#and having to ask internet strangers about it instead of believing those that are around them

[armpirate]

Soundleasure | Choi San || CH. 28

Pairings: Soft!San x fem!reader || Strangers to lovers, fake dating

Genre: smut, angst, fluff, online sex, ghosting

Warnings: inexperienced!San, fem!reader, masturbation, online sex, camboy, first times.

Summary: You can do whatever you please and be whoever you want on the Internet. And San knew that a little bit too well.

After finally following all the signs the universe was throwing at him, he started living a double life that no one was aware of. Everyone in his daily life knew him as Choi San, the reserved and quiet boy who wouldn't raise his voice, and would barely communicate with anyone outside of his comfort group. But only a few knew him as Soundleasure, the man with a sexy voice and a filthy mind that had their toes curling just with his narrations.

He never thought of the possibility of those two lives ever meeting, he had always tried for them to follow a parallel route and had always played safe to keep his friends from ever suspecting that side even existed. But his plans will start to crumble when he gets a little too close with one of his subscribers and she invades his real-self and altergo's universes without being able to stop it.

Y/n will not only help him to keep his secret from his circle, but will also show him there's more of Soundleasure in him than he'd like to admit. 

Previous || Next

MASTERLIST

Aprox. time of reading: 15 minutes

His screen was divided into two as he tried to focus on the video he needed to upload. Ever since he started dating Y/n, the quality in his videos didn't drop, but the quantity and the frequency did, having more than one follower commenting on past videos to interrogate him about that sudden change.

His focus was on his girlfriend.

When they weren't together -which was for the most part of the time-, he kept thinking of things they could do together; and if he wasn't thinking about that, he had his mind on the project he was involved in through the scholarship.

But there was something else.

Y/n and her sudden distance.

He was convinced he was just reading too much into it, but at the same time it was obvious for him how there was something going on that had her changing her attitude whenever she was around him.

At first, he blamed it on the big amount of time they spent together, yet she denied it; later, he blamed it on that little issue with Mia, which she also denied because she convinced him something so superficial wouldn't play a toll on her. And all those denials just left him trying to wonder what could've caused that change, and why she wasn't being open about it.

And as soon as he stepped out of his room, he was left with those same doubts after Wooyoung asked about her.

—It's been a few days since we last saw her here —Mingi added, looking at them over his phone—. Is she okay? Oh shoot, does she have Covid?

—It's not Covid —San rolled his eyes, taking a seat on the armchair on the right.

He wished he could know what it was, at least to keep his mind at ease. But it had been days since he last saw her, allowing her to have her own space when she didn't even show up to the office, with the only reason being her feeling a bit sick and choosing to telework.

That woman hated staying at home with her guts, to the length of presentially working even though her head was about to blow a few days after she left the hospital. Y/n didn't even stayed hospitalized for as long as it was recommended, only because she couldn't go missing.

And he was supposed to believe she chose by herself not to go.

—By the way, isn't it your dad's birthday next week? Are you going to take her? —San sighed at Wooyoung's question.

That was his plan.

—If she doesn't go, take me instead —Mingi commented, focusing back on his phone.

Yeah, that was exactly what he was thinking.

—How's the old man doing? —Wooyoung ignored Mingi— I bet moving all the way from Boston to Texas wasn't easy.

It was more difficult to come up with a reason as to why they wouldn't be able to get his parents to attend any of Wooyoung's parties -whenever he invited the whole group-, or why he was the one traveling constantly instead of getting his parents to come home. In his head, it was more logical to come up with a lie where his parents moved to a whole different state, other than admitting they did move to a smaller house because his father was fired and his studies were paid for by sexualizing his voice.

Yeah, it was definitely better.

—He's still adapting —he shrugged.

—We should plan the next trip to be there —Mingi suggested—. Instead of going camping, I mean.

He could only be thankful he was going to head to work to focus on something else, because thinking about that small problem he got himself in some years ago wasn't something he needed at that moment.

His brain got immersed in the project as soon as he arrived in the office, only being interrupted by Mia's sided smile as she walked past him a few minutes later.

For the first time, he never thought he'd be so grateful for keeping his mind that busy, reviewing some design schematics on his computer while making notes and adjustments. The hum of the lab's machinery and quiet conversations was the only noise he needed.

Mia approached, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor.

—That's looking impressive, San. You really have a knack for this. I wonder, do you put this much passion into everything you do?

—Thanks, Mia —he sat straight—. I always try to give my best.

—I bet you do. It must be exhausting, being so good at everything. Maybe you need someone to help you relax. You know, take the edge off.

San felt a wave of discomfort wash over him, initiated by Y/n's warnings the other day and Mia's attitude being so bold. Her tone and body language were making it clear that her intentions were far from professional, and it just confirmed to him he needed to trust Y/n's intuition a lot more when it came to work.

San took a deep breath, deciding it was time to address the issue head-on.

—I appreciate the feedback on my work —he turned to her, the expression firm—. And I hope it's just me being paranoid, but I think this is getting a bit inappropriate. I'm here to focus on my project, not to be distracted.

—I'm just trying to be friendly —she raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence.

—And I'm not doubting it —he answered—, but I think some people might be confused about what's going on. I'm not here to do anything other than work, and I'm not interested in any relationship that isn't professional.

—What are you trying to imply? —she smirked, not ready to back down—. I know you're new in all of this, but you might be overreacting.

—I'm not trying to imply anything —he rolled his chair back, creating more space between them—. I respect your position as my supervisor, and I request for you to respect mine as well. I don't feel comfortable with the way you're stepping over my boundaries.

Ever since Y/n told him, San was able to pick up on the signs he was innocently ignoring because he didn't want to think ill of anyone. Mia was overly touchy, but not with everyone. She was friendly with others, but didn't throw herself all over them like she did with him. Even the way she looked at him was different.

Mia's smirk faltered slightly, a flash of irritation crossing her features. She straightened up, getting up from the chair she took next to him, adjusting her blouse. The room felt tense, the quiet hum of machinery amplifying the uncomfortable silence between them, while San could only keep his eyes to the front.

—Fine, if that's how you want it. I'll keep the distance —she coldly informed him—. Just remember, I'm still your supervisor, and these types of accusations are really dangerous.

As Mia walked away, her posture stiff with annoyance, San let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, relieved to have set boundaries he didn't know needed to be settled. In a more calm state, he returned to his work, determined to stay focused despite the underlying tension.

Time passed, with San managing to evolve in his task, totally immersing himself into the project. He was entertained adjusting the schematics on his computer, fine-tuning the design, pouring the small bits of concentration left on it. Until she reappeared with a more forceful approach.

—You know, San, I've been very lenient with you because I see potential in you —she commented, resting her lower back against the desk, standing a few centimeters away from his chair, while her arms were crossed over her chest—. But if you're going to act this way, maybe I should reconsider.

—Reconsider what? Giving me a fair chance to prove my skills without unwanted advances —as he looked up, his frustration kept on building—? Is that what you mean?

—Watch your tone —she warned him, narrowing her eyes—. I can make things very difficult for you here.

San's patience kept thinning, waking up a side of him he didn't know existed, and feeling forced to fight that new feeling to remain calm and collected.

—Mia, I came here to learn and contribute to the company. If my skills aren't enough for you to see my worth, then maybe I'm in the wrong place. But I won't tolerate this behavior.

Her expression shifted, with a mix of surprise and anger, when he stood his ground firmly. It wasn't something that surprised her: he was hooking up with the big boss, of course he was going to look down at someone he considered inferior.

—We'll see how long that attitude lasts. Remember, San, I hold a lot of influence here.

—And I hold a lot of integrity. I hope we can find a way to work together professionally.

—We'll see what your colleagues do with that integrity when they know how you got here —she warned him, licking her lips while pushing her hair back—. Your girlfriend has nothing to do in this area, so I'd watch out for the way you relate to those in your ground.

Mia gave him one last icy look before turning on her heels and walking away. The way his expression turned from confident to shocked had her aware that her words did indeed impact him the way she was expecting.

San watched her leave, his heart pounding from the confrontation, knowing he'd made an enemy. But, despite her words, he still felt relieved and proud of himself for not backing down.

As he was getting ready to return to work, a notification popped in his phone. From the only woman he'd allow to interrupt him as many times she pleased.

Y/n: Can you come to my place at the end of your shift?

Y/n: We need to talk

And just that way, his blood fell to his feet.

That sentence was never a synonym of good news.

Her feet kept a steady walk, going all the way to the beginning of her open living room to go back to the other extreme of the long plush couch. Out of all the things that could worry her, that one wasn't the one on her list. That one was exactly the one she didn't want to have to worry about, and even less so early.

No, it couldn't be.

Every few steps, she felt her left foot missing track of the pace the right one was following, with her muscle tensing while losing all strength she needed to hold the weight of her body.

She breathed deeply, recognizing all the symptoms that led her to believe it was something more serious than a random loss of strength, feeling her heart pounding with the desperation of thinking it was the beginning of something worse.

It was starting all over again.

She kept trying to eat up her pain and worries, moving away from San's vision so he wouldn't see her in that state. He had a lot of things to worry about, he had a lot of things to do, and she wasn't the main priority of those -or, at least, she felt like she shouldn't be. That was part of her illness, and she knew San would make it the center of his day.

She just couldn't allow that to happen.

But worry was consuming her. And, out of all the people she could run to, San was the only thing she needed to count on.

Her fingers moved over her phone, typing that text message and sending it before she could even regret it and delete it.

Just as she expected, San showed up at her door twenty minutes after the end of his shift, with a concerned expression that messed with his features. And, while she thought she'd be strong enough to explain to him what had her closing herself inside his house, without her voice trembling in consequence, one look from his warm eyes had her completely losing.

Her head fell to the front, hiding her face with the locks of her hair, as she hid her chin trembling and the tears rolling down her cheeks. Seeing him that way, running to her place at the first request from her, had Y/n realizing how unfair she had been with him. San didn't deserve her being distant, he didn't deserve her avoiding seeing him, especially not when he had told her to reach out to him whenever she needed it, even if it was only to rant about something random, even if it was to complain about a light hassle.

Her weeping became louder when the soft fabric of his shirt got in contact with her cheek, covering her face with his chest while his arms wrapped around her tight. San held her as if she needed to be protected, while his hand played with her hair like that was the only way to pacify her.

Her left hand held onto the fabric of his shirt tight, closing her fist on it, while her weaker right hand barely managed to move up to find a spot on his back.

—Y/n, what's wrong? —he tried to know, attempting to look at her face, but missing on his first try.

Y/n only shook her head, blowing her nose.

Still holding her tight against his body, he moved with her, closing the door behind him to give themselves the privacy they needed to speak. Because it was certain that whatever they needed to discuss was something that needed privacy.

—Look at me —he hurriedly said, cupping her cheeks in his hands to force her swollen eyes on him—. Are you alright? Huh? Are you hurt?

—I'm sorry.

In a relationship where he was used to Y/n being the strong one, he felt hurt at seeing her so broken while going back to looking for his embrace.

Breaking up didn't cross his mind, cheating didn't cross his mind, but her well-being did. It was the only worry that had him holding her back again, while squeezing his cheek against the back of her head to give her as much warmth as he was able to.

—I'm here. It's okay —he tried to soothe her—. Let's do one thing, alright? Let's breathe together —he moved back a bit again, trying to look at her while his arms kept a reassuring spot on her shoulders—. In through the nose, out through the mouth.

She gulped thick, trying to control the hiccups to be able to breathe like he was guiding her to do. And, while she fought herself for it, his hands washed up all the teardrops that marked a route from her eyes to the edges of her chin.

—You're doing well —he reassured her—. You're doing great.

—I'm suffering an outbreak —she let him know with a weak voice—. I can't move my arm and leg properly, I can't even feel half of my face —she pressed her lips, looking down to avoid his eyes—. I... I thought it was just me being paranoid.

—Did you go to the doctor?

—No —she admitted—. I wanted it to go away by itself. I should've called you when I started feeling off, but I didn't want you to see me this way. I know I did wrong, I know you told me to reach you, but you had enough with everything going on... and I just didn't... —she went on.

—It's alright, babe —he tried to calm her down.

—It's not —she quickly argued back—. I pushed you away.

—Y/n, I promise you that's the last thing I care about right now —he let her know.

Instead of waiting for her to start walking, San lifted her body to carry her through the living room to lie her over the couch.

—San... —she mumbled, as soon as she let her go.

—Do you want something to drink? —he asked, patting her head— I'll bring you an orange soda —he answered quickly, answering for her.

Y/n just saw him go, to quickly come back with an orange can in his hand, and a red one on the other.

—You aren't mad?

—No —he calmly answered, sitting next to her—. It's not fair for me to get angry at you, when you have enough with what you're dealing with —his eyes glanced at her over his shoulder—. The only thing I can do is reaffirm I'm here for you. For good things, bad things... for everything. I'm your boyfriend, and I want you to count on me on these things, not only the good, funny ones.

