#like shes not talking in riddles she is genuinely confused at this point

[separatist-apologist]

canon this, canon that. as if sjm cares

[kokomyass]

Megumi Fushiguro ☆ 'Aight Bet'

Megumi x Fem!Reader

Genre: ☁️

Word Count: 2648

Trigger warnings ⚠️: swearing, none!

synopsis: in which, everyone is betting on the things you and Megumi have done (not sexually....) but they have had enough and take things to a new level...

a/n: WHEREVER THAT SWEET SWEET ANON IS THAT REQUESTED THIS....KNOW THAT I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU 💜

I did my best for you, and wherever you are, I hope you really like it and enjoy it! p.s it wasn't cringe at all, cause I remember you apologising 😉🥰

this is slightly based on the bonus ending of 'Nightmares' fanfic but not the same story if ygm?

You can go and read nightmares here!

Second person POV

"Bet you guys, 2000¥ they have held hands."

"Aight bet! I bet you 3000¥ they have hugged!"

It was the training session in Tokyo Jujutsu High and you and Megumi were sparring as you had been put in a pair.

However, for the rest of the students this was more of a gossip session.

The thing is everyone ships you and Megumi, it is pretty clear to see you like each other from a third person perspective but you are both too dense to notice each other's feelings.

It was true, you did have the biggest crush on Megumi and you thought you played it pretty cool but there is no denying you do stare at him as much as you can whenever you get the chance.

However, on the other hand, Megumi was rather obvious with his crush towards you, not because he was trying to be, but because he is unconsciously 100x nicer to you compared to the rest of Jujutsu High.

Nobara and Yuji had been going back and forth splurging their whole bank accounts on betting on the amount of romance that both you and Megumi had engaged in with each other.

"Guys, on a serious note...how fucking dense are they like...look at how they are sparring..." Maki scoffed and she folded her arms smirking, nodding her head to you and Megumi sparring with passion and a lot of physical contact.

"Wasn't that like you and Yuta in first year though?" Panda chirped up, raising an eyebrow to Maki.

"Salmon." Inumaki agreed with Panda nodding.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Maki shouted, huffing and denying all allegations.

"I do see Maki's point...I wish we could make them confess when they have no choice....." Yuji mumbled as everyone nodded silently agreeing with Yuji.

"Why wish when we can actually do it!" Gojo randomly came up behind the students, hands on his hips, looking awfully mischievous.

"Where did you come from?" Maki asked feeling genuinely confused.

"I do agree with you guys that these two lovebirds need to get together, fast....so I'm thinking we set up a little party that only they are invited too!" Gojo completely ignored Maki as he explained his oddly well thought out plan to the students.

"Hmm, that's actually a good idea...but what if they still don't do anything?" Panda asks.

"Good point my fellow Panda..." Gojo placed a finger on his chin pondering the solution to the dilemma Panda brought up.

"I know! I will write a simple riddle for them to read and hopefully they will get the memo and say their vows and stuff!" Gojo clapped his hand together as he came up with the 'perfect plan'

As everyone was still discussing the plan to get you and Megumi together once and for all you both started walking up to the group.

"Hey guys! Whatcha talking about?" you asked walking up with a smile next to Megumi, both of you completely oblivious to the evil plan that has been made.

Everyone went awkwardly silent making you slightly worried.

"Um are you guys okay?" you asked worry laced in your voice as you started feeling self conscious.

"Y/N!! Megumi! I was just telling everyone how I'm arranging a small party for us all tomorrow to celebrate togetherness!" Gojo swiped both you and Megumi into a side hug smiling ecstatically.

"Oh my that's going to be so fun! I can't wait!" you giggled as you felt very excited as you rarely got to do things like this in school.

"...do I have to go?" Megumi grumbled shrugging himself off Gojo, walking off slowly. This immediately made you feel sad. Whilst all the other students felt panicked as the plan was already failing.

"Megumiiiii pleaseeeee! It will be so fun, trust me and if it isn't I will treat you to whatever you want!" you grabbed onto Megumi's hand shaking it as you were practically begging him.

Obviously he couldn't say no as his ears dusted a light pink and he stuttered slightly.

"F-Fine, I'm only going because you said so...." he looked away as you gave him a big hug.

"Thank you, thank you, thank youuu!!" you let go and smiled at him warmly as he smiled back. "Let's go get some drinks from the vending machines."

You and Megumi left the group without another word as they all stayed silent for a bit.

"Hey Yuji?"

"Yeah Nobara?"

"You owe me 2000¥"

"Well you owe me 1000¥"

Time skip!

The next day arrived quickly and you found yourself feeling jittery and excited.

Today was the day of the little party and you felt this was your opportunity to have Megumi really appreciate your beauty whilst pretending you didn't spend 3 hours deciding what to wear.

You also wanted to be fashionably late so you didn't seem like a loser for wanting to be so early.

Gojo had said the theme was fancy, so of course you wore the fanciest dress you owned with some fancy makeup and hair.

You couldn't wait to see Megumi all suited up, the thought made you kick your legs and giggle to yourself.

You decided that you would leave now walking through the dorm corridors to the classroom that Gojo said the party would be in.

Funnily enough, as you arrived to the door, Megumi arrived at the same time and your eyes widened at how amazingly handsome he looked.

He was a fine piece of art. The suit he wore suit him so much it hurt and for some reason his eyelashes made you fold.

Megumi took a moment to take you, in his mouth slightly open from shock at the beauty beholded right in front of his eyes.

"You look....beautiful Y/N." Megumi said to you as if he spoke faster than his mind could register.

You face burned red as you looked away giggling slightly before looking back at him.

"Thank you Megumi, you look ever so handsome too" it was Megumi's turn to blush as he smiled lightly rubbing his neck and looking a away his cheeks flushed pink.

"Shall we go in?" after a bit of silence Megumi gestures for you both to go in the oddly quiet room.

Megumi held the door open for you as you gave a small 'thank you' and he entered after you but in the room, no one and nothing was there only a table and a note.

"Um Megumi-" you turn back to see Megumi behind you looking as confused as you.

Suddenly you heard a door lock as you instinctively reached for Megumi's arm as he pulled you close.

"It's okay im sure it isn't really locked." Megumi went to try and open the door. No luck.

"Oh dear...what's going on?" you look around feeling your arm hairs stand on end.

"Maybe we can read through that note there, I bet Gojo sensei is just messing around with us..." you nodded and move close to Megumi as you both approach the letter.

Megumi picks up the letter and opens it.

"If by dawn, you confess without waver, then you will not have to fear the power of the taser?..." Megumi sounded genuinely confused at the weird riddle that made no sense as you snorted.

"I don't know if I am more confused or scared right now..." you both chuckle together.

"Well, I guess we should confess something? Maybe a secret or something? So we don't get...tasered?" Megumi says still sounding extremely uncertain but you shrug it off desperate to find out what is going on.

You then realised you were alone with Megumi. In a locked room. The thought made you blush and smile softly.

"Erm, earth to Y/N?" Megumi waved his hands infront of your face as you snapped out of your thoughts realising you got a bit too lost in them.

"Yes your right! Sorry I zoned out....hmm maybe a game of truth or dare? I can't lie this shit makes no sense to me..." you sighed placing a hand on your forehead, whatever were the others thinking?

"I second that...I'm not surprised...Gojo is an odd specimen." Megumi deadpanned, making you laugh loudly.

"You aren't wrong there....anyways sit down!" you grabbed Megumi's shoulder and sit him on the couch in the back of the room, and you sit next to him as you both turn so you're facing each other.

"Okay! Truth or Dare?!" you smiled widely feeling too excited about this game. To be honest, your plan was to see if Megumi liked anyone and if there was any chance it could be you.

"Ummm truth?"

He was falling in your trap.

"Do you like anyone~? And for what reason?" Megumi's eyes widened and his cheeks and ears turned a light pink.

"...Yes....because she is pretty, kind, soft-spoken, easy to get on with and makes me genuinely happy" Megumi mumbled his whole answer looking away from you at all times, despite the small genuine smile that graced his lips.

Despite his reluctance to answer, Megumi couldn't hide how much he liked you, because you were so perfect in his eyes.

"Oh my!!! That's so kind, whoever gets with you is a lucky girl!" you chuckled as you playfully pushed his arm.

"Thanks...now, your turn truth or dare." Megumi sighed feeling relief as he nearly exposed himself.

"Hmm I shall go with truth!"

"Do you like anyone and if so why?" you smiled softly and shut your eyes.

"Of course I do! He can be a bit grumpy sometimes...but he is honestly such a kind person and he makes me feel all weird inside, but also makes me feel safe." you opened your eyes staring into Megumi's eyes as Megumi gave a forced smile back.

At the moment, in Megumi's mind his heart felt crushed. You liked someone....and the person who fit that criteria was Nanami. How in the hell? You were wayyy younger than him....maybe you were into older men, he couldn't deny his amazingly good and chisled looks, but even so-

"Megumi!! It's your turn!" you interrupted Megumi's thoughts as you tapped his cheek softy to get his attention.

"O-Oh my bad...dare?" he chose dare because he didn't want you to make him confess his unrequited love for you.

"I dare you to tell me who you like!" you smiled innocently as Megumi stared at you shocked, as if he had been stabbed in the gut.

"Y-You can't do that! That's not how the game works!" Megumi started scooting back as he sweatdropped. You just inched closer and closer.

"It is a dare. You have to do it. No backing out." you caged Megumi, with his back resting on the arm of the couch, your hands resting either side of him.

Megumi sighed in defeat. What was the worst that would happen? He gets awkward around you and you friendship is over? That's pretty bad...oh well...

"...you..." Megumi looked away as your eyes widened and you backed up from shock.

"Wait what?"

"....I said you, but I know you don't like me back, I can see why Nanami is in your agenda..." Megumi started rambling.

All those things he said, were about you? You smiled the most genuinely happy smile at Megumi making him look at you wide eyed and confused.

"Megumi, I like you too! What are the odds huh?" you spontaneous wrapped your arms around him squeezing him tight as he slowly wrapped his arm around you, the other arm keeping his body up on the couch.

"Wait so you don't like Nanami?" you pulled away as you gave Megumi the most confused look of the century before you burst out laughing

"Oh Megumi~ why would you think that? How could I ever do that....kinda sketchy no?" you pinched his cheek teasing him as he flushed an even brighter red.

