#A Complicated Path and Sudden Tragedy

[usefullistanbul]

A Complicated Path and Sudden Tragedy

Bulgaria’s Declaration of War

The Bulgarian ruling elite made a questionable decision during World War II by declaring war on the USA and Great Britain, ultimately aligning the country with the defeated nations. Despite this, Bulgaria, under King Boris III’s leadership, resisted Hitler’s pressure, refusing to send Bulgarian troops to the eastern front after Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941.

Bulgaria’s Stance Against the Holocaust

Bulgarian society demonstrated its democratic values and humanity in 1943 by staunchly opposing German demands to deport Bulgarian Jews to concentration camps. King Boris III aligned with the people’s opinion, making Bulgaria one of the rare countries that protected its Jewish population, numbering around 50,000, during World War II.

Economic Challenges and Diplomatic Maneuvers

Throughout the war, Bulgaria’s economy suffered from an imbalanced trade relationship with Germany, where the Reich controlled 80% of Bulgarian trade and accumulated significant financial debt. King Boris III, concerned about the country’s dependency on Berlin, sought unofficial contacts with Western countries to explore options for withdrawing from the war. Despite ongoing relations with the Soviet Union, represented by a military attache in Sofia, and secret meetings with Russian diplomats, the king struggled to shift the nation’s foreign policy Turkey Sightseeing.

Mysterious Demise of King Boris III

On August 28, 1943, after a heated argument with Hitler, King Boris III, a seemingly healthy 49-year-old, suddenly died of a heart attack. The circumstances surrounding his death sparked speculation, with lingering questions about whether external forces, such as Gestapo or Soviet intelligence, played a role. King Boris III’s untimely death marked the onset of a profound social and political crisis in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s involvement in World War II was characterized by complex decisions, resistance to oppressive demands, and economic challenges. The sudden and mysterious death of King Boris III added an additional layer of uncertainty and marked a turning point in the country’s history.

[newcityistanbul]

A Complicated Path and Sudden Tragedy

Bulgaria’s Declaration of War

The Bulgarian ruling elite made a questionable decision during World War II by declaring war on the USA and Great Britain, ultimately aligning the country with the defeated nations. Despite this, Bulgaria, under King Boris III’s leadership, resisted Hitler’s pressure, refusing to send Bulgarian troops to the eastern front after Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941.

Bulgaria’s Stance Against the Holocaust

Bulgarian society demonstrated its democratic values and humanity in 1943 by staunchly opposing German demands to deport Bulgarian Jews to concentration camps. King Boris III aligned with the people’s opinion, making Bulgaria one of the rare countries that protected its Jewish population, numbering around 50,000, during World War II.

Economic Challenges and Diplomatic Maneuvers

Throughout the war, Bulgaria’s economy suffered from an imbalanced trade relationship with Germany, where the Reich controlled 80% of Bulgarian trade and accumulated significant financial debt. King Boris III, concerned about the country’s dependency on Berlin, sought unofficial contacts with Western countries to explore options for withdrawing from the war. Despite ongoing relations with the Soviet Union, represented by a military attache in Sofia, and secret meetings with Russian diplomats, the king struggled to shift the nation’s foreign policy Turkey Sightseeing.

Mysterious Demise of King Boris III

On August 28, 1943, after a heated argument with Hitler, King Boris III, a seemingly healthy 49-year-old, suddenly died of a heart attack. The circumstances surrounding his death sparked speculation, with lingering questions about whether external forces, such as Gestapo or Soviet intelligence, played a role. King Boris III’s untimely death marked the onset of a profound social and political crisis in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s involvement in World War II was characterized by complex decisions, resistance to oppressive demands, and economic challenges. The sudden and mysterious death of King Boris III added an additional layer of uncertainty and marked a turning point in the country’s history.

[istanbuldaybg]

A Complicated Path and Sudden Tragedy

Bulgaria’s Declaration of War

The Bulgarian ruling elite made a questionable decision during World War II by declaring war on the USA and Great Britain, ultimately aligning the country with the defeated nations. Despite this, Bulgaria, under King Boris III’s leadership, resisted Hitler’s pressure, refusing to send Bulgarian troops to the eastern front after Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941.

Bulgaria’s Stance Against the Holocaust

Bulgarian society demonstrated its democratic values and humanity in 1943 by staunchly opposing German demands to deport Bulgarian Jews to concentration camps. King Boris III aligned with the people’s opinion, making Bulgaria one of the rare countries that protected its Jewish population, numbering around 50,000, during World War II.

Economic Challenges and Diplomatic Maneuvers

Throughout the war, Bulgaria’s economy suffered from an imbalanced trade relationship with Germany, where the Reich controlled 80% of Bulgarian trade and accumulated significant financial debt. King Boris III, concerned about the country’s dependency on Berlin, sought unofficial contacts with Western countries to explore options for withdrawing from the war. Despite ongoing relations with the Soviet Union, represented by a military attache in Sofia, and secret meetings with Russian diplomats, the king struggled to shift the nation’s foreign policy Turkey Sightseeing.

Mysterious Demise of King Boris III

On August 28, 1943, after a heated argument with Hitler, King Boris III, a seemingly healthy 49-year-old, suddenly died of a heart attack. The circumstances surrounding his death sparked speculation, with lingering questions about whether external forces, such as Gestapo or Soviet intelligence, played a role. King Boris III’s untimely death marked the onset of a profound social and political crisis in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s involvement in World War II was characterized by complex decisions, resistance to oppressive demands, and economic challenges. The sudden and mysterious death of King Boris III added an additional layer of uncertainty and marked a turning point in the country’s history.

[goldenhornist]

A Complicated Path and Sudden Tragedy

Bulgaria’s Declaration of War

The Bulgarian ruling elite made a questionable decision during World War II by declaring war on the USA and Great Britain, ultimately aligning the country with the defeated nations. Despite this, Bulgaria, under King Boris III’s leadership, resisted Hitler’s pressure, refusing to send Bulgarian troops to the eastern front after Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941.

Bulgaria’s Stance Against the Holocaust

Bulgarian society demonstrated its democratic values and humanity in 1943 by staunchly opposing German demands to deport Bulgarian Jews to concentration camps. King Boris III aligned with the people’s opinion, making Bulgaria one of the rare countries that protected its Jewish population, numbering around 50,000, during World War II.

Economic Challenges and Diplomatic Maneuvers

Throughout the war, Bulgaria’s economy suffered from an imbalanced trade relationship with Germany, where the Reich controlled 80% of Bulgarian trade and accumulated significant financial debt. King Boris III, concerned about the country’s dependency on Berlin, sought unofficial contacts with Western countries to explore options for withdrawing from the war. Despite ongoing relations with the Soviet Union, represented by a military attache in Sofia, and secret meetings with Russian diplomats, the king struggled to shift the nation’s foreign policy Turkey Sightseeing.

Mysterious Demise of King Boris III

On August 28, 1943, after a heated argument with Hitler, King Boris III, a seemingly healthy 49-year-old, suddenly died of a heart attack. The circumstances surrounding his death sparked speculation, with lingering questions about whether external forces, such as Gestapo or Soviet intelligence, played a role. King Boris III’s untimely death marked the onset of a profound social and political crisis in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s involvement in World War II was characterized by complex decisions, resistance to oppressive demands, and economic challenges. The sudden and mysterious death of King Boris III added an additional layer of uncertainty and marked a turning point in the country’s history.

[istanbulmarket]

A Complicated Path and Sudden Tragedy

Bulgaria’s Declaration of War

The Bulgarian ruling elite made a questionable decision during World War II by declaring war on the USA and Great Britain, ultimately aligning the country with the defeated nations. Despite this, Bulgaria, under King Boris III’s leadership, resisted Hitler’s pressure, refusing to send Bulgarian troops to the eastern front after Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941.

Bulgaria’s Stance Against the Holocaust

Bulgarian society demonstrated its democratic values and humanity in 1943 by staunchly opposing German demands to deport Bulgarian Jews to concentration camps. King Boris III aligned with the people’s opinion, making Bulgaria one of the rare countries that protected its Jewish population, numbering around 50,000, during World War II.

Economic Challenges and Diplomatic Maneuvers

Throughout the war, Bulgaria’s economy suffered from an imbalanced trade relationship with Germany, where the Reich controlled 80% of Bulgarian trade and accumulated significant financial debt. King Boris III, concerned about the country’s dependency on Berlin, sought unofficial contacts with Western countries to explore options for withdrawing from the war. Despite ongoing relations with the Soviet Union, represented by a military attache in Sofia, and secret meetings with Russian diplomats, the king struggled to shift the nation’s foreign policy Turkey Sightseeing.

Mysterious Demise of King Boris III

On August 28, 1943, after a heated argument with Hitler, King Boris III, a seemingly healthy 49-year-old, suddenly died of a heart attack. The circumstances surrounding his death sparked speculation, with lingering questions about whether external forces, such as Gestapo or Soviet intelligence, played a role. King Boris III’s untimely death marked the onset of a profound social and political crisis in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s involvement in World War II was characterized by complex decisions, resistance to oppressive demands, and economic challenges. The sudden and mysterious death of King Boris III added an additional layer of uncertainty and marked a turning point in the country’s history.