Y/n played with her closed can, biting her lower lip, trapping it under her upper teeth out of nervousness.

—How does it usually work?

San wanted to know whether he should be taking her to the hospital, or just let her recover at her own pace. He didn't want Y/n to feel pressured, but he didn't want her to get worse.

—I've just had one outbreak after getting diagnosed, and it isn't like going to the hospital makes a change —she shrugged—. It doesn't. They only wait for you to get a bit better, before offering you the chance to leave and go on with life, and wait for another outbreak to happen. Trust me, it's better if I just stay home —while she spoke, San's soft eyes kept reassuring her everything would be okay.

While puckering his lips, his hand reached for hers, sliding his fingers through her right palm, while Y/n was unable to feel his touch. But before it could affect either of them, Y/n cupped his face with her left hand to link their lips together.

—We'll do this together —he whispered.

Her thumb rubbed on his cheek, smiling against his lips while rubbing their noses together.

—Now, moving the spotlight from me —she announced, smiling brightly—, how has work been these days?

It was a tough decision whether to tell her what happened with Mia or not. While he wanted to vent about it, he also wanted her to worry about herself and her state. He already handled it with his supervisor, so he didn't need Y/n to know, at least for now.

—It went great —he nodded—. Every day I'm learning a bit more, and I'm getting more comfortable.

—I'm so happy to hear that.

San dragged her body, sticking it to his as he moved back for them both to rest against the backrest, so they could cuddle in a more comfortable way.

—I'm so proud of how well you're doing —she whispered, snuggling to the curve of his neck—. My boy will leave them all speechless —she giggled, kissing his jaw.

—I need to be at your level.

While they both were lying on the couch, Y/n felt a vibration on his chest and San went shy immediately after. It didn't even sound like a burp, but more like a shy hiccup. As much as he wanted to act as if it didn't happen, Y/n looked up at him with a playful smile.

—It's not what it seems.

—Then why is your face as red as the can? —she chuckled, noticing his blushed cheeks— It's not a big deal.

—It is when you're seeing your partner after days —San pouted.

While rolling her eyes, Y/n only left his side to reach her can, offering it to her boyfriend.

—Open it.

After San opened and gave it back to her, Y/n gulped on the gaseous drink, not moving her lips away from the can until she felt she had drunk enough. She sat there, waiting for the reaction, which worked like clockwork, raising through her throat until it forced a sound from her.

He really didn't know such a sound could come out of her.

Few seconds into processing what had just happened, San and Y/n exchanged looks, ending up cackling while Y/n went back to fall into his arms when he stretched one of them for her to take back her place.

It was then, while they both were watching TV, with nothing else needed other than each other's company, that they realized that was the only thing they wanted to keep asking life to give them.

Those were her exact thoughts when she was walking back to the couch after going to the bathroom, feeling the happiest she had ever been, until something started feeling off. She could tell how his expression changed in slow motion. Turning that sweet and beautiful smile, with his dimples in full display, to a concerned and distressed expression while he hurried to her, before everything turned into black.

Taglist: @brown88

[mkaugust]

Soulmate AU brought to you by discord, this post, eye rolls at the internet, and my evidently broken brain.

Jegulus, 1300 words.

Continued under the cut. Warnings for absolute crack and very bad sex.

There were many challenges to a world where you could only have sex with strangers born at the same time as you. For one thing, it meant the exact time of your birth, and sometimes birth certificates were wrong. You could go years thinking you were born at 6:24am and find out one day that it was actually 6:23am. (Thank god for parents that looked at the clock instead of your head when they heard that first cry.) The bigger challenge though was just how hard it was to meet strangers, and keep them strangers long enough to get through it.

James knew it would be worth it one day. He ignored the horror stories of those soulmate meetings and preserved. He’d meet his soulmate and have sex one day, he just knew it. And if it was as bad as everyone said? Well, that was alright! It was still better than never having the experience at all.

James was careful too, to ignore the whispers of those around him who said there was another way. That you could have sex with someone who wasn’t your soulmate…someone who wasn’t born at the same time as you. Someone a day, or even more older or younger! Someone who you knew. Even, James shuddered to even think about it, but he’d heard of someone having sex with a friend. And then they stayed friends. But he was careful. He knew they were very wrong for doing those things and he could be patient and do it right.

He took all the proper precautions and steps. The first thing James did when he saw an unfamiliar face was to ask them for their birthday. His parents had great stories of James as a small child, yelling across crowded streets for everyone to say their birthdays, just in case. It was always exciting when someone said a date other than March 27th, because it meant he had met someone he could be friends with, and James loved friends more than anything. But James thought it would be exciting too, when someone finally did say his birthday, just for a different reason.

He was not prepared for his best friend ever, the best friend he could ever have in the whole world, to say that date. Thankfully Sirius had a different birthday. James had asked, first thing when he met Sirius of course, and Sirius had said his birthday was November 3rd. James now kept a close ear out for that date on Sirius’ behalf, of course. But James had not thought to ask Sirius about his siblings’ birthdays and it had been…weeks into their friendship before Sirius had thought to mention it.

James had screamed, fainting on the spot when Sirius mentioned his brother’s birthday was March 27th. He said it like it was nothing; evidently he had forgotten James’ birthday. 

(Sirius didn’t really believe the soulmate hype, despite James’ attempts to explain the situation. James hadn’t given up yet; he was just keeping his fingers crossed that Sirius hadn’t already met his soulmate by accident. It was a bit of a disaster waiting to happen.)

When James woke up from his fainting spell to Sirius anxiously staring at him and shaking his shoulder, frantic, he interrupted Sirius’ pleas to know if he was feeling alright to yell “what time! What time was your brother born!” Sure enough, it was an exact match. 

James had found his soulmate.

From then on, James would run out of the room with his ears covered anytime Sirius mentioned his brother. He couldn’t be too careful; they needed to remain strangers until they were ready. Sirius struggled to understand the problem; Remus was much more receptive to James’ woes. Remus had stayed up with James for many a sleepless night as James cried.

“What if I already know too much? I know his last name, I know his brother so well. Do we even still count as strangers? What if Sirius is telling him about me when he’s home? What if I’m not a stranger to him anymore?”

“There, there, James.” Remus would say each time. “It’ll be alright. No one has to know if you’re perfect strangers or not. You can always lie.”

James would cry harder at that. Eventually, he’d always fall asleep that way. Remus knew just what he needed.

Finally, as his 25th birthday approached, James decided he was ready. 25 was the golden age after all, sooner would have been wrong, but if he waited much longer…well 26 was certainly too old. That’d be very wrong.

James asked Sirius to introduce him to his brother. Sirius, who had been speaking to Regulus about this for years now, agreed and set up a date and time for them to meet. Regulus confirmed he was ready too. Sirius offered to give them each other’s phone numbers, but both men had cried and screamed at the idea. Nothing had convinced him before, but Sirius now saw it was clear that these two men were soulmates.

The day they had selected arrived and James spent hours setting up the perfect atmosphere in the hotel room he had booked for the occasion. Finally, there was a knock at the door. It was time. Regulus had arrived.

James answered the door to find the man of his dreams. He was gorgeous. Skinny, pale, with dark hair and light eyes, and clearly, exactly the same age as James. It was incredible how obvious the age similarity was, even at first sight. This was his soulmate. James felt tears in his eyes.

“Hi, I’m Regulus.” Regulus murmured as he stepped through the doorway and removed his shoes, looking a bit shy.

“Shh,” James shushed him. “We have to be careful, don’t say too much. My perfect stranger soulmate.”

Regulus only smiled, clearly overcome with agreement.

They made their way silently to the bed and removed their own clothing efficiently. Then, they sat at outside ends of the turned down bed, flaccid cocks on display as they hesitated, equally unsure of the next step.

“We might have to speak a bit now…” Regulus suggested.

“Alright, just don’t tell me anything about yourself.” James replied firmly.

“Of course.” Regulus agreed.

“Should we kiss? And then…I am prepared, I did bring lube.”

“Oh, good. Yes, let’s try that.”

They pressed their faces together harshly at first and then more gently when they seemed to mutually find their noses were a bit too smooshed. Eventually, they managed to find just enough of a rhythm to encourage each other to hardness. They shifted around until they were laying on their sides, facing each other and lips still pressed together between gasping breaths. 

“We should move a little closer I think,” Regulus suggested.

“Uh, yes. Here, lube!” James replied with an enthusiastic squirt of the bottle over first Regulus’ cock and then his own.

“Thanks, I think.” They exchanged a tentative smile, before pressing their bodies against each other and resuming clumsy kisses. 

“Are we…doing this right, do you think?” James asked Regulus after a moment.

“I don’t know. I’ve never done it before, obviously.”

“Oh of course not. Me neither, obviously. Well, um, let’s try, maybe moving?”

“Yeah, yes, please.”

They awkwardly and clumsily pushed against one another, the lube James had generously poured rubbing all over their stomachs. Communicating mostly in a series of grunts, they eventually found an acceptable rhythm and came one after the other.

“Gross,” they both sighed under their breath at the exact same moment as they rolled away from one another. They made brief eye contact and laughed tightly.

“Soulmates, I guess.” Regulus remarked.

James nodded with a grin. “You can shower first.” James offered, ever the gracious host.

Regulus thanked him and moved away to shower and dress quickly. James did his best to clean up and pull his clothes back on, anxious to be dressed when Regulus was done showering, ready to put this whole ordeal behind him.

Finally, Regulus walked out, dressed and already headed for the door. “Well, goodbye, soulmate.”

“Goodbye, soulmate.” James breathed a sigh of relief as the door shut.

It was finally over.

[stars-in-a-jam-jar]

So in light of the whole 'MatPat is no longer Theory Channel Host as of March 9th' thing, I just wanna ask...

What the fuck is y'all's problem with this man?

Like, there's such a tone of 'Yea! Finally!! The scourge is lifted!' to a lot of the posts/reblogs I've seen and it's only been like two hours since the video went up and like. The worst crimes this man ever committed as far as I can suss out in the over a decade I have known of his existence is that he misgendered Kris Deltarune a few times (which is not good, yes, but judging by how the man conducts himself, I'm gonna chalk that one up to being inattentive and suffering from the cisnormativity disease. still bad but not unforgivable) and he's like... cringe. Crime above all crimes, you dared to inconvenience me by making me cringe with your Sans is Ness theory. Also that one time Game Theory covered an ARG, concentrating popular attention to the channel instead of the collective problem solving of the people who've Been on the case. Those two videos tend to be the things people cite disliking him for.

And like, it's one thing if people just blandly said 'Nah, I can't get into Game Theory, it makes me cringe too much' or 'I just don't like that thing that happened with the ARG' and if MatPat said something particularly meme-able people clowned on him for a week or two before moving on. But like..... That tone I was talking about now that he's said 'I'm stepping down from hosting and doing other things with my life' is just So Pervasive and has been for years at this point.

This feels like the shit with Guy Fieri all over again, except Fieri is a network television dude, so people don't have quite the same flavor of Internet Brain Infection about him than they do about primarily online personalities. This feels like a longer brewing version of the Lin Manuel Miranda backlash whatever. Why the FUCK does everyone clown on Lin Manuel Miranda so much? Why do they use recognizing his lyrical style/impact on musical theater like an insult? This whole phenomenon is bigger than MatPat, I didn't give you the full picture at the top of the post. This is about me hating how people on the internet talk like they're in their bestie's living room fucking around and not like they're in a public space where there should be like. Basic fucking etiquette and boundaries.

If you're one of those people who decides to be unreasonable to strangers on the internet, you'll likely dismiss me as a self centered anxious waif who's just trying to defend the old white YouTuber I'm attached to (he's not old btw, some of y'all have just developed horrible cognitive distortions about aging and think 37 is ancient) but I frankly believe that maybe we shouldn't be openly publicly mean to strangers as a meme. Just fuckin' saying.

[anthroparis]

I'm going to continue this bit because honestly the way people are interacting with me is getting significantly more and more annoying.

thinking about tti occupies like, half an hour of my total day, and I didn't even think about it at all when there were no updates.

this blog represents a very tiny, insignificant part of my life and making judgments based off of how I post here is extremely weird. even making assumptions about me based on my main is weird!

