#Friendship is mutual blackmailing <3< /div> Explore tagged Tumblr posts

[sashkapi]

An old comic I drew like... at the end of May or smth Scary Kendall my beloved

[bloodyshadow1]

Not gonna lie, I am really like A-Train and Ashley's odd friendship this season. Like Ashley has always skirted the line of ass kisser to sympathetic person trapped in a hellish environment. While A-train's redemption arc has been one of my favorite parts of the Boys as a whole, but especially this season. Maeve was my favorite character and with her gone, I wasn't sure how I'd feel but A-Train filled the void in a lot of ways.

And it's surprising given how they've interacted in the past, especially season 3 where Ashley calls him out on his shit self-centered Hypocrisy, but I think he's a better person for it by the end and part of the reason they can change.

I'm glad it wasn't turned into a secret romantic relationship, it's made very clear that neither of them find the other attractive, at least not enough to view them as a sexual or romantic prospect. It's just a bond forged by two people who are trapped in hell that they're both terrified people who have done a lot of bad things, but are trapped with monsters willing to do far worse.

It's not even a friendship really because they still dont' really like each other or enjoy each other's company, but despite everything, they care . They sort of start with the' if you tell, I'll tell' mutually assured destruction thing and that evolves into covering for each other and making sure the other is alive.

In ep 7 though it really shows that they've come to care about each other against their will. Ashley is having a breakdown and drunk and wants A-Train to get them out of there. She offers to platonically run away with him away from Vought and just be free and happy away from the tower. A-Train isn't nice, but he basically does what he can to keep her grounded and not do something stupid because of guilt, fear, and booze, something she surely needs. And by the end A-Train had already outed himself as the mole, Noir was out of the building but nothing the boys did really hurt him, he could have told Homelander by then and A-Train knew that. Yet he still went back to the tower to try and get her out of there, something he didn't have to do. Ashley didn't even have anything over him since he outed himself as the mole, I've seen half a dozen reactors terrified that Homelander was already outside of Ashley's door when A-train tried to get her to leave. yet he still went back for her. Ashley for her part, even though she doesn't agree to leave with him, reminds him about his tracker chip, if he didn't get rid of that he would have been killed.

Now I haven't seen ep 8, I know some spoilers, but nothing much on these two so maybe it's been a set up to come crashing down. But for the last 7 eps it's been endearing to see the two of them being forced to build a relationship over blackmail and mutual fear.

[ruru195]

Yay asks are open again :3

I’ve been itching to get this one out, but I’d love to see how Boris and Cuphead would get along, I see them as Little-Big brother core. I feel like they’d pull the best pranks on everyone

Yay :3

The relationship between Boris and Mugman is the classic little-big brother dynamic fused with chaotic best-friend energy. From the moment they declared themselves besties, they’ve been an unstoppable duo — especially when it comes to pranks. No one is safe. Not even the mailman.

Boris’s relationship with Cuphead, on the other hand, started out pretty average — casual banter, the occasional shared joke, nothing out of the ordinary. But everything changed the moment Boris discovered the not-so-secret romance between Cuphead and Bendy. Suddenly, Boris held premium blackmail material. From that day on, he weaponized Bendy’s quirks and soft spots, striking shady deals with Cuphead in exchange for favors: permissions Bendy would never normally grant, snacks, new gear, or just plain cash.

“Tell Bendy to let me use the car.” “No.” “I know about the neck kisses and the ink hickeys.” “…What kind of gas you need?”

Cuphead, reluctantly but consistently, pays the price — all to keep Boris from tattling or teasing Bendy into oblivion. In other words, it’s a friendship founded on mutual mischief… and minor extortion.

[starcurtain]

Haikaveh Fics I Want to Read (Part 4)

1. The situation in Sumeru takes an unexpected turn for the worse as both corruption and the Abyss begin to encroach. Nahida foresees a way to protect her beloved nation, but it's going to take both extensive knowledge of King Deshret's records and the mechanical and structural workings of the old desert empire. How convenient that she knows two people who've researched exactly that.

Or: Alhaitham and Kaveh are forced to team up to finally complete the research project that tore their friendship apart years ago--and, in the process, maybe mend a little more than just their unfinished thesis.

And the rest are under the read more:

2. Haunted by his broken relationships and his idealistic dreams of what a proper, happy family should look like, Kaveh is completely blind to what's happening around him in the here-and-now; it takes him far too long to realize that the rowdy gang of people who've carved out niches in his daily life may not resemble the harmony of his childhood home, but are, nonetheless, a family--full of love.

It's just a found family feel-good fic, featuring: An Alhaitham who has been waiting forever for Kaveh to acknowledge his feelings, double date buddies Cyno and Tighnari who don't mean any of their complaints (about Alhaitham, Kaveh, or even each other), a merc who wanders in and out of their lives like a feral cat, a dancer with big dreams and a bigger heart, and two ancient supernatural beings who definitely aren't children but still sometimes really need an open door and a helping hand.

3. It's not a crime to dream, okay?! Kaveh knows he's not getting out of debt any time soon. He won't be able to build the beautiful mansion of his fantasies for a million more years. But that doesn't mean he can't at least plan for it, right? Right? It should have lots of light, and lots of garden space, and a built-in coffee bar, a good place for warm naps, and at least two desks, close to the Akademiya as a mansion can be, and maybe the library should be a little bigger--the Akasha is gone now, that just makes sense--

Or: Kaveh drafts the blueprints for his dream home. It takes him until the very last line to realize that he'd just assumed Alhaitham would also be there.

4. "Alhaitham is the most irritating person on the face of the earth! He's temperamental, deliberately irksome, lazy, and archons forbid you're in conversation range when he comes across something brand new in those books of his--you won't get a word in edgewise for hours!"

"Kaveh... Have you been drinking again? This doesn't sound like Alhaitham at all..."

No matter who he tells, no one seems to believe Kaveh's story that Alhaitham acts totally different around Kaveh than he does around everyone else. But it's true! Kaveh has to live with it everyday! Fed up with being doubted, Kaveh encourages their mutual friends to eavesdrop to prove it once and for all. If they see just how doubly frustrating Alhaitham really is in private, then maybe they'll finally grant Kaveh the commiseration he is due!

Cyno is in it for the blackmail evidence. Tighnari is in it for the betting pool. Aether's always in it, whatever "it" is. Nahida is nosy. Dehya is there for the laughs. And Nilou's not sure how she got involved at all, but she's definitely going to do her best!

(Or: The Sumeru Crew tries their hardest to spy on Alhaitham to prove he's a simp, and it goes exactly as ridiculously as it sounds.)

5. A 5+1 fic that's just a soft compilation of little things Kaveh has adjusted in his daily life to accommodate to living with Alhaitham (and one time Alhaitham returned the favor). They're small gestures, barely noticeable when taken individually-- remembering to stop for takeout on gloomy days because his roommate hates going out in the rain, memorizing the order Alhaitham uses to shelve his books, tip-toeing because Alhaitham always insists on napping in the living room, no more client meetings after 5pm--but together they form the picture of settling down softly, (sort of) easily, into another person's life.

6. After the Interdarshan Championship, Kaveh wades his way through the arduous process of dividing up and donating Sachin's estate, including properties in the Avidya Forest. But on one trip out to survey land, a run in with Ruin machines leaves Kaveh and Mehrak both worse for the wear. Injured and at the mercy of the jungle, far from help, Kaveh fears the worst--until he encounters a strange, cabbage-shaped creature that seems (if he's understanding its odd way of speaking) like it wants to help. Little does Kaveh know that "help" from an aranara may involve solving endless ancient puzzles, diving into the unfathomable world of dreams--and finding out things about his father that he never could have learned by himself.

Meanwhile, Alhaitham is a rational, calm individual who is most definitely not worried about his roommate disappearing while dealing with a nihilist's estate. He's absolutely not taking time off from his work duties to scour the forest for signs of a missing architect. And he certainly isn't forming any advanced conspiracy theory about forest fairies spiriting people away. Obviously not.

(Or: Kaveh is rescued in the jungle by the same aranara his father befriended decades ago, allowing him to heal some wounds both physical and mental. Meanwhile, suddenly finding himself alone opens up some wounds Alhaitham didn't know he had.)

+1, where Haikaveh isn't the main focus but is definitely still in the background:

A slight canon-divergent AU where, during the Interdarshan Championship, that weird "Hat Guy" takes an unintentionally fierce blow from Cyno and receives a wound that definitely... does not look like something a human being might experience. Kaveh notices and, in typical empathetic fashion, can't let it go--if he hadn't distracted Cyno with all his flailing, that injury might never have happened, so Kaveh's at least got to offer to help this (probably not-quite-human) stranger, right? There isn't any form of engineering on Teyvat that Kaveh can't manage, after all!

It's... easier said that done to actually corner the weird Wanderer, and even easier said than done to get him to agree to Kaveh's checks. But that difficulty is nothing compared to handling the history of abuse writ plain upon the puppet body's inner-workings or the story of centuries of grief the boy finally deigns to share.

Kaveh knows a thing or two about suffering, but there are some things no heart--however much the Wanderer claims to lack one--should have to bear.

If there's one thing Wanderer doesn't trust, it's generosity. If this gullible fool thinks he'll be allowed to fix all the damage Dottore left just completely free of charge, well, he has another thing coming. Say what you want about Wanderer, but he pays his debts.

Or: An odd-friendship fic where Kaveh fixes Scaramouche's injuries-- the ones that can be seen and even some that can't--and Scaramouche pays him back by trying help solve some of Kaveh's problems too, starting with the big, tactless one known as Scribe Alhaitham.

(Archons above, humans are stupid and the struggle is real.)

[deadlyterrorstonight]

Fritz and sibling headcanons!!!

Lol, this is for fun and something I’ve thought about before. I LOVE the fact he’s from a big family because so am I.😭

Here we go, my thoughts put on a platter for you people. May or may not write more headcanons for this but who knows.🤷‍♀️

Considering Fritz was the only boy in the family, he probably struggled to fight with his sisters. Not so much as in arguing but physically. He was normally the one to get the short end of the stick and would more often than not end up with his butt whooped when he was younger- BUT, as he gradually got older he figured out how to maneuver and be careful enough to fight back and considering he’s stronger than them (granted as long as it wasn’t 2 or 3 of his sisters fighting or holding him down) he’d win a fight easy. He didn’t always get in trouble- aside from a few times because “You aren’t supposed to hit girls.” But his parents knew the fights weren’t always caused by him so they didn’t rap on his case a lot.

Fritz has gone through the trauma of dealing with his sisters monthly’s. To say the least…he was in for a constant ride when it happened. Hiding was not an option for this man. Cravings? Told him to go out and get them something. Mood swings? YIKES, he was a witness to some fights and arguments between his sisters and sometimes it’d be over the stupidest thing. He also hated getting caught up in them- Doesn’t help if one of them was really sensitive about stuff and he had to choose his words carefully to not cause water works. He’s definitely glad he doesn’t deal with that in his house anymore now that he lives in Utah and owns his own apartment.