[grandbazaarist]

A Complicated Path and Sudden Tragedy

Bulgaria’s Declaration of War

The Bulgarian ruling elite made a questionable decision during World War II by declaring war on the USA and Great Britain, ultimately aligning the country with the defeated nations. Despite this, Bulgaria, under King Boris III’s leadership, resisted Hitler’s pressure, refusing to send Bulgarian troops to the eastern front after Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941.

Bulgaria’s Stance Against the Holocaust

Bulgarian society demonstrated its democratic values and humanity in 1943 by staunchly opposing German demands to deport Bulgarian Jews to concentration camps. King Boris III aligned with the people’s opinion, making Bulgaria one of the rare countries that protected its Jewish population, numbering around 50,000, during World War II.

Economic Challenges and Diplomatic Maneuvers

Throughout the war, Bulgaria’s economy suffered from an imbalanced trade relationship with Germany, where the Reich controlled 80% of Bulgarian trade and accumulated significant financial debt. King Boris III, concerned about the country’s dependency on Berlin, sought unofficial contacts with Western countries to explore options for withdrawing from the war. Despite ongoing relations with the Soviet Union, represented by a military attache in Sofia, and secret meetings with Russian diplomats, the king struggled to shift the nation’s foreign policy Turkey Sightseeing.

Mysterious Demise of King Boris III

On August 28, 1943, after a heated argument with Hitler, King Boris III, a seemingly healthy 49-year-old, suddenly died of a heart attack. The circumstances surrounding his death sparked speculation, with lingering questions about whether external forces, such as Gestapo or Soviet intelligence, played a role. King Boris III’s untimely death marked the onset of a profound social and political crisis in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s involvement in World War II was characterized by complex decisions, resistance to oppressive demands, and economic challenges. The sudden and mysterious death of King Boris III added an additional layer of uncertainty and marked a turning point in the country’s history.

[istanbulhints]

A Complicated Path and Sudden Tragedy

Bulgaria’s Declaration of War

The Bulgarian ruling elite made a questionable decision during World War II by declaring war on the USA and Great Britain, ultimately aligning the country with the defeated nations. Despite this, Bulgaria, under King Boris III’s leadership, resisted Hitler’s pressure, refusing to send Bulgarian troops to the eastern front after Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941.

Bulgaria’s Stance Against the Holocaust

Bulgarian society demonstrated its democratic values and humanity in 1943 by staunchly opposing German demands to deport Bulgarian Jews to concentration camps. King Boris III aligned with the people’s opinion, making Bulgaria one of the rare countries that protected its Jewish population, numbering around 50,000, during World War II.

Economic Challenges and Diplomatic Maneuvers

Throughout the war, Bulgaria’s economy suffered from an imbalanced trade relationship with Germany, where the Reich controlled 80% of Bulgarian trade and accumulated significant financial debt. King Boris III, concerned about the country’s dependency on Berlin, sought unofficial contacts with Western countries to explore options for withdrawing from the war. Despite ongoing relations with the Soviet Union, represented by a military attache in Sofia, and secret meetings with Russian diplomats, the king struggled to shift the nation’s foreign policy Turkey Sightseeing.

Mysterious Demise of King Boris III

On August 28, 1943, after a heated argument with Hitler, King Boris III, a seemingly healthy 49-year-old, suddenly died of a heart attack. The circumstances surrounding his death sparked speculation, with lingering questions about whether external forces, such as Gestapo or Soviet intelligence, played a role. King Boris III’s untimely death marked the onset of a profound social and political crisis in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s involvement in World War II was characterized by complex decisions, resistance to oppressive demands, and economic challenges. The sudden and mysterious death of King Boris III added an additional layer of uncertainty and marked a turning point in the country’s history.

[culturalifeus]

A Complicated Path and Sudden Tragedy

Bulgaria’s Declaration of War

The Bulgarian ruling elite made a questionable decision during World War II by declaring war on the USA and Great Britain, ultimately aligning the country with the defeated nations. Despite this, Bulgaria, under King Boris III’s leadership, resisted Hitler’s pressure, refusing to send Bulgarian troops to the eastern front after Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941.

Bulgaria’s Stance Against the Holocaust

Bulgarian society demonstrated its democratic values and humanity in 1943 by staunchly opposing German demands to deport Bulgarian Jews to concentration camps. King Boris III aligned with the people’s opinion, making Bulgaria one of the rare countries that protected its Jewish population, numbering around 50,000, during World War II.

Economic Challenges and Diplomatic Maneuvers

Throughout the war, Bulgaria’s economy suffered from an imbalanced trade relationship with Germany, where the Reich controlled 80% of Bulgarian trade and accumulated significant financial debt. King Boris III, concerned about the country’s dependency on Berlin, sought unofficial contacts with Western countries to explore options for withdrawing from the war. Despite ongoing relations with the Soviet Union, represented by a military attache in Sofia, and secret meetings with Russian diplomats, the king struggled to shift the nation’s foreign policy Turkey Sightseeing.

Mysterious Demise of King Boris III

On August 28, 1943, after a heated argument with Hitler, King Boris III, a seemingly healthy 49-year-old, suddenly died of a heart attack. The circumstances surrounding his death sparked speculation, with lingering questions about whether external forces, such as Gestapo or Soviet intelligence, played a role. King Boris III’s untimely death marked the onset of a profound social and political crisis in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s involvement in World War II was characterized by complex decisions, resistance to oppressive demands, and economic challenges. The sudden and mysterious death of King Boris III added an additional layer of uncertainty and marked a turning point in the country’s history.

[istanbulight]

A Complicated Path and Sudden Tragedy

Bulgaria’s Declaration of War

The Bulgarian ruling elite made a questionable decision during World War II by declaring war on the USA and Great Britain, ultimately aligning the country with the defeated nations. Despite this, Bulgaria, under King Boris III’s leadership, resisted Hitler’s pressure, refusing to send Bulgarian troops to the eastern front after Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941.

Bulgaria’s Stance Against the Holocaust

Bulgarian society demonstrated its democratic values and humanity in 1943 by staunchly opposing German demands to deport Bulgarian Jews to concentration camps. King Boris III aligned with the people’s opinion, making Bulgaria one of the rare countries that protected its Jewish population, numbering around 50,000, during World War II.

Economic Challenges and Diplomatic Maneuvers

Throughout the war, Bulgaria’s economy suffered from an imbalanced trade relationship with Germany, where the Reich controlled 80% of Bulgarian trade and accumulated significant financial debt. King Boris III, concerned about the country’s dependency on Berlin, sought unofficial contacts with Western countries to explore options for withdrawing from the war. Despite ongoing relations with the Soviet Union, represented by a military attache in Sofia, and secret meetings with Russian diplomats, the king struggled to shift the nation’s foreign policy Turkey Sightseeing.

Mysterious Demise of King Boris III

On August 28, 1943, after a heated argument with Hitler, King Boris III, a seemingly healthy 49-year-old, suddenly died of a heart attack. The circumstances surrounding his death sparked speculation, with lingering questions about whether external forces, such as Gestapo or Soviet intelligence, played a role. King Boris III’s untimely death marked the onset of a profound social and political crisis in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s involvement in World War II was characterized by complex decisions, resistance to oppressive demands, and economic challenges. The sudden and mysterious death of King Boris III added an additional layer of uncertainty and marked a turning point in the country’s history.

[healthistanbul]

A Complicated Path and Sudden Tragedy

Bulgaria’s Declaration of War

The Bulgarian ruling elite made a questionable decision during World War II by declaring war on the USA and Great Britain, ultimately aligning the country with the defeated nations. Despite this, Bulgaria, under King Boris III’s leadership, resisted Hitler’s pressure, refusing to send Bulgarian troops to the eastern front after Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941.

Bulgaria’s Stance Against the Holocaust

Bulgarian society demonstrated its democratic values and humanity in 1943 by staunchly opposing German demands to deport Bulgarian Jews to concentration camps. King Boris III aligned with the people’s opinion, making Bulgaria one of the rare countries that protected its Jewish population, numbering around 50,000, during World War II.

Economic Challenges and Diplomatic Maneuvers

Throughout the war, Bulgaria’s economy suffered from an imbalanced trade relationship with Germany, where the Reich controlled 80% of Bulgarian trade and accumulated significant financial debt. King Boris III, concerned about the country’s dependency on Berlin, sought unofficial contacts with Western countries to explore options for withdrawing from the war. Despite ongoing relations with the Soviet Union, represented by a military attache in Sofia, and secret meetings with Russian diplomats, the king struggled to shift the nation’s foreign policy Turkey Sightseeing.

