower, you think, should be more familiar by now. The pain that surges through your back and your shoulder should feel a bit more like home. 

But as you stand with your head bowed under the spray of the shower, hot water cascading over you and tingling your skin as it throbs, you find that you've never felt quite so far removed from yourself. 

It's only the sound of the bathroom door opening, the quiet click of the lock and the shuffle of clothes on the other side of the fogged-up glass that makes you blink. But it doesn't make you move, and you stand, upright and trembling, as Damian slips into the shower behind you, hissing at the temperature of the water but stepping closer nonetheless to press a gentle kiss to the back of your neck.

"He shouldn't have said that to you," he murmurs softly, and as he traces his knuckles up your spine, you squeeze your eyes shut.

"He didn't mean anything by it."

"He's a detective," Damian continues, and there's a razor-sharp edge to his voice that feels so familiar. "He should've known."

"He's your father… I hope you didn't fight with him because of me," you say dully, and your voice is strained in a way that makes Damian put his hand on your shoulders and try to turn you around to face him. When you resist, though, keeping your head bowed, he sighs and squeezes your shoulders ever so gently. 

"I'll close my eyes if you don't want me to see you cry." And he offers it up so easily, holds it out to you like it's a simple allowance that you deserve. It's enough to make your head snap up, and when you turn to face Damian in his arms, your eyes are red-rimmed and sensitive from your tears.

"You've seen me cry before, Dames," you say softly, smoothing your fingers over his soaked, dripping hair.

"That doesn't mean I have the right to see it every time," he responds patiently. "And I'd rather you cry whenever you need to than have the privilege of seeing it every time you do." You hum in understanding at that, looking down at your palms as you press them against Damian's chest, ignoring the ache in your shoulder as you watch streams of water splash down his skin and onto yours. 

"Bruce is… incredibly aware of the toll that this work can take on your life and your body," he continues quietly. "He's made mistakes and learned from them so that we don't have to. For the others who learned to fight under him, it's…"

"It's ok, Dames," you say softly, the rush of water in your shared space nearly drowning out your voice. "I know the difference between me and the rest of you. Bruce reminded me of that."

"He shouldn't have."

"He just said the truth." 

You'd known that in the moment, as well - of course you had. When you'd ventured back into the Cave after a long night of patrol, rolling your shoulders and fighting against the onslaught of an old injury, you'd known that his words came from a place of help - of healing.

"You need to be careful with that," he'd said, and his voice, through the cowl, had made your hair stand on end in a way that only the Batman could. "It's your rotator cuff, isn't it? Easy to wreck if you don't pay attention to taking care of yourself."

"It's… fine," you'd replied hollowly, frozen and shifting on your feet in the face of being caught. 

"There's no use pretending you're not in pain when you are - you'll just make it worse," he'd sighed. "Anyway, there's nothing you can do to fix it now, not when the damage is already done. And it's not your fault that you weren't taught properly. But you need to learn how to take care of yourself out there. You're no use to anyone in Gotham if you wear your body into the ground. You need -"

"That's enough, Father." Damian's voice had been clipped as he strode between the two of you, his eyes narrowed at Bruce. You're sure he had more to say than that - sure that you'd caused some kind of conflict between the two of them, but you'd been too concerned with slipping out of the Cave and away from it all to really care. And Damian, with worry-clouded eyes, had let you go - let you run away once more. 

"Where'd you go, beloved," Damian's voice brings you back, his forefinger tapping gently against your nose as you blink the memory away. 

"Hm?"

"Your mind went somewhere else," he says softly, understandingly in a way that makes you bristle. "I'd prefer if you take me with you, wherever you're wandering off to."

"Bruce was wrong," you say stubbornly, looking up at Damian as he smoothes a hand up and down your spine.

"I know he was. I told him -"

"It is my fault."

"Oh…" he frowns. "No… it's not, my love."