"Well I thought he fit the criteria when I asked you why you liked them..." you smiled warmly at Megumi, your cheeks going pink.

"That was all you Megs. I honestly do really like you and admire you, I'm glad that you're in my life." you held his hands tightly as he squeezed back.

"I-I could say the same to you. You are so beautiful and kind and...and I really do like you. Sorry for thinking you like Nanami...." you giggled again, going in for another hug.

"It all okay, maybe next time don't be so dense." You pulled away and pinched his nose.

You faces were inches away from each other and you desperately wanted to kiss him.

"Can I kiss you?" Megumi asked, looking at you intently waiting for you answer. You smiled and nodded leaning in for a kiss.

Surprisingly he was a good kisser, his soft, glossy lips moulded into yours making you both get lost in the moment.. He stroked your back as you wrapped your arms around his neck. You didn't want the moment to end.

You both pulled apart from each other to get some air. You cuddled into him suddenly feeling quite fatigued.

"Remind me to do that more often." you giggled as Megumi chuckled.

"No objections there."

You both cuddled together not even bothering to check if the door unlocked, eventually falling asleep in each other's comfort.

A bonusssss!:

"I bet you 4000¥ they are cuddling right now." Yuji whispered to Nobara.

"I bet you 5000¥ that they kissed." Nobara gasped and began smirking.

"Aight bet."

"Guys! Do you have your tasers at the ready?" Gojo whispered to all the students.

They were all gathered outside the room you were in, all with taser in hand.

"So we go in, if they aren't cuddling then we taser them like psychopaths? Got it." Maki found some sort of amusement in all this.

"Okay guys, 3, 2, 1..." After Gojo's countdown ended they all entered the room. To be blessed with an adorable sight.

"Nobara pay up!!" Yuji shouted causing you to stir awake.

You jumped up and screamed to see everyone in front of you with tasers smiling with devious intent.

"W-Why do you have tasers?" you stuttered as you backed up with your hands up as if you were guilty, whilst Megumi was still basically asleep on the couch.

"Y/N did you confess?" Gojo came in closer as all the others followed him with their tasers making horrifying noises.

"What are you on abo- Oh!" It all made sense to you now.

You had been locked in a room with Megumi to get you to confess your feelings to each other.

"If by dawn, you confess without waver,

Then you will not have to fear the power of the taser..it makes sense now!!" you exclaimed making sense of the situation now. What an evil school you were in.

"HEY! Y/N YOU BETTER ANSWER ME." Gojo shouted snapping you out of your thoughts, getting an arms length away from you.

"YES! YES! WE DID! WE EVEN KISSED IS THAT GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU? PLEASE DON'T TASER ME!"

Suddenly all the taser noises stopped and you looked up to see everyone look relieved.

"You kissed?! YESSSS! Yuji pay up~" Nobara smirked and Yuji looked pissed.

"You made a bet on that?" you asked genuinely shocked as to how much you were shipped.

"Don't worry about that..."

"Let's go gang! Our job here is done." Gojo said as everyone followed behind him congratulating you on their way out.

You looked shocked as you turned to see Megumi looking as confused as you.

"What just happened?" Megumi asked looking like he saw an alien.

"I think it's best you don't know...." you sat down and rested your head on his shoulder.

What a crazy community you were a part of.

a/n: I hope you enjoyed that! and don't forget to request if you would like!! ANON I AM STILL LOOKING FOR YOU!!

love you all!! 💜🎵

[natty1730]

Chapter 5: Me Gustas Tu

“I know our house isn't as fancy as yours or anything, but I'm glad to call it home!" Heavy said with a closed eyed happy smile. As Daisy was walking with the two brothers, Dee couldn't help but ask a question to Heavy's comment. "Fancy? What does Heavy mean by fancy?" He asked, glancing at Daisy 's face which held a considerable amount of makeup on her left side. "Oh it's nothing- '' But before the girl could finish, Heavy cut her off. Yeah! She lives on the other side of the park

where the music conservatory is in that rich neighborhood!" Dee looked generally surprised, as to which Daisy just nervously chuckled and shrugged her shoulders. The three both walked up to the pathway of the house, and Daisy couldn't help but realize how fitting the house was for Dee. Dark wood, no flowers, a skull at the very top of the house, it really did fit him perfectly. Daisy couldn't help but compliment the house as she stepped inside, "Your house is super cool Dee!" The boy sharply turned away from her to hide a bit of red that adorned his cheeks, and placed his key ring on a holder with the words 'Metal Family' on it."Thanks, Heavy lost the family poker game on Monday, so it was his turn to clean the house." "And I did a great job! I mean not a spec of dirt is anywhere!" Dee just sighed and pointed down at Heavy's feet, "You just tracked in mud." The boy looked down and cursed, taking off his shoes and running off to grab cleaning supplies. "We can work in my room if you want?" Dee asked, noticing the confused look she had on while looking at a family picture on the wall. Oh that's just a family picture of us." He pointed to where Daisy was staring at intensely, "That's my dad, and yes he normally looks like that." He said, thinking Daisy was confused at the man's appearance. "Does your dad travel a lot?" She asked finally looking at Dee and taking notice of the resemblance. "Well sometimes. He just went to Brazil . last month, why do you ask?" She just shrugged and smiled. "Oh no reason, I just thought he looked familiar, that's all." That's a lie. Daisy recognized him from the guy on the plane, and the guy who she shook hands with on the street on her second day in Russia. She knew they traded names, but she couldn't remember what his name was. 'It'll be best to avoid meeting him I guess.' She thought while walking with Dee to his room. They both walked into his room and Daisy studied it for a second, before spotting an old beat up guitar in the corner. "Oh a guitar! Do you play?" Daisy asked, setting down her backpack on his bed and walking around his room looking at his posters. "I'm working on it I suppose." Dee said, trying not to remember the conversation with his father about that very same guitar. "A long time ago I used to play guitar in a band with my friends. We actually got sort of well known in some places, but it ended pretty fast." She said, turning around to glance at the guitar with a nostalgic glint in her eyes. "You can play guitar?" Dee asked, trying to bury his feeling of jealousy. She just hummed in reply before taking out her journal and plopping onto his bed. "Can you play anything else?" He said while he sat on his bed with her. Daisy internally cringed a little, wishing that she didn't play anything else. "Yeah, piano and violin . Now let's get started on the project."

No matter how many times they decided to do the project, they both would get off track. Dee never realized how much depth Daisy had until he started talking to her, but Daisy could feel herself start to get a little anxious. He was starting to ask questions that she tried to avoid, such as 'Why did you move here' and 'How come you never mention anything about your life?' But the thing was, she liked that he was interested. It had been a long time for her since someone asked her genuine questions, and a small part of her was happy. But only a small part. The rest of her was riddled with insecurities, bad memories, and anxiety that she wanted to get rid of. That's why when she looked at the clock, she visibly jumped back. "Shit its 6:30! Sorry Dee but I have to go!" Daisy yelled trying to quickly pack her things. "Wait before you go, we should trade numbers, and plan for tomorrow." Dee said, pulling out his phone to add her contact. And she grabbed Dee’s phone and add her contact information. “Here, don’t miss me too long.” She said, “As if,” Dee said as Daisy opened the door from his bedroom.I'll just come over after dinner okay?" She quickly said, flashing a smile Daisy down the stairs and said bye to Heavy. She runs out of the house leaving behind a confused Dee. Daisy ran as fast as she could. She only had 30 minutes to make herself presentable and practice her pieces that were assigned to her by Ms. Lydia, who also had started to force her to call her miss. As she finally approached her house and ran toward the door, she noticed two silhouettes talking through the window. The girl cautiously opened the door, and was a little shocked to see Ms. Lydia and her father talking. They were both in formal attire as they both looked at the girl who was standing in the doorway. "I forgot to mention to you Margarita, but Ms. Lydia won't be giving you a lesson today. She has some family matters to settle today, but tomorrow I will teach you myself."Daisy gulped and broke out into a cold sweat, looking down at her feet, away from the analyzing eyes of the tall blonde woman. "Yes father, thank you." The girl said, leaving that room as fast as her feet could take her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dee P.O.V

“So she was over here today? If she would have stayed longer I would have loved to meet her!" Glam said, picking up the empty plates from the table into the sink. "Do you mind if I take the leftovers with me? I've been waking up hungry at four in the morning lately." Ches asked, leaning back in his chair even more. "Yep!" dad fixed Ches a container of the food, before walking out and joining everyone else for a round of poker. This just left Dee and Ches alone, sitting across from one another. "So Uncle Ches..." Dee sighed not knowing how to bring up the topic. “What's up?" Ches asked, eyeing the boy. "How do you tell a girl that you like her?” The boy asked, trying his best not to let his nervousness show. Ches's eyes grew wide with those words, and his posture was more rigid than before. “Wo ho ho , you got a chick you like, so who is she?” Glam heard about this and he was surprised that Dee had a crush on someone. “Aww, Dee, who’s the lovely lady who stole your heart.” Dee turned bright red with embarrassment. “Well, I used to like this girl named Lif , and then it turns out she likes someone else, it hurt when she said that.” Ches looks sorry for Dee. Glam said “Well sorry to hear that Dee, it must have hurt very much.” Dee looked at his dad “It did very much, but now I got over it and know she is probably happier with someone else.” Dee sighed. “There’s this other girl, who just moved here last month and I think I am starting to have feelings for her.” Ches smirked and said “So this lady caught your eye, so who is she?” Dee turned red again just by thinking about her. “Her name is Daisy, she is amazing and beautiful. She has these beautiful eyes and This amazing smile oh.” Glam smiled “Sounds like you like her a lot.” Dee looked at Glam “She’s the girl that Heavy gos on and on about and she was going to have dinner with us, but she left.” Ches stood up from his chair and said “Look, if you want to tell her how you feel, get her flowers or maybe even sing to her. That’s how I will do it, and don’t be nervous, it 's not like you haven’t gotten rejected before.” Ches laughed. Glam glared at Ches and bumped him in the chest. “Ow, what was that for Glam?” Glam said. “ You know what that was for.” Glam put his hand on Dee’s shoulder “Look, Dee just be honest and tell her how you feel. I remember being young and in love before.” Dee chuckled. “Was it mom that you told me your feelings?” Glam chuckled “Yes, and no,” Dee was confused by this. “ My first love wasn’t your mother, it was a girl named Gianna, but we call her Gia.” Ches blushing a bit, he was trying to hide his blush. Glam look at Ches “You Remember Gia don’t you Ches?” Ches smiled “ yay, I remember Gia she was one of our members of our band, she play the guitar, she was one of those hippies before she turned metal, I think she is still a hippie.” Glam brought a picture frame from the living room. It shows a band that his dad and Uncle Ches were in. In the photo there was his dad and Uncle Ches, and the other band members, but one stood out from the rest, a young woman with a hippie outfit next to his dad.Ches pointed to the young woman. “That is Gia, she was the literally Dream Girl,” Glam sat in his chair. He said “The last thing that I heard of her, she went back to Brazil and started a family.” Glam looks a little sad. In Glam’s head he kinda wished that Gia didn’t end their relationship, he wished that he could have a family with Gia. Not that he didn’t love his relationship with Vicky, he really loved Victoria, but what Glam had with Gia was different, it was more tender and sweet.”