Mysterious Demise of King Boris III

On August 28, 1943, after a heated argument with Hitler, King Boris III, a seemingly healthy 49-year-old, suddenly died of a heart attack. The circumstances surrounding his death sparked speculation, with lingering questions about whether external forces, such as Gestapo or Soviet intelligence, played a role. King Boris III’s untimely death marked the onset of a profound social and political crisis in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s involvement in World War II was characterized by complex decisions, resistance to oppressive demands, and economic challenges. The sudden and mysterious death of King Boris III added an additional layer of uncertainty and marked a turning point in the country’s history.

[chuluoyi]

I'm thinking about Megumi's sister, who went to magic school with him. who was trained by Gojo. who fell in love with Gojo. who dared to confess her feelings to him. and which Satoru rejected, saying that he was too old for her

it doesn't have to be something obscene… so if you like this idea, then please write something!

belong with me

- gojo satoru x reader

the strongest sorcerer is your savior. you know he is far from your reach... but is it so wrong to love him—after the years you spent by his side?

genre/warnings: angst to fluff, a bit slow burn, reader pining on gojo, mentions of injury, comfort

notes: omg omg i actually really like this idea!! i had wanted to write this since you sent this ask but i was struggling with the setting, so i tweaked minor things so that it’ll fit the canon timeline—reader is megumi’s cousin rather than sister.

and *sigh* it somehow turned out into a 4k+ word🤧

series masterlist | oneshot masterlist

What is Gojo Satoru to you?

If asked that, Megumi would definitely say that he owed both of your lives and his sister’s to him. Following the chaos too complicated for you to understand that left the three of you orphaned at the age of six, Gojo Satoru, who were just barely an adult himself then, was the one who stepped in to take all of you in.

But to you, he was more than just that. He was many things. Your savior, mentor, friend, and... you daresay, first love.

And because of that, you would never thought that there’d come a time when your heart was really broken by him.

At first, Gojo Satoru felt like a big brother to you. Megumi was suspicious of him since the very beginning—his skepticism was funny sometimes—but you and Tsumiki weren’t as much.

He easily became your friend. You would laugh for hours to end after he cracked the stupidest or lamest of jokes. He made the fact that curses exist and that you were somehow able to keep them at bay more bearable.

And when Tsumiki fell into her curse… Gojo was there to bring you comfort.

“Why isn’t she waking up?” Your hands were shaking as you frantically poked and nudged your kind cousin from her peaceful slumber at the hospital bed. The smell was suffocating—the sight was unbearable. Tsumiki was supposed to be bouncing up and keeping both you and Megumi at bay, not lifelessly lying here like this.

Facing Gojo, who had a tight-lipped expression beside you, you pleaded, "Gojo-sensei—" your glassy eyes welled up, voice choked with tears, "—make her wake up, please..."

And that was the first time he broke your heart. Even the strongest couldn’t lift this cruel curse posed upon your kind sister.

Your throat tightened, choked with painful whimpers as tears flowed uncontrollably. Sudden grief overwhelmed you, making you sway and shake like a leaf. At first, you didn’t notice how a pair of warm hands enveloped you, drawing you close for comfort.

Gojo allowed you to cry against him while you pounded on his chest. Not a word came out of his lips, a telltale sign that he was taking the situation seriously—something you, above anyone else, understood well.

From then on—ever since the tragedy that befell Tsumiki, it seemed like Gojo became even more protective of you but stricter with Megumi. The two of you eventually pursued the path of jujutsu, driven by one wishful thinking in mind—the possibility to break Tsumiki’s curse.

Encountering Gojo became a daily routine when you lived at the dormitory as a first year at Jujutsu High. He frequently dropped by just to greet you, or give you some things he got from his missions.

"Here," Gojo handed you the package of a popular kikufuku store. With that blindfold on and a shit-eating grin split his face, he actually looked so ridiculous. "I got you all their available flavors! Trust me, you'll like them!"

Against your own will, you felt rosy blush spreading across your cheeks. "Oh, thank you... I'll give some to Megumi as well, he's been working hard lately..."

"Ehh?" he pursed his lips. "No, no, no—they're for you! Don't give them to that emo kid!"

There was absolutely nothing significant about how he worded it. You were well aware of that—only a fool wouldn't be.

So why are you so giddy? Hah, why do you feel like you're... special?

"Don't call him emo," you chided, trying to suppress your smile.

"But he is! He's always grouchy with me without reason!"

Throughout your childhood, and now as you were entering adulthood yourself, Gojo's presence in your life still felt like a comforting, warm blanket—a dependable presence you could rely on, someone you could trust completely.

And apparently, someone you had unwittingly given your heart to.

It was a gradual process. You didn't fall for him at first sight or anything of the sort—it took years of being under his protection. Even as you watched him pursue one girl after another from the sidelines, you couldn't deny it—your heart was already his since then.

He always knew what to say, how to cheer you up.

"What's got you so down, huh?" Gojo asked, tousling your hair gently as you slouched. "Is it because of earlier? Don't be so down, you're doing great."

You fidgeted with your fingers, feeling the sting of failure twisting your gut. "I held everyone back, sensei. That's not great at all."

In the last mission, you nearly put Yuji and Nobara's lives in danger. You had taken the initiative to step into the cursed room, and had it not been for Megumi who came to your rescue, any one of you could have sustained significantly more severe injuries.

Gojo offered you a lopsided smile. "You couldn't have known that. Don't beat yourself up so much. The most important thing is that all of you are safe."

"But we might not, all because of my daring ass."

"Look."

He squatted to meet your eye level, and it dawned on you that he wasn't wearing that blindfold. "The fact is that everyone is good. And no, even if Megumi wasn't there, you wouldn't have been doomed. I would have been there, I always have, yeah?"

He was truly a sight, with that sparkling eyes even more so when he smiled unabashedly, voice not as playful as his tone usually was.

"That doesn't make me feel better," you replied, forcing out the words even as you were somewhat awestruck. "It doesn't change the fact that I'm inadequate."

"You're a first year," Gojo pointed out. "Everyone is bound to make mistakes. You just have to learn from them."

"In our line of work, those mistakes can cost us lives." You chewed your lip, looking down. "I—I don't want to be responsible for someone's death."

Your words left Gojo momentarily speechless. His blue eyes blinked several times as though he was taken aback, and you felt even more small—you had just revealed your deepest fear to him.

But suddenly, he laughed right in your face, prompting you to shoot him a glare. Just as you were about to retort, he rested his palm on your head.

"Do you seriously think I will allow that to happen?" Gojo queried with a wide grin and snarky tone. "To you, out of everyone else?"

You gazed at him in a daze, feeling self-conscious with his warm hand on your head. He'd likely done this a hundred times already, but you could never get past the sensation of his gentle touch on your skin. You yearned for more—for him to cradle your face, to caress you, to draw you closer—

“The obvious answer is, I won't,” he declared so surely, exuding unwavering confidence. You blinked, marveling at how his words made your heart soar and your breath catch. “So stop thinking about scary things. I'm here, remember?”

How was there a person who was such a perfect blend of the man of your dreams—smug, but also funny, caring and strong, like Gojo Satoru was?

Was it a sin to harbor these feelings for him? He has always been kind to you, and if you daresay it, fond of you as well. Is there a possibility—

Really, you should have known your boundaries.

"I think..."

And yet your heart screamed, for whatever it's worth—

"...I love you..."

Why couldn't you see that this was doomed right from the start?

"—Gojo-sensei."

You were breathless. Your wildly thumping heart drowned out almost everything else. Your hands were sweaty, and you braved yourself to meet his eyes.

And when you did, you knew heartbreak for the second time—

The way his smile faltered a bit, yet he forced it upwards, perhaps to spare your feelings.

Just as he always has. Ever since he rescued you back then, he would do these silly things so you would feel better.

"I'm flattered, you know?" Gojo gazed at you genially. "But I think—"

"You don't understand." What am I even insisting? "I... like you so much, Gojo-sensei. All this time."

It was supposed to be your final card. Baring everything to him. How grateful you were that he took you in, the kindness he showed you, Megumi and Tsumiki, those sleepless nights after Tsumiki fell into coma that he spent with you, sharing shaved ice on the hottest, cruelest summer...

"You're almost half my age," he stated matter-of-factly, and a sinking feeling settled in your stomach. "You're mistaking love for admiration. That's it."

"No! I know how I feel—"

"You should find someone your age," Gojo added while maintaining his smile. "There are good guys out there. Toge is nice—ah, but his cursed technique might be a little troublesome. Yuji is earnest and honest..."

You have never thought that there’d come a time where your heart was really broken by him. But he just did, as he listed all your friends without any regard to your feelings.

Suddenly, a wave of resentment surged within you, prompting you to hiss and cut him off.

"You're always like this," your eyes had started to well up with tears, but you ignored it. His puzzled expression only fueled your frustration.

"I hate how you constantly treat me like a child!"