Dress up? Yeah..he knows the game all too well. Being nominated often and because his sisters thought it was funny. He didn’t necessarily dislike it because he thought it was funny too after he got use to it, but the blackmail they have on him…isn’t funny. Any future girlfriends? Oh wow, would you look at that! Pictures of Fritz in a dress and makeup. Also he would retaliate but he had to give in or they’d complain or he’d end up feeling bad.

Fritz was always getting advice from his sisters about being a good dude. So he’s not clueless on how to treat a girl (regardless, he already knew most of those things because of common sense and he wasn’t an idiot.) but he also learned something’s about girls because of all the talking he’s heard from his sisters and just in general being around them.

Everyone was normally around each other in his household. He’s used to things that are chaotic (part of the reason why he’s not phased completely by the dudes- Jeremy, Mike, Scott and Vincent- and their chaotic friend group. Reminds him of home somewhat.)

Pictures + videos of him being clumsy and making faces. Man..his sisters don’t have mercy and certainly have stories to tell. To his dismay but makes for great storytimes.

Although Fritz doesn’t really deal with the kids in the main area, he can handle them decently well because he knows how to deal with chaotic situations due to his family (he’s up there with Scott and Vincent when it comes to taking care of the kids.) and does a pretty good job at it. Doesn’t mean he always wants to deal with them though…kids are tiring and sometimes they can be little butts. Also depends if they are absolute menaces. Probably the kinda dude that’s responsible but ends up with cake smears or doodles on him from the kids. Might have even lost his hat unintentionally-

Fritz hasn’t had many girlfriends in his life, mainly due to the fact he’s seen the drama that can occur (CoUgh- sisters breakups) and just found it better to stay away from relationships because of it. The most he’s ever had was 3 girlfriends out of his lifetime as he’s 25 now. He’s single now..but the reason he’s not with someone now is because they were either caused by falling out of love (figured it was better as a friendship mutually.) The girl he was with fell for someone else, and the last one? She wasn’t who he thought she was but had some issues that caused him to deter away and break up with her. He wouldn’t say he wouldn’t date again, but he’s definitely trying to be careful about it and not just jump into a relationship.

Fritz hasn’t really struggled with his sisters stealing his clothes. They normally left him alone with that. But he has definitely witnessed more fights about them stealing from each other- Buncha complaining.

Fritz really does love his family a lot. Regardless of the siblings fights and banter and what not- he cherishes them. He cares a lot and if you screw with his sisters then you’re gonna have a problem with him for sure. He’ll come knocking on your door straight up throwing facts and questioning your ability to think if you’ve done them dirty.

Fritz is known for his common sense and being level headed, which is probably why some of his sisters liked talking to him about certain things. He didn’t know it then that he was being helpful but Fritz is good at being a voice of reason or asking the right questions. He’s also a good listener.

Family game nights were competitive and fun. That was for sure.

Getting dragged along on rides and to stores was something he grew to love when his older sisters wanted to take him out. Some days he would be annoyed but by the end of it, he didn’t actually mind and enjoyed it. And when he was older and had to deal with other things (“ Fritz, take us out!” - “ Take us here, blah, blah, blah.”) He got used to that too and just gave in.

Getting jumped by his sisters into random shenanigans was a thing. “Don’t ask!” They’d say and of course he wouldn’t listen and did ask but didn’t matter. He’d still be clueless until they were doing whatever they roped him into.

[lusthurts]

sebastian and blaine for the character asks <3

ahhh hi bestie im so excited to yap about these two <333

sebastian smythe

how I feel about this character

Sebastian is the love of my life <3 I'm obsessed with writing this character and reading this character and consuming any and all content related to this character.

I have sooooo many head canons about him, and the way I feel about him/his backstory/his personality has evolved a ton over the years, even since I've been writing about him. He has that snark and edge that I love to a character with a clearly very interesting past that we have complete creative liberties to explore. it's so fun and I love him !

all the people I ship romantically with this character

BLAINE! seblaine is of course my otp, and no ship will ever come close to them for me in terms of the extreme brain rot obsession I have because of them - I love that they sort of balance each other out and have this undeniable chemistry that's pretty monumental for both of them and leaves a lot of room for us to explore

I don't think anything will ever come close to them for me, and I fully cannot bring myself to get behind kurtbastian no matter how much I love enemies to lovers as a trope (though when my mutuals write kurtbastian I still try to read it lol)

I did enjoy writing jeff x sebastian in how bright we burn (totally snuck up on me on accident - he needed to be with one of the other warblers for plot reasons and I picked Jeff because they're always in shots together in canon) but that's not something I think I'd ever be super into on like,, a bigger scale - I love it as a platonic ship though

my non-romantic otp for this character

honestly, the warblers as a whole - I really like the idea of Sebastian not really fitting in anywhere/never feeling at home anywhere before dalton and being very reluctant to get close with them at first which resulted in him coming on a little strong/trying to take control rather than trying to develop meaningful friendships, but then by the end he's found he really cares about them and wants them to succeed and finally feels like he's found a home and core group of friends

OH and i ADORE his friendship with cooper in the I'll be there for you series - their dynamic together is fantastic and I think probably the best written friendship for Sebastian that I've ever read

my unpopular opinion about this character

I'm not sure if this is unpopular or not, but I do really like that he's an imperfect person who clearly has a lot of growing up to do. He acts like an asshole and he is one kind of a lot of the time, but even the things he does maliciously aren't meant to be that harmful, and there's clearly a complicated person beneath the surface. I love slutty Sebastian and snarky Sebastian and bullying/blackmail/assault Sebastian so so much

I also don't like the idea of him being "soft" or immediately comfortable in a relationship with blaine just because he's the person he's meant to be with - a lot of my head canons about him revolve around him having a kind of unhealthy relationship with love/relationships, and I don't think it's realistic that they'd just immediately be in a happy relationship. I love fluff as much as the next person, but I definitely don't think their problems end when they get together.

one thing I wish would happen/had happened with this character in canon

obviously seblaine - even if they'd just given us a little bit behind the scenes (what were those phone calls and texts??? they were clearly good friends!!)

I wish he'd been around more after season 3 - I realize because of real life reasons this was impossible, and he probably would've been back quite a bit if it wasn't for the flash, but I would've loved to see him develop friendships and plots and sing more songs and maybe have a relationship or two

blaine anderson

how I feel about this character

he's one of my first favorite glee characters and one of the main reasons I still love this show

I think I relate to him more than I relate to any of the other characters in the show - he has that passionate, overachiever, ruthless drive for success thing that Rachel has but he's also clearly very anxious about things and experiences depression and has some attachment issues, and I think all that makes him a much more complicated character than he's given credit for

all the people I ship romantically with this character

Sebastian ofc - see above lol

I used to be a huge blam fan - I haven't read or written them in a long time but I still think this is probably my second favorite blaine ship - they have a lot of chemistry together with a lot of fantastic scenes and development in season 4 specifically, and I think this would've been a cool path to go down during their senior year in the post-kurt/mercedes era

I also used to love klaine (prior to realizing how toxic that relationship was lol) - they were def cute in season 2, and they were probably one of the first queer ships I saw on tv that I felt that attached too. I think if handled better in the later seasons they could've been great, and I think if they're written well they can be a lovely ship - I played blaine in a glee rpg during covid (dark times lmao) and I found writing klaine with a person who really cared for writing Kurt's character well to be super fun

my non-romantic otp for this character

definitely sam & tina! blamtina is my favorite trio in the show, and I think their friendship felt very realistic and well-developed, especially for something that really only existed to that extent for one season

a close second would be rachel - I think blaine and rachel definitely get each other in a way the other new directions don't really, and I enjoy their dynamic a lot, especially in the beginning of season 6

oh and the warblers. he referred to that group as a brotherhood and then just,, left ? makes it hard to believe they were as close as he said, but I also will die on the hill that he must've had strong relationships with those guys if they got him from how he must've felt post Sadie Hawkins to the guy that was confidently singing the lead at every performance

my unpopular opinion about this character

while I do think he was occasionally too whiny and treated as a caricature in the later seasons, I also think a lot of that was the natural progression of his character given the circumstances he was dealing with. I think it's very natural for insecurities to come up when you go from where he was at in season 2 (star/lead vocalist of the warblers, admired and beloved by his peers, confidently helping Kurt through the bullying and trauma of McKinley) to season 3 (ignored/disregarded by ND's leaders like finn, only getting the occasional line or two in performances, treated almost exclusively as Kurt's boyfriend)

he was more interesting in seasons 2 & 4 when he was single than he was at any point during his relationship with kurt

one thing I wish had happened with this character in canon

seblaine !

or honestly getting to see him in any romantic relationship with someone other than Kurt (karofsky doesn't count lol we all collectively pretend that didn't happen)

why do we know like nothing about his life !! he's one of the major characters in the show (second in solos only to Rachel I think?) and yet all we get are a few one off and very concerning lines about his dad??? then his mom randomly shows up at the wedding??? and cooper's there but only for an episode and then never brought up again??? girl what I need to know his lore

[austin-son]

8 unique habits of a low-quality woman (according to psychology)

Rachel VaughnMarch 13, 2025

I used to cringe at the term “low-quality woman” because it sounds so harsh and judgmental.

But after delving deeper into psychology and seeing real-life examples—sometimes in my own social circle—I realized it’s less about labeling someone forever and more about identifying toxic patterns that can hold us back from growing into the best version of ourselves.

Here at DM News, we’ve always been fascinated by how certain habits can shape our personal and professional lives.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed how negative traits not only damage a woman’s relationships but also hinder her opportunities for genuine connection and fulfillment.

Below are eight common habits that can signal someone is operating from a place of low self-esteem, immaturity, or a lack of personal responsibility.

Let’s dive into these traits with warmth and honesty, so we can understand—and hopefully, avoid—these pitfalls.

1. She thrives on constant drama [TRIGGERS/FLASHBACKS VIA UNRESOLVED TRAUMA; UNINTEGRATED PARTS; OCD]

Have you ever been around someone who always seems to have a crisis brewing?

Maybe it starts with a tiny misunderstanding that suddenly erupts into a full-blown argument. Or every outing becomes an emotional rollercoaster because she’s picking fights with servers, friends, or even strangers.

Women who seem addicted to drama often do so because it provides a rush—a sense of being the center of attention.

In psychology, this is sometimes linked to unmet emotional needs. The adrenaline of constant conflict might feel more comfortable to them than calmness.

I’ve had a friend like this in the past. Every hangout turned into a chaotic story of who betrayed her, who made a snide comment, or who she planned to retaliate against. After a while, I noticed how draining it was to be in her orbit.

If you recognize this pattern in yourself or someone else, remember that peace can be scary at first, but it’s also where meaningful connections thrive.

2. She manipulates others to get her way [CONTROL]

When a woman resorts to manipulation—guilt-tripping, silent treatment, or emotional blackmail—it’s a telltale sign of low emotional intelligence.

