#because the ‘love’ she grew up with…

[awawage]

Kpop Demon Hunter Idea

Thinking about a K-pop demon hunter AU. But the reader is the top K-pop singer of the moment, not even Huntrix can defeat them. The reader goes by the stage name (S/N), they have the most fans, and everyone who likes Saja Boys or Huntrix has heard of (S/N) and is probably a fan too. I was thinking like Lady Gaga because everyone love Lady Gaga, my queen.

But there's a secret: you're actually half demon oops.

I'm new to writing so it might be ooc.

One night, Rumi, the workaholic that she is, is the only one awake, working on the lyrics of her new song. That is, until she feels a disturbance in the air. There, outside the window a small red spot in the middle of Seoul.

She decides to venture out alone since Mira and Zoey totally deserve a break. The tear is was small, so there shouldn't be too many demons.

----

Well, that’s unexpected. The tear is right above K Entertainment, one of the biggest K-pop companies in Korea. That's where big singers get signed in, if you're with KE then your life career is only about to go up.

That's where you were signed at, the biggest idol in Korea right now, not even Huntrix or Saja boys can get on your level. She never met you before but your works has always inspired her and other Huntrix members to keep going. You're the K Entertainment golden child.

She needs to enter the building fast. Who knows what star is inside getting their soul sucked right now? But just as she starts to climb up-

“So you're here too, huh?”

“Jinu? What are you doing here, demon?” she says while pointing her sword at him.

“Woah woah, demon girl—” The blade gets closer to his neck, poking his skin. He lifts both arms. “I mean—Gwi-Ma sent me here. There’s a portal that’s opened in this building under his control. I was sent to investigate since I'm already in the human world.”

"Another demon ? Who's not controlled by Gwi-Ma...?" She slowly lower her swords.

"That's what I thought too, I thought you were the only one but perhaps there's a another one that Gwi-Ma can't control "

"We need to investigate "

"That's what I was sent to do"

He received a hit to the side.

----

Inside the building, there are no signs of life at all. Every worker has probably gone home by now. But it doesn’t stop the strange feeling that settles in both their hearts. Something isn’t right.Rumi turns to Jinu.

“Are you sure this isn’t some plan by Gwi-Ma—”

“My, my.”

They both jump and turn around.

Jinu in a fighting stance, his nails sharpening, and Rumi with her sword ready to strike, until she sees who it is. You.

There you are.

The golden child of K Entertainment. Idol of the century.

Even though Huntrix has won a lot of awards, you’ve won higher-prestige ones and have far more influence than they’ll ever have. A star-born singer whose career skyrocketed since your teenage years, and still going strong.

Rumi can’t stop her giddy expression; her eyes turn into stars. You were her favorite K-idol– hell, maybe her favorite idol, period. She debuted not long after you, but seeing your solo success surpass her group’s so quickly made her form a bit of disdain at first.

But after watching your interviews and fancams… she slowly fell in love.(Oohh 👀)

Jinu quickly noticed her facial expression and threw an annoyed look at you, who were you and how come you made someone like Rumi so... Charmed? By you with a single look.

In front of you stood two weirdos. Sure, they’re good-looking, but one is holding a sword, and the other literally grew claws.

You recognize both of them from the trending K-pop groups, Jinu from Saja Boys who looked super confused, and Rumi from Huntrix who looked like she could explode from joy (still holding her sword towards you).

You obviously know what they are. But let’s entertain them, why don’t we?

“May I know why you’re trespassing the building...with a sword, no less?”

“OMG you’re (S/N). Zoey would be so jealous…”

“Who?” A big gasp leaves Rumi’s throat. She’s shocked and in disbelief.

“How can you be a K-pop idol without knowing the king/queen of our generation!?”

“Alright, calm down. You guys are lucky I recognize you, or I would’ve called the cops by now. Rumi from Huntrix, right?” She nods.

She knows you probably knew her, but hearing her idol say her name still makes her proud of Huntrix popularity.

“And you’re from that new group… Soja Boys?” Rumi almost chokes laughing as Jinu sweat drop.

“Actually, it’s Saja Boys…” says Jinu.

You look at him, perplexed. “Strange name…”

Before holding a serious expression. “What are you guys doing here? You know it’s totally off-limits to non-workers. Doesn’t matter if you’re famous idols or not.”

Rumi and Jinu share a look. They need to find a way out of this without raising suspicion, a look you don’t miss.

“Um… we’re here to meet with an contractor! And hmm… oh! I think we got the wrong time, haha…”

Rumi quirks a wobbly smile. Jinu nods beside her, even though he doesn’t believe the lie himself.

“Really now…”

You can feel the mark pattern slowly spreading under your clothes, from your torso up toward your neck.

“Yup! But since we’re wrong- we’re gonna leave now!”Rumi quickly grabs Jinu’s arm who was surprised, as she makes him turn around with her.

Your hands begin to thin, and sharp nails start growing out.

"Wait.."

Your voice sounds ominous and slow, sending a chill down their spines. They freeze and slowly turn around.

There you are, in your demon form. Your once bright eyes are now yellow with slits, purple/blue marks spread beautifully along your neck and face.

“A demon…?” they both whisper.

You smile.

There they are, your next prey.

“I’ve been waiting"

[xsilversugar]

It fuckin' kills me every time I think about it. I don't support Rowling or think of her in my day-to-day outside of being actively reminded of the harm she causes. I too want her to vanish. She was a huge part of my childhood but I grew out of her and called her a hack by the sixth book and basically only hate-read the last because I had to know how it ended. I didn't have the full context or understanding for why what she wrote felt off to me--so by the time her political views became well-known; I felt vindicated in my dislike of her. Throwing her work away and not caring by then was easy. It's only when I think of the active harm that I feel anything about it all.

However learning about Neil Gaiman fucking gutted me. I was so wanting to believe it wasn't true but even then one of my first thoughts was a cold "yeah, that tracks actually" (hell, I literally had a dream practically predicting it) but it still felt more personal a betrayal rather than a broad lingering hate. More...insidious. I stay silent and don't involve myself in the fandom anymore because if I let it...it'd still hurt me...like a raw wound merely ignore. I cried for practically a week straight, in and out of denial and hopeful that it was a misunderstanding, but I was so invested in digging up whatever news I could, and then I had to stop. It was too much. I'd occasionally still recommend his works to people in private but I don't go out of my way to suggest anyone dare pay for it in the slightest anymore. If the topic of favorite authors comes up, I just don't have one anymore. I might offer to give someone a copy I have but I tell them why I'll never read it again myself.

Maybe it's because I went through this before with Rowling in particular but I thought it would be easier to cut Gaiman out. On one hand, sure, it is exceptionally easy to just let myself become distracted with other things, to not think about it or talk about it. On the other...I only stay silent because it still hurts just as much and I just can't unpack it this time. I can't. It's too much. I don't care if that makes me sound stupid or whatever. I'm too disgusted.

Still, I don't think I could say I disowned him, his work, or what he meant to me. The view I had was wrong. I haven't abandoned my love for those stories, I can't forget; that's why for the most part I don't bring it up without context because s long as I am distracted; I'm fine. If I think about it for too long...I feel like I'll fall apart. He is the one who disowned us, betrayed us, and did truly unforgivable things to others whom I choose to believe--and even hell has standards--so he's simply not welcome. That's all.

It's impressive how Neil Gaiman vanished from the internet. Wish Rowling would do the same.

[astroismypassion]

Astrology observations 🌟⭐️🌟

Credit goes to Tumblr @astroismypassion

This one has been sitting in my drafts for months.

🌟I don't care what y'all say about Venus in the 6th house loving order and organisation. I see these people love orderly chaos and aesthetic cluttercore. They embrace curated mess and love imperfectly organised spaces. They love having vintage things, trinkets, crystals on their desk.

⭐️Taurus Mercury is a sensory thinker. They often get flashes of knowing or information while cooking, walking, creating or just being. They also remember things in sensory flashes, like the smell of the room where the breakup happened, the tone someone used that made you trust them, what something felt like in your gut. They dislike being rushed into an opinion (lol Kanye West), but then casually drop a truth bomb.

🌟Venus in the 6th house has a secret love of miniatures, such as tiny animals, pocket-sized art, tiny plushies.

⭐️Gemini over the 7th house, you guys, attract people who bring out two sides of you. And you definitely are not the type who can make "opposites attract" work. You truly require someone who is similar to you and your temperament, identity, personality.

🌟Venus in the 6th house can be attracted to somewhat overlooked or humble people, they romanticize the unseen (opposite 12th house). They like a barista, the librarian, the lab tech, anyone quietly doing their work.

⭐️Sagittarius Risings attract significant others that play multiple roles (partner, friend, teacher, critic) or they are into multiple fields (engineer who is also an artist, teacher who is also a poet). In extreme cases, you can have someone who live a double life or just often reinvents themselves.

🌟Libra Mercury often thinks in opposite ways. When they say I'm confused, it's actually when they know too much.

⭐️Gemini over the 7th house are so cerebral in a connection, that they only know how they feel once they say it out loud or write it down. You might also end up with a partner who has a twin or a sibling who looks just like your partner. In some cases, the people you commit to will change dramatically over time. On a positive side, they can show you how to be flexible, youthful and curious in ways you forgot.

🌟Aries Moons grew up in an environment where they had to self-soothe fast, fight for attention or be emotionally independent way too early. They yearn for someone to be there for them without them needing to earn it.

⭐️Also, they are actually veryy vulnerable, but randomly and in bursts, they are vulnerable with you when you least expect it. And often end up regretting it right after. You might also test people with anger, distance or sarcasm BEFORE opening up. You often have the feeling that if you show you need something, you lose power. Also, I'm sad to say it, but you guys only heal when you are alone.

🌟Gemini Descendant, you guys have a partner that is mentally quick, but emotionally inconsistent. They might randomly emotionally detach or check out.

⭐️Sun in the 6th house give such "alpha behind the curtain" vibe. They are just quietly running things behind the scenes and hold everything together due to how consistent and competent they are. You guys might lead without anyone realizing you're leading.

🌟Sun at an Aries degree (1, 13, 25) are prone to have thin hair.

⭐️ I have to say it again, that Cancer Suns are not soft caretakers. They don’t give love freely, only when you actually earned it. They also often deal with mother’s sacrificed dreams or mother’s grief, because she didn’t fulfill her dreams.

🌟 Virgo Mars has a rage that always come across as calculated rage. They time well, when they will reveal their anger for you. Don’t get fooled that it’s random. They just withdraw their energy, stop fixing your mess and use their disorganization against them.