I once had a complete stranger reblog one of my joke posts and literally tag it as "no offense op but I have learned everything I need to know about you as a person" like you guys realize why that mindset is extremely creepy and weird, right?

would you say those kinds of things in a conversation with a classmate? a cashier? a new coworker? a distant relative? no! you wouldn't, because that would come off as extremely invasive and stalker-y!

so when you send this blog weird jokes on anon, I can only assume they're jokes, because again, you might joke around with your friends about being homophobic but I don't with mine. so I can only guess that you're kidding and referencing an internet humor thing I don't understand because I'm an adult and don't really use social media anymore.

and what happens in these parasocial relationships you build with internet personas is that you put someone on a pedestal as this untouchable force, you start believing that you are entitled to their time and kindness when these people don't owe you anything. you crave their attention so badly you start sending them dumbass asks either kissing their ass or trying to provoke them because it makes you feel better about yourself, I guess?

but then when the person in question does something that catches you off guard, or that offends you, or that you just don't like, you feel betrayed and hurt, and you turn to attacking them or vagueing them or whatever it is.

this kind of behavior is what leads to these incredibly uncomfortable situations like what happened with mod courtney.

like when I was around 16 years old on an old personal account, I started receiving some pretty inflammatory comments getting mad about the way I was criticizing a piece of media I didn't like. eventually, over private message, a mutual IN HER 20'S admitted to sending them because she felt personally hurt that I was criticizing something she liked. this grown ass woman, who I had never had a conversation with before, had grown such an attachment to me that she took me not liking one of her interests as a personal attack. I was 16 years old and expected to be responsible for the emotions of an adult woman because I made her feel rejected.

this also goes the other way around btw like I have been idolized by minors and it makes me so uncomfortable. PLEASE be safer online, you have no idea who's going to turn out to be a terrible person.

anyway. just because someone is online does not mean it's okay to act like an asshole? I'm so sick of you freaks thinking it's all fine and good to be dickheads because it's words on a screen. you understand that you're talking to real people, right? they're probably reading your asks while taking a fat dump on their grandma's toilet. they have faces. people faces. and lives outside of the internet. and it's disturbing watching you treat other people like entertainment just because they post sometimes.

there's a certain threshold of time between following someone and becoming friends that you need to learn to be respectful during. it's perfectly okay to mess up sometimes and it's okay to feel upset when someone sets a boundary because of you. rejection sensitivity is hard, but expecting everyone else to cater to you instead of working on your internal reactions to perceived rejection and social slights is manipulative.

also purposefully sending people annoying asks to get a rise out of them really isn't funny. are you my five year old little brother now. are you going to sign off each anon with "problem, officer?" can you just call me fat like the good old days. can we just bring back rickrolling instead.

no tldr you read the post or you don't.

[mangocheesecakes]

like as a general rule Filipinos who live in the Philippines use Facebook a lot. It's the preferred social media site of both young and old people on here, and we use it so much there is a real culture that's developed around our use of it (for example, it's the norm to use a black square or a photo of a candle as profile picture when a family member or close friend dies). It's literally ubiquitous here we use it for business, job seeking, news, delivery services, the works. All of your relatives have an account, all of your friends have an account, all our politicians have accounts, it's basically our twitter. so it's almost impossible to hide/fake major events like deaths and even illnesses on there, because relatives and friends will for sure be tagging and talking about it if it happens.

Also, yes our country sucks, yes our government is corrupt and incompetent but it isn't nearly as broken down as these donation scammers would have you believe. We DO have healthcare assistance and ways to ask the government for help in times of crisis. in fact while trying to track down the pictures itssmelau stole for her scams, i found out there are many Facebook groups for people looking for help/information on how to receive money from different government agencies to pay for their medical expenses. Like I have no doubt it's a difficult grueling process, I myself have experienced/witnessed how it is, but it CAN be done and people who are in need of large amounts of money, for hospital bills or what have you, often try to exhaust those avenues first before looking to strangers on the internet for help. And when they do ask for donations, it's often within Facebook as well, since that is where their friends and family are, and sending money is easier using local money transfer services instead of setting up a whole paypal account. So it is going to be strange that given how much they are supposedly in need of in their posts, none of these donation scammers ever have posts up on Facebook about what they're going through. If it is for everyday expenses like bills, food, transpo, I definitely get why someone would not want to make posts on FB about it and resort to Tumblr for help. like yeah i get that it's hard to have people who know you irl see you asking for help for those kind of things and no i don't think there's anything wrong about it. As I said before, life IS incredibly hard on here sometimes. But for things like medical emergencies and major life crisis, Facebook is always the preferred/first option, because that's where your friends and family are. Even though they may not be able to give they can at least share your posts to a wider audience.

ALSO, Facebook is easier and cheaper to access. If you have no wifi and you're only using your phone's data to access the internet, Tumblr would require that you have promos with Gigabytes of data, which is relatively more expensive, whereas you can buy like i think 300 mb of purely Facebook data for just 10 Pesos (0.18 US Dollars?) and that's enough to scroll the app for hours. And! there's free mode, you can scroll the app you just can't see pics and videos.

[tcookies777]

I’ve been reading your posts and reblogs.

Are you okay?

I'm getting flooded with Asks and messages atm so I'm sorry to say that I don't know when you submitted this Ask!

If by okay, you mean the reblogs from yesterday - I'm pretty fine actually. I'm at that age now where you kind of... to be blunt, don't give a fuck because you learn not to take the words of strangers to heart.

The reason why I still do speak up for myself though (instead of staying quiet) is because I want to nip these conflicts and issues in the bud even if it means being strict. I don't want the problem to grow out of hand. I've been writing for over 10 years now and this is not my first rodeo.

With my 1st rodeo though, I was that young and naive writer who stayed quiet. I tried to please every single reader. I bowed down and apologized to the readers who complained I wasn't updating fast enough. I begged for patience and forgiveness whenever I had to put the fic on hiatus. I tried to fulfill every request and demand that every reader threw at me.

And the abuse and entitlement grew. Because I was stupid enough to feed it. Because I had wanted to keep everyone pleased 24/7. I didn't want to piss anyone off and I was afraid of losing readers. And when I decided to put my foot down because I couldn't handle being treated like I was less than human, I was harassed for it. And when I fought back against the harassment, I was portrayed as the villain.

"People are going to say negative things about your story anyway, and if you can't handle that then you shouldn't write. You do that, or you shut up and write," a reader had once told me.

And because I was young and stupid, I believed her.

And that belief became my principle in real life.

And one day, when I was in school, I saw a boy getting bullied. The bullies were throwing milk and condiments to stain his clothes, and the boy looked unhappy but remained silent. It was 1 against 3, after all. And I watched the bullying happening literally 3 feet away in front of me, and even though I wanted to step in and speak up for that boy, all I could think of was that reader's words. All I could think of was: People are going to bully others regardless, and if the victim can't handle it then they're weak.

So I stayed quiet.

Around that time, I was reading a fic and I noticed a writer was being harassed. Readers were demanding quicker updates, they were demanding that she reveal her sexual orientation, they spread rumors that she was lying about her ethnicity, they were ""criticizing" her story when actually they were just trying to manipulate her into writing the story they want, they were complaining about the plot when actually they just had a gross misunderstanding of the story's direction, etc etc. Literally, none of the criticism she received was actual, genuine criticism. It was just insults and pointless complaints with the "criticism" label slapped on top. Some readers even befriended her but only because they wanted to have her write a fic for them (they thought a friendship with her would give them an advantage).

She tried to appease them at first. Tried to laugh off their snide remarks and respond to their disrespect with kindness.

And because she stayed quiet against the abuse and entitlement, these readers figured they could keep it up. So they continued, and her mental health deteriorated until one day that writer snapped and quit the fic and quit writing for good.

And the whole time I watched this drama unfold as one of her readers, I never spoke up for her. Just as I never spoke up for that kid who was being bullied.

It's been 10 years since then. To this day, I deeply regret not speaking up for those people. I deeply regret being too afraid of conflict. I deeply regret being a bystander back then.

But a few years ago, an older writer enlightened me with some advice. He said, "Yes, there will always be people who are going to be jackasses to you. It's the Internet, duh! But that doesn't mean you need to put up with that shit. The reader has the power to curate their fanfic reading experience... and so does the writer too. "

And that was the moment I realized I am sick of being a bystander. I am sick of staying quiet. I am sick of enabling people and/or trying to please them all the time. I am sick of bending over backwards out of fear of disappointment or conflict.

That was the moment I decided I am going to speak up from now on. I will not tolerate this any longer.

So yes, I am fine for the most part. Many of you guys have been incredibly kind and supportive. But I will continue to stand my ground when I need to and if I need to be harsh when doing it then so be it. I've seen firsthand how being too kind and a people pleaser all the time sometimes just welcomes more abuse, more insults, more entitlement. Because it's from behind the screen, some people don't care that the fanfic writer providing them free entertainment is a real human being.

[jim-fetter-illustrations]

Smartphones are human beings first artificial intelligence.,... and now they own us!

Imagine life without a smartphone (cell phone).

Today, no one can imagine life without a smartphone. That’s because mobile technology has not only changed our world and our lives, but in some form we have become slaves to them.

I mean we see the anxiety which overcomes most people when the power goes out, even for a few minutes, and god forbid a day, 24 hours without one's cell phone and chaos would ensue.

When people forget to take their smartphone with them, it ruins their whole day, and we've seen this way too many times already,.........because every aspect of our lives depend on that little plastic gadget for everything we do these days........

We have this sense that we are losing contact with reality, resulting in panic when our smartphones aren't within a couple of feet from us.

When we’re not calling, texting, or even waiting for an important call, we are still gripping the phone tightly in our hand, almost like a crutch. Often, the phone absorbs so much of our focus and attention that we forget about others, we forget to connect with those around us - because we are staring at a screen in front of our face for most of our waking hours.

This brings us to an interesting question: Would you be able to survive a few hours, a day, a week - without a smartphone and the Internet?

These days, many people, especially young people, can't imagine life without a cell phone, or rather without a minicomputer with the Internet - because that's essentially what smartphones are today. Perhaps without smartphones they would not be able to do so many things! For instance, some individuals might think that it is not worth stopping to talk to a stranger, to ask for directions, since a smartphone comes with a GPS application. Why involve another person in our daily life struggles, when a mini computer can assist us in finding our way.

Isn't that what artificial intelligence is,...... a computer system able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition and decision-making?!?!

It's like having a super-brain in a box you just confide in for everything.

If you’re like me, you might remember the world before mobile phones and the Internet? It's hard to believe that people didn't always have phones in their pockets. That's why pay phones were so important. And even before that, there were telephone operators who would facilitate long-distance and international calls.

These days, it is not uncommon to see the whole family looking at their smartphones instead of talking to each other. Often even at the Christmas dinner table.

Smartphones allow us to communicate quickly and effectively with anyone, anywhere in the world, in a way, it also takes away our ability to have a meaningful conversation. The type of conversation with eye contact and body language. The smartphone is present everywhere, and momentarily turning it off or leaving it at home can feel like part of us is missing?????

Lets face it, smartphones have become an addiction for many people, the blue light emitted by screens can interfere with our natural sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Additionally, constantly checking our phones before bedtime can cause anxiety and make it even more difficult to wind down. Using your smartphone as an alarm clock can also be problematic, as the temptation to check notifications and social media can make it harder to fall back asleep after being woken up.

Many people reading this post know exactly what I'm talking about.

How many people can actually endure a few days of a "digital detox," and live their life without a smartphone, social media or convenience apps?

Not many.

I use my cell phone (don't have a smartphone) the same way I used a landline phone, to make and receive calls, nothing else, don't go online with it at all, do texts with it rarely, I use it just like a landline and often leave it at home when I go grocery shopping or just out. I don't see it as a help, but more of a bothersome hindrance to have to take care of while it's in my pocket, as I don't want it to fall out and break as they usually do. I often go days without using my cell phone.

But that's just me I guess, and when the world ends I'll probably be the last to hear about it, which will give me more time to spend with my Cat,...... Lol

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[calismediadiary]

You get a podcast! You get a podcast! Media Blog Post #4

In the year of 2024, I’ve seen that anyone who could possibly have a podcast has a podcast. If I’m being honest I’ve already had two, and my own opinion on podcasts make sense to me on why and how everyone else has one. 

My first podcast was my senior project, our requirements were to have 30 hours working on any topic, a mentor who can sign off on these hours along with a ten page research paper. I went to the topic of teenage mental health and its relation with social media. 

It was mostly to serve as a self service and to have something I knew I could talk about for hours. In reality, this podcast may have been my own excuse to hear myself talk, and I don’t think this is only my excuse. I had always believed that podcasts were meant to be serious, NPR, news, or politics. While those definitely still exist and flourish, podcasting has been changed and we can link this to direct events.

 Covid-19 changed the regular way of life and because of this people began searching for both more media to consume and also a medium away from being “online.” Which adds an audience to a growing medium and therefore giving individuals immense opportunity for success. 

However, where I think we saw the biggest surge of podcasts, at least the podcast being marketed to me was during the SAG Strike. After actors were no longer able to market their work and being able to work in general I noticed many people shifted to their own podcasts or a podcast appearance. Which is in fact a lot easier (from my experience). 

In a sense I can see that podcasts are filling in where talk shows are dying. More recently, I’ve seen trending videos have top comments saying “This would have gotten you on Ellen 10 years ago” and this is so true. Ellen was once where these micro-trending people would have their spotlight, whereas now there are too many places you can trend and too many people trending. Which is why podcasting is able to have such a power, there are significantly less demands and configurations to make it happen AND anyone can make it happen if they have an audience. 