“Don’t worry, Dee, you're going to be okay. The heart wants what it wants.” Uncle Ches said. But Dee still sat there, in fact he couldn't find it within himself to leave the table. He just had this nagging feeling that something was wrong, that something went down without his knowing. 'I mean it was weird that Diana and Daisy stopped talking all of a sudden...I already talked to her, but maybe she knows something?" Dee thought while pulling out his phone from his pocket, and texted a certain pink haired girl. Dee: Diana, do u know anything else about Daisy ?

*The person you are trying to text has blocked you*

"What the fuck. Blocked?!?" Dee yelled out loud, confused and borderline hurt of Diana's action. 'I will find out more if it's the last thing I do.' He thought before putting his phone away and joining his family for poker.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Daisy was truly grateful that her lesson was canceled, but was not looking forward to playing with her father tomorrow.Remnants of her lip gloss were on the corners of her mouth, while her lips were chapped. The girl decided to move away from the mirror. She took out her history textbook, but instead of making her usual lines on the cover, she opened it up and started to read about the influential people of Russia. 'Maybe, just maybe, if I read too much then I'll go blind. Then I'll never press any type of white or black key again.' Daisy thought, looking down at her short fingernails, wondering if her father will force her to play until she's bruised all over.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey Y’all how are you guys, I just want to tell you that my OC Gia is Daisy’s mom and that she is my original character. I give you the back story about Gia later in the chapters. If you have any questions tell about it in the comments section below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Outfit reference

[kyogre-blue]

Windblume II day 2, complete.

It’s an improvement over day 1, yeah, possibly because the group scenes are very short. But it’s still a bit... hm.

It’s definitely weaker than Weinlesefest, noticeably so. I suspect that’s because it is getting some Lore 4 Shadowing forced in. I know from leaks that this is all leading up to some info about the Hexenzirkel, the group of witches both Alice and Mona’s master belong to, and the riddle is likely from Alice or someone else involved in that. 

The riddle is unfortunately not a particularly good way of explaining why we’re doing full cast cameos, and the cameos are honestly getting a bit much. It’s not absolutely terrible, but they’re definitely getting rather stretched. You can tell we’re just going down a checklist of people in Mond. 

Aside from that, the writing is also quite shallow and in a way that is hard to dismiss. Collei and Sucrose friendship is cute and all, but while it kind of gives us more Collei stuff, it’s very imbalanced since Sucrose is just being a great and wonderful new friend for Collei without any particularly compelling reason or impact on her side. Their friendship feels nice but it doesn’t feel solid.

Additionally, even for Collei, they are doing a poor job of handling her backstory. Collei tells Sucrose everything, and Sucrose has a “holy shit, what the fuck” reaction that doesn’t really fit the black summary screen that just says “Collei explains everything from her childhood to her Eleazar being cured.” Obviously, Collei mentioned the human experimentation, but the writing just... doesn’t bring that. And then the conversation swerves into acting like Collei was only talking about her personality issues like having trouble talking to people. 

It’s, hm, somewhat reminiscent of the issues with Mond and Liyue archon quests? Where the final aesop doesn’t match up to the setup we were given previously. 

Also, they have this confusing line: 

Several means it’s been minimum three years since the manga. But the manga takes place a year or less before the game. 

The entire timeline around Collei is quite confused. She’s been learning to read this entire time but is still not particularly good at it, which seems odd if she’s been at it for 3+ years. However, she’s also repeatedly visited Mond, which wouldn’t make sense if it’s been only 1 year, unless she comes every three months or something... which seems unlikely if her health had already noticeably weakened by the time we meet her in the archon quest, since she didn’t seem to be in any shape to be travelling. But she’s still an apprentice forest ranger, which seems strange if she’s been training for three years already. And then you have to factor in that Tighnari would have been taking care of her for three years, and Lisa would have already been out of the Akademiya for 6 years minimum... Etc, etc. 

I’m genuinely unsure if the writers just forgot the manga timeline or if they’re trying to imply that the Traveler has been on the road for a couple years now. 

The whole thing feels quite sloppy, tbh. 

Anyway, this is getting into the minutiae of the event. The main point is that it’s got some good stuff going on and I wouldn’t call it intolerable, which puts it well above most of Genshin’s content. But at the same time, it’s very lacking in polish and feels very dragged out and bloated at times (especially when they do stuff like repeat the bit about the mailbox three or more times). 

So it’s passable but disappointing since I was hoping for more. 

[gogolstoelicker]

Okay so, I saw your post on Monoca and I got excited. So what about a Junko Enoshima mc? She highly intelligent, cunning, somewhat impulsive, extremely manipulative, and violent and cruel without remorse. She was a highly toxic individual, being both physically and mentally abusive to everyone around her and wears interesting clothes... You don't HAVE to do this you can just delete this ask if your not comfortable! Have an amazing day/night dearie!

Twisted wonderland with a Junko!MC

warning(s): mentions of abuse

notes: hooboy. i feel bad for everyone but especially riddle

and honestly i genuinely have no idea how to write for her so LNSKABSJ

Apathetic and easily bored to an unhealthy and abnormal degree, it came to the point where you even got bored of yourself. Because of this, your behavior and mannerisms tended to be extremely erratic and unstable by your own autonomous design.

Highly intelligent, cunning, somewhat impulsive, extremely manipulative, and violent and cruel without remorse. You're a highly toxic individual, being both physically and mentally abusive to everyone around you.

Heartslabyul:

hoooboy😁😁

well trey def did try to seperate u from riddle considering how u act

not to mention, those personality switch of yours are quite confusing

they had a REALLY hard time dealing with u

it came to the point ace, deuce and grim is a better option than u LMFOAOAOOA

well i mean they're not wrong?

you may or may not have gotten ace's wake up call beating?

well not like it worked anyway but he tries

you know what they said, u never know until u try!!

well this def doesn't work out and they should stop bc ur unpredictability is kind of scary¿!¡"'!5(@$4(

well its not like they like u but they tried their best to help u at least

riddle even tried to bring u to counseling lmao

cater tried too with many more help but again, it never worked

so uh

maybe team work makes the dream work????

Savanaclaw:

all i can say is that nobody will like u im sorry

actually, not sorry. deserve

go break em teeth leona!!

actually naw he might just

scowl at u and avoid u forever

like hm? i smell the prefect🤔

*sleeps on top of a tree or smth

ruggie avoids u too

hes busy enough as it is, he doesn't need or want to deal with u

if he were to ever run into u, he would probably just

just do some 💃🕺distract👯‍♂👯‍♀ his way out of there

well if it works??5!6"5!6(5

jack is probably the one who genuinely tried to help u out?

he might deny it but

but he means well!

if u try anything to him, i will fight u at mcdonald's parking lot

Octavinelle:

jade and floyd probably thought of it as amusing

well they're weird like that

floyd had a hard time keeping up with ur personality switch

so he got mad

and i got depressed or mad too

and then it turned into an emotional breakdown

well just u tho

and then it turned to uh

happy murder discussion?

well good for u for finding a friend?

jade would entertain u here and there if hes not busy

hes entertaining himself too anyway

the way u went from 👑 to 💔 to 👹 to 🤩 to 💪 is kind of funny anyway

azul is

yeah

sick and tired thats what he is

he might even ban u from monstro lounge if its not for the fact that the tweels enjoying ur presence

Scarabia:

oh jamil def HAIYAAHHH WATAHHHH his way with u

well if u tried anything that is

esp if its directed to kalim

like you're getting close to him? HAIYAH

you're trying to talk to him? HUHHHH

you're LOOKING at his direction? he's calling u in front if Sam's store to fight

/hj

Sam's store new mcdonalds HELPPPPP

kalim? kalim!

he is uh

trying to understand u at least!

ur personality switch is VERY confusing but he can get used to it!

he have a very short attention span anyway do its ok he can keep up with this

doesn't really know what you've done actually so good for him

just

just follow jamil for now kalim and dont come back😅

Pomefiore:

well you're an ass but at least u have good fashion

depressed but well dressed ig

well just mentally ill but well dressed actually

good for u for being the ultimate fashionista

at least your taste and fashion is worthy enough in the eyes of vil shoenheit himself!!

that being said, since the two of u are models, I'd say vil is pretty interested in ur works

he would even give out honest tips and criticize what needed to be!

other than that, he doesn't want u anywhere near him🤗‼️

TEN FEET AWAY I SAID

rook? uh rook

well he finds beauty in everything so

but maybe not so beauty in u

what do u call less beautiful in french

anyways, epel is def uncomfortable around u too

he'll even fight u with a stick if he have to

LIKE BACK OFF SATAN🤺AWAY🤺

Ignihyde:

oh idia does not like u at all

probably made ortho avoids u too

yknow the "stranger danger😡!!" thing parents told their children?

thats what idia is to ortho abt u

might even made some upgrade on himself if thats what it takes to avoid u

/j

ortho uh doesn't really understand why

and is probably a lil bit worried for u bc

bc you're the way u are

well i mean the entire school is worried and he surely is in that circle

well he tried to research into it kinda???

and then found out its some mental illness and uh

tried to convince the bro to help him help u

back to square 1 with idia ig

Diasomnia:

another group to fight u

instead of a stick, with a sword

might even with magic

watch out

they don't trust u at all

well malleus is quite upset

but seeing what the people around u are trying to do, he's trying to help u too!

fear not as he, malleus draconia, knows a thousand spells and potions!

maybe its smth with that mental health of urs????

or maybe that personality switch???

the way u treat others???

anYtHiNG?2!"8!5"6!

well lilia have surely came across someone like u one way or another

so he can kind of deal with u

in a way

he hangs around u sometimes

only bc you're a tiny weeny bit interesting^^

🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀🌀

^real footage of sebek talking with u

is it bc u keep switching the way u act or is it bc he's confused or confusedly frustrated? who knows

all we know is that it's very hard for the poor boy

silver def have his guard up with u

you're so confusing too he's about to sob frfr

like one day u might just walk up to him and he might just break down on the floor

[hurricaneonanesthesia]

Hello! I read the chamber x beast! Reader headcanons and i was wondering if you could do the same premise and scenario with Brimstone or Sova.