Credit goes to Tumblr @astroismypassion

[dumbkitsune]

"Mike cant say 'I love you' to El because he grew up with parents that never said it to eachother and had never showed love towards their kids"

El grew up in a lab that was constantly experimenting with her and she can say it what the fuck are you on about

[wildflowersandvibranium]

Rain Showers

Pairing: Mechanic!Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader

Summary: A blown tire. A borrowed jacket. And a love and life that grew because of it.

Word Count: 3.2k+ (one of my longer oneshots hehe)

Content: FLUFFFF , pregnancy and kids , kissing , some suggestive hints , cutie cutness!

A/N: this came from me getting a flat tire the other day being stranded and thinking hmm wish i had a Bucky rn and also @navybrat817 and her talk about southern Bucky *drools*

My Masterlist

Requests always open!!! and I'm going through all of them tomorrow to write! 🌷

It started with rain.

Pouring rain.

One second the warm breezy spring night was quiet and peaceful , the crickets buzzing and chirping under the blush of beginning twilight. 

The very next , the skies cracked open without a single sound or warning. Y/N’s phone had said 20% chance of light showers — when she checked the night before but the deluge soaking through her hair and onto her dress-covered shoulders as she ran heel-first to her car was more like a monsoon.

“Dammit,” she swore under her breath , flinging open the door and diving head first inside.

The engine began as she started the car and then turned over with a familiar cough and grunt. Her grandmother’s farmhouse faded in the rearview as she peeled off the windy gravel driveway , windshield wipers slapping in lazy protest against the surprise downpour.

She chose to wear a short summer floral dress, something her grandma had teasingly complimented with a wink and a "You'll knock some poor boy dead in that, sweetheart." 

Right now it felt more like a soggy wet napkin clinging to her soft skin.

The road stretched long and winding through the back hills and valleys , barely lit by her dimming headlights. 

She was maybe fifteen minutes from town when a sudden sound erupted.

BANG.

The whole car jerked sideways with a violent shudder and unraveled. She wrestled the steering wheel, heart slamming against her ribs as she detoured off to a newby shoulder. Her tires screamed and screeched on the gravel. 

For a momen t, she just sat there , hands clenched white knuckled on the wheel , chest rising and falling like a pair of jackrabbit's.

Then she screamed to herself. Not out of fear—but sheer frustration.

“You have got to be kidding me, why universe!”

She shoved the door wide open into the rain , sandal wedges squishing in the sopping wet mud. One glance at the back left tire told her all she needed to know.

Blown out. Shredded. Completely and utterly useless.

She didn’t know how long she sat back in the car just sitting , arms wrapped around her knees , trying not to cry. 

The rain pounded harder , relentlessly. 

Her phone? Dead. Charger? Non-existent. And she was stuck on a road that probably hadn't seen another car or sign of life that was a deer since last week.

She was working up to let out another good scream when headlights cut through the downpour in the distance.

She froze squinting.

A white truck rumbled into view—big , boxy , older than her but running strong roaring down the road. It slowed beside her car as the window rolled down slowly.

“You alright, ma’am?”

She blinked. Again and Again.

The man behind the question had a face carved like a marble statue , strong jaw, high cheekbones , scruff peppering his chin littered with peppery greys throughout—and eyes too soft for a man that big. 

His voice was all country warmth and beautiful Southern drawl, deep and smooth like the sweetest honey and molasses.

She hesitated , instincts prickling realizing her compromising situation.

But he didn’t push. 

Just waited in the rain , one arm resting out the open window , his other hand clearly visible on the wheel.

“My tire blew,” she said finally ; quickly. “No spare. And my…my phone’s dead.” She hung her head low like he was going to scold her or something.

But he just nodded. “Storm’s just getting worse. My place is up the road. You’re welcome to ride out the rain there with me. Safer than sittin' here in a dead dark car on slick gravel.”

She hesitated again. Blinking.

Then looked around sheepishly.

The storm wasn’t letting up anytime soon. Her limbs were shivering now from being cold , we t, and fearful. And this large handsome man hadn’t come off threatening—just kind.

“Alright,” she said quietly. “Just until the storm passes.”

He climbed out and jogged around to open the passenger door for her.

“I’m Bucky, by the way,” he gave her a lopsided smile. “Barnes.”

“Thank you Bucky” You blushed, giving him your name as well as you two headed off for his home.

The cabin was about a mile down the road—tucked between towering pines, with a deep wooden porch and flickering amber lights inside. 

It was cozy. Weathered. Smelled like cedar and old books.

As they made it inside he kicked off his muddy boots and shed his jacket as she snuck a look at his arms now visible. 

Bucky disappeared to the bedroom she had guessed and came back handing her a soft warm towel and gestured toward the couch.

“Cushions are pretty soft , got extra blankets in the closet. Clothes too—my sister leaves stuff here sometimes. Think you two might be about the same size.” He looked her up and down as he spoke making her flush again and the tip of his ears turn red.

She peeled off her soaked dress behind the bathroom door and changed into an oversized T-shirt and sleep shorts folded neatly on the counter he had provided. They smelled faintly of vanilla and something like sawdust.

When she came out , he was fluffing a pillow for her on the couch.

“Hope that’s alright,” he said, stepping back nodding to the sofa.

“It’s perfect Bucky ,” she said, voice soft. “Thank you.”

He nodded once, then headed toward the hall.

“Sleep tight,” he called. “Yell if you need anything at all.”

She smiled and curled under the thick quilt , body finally warming up , eyelids dragging heavy , shut.

“Goodnight, Bucky,” she mumbled.

He paused in the doorway taking one last glance at the pretty girl curled up under the blanket his ma handmade , sprawled out under his roof , all cozy and soft.

“Night, Y/N.”

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

THUD.

THUD. THUD.

Her eyes blinked open to the faint light of early dawn peeking through fogged windows and curtains. For a second, she didn’t remember where she was , slightly frightening her. Then she smelled coffee and heard boots on the hardwood floor.

She sat up on the couch , rubbing sleep from her eyes clutching the quilt to her chest.

Eyes scanning the room till she found him bent over by the waist at the door , tugging on his work boots , plaid sleeves rolled up over strong tanned forearms , his over shirt hanging open over a simple white tee.

Her dress was laid neatly across the arm of the couch. Washed. Dried. Smoothed flat like something fragile.

“Morning,” he said without turning, hearing her little yawn. “Didn’t mean to wake you.”

“No, it’s okay,” she stretched slowly. “You, um… you washed my dress?”

He looked up and gave a half-shrug half grin. “Figured you’d want it clean if we’re headed into town.”

“Town?”

He stood straightening , grabbing a thermos and his keys. “My buddy Clint’s got a shop on Willow. I gave him a ring early this morning—he towed your car out while you were still sleepin’. Figured we could meet him there , get your tire fixed and all that.”

Her jaw slackened slightly. “You did all that? Before coffee?”

“Yes ma'am ,  and I make real good coffee,” he grinned , offering her a travel mug.

She smiled brightly , warmth blooming behind her ribs. “You really are a kind stranger.”

Bucky held the screen door open. “Alright , up and at em’ lets get you back on the road, darlin’.”

She changed quickly , slipping back into her little floral dress and heels , prancing back with a joyful look.

“Atta girl , lets go” He smirked following her out the door.

 ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

The rain had stopped at around four in the morning , but the air was still cool , and her damp hair curled and mused from sleeping on the couch.

The ride into town was a short one. His truck smelled like pine and motor oil she hadn't noticed her first time inside , the leather bench seat soft and warm under her half bare legs. 

The radio played low — old country music , the kind that sounded like porch swings and sunset beers.

About halfway there , the song changed. Something catchy. A little playful.

She started humming. Then singing under her breath.

Bucky glanced over and smirked. “You know this one?”

“I love this one,” she said , volume rising full on singing along npw.

He turned the radio up at that.

Next thing she knew, they were both singing together , windows cracked , the wind tangling her wavy hair as she laughed between lyrics. 

His voice was deep and a little rough between sips of coffee , but all charming. Like everything about him.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

The shop came into view too soon than they both wanted.

Clint waved them in from the garage bay , wiping his hands on a dirty rag. “She the damsel?”

Bucky leaned out the window. “Yep” he said, popping the “p” with a wink shot her way “And the reason I was late.”

“Pretty good excuse,” Clint grinned. “Tire’s trashed but I got a spare that’ll fit. Just need a little time.”

“Mind if I stick around the garage ?” she asked.

“Not at all,” Clint said, winking. “Most excitement we’ve had all week here.”

Bucky grabbed the tool next to CLint and started working alongside him , shirt sleeves rolled back again , grease smudging his fingers and knuckles.

Y/N sat on the tailgate of his truck , legs swinging back and forth as she watched them both work.

At one point , Clint went to grab a bolt , and Bucky caught her shivering slightly in the breeze tucking her arms around herself as she looked up at the fluffy white clouds.

Without a word or ask , he stood , tugged off his work jacket she hadn't seen him throw on , and draped it gently right over her shoulders.

She blinked down surprised at the action at him from where she was perched on the truck. 

The jacket smelled like cedar , coffee, and something surprisingly clean from all the wear and tear it had. 

She looked down at the name embroidered in fraying thread across the chest: BARNES.

“T-thanks,” her cheeks tinted slightly pink , tugging it tighter around her.

He met her eyes and gave a quiet knowing smile. “Looks good on ya’.”

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

About an hour later , the tire was fixed and halfway through realizing the wheel rim was bent that was also now fixed , and her car was ready to go.

She hopped off the truck wobbly slipping a little on some oil , jacket still wrapped around her.

Bucky was quick at her side grip on her hips as he steadied her. “Careful honey”

After a beat he leaned back on the hood , hands snug in his jean pockets.

She sighed and started to slip the jacket off her frame.

“Keep it,” he said.

She paused her movements. “What?”

He smiled—slow, easy, all charm with some mischief she saw right through.

“That way I’ve gotta excuse to see ya’ again.”

Heat rushed to her cheeks. She glanced down shyly, then back up meeting his eyes.

“That was pretty smooth , Barnes.”

He shrugged. “I try.”

She laughed and climbed into her car keeping the jacket tight around her , hands on the wheel , heart pounding harder than it had any right to.

As she slowly pulled away , she glanced back in the mirror.

He was still standing there watching.

Watching her go—with a look that said this wasn’t the end.

Not even close.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚

Five years later

The bell over the adjoining office door to the garage jingled , followed by the faint click-clack of little shoes on concrete.

“Sweetheart?” Y/N called out , her voice warm but slightly exasperated. “You forgot your jacket. Again.”

Bucky’s head popped up from under the hood of a battered old blue Chevy. His hair was tied back in a lazy low bun , a smudge of grease streaked right across his perfect  jaw , and the sleeves of his shirt were rolled halfway up his now tattooed forearms. 