In addition to these big name podcasts, influencer podcasts, and celebrity podcasts, there's another I would like to focus on. And maybe this is a stretch, but there is a bizarre amount of people who carry microphones around asking people questions or hosting a “podcast on the street” or “matching two strangers” where even though they aren’t the main focus they are using these conversations as the content. 

However, the point of these series isn’t to enter the podcasting realm. Instead the change in podcasting has, in a sense, created a new format for social media: clipping, in hopes to get a viral 30 second clip. 

I’ve even had podcasts clips come on my for you page where they are talking about something that may gain a lot of traction they may note, “I know this is gonna get clipped like crazy.” Which is interesting because they aren’t even the ones (in this example) making these clips for viral content, but rather a different account is, yet they are still marketing for them. 

Overall, podcasts are no longer my preconceived notion of a literary aspect, it's now just another practice of social media and how to best exist online. The never ending demand for content and run out of ideas have been cured for people of importance when they go into podcasting. With YouTube “dying” regular youtubers are forced to compete with million dollar budgets when in fact their persona makes them famous and they can do half the work. Yet, in a more positive sense, it is adding back into this casual aspect of social media. Now that many YouTube videos are productions in itself, podcasts seem to be the lowest brow possible for internet personalities at the moment and I’m glad there is an effort to seek their own authenticity and agenda. 

[princessofmarvel]

Boobies! Volume 2

  Summary | You Are With Steve And Robin At The Family Video And He Still Cannot Stop Saying The Word Boobies .  Part Two To My Fic Boobies! But I Think That This Can Be Read As A Standalone !

 Pairing | Steve Harrington x Fem!Reader! ( The Reader Has Breast ) 

 Word Count | 533

Warnings! | Slight Spoilers For Stranger Things 4 Volume 1! And, Allusion’s To Smut? Kind of , Lol .

 Requested | Yes!

 Authors Note! | I Am So So So Sorry For How Late This Is! It Seemed Every Time That I Went To Write It, My Power And Internet Went Out, Lol . I Hope That You Enjoy This Though ! I cannot believe that I got The count to be the same on both of these fics too, Lol . And, as always, there may be some random capitalization and punctuation that is caused by my OCD! I hope that you guys enjoy this fic!

"Look, all I am saying Robin is that of course she laughed at the Muppet joke, it was my joke." Steve said to Robin while he was putting the vhs tapes on the Cart. 

"It was Amazing Steve, like, You have no idea how amazing it was, Her laugh was so real, and so genuine. It felt like everything was just right, You know?" Robin rambled to Steve about how Vickie laughed at a joke she made during the pep rally. 

"Robin, yes, I know how you feel, it's exactly how I Feel When Y/n Laughs At One Of My Jokes." Steve said matter of factly, while leaning down to give you a kiss on the cheek, while you sat behind the counter catching up on some work. 

"Speaking of Y/n, what movie do you want to watch tomorrow night?" Robin said to you, referring to the sleepover that the two of you had planned for the next day.

"Um, We Can Watch 'Fast Times'? I haven't seen it yet." You said to Robin, which made her light up. 

"Oh My God, Yes, We Can Figure Out what Vickie likes from it!" Robin said Excitedly, Causing Steve To Roll His Eyes. 

"We already know what she likes from it Robin, Boobies!" Steve said, Causing the two of you to groan. 

"Not this again, Stop with the Boobies Steve!" Robin said, Handing him another Vhs tape to put on the cart. 

"What is so wrong with the word Boobies?!" Steve asked a little loudly. You and Robin were suddenly happy that the store was pretty much empty, since the last customer had just left, not many people coming in because of the game that night. 

"It's just weird Steve! Just say boobs, or breast instead!" Robin said putting her face in her hands. 

"But, Boobies is so much more fun to say! Watch." Steve said while turning you around in your chair to now face them. "Y/n's Boobies are A perfect example of great Boobies, I have never seen a better pair of Boobies!" Steve said while gesturing to your chest in an exaggerated way, Causing you to scold him.

 "Steve, Stop Bringing Peoples Attention To My Boobies!" You said while crossing your arms. "Do you want other people looking at them?" 

"What?! No but apparently some people have already seen them" Steve said, turning to Robin. 

"Hey, It is not my fault Y/n had a quick change and someone had to help her with it" Said Robin, Referring to one of the shows you two were in for the high school theater department. 

"Yeah yeah." Steve said placing the last vhs onto the cart. "Those are still my boobies." Steve muttered Causing Robin to roll her eyes. 

"Steve, Sweetheart." You said, making Steve Stop in his tracks to turn towards you. "Yes?" 

"Stop saying Boobies, Do your job and put the tapes up, and maybe you will get to see these boobies tonight, Okay?" You say making Steve's eyes go wide with excitement, and with a nod of his head, he is off with the cart and putting the movies back where they go at the speed of lightning.

[arcanadreams]

That time you and your demon boyfriend went viral

hi yes hello obey me fandom!! my name is Gabbi and i have never played a single second of the actual game but i have read enough fanon content for the past year to have this idea swimming around in my head and now i am finally letting this accursed thing out of my brain and putting it in yours

also i’m only doing the brothers because any more than that and i’d have an aneurysm probably. oh and shoutout to @obeythebutler and @beels-burger-babe for inspiring me with their works to feel brave enough to write for this fandom

Lucifer:

You and Lucifer go viral on Asmo’s Devilgram story!

You’re in the kitchen helping Asmo with dinner duty and singing along to one of your playlists of human realm music that you like to show him.

Asmo starts filming your cute little dance while you stir the pot on the stove because you are just adorable!

About ten seconds into him filming, Lucifer appears in the doorway with quite the stern look on his face. You know, the one that comes right before a “MAMMOOOOOON” and strikes fear into the heart of all those with functioning eardrums. That one.

He opens his mouth, presumably to tell y’all to shut the fuck up, but then there’s a lull in the music and the eldest can hear your voice ever so slightly above the song’s vocalist and he freezes.

Man stops in his tracks like someone just smacked him in the face with a midair volleyball.

Asmo can be heard stifling a laugh behind his phone.

Lucifer’s face gets so soft and he almost, almost, loosens his metal-rod-through-the-ass posture before you notice him and give a little wave and ask if you and Asmo were being too loud like the considerate darling you are.

Lucifer clears and his throat and says something like, “No, you aren’t. I was just coming to check on how dinner is coming along,” and leaves, after which Asmo immediately presses the post button.

Screenshots of Lucifer’s heart eyes for you go absolutely viral because every demon on Devilgram goes absolutely feral for seeing the eldest demon brother lose his dignified composure. It becomes a meme template. “Get you someone who looks at you like Lucifer looks at MC” and “me at the delivery demon when he shows up with my spicy bat wings” posts become commonplace. (Asmo thinks the memes are totally worth getting strung up with Mammon for laughing at them.)

Mammon:

Much like Lucifer, you and Mammon end up going viral off Asmo’s Devilgram. (Noticing a pattern here?) 

He pulls a silly prank on your asses and honestly I don’t know how you fell for it. But hey, they say “idiots in love” for a reason, so...

You and Asmo are sitting in the common room of the House of Lamentation just chillin. Well, he’s chillin, you’re on the floor studying for an upcoming exam.

The video starts in the middle of a conversation you and the avatar of lust were having.

“No, Asmo,” you say. “Mammon and I don’t use pet names for each other.” Now that’s just a darn lie, and every demon and crow within ten miles of Mammon and you together knows it.

“Really? I find that very hard to believe, MC.~” 

You sigh in response to Asmo’s teasing. “Okay, he has a lot for me but I’m just not much of a pet name person, y’know?” The rest of the exchange goes like this:

“Oh, I totally get it.” *pause* “Hey MC, what do human world bees make again?”

“Honey.”

Cue a sheepish Mammon sticking his head in the doorway at the bluntness of your tone when you answered Asmo.

“Yeah, babe?” he looks like a puppy left on the side of a highway oh my god hUG HIM-

Asmo turns the camera back to his smug ass face and in the background you can be heard tripping on the damn carpet trying to get up and hug your mans. (”MAMMON GET OVER HERE SO I CAN HUG YOU” “W-WHAT? I THOUGHT YA WERE MAD AT ME?!?!?!?!”)

Leviathan:

Streamer Levi? Streamer Levi.

You guys go viral the first time you make an appearance on one of Levi’s weekly (insert cool Devildom streaming service name here) streams. 

It’s completely unintentional. You had been asking him for weeks to play with him on there, but he’s the avatar of envy after all. He doesn’t like sharing his partner, even if it’s with random strangers who have no real access to you.

However, he has his stream on a Thursday instead of a Friday one week, and you come into his room carrying dinner because 1) You didn’t realize he was streaming and 2) No matter what he was doing, the boy needed to eat. It wasn’t unusual for you to bring him dinner, so you had no idea why he was blushing and stammering even more than usual this time in particular. Boy was speaking in beached whale trying to tell you what was wrong.

Then you notice his screen. Oh! “Hi chat!” You wave, setting Levi’s food down on his desk in front of his keyboard. “M-MC!” He full-on whines, slamming a hand over his mouth afterwards when he remembers his viewers could hear that.

Honestly, they’d meme the fuck out of him if it weren’t for the fact that they are FINALLY SEEING HIS HENRY!!! THE MYSTERIOUS MC!!!

Chat is bombarding you with questions while you make Levi eat dinner. And by make him eat dinner, I mean literally feeding this man forkfuls/spoonfuls while he games because you love how flustered he gets when you do that. 

Does it impact his score? Absolutely. Does he care? Not really when you’re pampering him like that.

You start answering chat’s questions about you while he’s chewing so he can’t tell you to stop LMAO-

You’re a natural on stream. The VOD becomes the most popular on Levi’s account in a matter of hours and soon cute highlights compilations of you and him on that stream start making the rounds on Devildom Twitter.

Satan:

There was buildup to Satan going viral, similar to Levi in a way. 

Satan does have a Devilgram, but it’s basically a white woman’s Instagram with added book reviews for variety. Unless you’re a reader his account is pretty boring: candles, books, fireplaces, and cats.

However, after you two started reading together fairly often he began posting pictures of your legs draped over his while you sat together. They’d always be captioned with vague ass pretentious literary criticism. 

This goes on for months, and he gains a lot of (horny) followers after the leg pics start up. He doesn’t really get why but you both joke that it’s because you have some damn nice legs and I mean neither of you are complaining about the new following.

You two go viral when he finally shows your face, entirely by accident.

The post is a video, which is already strange for him and grabs attention. In it, you’re scoffing and reading an excerpt of a book, mocking its understanding of female anatomy.

“I’m quoting here, Satan: ‘her breasts bouncing around like giant pacmen.’ I’M SORRY?? THAT ISN’T HOW BOOBS WORK SIR. WHY ARE MEN ALLOWED TO WRITE?” 

(fun fact that is a very real quote from a very real book I really read last month pls save me)

Originally the camera is focused on your body, with your head out of frame to protect your privacy, but your righteous anger made Satan laugh. Like, a real laugh. The one that makes you and everyone in earshot wonder if he truly was never an angel cause he sure as hell laughs like one but anyway-

When he threw his head back, his DDD angled up just a tad without him noticing, and your face was in view for like .2 seconds. Screenshots of it are making the rounds on Devilgram almost immediately: FINALLY THE LEGS’ OWNER HAS BEEN FOUND.

Satan apologizes profusely but you honestly find it funny and you two opt to just start taking selfies while reading with both of your faces in them from now on. 

Asmodeus:

I’m gonna be real with you: you and Asmo go viral all the time. Pretty much everything Asmo posts can be considered viral because of his social media following and his status as one of the seven avatars of sin.

However, there are some fairly cute highlights to be pointed out among the times you were both featured in a post that blew up.

Your favorite is probably that time Asmo livestreamed on of you guys’ ‘Nail Nites,’ as you call them.

You’re both on the floor, doing your nails and kicking your feet back and forth while talking to chat. A lot of the questions are about your relationship, and there’s a lot of flirting back and forth between the two of you.

A particular clip of the stream does blow the fuck up on Devilgram, though, when someone screen records it and posts it with a bunch of heart emojis edited over it.

“’What colors do you think best describe each other?’ Ooo, that’s a good one, chat!” Asmo claps his hands together excitedly, making sure to be  careful of his nails.

Pretty much everyone expected you to say pink, but you surprised both your boyfriend and your viewers when, after a pensive few moments, you replied with “Hmm...probably yellow or orange.”

“Can I ask why, darling?” Asmo tilts his head in confusion. I mean, yeah, those colors look good on him, but he doesn’t wear them often so he’s wondering about your thought process. 

“Well, in the human world those colors often represent happiness, optimism, and positivity. You’re always the cheerful presence I need in my life when things get hard, so you have the vibe of those colors.”

Asmo proceeds to burst into tears and hug you, messing up both of your nails and prolonging the stream since you both have to start over. But neither of you particularly care. 

Fun fact: Asmo has the clip that demon made of that portion of the stream saved on his DDD and watches it whenever he feels sad.