Healthy adults learn to communicate needs directly, but manipulation is all about control.

I’ll never forget a coworker who would sweet-talk me into covering her shifts, only to complain about me behind my back when I wasn’t available.

It was as though she wanted to keep everyone in her life on her personal puppet strings, pulling them in every direction that suited her.

Over time, I saw how this pattern eroded trust among colleagues. People avoided confiding in her because they sensed she’d twist their words or use them as leverage later.

3. She refuses to respect boundaries

Boundaries are a cornerstone of healthy relationships, whether it’s in friendships, romance, or the workplace.

A woman who consistently oversteps those boundaries—showing up unannounced, prying into private matters, or insisting you justify every life choice—is displaying a worrisome trait.

I used to brush off little boundary violations by telling myself, “She’s just curious,” or “She probably didn’t mean it.”

But psychology teaches us that boundaries are about emotional safety and mutual respect.

If someone can’t honor your personal space or your ‘no,’ it’s a sign they might not value your autonomy. This can quickly spiral into bigger issues, like coercive control or verbal abuse, if left unchecked.

During a tough phase when I felt like my personal space was often invaded, I decided to explore tools for improving my mental well-being.

That’s how I first discovered Ruda Iande’s “Free Your Mind” masterclass.

The course showed me how my own limiting beliefs were enabling people to walk all over my boundaries. I realized I was so afraid of conflict or disapproval that I rarely enforced the limits I’d mentally set.

Although I won’t go into the specifics of the exercises, I found the lessons incredibly liberating—I learned to say “no” without guilt.

4. She constantly criticizes and belittles others

A woman who regularly tears down others—through gossip, insults, or “jokes” at someone’s expense—is often deflecting her own insecurities.

Her criticism might be blunt: “You look terrible in that dress,” or more subtle: “Your idea was cute, but I guess some people just don’t understand business.”

I had a neighbor once who couldn’t go a day without making a cutting remark. She’d spot minor flaws, like chipped nail polish or a messy bun, and twist them into insults.

At first, I thought she was just straightforward, but eventually, I realized it was a pattern.

If you find yourself in the presence of someone who thrives on being mean, keep in mind that genuine confidence doesn’t require putting others down.

5. She fails to take accountability for her actions [LOCUS OF CONTROL]

Ever known someone who blames everyone else for her problems? “I’m late because the traffic lights were against me,” or “I lost that job because my boss was threatened by me,” and so on.

Taking responsibility for mistakes or failures is a cornerstone of emotional maturity. A woman who doesn’t do this will often remain stuck in the same damaging patterns.

I recall a time when I was younger, and I struggled with accountability in small ways—like blaming my chaotic schedule for missed deadlines.

But as I’ve grown, I’ve learned that taking responsibility doesn’t weaken you; it actually empowers you to make changes.

A low-quality woman resists this step because it means acknowledging her own flaws or lapses in judgment. It’s much easier for her to shift the blame and paint herself as the victim in every scenario.

6. She’s quick to stir jealousy and competition

Competition is natural in certain contexts—like vying for a promotion at work or pushing ourselves to achieve personal bests. But a woman who’s perpetually trying to one-up everyone or sow seeds of jealousy is operating from a place of deep insecurity.

I once shared exciting news about a project I’d completed, only to have an acquaintance respond with a backhanded compliment: “That’s great, but it must not have been that complicated if you finished so quickly.” Those words stung. COULD THIS BE SIMILAR FOR A COACHING DAD? SPOKEN IN A WAY TO MOTIVATE? You played like a girl! Feeling like his weak moment was so obvious that he needed to improve or dominate... in order to not be taken advantage of! You can't say that in a room with wife and daughter! What emotional damage does this bring up for high schoolers!

When envy drives a woman, she might criticize others’ accomplishments or go out of her way to showcase her own success.

Psychologically, she can’t enjoy someone else’s win because it magnifies her feelings of inadequacy.

Healthy competition can be a motivator, but when it morphs into destructive comparison, it undermines trust and genuine camaraderie.

7. She leverages emotional outbursts to control the room

In tense situations, some people cry or raise their voices out of genuine stress or fear. But a low-quality woman might use these emotional explosions as a calculated tool.

Picture this: a group discussion isn’t going her way, so she suddenly starts sobbing or yelling to derail the conversation. While everyone scrambles to comfort her or calm her down, the actual issue gets sidelined—and she’s effectively hijacked the dynamic.

Over time, I learned to spot this pattern in social circles and team meetings. It goes beyond a natural response to stress; it’s a consistent tactic.

The underlying psychology often involves a need for control and an inability to handle disagreement. By blowing up emotionally, she shifts the focus to her feelings, making people back off or concede just to keep the peace.

8. She doesn’t invest in personal growth

Finally, a significant sign of a low-quality woman is a refusal to grow or change. We all have baggage, blind spots, and insecurities, but people who value growth seek help, read books, or attend therapy to address their issues.

A woman stuck in toxic loops often shows no inclination to self-reflect or improve. She might dismiss personal development efforts as “unnecessary,” claiming she’s just fine the way she is—even as her life continues spiraling.

In my own journey, I’ve had moments where I resisted looking inward because it’s hard work. But one of the best gifts we can give ourselves is the willingness to learn and evolve.

After all, real growth comes from facing our flaws head-on, not from pretending they don’t exist.

Conclusion

Identifying these habits isn’t about putting people in a box—it’s about recognizing behaviors that can undermine real happiness and connection.

Each of these traits reflects deeper insecurities that could benefit from self-awareness and genuine healing.

My hope is that by shining a light on these patterns, you’ll feel empowered to set boundaries, seek healthier relationships, or even do some soul-searching if you spot traces of these habits in yourself.

True quality—whether in a woman or any person—comes from empathy, honesty, and a willingness to grow beyond our old limitations.

We’re all capable of transformation. And the more we understand the psychological roots behind toxic behaviors, the better equipped we are to choose a healthier, more fulfilling path forward.

[ultrainfinitepit]

1% Vivian?

1%. How does your character act around different people? How does their personality shift and change?

Here we shall discuss the many levels of Vivian, four of which are known; and another fifth more secret layer you might not have heard of.

This art of Vivian is by @maybelsart✨

1 - Succubus Vivian

This is the Vivian most people see or assume upon first meeting her, they see a pretty lady and shortly thereafter learn she's a vampire too, and just assume she's out for warm bodies and blood: the classic succubus archetype. It's something Vivian will lean into, it suits her purposes: why question the first impressions of idiots if she can use them to her advantage after all. It does bother her a little but if this is the only layer a person sees, she doesn't much care about them or their opinions.

2 - Antagonistic Vivian

If you start seeing this Vivian, you've either managed to skip the first stage; or you're developing a friendship/mutual hatred with her. Once Vivian is feeling secure in her position she will start pestering people for what she wants: often using barbed words, blackmail, threats, insults, generous whining and wheedling - anything she can get her mitts on. In the case of Mick and Pat, she would follow them, bother them, and hold her forensics results hostage until they listened to her.

This art of Vivian is by @wyrmzier✨

3 - Silly Vivian

Feeling more relaxed and having trained you appropriately via the above antagonism, you now get to see a sillier, nicer side of Vivian. Here she shows off her weird little hoard of knick knacks and antique surgery tools; shares delightfully horrifying medical facts; or dishes the latest celebrity gossip. She will also now help you unconditionally, as she considers you a friend.

This art of Vivian is by crossing_cosmos✨

4 - Shy Vivian

Not many people make it to this level of Vivian. Here you will see a more bashful, vulnerable Vivian, who expresses her worries and insecurities, and her hopes and dreams. This Vivian is almost the opposite of that confident mask you met at the beginning. If she's flirting with you it's with sincerity and she's just as likely to get flustered about it as you are. Of course then to cover for getting embarrassed she will revert back to Antagonistic Vivian, tread carefully.

5 - Circling Back Around to Being Sexy for all the Above Reasons

Really there's only two or so people in the whole world who have ever made it this far. As I've laid it out here it seems like you will meet each Vivian one at a time, but really they are happening all at once and it can be a lot for some people. Vivian is a multi-faceted creature, not always a good person, not always a very healthy person to be around. If you can love her not "despite" her flaws but "because of" her flaws, you have successfully fallen into the fifth level and will have a difficult time getting out. Even if you do, she will probably come after you, so watch out.

[thoughtfuljournal]

Recognizing the Signs of a Toxic Friend

Recognizing signs of a toxic friendship is important for your overall well-being. While every friendship has ups and downs, here are some common signs that may indicate a toxic friendship:

1. Constant Negativity: If your friend consistently brings negativity into your life, complains excessively, or constantly criticizes you, it can be draining and harmful to your self-esteem.

2. Lack of Support: A toxic friend may be unsupportive or dismissive of your goals, dreams, or achievements. They may belittle your accomplishments or discourage you from pursuing your passions.

3. One-Sided Relationship: If the friendship feels one-sided, with you constantly giving and your friend rarely reciprocating, it may be a sign of an unhealthy dynamic. A healthy friendship should be based on mutual support and balance.

4. Manipulation or Control: Toxic friends may manipulate or control you through guilt-tripping, emotional blackmail, or constantly trying to make you feel obligated to them. They may try to control your decisions or isolate you from other relationships.

5. Lack of Trust or Betrayal: Trust is a crucial element in any friendship. If your friend consistently breaks your trust, spreads rumors, or betrays your confidence, it can be a clear sign of a toxic relationship.

6. Constant Drama: If your friendship is filled with constant drama, conflicts, or arguments, it can be emotionally exhausting. Healthy friendships should have open communication and the ability to resolve conflicts peacefully.

7. Draining Energy: Pay attention to how you feel after spending time with your friend. If you consistently feel drained, anxious, or emotionally exhausted, it may be a sign that the friendship is taking a toll on your well-being.

Remember, it's important to prioritize your own happiness and well-being. Surround yourself with friends who uplift and support you. If you recognize these signs in a friendship, it may be time to reassess the relationship and consider whether it's healthy for you.

Related Topics/Hashtags:

[shereadsandscreams]

Bridgerton.

If you don’t know yet, this blog is thirsty for giving all the love to Penelope Featherington. And its user was very disappointed by Bridgerton season 3, so now I have no guilt shippering my favorite woman with anyone and everyone, as long as its a compelling romance.

Polin shippers, do not come for me. They are cute, too.

Current fixation? Penelope/Fife.

Turn of Phrase altered my brain, and “Friendship is Mutual Blackmail” by caridura made it WORSE.

We are in for a RIDE, people. Glorious work. Glorious.

[wisteriaspromotes]

eating disorder tw, drugs tw

𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞

Chloe Ashworth, a dedicated stay-at-home mom in Fairview, lived a life marked by devotion and love for her family. Married to her hardworking husband, Ethan, she was an adoring mother to their three children: Ava (4), Noah (3), and Ivy (1). Her days were filled with household chores, running errands, and taking care of her kids. Each day was a testament to her commitment to her family and her efforts to maintain a perfect home.