The radio he had sat beside as he worked crackled something old and bluesy in the background.

He blinked up. Then grinned.

There she stood in the doorway of the garage , framed by soft greyish blue morning light. 

Her hair was pinned up in a loose bun with pieces falling out here and there , cheeks flushed from the walk over from the bakery , an all too familiar jacket slung over her arm—the same one he’d draped over her shoulders that rainy night years ago. 

She was holding their wiggly toddler daughter in the same arm the jacket lay on , the other carefully balancing on her belly , now just starting to round with baby number two.

Their squirmy , bright-blue eyed girl let out a squeal and smacked her tiny palm against Y/N’s cheek with gleeful force.

“Baby, gentle hands,” Y/N said , trying not to laugh as she adjusted the toddler on her hip. “We use our hands for love , not smacking mama.”

“DAH-DEE!” the little girl shouted , squirming harder trying to get to her father.

Bucky was already striding across the shop , wiping his hands on a semi clean rag. “Hey , princess,” he said, voice gone soft as cotton.

He leaned down and kissed Y/N first—slow , warm, unrushed and needed.

“You’re really bad at remembering jackets,” she murmured against his lips, stealing another kiss.

“That’s why I married a smart woman,” he said with a wink, “to keep my forgetful ass alive.”

She snorted and handed over their daughter , who immediately snuggled into Bucky’s chest like she’d been waiting all day just for him , even having just seen him that morning.

“You’re early,” he said , pressing a kiss to their daughter’s soft brown messy curls , smoothing them out of her face. “Everything okay?”

Y/N nodded, rubbing a hand over her belly. “Fine. I just… we wanted to see you. You didn’t get much sleep last night and just wanted to check on you before the rain starts up heavy again” 

Bucky glanced out the open garage doors. Soft droplets were tapping against the pavement. The kind of lazy storm that just lingered and barely was rolling in.

Y/N smiled and held up the jacket. “And you left your lucky jacket at home.”

He set their daughter down on a stool beside his workbench—she immediately reached for a wrench with curious little fingers trawling it around.

Bucky huffed a laugh. “Hey now , no tools unless Mama says so shes the boss.”

Y/N laughed then slowly grimaced a little , walked over , setting the jacket down on her lap as she took a seat , then pressed a hand to her lower back and exhaled.

Bucky noticed immediately scooping up the toddler and setting her on his knee, bouncing as she lay a hand rubbing Y/N’s shoulders with concern.

“Hey,” Worry flickered in his eyes. “You okay?”

“Yeah , just a little sore. The baby’s been doing somersaults and cartwheels since breakfast.”

He rested a hand gently on her waist, then slowly slid it around to her rounding stomach.

“You’re sure it’s not twins darlin’?” he teased , his palm spreading across the curve of her bump.

“If it is, I’m suing you Barnes.”

He chuckled, then leaned in and kissed her temple. “How’s baby doing today besides given’ ya hell?”

She softened immediately , resting her own hand over his.

“Active,” she said. “Keeps kicking only the left side of my belly like it’s mad at it or something.”

Bucky grinned and crouched slightly, leaning just enough to speak directly to her belly but not enough to jostle the wiggly toddler still perched on his thigh. “Hey, now, you gotta be nice to mama. You’ll meet her soon enough i promise , no need to bruise her tummy.”

Y/N rolled her eyes affectionately. “You talk to all your engine parts like that too?”

“Only the tricky ones.”

She laughed , brushing a smudge of grease off his cheek and jaw with the pad of her thumb. “You’re good at this , you know. All of this.”

Bucky sat up again and wrapped an arm around her back pressing a kiss to the crown of their daughter's head. “I wasn’t, at first , was fu-... freaking clueless.”

“No,” she said softly , “but you chose to be there for us. Every single day.”

Their daughter let out a sudden squeal , frustrated she couldn’t reach the shiny socket wrench just out of reach of her fathers hold.

“I got her,” Y/N said going to stand.

“No,” Bucky grinned, already swooping in. “This one’s all mine.”

He scooped the girl up again and spun her gently blowing a raspberry on her cheek, both of them giggling loudly. She buried her face in his chest catching her breath , clutching his shirt like he was the whole world , he was , her whole world.

Y/N watched them , hand drifting back to her belly.

There was a time—back in that cold , lonely spring—when she couldn’t imagine a future like this. Now she couldn’t imagine anything more perfect than this right now.

Bucky caught her staring and raised an eyebrow tossing the tot to his hip.

“What?”

“Nothing,” she said. “Just thinking.”

“Oof , that's dangerous,” he teased , a full smile covering ninety percent of his face.

“Do you remember the first time I stepped into this shop?”

He glanced around—the cluttered counters , the wall of tools , the ancient coffee machine and looked back at her.

“You mean you in that little dress?” he said, grinning. “Yeah, darlin’. Like it was yesterday.”

“You looked so serious.”

“I was tryin’ not to stare.”

She smirked. “You stared.”

“Can you blame me , honey?”

Their daughter let out a big yawn and nuzzled into Buckys neck. 

“C’mon i'm done for the day lets go on home” He whispered rubbing her back then reaching out his hand for Y/N to take.

She walked over to them slowly , picked up his jacket from her lap , and pulled it around her.

He watched as she rolled the sleeves up her arms , belly just rounding and peeking through under it.

“You keep wearin’ that around with my- now your name on it ,” he said, “I’m gonna have to marry you all over again.”

“Maybe I’ll let you,” she winked , grinning as she turned to leave grabbing his hand in hers.

He followed her out the shop door after fetching his keys , their daughter stirring sleepily in his arms , her curls damp from the drops that made it past Bucky's hand trying to block the rain from her.

Y/N glanced at the sky , then back at him , at them. “Need anything else?”

He looked at her —the ring on her finger , the toddler on his hip , the baby growing in her belly , the jacket she clutched and wore like a second skin.

And shook his head.

“Nope,” he said quietly. “I’ve got everything.”

She smiled , kissed his scruffy cheek , and started walking toward the truck with him beside her.

When he opened her door he leaned down and kissed her–quick and soft—then rested his forehead against hers.

“We built a hell of a life , didn’t we?” he murmured.

She smiled. “Yeah,” she said. “And it all started with some rain , huh?”

Thunder rumbled low and louder getting closer across the hills and valleys.

And then—soft and steady—rain fell harder into a pour.

It ended with rain.

-end

If you want to be added to my general bucky taglist message me or comment <3 (sometimes it can get lost in comments but im trying my best!)

Comments , Reblogs , Likes and Requests are always loved!

(although if you liked this fic please consider reblogging so it can reach a wider audience)

They let me know that you are enjoying what I'm publishing and gives me motivation to write more and more! :33

[marlovestrees]

I worked for a company that had grown quite large. When I joined, Lydia was called something like VP of Business Development. She was in charge of the team that brought in new business and kept the big bosses at existing clients happy.

Since this was an engineering consulting firm (designing refineries and power plants, that sort of thing), she had to know what the technical capabilities of every department were and how much she could promise, what expertise we could hire someone for if we needed it, etc. Very comprehensive knowledge of what the large company could do and all the times we had pulled off near miracles.

The story I was told was that Lydia was originally the secretary / admin assistant for the whole company when it was small. She organically ended up getting involved in courting new clients as the company grew. She was really good at it, but the clients seemed a bit put off by her presence.

The (all men) other upper management figured that maybe it was because she was a woman, because they couldn’t figure out what else it would be.

Then, one day, an exasperated manager at a client said, “Look, we love the work you do, but it feels really insulting that you keep sending a secretary to negotiate these large projects. Do we not rate someone higher up?”

And that was how they realized that they hadn’t updated Lydia’s job title in 15 years.

i think this is probably true of every office, but there's a middle aged woman working in business who doesn't hold any particular place in the chain of command but is Sovereign. i was running support and she has access to more secure network drives than i do. im pretty sure she has an admin account. i was having trouble with my parking pass and my boss just said to talk to kristen- one day later i had parking in any garage on campus. she's not even in charge of parking in our building

[ask-the-rag-dolly]

this is going to be long . but at this point what else do you expect from me .

i've always had a Feeling that ragatha might've gone through abuse since the pilot , and the feeling got stronger with each new episode . her lines employed a lot of passive voice ; which speaks to how astronomically Low her self-esteem is without actually saying it . on top of that , her behavior blared those alarms for me . constantly blaming herself ? people-pleasing ? emotional repression ? they're hallmarks of the fawn response . you know ... one of the four f's of Trauma Responses .

now knowing that aspect of her backstory it ... Sadly makes sense . did i see it coming ? yes . do i still find it sad how it puts so much of her behavior into perspective ? also yeah .

just taking notes from her present behavior and the tiny hints given of her home life , i imagine she grew up in an overly-controlling , repressive environment deprived of love and affection . the perfect incubation chamber for one , fully fucked-up child , basically . it's no wonder that ragatha's desperate for companionship and validation — because it's something that was never given to her all her life . there's a pit where a mother's love should've filled .

with no mention of her father or any other relative , it paints ... a very bleak and isolating picture . like , no wonder she misses her horses , i think the animals were the Only thing that brought her joy in that farm . either her dad is absent OR if we consider how traditionally feminine ragatha is ( being demure , modest and passive ) , it could be a conservative household that's patriarchal ... or maybe she's a child of divorce . idk which one i prefer lol .

either way , she Might've had ... Zero Support ! i can't believe we've gotten to a point that i could confidently say i was a lot Nicer to ragatha than gooseworx was . like the implications here are Not pretty . it could explain why she's desperately grasping for Any strand of companionship she could have in the circus .

obviously , fawning comes from appeasing to The Threat , and you can make an argument that by appeasing to a non-existent threat in the circus , she thinks she's avoiding The Scenario™ .

but something is telling me that she was taught all her life that love is to be Earned . that you have to Prove that you are worthy of being Loved . and of course , not being able to meet her mother's impossible expectations , she didn't really ... get it . and now being in an environment where there's people that actually Cares for her , she's Grasping . she's keeping them Pleased because It's All She Has . seeking warmth in a dwindling fire kind of thing .

BUT THAT'S JUST MY INTERPRETATION . i'm not really completely with it but ! it's what i came up with . whatever interpretation you can come up with , it adds a level of tragedy into ragatha's increasing distance from the others . her pleasing works for Avoiding Conflict , not for Creating A Deep Connection . which is why i like that one line where gangle thanks ragatha for teaching her softball . ragatha sharing her interest instead of giving empty praise made them bond , yay !

so yeah ragatha needs to be spoiled and pampered lovingly this post is already long enough i'm going to drink water

[waitingandwishing]

Masterlist - Next Chapter

Word Count: 3.2k "𝖫𝗂𝗏𝖾 𝗂𝗇 𝖽𝖺𝗋𝗄𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌, 𝖻𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗆𝖾 𝖻𝗋𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌" ━━ Ever since you were a kid, all you wanted was to be cared for.