Hi nonny! Of course you can request the same from me. I think I might have deviated from the original request slightly but regardless, I hope you like this!

~Admin Hurricane

Warnings: none

Word Count: 500+ in Brim’s, 400+ in Sova’s

Genre: fluff

Pairing(s): Brimstone x GN!Reader, Sova x GN!Reader

Brimstone

He has a big heart, I’m sure this is already fairly evident in the way he interacts with the other members of the VP. He takes pity on you, seeing as you struggle to control your beastly form, oftentimes keeping your powers restrained to keep from harming others.

He’s the leader of the VP so he has a lot of power and connections, he’ll help you find a way to overcome this through thick and thin

I’d like to think that the first time you met Brim, it was cause he had sent a strike team to stop your rampaging cause you were literally tearing up one of the radianite facilities that they had. When they managed to finally bring you down and calm you, he questions you and your motives, only to be really frickin confused when you immediately start apologizing for what you had done earlier.

When they finally manage to detain you, he keeps you trapped inside of the interrogation room with Breach and Sova on standby if anything happens. But to his surprise, when he gets inside, you answer every question he asks you, even if you don’t know what to say. He finds that you’re genuinely a really chill person and what you had done was not your fault. It was from that interrogation that ended up landing you a spot in the VP.

more utc!

He asks Sage if you might be bluffing, but ends up finding out that you had been exposed to a little too much radianite, noted by the unusual amount of radianite exposure in your genome. That’s the whole reason for your instability when you switch over to your beastly form. She advises him to help you get your emotions under control, lest something bad happens. 

You’re very quiet, but you stick by Brim’s side, kind of like a loyal dog lol, idk how else to describe it. Brim appreciates your company though, especially when he’s in his office working on some stuff. 

The one time you actually lose control of yourself is because of Breach’s incessant trash-talking of Brim and him egging you on, calling you Brim’s “lapdog”. You’re typically very level-headed, but in your mind, this crossed the line. All you saw was red.

By the time you came to your sense, you found that Brim was in front of you, physically holding you back, while your jaws were biting down on KAY/O’s shoulder, the indentations from your teeth evident against the metal.

You immediately let go, changing back, your face riddled with guilt. You spend the next few days in your room in solitary confinement, imprisoning yourself in fear that you would somehow end up hurting someone else.

You felt bad because you know that at some point, if you hadn’t regained control, you probably would have ended up killing someone

Brim eventually forces you back out of your room and gifts you something that KAY/O had given him to give to you that would help you regulate your emotional outbursts and excessive radianite exposure. 

He tells you that he needs you by his side to support him, and that together, he’ll work with you to improve on your skills. 

Sova

Also a man with a big heart, but he’s more cautious than Brim when it comes to trusting others

He’s a hunter at heart, so when he first comes across you, he sees you as a threat he needs to take out. He manages to subdue you, and right as he’s about to take you out, he makes the mistake of looking you in the eye. Instead of seeing a monster, he sees someone very human, staring back at him. Y’all know that one scene from HTTYD 1? Yeah, this is basically that. 

Against his better judgement, he brings you back to the VP with him to see if there’s anything that can be done to tame you. He talks with Skye because of her knowledge of handling wild animals, but even she’s helpless to your state. 

He feels so bad, seeing you struggle with yourself every single day. He questions if there is any other way he would be able to help you, aside from taking you to see KAY/O every day to help you gain some control over your abilities.

KAY/O proposes a suppressor, similar to what Neon has, it keeps you from overusing your abilities but doesn’t completely restrict you from doing your job. 

So for the most part, things run smoothly with your new suppressors, you and Sova are practically the dream with Sova darting up the whole site and you running in after any mirror agents that were unfortunate enough to be revealed by Sova’s recon darts and his owl drone. 

While Sova encourages you to take risks and won’t stop you from going on missions, he doesn’t want you to go as far as constantly throwing yourself into the fray, worried that a stray bullet may end up killing you.

However, there was this one time that you guys were on a duo mission together at Icebox and a bullet pinged off of your suppressor, knocking it off. All you remember is collapsing to the ground before everything went dark. 

By the time you come to, you find your suppressor back in place with Sova hovering over you, concern on his face. There’s a little blood smeared on his face but that’s not your main concern, you immediately curl up and pull away from him, your expression dark. 

Sova says nothing, but merely pulls you back into his embrace holding you in his arms, radiating warmth contrasting your cold surroundings. Despite the temptation to pull away from him once more, you melt into his embrace, sniffling softly. 

He keeps you there until you calm down, assuring you that he’ll stay with you through thick and thin.

Reminder that my requests are open! Be sure to send something my way if you’re interested! Requesting Rules are here!

Want more of my writing? Be sure to check out my masterlist. Wanna know what else I’ll write for? Here you go!

Thanks for reading and have a lovely day!

[janethepegasus]

Random Riddle Headcanon

I think he would be a fan of My Little Pony, he would just like the show though, he’s not gonna dedicate his life and allowance to buying the toys. 

MC/Yuu would introduce him to the show all because he’s in the Equestrian Club, surely he would like a show that stars little horses, right? He sits through the Season 1 two-parter and is like “...Okay maybe one more episode” and soon he watched through the entirety of Season 1 and has been hooked ever since.

His favorite seasons are 1-4.

He likes the fact the show teaches lessons about friendship, it’s sort of educational in a way, which he appreciates.

Favorite Mane 6? Twilight Sparkle. He relates to her in some ways, though he doesn’t like the fact Twilight slowly turned into a friendship preaching saint as the seasons go on.

There are moments in the show he’s...VERY vocal about, and not in a good way. 

First being the whole Alicorn Twilight situation; he was confused at first but assumed she would get her own kingdom just like Cadence did in Season 3. He was VERY disappointed and confused when all she got in Season 4 was a castle, not even ruling Ponyville as her kingdom. Then in Season 9 when Celestia and Luna were retiring and decide to lend their leadership to Twilight, Riddle outright screamed, “THEN WHAT WAS THE FUCKING POINT OF GIVING HER A CASTLE?!”

Then there’s Starlight...oooooh how he HATES how Starlight is treated in the show. Firstly, he HIGHLY disagrees with how The Cutie Map ended, saying that Twilight and her friends should’ve talked to her and make her change her ways instead of chasing her out of town, speaking of that town, he has SOOOO many questions on how Starlight did it; was it an abandoned town before Starlight took over? Where did she get these ponies? Did she kidnap them and their friends and family have no idea where they are? etc. Then comes The Cutie Remark...oh his face was as red as blood in the final act. After he heard Starlight’s backstory (basically her friend got a cutie mark and went away, that’s why she hates cutie marks), he paused the episode and went on a whole rant about it. He went on an even LONGER rant when Starlight got no punishment for anything she done and just becomes part of the main cast

(try to imagine Riddle screaming on the top of his lungs about how Starlight should’ve been punished for her crimes against Equestria and possibly ban her from using magic ever again while Friends Are Always There For You plays in the background)

Even the whole thing with Stygian/Pony of Shadows made Riddle upset, saying he should’ve been locked away in limbo regardless if it means the Elements of Harmony are destroyed in the process.

The whole School of Friendship thing confuses the hell out of him. Like...do they JUST learn about friendship? Do they have lessons in magic or other curriculums? Would any graduates go anywhere in their lives due to their school going against the rules of forming a school? Does Twilight have any plans to allow other transfer students aside from those five kids? His mind is just...boggled.

But aside from those things, he genuinely loves the show. ...Don’t introduce him to G5 or Pony Life, he’ll either be confused as hell or frustrated by everything.

[keijislove]

One sickle: Tom Riddle X Reader

“Professor?” you knocked on your headmaster’s door, “It’s Y/N.”

“Ah, miss L/N, come in.” the voice of Armando Dippet beckoned hazily, as if his mind was elsewhere, which it undoubtedly was.

“Er, yes sir.” You walked inside, taking a seat.

“Miss L/N...” he began, “I am so sorry I have to ask of you for this, I am aware that you haven’t done this before.”

“What exactly, professor?” you were confused.

“As you know that due to the unfortunate circumstances involving Myrtle Elizabeth Warren of your house, Ravenclaw tower shall be searched tonight by her family members and a few Ministry officials, and I, being the headmaster of the most prestigious wizarding school that there is... I must appoint two prefects each for the corridors of Hogwarts... I have appointed a Slytherin prefect alongside you for the forbidden corridor on the third floor.”

“But sir, why would that place require patrolling?” you asked in a bit of a panicky state. “The bathroom is off-limits, Warren just died there!”

“I am aware, Miss L/N.” he waved off, “And I am also aware that you are one of the most promising pupils I have the delight of teaching.”

You flushed.

“And do not worry, your companion is not less by any means,” he assured, “You may leave, your duty begins in an hour.”

“Thank you, sir.” You muttered, struggling to keep your voice even.

An hour passed in no time and soon, you were hurrying off towards the corridor on the third floor.

You caught sight of your companion already present there, his back to you, crisp uniform with hands behind his back and everything.

It wouldn’t take a genius to figure out who he was, even from behind. The mysterious, dangerous, frightening, irritatingly handsome prefect of Slytherin house – Tom freaking Riddle.

“Ah-hem.” You cleared your throat.

Dammit Y/N, you can’t even clear your throat without stuttering

His head swung around as if he knew you were there.

“Uhm, good evening.”  You began at the lack of response from the dark-haired boy.

“Good evening.” He replied, surprised that you were willing to make conversation with him when most people just hurried past.

“Nasty business.” You remarked, “Warren, I mean.”

“Yes. Particularly nasty indeed.” His expression was not polite or welcoming. Instead, he stared at you with a calculating look.

You shrugged slightly, “Bit unexpected, that’s all. A murder at Hogwarts, I mean.”