However, beneath her cheerful and organized exterior, Chloe was constantly grappling with her personal demons. Despite her love for her family and her commitment to them, the pressure of maintaining the facade of a perfect housewife and mother often weighed heavily on her. The demanding nature of her role, coupled with her struggle with an eating disorder, left her feeling overwhelmed and emotionally unstable.

𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲

Presently, Chloe Ashworth's life has taken a turn since the shocking discovery that her late best friend, Audre Thompson, was being blackmailed before her tragic suicide. This revelation has sent ripples through the tranquil Fairview community, profoundly affecting Chloe. She finds herself grappling with guilt, confusion, and a deepening sense of paranoia. As a result, she has developed a dependency on her children's ADD medication, using it as a crutch to maintain her energy levels and cope with the mounting stress. Despite the turmoil, Chloe continues to project an image of domestic perfection, but the cracks in her facade are starting to show. The cheerful, ever-reliable housewife is now a woman on edge, desperately trying to hold onto normalcy while wrestling with the dark undercurrents of her reality.

+Loyal, Resilient, Bubbly, Kind

-Neurotic, Insecure, Controlling

𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚊𝚜𝚜𝚘𝚌𝚒𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚜:

The Papa Wolf ⤷ Your husband is your partner in every sense. You admire his passion for cooking and his dedication to the family. Your relationship is built on mutual respect and love, though the daily pressures sometimes create distance. You’re committed to supporting each other through life’s challenges.

The Girl Next Door ⤷ As your best friend, she’s your confidante and ally in navigating the complexities of family life. You share a deep bond and often rely on each other for support, advice, and the occasional escape from daily routines.

The Ice Queen ⤷ Despite her cool exterior, she is one of your closest friends. You appreciate her sharp intellect and strategic mind, often turning to her for advice on managing the household and personal challenges. Her friendship is a source of strength for you.

The Head-Turning Beauty ⤷ Her charisma and charm make her a delightful friend. You admire her confidence and often enjoy planning social gatherings together. She brings a sense of fun and excitement into your life, balancing the routine of daily chores.

The Charming Interloper ⤷ His frequent visits and undue attention towards you have started to unsettle you. You strive to maintain a polite distance, not wanting to cause friction, but his persistence is becoming a source of stress. You are determined to keep your family’s harmony intact despite his unwelcome advances.

Chloe Ashworth is portrayed by ADDISON TIMLIN and is written by ADMIN ANDI. She is currently TAKEN.

[complementaryhalves]

Please do tell me about this Obimaul rapunzel au?

hehehe i knew that would get your attention ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

this is not as crack as it may sound, but it's actually a very dramatic combination of maul's canon story and disney's rapunzel, set in the sw universe (born after a completely random and mostly unrelated tweet by @purrvaire).

basically, maul is the lost prince of dathomir, who was kidnapped as a baby by sidious because of the special healing powers contained in his horns. one day, obi-wan, smuggler and/or bounty hunter ( and maybe ex-jedi), stumbles upon sidious' creepy fortress on malachor, and there he finds maul, who kinda blackmails him into taking him on a trip to see the "falling stars" (which are the search party that queen kycina sends out every year to go look for her son). of course, shenanigans ensue, and they go from a reluctant friendship to a budding love through a few mutual life-saving heroics across the galaxy. all leading to a very dramatic finale, where obi-wan sacrifices himself to save maul from sidious, but true love helps maul use his powers one last time to save obi-wan's life.

now, as cool as it sounds, unfortunately this is just fully plotted, but who knows if I'll ever actually write it </3 for now it will live in this post!!!!

shoot an ask if you want to know more about my wips!

[peakyblindersxx]

whiskey business - john shelby x reader (part 8 of ?)

gif by @thesoldiersminute can i send you a cake or something cause fuCk!!!!!!!!!!! he's beautiful

a/n: to everyone still reading this fic, my sweet angels, ily!! this fic is so near and dear to my heart and @stxdyblr-2k has just done such an amazing job with it i can't even thank her enough. as per the last part, this one is also mostly her, just me editing but i hope you guys love it as much as i did!!! don't worry, there's gonna be a lot more :) and i apologize for being not as active, i'm gonna try to get a couple of requests up that i'm really excited about this week tysm for being patient with me <3

love, abi xxx

read part one two three four five six seven | my masterlist

prompt: ada has some talking to do, and you're not about to deny her.

warnings: fluff, semi-angst, tommy being the cocky mf he is (let's be real, it's only acceptable cause he's so damn fine), john being cute and in love and jesus i am head over heels

tagging: @datewithgianni, @mayaslifeinabox, @deepdonutkid, @springsoulofengland, @lilymurphy03, @operation-spot

You had planned to go to Ada's after work, but she obviously had other ideas. She didn't even bother walking in and asking to speak to you; instead, choosing to bang on the window closest to your desk and yelling at you to "fucking hurry up!" Your boss opened the door for you expectantly, not offering you any protection; he was firmly in the Shelby's ever growing pocket and as long as he could go home to his children, his sickly wife and their six bed in the country, with a full time nurse and nanny, he had no interest in crossing Thomas.

"Ada, I was coming to see you after work, I swear."

"I know. I was going to let you but..." She trailed off. "We need to talk. I don't know what the fuck is going on with you. John said he'd seen you last night and you asked after me."

John had indeed seen you last night. It was strange waking up with him, used to leaving almost immediately after he was finished with you. Your small bed could barely comfortably fit you both, having to intertwine your limbs with John's to not fall off the edge. You had awoken to John pressing a kiss to your forehead before lazily trailing his fingers between your legs, waiting for you to open your eyes before settling between your thighs, tongue swirling around your clit, making you cum before sunrise.

"Do we have to do this in the street?" You practically begged, the shouting having attracted onlookers.

"I wanted to talk to you before anyone else in the family gets to you because I need you to be honest."

"Ada-"

"No, I'm doing you a favour here, so you fucking listen. Right now, between you and I, no bullshit. No tactics. No white lies. You have to tell me exactly what we're dealing with." She looked frantic, scared for some reason.

You nodded, walking her down the side street, careful not to link arms with her. You knew she was doing you a favour; this wasn't about forgiveness or friendship, much more was at stake here.

"To what extent was Thomas involved?"

That took you off guard. Ada read the confusion on your face and sighed impatiently, her subtle plea for you to keep up.

Shit. You remembered your conversation with John, how she thought this was her brother's way of pushing her out of the company.

"Don't spare my feelings. What did my brother say to you?"

"He said it was in our mutual interest that you didn't find out. He didn't care who John slept with but cared who you trusted so I had to trust him. He said there was no point in upsetting you over one of John's conquests who he'd tire of in a month."

"That all?"

"Pretty much, I didn't know Arthur knew. He never talked to me about it, did laugh at Thomas' digs now that I think on it-"

"Did you know Isaiah and Michael knew?"

"I thought they were aware but no one ever talked to me about it."

"Of course they wouldn't." She hissed, frustration causing a nerve on her neck to jump.

Ada and you had spoken for years about the rampant misogyny of her brothers and any men you two came into contact with. Although you were both far more reserved than you used to be as rebellious and adventurous thirteen year olds, you'd both grew increasingly angry at how you were treated. She'd long written off her brothers as womanisers, who saw women as purely sexual and entertaining, objectifying them. You both long despised how they dehumanised women. She was amazed that Thomas had attempted to settle down and managed a somewhat loving marriage, but resented him for his carelessness and need for power which inevitably killed his wife.

"Ada, I just want to say..." You licked your lip nervously, unsure of how to continue.

"You need to talk, Y/N. No bollocks."

"Before last night, he'd never been to mine or called. I always went to him."

The muscle in her jaw tensed.

"You slept with him last night then?" You met her question with silence and she rolled her eyes. "The second he said he saw you I knew you had, he wanted to tell me that he was going to continue seeing you and that he hoped I'd be able to accept it one day."

"We never intended to hurt you. It was meant to be fun at first, but now..." You cut yourself off with a sigh, unable to admit you'd fallen for her brother.

"Isn't fun for me. It's fucking embarrassing." She paused, lighting a cigarette, nervous to offer you one, conflicted within herself. She raised her eyebrow, prompting you to continue, the mannerism so similar to her brother’s.

"It should never have happened. I am never going to be able to fix this, I'm so fucking ashamed for doing this to you, Ada."

She sulked, silently drinking in your words.

"Obviously it's not going to be the same, yeah? I'm really fucking upset. I'm so fucked off with you but Poll's really worried about a coup. She thinks you're being used as blackmail against John to keep him on side with Tommy while he expands."

"Makes sense."

"You're part of a much bigger game, you know?"

You nodded. "Yeah, and I knew I would lose from the start. Fucking tragic, Ada."

"My brothers keep pushing, keep growing the business. They keep chasing this prize but I don't think it even exists."

"If it does, it isn't worth it if this shit is the cost. I didn't mean to play into his hands."

"You couldn't have known." She said with a shrug, " 'Siah thinks John loves you."

"He told me last night." Several times, this morning also. You would never tire of hearing him moan those words into your neck or being yelled from your front door as he left for the office.

"You love him, don't you?" She said bluntly, a statement more than a question, your face suddenly hot with embarrassment.

Everything you'd suppressed for months, everything that you'd hidden, every time you lied smiling, every knowing glance from a stranger, every degrading comment from under Thomas' breath.

"I do, an awful lot."

She pauses, relighting her cigarette, "The worst thing about the entire situation is it could've been fine if someone told me. I wouldn't have loved it, obviously, but-" Ada sighed, rubbing her temple with her free fingers.

"I thought you'd hate me."

"How could I? I'd be more angry that you'd drop your standards for my brother. Seriously? Him? Mate…."

"Come off it, I've always thought he was charming. He's funny, smart-"

"Don't gush over my brother, it's grim. I'm just so fucked off you all lied to me." She peered at you through her cigarette smoke. "If you love him and he loves you..." she pressed her lips together as she tensed her jaw, "I could get over it. If it'd make you both happy. But that's going to take a long time. A long time."

"Ada-"

"Look I have meetings and shit to sort, I have to run." She interjected, checking her wristwatch, adjusting the cap which sat atop her trendy short haircut. You caught her arm before she could turn away.

"Thank you. For understanding."

She shrugged you off, "I don't get it, I'd never do that to you. But you also don't get to choose who you're attracted to. I'm really hurt, but I do love you and John a lot. He mentioned that after last night you helped him, got him cleaned up. I have to believe that you both do love each other. So I have to believe that this is a good idea for you both and not stand in your way."

"I love you, Ada. Can we hang out soon, just us two?"

She shook her head. "I need some time, I'll be in touch, yeah?"

You nod, stretching out your pinky finger. She sighed and linked it with hers, as you'd done since you were children, a silent signal to each other after a fight that you still had the other's back.

"Right, I've got to get back to this meeting, Tom is getting done by Polly for nearly getting John killed. I need to be there in case one of the lads needs patching up."

"Your aunt has a nasty left hook, I'll give her that."