Crowds from all around Korea gathered to see Huntrix's Final World Tour Concert! The buzzing energy from the cheers and excitement practically filled the air with a golden glow. Something about tonight seemed different, like something would... Change (Though it might've been because Huntrix would soon take a long hiatus).

"Mira's my favorite. She's the visual and lead dancer of Huntrix. Nobody can move like Mira." A fan with glasses dressed in a pink Mira hoodie said with a smile. "Apparantly, she's the black sheep of her family."

"I don't know why because she's so cool." A fan with a sweater and beanie scoffed, "Who else could wear a sleeping bag to the Met Gala?"

"Yeah, she's our role model." A younger fan said with her other two friends behind her. The three all had straight faces on as they stared into the camera. "She's the best. Love her."

"We're here for Zoey!" A group dressed in green and carrying signs said excitedly. "She's the rapper and lyricist."

"She grew up in America. Somewhere called Burbank, USA." A boy with a bowl cut and freckles spoke.

"She's the cutest maknae!" The girl next to him smiled.

"But when she raps, she goes hard." The boy nodded.

"She gets really scary. Like, so scary, 'You better watch out'"" The girl said as if threatening the man holding the camera instead of giving an example.

"We love Rumi!" Two girls smiled. "She's pop-star royalty. Her mom, a Sunlight Sister, died when she was a baby. But Celine raised her and built Huntrix around her."

"Rumi's voice is just incredible, like..."

"It brings us to tears!" Three grown men holding and dressed in Huntrix's merch sobbed.

"Y/N's obviously the best!" A girl with her boyfriend squealed, "She's so sweet! Her and Rumi are rumored to have known each other when they were younger though!"

"It makes sense they grew up together." The girl's boyfriend nodded. "They both have really good voices."

"Even though Y/N and Rumi are usually grouped together, Y/N's her own person too! She's got more of a softer tone unlike the rest of the girls, which we love!" Three girls said in scary unison, "They're taking a break, and they need it, but we're gonna miss them so much!"

The three girls started to clap and cheer, the rest of the crowd along with them, as the concert was about to start. The stage lights casted strobing shadows across the city skyline, painting dancing figures on the rooftop ledge. Cheers for the kpop idols could be heard even when you were as far as you had been.

"Okay, this is our biggest show yet." Rumi said. The four of you were huddled together, serious looks on your faces as you tried to take in the anxiety clawing at your hearts.

"The most songs." Zoey grinned.

"The most moves." Mira said seriously.

"Which means the most carb loading." You chuckled.

The four of you broke the huddle, raising your arms to cheer. "For the fans!" The four of you shouted excitedly.

You were so happy you were here with your greatest friends. Something about always being with them made you feel so... Happy. Usually you'd never be this content and more jittery during something as nerve-wracking as this, but you couldn't help but feed off of the other girl's emotions.

"I need like 10,000 calories to get through the choreo." Zoey said, stuffing some kimbap into her mouth.

"A thousand percent. A gajillion percent." Mira nodded.

"Mira, that's not a real number." Rumi commented.

"It is for our fans." Mira said.

"Our fans deserve the best." You smiled, eating your food with much more decency than they were. Sure, you were hungry, starving even, but you really didn't want to risk staining your new costume for this performance.

You watched as Rumi shoved down a whole roll of kimbap before letting out a cough. You laughed before quickly patting her on the back. She coughed, wheezing for a moment before finally swallowing it with a sigh. "Thanks, Y/N," Rumi said.

"No problem." You smiled.

"Okay, time for our pre-game ramyeon!" Rumi announced, grabbing the four cups and handing them to the three of you. You held yours, the title "Amen to Umami" staring back at you. Zoey had come up with the funny wording.

"Happy fans, happy Honmoon!" The four of you beamed, cheering your styrofoam cups of ramyeon together.

"Wait, there's no water in these." Zoey realized, a sad expression now on all of your face. You sighed, standing up and going to the oddly tense flight attendant who was pouring... Coffee into a flower pot?

"Um, excuse me, miss?" You stood in front of her.

"Yes, Miss Hunter... Ix?" The attendant asked with a strained smile and oddly jerky movement.

"We asked for hot water-" You said before being cut off.

"Right away. You're welcome. Arrideverci. Goodbye." She said, quickly walking away. You furrowed your brows. You never liked being cut off. Something about it always made you feel like you were being ignored.

"Uh, oookay." You muttered, walking over and flopping down on the couch with a huff.

Rumi checked her phone, realizing it was their manager, "Hi, Bobby!" She said, sitting up next to you with her arm resting on your shoulder. You leaned into it, craning your head in the camera.

"Um, what are you doing?" Bobby asked, panic evident in his voice. You furrowed your brows, why was he so nervous? Was there a backstage malfunction?

"About to eat our pre-show ramyeon." Rumi said, turning the camera over to Zoey who was chomping on some fishy chips.

"Pre-show? What about the show-show?" Bobby asked, turning his camera over to the thousands of people waiting in the audience. You widened your eyes, about to say something before his phone was suddenly taken.

"Hi!" Four girls squealed, "We love you!"

"Oh, we love you too!" The four of you praised, trying to all fit into the camera. You loved your fans. They were so supportive and loving, you appreciated that so many positive people were drawn to Huntrix.

THe phone was passed on to the group of crying men, the four of you started to sob alongside them as well, "That's so sweet."

"Yo! I just got this!" A man said, snatching the phone and lifting his shirt up to show the tattoo plastered on his side. You, Rumi, and Zoey grimaced as Mira chuckled. That was going to stay on his body forever, what if he regretted it later on?

"Gimme that!" Bobby panted, finally being able to steal his phone back, "Why are you so late?!"

"Late?" You repeated, clearly just as confused as he was.

"Fifty thousand fans are waiting for you." Bobby said as the four of you gazed out the window to realize that the plan had flown past the concert where Huntrix was supposed to be performing. "They made cute signs and everything. How can you be late? I wish you were here."

You turned back to the flight attendants, a suspicious look on your face as well as the others. "Don't worry, Bobby. We'll be there in just a bit!" You said before Rumi hung up.

Rumi and Mira groaned while you pinched the bridge of your nose and Zoey continued to munch furiously on her snacks. "I didn't even get to finish my ramyeon!" Mira complained.

"Why do they always interrupt our snacking?" Rumi asked to no one in particular.

"They will face my wrath!" Zoey yelled.

You stood up to the woman, your arms crossed and an unimpressed look on your face, "You're a demon, right?" You asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

"What do you mean?" She frog-blinked.

"You're smiling all weird, watering plants with coffee, and those guys don't really look like they know what they're doing." You sighed.

"Oh, we were just-"

You cut her off like she did to you before, stomping on her foot to reveal her demon self. The demon working as the cart attendant then turned into a blue colored demon and two other ones appeared as well. "You and your friends are really mean for interrupting our snacking all the time." You said, stretching out your arms, "The rest of you can come out, we're in a hurry!"

A hulking red one appeared, large blue horns and carved out swirls on its skin noticeable. You wondered how the uniform could stretch large enough to fit his huge stature.

"Oh, you got the patterns." Mira said, feigning sympathy before saying, "Now you gotta die."

"The only ones dying tonight are your..." Mira burped, interrupting him. You held back a chuckle, letting it come out as a cough instead. "Uh, I said, the only ones dying tonight are your-"

Rumi's stomach gurgled and she quickly thumped on her chest. "I'm sorry, what?" Rumi asked. You stood there, still stretching out your body. This was also another reason why you didn't eat as fast as the other girls did.

"Your fans! We're gonna eat your fans!" The large one yelled angrily, his voice distorted and low.

"Whoa! No.

"No, thank you!"

"Oh... I don't know about that."

"No, no, no."

"Not our fans." Rumi said, a small smirk appearing on her lips as she placed her hands on her hips.

"When you mess with our fans..."

"We need to make it hurt."

Glowing lines of pulsing energy appeared, shimmering like a warning call to the demons.

"Ugh, you came at a bad time"

Rumi smirked, resting her arm on your shoulder. Your arms were now uncrossed, an unimpressed look on your face as you looked at the demons coldly. They shivered at the sight.

"But you just crossed the line"

Mira tugged on her fingerless leather gloves, her expression serious, while Zoey gave a sweet yet unsettling smile, stretching out her arms. This was going to be a good pre-show warmup.

"You wanna get wild?" Rumi's voice sharpened, "Okay, I'll show you wild."

As if on cue, Mira and Zoey broke formation, charging at the nearest demons with surprising strength and even more surprising movies. You confidently strutted beside Rumi, smiling to yourself as the two girls easily took down the demons.

"Better come right, better luck tryin', gettin' to our levels"

Rumi nudged your shoulder, signaling you to move to the kitchenette. You nodded, hands slightly shaky as you grabbed the kettle and filled it with water.

"Cause you might die, never the time, tryna start a battle"

A demon lunged. Rumi raised one finger in warning without missing a beat, watching the water slowly fill the kettle. Another demon came from the side and you turned mid-step, bashing the kettle into its face as Rumi caught another by the collar and threw it backward into the cockpit.

"Bleeding isn't in my blood, ppyeos-sogbuteo dallaseo—"

The kettle hissed, and you tossed it over to Mira, who caught the jug midair. She brought it down on a demon sitting in a passenger chair, metal clashing with flesh. You cringed internally at the smell of it's burnt demon skin.

"Beating you is what I do, do, do, yeah"

Mira tossed the jug across the aisle. Zoey caught it with one hand, smirking, already turning toward the next wave of demons. She poured the hot water into her ramyeon bowl, balancing it while elbowing one demon in the ribs and tripping another with the back of her heel.

"Body on body I'm naughty, not even sorry"

You regrouped together, the four of you standing in a slight circle as you filled your ramyeon with water. More demons charged, one from each direction. The four of you kicked simultaneously,sending them flying across the suddenly endless plane.

"And when you pull up, I'll pull up a little late to the party (Na-na-na-na)"

Mira raised her chopsticks and Zoey rolled her eyes playfully, both about to take a large slurp before Y/N stopped them. You pointed at the "Wait for 3 minutes" rule at the end of the directions, to which they sighed at before placing their cups back down on the coffee table.

"Locked and loaded, I was born for this. There ain't no point in avoiding it. Annoyed a bit? Bul-eul bichwo da bikyeo, ne apgil-eul ppaesgyeo!"

The cabin lights dimmed and an almost alive blue light rippled throughout the aircraft once again. You cherished its beauty and relished in its soft, almost singing, glow.