“Yes, let’s hope Hagrid keeps his monstrous pets away from the school, then.” He rolled his eyes.

“He did strike me as odd.” You muttered, “I didn’t know it would be this bad. Still, it’s more concerning what the fate of Hogwarts will be than Warren’s death.”

“What do you mean?” Tom suddenly asked.

“All I’m saying is... deaths and accidents happen everyday.” You explained, “Warren was just an unlucky victim of one. I’m just.... worried. I hope they don’t close the school, I can’t go back to my adopted family.... it’s positively awful.”

“Is that so?” Tom was beginning to talk in a more relaxed manner.

“I’m afraid it is.” You shrugged, “Call me cold-blooded or whatever.”

“How are you not in Slytherin?” he demanded, “You would’ve done well.”

“The hat did consider it.” You explained, “But instead I’m in-”

“Ravenclaw.” He answered for you, “You’re in my Arithmancy class?”

“Oh.” You flushed, knowing he noticed, “Y-yeah, I am.”

“Alright miss Slytherclaw. We’re supposed to be on duty. We’ve been chatting here for ten minutes.” He said in a light teasing tone.

Now you really turned beetroot.

-----------

There were no more words exchanged between you as you stalked around the corridor, and you sank into your daydreaming.

And it had to be the stupidly attractive face of the prefect next to you.

“A sickle for your thoughts?” Tom asked, as politely as he could.

You smirked, “My thoughts cost a lot more than that, Riddle.”

“A sickle for an insight, then.” He insisted.

You sighed. “I’m thinking about... someone.”

“Who?”

“I don’t think you wanna know the answer to that.” You scoffed.

“You are really bad at hiding things.” He remarked.

“How so?”

“You just made it pretty bloody obvious whom you were thinking about.” He smirked. “Like what you see?”

“Hey look, I can’t help it, okay?” you said in exasperation, “I don’t even like you like that, I just appreciate that you’re... attractive a notch above normal.”

“That’s a compliment anyway.” He huffed, “It’s alright, you’ve got hormones. I get it. You don’t have to like someone to appreciate their looks.”

“Thank you.” You spoke.

You had begun to get more confident. You glanced at your watch.

“Argh, dammit. It’s past time.” You groaned, “Well, see you later.... Tom.”

“Goodnight, Y/N.” he spoke.

You turned to leave, but he called behind you, “By the way, we’ve got to patrol this month!”

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

Life was getting simply outrageous for you – you were failing Divination and History of Magic because you weren’t able to get your work done on time, having to stay up all night patrolling that stupid corridor.

Not that you didn’t enjoy Tom’s company, though. Two consecutive weeks of knowing each other and you were already talking as if you’d known each other for years. He just understood you in a very, very weird. It wasn’t al sunshine and rainbows though. You already didn’t have any friends and now you were labelled as the weirdo who hangs with Riddle.

Tom’s company was more than satisfactory however, and you were fine with having one friend who understood you than several who didn’t.

You were finishing up your Arithmancy project alongside your partner, Olive Hornby, when a certain Slytherin decided to approach you.

“A sickle for your time?” Tom asked, but it was not as jokingly as his statement a few weeks prior.

“I would say my time costed a lot more than that, but I can see this is serious.” You spoke. “Yeah?”

“I need to talk to you.” He explained.

“Privately.” He added, looking at Olive in disgust as she battered her eyelashes.

You scoffed, getting up and dragging him out the classroom with you.

When you reached a decently secluded spot, you spoke, “Yes?”

“I want you to answer this very truthfully.” He began.

“Can’t make no promises.”

He ignored your statement. “Are we friends?”

“Huh?” you asked in confusion, “Of course, why-”

“No, no, no.” he messed up his usually neat hair, “I meant... if you found out something about me.... would we still be friends?”

“Like what?” you questioned, wondering where this was from.

“Like... maybe if I’m dangerous?” he whispered quietly.

You snorted slightly, “Tom, that’s not how friendships work. Everybody has their secret to keep, and they’re 100% entitled to it. I wouldn’t ditch you just because of something you did.”

“Are you so sure you will stick to that when you find out what I’ve got to say?” he quietly asked.

“I- it can’t be that bad, I- I will.” You stuttered, slightly afraid.

“Okay.” He finally spoke, “Alright, fine. C’mon.”

He led you to the corridor where you’d been patrolling.

“What are we-” you began.

“SSH!” he hissed, dragging you inside the girls’ washroom.

“This place is of limits!” you hissed.

“I’m aware!” he hissed back.

You scoffed.

Tom led you to a worn-out and broken sink before crouching down.

“Please mean what you say from this point on.” He whispered.

“O-okay.” You said, genuinely frightened now.

“Open. I command you.” Tom hissed at the tap.

“Does it really open?” you asked, as Tom’s head snapped your way so fast, you thought you heard a crack.

Not speaking, looking at you with wide eyes, he pushed you in before climbing himself.

You let out a soft shriek as you fell into an entrance of sorts.

“Wh-wha-” you spoke.

“This.” Tom spoke. “Is the Chamber of Secrets.”

“What?” you shrieked, “No way. No way, no way, no way! Get me out of here! We’re going to die.”

“Relax, Y/N.” Tom rolled his eyes, “You’re going to be fine. Also, why didn’t you tell me you were a Parselmouth?”

You flushed, “I didn’t think it was of significance. Anyway, what are we doing here?”

“Be careful not to speak in Parseltongue.” Tom warned, “You’ll wake it.”

“Wake what?”

“The Basilisk.” He said simply.

“What- a basilisk?!” you sputtered, “Tom, what the heck? First the chamber and now a basilisk? This stuff is dangerous and-”

“I thought you said we all had a secret to hide.” He muttered.

“Oh well, yes, but I’m saying this because I care about you!” you explained, “I don’t want you to get hurt, that’s all-”

“Well then don’t!” he yelled, “Don’t care about me. Don’t attach yourself to me!”

“Why not?”

“BECAUSE I’M A MONSTER, ALRIGHT?” he yelled angrily, “IT WAS ME! I KILLED MYRTLE WARREN! I OPENED THE CHAMBER!”

“Wh-what?” you asked.

“BELIEVE IT OR NOT Y/N-”

“Tom.” You hoarsely whispered.

“WHAT?”

“Did you say, um, something about a basilisk?” you asked. “Because I think it’s awake.”

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

Both of you panted heavily, emerging from the Chamber and collapsing on the bathroom floor.

There were tears in your eyes, but you refused to let them fall, especially in front of him.

“There you go.” Tom angrily snapped, “I’m a complete monster. I already killed Warren, and I nearly killed you. Go on. Tell me how awful I am. Tell me you hate me.”

“I don’t.” you whispered, “I don’t hate you. I.... I’ll still stick with you. Look, I don’t know what happened to you, Tom, but I can tell you’re... hurting. I hope I can help with that.”

You saw his nostrils flare as if he was contemplating something.

Your lips were glistening from a mixture of water and tears, making you look gorgeous.

“A sickle for a kiss?” Tom shakily asked.

“My kiss costs a LOT more than that, Riddle.”

“Ten galleons then if you want.” Tom said before closing the gap between you.

[priscilla9993]

Right now, I could use a bit of hope as I’m in an unstable part of my life where nothing seems to be going right, where everything good comes too late, and it’s that time of night that I can’t stop thinking about the what ifs and buts. It’s been long enough where I rewatched another scene from “The Girl in the Tower” (an episode that keeps on giving years after airing) and came back with more, the idea to stick to my guns and that Margot had something going on with what she said below, whereas I remember other plot points like the Troll’s security camera eye, romance, or Margot’s “Yeah kinda. But all the best people are” line when Tilly’s sad and feeling ‘crazy’.

You know those lines of advice that Margot says after she saves Tilly from getting hit by a car and sees how lost Tilly feels, enough to not have watched where she was going or being self deprecating? That’s what I’m going on about.

“You’re running away.” It’s not a question, running away... of intrigue, confusion, or judgment. It’s a statement, a deduction Margot makes, having recognized all the signs that she once saw of herself in Tilly; doubt, fear, and hope that a new place would take all the troubles of the past away. Sure, she might not have ran away from Hyperion Heights due to being the most likely suspect of a murder case, but heck, no way was she gonna let someone else make the same mistake.

Especially not since she just came back from Tibet, where people religiously tell their hopes, prayers, and dreams to statues for good luck and blessings upon themselves and others. Of course Margot would take someone “saying goodbye” while talking to a statue like a friend seriously. She tells Tilly straight out, three words with a face full of regret, “I tried that.” 

I think this regret come from the fact that on a moment’s notice, Margot booked a ticket so that she could come back as soon as possible, from the other side of the world after so much time away, just because her mom, Kelly, called saying she’s had a “big change'' and loved her. For all she knew, Margot left on bad terms with her mom being angry at her for wanting to explore the world, discover herself, and be a little rebellious, considering she ended up working at the bar, instead of going to college at Vassar first. The curse may have left Robin with cursed memories that paralleled what could have been if Zelena and Robin never made up or made room for one another, but Margot probably felt a genuine pull to return, wanting closure, change, the idea that if they both put in the effort to understand and reconnect with one another, it wouldn’t be so bad.

Running away didn’t diminish the problems or still the regrets, but rather it just lingered once the distractions faded. Similarly to how Alice came back to the tower, where all her problems and past were untouched, bringing a raw desire for everything to be bandaged and okay, after having gone anywhere but, Margot tried to go as far as she could before she was reminded of home.  

As if giving advice to a best friend rather than a stranger, she admits to Tilly, “You know what I found out? Sometimes you just have to look up and face your problems.” Having finally come back to Hyperion Heights, knowledge of the lived outcome in her bones, her words have maturity etched in them. It’s not wrong to run away when things get overwhelming, but the way I took it was, that sometimes when possible, it takes strength, patience, and courage to come back to or stand your ground in a difficult situation, with complex things that can’t be fixed with a simple solution. 

Margot implies that things will get better if they can get through the rough patches first rather than waiting and being riddled with the psychological toll it takes to be reminded of what’s being put off. It’s the same obstacle either way, but with time, people change and leaving something without resolution only makes it harder to move on. Sure, although Tilly was found to be innocent due to her literally looking up at the Troll with a security camera installed and Margot did eventually give her mom a second chance to tell the truth in her own time, the two had to face their problems head first and their happiness followed from there. 