Beelzebub:

Beel and you probably go the most viral out of everybody. Like this moment is an entire phenomenon across the Devildom internet. 

It’s a video, or well, multiple videos, taken at the end of a Fangol game that Beel’s team had just won. Everyone is cheering and going crazy, yourself included, and you just really wanted to congratulate your boyfriend.

So, like the rational person you are, you elect to climb up onto the railing of the bleachers and wave to get his attention. 

You were absolutely fine up there, and sat all comfortably motioning Beel over to you. He notices, of course, and jogs over, standing right beneath you and looking up. (Back where you were sitting, Mammon is screeching like a hyena in heat and Belphie, who is laying down, has one eye open to glare at him. The youngest knows Beel would never let you hurt yourself; you’re fine.)

A bunch of assorted demons at the game has started filming while you were sat atop the railing since you were rather noticeable. Therefore, there’s a shit ton of different angles of the adorable events that follow:

You slide off the railing, landing right in Beel’s waiting arms bridal style. You’ve got this brilliant smile on your face as you pull his helmet off. None of the DDDs filming can hear it over the crowd noise, but Beel asks you why you just went through all that trouble and you tell him it’s because you wanted to tell him how proud you are.

Soft boy’s chest puffs up and he smiles this big cheesy smile at you reach up to run a hand through his hair. You feel him practically purr at the contact, and with a laugh you pull him in and plant a big ole smooch on him.

The crowd, at least those of them that can see, scream. Everyone is running high on adrenaline and happy emotions; something that cute causes a ruckus!! When you pull away Beel proceeds to put you on his shoulders and you celebrate with him and the rest of his team.

The videos of you two being adorable go completely viral and there are some threads dedicated to stockpiling every single angle taken of the event. Beel is completely oblivious to the attention but you have a lot of them saved on your DDD.

Belphegor:

If you think Belphegor has any sort of social media presence whatsoever then you are sorely mistaken. (Well okay he actually does run some anonymous troll accounts to meme on Lucifer’s posts but that’s neither here nor there-)

Therefore, naturally, you two go viral off of Asmo’s Devilgram. 

Okay so someone in the obey me tag the other say headcanoned that Belphie will go out of his way to nap in ridiculous places and my brain really took that and RAN WITH IT.

So what happens is that Belphie will fall asleep in the fucking weirdest places. I’m talking on top of the fridge, underneath the dinner table, on top of bookshelves...you name it, he has slept there, no matter the effort it takes to get there in the first place. 

And, ever since you two started dating, you would join him. Sometimes it involved putting yourself at risk of great bodily harm, but the little smile he gave when you he saw you fucking scaling the countertop to reach him made it worth it.

So anyway, since Beel adores the both of you to no end, he takes pictures whenever he sees you two napping together, whether or not it is in a crazy place. He sends these to the family group chat because he thinks they’re adorable.

Over a span of weeks to months, Asmo has built up a stock of images of you and Belphie cuddles up in seemingly impossible places. Once he has about ten or so, he posts a compilation of them to his Devilgram with some cheesy ass caption like “The things we do for love <3″.

They become a meme SO QUICKLY. Like UNBELIEVABLY quickly. 

The picture of you and Belphie sleeping on top of a bookshelf, in particular, is a big hit. Memes abound.

“If my girl doesn’t climb up a bookshelf to cuddle my ass, she don’t love me.” “Get yourself a partner who scales bookshelves just to be with your ass.” Etc etc...Belphie doesn’t give a shit but you laugh at a lot of them so he sees that as a good outcome.

[you-cant-spell-subtext-without]

I’ve been wondering this for a while, but I wasn’t quite sure how to phrase it kindly, because I do mean it kindly. I’ve followed you for a while and I feel like I’ve seen a lot of defending Mish, which is definitely sometimes warranted, but also sometimes feels like it comes at the expense of other fans. I guess what I am asking is: Do you think any criticism of Jensen or Misha is fair? When do you think fandom becomes toxic positivity? Even if Misha was/is queer, are we comfortable with him using bisexuality, topping, and queerness writ large as a punchline? Why is it okay for him but not Jared? Sorry this is getting long 🤪 but I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I'm going to try and respond to this with as much kindness as I can because I believe you put the effort into your phrasing but please understand this has been an invalidating and exhausting week for me personally for various reasons, and my kindness capacity and spoons are at negative five point two. (got long so here's the cut)

That being said, I've been fairly quiet on here in respect to the current situation, because I received actual death threats from people when I said something positive about Jensen after Denver and honestly since then expressing my opinion on this type of thing hasn't felt as safe or comfortable.

My view of the situation is that everyone is to blame including the fandom. I think the sooner we stop pointing fingers and trying to pin our COLLECTIVE BLAME (Misha, fans, tabloids, antis, assholes) on someone else and take accountability for our role in the situation, the better things will be. Yes, there was valid hurt on parts of fans who wanted to see a part of themselves in someone they admire and its absolutely justifiable to express that hurt. There's nothing reprehensible in saying "I thought he really meant what he said and now I am disappointed."

But hurt feelings and pain do not give anyone a blanket card to be completely and utterly horrible to strangers on the internet (which includes both fellow fans and Misha himself, because despite his openness with the fans - he remains a stranger to us. we do not know anything about his private life or identity. we are familiar with his public image).

I hate the word toxic positivity and honestly calling out others' behavior when it's inappropriate - in APPROPRIATE WAYS, is anything but this. But the vitriol and lashing out I see all around me is not coming from Misha. It is coming from the fans.

In respect to the joke commentary, I do not think Misha has ever treated actual queerness as a punchline. yes, he has made jokes (of a lesser extent than other jokes I see here daily and frankly find over the top myself at times, regardless of the way a person making that joke identifies), but in my personal opinion the community is not nor has ever been treated as the butt of those jokes. If anything everyone laughed along with him, and encouraged him to make more. There's also an entire essay I'd like to write separately that delves into heteronormative standards that are engrained within each of us whether we like it or not but its too much and probably too soon for me to open that dialogue. It suffices for now to say, that in my personal opinion - if we're going to delve into the appropriateness of a joke, I think that appropriateness stems from the joke itself and not the identity of the person making it. You don't get to flash a queer card to excuse the perpetuation of homophobia, even in a humorous way (if Misha has made jokes to this level I agree he should apologize, but that should have also been called out in the moment instead of 'permitted because he may have been considered a person in the community due to his identity and therefore excused to make any joke of any caliber').

This leads me to the fact that all of this begs the question of why anyone currently thinks it's okay to demand private information about someone's sexuality - even if that person is a celebrity. Requiring proof of queerness for acceptance in the community is equivalent to a forced outing of someone who may not be ready to be out. It's also denying entry to those here who may not identify with a certain label, or those who may have identified as straight and are currently questioning that label on whatever basis. This space is about inclusion, not exclusion. A person cannot understand someone else's journey while viewing it solely through the lens of their own, and that's why I firmly believe that there should be a place at the table for anyone seeking it. In more specific comment, treating 'straightness' as something other than a place on what is a very fluid spectrum of sexuality and personal identity, is once again aligning with the structural rigidity of heteronormativity and the patriarchal desire to put people in categories so they can then simply be brushed aside for the advancement of a small elite group. These norms and standards are DESIGNED to produce this exact kind of infighting. Accepting all under the umbrella of community, banding together as a collective to fight the actual evil instead of fighting each other? This is how we resist.

Please note you haven't asked me my own identification or label, and I haven't provided one. Does this make my words less valid? Should I have to preliminarily justify my own reasons for being able to share this opinion with you? Do I belong here? See how muddy the waters get?

I do believe valid criticism of a celebrity's comments and actions is appropriate; and Misha has invited this over and over - he is a person who wants to learn and be educated, and this is part of the reason the apology was made in the first place. But dragging someone through the mud and making memes about what was a sincere and earnest statement is not education.

I won't speak about Jensen because he is not at the center of the current topic of discourse, but my thoughts about him are similar in that he has shown himself to be an advocate and supporter, and has learned and grown from prior statements he has made because he has listened and educated himself.

In respect to Jared, I've thought a lot about the things I myself have said about him in the past on this site, and I regret them. They were mean-spirited, and despite my feelings at the time - that is still not okay. He's also a person. He's learning. We should show all humans a modicum of grace (again - by vocally speaking out if words are harmful, but also by educating and recognizing if change has been made - which, I believe, it has.). For example - I have seen people on here excuse others' hurtful words and conduct because they are in pain and struggling. Should that not apply to all people?

Of course, while I think that feeling hurt and pain as a reaction to someone's words is absolutely valid and necessary - holding ON to that pain, carrying it with you for a long period of time, turns it into something separate and apart from the person and the words that creates more lasting harm. I am sorry for those who are still hurting. I am hurting too, but it's honestly more over the statements that were made by fandom itself and not what Misha said - which may be why my words come across as 'defending Misha at the expense of fandom' - because what I saw that touched my hurting spaces came from FANS, and not from him. I am doing my best to give those people grace as well, to understand that this is coming from personal places of trauma. And that's exactly why finger pointing and blaming each other won't get any of us through this quickly or easily.

Either way, I'm working towards processing it all and moving forwards, and I truly hope everyone else is doing the same. We are here to find joy and escape. I don't want that part of fandom to go away.

Sorry this is so clumsily put. I'm very tired.

[mxbitters]

Womanhood isn't an identity. It's the state of being a biologically female human. We have words for male and female animals as well as male and female humans, and those words are man and woman. Reducing this material reality to a bunch of stereotypes is regressive and you know it, "he/they" white girl too young to have been emo. Gender is not a fandom it's a system of oppression. It's time you grow up instead of playing make believe over the internet.

there’s so much wrong with what you’re saying and i literally never said anything about reducing a gender to stereotypes. gender is an identity, that’s what i said. sex is a social construct determined based on one’s physical characteristics but even that isn’t as cut and dry as you’d like to think.

anyway onto the rest of your ask, first of all i’m not white. just because you look at someone’s profile picture and don’t see them talking about their race upon your quick scroll through their account mining for insults doesn’t mean that they’re automatically white.

and who are you to say anything about emo people oh my god. yeah i was born in 2002 but emo hasn’t just stopped being a genre, it is still a very much thriving genre even if it’s underground again and furthermore i am a musician who mostly makes music that falls under that general category.

i have no clue what you’re talking about gender being a fandom, nobody talks about it like that. and gender isn’t necessarily the problem, gender is just an identity that society assigned meaning to, and it just happens that the dominant western ideology of gender roles has established the patriarchal system of oppression that’s so widespread today.

but it’s just that, it’s a western ideology pushed by white colonialism. i’m indigenous, which i apparently need to be constantly saying in order for people to respect that but i digress. pre-european contact you can see literally across the world that gender was not limited to two things, nor was it necessarily determined via one’s physical characteristics. i can’t speak for every indigenous nation but many including my own had an equal division of labor, jobs of equal importance, respect for women and for those who would (in more recent western terminology, anyway) be considered trans or nonbinary, and just in general gender was not this “system of oppression” you claim it to be.

you spend all this time ranting at strangers about a problem you won’t even see the origin of. it’s not trans people that are taking away your autonomy and actively harming you; it’s the western patriarchal system pushed through a violent history of colonialism that’s harming you. your energy could be going somewhere worthwhile instead of going after and making assumptions about people you don’t know on the internet.

if you people are so concerned about a trans person asking you not to engage in a conversation about afab issues, then stop directing all your energy at trans people and start focusing on things that actually matter. roe v. wade was literally overturned, something that threatens everybody capable of pregnancy, and you’re wasting your time on this. you guys clearly have a lot of energy and the ability to spread things around fast as you all clearly showed with my post. why don’t you use that energy for something that actually helps people instead of being a literal hate group?

[magicpumpkin3]

hey you i see your req are open ? if you have time , can you write about reader ( female or gender natural ) who always act cold and strong in front of other but one day the dorm leader see her crying in the sleep . they like having a nightmares about the dorm leader leaving them and sleep talk about begging them to stay ?

i am sorry if this is too long .

Note: I went through seven stages of grief while writing this. And the crazy part, I have no idea why! (Prob BC of the art/writing block).

Note№2: I sincerely apologize for the delay. But at last, most of my finals are over and I hope my will to live and create will return (and NOT at 3 AM!)

Riddle Rosehearts

He honestly didn't know you fell asleep. You were staying in his room, listening to him, rambling about his dorm members not understanding the importance of rules.

He stopped rambling as soon as you let out a small sob. Slowly turning his head towards you, to make sure he didn't mishear it, Riddle looks at you. Another sob leaves you followed shortly by a hitched inhale. He's momentarily at your side. Riddle isn't quite sure what to do. He knows for sure, he needs to wake you up. While he attempts to do so, you start crying even more, particular shacking from the amount of tears.

Riddle stills when he hears you call out for him. Never have he ever imagined you, of all people calling for him. It's unusual for you to show such deep emotions to anyone so poor thing is absolutely lost at what to do again. He had similar nightmares too (not to the point of years though), so he understands your fear.