"Knocking you out like a lullaby"

Threads of light spun around you as weapons emerged from the glowing threads. Zoey's daggers gleamed as she trailed her hand against the threads to make them appear, Mira's spear shimmered as the tips of her fingers called out to the glow, Rumi's sword pulsed with energy as she pulled at the light, and your whip cracked against the floor of the plane.

"Hear that sound ringing in your mind. Better sit down for the show"

Demons began to scramble, clawing toward the emergency exits. Too late. Just like Icarus, they flew too close to the sun.

You raised your weapons, voices blending into a perfect chord. "Cause I'm gonna show you how it's done, done, done."

You slashed through the demons with fluid grace, their bodies a blur of motion.More demons appeared behind the curtains, from overhead storage. They struck with no etiquette, clearly just aiming to hurt and scare.

"HUNTRIX DON'T MISS!"

Mira impaled one mid-air as Zoey ricocheted a blade off a tray table. Your whip latched onto one of the scrambling ones, pulling it forward before plunging your dagger into its chest. You chuckled as it shimmered away in pink magic.

"How it's done, done, done! HEY! Huntrix don't quit! How it's done, done, done! Run, run, we run the town-"

You stumbled, falling back on the couch with wide eyes as the aircraft suddenly shook. Just as your styrofoam cup almost fell from the coffee table, Rumi caught it and handed it to you with a smile. You grinned, grabbing the cup and standing up from your position.

"Whole world playin' our sound."

You ran towards the windows and outside, the front half of the plane was suddenly... Gone?! Somehow, it had been torn clean off from two demons clinging to the wing and the flight attendant, which was also starting to rip away.

"Turnin' up, it's going down! Huntrix show this, how it's done, done, done"

The wing tore free. The girls walked towards the edge of the plane. Mira let out a sigh, shrugging as if this happened every day. Well, this actually did happen almost every day if you were being honest. "Yeah, this plane's trashed."

You exchanged a look before slurping their ramen in perfect sync. "Okay, let's do this," Rumi said walking towards the plane's door.

Wind kissed your exposed skin, causing you to let out a slight sigh at the cool breeze penetrating the hot sweaty air. "Yeah, something about when you come for the crown," You turned, leaning backwards with a smirk, "That's so humbling, huh?"

You waved to Rumi as you dived off the plane with the others behind her. You felt a rush of adrenaline fill your body, the nervousness evaporating from your skin as you saw the stage lights grow brighter.

"gabjagi wae geulae? meonjeo geondeulyeo, wae? ijeya pogihae, what? Nothing to us. Run up, you're done up, we come up from sunup to sundown, so come out to play"

Rumi dove like a bullet, her foot practically glowing from the speed of which she was falling. "Won either way, we're one in a million. We killin', we bring it, you want it? Okay—" She kicked a demon's chest, sending it flying even more than it already did. "Heels, nails, blade, mascara"

Rumi casually inspected her nails, tossing the mirror to you to which you quickly passed to Mira and took out your phone instead. "Fit check for my napalm era." You took a picture with Rumi in the background, a smile on your face despite the fact you were falling.

Mira brushed her hair and flicked a blow-dryer at a demon like a cannon. "Need to beat my face, make it cute and savage"

Zoey sat on the shoulders of a demon, concentrating as she used her makeup brush on it, applying blush to its confused face. "Mirror, mirror on my phone, who's the baddest? Us? Hello!"

She smirked before pushing off of the demon and penetrating it with her dagger. It poofed mid-scream. The concert came into view and you braced yourself to land, now diving down to the stage with your friends beside you.

"Knocking you out like a lullaby. Hear that sound ringing in your mind."

They landed, causing a fog to appear. The lights behind them created a silhouette standing above the three demons that were left.

"Better sit down for the show. 'Cause I'm gonna show you, I'm gonna show you! I'm gonna show you how it's done, done, done"

You parted the fog, jumping through and killing the last of the demons with your special weapons easily. The four of you walked with confidence, microphones now replacing the weapons in your hands.

"I don't talk, but I bite, full of venom, uh. Spittin' facts, you know that's how it's done, done, done—" Mira said confidently, eyes trained on the crowd.

Zoey stepped up beside you with a grin, rapping in tempo as she faced the camera pointed at her. "Okay, like, I know I ramble but when shootin' my words, I go Rambo. Took blood, sweat, and tears, to look natural, uh that's how it's done, done, done."

You and Rumi stepped forward into the center spotlight, hand in hand as you both stared at the pulsing threads surrounding the stage and eventually creeping outwards to the rest of the world. You needed to do this.

"Hear our voice unwavering. 'Til our song defeats the night"

You turned to the left while Rumi leaned over to the right side of the stage. You knelt, smiling at the crowd as you and Rumi's voice harmonized together.

"Makin' fear, afraid to breathe. Til the dark meets the light!"

The two of you hit the note, making the crowd cheer louder and louder. As Rumi continued on, you held out the microphone to the people near you with a smile before joining the rest of the girls in the center stage.

"How it's done, done, done. Run, run, we run the town! Done, done, done!"

You danced alongside them, circling and moving with grace and ease. You watched as the Honmoon glowed bright, shifting into another color that the four of you had been waiting for for a long time.

"Whole world playin' our sound! Done, done, done! Turnin' up, it's going down. Done, done, done!"

You exchanged glances with Zoey, gesturing to the golden shift, to which she excitedly grinned at as the others did as well.

"We hunt you down, down, down (Down) We got you now, now, now (Got you now)"

You stepped in front of the three of them, the last final notes of the song coming soon.

"We show you how, how, how (Show you how). Huntrix, don't miss, how it's done, done, done"

Rumi, Mira, and Zoey posed behind you as you knelt in front of the three of them, a smile on your face as you held up two peace signs for the final pose.

[kukinkrim]

my sanctuary (part 1)

baby saja x fem!reader

theme: romance, angst w comfort

notes: took the liberty to make a backstory for baby saja. his human name is baek haneul.

baby had always had a name.

baek haneul. the 13th prince of the royal family during the joseon dynasty; a child of a low-ranking court lady who managed to capture the eye of the emperor, fleetimg as it may be. haneul, though with peasant blood running through his veins, was loved deeply by the palace maids and scholars who roamed around the palace.

despite being constantly surrounded and tended to, the palace was a lonely place.

within his home was a constant battle. war of politics. he was a nobody—not a legitimate heir, not a threat to the throne, not even loved by the emperor who was supposed to be his father. his mother had died young and, with no title to protect him, he grew up in the background; in the edges of the lonely palace he called home.

one spring, an older brother of his—the crown prince—was assassinated. in the scramble to find a replacement, haneul was briefly considered for the throne due to his wit. briefly. because just as quickly, the idea was cast aside.

baek haneul was too gentle, they said. too soft. he won't survive the court. he can't lead with that filth running in his blood.

baek haneul was not destined to rule, they said.

once the new prince was chosen, haneul was sent to live in a remote monastery under the guise of protection. but really, who were they kidding? he was exiled.

there, the loneliness began to eat him alive. and that loneliness was what brought him to hold the hand of a demon named gwi-ma who offered to fulfill his wish to be seen as he prayed for a god that never came.

"let them remember me."

he holds his out to the fire as it roars, not in fury, but in glee.

"if the world won't keep you, child, then let it burn."

haneul prided himself in being one of the most loyal demon of the underworld. that was given, afterall. the power he was given was nothing more than leash that kept him bound. shame shackled his feet to hell but he bites back those feelings that threatened to come too close.

emotions were a weakness. there was no place for vulnerability in hell.

that was part of the deal, afterall. shaking hands with the devil came with a cost. a power beyond reckoning and in turn, his soul sealed away so tightly he couldn't even remember what sorrow or joy once tasted like. love? the concept was foreign to him. he was molded for war now, a walking catastophre.

but then he met her, (y/n), when he came to the surface one day. gone were the tattoos on his body, replaced with bright pink clothes that seemed to cling onto him just right. yet, he knows, they were nothing more than just costumes that hid what he really was. the world was no longer what he remembered, much more modern as centuries had past.

haneul, for the first time in centuries, looked human. a fragment of what he looked like before he made a deal with the devil.

but he meets her. a woman watching amongst the crowd as he performed with his other fellow demons.

it was a fleeting encounter. so fleeting that he forgot about her as soon as the song finished and the crowd had dispersed.

but she kept showing up.

at every concert. every performance. every variety show taping.

front row, sometimes. back of the crowd, others. but always there.

and haneul always saw her.

he convinced himself it was a coincidence. nothing but chance. love was never an option for him. curiosity, perhaps, about the mortal and their feelings that he used to feel—but he never considered what he felt was love.

love was not part of the deal he made with gwi-ma. in hell, in his monsterous heart, in his devil form; there was no room for love.

at a fansign, weeks later, he saw her again. her name slipped from the sticky note handed to him for his signature, but it didn’t matter.

he was exhausted.

he hadn't slept in days. the glamour used to hide their inhuman nature took more out of him than he liked to admit. but most of all, he was tired of pretending. tired of smiling. tired of playing the role gwi-ma carved for him. tired of the voices that continued to whisper in his ears; the shame that snickered, the sharp tugs of despair. couple that with the gut-eating guilt having to sing on stage, infront of hundreds of mortals that would die soon because of his song—oh, haneul is tired.

idol work is not an easy job, he realized.

apart of him had considered it. quitting. quitting meant breaking the pact he made with gwi-ma. it meant letting his soul be consumed and he'll just disappear. it meant that all those years of suffering will all be in vain because no one will be there to remember him anyway.

but he considered it.

disappearing.

"...-ou okay?"

his eyes snapped open to see bright eyes staring back at him. a soft smile on her lips. calm, unlike most of their fans that kept screaming in the background. she was at a respectful distance, waiting patiently for him to sign her album.

"what?" he asks softly—atleast, as softly as he could.

"i asked if you're doing okay," she replied. haneul merely stares, unsure what to answer.

his smile flickered and he forced it back up. “of course,” he answered, all fanservice and charm. that's what he does best, anyway. hide. “i’m doing great.”

she only smiled gently, handing over her letter.

haneul stared, knowing he had failed to make her believe.

something inside him trembled. a crack in the walls he had built. dangerous, was the only word he could think of. this mortal human was dangerous enough to shake him up.

but her time at the table ended soon before he could utter another word out, swept away by handlers and the flow of the event. he could only stare at the letter she handed to him—a simple, folded piece of letter.

"i hope you get to rest. you deserve to."

and for the first time in centuries, baek haneul—monster, prince, idol, "baby"—felt seen.