You felt ashamed, but in hindsight you should've probably expected this. You didn't have anyone else to blame but yourself. You knew it wasn't fair to lay the blame on Gojo like now—he was merely on the receiving end of the brunt of your heartbreak.

You hated this. You hated yourself. And you couldn't help but to hate him too, despite knowing that you shouldn't.

With that, you dashed away, tucking away your first love to the furthermost part of your heart, swearing that you'd never, ever revisit that chapter of your life again.

Ain't that just the worst thing to hear?

Witnessing your tear-streaked face as you hurried past him left him stunned, rooted in place.

In no way was Gojo Satoru going to romance his own student. You were quite literally his protege and his other protege’s sister. That was simply out of the question. Not that he was the model of propriety, but even he knew that was not right.

And it didn’t have anything to do with the fact whether he did see you as a woman or not, because even if he did, it shouldn’t make a difference.

Right? It won’t change anything.

Because it was how it was supposed to be.

It was probably one of the forms of tantrum—or whatever it was labeled—in the end, it was simply a reaction to not achieving what you wanted.

For years, Gojo had shielded you and Megumi from the Zen’in clan. They were horrible people, and you were eternally grateful that Gojo went to great lengths for you, always swatting them away before they could get close to either of you.

Now that you thought about it, who they really wanted was Megumi. Your cousin held the quintessential Zen'in talent, while your modest Projection Sorcery wasn't particularly rare among the clan. Still, they sought you as well, merely to bolster their prestige with another member.

Normally, you wouldn't think such things. But you weren't in the best state of mind, muddled by your blind heartbreak. It skewed your mindset to one of the extremes.

And then you got this terrifyingly brilliant idea—what if you turned yourself to them? Surely the Zen’in would be sated for a while and stop bugging Megumi.

And you didn’t have to see Gojo as often too.

This went against everything he had done to ensure your safety. But that was the first thing that entered your mind when Zen’in Naoya accosted you by chance.

"We're family," he stated with a smirk, sending a shiver down your spine, an unsettling feeling washing over you. "We wouldn't harm you. Why waste your time being Gojo's little errand girl, huh?"

This was easier, or at least that was the illusion you attempted to persuade yourself with.

Naoya left with you with a meaningful "Think about it."

And the more you thought about it, the more you leaned towards the scenario you had thought to be unimaginable before—leaving Gojo behind.

Two months had passed since then, and it was time for the Kyoto Goodwill Exchange event. Gojo remembered this being one of the most exciting moments during his youth, and he sincerely wished that you would have fun too, even with all that had been going on between you.

He knew he was the one who said Yuji would be good. But he wanted to backtrack when he saw him getting punched by Todo. Nah, Yuji was too stupid, he wouldn’t want that for your match. Must be someone else… who was stronger, better.

And then he was even more beside himself when he saw you with Mechamaru.

Like really? That tin soldier? You could definitely have someone more human. He surely didn’t approve of the sight of you getting friendly with that suspicious scrap of metal!

"Hah," he grumbled to himself. Was it just him or were young boys these days simply too subpar?

Yuji is too risky, after all, he is also Sukuna's vessel. Todo... no way, he can crush you with one hand... Panda is a panda...

As if the roster wasn't bad enough, he was met with the most bewildering sight.

Never would have Gojo thought that someway or another, he would see you with that obnoxious Zen'in spawn who called himself the heir.

Before he could grasp his actions, he stomped right into the midst of where the two of you were—

. . .

You were a step away from agreeing to a whole load of new mess, until wind got knocked out of your lungs as you were harshly yanked from behind—

—and the next thing you knew, a broad back was in front of you.

“What do you want?” a low voice, almost foreign to your ears. But this man before you was Gojo Satoru himself, just way sterner than he usually was.

You were caught off guard by his tight grip on your wrist, his dark gaze fixed on the Naoya.

“Ah, don't be like that, please.” Naoya dismissed with a wave of his hand. "I'm just saying that it's been too long already for you to play the benefactor. She ought to be with the family, where she rightfully belongs."

Gojo seemed to grow more imposing, his sneer deepening. "And by family you mean you?"

The atmosphere grew tense as the exchange between them continued, each word laden with underlying tension.

"Hah, Gojo-sama, you really think you're so high and mighty, don't you? I'll have you know that she, and by extension, the Fushiguro boy, are Zen'ins. No matter how—"

Naoya's words seemed to falter as Gojo's presence intensified. There was this thick electricity in the air, and you almost shuddered when he spat, "Leave."

He couldn't possibly murder another great clan's heir, no matter how much he might have been able to. It would incite a strife that would make his eyes hurt. He just had to scare him off.

And he did. Naoya went with his tail tucked behind him, and that was one problem taken care of. Now Gojo just had one other thing to deal with—

"What were you thinking?" he asked, his tone sharp and accusing, before he even properly faced you. "Since when did you start meeting up with him?"

You hadn’t talked to him ever since your botched confession, but with the way it seemed, he was acting quite normal. It irked you.

"That's hardly your business," you retorted with a hiss.

Your responses seemed to grate him. "Oh? What do you mean it's not?"

"He is right, isn't he? I'm a Zen'in. There is no need for you to go out of your way to keep me under your wing. I can always go back to them."

"Are you—" His frustration was evident and it was quite possibly the first time you saw him direct this at you. "You can't go to them—"

"Sure," you mocked, wrenching your wrist away from his grasp. "I'm telling you, I'm not a child, Gojo-sensei. Please stop telling me what should and I should not do."

"That's not what I'm getting at. I've told you how horrible that place is, your place definitely isn't there."

"And? Where should I be?" you huffed challengingly. "Please, don't tell me that it's your cue to say that it's by your side. Because both of us know it's not."

Gojo didn't know what frustrated him more, the fact that you somehow fell into whatever it was that Naoya had whispered to your ear or how bratty you were being right now. Unwittingly, he let his own pettiness slip out, "You know what? You're being quite childish right now."

He convinced himself that, having practically raised you, he was entitled to have a say in major decisions in your life. He wouldn't let the Zen'in take Megumi away, let alone you.

Your face went scarlet with repressed anger. "So be it then."

With that, you stalked away, and just like how you went away from him the first time, Gojo could only stare at you in silence.

How had your relationship with him turned this sour? Was it the wrong thing to not acknowledge your confession before? He sincerely thought you would realize the implications behind your own words and snap out of that ideal version of him you had in mind—because he knew best that he wasn’t made for this.

Girls your age must want a taste of young love. He understood that, but it couldn’t be with him. It had to be someone else.

He resumed his musings earlier before he found you out with Naoya. And he finally came to a conclusion, that Yuta was the best match. Shame he was still away somewhere in Africa.

When Yuta got back, he would introduce him to you. Yuta was strong, kind, and he wouldn’t hurt you. And it would do him good too to have someone who cares about him.

Gojo Satoru never made flawed judgements. He knew this was the best approach, and yet why was there still this stifling feeling in his gut… at the idea of you being with someone—god forbid—who isn't him?

Not long after, a sinking feeling gnawed at him at the chaotic mess surrounding the Kyoto Goodwill event.

At first Gojo thought it was the standard worry. He chalked it up to all of his students were trapped inside this curtain that specifically forbid him to enter. Naturally, he would worry for his students; after all, he was their teacher.

But when he saw you fell on your knees with what seemed like a stem of cursed flower perched on your chest, he knew it was something else.

You were gasping for breath, clutching your chest in pain while Panda supported your weakened form, and seeing you like that apparently was too much for him. For the first time, Gojo regretted his decision. He shouldn't have pursued the enemy first. He should have gone to you first.

His instinct took over as he swiftly tore you away from Panda’s arms, drawing you close to his chest. His mind went blank, but he forced himself to focus on you, on what was causing you pain. "Y/N, calm down—"

"It hurts—!" you whimpered, digging your nails into his arm tightly, tears streaming down your face. "It hurts so much... I-I..."

For Gojo, this was a form of torture he hadn't realized before. For him, seeing you smile should have been the default, not this sobbing, injured, vulnerable state you were in now.

"I'll take you to Shoko. You'll be fine," he murmured decisively into your ear as you slumped against him. His grip around you tightened, and he repeated, "You'll be fine, I promise."

In the midst of your foggy mind, a realization struck—this was the second time you were ever held in his arms. And much like the first time, you felt an overwhelming sense of security.

Ah, but he had rejected you. You should know your place. You really should because pining on someone who didn't want you wasn't a wise thing to do.

But just this once...

Stupid. You were stupid indeed.

Because you chose to bask in this very short fantasy, fervently wishing that the heavens would grant you this sweet dream of him holding you in his arms like just this for a little longer.

As Gojo quietly observed you resting after being tended by Shoko, numerous thoughts swirled through his mind.

"I hate how you constantly treat me like a child!"

That was not true. He didn't mean to treat you like a child, because you were indeed not. You were a grown woman now, no longer the crying child consoled by Tsumiki and protected by Megumi as you were back then.