He attempts to comfort you in your sleep, since he could wake you up. Riddle hugs you and whispers reassuring things and lot's of "I'll never leave you"s. He'll never mention it to anyone but he will talk about this with you for sure.

Leona Kingscholar

It was one of the many sleepless nights for Leona. He usually listened to your heart to fall asleep faster, feeling safe and loved. Laying on top of you, using you as a pillow, it always helped.

Leona is no stranger to nightmares, quiet the opposite actually. But never did he imagen that you will have one. In front of him. There isn't a lot of people who would understand you, lucky for you, Leona is one of a few, who understand. He trys to wake you up at first, causing you to cry even more. He's panicking, he has no idea what to do. You're always so cold, calm and quiet one of the many reasons why he likes to sleep near you.

Once Leona hears your cry for him, beginning him, to stay. He stills, not believing his ears. He had similar nightmares about you, leaving him. You were always there to comfort him when those night terrors came, so he does the same for you.

He cuddles you, pat's your head, running his fingers through your hair and says probably the sweetest things you'll ever hear from him. Leona won't mention it to anyone and won't talk with you about it. He will cuddle you more and say encouraging stuff to you in private though.

Azul Ashengrotto

He was in his office, counting contracts, before heading towards his room. He couldn't leave his angelfish waiting! You and Azul made an agreement that whenever he's being late to your 'privet' date, you'd wait for him in his room.

Standing right outside the room, Azul heard faint crying. Momentarily, he enters room, normally he knocks, even though it's his room, privacy is privacy but in this situation, he had to.

Seeing you crying in your sleep, made his personal killbill siren go insane! Usually it was the other way around, you comforting him after another bad dream. So Azul did what you usually did to him, try to wake you up and comfort you.

You let out another cry but with his name. Poor Azul was afraid you were having nightmare about him, hurting you. He was about to push away, when you weekly grabbed onto his arm and pleaded to stay with you, still asleep.

Azul stayed by your side whole night, not daring to fall asleep. Not like he could. Whispering words of love and reassurance, cuddling you, with his whole being, Azul silently cried with you, feeling your pain, like no one else. He won't say a word to anyone but he will talk about your fears and insecurities.

Kalim Al-Asim

He just returned from one of his night flys. Usually he just flys on his carpet whenever he couldn't sleep, thais was one of those nights. As soon as you entered Kalim's room and sat down on his bed, you fell asleep, due to up coming exams. Sunshine boy truly tried to fall asleep with you but he couldn't.

So imagen his suprise, when he heard your crys. You! The ice majesty you! You were like that comical 'polar opposites' couple. If anything, it was most likely him being the crying one then you!

Poor Kalim was panicking half of the time! He was about to call Jamil for help (since vice dorm leader always helped him to calm down in saddest moments) but then he heard your crys for him. You, the always cool and calm, you were calling for him???

Kalim wouldn't even try to wake you up in fear of scaring you even more, instead he'd attempt to comfort you through your sleep. Hugging, cuddling you, pressing gentle kisses here and there. He'd try to stay awake the whole night but unfortunately he falls asleep embracing you. In the morning he's very tempted to ask others for advice but Kalim understands, that it's too personal. He'll be a bit awkward about it (he doesn't know how to approach you when it comes to emotions) but he will talk with you about your nightmares.

Vil Schoenheit

Normally he was the one to fall asleep first but oh well. You did look horribly tired this whole day. Schoenheit was in a good mood, so he decided to have a beauty sleep with you (aka go to sleep at 9 pm).

He was about to fell asleep but was shacken back to the reality with your sobs. At first, he thought it was just his sleepy mind and imagination but when you started to toss around the bed and cry even more aggressively. Vil would usually just knocked some sense into you, to not ruin his beauty sleep but it's not the case.

He isn't the best guy if you need comfort. Especially if he's used to you being cold and calm on the outside (like him). So Vil is really confused on what to do. Logically he'd try to wake you up first and if that fails, he'd still be lost for a good fee seconds. Don't be mad at him, please, he trys his best. Vil would try to hug you and keep you in place, so you wouldn't accidentally hurt yourself, try to calm you, by saying stuff like 'it's okay', 'let it out' and 'sh…I'm here for you'.

When he first heard you cry for him, Vil like Azul thought, he was the cause of your tears. He was about to start to think some really depressing things but then you begged for him to stay. It's like something snapped in him. Vil never thought that you'd be that attached to him. He'd be more 'aggresive' in his calming attempts. More 'I love you's and 'I won't ever leave you's, tightening his embrace and all. He wouldn't talk to anyone about it and he would be hesitant to talk to you about it too. Since he's also an 'ice queen' he tried to think how'd that go through his point of view. But in the end you'd still discussed it.

Idia Shroud

You both were chillaxing in his room. Idia was having one of those long night gaming marathon/sessions and you accidentally fell asleep on his bed. Idia doesn't mind though, he understands that you're probably tired and his bed is comfy!

Before long, he was at max level fighting with the boss and he was about to disintegrate that worthless being- Wait, did he hear it correct? Pushing pause, Idia pushed his headphones a bit. Yep, that was someone crying. Hold on... IT'S JUST YOU AND HIM HERE!!! Remember, I told you about killbill siren in Azul's head? Now THIS is a killbill siren. Idia is panicking his shit out and has no actual idea what to do! His anxiety level has never been so high.

Usually he was the one having nightmares (if you were lucky to catch him asleep) in your couple, so if something you or Ortho were the one to comfort him. Poor Idia, he was on the verge of tears from the panic. He was about to call Ortho for help when he heard your cry for him, his name being chocked out from your trembling body. Hesitant, he would try to wake you up (And miserably failed). Idia will mostly say reassuring words and won't do much physical contact since he's afraid of scaring you even more. He really is worried, don't get me wrong! After that, he would only ask Ortho for the advice (or internet in anon mode). He doesn't want to mess up things even more so he'll be shy asking you about it. You and him will still talk at some point though.

Malleus Draconia

Fae's sleeping schedule is a... wierd thing but it is what it is. Usually Malleus just watches you sleep instead of sleeping himself. So here you were in bed next to him, sleeping peacefully, while Draconia watched you like a hawk.

So when your face started to show the slightest hints of discomfort, he noticed it. And from that moment on, his 'protecting' instincts were acting up. He didn't risk waking you up right away but he git closer to your sleeping form non-theless. He was monitoring everything, starting with what expression does your face makes and ending with your heart beat.

When you let out your first shaky sob, Malleus felt like there's a crack in the floor and it's getting bigger. He had no idea what to do. While he was spacing out and silently panicking, you started to cry even harder. Poor baby, was scared to do anything! He tried to wake you up but you just started crying even harder! Malleus got a heart attack when you cried his name out. Like Azul he thought, he was the reason of your nightmare. The only thought about it made him go to the verge of tears. Malleus was brought back to the reality by you, pleading for him to stay. Mal mal would hug you, whisper promises of being with you forever and try to slowly rock you like a baby to ease your bad dream. He won't mention it to anyone and won't talk with about it. But if it happens again, he'll decently confront you about your nightmares.

[cat-induced-fever-dream]

Acquaintances

Pairing: Wanda x Fem!Reader

Genre: Fluff

Description: Wanda meets someone who doesn’t treat her like a villain, but she doesn’t know who you really are.

Notes: I promise it’s fluff and not a trap. Also sorry about my hiatus, I’m just super unmotivated to do anything. So here’s my feeble offering to try and get back into writing.

- - -

Wanda groaned at the sight of a man with a camera. All she wanted was to pop down to the shops, buy some paprika, but alas, even a shopping trip was gold for the paparazzi. Maybe if she hid behind an aisle he would leave. But she heard the door open behind her. Ducking quickly behind a stack of tuna cans, she scanned the rows for the precious package.

She knew she wasn’t the favourite of the public, and the guilt of what she’d done ate her alive every night, but she was sick of being blamed. All she did was try her best, but this was the kind of thanks she got.

She frowned a little when she saw the man round the corner. She steeled herself, not wanting the tears to spring to her eyes. Turning around to face him, she- There was a person talking to him. You had a shopping bag in your hand, so you must have been another customer. Dressed smartly with a blazer, but paired with jeans and sneakers, you looked friendly, but the cold look you gave the man said otherwise. You exchanged words quietly with the reporter, and he seemed to refuse you, turning back to look at her. Realising that this was the perfect stall to get out of the store, she resumed her search. Cumin, Ginger, Paprika! Quickly glancing back to see how long she had, she saw you hand the man a business card as he hurriedly shuffled away.

“Sorry about that,” you turned to her, looking genuinely apologetic.

“Why?” she asked, it coming out harsher than she meant for it to. “It wasn’t even your fault.”

You shrugged. “You don’t deserve it.”

Wanda frowned again at this. She didn’t even know you, but you helped her out, so the least she could do was be polite. “Thanks.”

“No problem,” you smiled. The two of you started to walk towards to counter. More like she did and you kind of happened to as well. “What are you cooking with the paprika?”

Sliding the bag to the cashier, she turned to face you properly. “I was making a traditional Sokovian dish.”

“I’m a big fan of trying different cuisines,” you replied, eyes sparkling with curiosity. “That sounds delicious.”

Wanda’s not really sure why you’re trying to make conversation, but you didn’t seem to have an agenda, so she indulged you with a response as the two of you walked out of the store. “It is, my mum always had the best recipe.”

“Ah well, my parents weren’t around much, so I can’t say the same,” you laughed, throwing your shopping in the back of what must have been your car.

Wanda hadn’t even realised she had walked with you to your car. That was embarrassing. “Well, it was nice to meet you, but I should be going now,” backing away as quickly as she could without making a fool of herself.

“Wait,” you called, “do you need a lift back?”

“You’re a stranger.”

“Well I know your name is Wanda,” you grinned cheekily, opening the passenger door. “And my name is Y/N. Guess we’re not strangers anymore. So, what do you say? It’s the least I could do, with that man bothering you.”

She’s not sure what compelled her to agree, but she found herself sitting in a plush leather seat as you adjusted the rear view mirror. Tapping the dashboard screen, you pulled up a map to Avengers Tower and backed out of the parking lot.

You didn’t seem to mind that she didn’t make conversation, bopping your head gently to whatever pop song was on the radio. Instead she spent the time trying to figure out who you were and why you were being so nice. “It’s rude to stare, you know?” you winked at her.

Wanda felt the heat rush to her cheeks. “Wha- No, sorry,” she mumbled. She’d done it again, made herself look dumb. You giggle, returning your eyes to the road. Trying not to stare at you this time, she observed the fancy watch adorning your wrist, and the sleek interior of the car. You must be a businesswoman of some sort, since this clearly wasn’t your average suburban car. But you were wearing jeans. Maybe a lower level employee than?

She sat there musing, until the door suddenly opened. “We’re here,” you smiled, gesturing at the grand tower that was now her home.

Why couldn’t she stop being so awkward? This was the third time. Unbuckling the seatbelt, she stumbled out, clutching the paprika to her chest. “Thanks again.”

“Anytime, Wanda.” And with a small wave, you hopped back into your car and drove off.

- - -

Heading straight to her room, Wanda abandoned her plans for paprikash. The whole interaction was quite frankly, baffling. No one was ever nice to her, except for the Avengers. But you clearly knew who she was, driving her back to the tower without an address. Tossing her jacket on her bed, she sighed. It’s not like she’d ever see you again. That’s when she noticed the card peeking out from the pocket. There was a phone number printed neatly on it, and a cursive scrawl underneath. “I am actually interested in the dish though. Could I have the name of it?”

She hadn’t exactly interacted with anyone else, so it must’ve been you. Running her thumb over the ink, she was hit with a renewed sense of energy. Grabbing the paprika, she dashed back down the stairs.

- - -

You’re spinning around in your office chair when your phone goes off. Clicking on the message, a small smile makes its way into your face.

Unknown Number: this is the dish i was talking about

Unknown Number: *image*

Unknown Number: it’s paprikash

- - -

“Hey Wanda,” Tony called, a carefully wrapped package in his arms, “this came for you.”

One look at the scarlet wrapping paper, and she knew who it was from. “Thanks Tony,” she said, grabbing it and running to her room.

Setting the package gently on her bed, she untied the ribbon and unfolded the wrapping paper. Nestled in the middle, a box of cookies.

She grinned to herself. Wanda’s been texting you for a couple of months now, and now she could really say that you’re not strangers. She knows that you can’t cook, but you can bake. You’re a businesswoman “of sorts” you say, and that you’re a pretty busy person. But regardless, you hang out with her, chilling in the local coffee shop, going shopping, even just a stroll around the park. She also knows that this happiness she gets when she sees you is definitely not platonic.

Opening the lid, the chocolate aroma wafts into her room. Her favourite of your baked goods. There’s a note tucked into the side of the box, and she delicately pulls it out. “Be my girlfriend?” she read, the handwriting obviously yours. Wait. Be my girlfriend? She sat there dumbly for a couple of seconds before it hit her. You’re asking her to be your girlfriend. Wanda scrambled for her phone, snapping a picture to send to you.