"She'll be pleased you think so, she wanted Tommy to slice you to bits for crossing me."

"Fuck’s sake, thanks for the warning, I'll keep my head down. Good luck with the meeting."

Ada nodded and you watched her walk away, a Blinder suddenly appearing by her side seemingly from nowhere. This city was crawling with them. They clambered into Ada's car as you watched the car disappear into the distance before walking back to work. Thankfully, with your head still attached to your shoulders.

*******

Ada arrived at Thomas' estate, following the swell of shouting voices to his exquisite library. It was eye roll worthy and typical Tommy to choose the location of his post-fuckup debrief to be where he had the best view of the gardens, river and rolling hills. She could bet he'd sit in a corner and stare at the view, zoning out their aunt's lecture.

An armed blinder she vaguely recognised opened the door. Thomas was making a statement today with the armed guards, she noted. Her brothers really were fucked up. Arthur was an alcoholic killer who couldn't understand that Thomas would betray them all eventually, Finn was letting the tokyo and the razor chasers that circled him distract him from keeping the family together, John was apparently in love with her best friend, and finally, Thomas nearly got Arthur and John murdered last night with his foolishness. At this point only herself and Polly were holding everyone together, keeping everything silently moving along.

The door opened, and she was the last to arrive, Polly glaring as she murmured an apology, standing next to Finn. His eyes were bloodshot, grey-purple smudges under his eyes, he'd obviously had a heavy night. The last thing the poor lad needed was Polly's shrill yelling and the blinding sun streaming through the large immaculately crafted windows, which he'd tried to block with the brim of his cap. John caught her eye, acknowledging his sister with a nod, which she returned with a small tight smile.

Ada couldn't bear to think about the reasoning behind her brother's smug interjections in between Polly's rant to Thomas who was listening wordlessly, smoking.

Y/N and John? It didn't make sense. They had a similar sense of humour, sure, but she was far too intelligent for him. He also had a swarm of children, while Y/N preferred a wild night out only staggering home at daybreak.

It made far more sense for Y/N to end up with Michael, or if it had to be a brother, Finn. They were younger, so had less responsibilities and commitments so they could keep up with her. But John? Of course she knew he was believed to be the Casanova of her brothers, he was kind, he was an excellent father, yet he could never keep anyone around long, usually John was chasing someone new after a month or so. That's why the revelation that John had been involved with her best friend for almost half a year had taken her completely by surprise. Maybe that was why she was open to them being together. That had to be it. This relationship was completely out of character for John; she needed to believe that he was serious about his feelings towards Y/N and wasn't going to fuck her over. Because if he did, John would be a dead man.

"I don't know why you're all bleating at me. Yeah, I overlooked some details in the planning of last night's meeting-"

"Such as warning us that they were really fucked off because you'd helped bomb their warehouse." John pointed out.

"What do you want me to do? Apologise? Grow up, John." Tommy snapped back.

"They had loaded guns against their heads, they deserve an apology." Ada interjected, John giving her an appreciative flash of smile. She did love her big brother. Despite the fact that she'd pretty much only been yelling at him for the past month, John never dismissed her feelings and only apologised. It was confusing to admit to herself, but when Isaiah told her that he was confident John loved Y/N, she felt a wave of relief. At least he cared about her; it was the bare minimum but the Shelbys were notorious for not even meeting the bare minimum for acceptable social interactions.

"They didn't fuckin’ get shot." Thomas stated, his voice matter of fact and condescending.

"Do you ever hear yourself speak?" Polly spit back at him. "They didn't get shot this time. But it was too fucking close."

"It won't happen again, Polly." Tommy sighed. "What else can I say? Sorry lads, take the weekend off?"

"It's a good start." Arthur countered, "You're also paying for the extension on my house and my wedding."

"Fuck’s sake Arthur I was joking. But fine. Sure."

"You can't buy your family off." Polly scoffed at him.

"Think of it as compensation, a settlement." Thomas coolly corrected his aunt. "What do you want, John? A fucking farm?"

John hesitates while Finn whispered suggestions to him, Ada meeting his stare, John raising a brow to her in question. She sighed and nodded her approval.

"You can pay off my mortgage Tom, give me the kids' birthdays off-"

"So you'd never come into work then?" Finn cut in, Ada elbowing him in the ribs. She usually enjoyed Finn's remarks but she knew where John was heading; she could barely breathe.

"Tom, you're also to leave Y/N completely alone. If you have a problem with her, you come to me about it." He said firmly.

Arthur and Tommy traded knowing looks, obviously more aware of the ins and outs of his relationship than Ada was.

"Also if you're paying for Arthur's wedding I want the equivalent in cash." He adds.

Tommy shrugged. "Whatever. As long as we can move past last night and focus on today's order of business."

John nodded, satisfied. He knew Tom wouldn't care, but just saying out loud that he was involved with Y/N and having his family aware was a relief. He hadn't realised until he finally admitted how stressful keeping his relationship a secret was. Now, he could stop worrying about Tommy interfering.

Polly rolled her eyes, lecturing the brothers on their lack of moral backbone to allow themselves to be bought off, but dismissed them. She caught Ada's arm in hers on their way out, pulling her far from earshot.

"So Y/N and John are together now?" She asked, her face firm and scowling.

"Polls, I talked with her, she's aware of what she's done. She apologised and meant it. What more can I ask for?"

"Her not to have fucked him in the first place."

"She said that. Look, Polls, they're happy right? John seems happy-"

"He always is when he gets a leg over."

"You know she looked after him last night? Fixed him up after the meeting."

"Meeting? It was a fucking set up." Polly hissed but her face had softened. "She cleaned him up?"

"Antiseptic, bandages and all."

Polly looked subtly impressed, although she'd never admit it. "He went to hers? Not yours?"

"He wanted to talk to her." Ada shrugs, "I saw her this morning and-"

"What do you mean? You bumped into her?"

"I went to her work." Ada admitted, her aunt shooting her an exasperated glare.

"Why do I bother? Nobody listens to me."

"I had to talk to her, I'm glad I did. She reckons she loves him, he told her last night that he loves her, so..."

"We are talking about John? Our John?"

"I know Polls, I'm as amazed as you."

Her aunt huffed, unimpressed. "Are you okay with it though?"

"I guess, I just want them to be happy. I've told them to give me time with it."

"She was a good friend growing up, but people change, sometimes for the better, often for the worse."

"Poll, it's Y/N; she's my best friend. At the end of the day, we'd do anything for each other."

"Sweet Ada, you're going to be so miserable if you keep letting people walk all over you." Polly said wisely, kissing her goodbye affectionately. "I hope you're right. If she makes you cry again I'll kill her myself."

"Thanks, Polls."

She knew her aunt wasn't joking.

[wordsinwinters]

Then Again, Chapter 24: Song and Theory, Signifying Nothing

Summary: After an intense fight and a forced-to-share-the-bed situation during their junior year decathlon trip, Peter and the Reader examine their faults and failings. As they attempt to fix their mistakes and improve their friendship, that friendship quickly begins to evolve into something else.

Betas: @fanboyswhereare-you and @girl-tips-from-satan

Masterlist (with AO3 links)

Then Again, Chapter 24: Song and Theory, Signifying Nothing

(Word count: 3,374) Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13, Part 14, Part 15, Part 16, Part 17, Part 18, Part 19, Part 20, Part 21, Part 22, Part 23, Part 24, Part 25, Part 26, Part 27, Part 28, Part 29,  After clarifying to Flash that it was not like that, I return to my and Michelle’s room, ice bucket in hand. It’s brighter now. The light on the nightstand is on and Michelle’s sitting up, eating Twizzlers from a bag she keeps upright with her feet. Her hair is tied back too. On screen, Bella analyzes her bruises and Edward starts an argument. “Holding out on me, huh?” I ask, gesturing to the candy. She shrugs and smirks. Another good sign. A great one even, after a long day like today. “I planned on bartering for some ice, but I waited for forever and there was no one to trade with. What was the hold up?” I make a pretend distressed face and blow out a long breath as if the story physically pains me. Walking over, I put the ice on the nightstand between our beds and sit on the edge of mine. Peter and Ned’s side of the wall still hasn’t settled: the t.v. noise continues flickering, now at a faster pace. One of them is undoubtedly trying to annoy the other into picking something to watch, and the exchange of incoherent voices seems to support that assumption. Part of me wants to check in on them and hang out for a bit, but I need to focus on my current task: explain things clearly to Michelle and give her Flash’s apology. Plus, I’m pretty sure she’s too tired to stay up much longer and I doubt she’d want to be left alone (even if she assures me otherwise). Either way, it’s time to tell her about my conversation with Flash.

“You know how, um—” I pause, wondering where the best place to start is. She knows what Flash did, there’s no need for extensive exposition. She raises a curious eyebrow at my hesitation and glances pointedly from the bag between her feet to me as if to say, You can have a Twizzler once you spill. A fair and simple trade. Better to dive right in, then. “You know how Flash blackmailed me this morning? To give up my spot?” Michelle’s head tilts to the right. “No?” Her eyebrows scrunch and her lips press together. “I think you forgot to mention that.” We stare at one another, mutually perplexed and frozen. Huh. I was certain she had put it together. Behind us, Ned shouts muffled words and laughs loudly while his and Peter’s t.v. volume begins to increase. “I, uh,” I start, tilting my head too. “I thought you knew.” “Yeah, I got that from the, ‘You know how’ part of your sentence.” A beat of silence passes between us; I can tell that’s not the end of her sentence, so I wait. If she had more energy, maybe she would be frustrated with me. Right now though, all she can muster is a look of stunted disbelief, an emotion I’d label the tame, languid cousin of scandal and outrage: a gentle but honest really?, with the edge of a potential eye roll. She plops two ice cubes in her water, takes a sip, then continues. “How would I know something like that when you never said anything to me?” The wall gets louder behind us. The boys have resumed their argument it seems. It’s playful, probably, but the t.v. volume is increasing at the same rate as their voices so I can’t distinguish any words to really tell. Michelle notices my distraction. She gives an abrupt smack to the wall as a warning to them. Her eyes remain level with mine, though, questioning. “Because,” I say, “you always notice things without people telling you.” She pauses again. Unable to deny it, she makes an eh sound which translates to true enough, I’ll give you that and her shoulders relax as her eyebrows smooth back into their usual place. She reaches over and extends a Twizzler like an official olive branch. To complete our silent agreement, I move on to exchange my end of the bargain: I tell her the rest of my story. The sound behind us stagnates right around my second or third sentence, which is an unexpected relief, seeing the boys rarely halt their ridiculousness when they make up their minds to