[duuhrayliegh]

male chivalry

warnings: okay so there is a trigger warning of sexual harassment and attempted sexual assault, language, men being gross, protective!bucky, angst a bit, i think that’s it, if you see anything else let me know

word count: 3230 :)

a/n: idk why it took me so long to finish this, but it’s here now!!! also this is based off this post from @teaboot (just the op bc the rest of it pissed me off :)) i hope y’all like it. i hope it’s what y’all expected idk, i’m proud of it.

i really hope i did the topics justice, if you don’t think i did, please shoot me a message and help me figure out how to do better. <3

p.s.: my requests and tag lists are open! also this is not beta read, so all mistakes are my own.

xoxo ray

ray’s m.list

************************************

It had been about three weeks since Bucky had first met the group of four at the protest. Bucky made sure to check in with Steve and let him know what he was doing. Steve was always worrying about Bucky, which was totally understandable because of everything they had been through.

Bucky’s day was a relaxed one with little to no time to dawdle. Over these three weeks, he had learned more from an eighteen year old than he ever thought he would. It was easier to open up to her, for some reason. Bucky hadn’t fully figured that out yet either, but he wasn’t going to question it.

Bucky had been going to his court mandated therapy with Dr. Raynor, to say they were making progress would be a lie. Honestly, Bucky was making more progress with the new individuals in his life. They knew what he did as the Winter Soldier-- no they know what the Winter Soldier did, Cassie made sure the distinction between the two was crystal clear. Bucky was still a bit cautious around them, not wanting to hurt them or be a burden to them.

It amazed Bucky how open they were with each other. Back in the 40’s, you didn’t express your feelings. Especially if you were a man, for fear of being labeled something unsavory. Even stranger still to Bucky was the encouragement and support that everyone gave to those in hard times. It warmed Bucky’s heart to see Penny comforting Freddie after his recent break up.

“Freddie and Ted had been together a little over six months,” Cassie explained to Bucky one night after the group had dispersed from the dining table. Bucky and Cassie were standing over the sink washing the dinner plates and cutlery. “Freddie was so in love with him. I thought Ted felt the same, but I guess that’s just how it goes, right?”

Bucky shrugged, this was one of his first experiences with modern romance. Dating in the 40’s was very rigid, which was to be expected, but nowadays everything is very fluid. It truly fascinated Bucky.

“I honestly don’t know.” Bucky shrugged as he dried the pristine plates. Just as he began to get lost in thought, Evie pulled him into a subject that he hadn’t thought of in a real long time.

“What was it like with women in the forties, Buck?” Bucky blinked at her and considered his answer carefully. The group had been teaching him how to handle some subjects sensitively.

“To be honest? The last date that I went on was to the World Expo of Tomorrow in 1943, the night before I shipped out to England.” He turned, leaning his weight on the counter behind him and crossing his arms over his chest. “I went with Steve, this was before he was Captain America, so when he was a little ol’ gangly thing. I had hooked us up with two women, one for me and one for Stevie, their names were Dot and Connie, I think.”

“No, no, that’s not what I mean, Buck. What was it like with women?”

Bucky tilted his head in question.“What do you mean?”

“What was it like with them? Like, how were they treated as a whole?”

“Oh, uh I think they were treated well? My Ma always told Steve and I to treat women with respect, so we did.”

“Right, but what about everyone else? How did they treat women?” Bucky was confused by the question and he began to think that he was giving the wrong answers.

“Um, I guess I don’t know. I guess they were treated how they are today?” Both of the girls in front of him released disdained scoffs.

“Well, that’s unfortunate, right Cas?” Cassie nodded at Evie and dropped her head in disappointment.

“Why do you say that?” Bucky asked. He was genuinely curious about what the girls were referring to. “I mean, I get that the treatment of women hasn’t always been good but it’s not that bad right?” The girls shared a knowing look, and then Evie sighed. She hauled herself out of her chair and nodded to Bucky.

“Alright, let’s go take a walk, just you and me.”

“Where are we going?”

“Oh, just a couple blocks away to the Walgreens. Sound okay?” Bucky agreed, grabbing his jacket and waiting for Evie by the doorway. “We’ll be back soon, Cas.”

“Uh, are you sure that’s a good idea, Evelyn?” Bucky had only ever heard Cassie use Evie’s full name when she was getting in trouble.

“Yeah, we’ll be fine, Cas, I swear.” Evie glanced at Bucky, “Besides, I’ve got a Sargent escorting me, so we’ve got nothing to worry about.” She threw a smile to her older sister whose face was just a veil of worry and doubt.

Bucky and Evie exited the apartment building and neither of them had said anything since. Bucky was wondering what this whole exercise was all about, but he wasn’t going to say anything until Evie did. The pair walked up onto a crosswalk, causing them to stop and wait so Evie was able to turn the man beside her.

“So, before we go any further, I just want to set the scene for you.” She took a calming breath and it was now that Bucky realized that this was the first time that she was noticeably scared. His brows furrowed and he nodded as she continued. “It’s ten o’clock on a Wednesday night and you’re in Brooklyn, walking to your local Walgreens because you need tampons.” Bucky huffed out a small laugh as Evie playfully glared at the man.

“Yeah, yeah. The female menstrual cycle is hilarious as is the pink tax that is put on feminine hygiene products. Laugh it up, James.” She shook her head and pulled Bucky closer to the front of a building. “I’m trying to tell you something, ya asshole. So, you see that it’s dark outside because it’s late but you decide to risk it anyway because you have a flight to catch at four the next morning. You leave your apartment and you are greeted with this.” She gestured to the expanse in front of her.

“Alright, let’s go. And just a word of wisdom real quick before we really get going. Women are considered fragile but I’ve never seen anything as easily wounded as a man’s ego.”

“Wow, that’s quite a pearl.” Bucky caught up to Evie as she made her way down the street.

“So being a woman and even more so, being a woman at night, means that you have to constantly be on guard.” As they were walking, a man in a greasy white tank top passed them. The man’s head turned and he scanned Evie’s body.

“Goddamn, that’s a sweet little body there, baby girl.” Bucky’s head snapped around to the man, but Evie kept walking. Bucky looked over to Evie with concern riddling his features.

“Hey, sweetcheeks! Let me talk to you for a while!” The greasy man was now following Evie and Bucky. “I bet I can show you a better time than he can, baby girl. Come on, let me talk to you.” He reached his hand out, gripping Evie’s arm and pulling her to face him.

“Please don’t touch me.” “Get your fucking hands off her, you dick.” The man took a step backwards away from the pair.

“Well, fine you bitch! I didn’t want you anyway, fucking fat ass.”

“Hey, you don’t just get to fucking walk away, you jackass! Apologize to her.”

“Why should I apologize to her? I was giving her a compliment.” Bucky’s eyes widened to the size of saucers. Did this guy just fucking--

“Okay, buddy.” Bucky went to approach the man to settle their disagreement when Evie stopped him.

“James, leave it. Let’s go.” She kept walking and Bucky didn’t want to leave her alone, not after that whole debacle.

“What the fuck was that Evie?” He questioned quickly, she shook her head in response but never verbally responded to him. A few paces later, the pair was about to pass a group of men leaned up against the brick wall behind them. Brown paper bags crunched around bottles were grasped in their hands. Drunken laughter was ringing out through the near empty streets.

“Hey baby! Why don’t you come on over here so we can talk to ya!” One of the men began to step in front of Evie effectively stopping her movement. The eighteen year old took a few steps backwards, coincidentally into Bucky’s chest. His arms came up to meet hers, about to move in front of her in a protective stance.

“Woah, you got a bodyguard baby?” The man tilted his head and stared at Evie. “You know you don’t need him sweetheart.”

“Damn, baby girl. You’re fine as hell.” Another man walked to stand next to the first. “What do I gotta do to get you in my bed?”

“Please leave us alone.”

“No, baby girl I don’t think that’s what’s going to happen.” Bucky stepped in front of Evie protectively.

“I think she told you to leave us alone.” The two men in front of Bucky didn’t waver. Two raised brows and a fit of laughter later, they still maintained their ground.

“Why? You guys going somewhere to fuck? Already got a piece of that ass and don’t want to share it big man?”

“That’s just cold. You gotta share sometime. And it’s just easier to do it now rather than later.” Evie trembled behind Bucky and leaned up so only Bucky could hear her.

“Come on Bucky, let’s just go back to the apartment.” She tugged on his right arm, fingers digging into his soft flesh. Bucky was sure that he would have crescent shaped indentations where her nails laid in because of how much she was gripping him.

Bucky’s eyes flicked up and down the two men in front of him, assessing how much of a threat they were. They were clearly enough of a threat to frighten Evie to the point of wanting to go home. Bucky gave Evie a stiff nod, not taking his eyes off of the men.

“Hey, where do you think you’re going baby? We’re just getting started!” One of them yelled at the pair as he reached out to grab Evie’s forearm. A split second later, Bucky’s left hand balled into a fist and he launched it at the man’s face. A loud crack resounded and a groan left the man’s mouth as he hit the ground. A look of shock fell across the other’s faces as they saw Bucky standing over their fallen comrade. The group took several steps away from the pair, holding their hands up in surrender.

“Don’t you ever touch a woman without her permission, you fucking prick.” Bucky then turned quickly, grabbing Evie’s wrist tightly and hauling her away from the men. Several paces later, Bucky still held a tight grip on the girl's arm.

“Bucky, you’re kind of hurting me.” Evie’s voice broke through Bucky’s barriers. He let up on how fast he was walking and then dropped Evie’s arm.

Worried eyes scanned her body for any bruising, “I’m so sorry, doll. Are you okay?” Evie laughed as she was rubbing her sore wrists.

“Bucky, that’s normal for any woman. Ever.” Shaking her head, she began walking back towards the apartment. “We could’ve kept on going to Walgreens, but I wasn’t sure your fragile heart could take it.” Bucky drew in his brows and a deep frown etched itself into his features.

“What the hell do you mean that’s normal, Evelyn?” He thrust his arm behind them, gesturing to what they just went through. “Nothing about that was normal.” Still shaking her head, the eighteen year old shrugged her shoulders.

“It’s normal for women.” She glanced at Bucky as she continued on her way. “Also, I know that you were probably just defending my honor or protecting me or whatever, but I want you to really think back, Buck. Think about when you were picking up women in the forties, did you ever push when they didn’t want to have that drink with you? Did you continuously ask for them to dance with you?”