Y/N: those cookies look delicious, who sent them?

The witch rolled eyes at your antics, but played along.

Wanda: idk, but i just got asked out

Y/N: whoaaaa, did you say yes?

Wanda: yes you dumbass

Y/N: okay, under other circumstances that would’ve hurt, but i’m too excited to care right now <3

Wanda: ...

Wanda: did you try to bribe me with cookies?

Y/N: it worked, didn’t it?

Wanda: i can’t believe i actually like you

Y/N: honestly, me too

Y/N: sorry it’s a busy day, but you wanna come over for dinner?

Wanda: sounds good <3

Y/N: i’ll come pick you up, see you then girlfriend

She didn’t want bugs in her room, so Wanda grabbed the box to put in her kitchen cupboard. Balancing a cookie in her mouth, she was about to close the lid, when a hand pinched one. Eyes immediately glowing red, she locked onto Sam as he backed away, half eaten cookie and hands up in surrender.

“Do that again and I will give you nightmares.”

The Falcon whistled lowly. “Okay. Protective over cookies. Got it.”

“There’s cookies?” Bucky asked, strolling in.

“No.”

“Oh okay.”

- - -

The heroes were sprawled on the couches playing a game of UNO when Wanda came down the stairs.

“What are you doing with that hoodie?” Tony asked sharply.

Wanda furrowed her eyebrows. “This.. hoodie?” she replied, tugging on the drawstrings of the soft item of company clothing she was wearing.

“Yes! That’s my enemy’s!”

She didn’t really want to get into whatever nonsense the genius was spouting again. “My friend lent it to me.”

“You have friends?” joked Sam.

Steve gave the man a warning look. “It’s good that you’re adjusting to life here.”

“I think the important question here,” Natasha said from her spot, “is where are you going?”

“Dinner,” she replied, trying to look as nonchalant as possible. She tried to fight the silly smile that crept into her face whenever she thought about you, but she mustn’t have hid it well enough, since the red headed spy gave her a sickeningly sweet smile.

I hate you, she projected.

Nat winked back.

“Based on the way Miss Maximoff keeps anxiously glancing at the door, there is likely to be someone waiting for her,” Vision piped up. “I have searched the Internet databases, and from what I have gathered, your casual outfit means that you are going with someone you are familiar with. The sharing of clothes is usually reserved for close friends or romantic partners only.”

Of course the android had to get involved.

“Your heart rate seems to be speeding up Miss Maximoff. Are you okay?”

“Wanda Maximoff,” Tony asked slowly, “do you have a boyfriend?”

That’s when all hell broke loose.

“Who is he?”

“Is he hot?”

“Where did you meet?”

“How did you even get a boyfriend?”

“Can we meet him?”

“What-“

“Okay,” she groaned. Well it was bound to happen eventually. She just wished she could’ve gotten even a few months without the teasing. “I have a girlfriend, yes she’s hot, yes I’m going to have dinner with her, and I’ll ask about meeting. I’m going to go now.” With that, she stepped into the elevator.

“Don’t think this conversation is over witchy,” called Tony, as the doors slid shut.

- - -

“Hey,” you smiled as she slid into the car. “What took you so long?”

“The Avengers found out.”

You chuckled at that. “What, did they interrogate you or something?”

“Something like that.” She paused. “They want to meet you.”

“Are you sure?”

“They’re my family, and they’ll love you as much as I do.”

“Cute,” you grinned, “but I don’t know about Tony.”

“Trust me, they’re a mess a lot of the time, but they’re good people.”

You checked through your phone. “I haven’t got anything on around lunch tomorrow. I can come by then, how does that sound?”

“So you’ll come?”

“Anything for my girlfriend.”

- - -

Her green eyes locked onto you amongst the bustle of suits in the lobby.

“Hey.”

You adjusted the grey fabric of your pantsuit. “Hey yourself.”

“Did you wear the suit to impress me?” Wanda asked, delicately tugging on your tie.

“Actually, I’ve got a meeting with the investors later. Gotta make an impression, you know?”

“Well consider me impressed,” she whispered against your ear.

Blushing, you allowed Wanda to lead you to the elevator.

- - -

Clint wasn’t sure what to expect with you. But if Wanda liked you, you were sure to be one of the good sorts. So maybe like a cute girl she met at the cafe or something. He sure as hell wasn’t expecting the confident girl dressed in a suit to step out of the elevator.

All of them were lined up in the common room and he’s pretty sure any normal person would have been intimidated by the sheer amount of Avengers in front of them, but you stepped up to them absolutely unfazed.

“Mr Rogers,” you offered your hand to shake, “a pleasure to meet you.”

Steve was expecting to have to take the lead with introductions, but here you seemed to be handling yourself fine. “Likewise.”

“Is Mr Stark here today?” you asked him.

“He’s a bit busy at the mo-“

Clattering and a string of curses interrupted him. And of course, the man himself stepped into the room, Iron Man debris in his wake.

“Tony,” Steve scolded.

“What? Did you think I’d miss meeting the girl who stole the heart of our cold antisocial emo?”

Wanda tossed a couch pillow at him, but he brushed it off.

“Tony Stark,” he declared.

You shook his hand politely. “I know who you are Mr Stark.”

“And you are...?”

“Y/N L/N.”

The genius might have been singed from his armour, but the moment that name fell from your lips, he yanked his hand away, as if he was burned.

“L/N. As in L/N Corporations?”

“That’s me.”

Abruptly he turned to Wanda. “Do you know who this is?” he hissed. “The greatest rival to Stark Industries. I thought you were introducing your girlfriend.”

You gave him a winning smile. “I am her girlfriend Mr Stark. And you may have made me your rival, but I can assure you that you are not mine.”

Sam snorted.

“What are you doing here then? Are you here to try and steal data? You can’t...”

You paid him no mind as you winked at Sam. Spotting the metal arm, your eyes widened. “You must be Bucky, right? Princess Shuri told me she’d been working on some vibranium projects. I’d love to take a closer look some other day if you don’t mind?”

“How do you know Shuri?” Stark spluttered.

“You think that she only talks to rich boys who need her help? Sorry to burst your bubble.”

Nat couldn’t help but smirk at this.

“Oh and I’ve actually been working on some prototype Widow Bites as a bit of a free time project,” you added. “If you’re interested, your opinion on usage would really help me to refine them.”

“Of course.”

“Traitor,” Tony glared.

It’s at this point your phone began to ring. Glancing down, you offered a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry, I’ve really got to take this.” You turned to face the wall as your friendly tone turned professional.

The Avengers huddled together as your call went on.

“Is she using you for information?” Tony scowled.

Wanda scowled back. “She’s my girlfriend Stark. Not everything is about you.”

He looked as if he was going to say more, but Steve interrupted.

“Look Tony, she seemed like a perfectly lovely girl.”

“Yeah I like her,” added Sam. “She can keep your ego in check.”

“If Wanda likes her, I’m fine with it too.” Clint said.

Wanda gave him a thankful look.

A cough came awkwardly behind them.

“I really hate to cut this short everyone, but something’s come up back at the office. Investors are a pain.”

“Yeah go on back to your investors then,” spat Tony.

“Wow” you drawled, heading back to the elevator, “is the rich card the only thing you can play Stark?”

The light on the wall indicated that the cab had arrived, and you stepped inside the carriage which would take you back down, as Peter stepped out.

“Oh hey Y/N, what are you doing here?”

“I was just leaving Pete, but swing by later, alright?”

“You know it.”

“Oh and I heard you liked the hoodie I gave Wanda, Mr Stark,” you called. “I can grab you one as well, since it’s my company. But I really do gotta run now. Nice to meet you all!” The metal doors slid shut on your grinning face.

There was a silence, before Tony turned on his protégée. “How the hell are you on a first name business with her?”

“We’re friends?” Peter offered.

“Friends?”

“She went to college with me. She was super smart and we hung out and stuff. You know, what friends usually do.”

Squirming under his mentor’s gaze, he continued. “She was too smart for college though, so she dropped out and started her company. It didn’t mean we stopped being friends though.”

“Why didn’t you tell me Underoos?”

“She figured you might overreact, especially with the web sho-“ The boy’s eyes widened, and he made a mad dash for the stairs.

But Tony grabbed his wrist. “What were you saying?”

Peter sighed, running a hand through his hair anxiously. “She helped me out with my web shooters in college, and since then, she’s been developing them with me.”

“What?”

“She knows I’m Spider-Man and I work with her on my tech,” he said slowly.

The man surveyed his teammates, making deliberate eye contact with each and every one of them. “Traitors, the lot of you,” he huffed.

“I mean you gotta admit it,” laughed Sam. “She’s college age, and built an empire to rival you. Not to mention that she’s pretty, smart, has better PR and actual time management skills-“

“Okay I get it,” the genius cut him off.

“Don’t be upset,” Clint smirked, “you can’t lose if you’re not her competition.”

Tony stomped off.

“Don’t worry about him, he’ll come around,” Steve said gently, nodding at Wanda who was fiddling anxiously with her rings.

“She was cool,” added Nat. “Tony can be a pain in the ass, but he knows she’s a good person.”

Her phone buzzed in her hand.

<3: i’d say that went pretty well

Wanda: cannot believe you didn’t tell me

<3: i’m really sorry babe, please don’t hate me

Wanda: i could never

<3: just didn’t want him to stop you from fraternising with the enemy or whatever

Wanda: i’d break the rules for you any day

<3: how romantic

<3: so miss rebel, you coming over tonight?

Wanda: depends if you’re still wearing the suit

<3: anything for you ;)

[astranva]

Falling Duet

Word Count: 2.4k

Category: Fluff but it’s so 🥺

Warning: Nothing

Request: harry dating singer!reader: he has to perform at some awards and he invites her to sing with him but no one else knows? love your writing🤧❤

Summary: You and Harry sing an unreleased version of Falling at an award show.

The lyrics used are of “Falling (other POV)” by THE cutie, Ally Naso 🤍

// masterlist //

**reposted bc tumblr is messing up the tags & nobody can view it. sigh.

..

It all started when a friend of yours had recorded you singing in your school’s bathroom during senior year.

7 years ago, you wouldn’t have believed it if somebody told you that you would be a 13-time Grammy nominated artist, as well as having 6 of that very award sitting on your shelf at your childhood home – one for Best Artist, and one for Album of the year.

You would have laughed even.

But it wasn’t a joke nor was it a dream you wished to never wake up from; it was as real as life could be.

You were successful in the industry and if any of your fans were asked, they would say that it was because of your immense talent and unproblematic, empathetic, kind character.

It was one of the many reasons why so many people on the internet had shipped you with a certain English man, him having been only 20 when you went viral and got signed.

A year into the industry, it was one day when you remember your Twitter notifications going crazy;

“HARRY STYLES JUST SAID HE LOVES YOUR MUSIC AND THINKS YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL”

“omg pls tell us you watched 1d’s interview with jimmy kimmel”

“IT’S FINALLY HAPPENING! CAN YOU PLEASE BE TOGETHER ALREADY???”

Looking back at that memory, you remember how you were a shaking and overwhelmed mess as you had clicked on the link everybody was sending you.

The video had begun with the audience cheering as the camera was on Jimmy and the 5 men near him.

And there he sat; in a black suit with a white shirt underneath, medium-length hair looking like he had run his fingers through many times, his hands clasped as he looked at Jimmy.

“Who’s most likely to let a woman split the band?” Jimmy had asked.

They had looked at each other, not answering for a moment before Niall chimed in with a laugh as he pointed at Harry, “Harry would let his celebrity crush do that.”

Harry rolled his eyes jokingly as his bandmates agreed and laughed, slapping his hands against his thighs in feigned annoyance.

“Who is that? Who’s your celebrity crush?”

“Just this talented person.” He had tried to smile his way through the question, but no one was having it.

“You know Y/N Y/L/N? She’s an amazing singer,” Louis told Jimmy.

“Y/N!” Jimmy beamed, “We had her on the show two weeks ago.”

“Yeah, he watched that.” Liam had gestured towards Harry.

Hiding his face in his hands for a moment, the audience cheered as his friends continued to laugh.

“She’s amazing, isn’t she?” Jimmy asked Harry in a teasing manner.

Having had decided to get it over with, Harry nodded as he clasped his hands together again, “She’s very talented and beautiful.”

“Lovie, can you help me with the necklace? My nails are still drying.”

You looked up from your place on the couch, sitting in your long dress looking so beautiful that Harry had lost track of time of getting into his own suit because he was too busy giving you a photoshoot on his phone.

Standing up, you reached and clasped his necklace for him, dusting his shoulders to signal that you were done.

Turning, you were met with your boyfriend of 4 years beaming at you before he leaned to press his lips against yours.

“You look so good.” You smiled up at him, “So beautiful.”