[trexiejan]

I'm sorry but I didn't read your entire essay

Especially when I know you came here to invalidate our valid criticism towards dickbabs like you dickbabs shippers always do

You can pretend to be someone else but we know you are a dickbabs shipper hiding in alt account.

(LMAO i checked your account and you reblogged tons of dickbabs posts 😂 i was right, You're a triggered butthurt dickbabs shipper who can't handle the fact your ship is built on regressive retcons that downgraded Barbara's character)

Let's be honest you don't like Barbara when she's not dating Dick, because if you truly liked Barbara seperately from Dick, all the anti-dickbabs comments wouldn't bother you 😅

Instead of advocating for Barbara's independence you spent your time and energy shutting down valid criticism towards her retconned relationship with Dick

The fact that you made an essay trying to defend their relationship that reduced Barbara into a clingy lovesick gf who won't stop following Dick around like a dog instead of the grown ass independent woman she was supposed to be just shows that you don't care about Barbara as an individual character, you only care about shipping.

Once again, Dick is definitely one of the reasons why Barbara was deaged. It is to make her look appealing to Dick. An older Barbara and younger Dick wouldn't have worked out since they look like a pedophile-like ship. But thanks to all the forced retcons that deaged her and rewrote her history she now fits him and they're now a couple. Surely, Shipping is not one of the motivating factors in deaging her.

If dick is not the reason then dickbabs comics wouldn't have promoted the idea that she's the same age dick , she's dick's childhood sweetheart, they grew up together, they went to highschool prom together BS love story etc.

Guilty asf.

Yap all you want. And believe what you want. Denying it is not gonna change the fact that the ship is built on superficial retcons. Writers love to invent a non-existing past between these two just to make it seem like they've always been in love with each other since day 1.

Dickbabs wouldn't have worked out had they not deaged and rewrote her entire history.

From a grown ass career-oriented congresswoman who said Dick is too young for her and that Batman is her true love to someone who suddenly became a child like Dick. How natural and organic dickbabs is. Not so fake and forced at all.

Dick and Kory weren’t just a couple — they were narratively built for each other. Marv Wolfman and George Pérez crafted them with parallel arcs, emotionally and thematically. Dick, the disciplined human struggling with identity outside Batman’s shadow. Kory, the exiled alien princess learning humanity, freedom, love. They grew together. Their relationship was emotional, spiritual, ideological — not just romantic. They were equals who challenged and bettered each other.

And then editorial got messy.

Enter Babs, whose original purpose was not even romantic, but Batman's girl counterpart and suddenly she’s being wedged into a love triangle like it’s CW drama. Not only that, but they deaged her, rewrote her dynamic with Dick from “older mentor figure” to “quirky same-age love interest.” That’s not evolution, that’s surgery on continuity with no anesthesia.

They butchered Dick’s history with Kory just to make room for a status quo that’s more palatable to a Bat-centric branding. They erased an engagement, deep emotional growth, and cosmic-scale love just to reduce her to a “fling.” That’s not just disrespect to Starfire, that’s disrespect to decades of storytelling.

It’s no coincidence that Dick and Kory’s relationship flourished when they had autonomy outside the Bat office. The Titans gave them space to be messy, raw, radiant. And it’s telling that when creators have the chance to write them freely (like in Titans, DCeased, Injustice, Future State) they gravitate back to DickKory. Because it works.

[howitcouldgoes]

for all my ragatha haters out there

I am not one of them

I love Ragatha - in fact I'm a firm believer if you hate Ragatha.. you kind of have to hate Jax too. I can understand where potential confusion might come from since despite this episode focusing more on Ragatha's past compared to Jax's we do get to hear most of it through Jax's perspective. Which leads me to believe personally ep. 6 will be the opposite. Jax's backstory and how Ragatha will react to that information.

But still, Ragatha is one of the most human characters out of the whole cast(tied with Gangle) to me personally. She feels the need to be happy and positive NOT BECAUSE she's trying to manipulate anyone - but because she doesn't want anyone to focus on the negative and abstract. That's her method of keeping herself and everyone else sane. Almost blind encouragement and a positive attitude things will turn out okay - because what else is there?

She seems the closest to Kinger whose whole mentality is "The worst thing you could do in this world is make someone feels unloved or unwanted." and to hold onto memories and connections because they're all we have.

And then you have her mother - who is her only memory. She grew up with someone who made her feel like shit, unloved and unwanted - Ragatha confesses this when she literally says "And my mother... I doubt she misses me."

No Ragatha is not perfect, but she was forced to be in her childhood and early adult life.

I genuinely don't believe she's trying to manipulate anyone - and especially not intentionally.

Ragatha's positive attitude towards Pomni and her friendliness is because she sees herself in the jester - in Ep. 2 Ragatha confides in Kinger about this on the candy truck, seeing how horrible of a day Pomni had when she first got here and compared it to her negative reaction when she first arrived too. She's not trying to steal her from Jax or force her to be happy all the time - the only reason she retaliates with something like that is because she believes Jax is trying to turn Pomni bad - and the last thing she or anyone needs is a second Jax.

So her jealously in Ep. 5 when Jax is growing close to her - IN THE MATTER OF A FEW MINUTES BTW - when Ragatha has tried for four episodes now to befriend her is killing her.

Hence why she's so relatable. Ragatha's inability to get angry without consequences(most likely from her mother), raised to be happy and perfect, humbling herself quickly by calling herself just a farm girl - is why people now think she's tricking everyone - but that's just it. She is just a girl, and by the sound of her and how Ep. 5 ended - she grew up with absolutely no friends.

It brings us back to that question we all had at some point in our lives: "Why does no one like me?" "Why does no one want to be friends with me?" "Is it me?" "Am I the problem?"

Ragatha watches Pomni, the girl she wanted to befriend so badly not out of pity or a selfish desire but because she thought Pomni was lonely just like her - walk away with Jax. And then watches Zooble and Gangle walk off with Kinger mindlessly following because he doesn't care and we see her standing all alone.

And there she debates: Does she want to keep pestering Jax and Pomni? Like a bother? Like she finds him annoying but here she is anyway chasing after him..

or does she follow the trio that didn't even realize she got left behind?

I love this little Raggedy Anne look-alike because I see so much of myself in her. She just wants to be good and yet that overly positive attitude and friendliest over the years is growing tired and annoying and the only person willing to tell her that isn't even Jax. Not directly anyway. With no one to tell her what to do - how to improve - what can be done differently - Ragatha can only keep asking herself those same questions and keep trying with the same approach.

Jax may be my favorite character - but I just don't agree with his view on Ragatha. I think she's a delight.

But if you deadass just hate Ragatha because she's annoying to you, or boring, then okay idc disregard the above-

btw i know ive been spamming so much tadc this might be my last post temporarily but i wanna make a few things clear for ppl who shockingly hate my girl

[acmeangel]

I’ve had this in my drafts for about 5 months because I’ve been too afraid of stirring the pot if my takes are hot, but I also really just enjoy character analysis so… this is my opinion!

Levi would not be a rough, mean dom in bed, and he wouldn’t have a high sex drive.

(CW: sex, prostitution, trafficking, all the Levi childhood things)

To start, if we look at his childhood, his mother was a prostitute in the Underground. And he was the direct product of this. While it was never specified exactly how Kuchel died — just that she was sick — I'd wager that it was almost definitely from an untreated STD; and even if not, it was precisely her dire circumstances that would've prevented her from receiving adequate treatment for any other illness. This lifestyle killed his mother, and we can see how deeply her death impacted Levi through even the smallest behaviors in his adult life; in the way he treats life as valuable, how he looks out for the young teenagers who end up on his squad, even in the way he holds his teacups. Kuchel loved him, and she was a kind person, but it didn’t matter—the world was too cruel of a place.

In Bad Boy, we see young Levi being threatened with the prospect of being sold into the same life as his mother — one of the men says, "We should make him do the same job as his mother. He might have inherited her talents." That's not something he'd easily forget, and, unfortunately, would likely be an experience that shaped his perception of self-worth, what sex is, and how the world works. This is not to say anyone is defined or shaped by their traumas, but our childhoods are very often where many of all our behaviors lead back to.

I'd imagine that if this is the life he grew up with, it would make his viewpoint on sex that it's something harmful, cruel, and unforgiving; it's a transactional means to an end, something taken with brutality, not an act of care, love, and intimacy.

There likely wasn’t anything in his life in the Underground to shown him otherwise, and he was there for all of his key, formative years. Even aside from his own personal experiences, we know that prostitution and trafficking ran rampant in the Underground—Mikasa and her mother were intended to be sold into it.

His abandonment by Kenny (who he almost definitely thought was his father at the time), only would've compounded his negative views regarding self-worth and the dysfunction/unreliability of relationships that are supposed to be caring, comforting, and nurturing. It took him decades to find out who Kenny really was or why he was abandoned—that's plenty of time for these emotional scars to cement themselves deep within him, even if subconsciously.

He'd then go on to lose basically anyone he'd ever dared to care about from that point forward—from Furlan and Isabel to the original Levi Squad to almost the entire Scout Regiment to Erwin to Hange to Sasha and Eren. Because of all of that emotional turmoil and the loss of all of his relationships that had mattered to him (despite his best efforts to keep them), I don't think emotional or physical intimacy would come easily to him or be something that he'd go out of his way to find, because why risk it? Why take the chances of getting attached to someone if your life is full of loss?

For that reason, I don't think he'd seek out sex just for the pure physical release. I think that for sex to even interest him at all, there'd have to first be a level of emotional connection and trust. With the right person, I'd reckon that over time, he'd develop a desire/need for it—it feels good physically, he'd see that it does foster intimacy, it would likely soothe some of his emotional wounds, and he'd want to please his partner. It’s also not to say he’d be overly gentle or timid or meek; but there’s a difference between passion and being rough with someone to the point of harm.

I just don’t envision him being particularly rough or dominating about it. He's not a violent or aggressive person at heart—only by necessity and circumstance. Honestly, I think, to some degree, he likely struggles internally with the super-human physical strength and fighting skills he's inherited. In my mind, it's not a far stretch to think that Levi has viewed himself as more of a tool/weapon/killer than a person, and I don't see him wanting to bring that into sex (or a relationship at all for that matter).

Levi didn’t choose to be an Ackerman/fighter — it was a perfect storm of his bloodline, Kenny’s influence, and the survival instinct necessary to live in the Underground that turned him into one. But that doesn’t mean that it’s his true nature. (Yes, he can at times reach a breaking point and lash out because he’s human, and almost no one constantly acts in line with their true nature and morality when put into dangerous, pressurized situations.)

I feel that Levi would want to avoid being violent or aggressive in an intimate setting, toward someone he deeply cares for, at all costs. Underneath his stoic exterior, crudeness, and the hardened mask he's often had to wear, he's shown to be a deeply caring, protective, and empathetic person.