"It is," you continue, plowing over whatever reassurances were about to be offered. You're not sure you could handle it if they really were. "It's my body, it's my problem, it's - I should've…" But you're not sure, really, what you could've done - a child puppeteered by something bigger than you, a soldier fighting a war that should not have been your own. 

"Does that make it better?" Damian asks kindly. "If it's your own doing? Does it make it easier to think that it was self-inflicted?" Your mouth snaps shut at his words, your eyes wide as you stare up at him with an exposed sort of understanding.

Damian takes your hand in his, smoothing your palm over a scar on his abdomen. You remember the incident in which he'd gotten it, of course - it had been some slip-up while he was training, all those years ago with the League of Assassins. His mother had called it a lesson, had declared that the scar should be a reminder of what he'd done wrong. 

"Our scars may be different shapes, beloved," he continues, his voice too kind for someone who's bled so much. "But they come from the same war. It is not your crime that you were controlled as you were. It is not your burden that you were used in such a way."

Your shoulder throbs as Damian speaks and you find yourself crumpling, just a bit, leaning into him and pressing your forehead against his chest as you begin to weep again. He stands, through it all - just as he always has, and you feel a pang of guilt at having shoved him back in the way that you did. 

"Damian, I-"

"It's ok," he soothes, quieting your wavering voice. "I'm right here." And as you sob into his chest, one of his hands coming up to the back of your head to press you more firmly against him while his other hand rubs up and down your back, Bruce's words echo in your head over and over and over.

The damage has already been done. The pain has already been inflicted. The scars have already been carved.

"I don't know what I'm supposed to do with it," you choke out, heaving in a shuddering breath against Damian's chest.

"With what?"

"With all the things that are wrong with me now," you say as you breathe deeply, closing your eyes and forcing calmer exhales past your lips. 

"There is nothing wrong with you, my love," he says, and he offers it up so willingly, voice hushed and earnest like a prayer. "There's nothing wrong with you."

"My body is broken," your voice wavers as you speak, fresh tears building in your eyes. "My -  it doesn't work the way it should, or… or the way it used to. And it's not my fault, I didn't  - I didn't want this and - it's not my fault, I swear -"

"I know it's not," Damian interrupts your rambling, shushing you gently and pulling you closer with an arm wrapped firmly around your waist, his skin warm against yours. You bring your hands up to dig the heels of your palms into your closed eyes as you lean into him, matching your breaths to the steady rhythm of his own as the heat of the shower continues to dull the pain in your back and shoulder ever so slightly. 

"I don't know what we're supposed to do now," you admit slowly. "I don't know… How are we supposed to just live with this? How are we supposed to go the rest of forever trying to, I don't know…" You sort of trail off at the end, but you've found that, at this point, there are few words that really need to be spoken between the two of you. You let your fingers trace over the scar on Damian's abdomen and he hums in understanding. 

How are you supposed to live like this? As relics of a war that never should've happened - as altars to something that you'd never wished to pray to?

"I don't… know," he says haltingly, and you feel a bit guilty for asking him such an impossible question. But as you begin to shrink back from it, Damian cups your jaw in one of his hands, his palm warm and calloused against your cheek, and when he dips down to press a kiss firmly to your lips, you find that it's all a bit easier to deal with.

"I don't know, my love, what we're supposed to do with this. But we'll do it together, won't we? Whatever it is, we'll find a way together?"

"You don't have to ask that, love," you reply with another kiss, quick and gentle and promising. "Of course, it'll be together. It always is, isn't it?"

Always," he assures. "Although, I am sorry."

"For what, Dames?" you ask, a frown tugging at your lips as you reach to wipe a trail of water off his brow before it makes its way into his eyes. You can't imagine, in moments like these, when he holds you and shushes you and curls around you in such a way, what he could possibly be sorry for. 

"For not having an answer," he says simply, like he should know what's written in the stars, like he should be able to pluck the impossible from the heavens and lower it down to the earth for you. 

"You don't have to have all the answers," you assure, but a frown pulls at his lips all the same.