“Have to try to catch up with how you look tonight,” he replied with a wide smile, “Nervous?”

“Not really.” You admitted.

Amusingly and completely and utterly in love, Harry tilted his head slightly, “Any reason why you’re not? You usually hate those.”

It was true. You didn’t really like award shows because of how tiresome all the process was; hair, makeup, dressing up, walking only to pause every second, the repeated questions you have been answering for years, how more judgmental the world was on nights like these.

But it was always when Harry was able to be by your side that you liked the night, and the tall man knew it, but he had always loved hearing you say it.

To feed his ego, you wrapped your arms around his neck, “Because you’ll be there.”

“Music to my ears.” He joked, shaking his head slightly.

“Just feeding that already overfed ego of yours, baby.”

“Excuse you.” He pecked your lips, “Let me add food for Evie then we can leave.”

“I’ll do it, don’t mess up your nails.” You patted his chest before moving away to attend to your cat.

The fans and reporters all had anticipated the moment of yours and boyfriend’s arrival, and the both of you knew it.

You were fairly private with your relationship. While everyone knew you were together, the both of you didn’t always post about one another but when you did, it went viral – something you and Harry, shamelessly, enjoyed.

It was why during moments like this, everyone was eager. Reporters were hungry for content, all having different intentions, but you spend enough time in the industry and you sort of begin knowing what to say and how to say it.

Harry was scheduled to perform, something everyone knew of, but it was the fact that you were joining him not on the red carpet, but on stage that they didn’t.

Getting out of the car together, the screams and flashing lights were then doubled.

Harry closed the door behind you with a polite smile to the security standing. Bending a little, he adjusted your dress’s short train for you as you looked back at it before you looked up at him.

As if they weren’t snapping pictures like crazy yet, you reached and fixed Harry’s hair at the front, his eyes looking up with a smile as you did so.

“Thanks, love.”

With that, Harry placed his arm around your waist as you walked to the first spot on the red carpet.

“When was the last time we appeared together? They’re going mad.” You whispered, looking at Harry as he smiled to the cameras.

He chuckled, looking at you, “I think we deprive them too much.”

“Let’s give them enough content to last a year.”

Nobody but the both of you knew what you meant, and it was why the flashing lights and camera shutter sounds were then tripled the moment Harry’s lips were on yours in a soft kiss.

“Can we sign stuff?” You asked a woman standing on the sides, “Can we see the fans?”

When she nodded at you, you and Harry ignored posing for a few minutes to converse and meet fans.

“I love you and Harry so much!” One fan said shakily as you signed a paper for him.

“Thank yo- Hey! I saw you in Amsterdam last year, right?” You grinned.

And that was another thing not only your fans loved about you, but Harry, too.

You were no stranger to connections. You were no stranger to making people feel seen and treating them in a way that no fan expected to be treated – a friend, and you remember friends.

“Harry, do you think Y/N will win Songwriter of the Year?” A fan asked.

Harry shrugged with a smile, “I hope so but we all know she is anyway.” He waved his hand with a joking manner, making the closest fans laugh.

“What about you? Do you think you’ll win Artist of the Year?”

“I don’t know,” he smiled, “There are so many amazing artists. I wish them all the best.”

“He’s a humble man,” you teased, patting his shoulder, “We all know he is anyway.”

You were confused as they, Harry included, laughed in shock. “What?”

“He literally has just said the same thing about you.”

You laughed, looking at Harry, “Shut up, no way!”

“The both of you have been doing that for years.” One fan commented with a grin, “It’s adorable. It’s like telepathy or something.”

“Oh yeah, we are telepathic,” Harry nodded, “It gets a little scary sometimes.”

“Heeey!” You laughed, “It’s actually helpful. One of us would be just walking at home and we’d look at each other and know that the other just means something like “feed Evie” or “take out the trash””

“This is so cute!”

“Harry, what are you performing tonight?”

“You’ll find out in a bit.” He pointed.

Shortly, you and Harry had to take more pictures and do interviews before you were escorted inside.

It was the little moments that fans also lived for; how Harry held your hand as you sat so discreetly, how the both of you chatted and giggled among one another and those around you, how Harry fist-bumped the air the moment your name was called to receive your award of Songwriter of the Year before kissing you. It was how they knew this was real – how love wasn’t something you only listen people sing about or write novels for.

It was in how Harry’s eyes didn’t move from you as you gave your speech, a wide smile on his face and eyes resembling twinkling stars for crying out loud.

It was in how you ended your speech with: “This is to the man who has inspired and pushed me forward to write every single day. I love you.”

It was in how you looked more nervous than Harry himself when his category was called before you were the first to get out of your seat with a happy “yes!” once they announced that he won.

It was in how Harry cupped your face that moment to kiss you before walking to receive his award.

It was in how you remained standing, those behind you only smiling instead of being annoyed, with your hands clutched together against your heart, tearful eyes, and the brightest smile in the room.

“You’re going to tell me this is cheesy,” Harry chuckled slightly, giving a shrug as he looked at you, “But I wouldn’t be standing here, holding this, if it weren’t for you. I love you, too.”

But then Harry was about to perform and you weren’t in your seat.

The award show had decided to make a skit of it, the host being Miley had held her microphone as she stood in the empty isle beside yours and Harry’s empty seats.

“We know Harry Styles is performing in minutes,” she said, looking at the camera with a playful smile, “But where is Y/N Y/L/N? We know, we know,” she nodded, “Probably backstage for some extra good luck but-” people laughed, causing Miley to pause and chuckle, “But seriously, guys. There’s a show and it must go on.”

“It’s going on.” Harry said from backstage into his mic before the stage went dark.

It wasn’t until piano tunes sounded that the arena grew dim, a spotlight on the piano at the center of the stage where you sat, your fingers gentle against the keys as you played the beginning notes of Falling.

“I'm in my bed,

And you're not here

And there's no one to blame

But the drink in my wandering hands.” Harry sang as he came on stage, holding the mic in his hand before taking a seat beside you.

Everyone had expected him to sing the next verse, but it wasn’t his voice that they then heard.

“I'm in my bed

Instead of yours

Cried to sleep turned off all of lights and locked all of the doors.” You sang, eyes on the piano keys.

“Forget what I said

It's not what I meant

And I can't take it back

I can't unpack the baggage you left.” His eyes were on you, body turned slightly towards you as he felt like the both of you were in your living room in front of your white piano.

“I replay what you said

Don’t know if it’s true

Left with two broken hearts and there’s nothing that we could undo.” You sang, closing your eyes as you got ready for the chorus.

“What am I now? What am I now?

What if I'm someone I don't want around?

I'm falling again, I'm falling again, I'm falling.”

“What am I now? What am I now?

Don’t want to cry ‘cause I can’t stand the sound

I'm falling again, I'm falling again, I'm falling.”

The both of you sang together, your voice being softer and quieter than Harry’s.

“What if I'm down?

What if I'm out?

What if I'm someone you won't talk about?

I'm falling again, I'm falling again, I'm falling.”

“What if I'm down? What if I'm out?

What if you’re someone I can’t live without?

I'm falling again, I'm falling again, I'm falling.”

It was a version nobody had heard before, and it was why everyone was quiet, the only sound coming from you, Harry, and your lone instrument.

It was something you had written together following a rough patch of your relationship, and everyone knew that it was more personal with the way the both of you sang.

When his eyes weren’t closed, Harry sang as he looked at you, and he knew that performing this song meant more to the both of you than anyone could imagine. One look at your face and Harry knew you were reliving the night of when the both of you had written this; eyes a little red from crying, bodies hot, Harry wearing a hoodie of yours while you sat in your underwear with his purple fluffy robe on.

“Can I do this alone without ever needing you again?”

“And I get the feeling that you'll never need me again.”

You both sang the bridge together, yours being shorter than Harry’s note as you carried a softer tone, closing your eyes as you played the piano, feeling your throat close up before gulping.

He knew.

It was why the final chorus was sung softer and quieter, Harry’s forehead resting against your temple for a moment as the both of you sang.

“I’m falling again, I’m falling again, I’m falling.” Harry finished, putting his mic down as he stared at you with a small smile, watching you in your element as you played.

Managing to look at him as you played single soft notes, you sang, “I’m falling again, I’m falling again, I’m falling.”

You played the end single notes, looking at Harry with tearful eyes and a bashful smile.

It was like you were unaware to the erupted cheer and round of applause, you threw your arms around Harry, feeling his arms wrap around you instantly.

Crying from the overwhelming emotions, you were thankful your mascara was waterproof. You called it.

“I love you,” Harry whispered in your ear, “I love you so much.”

[chai-ssi-latte]

long story short 💞

Chris Evans

About: You held a small party for your birthday with your closest friends and family. You’re also happy to celebrate it with your boyfriend, Chris. It was a day of acceptance and forgiveness, for yourself and for those who have hurt you in the past. 

Note: OC characters.

Masterlist | Prompt List | Masterlist (Taylor Swift Songfics)

Send a tip here :) | Donations/Tips are not required but is very much appreciated :> It will help me support myself in uni and my studies :)

Gif not mine :)

It was loud, but not too loud. You enjoyed the noises of people chatting, singing, laughing, and even Dodger’s bark here and there. You’re not the one to throw a party, but the past year was something you’ll never forget. It was one of the darkest days of your life, but just like what they say, there would always be a rainbow after the rain. 

Like how Chris came into your life. He was your daylight after a nonstop rain and unbearable darkness. “You okay?” Chris asked, wrapping an arm around you. You smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Yeah. I’m so happy I threw this party.” He knew how much you missed your friends...your real friends, the ones who have stood by you no matter what.

“Chat with them. I’ll go watch this barbecue.” He gestured for you to go. You gave him another kiss and moved towards your friends.

“Hey! Hope you’re all having a great time.” You greeted, sitting next to a Claire, one of your closest. “Duh, of course we are.” she said, hugging you.

“We’re actually just talking about Leo, that dick. Did you know he’s getting married?” Claire said in disbelief. “I didn’t know he had it in him.”

“Had what?” Jack asked.

“Settling down. I thought he didn’t want marriage and kids, and all that jazz.” You muffled a laughter. Claire has always been frank about things. She’s not the one who sugar coat things. 

“You know, it’s nice to see you laugh about him now.” Claire looked at you. “I’m proud of you.” All your friends nodded in agreement. 

You fake fan your tears, “Guys!” and sobbed jokingly. 

“Yeah, back then that sob was real.” Jack jested, and the whole table erupted in laughter.

Leo... the guy who you thought to be the one for you. He promised you marriage until one day, he changed his mind, saying that marriage is not for him. And kids? He doesn’t want them. 

Getting married and having kids have always been a dream of yours. You’re okay with it not being this time, but one day... surely it was one of the dreams you want to achieve; to have a great husband and a few kids, with you being the greatest mother and wife that you could be.

The breakup was all over the media. Leo held an interview about the breakup while you stayed silent. 

“I think you just know when someone isn’t for you.” he had said. “She’s out there meeting guys, and I’m just...you know.”

And every one assumed that you were cheating. You were painted as the bad guy and they took your silence as guilt. Instead of speaking up, which you know wouldn’t help as much anyway, you drowned everything in silence; laying low in Boston, and trying to heal yourself on your own.

That’s when Chris came into your life. You found a comfort place on your stay in Sudbury, it was a cafe that turned out to be Chris’ comfort place as well. For some reason, it was always packed during Wednesdays, so sharing a table with stranger is common. Chris happened to share a table with you.

He knew what happened, but he also knew not to trust all the things in the internet. It was a nice chat, almost like you both had your very first date. You didn’t know why you told him your side of the story, but you’re glad that he believed you. His eyes and smiles comforted you throughout the night. Time went like a blur as you both get to know each other.

Before leaving the cafe, he asked you out. Two weeks later, he became your boyfriend. 

You were scared, thinking you’re moving too fast, but he felt like home, and you’d gladly stay in it.

“Barbecues and more beers.” Chris placed the food and drinks on the table. “I’ll be back, the moms and the dads need barbecues as well.” He kissed your hair before leaving, and you can’t help but watch his retreating figure.

“I’m glad you found him.” Jack said. 

“I think he’s the one who found me.” You uttered. 

“The media gave you a bad time, now you’re experiencing your best. You got the wrong guy before, now you have the one. And you deserve all of it.” Claire stated.

You smiled lovingly at your friend. “Thanks, Claire.”

“Okay so what are we talking about here?” Your friends provided a space for Chris, and he sat next to you, putting an arm behind you.

“Ah yeah, right.” Anthony talked. “Remember the time when you slipped on the stairs and we all laughed at you?”

“Come on!”

“And the time when you leaked a nu-”

“Shut the fuck up!”

And just like that, the boisterous laughs can be heard throughout the neighborhood. 

With all the evil stares, fake rumors, and stupid stories written about you, you got through all of it. You forgave Leo a long time ago. You have accepted the fact that not all your friends would stay by your side, and you forgave them too. Even after with the hurtful words they shouted. 

Long story short, you survived.

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