annoy one another. While trying to ignore them and stay on track, my phone buzzes a couple times. Probably Flash, now that we’re on better terms and I unblocked him. It’s probably a meme. Unimportant. Quickly rambling on with only a couple short moments of respite for chewing or sipping water, I go over the rest of the incident. I explain how I ran into Flash, everything we said to each other, his apologies (one for her, one for me) and, of course, how unsettling it was to see him in such casual wear as pajamas. As I talk, tracing back once or twice to recount my version of what happened — or what I thought had happened — this morning (and shooting my phone annoyed looks when it buzzes again since it must be him), Michelle eats her licorice on autopilot, keeping her face deliberately blank even though I can tell she’s picking through the strings of her old assumptions and matching them up to my own version to compare narrative split ends. “You know,” she says after I finish, a half eaten Twizzler dangling from her hand as she waves it to gesture. “You could have double-checked with me this morning, to make sure I actually knew. You would’ve been on that stage with us today if you had. I would’ve confronted him and gotten to the bottom of it all. I would never have just let it happen.” Fortunately (or unfortunately, I haven’t decided which), I’ve already come to terms with this fact. It was an incredibly stupid mistake to have made — to have misread both Flash and Michelle — but it happened and the consequences are over. Today has been irreversibly stamped into the short timeline of my high school career and nothing will change it now. The opportunity was missed. And at least there’s next year. The less I think about it, the better. It’s done. “True,” I shrug. “But who knows if I would’ve gotten all those questions Flash answered right. Maybe the way it played out was for the best.” That might as well be true, why not? I offer a devil’s advocate smile and she shakes her head, finally giving into a full eye roll. “Don’t remind me. But really, I doubt that. He was good today, but you would’ve been better.” Would I have been? After all those… distractions from the previous 24 hours, I have no idea if my concentration would have been up to par. All the same, it doesn’t matter anymore. The two of us are on the same page at last and that’s all I have room to care about tonight. We can relax completely. No more tension, no more unanswered questions. No secrets. Well, aside from my teeny tiny stupid one. I start to move backward, further onto the bed. Then I stop. Just because it did work out though, that never really had anything to do with my behavior or the choices I made. I had no idea what would happen. There were multiple reasons I let Flash take my spot this morning, apart from the real fear of nonexistent blackmail, but I still shouldn’t have given up so easily. I turn and look at her. ��Really though,” I say, realizing the truth of it, “I’m sorry for bailing. If Flash hadn’t come through, if he froze up like last year, I know it could’ve been... things might not have ended up as well as they did. I hate flaking on you, especially when you worked crazy hard this year. I promise, next time I’ll come to you first.” Michelle’s posture stiffens and she has her subtle, trademark backed into an emotional corner face, the one she makes when someone unexpectedly gets too sincere. Try to make it a little funny, at least. “And, naturally,” I add, leaning back, “I’ll never trust your infinite wisdom and analytical skills again.” Michelle smiles then, a lopsided one I know is genuine. Infectious, I can’t help but to return it like a reflex. The final drops of my own relief rush through my veins, rivers of warm comfort settling under my skin. “First,” she says, holding up a finger, “there’s no need to doubt me. Technically you were never blackmailed which is why I didn’t catch on, so you can keep faith in my deductive skills. Two,” another finger goes up, “I highly doubt this scenario will happen a second time. Third,”

and another, “don’t sweat it.” She waves her hand away. “But what if it does?” Egging each other on is vital to our friendship. Previously unsure if we’d get back to that level of normalcy by tonight, I’m perfectly happy knowing we actually have. “I’ll kick your ass. Naturally .” Yet again, she offers a Twizzler, this time with a promissory bow. Now less hungry and far more relaxed than before I left, we both shuffle back against our headboards and turn our attention to the movie. Leah tells Jacob to get over Bella, and he angstily rants to the younger boys about how relationships are all but prisons. I try to get more comfortable, sliding an extra pillow up behind my back. After a few minutes, my phone vibrates. Oh yeah. I forgot to check it. I reach over, surprised to find that it hasn’t been Flash. Peter, 11:03 p.m.: “Hey. Update: still alive.” Peter, 11:04 p.m.: “You?” Peter, 11:10 p.m.: “shit... are you dead? have you been kidnapped??” Peter, 11:12 p.m.: “:(” Peter, 11:13 p.m.: “dying is dumb, don’t do that.” Peter, 11:17 p.m.: “If you don’t reply soon, beware. Ned is being dumb and annoying. the worst.” As I read, another pops up: “You know. like always.” I hear Ned shout a complaint a second later, though it’s too blurred from the t.v.’s interference to hear his exact words. My lips tug upward. The housekeeper interrupts Edward and Bella’s makeout session, staring at him with a mixture of fear and hatred, and they breathe-laugh until she leaves. I type back: Alive, safe and sound. I consider writing, But barely. I ran into Flash a few minutes ago. I don’t though, knowing it would only aggravate him without purpose. Plus I don’t want to go over it again, especially the particulars. It’s boring at this point. It was boring to begin with, and now after verbalizing it once, it would be exhausting. Instead, I type: It sounds loud over there. How come? His bubbles spring up immediately. “See above.” “Ned = annoying.” There’s a small crunch from their room, like a half empty water bottle hitting someone. Knowing those two, Peter probably read the insult aloud to Ned as payback for their t.v. argument, if Ned wasn’t already reading over his shoulder. I reply: “Ned? Never. He’s an angel and we’re thrilled to have him.” As expected, a few seconds later I hear a distant whooping sound and the shadow of Ned shouting something grateful and co-conspiratorial to me. In reply, Peter sends back three eye rolling emojis. At the same second I send a shrug, his bubbles turn into: “btw I have a really great idea” An idea? For what? Even though the wording is positive, it makes me nervous. “?” Four messages follow, one after the other, as quickly as he can type them. “Okay so hear me out” “I know you don’t like Freud…” “BUT” “Operant. Conditioning.” The bubbles disappear. What? This makes no sense to me. Is it supposed to? We haven’t discussed operant conditioning in Psych for months. And, now might not be the time for me to point it out, but he’s mixed it up in the first place. Unable to resist and not knowing what else to say, I send back: “You mean Skinner?” The bubbles start up, then stop. Twenty-ish seconds later: “You got me there. +3 points! but what do you think?” Despite the background noise of Bella vomiting peanut butter chicken legs into a toilet, the “+3 points” nearly makes me laugh. We haven’t played that game (if you could even call it a game) in months. “Peter,” I type. “Context is important, remember? No clue what you mean” Figuring said context will take a few minutes, I put my phone back down and look up at the movie. Maybe I imagine it, but Michelle’s head seems to twitch when I do. It might’ve been a small jump from seeing the kick in Bella’s stomach matched with the suspenseful music. Buzz. Pause. Buzz. Longer pause…. Buzz. Three is usually Peter’s go-to, so I check it. Peter: “I know you’re going to say you’re not mad at me anymore, but you deserve to be and probably are a little bit subconsciously or unconsciously (idk which is which so +2 to you before you

correct me)” “so in order to get our friendship back to normal I think we should try operant conditioning” “Like me doing nice stuff when I see you so you think ‘oh wow I get to see peter today! how cool! love that guy, he’s the best!’ when really it’s just me pyshcologically tricking you into positive associate by giving you snacks when you come by my locker” Another pops up: “Psychologically* Im dumb” And another: “I’M*** association*** smh” I stare. That’s possibly the worst idea I’ve ever heard. The last thing I need are more reasons to look forward to seeing Peter. I mean, the part he quoted isn’t all that far off from how my brain usually reacts when I see him. Simplified, for sure, but a similar sentiment nonetheless. I wrack my brain for a response, trying to block out Edward’s shaky Portuguese begging. “Sure, you can try your best.” No. Sarcastic and challenging is definitely the wrong approach here. “Maybe. Talk about it later?” That could work. It might also mean he brings it up on the bus tomorrow, potentially resulting in unpredictable reactions from anyone who overhears. I’d rather people not know so much about our personal post-fight dynamics. “I’ll think about it.” That one’s neutral enough. Still... it’s basically a promise to talk about it soon, which means I have to think about it now and knowing myself, I’ll likely try to puzzle out his plans, imagining dozens of scenarios before I can sleep tonight, allowing his general plan to start working before it even begins, given that I’m fully aware of how considerate and generous he can be when he decides to make an effort. If I spend tonight creating stupid Peter clumsily attempting to display kindness and affection scenes in my head, it’ll just end up… being overwhelming. It’ll worsen this inconvenient, impossible crush. Or, maybe my expectations will simply go too far and that’s how I’ll ruin it. I’ll agree to this idea now, and by the end of the week or month or whatever the time frame is, I’ll be disappointed at the reality. Yes, that’s the most likely scenario. I’ll read too much into it, as always, and my brain will make it all more painful than necessary. So instead, I type: “Subconscious. Unconscious would be trauma related, memories your brain hides from you and whatnot. You weren’t *that* awful. And I think you mean classical conditioning?” Sent. I’m the worst, sometimes. I wait for his response with a taste of guilt. His bubbles appear immediately, then evaporate. Again, Ned and Peter’s voices mingle with the t.v. flipping sounds, trampling heavily over the somber music and hum of Jacob’s motorcycle coming from ours. Just say you agree, part of my brain argues. It’s not that hard. Or say no flat out. Explain yourself to some degree, otherwise you’re an avoidant coward. I lift my phone, about to type. Then, a plastic crunch hits behind my head. Either Peter or Ned definitely just threw a water bottle at my side of the wall. Michelle turns to look at me, left eyebrow raised in amusement. Her eyes flit from me to my phone to the headboard. “What’d you do?” she asks. Before I can open my mouth to speak, music blasts at a deafening volume behind us: someBODY ONCE TOLD ME, THE WORLD IS GONNA ROLL ME. I half jump from shock, phone flying out of my grasp, and Michelle immediately hits the wall with her open hand. I AIN’T THE SHARPEST TOOL IN THE SHED. Ned’s laughter is the only thing I can hear besides the Shrek soundtrack. SHE WAS LOOKING KIND OF DUMB WITH HER FINGER AND HER THUMB— As I hop off the bed and retrieve my phone from the floor, Michelle speedily unlocks hers. The song continues pounding for about eight seconds. Thankfully, however, by the grace of god (or Michelle, I suppose), it lowers. I’m about to text Peter when Ned appears on her phone directly across from her face, his own face turned, half out of frame. “Come on, Peter!” he shouts, head shaking in melodramatic pity. “Turn it down, seriously! You’re so obnoxious!” Peter makes an indignant noise. “That was all you!” he protests, his voice more distant in the

background. “You’re the obnoxious one!” Ned rolls his eyes and turns back to face the camera. “Anyway,” he says with his usual grin and cheerful charm. “Hi MJ. How’s it going? We’re just—” “Guys,” calls Peter’s voice, “I swear I tried to take the remote from him!” “—hanging out,” Ned continues, bulldozing on, “you know, over here. Chilling, one might say. Celebrating, in fact.” Michelle squints at him as if mentally weighing the value of continuing this conversation. “What if,” she suggests, “you did that in a way that doesn’t tempt me to report you two to Mr. Harrington?” Ned starts to respond in a fake scandalized tone, but Peter jumps into frame and shoves him to the side for a chance to speak, the camera shaking as he fumbles and grabs it. “Again, just to restate, I didn’t do anything— Ned was the one messing with the t.v. the whole time.” Ned pushes Peter’s face with one hand and yanks his phone back with the other, Peter disappearing momentarily before popping right back up behind him just as the camera steadies. “You can ask your roommate,” Peter says to Michelle with his arms open wide in surrender. “I’ve been texting her for the last ten minutes. I couldn’t have been messing with the t.v. at the same time.” The mention of our conversation jolts my pulse. Michelle looks my way. “That’s true,” I say. “But I don’t know if it irrefutably proves he didn’t do it, seeing as he has two hands and all.” She nods and looks back at them. Her face, only minutes ago full of sly joy, remains unamused. “Overruled.” Ned ha!’s in his face, but Peter barely seems to notice aside from a distracted shoulder shove. “Actually, can you point me in her direction?” Michelle does, and I sit up a bit straighter, feeling strangely unprepared. He inhales as if he’s about to say something longer and more serious, but instead, all he says is: “You suck. Minus ten points.” The screen goes black. Whether he or Ned ended the call is hard to tell. Knowing exactly what he means though, I reach for my phone to text him a real answer to his question, hoping to minimize my guilt and satiate his curiosity. “Should I ask?” Michelle tosses her phone onto her bed. Might as well explain it now rather than later. “It’s not a big deal,” I say, partially to convince myself that it isn’t. “Peter pitched an idea to help fix our friendship. He wants to psychologically condition me to look forward to being around him. Snacks or something.” Her eyes widen before rolling. I realize my word choice is poor (though accurate). “And?” I lean my head back against the headboard. “It’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.” Next chapter

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[sleepylixie]

STILL WITH YOU.