"I hate that you're in pain. I hate that… Beloved, you don't deserve it." You hum at that, pressing your lips together as more tears prick at the back of your eyes. You hate it, too, he knows, the dull pain that lives in you inescapably. It wears on you, too, he sees, the way that some days every movement is an ache.

"It's not your job to have all the answers," you say soothingly, and he shoots you a look, like he's pleading with you, asking you to stop comforting him so that he can comfort you. One day, you think, he'll realize that it goes both ways.

"I wish I had just this one."

"Yea," you laugh, and something flutters in his chest at the sound. "I'm sure you do. But this is all I ever need from you, you know. I'm not…" you trail off, shifting your stance as you look away. Damian lets you - always, lets you hide in plain sight in whichever ways you need to. 

"I don't know how we're supposed to live, most of the time," you continue, the uncertainty of it all rocking your stance just a bit, and Damian's arm tightens around your waist as if he knows. And, really, you're sure he does, somehow. "But I - I have always only ever wanted it to be you that I figure it out with. Even if… even if we never really get there."

"We will," he assures, and when you shoot him a long-suffering look, he brings your hand away from the scar on his abdomen and up to his face instead, pressing kisses along your knuckles. "There's nothing else we haven't been able to figure out, my love. This, I'm sure… even if it takes our whole lives, we'll figure this out, too.

"But if we don't -"

"We will -"

"But if we don't -" you continue, "I'm… I'm happy, at least, just to be right here with you. Even with all the damage that's been done. Even…" But you don't have to say it aloud, don't have to speak any of it into existence. Damian knows, and the proof is in the tender way in which he holds you, smoothing a hand over your hair and anchoring you against him with that hand on your waist. He knows. Even without an answer, perhaps the search will be enough.

[thegreeninyoureyes]

Caleb helping you with anxiety

dont mind me just putting some thoughts out here as a coping mechanism lmao

[gender neutral MC/reader]

expect a lot of back rubs if you're comfortable with them, especially when you're in private. if you're lying down, he'll be in front of you, slightly pulling you a bit closer as he reassuringly rubs your back. in these moments, caleb will whisper words of reassurance to you, or caress you slowly as if to guide your breath with the way his hand moves up and down on your back.

knows exactly what to ask and how to be simple with it. the least he wants is to overwhelm you even more with his will to help, so he'll look at you attentively and clutch onto any word, boundary or need you express to him.

talking about attention, you got caleb's for yourself (although when don't you, really?). he wants you to know how much he cares, how important being there for you is to him, how important you are to him. anything you need from him at that moment, you can have it.

"hey, honey. I'm here, just focus on my voice. you're doing so well. this will be over soon, and I'm gonna be here through all of it, alright? there's no way you can scare me off."

but's don't work with him. of course you deserve his time. of course you deserve to stop, take a break and bring him with you. of course he's making dinner for you tonight and you can't do anything about it. of course he has faith in everything working out just fine for you.

wouldn't take his eyes off you when he tries to help you through some breathing exercises. if him looking straight at you feels uncomfortable at the moment, he'll focus on your hand. you don't have to hold his but, if you do, he might as well bring it to his chest so you can let his own breathing guide you and calm you down. it'd be an honour for him.

if it happens at night and you can't fall asleep because of it, he'll rearrange your bed and let you get comfortable against him even if it means lying down in the most unusual positions ever. as long as it helps distract your mind, you could fall asleep anywhere and know he's got your back, pulling the blanket to make sure you stay warm and keeping an arm around your shoulders so you feel protected from any harm.

"I'm gonna be here for you, I can remind you of it if you ever doubt that. you just gotta ask, and I'll answer. do you really think there's anything else that could be more important than this, than you, to me right now?"

might chuckle after some of his words if said teasingly, but he's taking the situation very seriously and his worry goes deep. if there's any meds you need to take to feel and get better, you can bet he knows where to get it for you, although he probably has some at his place just in case, too. anything you let him know is needed to take care of you, he'll never forget.

"just rely on me, please. you're as alive as I am, and we're gonna get through this together, pipsqueak."