“No, I told you. My Ma raised me the right way.” They walked up to the apartment building and Bucky reached for the door handle. Evie began making her up the stairs, Bucky not far behind her. She stopped suddenly, a few flights before Cassie’s apartment.

“What about your friends?” Bucky was taken aback. His memories were still a bit fuzzy about those times, but he could remember clearly enough. Although he wasn’t quite sure what she meant by the questions she was asking.

“What are you getting at Evie?” He huffed while opening the door to Cassie’s apartment. Freddie and Penny were lounged on the couch with an almost empty bottle of wine. Cassie’s head shot up at the sound of the two walking in the doorway. Evie dumped her things off on the granite countertop and turned on her heel to stare at Bucky.

“Did you ever stop your friends when women said no?” The quiet laughter between Penny and Freddie stopped suddenly as Evie’s question hung in the air. All eyes were on Bucky as he gulped and thought back to the times at the bars. Out with Steve and the other Howling Commandos, did they ever do that? He tried to think of a time when they pushed for what they wanted to happen. Of a time when the woman they were pursuing reluctantly gave in because they wouldn’t leave her alone. Evie didn’t wait for an answer, she could see that he was processing everything.

“So why did you stop those guys back there?” Her brows raised and her head tilted in question. Bucky took a deep breath and was about to answer when Evie cut him off. “By punching that guy out there, you’re a hero and we should all thank you and congratulate you for doing the right thing.” She stepped closer to Bucky and the three in the living room understood where Evie was going.

“What do you think would have been said if I would’ve punched him? Sure, you would’ve said something snappy and nice about how I can take care of myself. The general public though? They would say that I overreacted.”

“Easy Evie, he’s still learning.” Cassie said quietly. Bucky was thankful for that, he still did have a lot to learn but it felt like Evie was attacking him. That’s the point, you fucking dumbass. If you had been berating her for putting herself in danger by punching that guy, you would think she was reckless.

“Her point, Bucky, is that the double standard for men and women goes beyond what we expect. Everyone goes crazy for the knight saving the damsel, but everyone hates the damsel for saving herself.” Freddie explained from the comfort of the couch. Bucky nodded, starting to understand the concept. “And her questions about your old buddies. That has to do with the fact that you’re part of the problem.”

“What problem is that?” Bucky was honestly scared to know the answer but he knew to fully learn, he had to get all the facts, both good and bad.

“Stunting the growth of feminism. Being one of the people perpetuating the fact that it’s okay for men to be violent, but not for women.”

“Violence in the form of defending oneself in any capacity.” In Bucky’s line of work, he sees tons of capable and strong women. Natasha, Okoye, Shuri, Sharon, he could think of so many. Then he tried to think of when any of them got the limelight like Steve or himself.

“So it’s like anytime that there would be press releases for the team, and the interviewers would come and ask us questions,” he paused to think how to word what he wanted to say, “they always ask the guys about like super important things like how we’re keeping the city safe and stuff. But when they talk to the girls, they ask about their workout schedule and if they can wear underwear under their suits?”

“Yes, it’s exactly like that Bucky. That’s just a different form of it.” Evie replied quickly. She came up to hug Bucky. “I didn’t mean to attack you or anything, but this is something that we all feel is really important for you to grasp now that you’re back out there.”

“And now that you can recognize when it’s happening, the next important step is to stop it before it happens.” Penny yelled from the living room as she downed the last of the bottle in her hand.

“I’m so sorry, Evie. I didn’t know.”

“I know, I’m sorry too. You’re still figuring stuff out, but I needed you to see what it was really like for women.”

“Okay.” Bucky nodded. “How can I help this situation?” The group exchanged proud looks.

“Well, educate everyone around you. Don’t let it happen when you’re around.” Cassie said as she walked into the kitchen to crack open another bottle of wine. “And just support women. Push our problems into the public’s eye.” Bucky smiled, he could handle that, he was good at that.

Considering he was on his way to becoming a member of the Avengers, he would be able to influence from up high. He could openly support groups that were run by women, for women. He was used to standing in the background for things he didn’t believe in, so standing for something that he did was going to be a cakewalk.

A concern floated into the forefront of Bucky’s mind. He looked down at Evie, who had just recently released him from her death grip of a hug. “You know how to defend yourself right?”

Evie’s brows raised in a challenging manner, “Do I look like I don’t know how to defend myself?” The man shook his head and smiled as the surrounding group laughed. Cassie poured a glass of wine and cracked open a bottle of beer for Bucky.

They all made their way to the comfy couches to snuggle in for a movie night, satisfied with their teachings for the night.

“What are we watching tonight?”

“Well, in the spirit of feminism, we are going to watch Legally Blonde.” Penny commented as she picked up the remote. “And it’s Freddie’s favorite so yeah.”

The lights clicked off as the opening credits ran for the movie. Bucky looked around his group of friends as they giggled at the screen. Evie had her head in Cassie’s lap and she was stretched across the sofa with her feet tucked under Bucky’s thigh. Freddie and Penny were curled up in the loveseat across from where Bucky was. Pieces of popcorn and glasses of red wine were being passed from person to person, with the exception of Evie who was still underage. The energy surrounding the five of them was something Bucky hadn’t experienced in a long time and he wasn’t going to give it up anytime soon either.

A large grin overtook his face, although today was one of the harder lessons for him to learn, he wouldn’t want anyone else to be teaching him.

***********************

@mishaandthebrits

[please-someone-give-me-love]

"The Batman" review.

I could finally watched "The Batman" and all that I have to say is that I loved it.

Well, let's start with the main thing:

Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne.

I love this guy even before of this, but his version of Bruce Wayne really makes me feel more interesting on him. He is still a traumatize kid on a man's body and I loved the akwardness of that, it really feels appropiate of his character for the topic of the movie itself.

I can complain about his differences with his other version in the comics, but I liked to see it as a different way to interpretate the character and gave him his own mark.

And even until now, I could say that I feel more intrigued of his version of Bruce Wayne than with the others versions of the character.

It's akward, melancolic and introvert, even maybe shy in some point. You could see his impact on the city and how this last one act around him.

For other part, his interpretation of Batman is everything that I wish on the character.

You could feel the fear that the criminals have when they saw him, the adrenaline and brutality of the fights and how this Batman is more lethal and violent without losing his sense of morality and the melancholia of the character.

Also, we explore his detective side and the movie show you how smart and strategic is the greatest detective in the world.

Not all the Batman movies show this and they should be, because Batman is more than just a man with a bat suit that fight well, he is intelligent and it's gonna show that.

We take a look to the greates detective of the world.

Not to say that is probably my favorite interpretation of the character.

I've always been in love with this trope of Batman. The trope of him scary the shit out of the criminals without even say nothing and beat them brutally. He is a real vigilante here.

Now let's talk about his parters.

Catwoman and Gordon.

Gordon was a great partner, with his lotalty to Batman and genuine friendship and interactions, he is still new to everything but he is fighting and trying to find the true without doubting the vigilante.

It was great to see him searching clues with Batman and believing on him.

For catwoman I have mixed feelings.

It was great, she is full determined and playful with Batman but also melancholic and with that typical sexy aura that her character has.

But even that I liked her interpration, her subtrama wasn't really interesting for my taste, I still enjoyed but I wouldn't miss it if they cut it.

And about Alfred.

I think that my main complain is that they feel more as a friends than a father-son duo with Bruce and maybe it's because this Bruce Wayne is younger, but I missed them having more connections.

I still loved how Alfred get involved and tried to participate resolving a riddle and trying to get Bruce out of the manor, even that it feels more as a friendship than being a family, he trasmit the real message of hope to Bruce in tough moments of indecision.

He gave Bruce hope and light him up in the path when this last one is lost and confused.

"The Riddler"

Definetly the best version of the character in the media.

He is crazy,obsessive and playful, almost similar to joker with his obsession to be recognize by Batman and being remember.

His traps and violence was a big surprise to me, I didn't expect him to being so agressive at the beginning, but it's completely useful to tell you that he is not just another random criminal.

And it's terrorific, I really feel scared of him and his madness.

And the acting, the acting was incredible and fenomenal in all the levels, just amazing. One of the best Batman's villian in all the times.

There's a lot of points that I wanted to talked, but this was my first and main impressions.

The plot was amazing, the direction, cámara, photography, soundtrack and acting was also great and there's a lot of scenes that I would like to analize, but for now:

For me, "The Batman" is a

9.3, 9.5/10

What do you think? Did you like the movie?

Ps.Sorry for the bad english.

[whatiwillsay]

submission: we need to talk about ttb (spade-riddles)

Hey Cam. Seeing that ask defending TTB’s doxxing has sort of pushed me to finally share some of my story on Tumblr, I guess. I haven’t had the opportunity to talk about this to anyone fully, so this will probably be long, but I hope you don’t mind me venting.

I’m one of the people that got emailed by TTB. I don’t feel comfortable posting this off anon, but I was in a Discord server with you and @bisluthq and some other people back in Dec/Jan. I don’t know if you remember me, but my name on there was one word and began with an L and ended with an S.

I want to share the full story, but I also don’t feel comfortable with sharing certain details publicly because I’m still very wary of getting outed further by her if she sees this, so I’m gonna be vague about some things

Request to her followers — If you see this, please don’t send this to her. Like I’m genuinely asking you not to because I don’t trust her not to cross any more lines. My dad is a major homophobe with serious anger issues who has literally been arrested for violence before, and she doesn’t really think carefully or maybe even care about how any actions she takes could lead to people being harmed, so I’m not eager to see how she might react.

Anyway, I first got an email back in December, and I was really freaked out by it at first. I spoke to one of my mutuals about it, and although we both agreed it was super weird and invasive and creepy, we ended up trying to see the funny side of it. So, I kinda just brushed it off and moved on. I was mainly just really confused about why I had been targeted because at the time, I thought it was only me who’d gotten an email like that. I didn’t understand why she’d specifically targeted me instead of other people who she clearly disliked a lot more.

About a week later, I saw someone on Tumblr mentioning a strange email, and I realised other people must have gotten them too. I spoke to Nat about what happened to me and ended up in the Discord

At the time, I felt like I’d gotten off really easy comparatively to others because I initially didn’t realise that she’d contacted anyone else. And so I tried to act chill about it because I didn’t want to make things about me, but honestly, I was extremely anxious. I felt on edge for over a week. I would keep checking her blog again and again because I was super worried that she would post our personal details publicly. I scrolled through my entire blog from start to finish and deleted a lot of posts that were either personal or that I just didn’t want anyone I knew in real life to read.