Non idol! Yang Jeongin X fem! Reader

Part of the Heart wants what it wants Anthology

Prompt #39. “Don’t you dare walk away from this.”

1k words, College AU, Kinda enemies to lovers, FLUFF FLUFF FLUFF. 

Beware of mentions of drinkng

Inspired by Still With you by BTS’ JK \\ Consider this a small installment to the Imperium Universe <3

Clinking glasses, quiet chatters and guitar chords set the mood in Kosmos, the rooftop bar that Jeongin frequented. It was a thing of sweet charm- all yellow lights, live music and cheery college-age regulars. He would take his spot by the bar countertop a couple of times a week, nursing a couple of rum-cokes and watching people come and go in peace. 

It was almost a ritual of sorts, stealing alone time that his schedule in university was loath to give him. Until recently, that is. Ever since the last few months, you’d begun joining him on his corner spot at the bar.

You met as enemies, only to end up developing an equation of... begrudging acquaintanceship over time. Jeongin wouldn’t go as far as to call you a friend yet- not to your face. He also would refuse to agree to him enjoying the time he spends with you, as much as you’d tease him about it. He couldn’t deny, however, that he didn’t mind your intrusion into his routine as much as he thought he would. You brought easy conversation and warm comfort with you- along with music.

If Jeongin could sing, you could sing. There was something alluring about the way you sang that he just couldn’t get enough of. Your normally husky sounding voice would transform into something else altogether when a mic touched your lips- a honey sweet voice of impeccable melody, one that nobody could emulate. You’d only sung for him once and only once; performing in front of people wasn’t your cup of tea, you claimed. 

This particular night however, was special. For the first time, you’d be performing at Kosmos, after a lot of hounding and nagging from your circle of friends. Jeongin had only found out about it the day before, when you’d hesitantly come up to him after class to tell him that you’d been blackmailed into performing one of your own songs at the bar, and that he should come. 

Jeongin had swallowed his surprise and eagerness as he agreed to be there- what, you wanted him to be there. He definitely wouldn’t have gone if you hadn’t asked him. Not like he had a thing for your voice and would listen to it every day if he could, not at all.

So here he sat at his usual corner, a glass of rum-coke twirled between his fingers, eyes flitting between the stage and the clock, waiting for your time slot. Soon enough, you stepped on stage, mic held in your hands. 

You looked nervous, observed Jeongin. Your lips had almost been bitten through, judging from the reddish hue your lower lip had taken on. Your hands shook a little as you attached the mic to the stand in the front of the stage. How had he picked up on your tells, Jeongin wondered belatedly as he watched you introduce yourself. He definitely hadn’t been noticing you that much, right??

All those thoughts just flew out his head the second you began singing. Your voice was exactly as he remembered, smooth and beautiful, a high melody starting the song. Your song. 

There was a sad lingering tune to it, so easy on the ears that the patrons of the bar stopped talking so they could listen to you. The lyrics spoke of simple feelings, of yearning and a relationship you couldn’t let go of-it was beautiful.

At some point in the song, your eyes met his, and a secret smile lit up your face.

There was questioning in your eyes, curiosity, a few notes of nerves.. and yet, your voice rang clear across the space, taking his breath away,

Jeongin couldn’t tear his eyes off you as the music reached its end; it was like you’d cast a spell over him without even trying. As cliché as it sounded, there was something so insanely hypnotic about your voice- about you, it hit Jeongin. The only reason he liked listening to your voice so much.. was because that voice belonged to you. 

//

That night, Jeongin tossed in his bed, unable to catch a wink of sleep. Why did he want to turn up at Kosmos just to see you? Why did he feel lighter when you were around? How could he tell if you were nervous, happy, tense... just from the look in your eyes? 

He sat up, the blankets falling down to his waist as he leaned against the headboard. He still remembered, all too vividly, the events after your performance ended. The way you had smiled at him the second you stepped off the stage had done nothing but make his heart skip a beat.

The way you had sidled closer to him after your friends were done gushing over you, that adorable sparkle in your eyes- he couldn’t help but look away and take a second to compose himself, tamping down his first instinct to pull your body close and give you a hug. Your friendship wasn’t that closer yet, he couldn’t just invade your personal space like that, could he?

The way you had laughed aloud when he downplayed how impressed he was by your performance, swatting at his arm in amusement. Don’t you dare walk away from this, you’d giggled, flagging the bartender down for another cocktail before turning back to him. I saw you from the stage, you were enjoying yourself. You were, right?

You sounded so hopeful, the adrenaline of performing for a crowd still clearly buzzing through your body- he couldn’t help but smile at you, rolling his eyes before begrudgingly agreeing that you did, in fact, blow him away with your talent.

He had been rewarded for his honesty, because you had thrown him a mocking flying kiss before turning to sip on your cocktail, conversation shifting to a mutual friend’s new flame.

But you didn’t mean all that much to him, right? Right? 

If you didn’t..... then why was his mind still with you?

The last of my revamped fics to be reposted! Hope you enjoy <3

Requests are open for this collection (For Stray Kids and Ateez), so do check out the Masterlist for the prompts and rules! Love, Elliana.

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[soyforramen]

ooooo 17 and/or 28 for bughead

I am so terribly glad tumblr does not date these, because I have no idea how long I’ve been sitting on this draft. Regardless, here goes:

xxx

“Bite me, Jones,” Betty snapped. She screwed her eyes shut and breathed deeply as she counted to ten. No one in Riverdale could get under her skin like he could. And he knew it.

“Make me, Cooper.”

Betty curled her lip and turned away from Jughead Jones and his stupid smirk and his stupid hat. She knew from the start that this whole idea was inane. But because it was Archie’s last birthday in Riverdale, and because she and Jughead were Archie’s best friends, she’d said yes to Jones’ stupid idea to throw a surprise party. 

For whatever reason, it hadn’t occurred to Betty that Archie might want a birthday party. Over the years they’d fallen into such a routine it almost felt too close to sacrilege to change. The day before Archie’s birthday, he and Jughead would disappear to spend all day gorging on junk food and video games until it came time for a midnight creature feature at the Bijou. The day of, Archie would spend his birthday with his parents as Mrs. Andrews always made a point to come back to Riverdale on his birthday. The next following was Betty’s, and it had become their tradition to find new trails to hike around Sweetwater River only to end their day at Pop’s with burgers and shakes.

It was a custody arrangement they’d all been more than happy with ever since Betty had proclaimed her hatred of Jughead Jones in the second grade for making Ethyl cry because he ran away from her the entire week of Valentine’s. And despite Archie’s numerous attempts over the years at a tentative truce, neither Betty nor Jughead could stand the sight of each other for too long.This year, however, Jughead decided to buck the system.   

With a party.   

For Archie.   

Only one week to plan it.  

Together.

When Jughead had first mentioned it, Betty assumed he’d do what everyone else did when it came to these things: tell Betty his vision and let her handle everything while still getting partial credit for having come up with the idea in the first place. But apparently she’d underestimated him. Not only had he come up with the idea for a party, he also wanted to help plan it. 

Normally Betty would jump at the chance for any sort of event planning help. She’d had to beg, borrow, and blackmail to get any actual help to put together Homecoming and the Spring Formal . And now she had a ready, willing participant who came with his own ideas as to how this party should go.It was as if Fate itself were determined to prove the old adage, ‘Be careful what you wish for.’(Fate, too, could bite her.)The ultimate problem, though, was not the fact that it was Jones’ proposing and helping plan the party. It was not that they both wanted to outdo each other in a childish attempt to prove their superior friendship with Archie. The problem was she had to interact with Jones’ to get this done. It was the most she’d ever had to interact with him since they’d sat at the same square of tables in elementary school and it was a reminder why she’d avoided him ever since. Every idea she had was countered by his own; every suggestion was met with scepticism and budgeting concerns; every minute detail picked apart. Their tastes were too far apart on music, food, and decorations along with everything else it took to plan a party. He was far too sarcastic, too caustic for her. She was too nice, too blithe for his. It was mutual loathing that frustrated Betty every time she had to see him in the hallways. And now she’d agreed to spend most of her free time with him for a week.Archie better fucking love this damn party.