Once, you were this young bud he was meant to nurture into strength, but now despite himself, he saw you more as a woman rather than his protege. He wanted to see you bloom into this pretty girl he had always known you were, always innocent and protected—and a selfish part of himself would add: preferably by himself.

You were so serene. You looked so soft too as you laid there. Gojo thought this wasn't quite right and he couldn't quite get the image of you screaming in pain out of his peripheral thoughts.

Had he truly fallen? This strong urge to protect you, ensure your happiness, see you always smiling—it was as if these emotions were suddenly planted, but immediately establishing themselves like deep-rooted feelings that wouldn't fade away easily.

No, actually... who was he kidding? It was what he had kept to himself for a while now. He just refused to acknowledge these feelings out of the misguided sense of propriety.

It was all he could think of from the moment you passed out until you awakened. He pasted a smile on his face when you opened your eyes to his face.

"Ah, Gojo-sensei..." you mumbled, still disoriented. The way you looked at him was as if you were spooked, to say the least, and it bugged him. "Sorry, how long have I passed out?"

"Just a few hours. Are you okay? Do you still feel the pain?"

"Uh... a bit, but I'm okay..."

Normally, he never seemed to run out of things to talk about with you. This was too obvious. You were uncomfortable with him, and he noticed it.

You also seemed acutely aware of this immensely awkward situation. Having spent the majority of your life with him, you used to be open and at ease around him. But now, it wasn't the same. All because of your reckless confession before.

You spent the first few hours with occasional silence. Eventually, Gojo stepped away for a while, leaving behind a lingering sense of discomfort instilled within you.

You remembered the feeling of being in his arms. Once again, he saved you. The least you could do is to express your gratitude.

I don’t like this. It had been two months already. You had to put an end to this unbearable tension. You couldn't force him to return your feelings—you understood that now. And to make it to the way it used to be, you had to make it clear to Gojo too.

And so when he was back to your room, you braved yourself again. For the second and last time.

"Gojo-sensei," you breathed out, willing your shaky hands at bay. "I'm sorry to make you uncomfortable. Please forget what I said before."

What is this now? Gojo blinked, stopping right in his tracks, somehow hearing how you started with a "sorry" didn't sit well with him.

You continued. "Maybe you are right. I'm grateful for you, I look up to you... for the longest time, I might even have idolized you."

Wait...

"But it isn't love," you said with finality, looking away. "This is me admiring you, for all things you have done for me. And even if it is, I still can't force you to look at me in that way."

Gojo could only gaze at you in silence, a storm raging inside his chest. This was what he had hoped you would realize when you confessed your feelings back then, but now—

"I don't like how... we are now," you gulped. "And it's my fault. So I'm taking it back—"

“No, just—” This wasn’t right. Gojo knows it, but why is he saying this? “Just wait for a minute.”

You started as someone he wanted to protect, along with Megumi and Tsumiki. And then you grew up right in front of his eyes. Someone like you, who had gone through many horrors in life ever since young should have someone dependable and strong who could make you happy.

But then Gojo thought, he didn’t like how others looked at you. Heck, in his eyes, they were inadequate for you, if anything.

“Sensei?” you looked up to him with that doe eyes of yours, and Gojo Satoru felt like this was enough.

To hell with you finding someone your age.

He was strong—the strongest, and if it’s him, he most definitely could protect you far better than anyone.

He could make you laugh—had been for years already, and nothing would stop him now.

He would be damned should you somehow go to the grubby hands of the Zen’in.

“Keep your eyes on me,” his somber voice said then, causing your heart to skip a beat in response.

In short, he was better-suited for you more than anyone else ever could, in every possible aspect.

Apparently he was right. Your place was by his side, after all.

“…because from now, I might start looking at you too.”

[usefullistanbul]

A Complicated Path and Sudden Tragedy

Bulgaria’s Declaration of War

The Bulgarian ruling elite made a questionable decision during World War II by declaring war on the USA and Great Britain, ultimately aligning the country with the defeated nations. Despite this, Bulgaria, under King Boris III’s leadership, resisted Hitler’s pressure, refusing to send Bulgarian troops to the eastern front after Germany invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941.

Bulgaria’s Stance Against the Holocaust

Bulgarian society demonstrated its democratic values and humanity in 1943 by staunchly opposing German demands to deport Bulgarian Jews to concentration camps. King Boris III aligned with the people’s opinion, making Bulgaria one of the rare countries that protected its Jewish population, numbering around 50,000, during World War II.

Economic Challenges and Diplomatic Maneuvers

Throughout the war, Bulgaria’s economy suffered from an imbalanced trade relationship with Germany, where the Reich controlled 80% of Bulgarian trade and accumulated significant financial debt. King Boris III, concerned about the country’s dependency on Berlin, sought unofficial contacts with Western countries to explore options for withdrawing from the war. Despite ongoing relations with the Soviet Union, represented by a military attache in Sofia, and secret meetings with Russian diplomats, the king struggled to shift the nation’s foreign policy Turkey Sightseeing.

Mysterious Demise of King Boris III

On August 28, 1943, after a heated argument with Hitler, King Boris III, a seemingly healthy 49-year-old, suddenly died of a heart attack. The circumstances surrounding his death sparked speculation, with lingering questions about whether external forces, such as Gestapo or Soviet intelligence, played a role. King Boris III’s untimely death marked the onset of a profound social and political crisis in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s involvement in World War II was characterized by complex decisions, resistance to oppressive demands, and economic challenges. The sudden and mysterious death of King Boris III added an additional layer of uncertainty and marked a turning point in the country’s history.

[tetradynasty]

So, the most recent arc of UU has fired off some sparks in my head.

I think that Nico and Ichico and their whole tragedy mirrors Rip, Latla, and Leila’s tragedy to a fair extent.

The broad strokes are the same in loop 100. The will-be negators are deeply in love with someone who dies shortly after they awaken their Negations. Rip and Latla actually cause the death with their powers, while Nico just gets his incidentally, but it’s close enough.

I think that in Loop 100, both of their arcs are excellent. Heartbreaking and emotional in all the best ways, we’re slowly dripfed information about Rip and Latla’s tragedy throughout the first 100 chapters, while Nico’s gets done in only a couple of chapters. Both work well in my opinion, and the way that tragedy only begets more tragedy sets up the foundation for the complete renewal that is Loop 101.

But unfortunately for me, I think that the Rip and Latla arc in 101 stumbles a fair bit.

I feel like this boils down to one major flaw. Leila isn’t so much a character as she is a plot device.

In loop 100, Leila is the lost Lenore. Her personality didn’t matter, only the effect it had on Rip and Latla.

And frankly, it was fine that way.

I think that spending time and effort on fleshing out Leila’s character in loop 100 would have been a waste of pages, as well as a hit to the pacing. She’s a posthumous character. It’s fine if she’s a bit flat. It’s not like she’s ever gonna show up again.

And then loop 101 comes around. Whoops.

I think Tozuka had a really difficult task here. Rip and Latla have been extremely important side characters throughout loop 100. More time has been taken to examine their motivations and dig into who they are as characters, than pretty much anyone outside of Andy, Fuuko, Juiz, or Billy. And now Tozuka needs to essentially introduce a new character and have her feel just as important and complicated as Rip and Latla, enough to make you think that this duo is actually be a trio.

And he tries his best?

Leila is a sweet love interest, and she adds in a different perspective on how Rip should act as a hero.

But that’s the problem.

The heart of Rip’s storyline in 100 is not about Leila. It’s about his failure to be a hero.

It’s hammered in over and over again that he wants to be a hero, but has forced himself to be a villain, all so that he can save Leila. He mutilates himself, makes bad decisions, and only digs himself deeper and deeper. This intertwines beautifully with Latla’s feelings of guilt as she serves as his accomplice, and how it’s warped their relationship in a way they never would have wished.

This storyline continues into loop 101, with the climax being that Latla prevents him from taking that first step down the path of villainy, forcing him to share his pain with Latla, and not simply take it all upon himself.

And then in chapter 183 Rip says, “no, actually my story was all about me being in a love triangle.”

And that’s just… wrong?

In Loop 100, the Rip/Latla ship has long since been sunk. They flirt with each other, but it’s with the knowledge that Rip’s real love is Leila. Loop 100 ends with Rip quite literally choosing Leila over Latla, when he kills Latla for the chance to ride the Ark.

In Loop 101, the Rip/Latla ship isn’t even brought up until chapter 183. Then everybody brings up how sad it is that he can only choose one person, and how it has to be one or the other, and so on.

Rip’s decision is fine in a vacuum. My problem with it is that there’s been no build up for it in Loop 101. His sudden resolution that “no, I love them both equally” feels completely out of place. The was a single chapter about how close they were as children, but it didn’t read as romantic to me. It more read as a coming of age than anything else.

I think that the Loop 101 arc could have been better tackled in a couple different ways.

First, just get rid of the love triangle. Leave the Rip/Latla ship as platonic and end it with Rip marrying Leila. Simplest, quickest way to resolve it without changing a lot.