Not to mention, I could genuinely see him being wary of his own sheer strength and not wanting to hurt his partner in any way or potentially scare them off, which would lead to yet another loss/abandonment.

Again, none of this is to say that a person’s trauma has to define them or shape their actions, feelings, and behaviors; but Levi is a deeply empathetic person, and I don’t see him easily shaking off seeing his mother’s tragic life, being abandoned, the loss he’s experienced, and the violence he has committed. Sure, it’s possible that after he gets into a relationship, or feels truly comfortable enough with someone, he’d be more open to different types of sex and not be as wary, but he’s just not a violent person in my eyes.

But mostly… I think, after a life of fighting and violence and aggression, he’d be eager to leave that behind when he can.

He’s not a violent dog, he doesn’t know why he bites.

This is not to discount anyone’s versions of Levi that they write/enjoy in fics/smut, I don’t really care what other people do and this isn’t about that. I’d never tell anyone what to do in regards to that. At the end of the day, we are really all just having fun here and living out our little fantasies as our our collective favorite character (I mean, I mostly write fluff pieces, so it's really not all that serious…). This just happens to be my take on Levi, it doesn’t have to be anyone else’s by any means, and I think character analysis is interesting! Pls don’t come for me, I won’t come for you!

[loricciardo]

YOU'RE SO VAIN, a Max Verstappen story.

pairing. Max Verstappen x original female character.

taglist. want to join my taglist for this story? comment or shoot me an ask.

synopsis. Natalie Schumacher is fast, fearless, and absolutely sick of being told she’s lucky. Being the daughter of a legend, she’s been branded “Formula 1 royalty” since she first entered this world as a small newborn.

Enter: Max Emilian Verstappen. Two-time world champion. A God on the track and a mess of contradictions off it--infuriating, electrifying, and raw in a way she just can't shake. At once, his rootlessness upends her routine. And, unfortunately, he is very loud about the fact that he thinks she doesn’t belong.

Max can’t stand Natalie. Not because she’s slow.. she isn’t. And it’s not because she’s soft. If anything, she races like a live wire. No, Max Verstappen hates Natalie Schumacher because she walks around with everything he never had: friends who love her before the podiums, a brother who’d throw punches in her defense, a family whose shadow feels like a blanket of protection, not pressure. She’s surrounded by warmth. But Max? He grew up in an icy cold tundra.

What do you do with feelings you didn’t plan for? What happens when the person you were raised to beat is the one who finally sees you for who you are?

status. on-going, i will try to update every tuesday, however i am writing this as i post, so updates may be slow as i want to properly depict the story i have in my head.

tags. female original character, misogyny and toxic masculinity (F1-typical), a lot of cussing, depictions of mental health issues (post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, bipolar, anxiety), depictions of childhood trauma, slow burn, NSFW themes (eventual smut? who knows..), references to past abuse and assault (physical, mental, sexual in reference to children and adults), abusive relationship in a romantic setting, mentions of michael schumacher’s accident, Max and Natalie are dicks!

Chapters will be marked accordingly. Please read before proceeding and exercise appropriate reader discretion.

DISCLAIMER. This is a work of fanfiction. I obviously do not own FORMULA 1 or any other forms of intellectual property. I do, however, own the original characters of this novel (Natalie Schumacher), as well as the plot lines and the writing itself. Some aspects are semi-based on true events following the 2023 season, but this is overwhelmingly a work of pure fanfiction and is far detached from reality. Additionally, there will be comments made for the sake of this fanfiction that I don’t believe the drivers would ever make. Do not let this story reflect your image on them. Please do not copy, redistribute, plagiarize, or translate this work under any circumstances.

• • • PLEASE DON'T BE A SILENT READER! I love seeing feedback and reactions. It really motivates me as a writer! I hope you enjoy 'You're So Vain.' Thank you for taking the time to read.

: ̗̀➛ 01. so this is how it starts?

: ̗̀➛ 02. too sweet.

[mona-risms]

Ok I was thinking about making a whole ass fic about this myself, but seeing your taking Hunter/x requests I thought I’d pitch this to see how you’d imagine it.

I imagined Amab Reader (I was thinking a guy best friend thing for Rumi) but knowing u don’t write men I’ll pitch this as Masc GN.

They grew up with Rumi, trained to be hunters with Rumi and eventually became Hunter/x dance/choreographer, that’s been in love with Rumi since the day they met, but they’ve never told her.

Mira and Zoey know but never outed them to Rumi, they go through the movie helping the girls and watching Rumi fall in love with Jinu, and they take it pretty well, it hurts like hell but all that matters is Rumi's happiness.

Eventually we reach the events where the girls find out Rumis a demon and Mira raises her weapon to her and Reader steps in between them and they all argue, basically the conclusion of the argument outing readers feelings for Rumi.

Mira is like “You’re in love with a demon!”

And readers like “No im in love with Rumi” cause it doesn’t matter to them what she is.

And I just imagine them and Rumi leaving, she’s still in love with Jinu so that confession doesn’t magically have them together or even kiss now. But Rumi knows, over everything she’s ever wanted.

She has one person that for sure loves all of her. Even the parts she thought were unlovable because even her aunt and pseudo mother couldn’t love them.

But reader is there no matter what, and just holds her as she breaks down, because of all the awful stuff she’s had to endure with her self image, and knowing now that she doesn’t have to feel the shame her aunt instilled in her

Sincerely the Tsaritsa/Pyro Archon Anon

◆ MAIN COURSE: Rumi x gn!choreographer!Reader

◆ TYPE: SFW, romantic

◆ ALLERGEN WARNINGS: None. Maybe like one single mention in regards to how these events would be with a fem!reader but otherwise this is strictly gender neutral.

◆ NOTES: HELLO I DID SEE YOUR OTHER REQUEST AND I WAS GONNA WORK ON IT BEFORE KDH TOOK OVER MY BRAIN 😭😭😭 YES YOU CAN BE ☀️🌙 ANON FIRST OF ALL I' SO SORRY I HAVEN'T DONE THE OTHERS YET AND SECOND OF ALL THANK YOU FOR THE CONSIDERATION ☹️. Anyway read this for? The continuation? Not the right word but alas

It feels like sacrilege to write something about this because holy fuck this is already DEVASTATING as is 😭😭😭😭😭 WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS but god okay here we go

I'm just going to say to get it out of the way bc this is genuinely a thought I have—if this was a fem!reader thing, it'd be another form of devastation. Gonna state the obvious here but K-Pop idols being gay, while they definitely lean into the queer fanservice and it isn't illegal to be gay in South Korea, still isn't widely socially accepted (there are some exceptions that came out but it is VERY MINIMAL). I don't even think it'd ever register to Rumi that you'd ever be interested unless she had some sort of bi awakening or you flat-out spit it out. And even then considering how she was most likely raised by Celine to be a WEAPON in both demon slaying and idol stuff, along with being taught to hide herself, I don't even know if it'd be an easy thing to swallow. But that's just me okay ANYWAY moving on frfr

You two growing up together as childhood besties and Celine training the both of you since you were young gives you a sort of special bond that not even Zoey or Mira have bc I THINK iicr they had their own lives when they grew up before they got scouted by Celine (how tf would we know when they never go into it right 😓). The two of you have the most experience, and the rapport comes the easiest. But as much as Rumi wanted to tell you about her demonic heritage, Celine has it drilled even deeper than you that she NEEDS to hide it—conceal don't feel Elsa type shit

I think Celine would also entrust watching over Rumi (and the whole of HUNTR/X) to you. Since, yk, there's only three people allowed every generation. This opens up the choreographer role, being able to guide them and their movements while keeping an eye on them when Celine can't. Unfortunately this also does kinda put pressure on you NOT confessing to Rumi bc 1) it'd probably end up as a distraction and 2) you don't wanna bother her about it. So at the VERY LEAST you'd be planning to say something AFTER they get the Golden Honmoon and all the demons are banished. Surely that'd be fine right? WRONG

Ever since the Saja Boys appeared, Rumi's been distant. Not just from Zoey and Mira, but you as well, which is diabolical since the two of you are guaranteed attached to the hip. Said two would be the only people that are well aware of your feelings for Rumi, and by GOD they feel bad for you. They're saying that Rumi's just!! Distracted over the upcoming Idol Awards and the Golden Honmoon!!!!!! But you've been seeing Rumi less and less, she's gradually kinda withdrawn and stopped talking to you about her problems, and she gets all sketchy and weird when you knock on her door or anything

The words slip out of your mouth before you could keep it down, "Did I do something wrong?"

Rumi looked up from her lap, her hands lightly pinching at the edges of her hoodie—your hoodie, you notice, the one you gave her one day but never bothered to ask for back because she said it was comfortable and gave good coverage of her whole body. "No?" Her eyebrows furrowed ever so slightly, and she looked genuinely taken off-guard by your question, "I don't.. think so? Why do you ask? Did something happen?"

You shook your head, "No, just.. you've just been avoiding me recently, so I thought I made you upset somehow."

"You know if I was upset, I'd tell you, right? Been doing that since we were kids," Rumi smiled lightly, "even when it was just me tripping over a rock and wanting those cute little bandaids you had."

At one point, you would've said 'yes' without a single doubt in your mind, but recently you've had doubts. Growing up with her meant you basically knew her better than she even knew herself, after all.

You wanted to say 'no' or 'I don't know'. You wanted to be honest.

"Yeah. I do." That's all that came tumbling out. "But I just..."

Miss you.

You shrugged before sitting down beside her on the bed, bumping your shoulders together as you reassured her, though you didn't know of what, "Don't forget you can come to me anything, yeah? I'm not gonna judge."

She doesn't verbally answer, but she does nod and lean on your side. Though you don't dare to look down at her expression—the nagging feeling of paranoia, mixed with the respect you had for Rumi, was pushing you away from prying—if you did you would've seen regret written all over her face.

It only all makes sense at the Idol Awards, when her identity is revealed and you lot all realise she was trying to work with Jinu (clearly it kinda failed since 🤷‍♀️). It clicks to you Really Easily, why Rumi's been secretive and distant this whole time, and even when it came to other stuff like why she doesn't go to the bathhouse or why she favours things with full coverage and long sleeves even if it was the MIDDLE OF FUCKING JULY!!!! You saw it on the screen, right beside Bobby, and by the time you get to where the girls are, Mira and Zoey have their weapons pointed at Rumi and Rumi is glowing, devastated, inhuman

Do you care though? No duh. So you step in between the two parties with your own weapon. But even you could tell that Mira and Zoey weren't into it at all—they didn't wanna fight Rumi at all

Mira's grip tightened on her glaive, "[Y/N]. Step away."