xxx

Monday Morning: 4 Days til B-Day

Today was not Betty Cooper’s day. She’d forgotten about the essay due in History class because she’d been consumed with scholarship applications and making decorations for Polly’s wedding. She’d dropped a beaker of acid on her shoes in lab class and now had to wander around in the ugliest, grossest pair of crocs the school’s lost and found had to offer. And to top it all off, her hair tie had snapped in gym class, leaving her hair in a tangle of waves that drew attention from everyone for just how messy it was.It took all she had not to skip school for the first time in her life. The only thing stopping her was the inevitable lecture she knew would be waiting at home. If Betty ruined her perfect attendance record three months before graduation, the fit her mother would throw would surely top the one when Polly told her she was unwed and pregnant.And when the tumbler on her locker stuck, it was all she could do not to scream. Finally the lock popped off and the door slammed into its neighbor.“Party planning going well?” Kevin asked from behind. He leaned against the locker bank and leveled all the magnets that had fallen to the bottom of the door.“Yes, actually. That’s the problem,” Betty snapped. She threw her textbooks into the locker, already digging through the three and a half years worth of junk for a hair tie. “I’d say that’s less of a problem, and more of a shoe in to finally free all that hair Jones’ has been hiding from us,” Kevin said with a Hello Kitty magnet suspended between his thumb and forefinger. When Betty rolled her eyes, he clicked his tongue. “Don’t pretend you haven’t thought about it. The UST between you two has been at peak level for at least two years.”Betty heaved out a sigh and reached for the top shelf. She tried to imagine herself someplace relaxing and far, far away from here. One of those Swedish spas Veronica was always gushing about. A sunny beach with no one around. An automotive shop that worked exclusively on muscle cars made by Corvette and Ford between 1958 and 1972 somewhere south of Paris, France.“Of course it’s a problem, Kev. It means that not only is he a complete and total asshole, he’s also a competent and capable asshole,” Betty huffed. She grabbed her history book out of her bag and threw it into the locker hard enough to rattle the mirror on the back. “At least you now won’t have to split all your free time between the paper, the party, and practice for the Vixens.”As much as Betty loved him, sometimes she hated how Kevin could always find a positive in every situation and how desperately she hated the fact that Veronica had decided to attend a prep school for her senior year.“We forgot about Veronica,” Betty gasped. Prior frustrations forgotten, Betty tapped away on the screen. Between event planning and the massive extracurricular load her mother insisted on, Betty hardly had any time to think about what she’d get for Archie. There was no way Veronica would forget something as important as Archie’s birthday, but if there was on thing that could throw a wrench into this plan it would be Veronica sweeping Archie off his feet to the Bahamas last minute.Veronica’s reply was almost instantaneous with a string of hearts, followed by several texts grilling Betty for more information about Archie’s relationship status, Riverdale gossip, and whether Betty had finally found herself a boyfriend.Absorbed by her phone, Betty closed her locker and walked to class, Kevin walking beside to her and telling Betty which was the best gossip to pass along to Veronica. As the bell rang, Betty tucked her phone into her jacket pocket and laid out everything she needed for class. Late as usual, Jughead slouched by her on his way to the corner of the room. “Nice hair, Cooper,” he muttered as he passed. “Very Diana Dors today.”Betty’s cheeks went red and her hands flew up to smooth down her hair. She’d been so focused on her conversation with Veronica that the hair tie had been completely forgotten.Kevin leaned across his desk and whispered, “Hashtag: Free the Beanie.”

Xxxxx

Tuesday Afternoon - Party Countdown: Day 3

Betty’s phone chimed on the couch beside her. When she saw who it was from, she groaned. They’d just talked after school about the decorations, and she thought they’d come to an agreement. Jughead, however, seemed to differ.“Beans for brains again?” Cheryl asked, eyes glued to her own phone. “Yes. Now decorations are too ‘childish’,” Betty whined. “Why does he have to make things so difficult.”“Because he has your undivided attention for once, baby cousin.”Betty stared at Cheryl. “What does that mean?”Cheryl rolled her eyes and set down her phone. “Read between the lines, it’s a total Castle and Bennet situation.”Even if she’d been offered the world, Betty still couldn’t figure out what Cheryl meant. With a sigh, Betty packed up her back and headed to Pop’s, figuring it would be easier to meet with him in person than spend three hours going back and forth in text.

Xxxxx

Tuesday Afternoon - Party Countdown: Day 3Betty slammed her lunch tray on the cafeteria table. “I hate him and that stupid grin of his. Like he knows everything. Why did I ever agree to this in the first place?”Kevin moved to the side as Betty swung her leg over the bench to sit down. “Because it’s Archie’s birthday and he’d do the same for you?”Betty snorted. “I doubt he’d work with his mortal enemy to plan me a party.”“True. Because I’d be the one doing the planning. If Archie was doing it there’d be cold pizza and hot ice cream. He’s not big on the planning thing.”Betty stabbed at a piece of fruit and let that sink in. It would be so much easier to let this go, to say she was done with the whole thing and let Jughead finish organizing it. But if she backed out now they’d both know he’d won in the ongoing feud they had. It was frustrating and unnerving and took every last bit of self-control to work with him. He was a constant distraction, taken to staring at her when she was talking and unnerving her by how close he was willing to get. Even stranger, as if he knew just how to get under her skin, he’d sat next to her in English this morning and attempted a semi-polite conversation.“Do I want to ask what’s got her so riled up now?” Toni asked as she sat down. “Jughead’s lips,” Kevin said with a smile.Toni leaned forward, his face eager for more information. “What? Did he kiss you? I thought you two were only supposed to be planning a party.”“Kevin,” Betty scolded. “And no. We can barely stand to be in the same room together. He’s insisted on doing the decorating himself.”Kevin and Toni shared a look. “And that’s bad, how?” Toni asked.“I know you’re used to being in charge of everything, but why is it a problem for him to decorate?” Kevin asked.“Because I was planning on using what we had leftover from Polly’s New Year’s Eve party. It would have been perfect.” Betty said.“What did he say about that?”Betty looked down at her salad and picked at it. “I didn’t exactly mention it.”Toni raised an eyebrow and Kevin let out a heavy sigh.“But obviously if I was pushing to do the decorations, I had a plan,” Betty said, her words sounding thin.“Last time I checked Jones wears several different hats, but mind reading is not one of them,” Toni said. “And being straightforward isn’t Betty’s,” Kevin said.Betty elbowed him in the ribs. “I thought you were supposed to be on my side?”He squirmed away from her. “I am. But you tend to have a take charge attitude and don’t always share the whole plan. Or let other people have much input when you’ve made up your mind.”“What’s that supposed to mean?”Kevin held up his hands defensively. “I’m just saying, maybe this thing isn’t all one-sided. You’re not used to people wanting to help plan something, and he’s -” Kevin faltered, not knowing Jughead enough to speak to his personality.Toni, though, was quick to step in. “Jughead is a snarky gloom and doom nerd. His people skills need some help too.”“Exactly. But maybe if you try to work with him.” He let the thought linger a moment before going into the latest gossip about the lacrosse team.

Xxxx

Thursday Afternoon - Party Countdown; 1

“I’m doing this for Archie, Jughead. If you don’t like that, then you don’t have to be involved,” Betty said after a few deep breaths.“This was my idea, Betty. Not some project you can step in and fix just because I’m involved. The door is right there if you change your mind,” Jughead snapped back. He turned away from her and focused his attention on his computer. Betty’s hands clenched and unclenched. A fire burned in her chest and she had to work to stay seated There was nothing she wanted more than to slap him. It annoyed her that he was right; they were doing this for Archie, not for some strange kudos for their own egos. “Fine.”Jughead’s head jerked up and he looked as if he were surprised she’d conceded so easily. “You’re right. I’m sorry,” she said her words clipped. Just because she was wrong didn’t mean she had to like it.His eyes narrowed and Betty waited it out. If he wanted to suspect her of ulterior motives, then so be it. She just wished he could bring the intensity down a little bit.Eventually, he waved to the seat across from him and, in a rare gesture of cordiality, waved Pop down for a round of shakes. While Betty was suspicious herself of his motives, she took the seat and pulled out her planner to go over their last minute plans.

xxxx

Friday Night - Party Countdown: 0

Betty leaned against the porch railing, a red solo cup full of something red and overly sweet in her hands. Veronica had sworn she’d like it, but Betty could barely stomach a sip of it. She’d never been one for parties or alcohol or general teenage mischief. Seeing what had happened to Polly had cured Betty of any desire of that.“Looks like we managed to pulled it off,” Jughead said. He lifted a can to his lips - a brazenly boring soda that stood out against their peers attempts to summon Dionysus into the Andrews’ living room.Betty turned towards him and watched him watch the party through the windows. “Surprisingly.”He raised an eyebrow, but didn’t turn towards her. Betty’s eye followed the movement only to trail down his profile. It was odd, she realized, to have never really thought about what he looked like without the permanent scowl and irritable persona he’d taken up as a defense mechanism.“It’ll be a bitch to clean up, though,” Jughead said.Betty snorted and poured her drink into the bushes beneath her. “I vote that’s Archie’s problem.”“And Veronica’s,” Jughead added, with a nod to the opening door.“There you two are,” Veronica said. She shot a sly grin to Jughead who rolled his eyes.Betty filed her questions away for later, particularly those about how close Veronica and Jughead seemed to have gotten over the past year. “This was a really great surprise,” Archie said, oblivious of the strange interaction going on next to him. He looked as tired as Betty felt, but somehow managed a level of energy even she couldn’t fake. She pulled him into a tight hug as the sudden realization that this was their last year of high school hit her. Tears threatened to spill at the corner of her eyes. In six months, Archie would no longer be her constant companion. It would be the first time ever that he wasn’t part of her life. Betty screwed her eyes shut and thought about the good times.“You’re welcome Archie. Happy birthday,” she said through a sniffle.They pulled apart and it was Jughead’s turn to pull Archie into a hug. Betty took a moment to wipe the tears from her cheeks.“Happy birthday, bud,” Jughead said with a grin. He nodded towards Veronica. “Enjoy it while you can.”Betty pulled Veronica into a hug, the pain of missing her not as severe. After all, they’d be roommates next fall, something they’d been planning since they were twelve. “I’m going to call it a night,” Betty said. Veronica kissed her on the cheek and, in a surprising move, pulled Jughead into a bear hug. She whispered something to him that made him flush before letting him go. “Walk her home,” Veronica ordered him. “I want nothing to happen to my girl. We have plans, after all.”“V, I live ten feet away,” Betty reminded her.Jughead rolled his eyes, but complied when Veronica shoed him after Betty. When they reached the sidewalk, Jughead cleared his throat.“Hey, Cooper.”Betty turned to face him. “Yes?”“Are we still in a truce?”She glanced at her watch. “I’ve got another ten minutes until curfew. So, I’d say we were.”Jughead took a step towards her, dropping his gaze to the ground. He swallowed hard, his hands fidgeting. “You’re not half bad, now that I think about it.”Betty smiled. It was probably the nicest thing she’d heard him say about anything in a while. “You’re not half bad yourself, Jones’.”“Also,” he paused, glancing behind them as if to check that they were alone.“What? What is it?” she asked, stepping towards him, worried he’d say or do something. Her fingers curled into a loose fist, but what she wouldn’t have ever expected was for him to pull her close and press his lips against hers.The world came to a startling halt as Betty’s brain went into overdrive. (They were kissing.) This was Jughead Jones her self-proclaimed high school rival in all things that mattered. (He was kissing her.) Before this week they’d never had a nice thing to say about each other. (And she liked it.) The only common ground they ever had was fighting over Archie (Worse, she was kissing him back) and snarking at each other over stupid little things.A car backfired a street over and the spell was broken. The world wrenched itself back into rightful place. Betty’s eyes fluttered open and everything looked the same as it had before. Only there was that look in his eyes, and there was that exhilarating feeling in her chest that could only mean the sky was the limit, and the ground beneath her was shaking. At some point her hand had come to rest on his cheek. It felt normal there, like a bird finally come home to roost. She rubbed her finger against his smooth skin and he turned his head to kiss her palm. “Pop’s tomorrow?” he asked.Betty answered him in another kiss.