A second way would be to add in a chapter or two focusing on Leila, to try and stop her from being such a flat character. Have her talk with Fuuko about growing up a recluse, have her talk with Rip about what he should do after she dies, something like that. And then, she needs to have a talk with Latla, where she brings up Rip as a romantic interest for her. Whatever conclusion they make, whether Leila says the two should get together when she’s dead, or if Latla says they’ll compete once Leila is cured, it doesn’t really matter. There just needs to be something there to build upon.

Lastly, the real wacky way would be to give Leila her own Negation. Give her Undefinition or Unbalance and induct her into the wider cast of Negators. Have Rip marry her, then over time, broach the subject of including Latla as well. This would allow for more time to handle the development as opposed to just speed running it all in one arc.

And all that brings me to Nico and Ichico and their current arc.

We’re still in the opening stages of the Loop 101 Nico and Ichico arc, but I’m already liking it a lot more than the Rip and Latla arc.

Part of it is because the ground work for it has already been seeded, with Ichico being a full character in her own right from practically the start of loop 101. There’s her development of astral projection, and the effects that has on their relationship, and all the little ways she and Nico interact in the background.

What really interests me is Ichico taking a potshot at fridging.

I’m referring to the trope of killing off female characters, solely for the effect that it has on men, usually their romantic partners. Tozuka is a pretty big fan of this trope. It happens to Billy and his wife, Rip and Leila, Shen and his sister, and of course, Nico and Ichico.

I’m really looking forward to seeing if Tozuka is going to touch more on Ichico refusing to die, and maybe tie it in to how Nico gets his ability in loop 101.

Also, I think there’s something interesting in how in Loop 100, when Nico has to choose between Ichico and the Union, he chooses Ichico, but in Loop 101, Fuuko chooses to put Ichico and Nico’s happiness over the needs of the Union.

[remsmoonlight]

— title : a sweet truth

— word count : 2.1k words

— pairing : john wich x reader

— summary : you get an overwhelming need to share with John how you feel, unable to keep it to yourself anymore, leaving only the good to follow.

— warnings : none, issa soft one

note: my first one shot back and it’s john of course! anyways i need to binge the movies again because this man’s voice was difficult to master this time around, now i will be getting to requests now i have indulged myself oops

                    ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*   requests are open !   *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

The dull crackle that runs mindlessly beneath the audio of the radio is the only sound that can be heard illuminating the space of the bedroom where you and John lay contently together. He’d offered to repair the object, or even buy another but you refused stubbornly — remarking that it gives it a certain endearing charm. You had joked that it reminds you of him. In the sense that while it has a flaw, it was able to bring joy and amusement to a person’s life. It’s humbling to know that even the John Wick was human, that he had his flaws despite being difficult to witness them in the flesh.

It took a lot for John to bare the darkest and most damaged parts of his conscience. He couldn’t go another day where his mind leapt endlessly to conclusions, his mind conjuring haunting images of your departing body that would eventually come to pass — to him, it was inevitable. He fully convinced himself he was hallucinating when you had not retreated in fear, with the look of disgust cosying up to your reflection, but the opposite. He is still a man greatly feared by a whole world beneath yours, yet you still gaze upon him with nothing but warmth.

You will your mind to focus on the words from the small object, yet it’s the heat that is emitting from his body in waves that prevent you from fully taking in what is being said, its presence doing more to provide white noise than entertainment. The minor glint in your gaze turns upwards to drag your sight across the body that half lays on top of you.

Like vines, to be found in a twist of limbs that would be almost difficult to distinguish what belongs to who is a common occurrence, the sense of shielded from the scorching realities that the world bares boldly is an addicting concoction that you can only find with him. Your heart swells tenfold at the mere thought of him and being here in such a simple way that holds so much affection just for two people.

“ What ? “

The suddenness of his voice lifts you from your thoughts that run their own race, a shy lift of your lips can be seen twirling gracefully in response.

“ Nothing, I’m just thinking. “

“ Thinking? “ he asks you, a light hint of laughter gently coating the question with a feather-like touch. “ Are you trying to scare me? “

Eyes widen in response to what he says, a heavy burst of air plummeting to the soft mattress below the two of you. “ Don’t be so rude! “ A short chuckle trails behind your reply, secretly loving the cheeky side of his personality coming out to peek out.

You’ve realised that he has a warmth whenever you’re together, but even still he maintains an air of such seriousness you’re surprised he has not collapsed under the pressure of holding such a wall up with his bare hands, these moments are the kind that you paint mentally — a still of this moment in a thousand shades of gold. Upon your first meeting of his, you’d never associate that with him, with how intimidating and stone faced he was, it would be a honeyed lie if someone would have described him in such a way but here he is. Not a honeyed lie but a sweet tasting truth that you never want to be without again.

“ I’m sorry. “ he apologises as the amusement in his tones still very much present that would aim to refer to him as a hypocrite, but it’s not spoken with vitriol, his words directed towards you rarely contain any harshness. “ Tell me, I’m curious. “

It’s a minor debate that dances with only itself, zig zagging with a biro pen that creates a mess of lines converging at multiple points to create a tangle plot point that should not be as complicated as it’s being made out. Neither of you have muttered the L word, not even under your breath in passing and the one dominating emotion you can feel overwhelming your body entirely is incredibly close to it.. but is it too soon? Even as a description? It’s a fear you can feel tickling your neck from behind, whispering stained words of discouragement, but if you have learnt anything, it’s that hiding your feelings will be worse off in the long run. Never can a human being strive for the euphoria of authentic happiness clutched in their fist when they lock away their thoughts and their desires in a box to gather age and dust — leaving behind a hollow shell of what could have been had it the opportunity to bud and grow.

“ Well.. “ you begin, your sight lowering to meet the sight of his neck, unable to look him in the eyes fully and you approach the topic. “ I was thinking about you. “

“ Yeah? “

“ I’m just.. happy. More than I thought I could be and it’s you I have to thank. “ Your shoulders shrug as best they can from your position laying down on the bed.

“ I think I should be the one saying that. “ he replies softly, his words ringing truer than they could ever be realised to be as he leans down to leave behind a ghost of a peck behind your ear. It’s an action that is short and sweet.

Never did John imagine himself being rewarded for being the architect in more tragedies and more horrors than he could ever recall. Though, he soon realised your presence was rather the opposite, a ticket to a greener field void of bloodied bargains and death, and should he keep you in his life that would be an opportunity he would not let pass him by in a sea of missed chances left to drown due to his lack of motivation. He gazes upon you fondly in affection, a hand reaching up to draw mindless circles in the back of your hair, memories of his last bargain to leave his previous life playing before him as if an old gritty movie.

“ Stop it, John. I haven’t done a thing! “ your nose wrinkles as you refute what he says with a bashful glint that explodes in your gaze. After all the time you’d spent together and you still refuse to see yourself in the way John has painted you in —

“ You’ve done more for me than you realise. “

It feels like yesterday you shared your first kiss, fondly remembering how you’d mentally remarked that it’s so unfair that what is between you should be so perfect, a cruel joke were it not to work out. Though your heart is full of gratitude when you still tell yourself that not a worry should be had, your need for a physical reminder as you move your hand to his clothed back — bringing him closer as if to burn a permanent reminder into your fingertips.

“ I guess that’s why we compliment each other so well, huh? “

A wispy sigh plummets, your thoughts and emotions mixing more and more into a blend of intensity as you fully realise just how much you have fallen and adore the man who shares your bed. It has been such a long time you have had these emotions to this degree rouse from, what has felt like, an endless slumber. Yes, there had been a few who had caught your eye, but compared to the substance that has been created and nurtured from you both, they had nothing more than a water drop in a boundless and enduring sea. It’s a hope of yours that you don’t look foolish before him, getting so emotional over something like this, you scold yourself mentally — trying to pull yourself together before you completely crumble.

“ What’s wrong? “

“ It’s nothing, really. “ you shake your head, accompanying the almost denial. You want to let everything in your heart free, but the question is how to without scaring him off. There’s not much that can scare him, but you’d rather not throw a spanner in the flawless equation.

“ You don’t have to tell me, but it might help if you do. “ John lends a soothing weight in your hand as he interlocks your fingers together, leaving the choice completely up to you, refusing to force you to share something that is so personal to you. “ it’s your call. “

“ It’s nothing crazy.. “

The side of John’s brain that has been hardwired to jump to every scenario imaginable — good and bad, is running rampant. Itching to be prepared so nothing is able to disrupt the perfect day dream of a life that had only been made available through television shows and movies, now that he has it, every day he promises to never let it be ruined. Nothing good can ever occur from ripping away the first drop of water that touches a person starved of it for days, only a troublesome path of anger can walk that path on its twisted and turned limbs.