"No," you raised your own weapon higher, "not before the two of you lower your weapons. What the hell are you doing?"

"What we, as Hunters, are supposed to be doing!" Mira's voice raised, tinged with a mix of disbelief and mournful desperation, "We've been trained under the code of killing all demons for years, and yet she's been working with them the whole time?"

You hear Rumi's voice from behind you, broken, layered with something else, "No, I--"

"Oh, cut the crap! You kept this a secret the entire time and never thought to tell us when we-- when we--" Mira's voice broke off with a strangled rasp, her blade lowering slightly, before she blinked her unshed tears away and held firm with her stance, "If you're not going to help us, then step away."

You didn't move, "No."

"Stop being so stubborn and turn around! Look at her!"

And you did.

You saw her eyes, half a normal brown and half a slitted amber that glowed just like the purple markings that stretched all across her skin. You saw the claws on one of her hands, the way her skin now sported a grey-violet tinge that gradiented into her normal skin colour.

You saw the shame.

Zoey, the quietest you've ever seen her, dematerialised one hand of her knives to tug at Mira's jacket, "Mira, maybe we can just.. leave--"

"You're defending a demon that lied to us--"

"I'm defending someone I love!"

Silence followed, save for the echoes of your raised proclamation that bounced off the walls—

"It doesn't matter what she is, she's still my Rumi. If you really want to kill her, if you really believe that she's nothing but a demon? You'll have to kill me first."

—and the sharp intake of breath from behind you.

If Rumi were to look at the others' faces, she wouldn't see shock—they knew, after all. Instead, their expressions had crumpled. Zoey's hold on her knives had trembled slightly, and Mira had stared at you in a mix of rage and devastation.. before the both of them lowered their arms.

"..Go," you spoke softly, keeping your eyes pinned onto the duo as you spoke to the woman behind you, despite the heartache, "find him. See what went wrong."

Her clawed hand had shakily reached out behind you, but she retracts it in a near-instant with a tiny whimper before running off.

And that's when you slumped to your knees.

"Fuck."

And then the whole thing kinda goes the same way it did until the end of the movie. Rumi's mourning for someone that, by Hunter code, she shouldn't have mourned and yet it's not as if feelings are easy to erase. Not just her feelings for Jinu, but yes her fears, her insecurities, her shame (no thanks to Celine, you find out from her later 😒)

It'd definitely take a while for her to get accustomed to walking around with her markings freely out in the open. This girl's been raised to think she should be ASHAMED of herself for even basically existing, and she has to hide whatever taint her demonic ancestry's given her instead of embracing it. Add onto the fact that she's realised the entire time there was one person who's loved her and WILL love her unconditionally, even when sometimes she still thinks she looks like a monster when her internal doubts get to her? Oh she's crying. And who does she realise holds her every time? You.

"I'm sorry."

You shook your head, "Don't ever be sorry. I.. kinda figured it was best to keep it a secret until it faded away."

"Don't say that," she smacked your arm lightly.

"Okay, yeah, I guess it does sound kind of sad."

"'Kind of'?" Rumi scoffed lightly, though her tone held no heat to it, "Mira and Zoey told me that you've been having this crush for years!"

"Since I first saw you, actually."

"That makes it worse! ..For that long?"

"..yeah." You laughed, mostly at yourself as you looked out at the city from her room balcony, "I don't think it'll go away."

Rumi just watched you, watched how the city lights and the iridescent Honmoon twinkled in your eyes. And she tore her eyes away after a while, resulting in the both of you simply.. city-watching amidst the silence.

But she breaks it after a while, her voice a fragile thing, "..Could you.. wait for me?"

"Hm?"

"I think.. I want to recover. Or, well, unlearn Celine's.. way of the Honmoon." She leans her head on your shoulder, her now-iridescent markings casting a soft glow on your skin and her hair loose from her usual braid, "I want to learn how to stop hiding first. Then.. I'll see. Is that.. okay?"

You looped your arm around Rumi to hug her by the side without any hesitation, "Take as much time as you want. I'll be here."

"..Thank you."

"Mm. ..Besides, who else would choreograph your dances? Mira could, sure, but not as good as me."

"Pfft. Ruin the moment, why don't you?"

[synity]

just gutwrenching fluff with cheol, pure love and gratitude— could be reader graduating uni and delivering a speech as a valedictorian, after having a hard time and him always being her biggest support (yes ive been crying for the past hour on tiktok watching graduation vids and speech about family/friends like just people loving and I AM UNWELL TO SAY THE LEAST) btw I love your work youre so precious and remember to take care of yourself loveee xx

LEGENDARY

(Choi Seungcheol x FemReader)

*Graduation Dayn Fluff | Gutwrenching Love & Gratitude, romance*

Your hands were trembling, not just because of nerves, but because everything was hitting you at once.

The cheers. The flash of camera lights. The scratchy gown clinging to your skin. The weight of years upon your shoulders. The raw, aching joy and disbelief that you had finally made it.

You clutched your speech tighter, the paper warm and wrinkled from how many nights you'd held it, crying into your pillow and whispering the words under your breath. You weren’t sure how you even walked up to the stage. Maybe it was muscle memory. Maybe it was something deeper the sound of his voice guiding you like it always had.

"You got this, babe!"

There he was. Cheol. Front row. Your everything. Eyes glassy, fingers clenched, like if he let go of his hands, he’d fly to you in seconds. You swore he looked prouder than anyone else in the room. Not just proud. In awe.

Your legs carried you to the podium, but your soul stayed seated with him. Right there in the safety of his gaze.

"Good evening, everyone..."

You paused.

A soft breath.

"I want to start this speech by saying that I almost didn’t make it here."

The room quieted. Your voice trembled, but your heart held steady.

"I know we’re all supposed to be proud today and I am. Deeply. But it would be dishonest if I didn’t share just how close I came to giving up."

A long pause. You tried to keep your voice even, but your throat burned.

"There were days I couldn’t get out of bed. Nights I stared at my screen for hours and wrote nothing. Weeks where I felt like no matter how hard I tried, I wasn’t enough. For school. For anyone. For myself."

You gripped the edges of the podium. A deep breath. A look out into the sea of faces. And there he was still looking at you like you hung the stars.

"But someone believed in me. Even when I didn’t. Especially when I didn’t."

Your voice cracked. The lump in your throat grew.

"Cheol, you stayed. Through the breakdowns, through the all-nighters and mental spirals. Through the moments I told you to leave because I didn’t think I deserved you."

He was crying now, tears quietly falling as his hand clutched his chest.

"You brought me food when I hadn’t eaten. Held me when I said I wanted to disappear. Made me laugh when all I wanted to do was cry. You celebrated every tiny victory like it was the biggest win in the world. You reminded me I was more than my grades. More than my anxiety. More than my fear."

"And when I told you I wasn’t strong enough, you said, 'That’s okay. I’ll be strong for you until you can be again.'"

You choked on a sob, wiping your face quickly.

"This diploma might have my name on it. But this moment? It belongs to us. To the version of me that thought she wouldn’t make it. To the boy who never gave up on her."

"To every person who ever carried someone they loved until they could stand again thank you. And to you, Cheol. My rock, my light, my love… Thank you for loving me at my worst, and for helping me become my best."

When the speech ended, people stood.

But you didn’t hear the applause.

You only saw him.

You stepped down and he met you halfway, eyes red, arms open, like home.

You collapsed into him, sobbing into his shoulder. Your cap slipped off, and neither of you cared. The world faded into muffled claps and quiet camera clicks.

"You did it," he whispered against your temple, voice cracked. "I’m so proud of you, baby. You did it."

You pulled back just far enough to see him clearly.

"No," you whispered, cupping his cheeks. "We did."

He leaned his forehead against yours, tears mingling with yours.

"Always," he murmured. "Every step of the way, I’ll be here."

You wrapped your arms around him tighter.

Because the truth was, you weren’t sure how you survived before loving him. Before being loved by him.

And in that moment messy makeup, soaked tassels, and all—you realized something:

You had made it. Not just through school, but through the pain. The fear. The doubt.

And it was all because someone believed in you.

And because you had finally learned to believe in yourself too.

[amiya-shirou]

I genuinely believe Federico is like 90% of the reason why the central themes of emotion, humanity vs seaborn, and human connection actually work, because it would be so easy to completely ruin the message by making it a vehicle for typical "love is what makes us humans" "if you don't feel love and emotion exactly like everyone else does you're not an ACTUAL human with a SOUL!" nonsense, like to the point I'm also anxious I might end up sounding like that every time I try analyzing the seaborn conflict in any way, but thanks to Fede being written the way he is while having such a central role in Zwillingsturme and being so close with and important to Arturia we know that when she says "it has to include everyone" and when the game falls on praising human qualities and the power of human connection they don't mean "everyone who can feel normal human emotion :)" "everyone but they're gonna need to become human" but simply everyone, no one left behind, no one erased. The focus on destroying the barriers between people exists as an answer to oppression and discrimination, to bring humanity together so they can work as a whole to face adversity, not because not feeling empathy the same way Arturia does is "wrong". Even during the piano scene when Fede is shown as unable to understand why music, why art move people the way it does, despite it being a focal point of everything about Arturia and everything about the humans who stand against the Seaborn, it's never presented as a failing on his part, never presented as him being fundamentally incompatible with humanity - in fact that scene is where he learns how to approach emotion from his own angle in his own way as a form of data and it's when he grows as a person and becomes able to use it to better get Arturia despite his difficulty in conveying and "feeling" emotion. He doesn't get Sankta empathy, he values logical understanding over emotional connection, he's joked about from other characters as being more like a robot than a human, he's deliberately written as being an opposite to Arturia's unrestrained empathy, and yet he is the protagonist to Arturia's antagonist role, he is the one who understood her the most and who could support her in the finale, he's the one outsider who cared the most about fixing things in the Monastery while the "proper" Sankta were all busy dealing with their own problems or actively worsening things (hi Oren). His character arc doesn't have anything to do with him starting to "get" emotions like "real people" do but just about starting to ask questions, to find a way forward when his strict adherence to logical reasoning fails him, to interpret why he does what he does and feel the way he does, to understand why things happens and why people act certain ways, and in quite a few scenes that's precisely why he could reach a conclusion others couldn't.

His biggest scene in Hortus involves him refusing to accept Clement's position that just because the only flower left from his garden he had a deep emotional attachment to was a bit damaged and not perfect the way he grew all the others to be, the way he wanted it to be, then its survival is meaningless.

Just because Clement couldn't see the worth in the flower's existence it doesn't mean there was none for anyone.

Just like Federico was the one chosen by the Law amidst countless "perfect" Sankta well accustomed to their supernatural Empathy.

Everyone means everyone.