“ I think it’s time that I tell you how I feel, “ you state, your lips almost devouring your lips by how hard they bite them, a lost thought of how you have not drawn a drop of blood seeping into irrelevancy. “ how I really feel. “

“ Right? “

For the first time, John is completely unable to get a read of you. The apprehension that is emitting off you in strong waves is not something that comforts him fully, though the fact that you speak not from anger and have opted to stay in your current position as opposed to fleeing is the only source of relief he can continue to draw energy from. Curiosity is the only thing that dominates his mind, wanting desperately to hear the next part of your statement.

In his silence, your brows furrow purely from your own thoughts. Mainly in the wonder of how you can approach this while sounding as if you have capacity and are not obsessed with him as some are with their idols. You know that would be something that would probably scare him off. Your fingertips lay a random beat on the top of his hand, you nestle closer to him as to make yourself comfortable — this does feel like the right time. Should it not? You remind yourself that it is part of a plan that the universe has for you, that it is part of a bigger picture you are not allowed to know until the final moment.

“ I just, “ you pause, blinking as you gather your thoughts and your words further. “ It’s been a long time since I’ve felt anything remotely close to this. “

Your words are like a cozy kiss goodnight before two lovers depart until the next time they see each other, a warmth that slowly grows in his heart overspills at the sentiment you individually wrap with each word you speak. He can’t help but tip his head ever so slightly, to take in every detail on your features — in his mind, nothing is more so perfect than this moment.

“ What I’m trying to say is, and you don’t have to say anything — “ the rambling leaves your lips so effortlessly, as if to savour the last few moments of normally before the inevitable confession. “ I can’t help but realise how much I am in love with you. “

His eyes widen instantaneously as his features follow suit, his lips part in surprise. With how your speech had begun, it should not have come as a surprise, yet to hear it from your lips is as pleasant as the final summer’s day, surrounded by warmth and an impenetrable energy that shields you from any harm that would befall you. He’d lived the life of a haunting ghost story that it soon became a belief that he was a monster, to hear you in this moment recite something so real is something that is difficult for him to wrap his head around. Maybe he isn’t a monster that has made its peace with the darkness, that there is more for him as a person.

The emptiness is soon replaced by a soft weight on your lips, he has leans down to join you — unable to fight the desire to savour the taste of him as you often do when you kiss. It’s a fight you have not yet one, and it’s a fight you imagine you would prefer losing. Time is no longer a concept, you’re too wrapped up in the concept turned reality that is John Wick, only are you able to concentrate on the burning that his free hand leaves as they slide up and down your waist. If this is a dream, neither of you want to awaken.

“ Who says I’m not feeling the same as you? “

[colorisbyshe]

okay, so i finished the untamed AND found some posts on the differences between the novel, so here’s my thoughts overall in bulletpoints:

wei wuxian: certainly a character of all time

i want to hit the author of the novel with my car. hard. fucking weirdo

while at times some of the development with LWJ/WWX felt a bit told to me, not shown to me, i really like how its expressed (and am glad i didn’t get what was in the novel, tbh) and i actually liked their ending?? tho i see its controversial

that said i wish lan wangji was developed more which relates to--

i think everyone’s characterization/development paths were a looot more interesting in the flashback? outside of jiang cheng who really did develop more into a complex character who i really can’t gather my feelings onto

i actually by what i said before, in many ways, it think i’d be content with viewing this series through the lens of everything ending with WWX’s death and no resurrection--i think the story stands more strongly as a tragedy than the sort of vague mystery it becomes post resurrection

THAT SAID if the story had explored more of the emotions and actual dynamics post resurrection more, i’d probably change my mind? i think the pacing got REALLY fucked by focusing on so many side stories (i really did not think we needed to know about xiao/song/a qing/xue) and in trying to churn all those out, it’s like “oh, yeah, everyone just accepts wei is back because he’s useful in solving what is going on”

yes i also understand that’s the point, that the whims of who is “evil” and who is “right” change easily, but it felt emotionally hollow at times

rly a pacing issue and how everyone seemed less complex in part 2

i did not care about jin guangyao and i think so much of his backstory was just... stupid? i understand he’s meant to be a foil to wwx but the oops incest thing was weird, the whole thing about why they had to kill their son was worse (and ableist and gross, even if that was teh intent), and as fucking OBVIOUS as they made he’s backhandedness early in the series, the heel turn still felt too sudden? lik ehe just gave up, trauma dumped, and died. like bro you’ve been at this like 20 years??

and i know his relationship with lwj’s brother is also meant to be a foil to lwj/wwx but...... it didn’t work

also why does this show hate women? i know its because the author was a fujo but like... i DO love a lot of the female characters but the way they are sidelined is embarrassinggggggggg

OKAY THIS SOUNDS HATERIFIC I GOTTA GET BACK TO THINGS I LIKED

loved that so much of this show focused on music

i love wei’s vindication

i love what it has to say about rules and conformity, that even the most sensible rules must be questioned and challenged in how they are enforced. “do not befriend the devil” makes sense on paper but who is the devil? who decides that? who is society prone to demonizing and how can sensible rules lead to senseless violence?

like... what does justice actually look like? is it vengeance? or is it looking past your own hurt and seeing a bigger picture?

and i love that the story ends with an understanding that the Big Bad being taken out doesn’t mean justice is served

BRO wwx telling lwj that he’d be glad to die by his hand... that’s the content i love. on that end... enemies to enemies (?) to friends to lovers... muah muah

beautiful cinematography ic an see where all the budget went so ic an forgive some of the special effects looking... the way they did (That fuckign demon dog LMAO)

all in all i had a great time even tho i think the last ~10 episodes kind of got a bit muddled, the ending was worth it 4/5

wait also i want to hit lwj’s dad with a car too, i’m glad that the story KIND Of frames his story as complicated rather than fully romanticizing it but no i’m hitting him with my car, stealing someone else’s car, and hitting him again with that car too

i’m probably not consuming any of the other adaptions outside of gifs unless anyone can HEAVILY recommend them and promise me none of the weird shit is included

like beyond the consent issues (putting it lightly) why do they break so many bath tubs at a certain point that’s just weird like what’s going on there what fetish is that catering to. die for that.

okay and i promise outside of maybe anotehr couple musing here or there, my untamed posting is going on the main, so don’t be scared off

i do think i’m gonna be normal about this

[ragsweas]

Hobbit Fic Rec List!

MODERN AU!

Hello! I always wanted to share a gigantic list of awesome works in Hobbit fanfic, but realized they are too many. So let's start small. A few modern AU that everybody has to read!

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How to fall in love in 100 days by Kytanna

As their lives intertwine, Thorin, Bilbo, and their nephews learn the meaning of finding a family, love and the hard path towards healing. All, over the course of a hundred days.

A lovely piece with all the cuteness and fluff.

Softer Strokes by autisticalistair

Thorin is a well-known artist living a secluded life in the Swiss Alps. Bilbo is a former history professor living in a trauma rehabilitation centre after a devastating accident that took his parents lives. Through a mutual friend, Bilbo finds himself in Switzerland, and Thorin finds himself with company for the next few months, and neither of them are prepared for what that will bring.

I'll never say 'I love you' by JustReadingMaybeWriting

Bilbo is a veterinary student who one night saves the life a handsome but wounded man. Bilbo should have called an ambulance. If he had called an ambulance, he wouldn't be in this weird mess. He certainly wouldn't be falling in love with the man he saved, who can't seem to leave him alone.

This one's a bit dark, but I love it.

painted blind by nasri

The last time Bilbo stepped foot in Aberdeen it was with a broken heart and a bachelor’s degree. All things considered, this time isn’t so different.

Plan B by Drenagon

Plan B: an alternative strategy; a contingency plan, devised for an outcome other than the expected plan.

Or, sending an unqualified temp to act as Thorin Oakenshield's PA because no one qualified can put up with him.

(He'd say they can't meet his standards. Of course he would.)

Meet Bilbo Baggins. He just became Plan B.

One Modern!AU I always wanted to read and this is just it! It's amazing!! And the whole COmpany is there!!

A Land Far Away by Prollyaghost (Callmerin)

"If we were in a different time or place, this story may have begun with ‘once upon a time’, or even ‘In a hole in the ground, there lived…’ But as it so happens, we are in this time and place, in the outskirts of London, where there are no ‘once upon a times’ and the only holes in grounds lead to sewage tunnels. There does happen to be, however, a man who has dedicated a great deal of his life studying these ‘once upon a time’s. He is an English teacher, enjoys afternoon teas with homemade raisin scones, and he most certainly does not believe in fairy-tales.

His name is Bilbo Baggins, and that last bit about him is about to change."

Bilbo Baggins, an English teacher who has never been outside of England, suddenly finds himself thrust into an adventure when a strange man named Thorin Oakenshield requires his help to fulfil his father’s dying wish. Turns out studying the niche topic of the ancient, fictional society of dwarves was more useful than his parents could have imagined. Plunged into a forgotten land, Thorin and Bilbo must find the mythical Arkenstone, before the legends of the past come back to haunt modern society.

Okay, this one's a WIP, but damn the premise is super interesting and honestly can't wait for the next update!

Nothing Gold Can Stay by perkynurples

Bilbo Baggins led a rather peaceful life, thank you very much, until an old acquaintance decided to turn it upside down, and he found himself agreeing to take a job that’s… let’s say not exactly up his alley, and might eventually cost him a little more than his treasured cozy lifestyle. Who would have thought tutoring a slightly menacing monarch’s more than slightly overbearing nephew could prove to be such an adventure?

This is one of the fics that does not need an introduction. No matter how many times you read this, it isn't enough. And we all love Fili and Kili here.

What to do When Your Cat is an Asshole by lily_winterwood

“You have a cat?” asks the face on the screen. “Yes. His name’s Smaug, he’s orange, and he’s an asshole. Aren’t you, Smaug?” Surly Food Provider glowers at me, which, of course, I am immune to. “Aren’t you a little asshole?” I don’t see why he needs to call me that. My butthole is perfectly licked, and it smells wonderful.

The AU where Smaug is Thorin's asshole cat. Written for the Bagginshield Unexpected Anniversary.

This one's small, and hilarious and even better if you imagine Benedryl Cucumbersnatch narrating the whole thing

No Ordinary Love by badskippy

Bilbo and Ori have been best friends since they were ten years old and tragedy brought them together. Now, a new job, a sudden rainstorm, a chance meeting and budding romance with a burly, handsome stranger will not only alter their lives, but set in motion events that will change everyone around them, and reveal how lies, deceit and assumptions can leave deeper scars than the ones that can be seen.

WIP, unfinished, but damn was this an interesting tale. For anybody who loves angst, go give it a read!

Remember Me by thehistorygeek

Bilbo Baggins and Thorin Oakenshield are destined to suffer. In every life they live, in every age, in every era, they meet, and this meeting brings back all the memories of the lives that have come before. But every meeting serves also as a death sentence, for once they have met, one of them is doomed to die soon after, usually tragically and prematurely. They remember nothing of their past lives until they meet, and once they have there is nothing that can be done to stop their fate.

For anyone obsessed with Reincarnation and/or History, this is it.

A Remover of Obstacles by MistakenMagic

"Dis often chided her older brother for being a misanthropist. She did it so often it had become a term of endearment. It was true that Thorin struggled with people; he struggled to form and maintain relationships. Dr. Grey had diagnosed him with this and Thorin hadn’t the heart to tell him this wasn’t a symptom of his PTSD, it was a symptom of his personality. He exercised a sense of apathy with almost everyone he met… But Bilbo was different. Thorin actually found himself wanting to know more about him."

Another fic that DOES NOT need an introduction. I have read it thrice and every time the emotions are still the same. Trigger Warnings, but damn this is all worth it.

An Unexpected Meeting by what_am_i_even_doing_tho

This is the chronicling of the modern day shenanigans of Bilbo Baggins, who is an absolute gay disaster, and Thorin Oakenshield, who is unashamedly enamored. Aka, the modern Bagginshield AU that no one ever asked for but they're getting anyway.

green and gilded by nasri

The next time he visits his parents there are flowers left in the grass, pressed back against the gravestone. They are yellow and white daffodils, plain and wilting.

“Who’s been to see you?” He asks, taking a single photo of the flowers with their drooping stems and curled petals and the wet winter grass that surrounds them. His mother would call it kind, his father might say it's curious, and Bilbo takes another petal to tuck into his pocket.

You know those stories that you read once and then they never leave your head? And somehow your whole life begins to revolve around that one story? Yeah, this is it. Spoilers in tag and I would suggest you read before advancing cause many people do not like it, but even if you are not in that group, just give it a read. This story deserves all the reads.

Bran' New Suit by pibroch (littleblackdog)

Andrew's description had been sufficient to recognize him— a riot of honey brown curls, short in stature, a well-favoured face with expressive features— but it hadn't quite been enough to prepare Tom for the sharp, almost painful tug in his gut at the sight of the man. They had never met before, to the best of Tom's recollection, but there was something eerily and inexplicably familiar about him all the same.

One of the first Modern AU I read and dauym...you won't get it until the end but then...it's fun.

Under New Management by frostyjack

Fili's life is pretty good -- he's doing well at university, he gets on well with his uncle and guardian Thorin, and he's never likely to know what it's like to be poor or unwanted. Then Thorin takes in a foster child -- Kili Oakenshield, a long-lost relative whose past is a total mystery. Suddenly, Fili's life gets a whole lot more complicated. But maybe it gets better, too.

Lots of trigger warning for this one, but when the end comes, you'll know it's all been worth it.

One-Sided Conversations by northerntrash

"Thank you for listening," Thorin said, getting to his feet. "I hope to be able to return the favour, one day."

The man on the bed didn't respond, but since he'd been in a coma for longer than Thorin had known him, that wasn't entirely surprising.

(Not Quite) Prince Charming by manic_intent

The problem, Bilbo would later tell Gandalf in aggrieved irritation, was not so much the unannounced visitors, oh no, but the fact that due to the lateness of the hour and sheer merciless fate, it came to be that at the respectable age of forty, Bilbo was being introduced to a real, live king while wearing striped pyjamas and fluffy slippers.

The Making of a Story by northerntrash

When Bilbo finds a case of old family photographs, he becomes determined to find the original owners: what he does not expect is to become quite so involved in their lives, or that those photographs should prove quite so important.

Misunderstandings and other obstacles for love by ylc

This series dammit! It's amazing, and the dynamics you would ask from a Modern AU.

Candle Glow and Mistletoe by euseevius

Bilbo and Thorin have been married for six months now. The thing is, Thorin’s family doesn’t know this. And because pretending to be just friends for the three weeks you’re going to spend at the family cabin is so much easier than telling the truth, that is what they will do.

(Of course Bilbo has his own ideas of how believable it is for a grown man to bring a friend to spend Christmas with his family. That’s why they make a bet out of it.)

For days you need to just laugh at these two idiots.

The Lost Kingdom of Erebor by Twisted_Barbie

AU. The Lost Kingdom of Erebor is shrouded in myth, likened to the heavens and compared to Atlantis. Until an archaeological discovery unearths that which was lost and awakens the Mad King from his cursed eternal rest.

Not a happy ending, and mysterious and you need to give it a read. Just, do it. It will all be worth it.

Of Palaces and Ruins by livelongandgetiton

Slow burn. Bilbo Baggins is a half-baked archaeologist who has put his dreams of adventure on hold to teach secondary school. Thorin is the grandson of a politically powerful figure in the historically rich and deeply isolationist country of Erebor. When he flees conflict and corruption in Erebor to settle in London, he finds his hands full with two young boys. Gandalf meddles, and Bilbo signs on as a personal tutor for the boys in hopes of getting a foot in the door to archaeological work in Erebor. He soon discovers that Thorin is a tough nut to crack. As Bilbo takes care of the boys he and Thorin grow closer, and secrets about not just the brooding stranger, but the mysterious country and politics of Erebor begin to unravel. It turns out that Bilbo isn't leaving adventure behind, after all.

WIP, updating. JUST READ IT!!!

Write Me Down Easy by lucyraebrown

Bilbo Baggins, a simple man with a wish for something more than his life teaching high school English, is obsessed with a famous author by the pen-name Oakenshield. Although he knows the future is dim for his chances of finding out about the man behind his favorite book, it's reassuring to know someone has the same thoughts about the world.

WIP, updating. It's mostly fuff and happiness, so yesss...feed your inner Bagginshield!

Show Me My Silver Lining by BiSquared

Three years after the hostile takeover of his grandfather's record label by one DJ Smaug, lead singer Thorin Oakenshield is ready to give up on his dreams, even if his band isn't ready to give up on him. If Thorin can convince talent scout Bilbo Baggins to sign them, they might just have a fighting chance. Of course, this is the night when Thorin gets stage fright.

The music industry AU no one asked for.

Love-In-Idleness by perkynurples       

Taking Bilbo Baggins, a successful movie actor who is only just getting used to the perks and intricacies of becoming A Face People Want To See, and putting him together with Thorin Oakenshield, with his very traditional (read: slightly backwards) ideas about what constitutes Real Art and Real Talent, might very well be viewed as just some clothead’s idea of a joke. But there are jokes, and then there are carefully calculated risks the size of controversial reproductions of classic Shakespearean plays - for Bilbo, it is the chance of a lifetime to prove himself to all those who have ever deemed him too one-dimensional to even attempt stage, while Thorin has the opportunity to get out of the rut that’s been hindering his career for so long now, and shine in a role worthy of his talent once again. That is if the two learn how to share the same space for more than ten minutes without wanting to tear each other’s hair out. The course of true love never did run smooth, after all…

Did I read this in one go? Yes I did. Did I fall in love with Bagginshiled all over again? Yes I did.

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And that's the list folks! I hope you guys have fun reading all of these nice fics! (And all the bagginshield angst/fuff)