This part I have to be vague about because it would basically give away who I am, but it was only a while later when I thought I was in the clear that someone I knew in real life texted me and mentioned seeing a weird email about me. The email had been sent a while back, and they’d been shown it by the original recipient/s. Multiple people had been shown it, but luckily (kinda), only two of those people were actually people I saw on a regular basis

I’m mostly closeted, but I’m kind of technically out to a few of my immediate family members. But it’s very much a DADT situation because they’re not accepting, and they like to just pretend I’m straight. And so I basically have to act closeted even when I’m around them, and I can’t even ALLUDE to being gay.

But with my dad, it’s different. He’s very homophobic. I’m only gonna mention this next part so that people understand what kind of dangerous situation that TTB could have put me in. (And the other people that she doxxed too because she didn’t know how safe their individual situations were). It’s all really personal, and I wouldn’t ordinarily feel comfortable sharing any of this at all, even anonymously, but I think it needs to be said because her actions were extremely fucking irresponsible.

Right, so when I first “came out” to my dad, it was actually an accident, and he reacted… extremely badly. This was back in like… 2018 or 2019, I can’t remember the exact year

(TW // physical abuse, homophobia)

He was extremely angry, literally shaking. He yelled at me, he described in graphic detail how he was going to “break every bone in my body”, “strangle the life out of me”, “drown me”, etc. He kept telling me that I’m disgusting and going to Hell, you get the idea. He was having a lot of fun with making strangling motions and stabbing motions with his hands, and he kept slamming his hand onto the table. That went on for about 15 minutes, and then he stood up and threw a chair from the dining table at me. That was fun lol. And he punched me in the head pretty hard which kinda knocked me back. I felt dizzy, I had to sit down on the floor. At that point, my mum who had been crying and asking him to stop physically intervened, and he ended up storming out of the house instead. My mum’s a genuinely good person btw. She’s a little homophobic, but she cares about me a lot, and I’m very grateful for her. She hates him too, but she’s kinda stuck with him… It wasn’t her fault

He literally hates gay people. He complains about us on the regular. One time, he threw the remote at the TV and cracked the screen just because there was a gay male couple kissing onscreen. Another time, he threw a rock at a gay man on the street. There was also a time where he forced a few of my siblings (who didn’t want to do it) to throw peeled oranges out of the window at people celebrating pride while he drove past them and yelled insults at them. He found that really funny. Anyway, I’m sure you guys get the idea of what kind of person he is

He hasn’t laid a hand on anybody in several months though, so I do think he’s trying to be better at least. Like he’s still verbally abusive and controlling and awful, but I appreciate that he’s at least making an effort to calm down with the hitting and kicking and stuff

Anyway, with my dad, it’s less DADT and more that I think he’s got it in his head that he managed to scare me into “seeing the error of my ways” and that I’ve “stopped choosing to be gay” and that I’m now straight. So, if it had been HIM who had gotten that email, it would’ve been like… extremely bad. Like I’m getting anxious just thinking about it. And this is why I’m so angry at TTB. It was extremely, extremely irresponsible of her to not consider these kinds of possibilities before she sent out her stupid emails. She’s supposed to be an ally, but it didn’t even cross her mind that these emails would lead to people being outed and possibly even harmed?? It’s not okay at all. I’m just very grateful that she didn’t send one to him because I don’t even know what kind of situation I would be in right now.

Anyway, enough about my fucking awful dad… I feel uncomfortable that I even typed all of that out, but I wanted people to understand how dangerous her actions could have been. Like I mean, my dad’s got PTSD and extreme anger issues from his teenage years, so I do try not to judge him TOO harshly, but there’s no excuse for being a huge bigot or occasionally violent. The idea of him being the one who got that email is still so scary to me. Like my heart is racing just thinking about it

One of the people that DID read the email was the male friend I mentioned earlier though. He was shown it by someone else for a particular reason, and he was a very important person to me. Like he was a good guy, we were close, he helped me out with certain personal issues I have and is one of only two people that I know in real life that I felt comfortable confiding in about them. We’d always meet up once a week, sometimes twice, and we’d just talk about stuff and make an effort to help each other out with things. Like he was very important to me.

It turns out that he’d looked through my blog before I’d got around to scrubbing it, and he asked me if I was gay in person the next time we met up. I couldn’t lie because like… he’d have known I was lying right to his face. So, I told him I was, and you should have seen his face. It made me feel so awful about myself. He looked really stunned and shocked and kinda uncomfortable. Like it got so awkward, and I started rambling and making things worse. He was avoiding eye contact, and my voice was shaking.

I ended up making up an excuse to leave about 5 mins later and had an actual anxiety attack. Again, this is embarrassing and something I’d never usually talk about online, but I just want to get it all off my chest so that I can move past it all.

So, I was like on the verge of tears (I don’t cry easily), I couldn’t breathe properly, I was pacing around the building, and I just wanted to escape, so I headed straight for the doors. There was a queue of about 100 people lined up and waiting to leave, and I couldn’t think straight or breathe and just needed to be outside, so I tried to go out through the other exit which is for staff only. The security guard stopped me and basically publicly humiliated me in front of all of those people. He loudly shamed me and said I “didn’t have any decency” for attempted to jump the queue, lectured me in this really condescending tone, and then sent me right to the back of that huge line. Meanwhile, I was literally in the midst of a bad anxiety attack.

And then I eventually got outside and had to call my mum to come and pick me up instead of just making my own way home like I usually do. She’s amazing though tbh because she actually came to get me and didn’t even question why. I had to skip all of my plans for the rest of the day and instead just hid upstairs in my bedroom with the lights off until the next day. I refused to tell any of my family members what had happened even though they kept asking. I just felt so, so awful, and my anxiety was through the roof

To be honest, before that happened, my mindset was like: “I mean, if I get outed, it obviously wouldn’t be good, but I think I’d be able to deal with it fine”. But then, when it actually happened, and I saw the way my close friend reacted, I had like a whole emotional breakdown lol. It’s like, you think you’d be fairly chill in a situation, but when it actually happens, your reaction can be really unpredictable. I was so embarrassed by everything about that entire incident. I didn’t even want to show my face the next day.

It’s been almost two months since that happened, and in that entire time, my friend has contacted me once. We literally used to meet up once or twice a week (and during lockdown, we’d do video calls or phone calls instead), but since then, we’ve barely even spoken. Things are just so awkward now. I know this sounds stupid, but I feel like TTB’s taken one of my best friends away from me. I don’t think he’s a homophobe or anything, he has openly gay friends and is fairly accepting, but I think it’s just the way that he found out that has just made things so weird between us now. I feel like if I’d had the chance to come out to him myself in my own way, he wouldn’t have reacted like that. But I’m gonna text him next week and see if we can maybe try to fix our friendship, but I doubt it at this point

The other people who were shown the email, I mostly just avoid. I don’t really care about them knowing that much because I wasn’t close to them, but it’s just really embarrassing knowing that they probably scrolled through my Tumblr blog before I scrubbed it

And about Tumblr… This used to be the only place that I could fully be myself. It was like a “safe space” for me which feels ironic now. But I haven’t been active on my blog since December. I still lurk occasionally, but I just don’t feel comfortable here anymore. I did consider deleting my current blog and starting afresh with a new one, but I don’t think it’d make much of a difference… Like she’s kind of ruined Tumblr for me. I do still enjoy reading people’s blogs every now and then, but I don’t feel relaxed here anymore, I just feel on edge.

It’s mainly the fact that SHE’S still here. She still has a platform, she still has a bunch of followers. It’s been so hard seeing her face next to no consequences whatsoever for the horrible things that she’s done to so many different people. And it upsets me that she hasn’t even acknowledged that what she did was wrong. Plus, it makes me feel even worse that the Hard Kay blogs and some other people are still supporting her and pretending that this whole thing just didn’t happen. Like do they just not care? Or is it that she’s twisted things and made them believe that the situation was different to what it actually was?

And tbh, this whole situation has even set me back in my own sort of personal self-acceptance journey. I had such bad internalised homophobia when I was younger, and it took me so many years to get to a place where I had mostly accepted myself. But now I just feel ashamed again, and I’ve gone back to my old habit of trying to force myself to be attracted to men. Like I downloaded Tinder the other day and set my preference to men and was swiping through profiles. It’s kinda silly actually. I did snap out of it and delete the app the next day though. But I don’t know, I feel like this whole thing has just kinda fucked with me a bit. I am trying to work this stuff out and get back to normal though. I think I’ll be good again in maybe a month or so, hopefully.

And… yeah. I just really resent her, and this situation upsets me. Because the reason she did this was so petty and ridiculous, and I guess she didn’t even realise how much it would impact people? Like I do know that my situation wasn’t as bad as some of the other people’s situations, and I feel really bad for them, and I hope they’re all doing okay. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for them. But it still has impacted me a lot more than I actually thought it would. I thought I’d get over it within a couple of weeks. But it’s been like two months, and I’m still not completely over it

I know it might not sound like a huge thing, but being outed really does affect you, even if it’s only to a few people. Because to me, I feel like I’ve had my sense of like, security and comfort taken away, and it’s kinda distressing. Sorry if I sound dramatic with any of this, I just really needed to say all of this stuff to other people besides myself lol

Like her actions have literally led to me being outed to a few people. A close friendship that I had has basically been ruined. I don’t feel comfortable or secure on Tumblr anymore, even though it used to be an important outlet for me. I’ve had a resurgence of anxiety about my sexuality. Etc.

And again, my dad is extremely homophobic and literally made death threats to me and physically attacked me back when I accidentally came out to him in 2018 or 2019. And if he had gotten that email, I don’t even know what would have happened. I don’t think he would have like… SERIOUSLY physically harmed me, but there would definitely have been a repeat of the first incident. More throwing chairs at me and hitting and screaming and death threats. I don’t really want to think about it.

It just bothers me that she didn’t even consider that? Like did it not even cross her mind? And my dad is bad, but I’m sure there are people in the fandom who have even worse parents, and she could have got one of those people instead. It’s just so… I don’t know, it’s just so frustrating to me.

Anyway, I just hate her for what she did… Like maybe I shouldn’t, but I really do resent her so much, and I don’t think I could forgive her even if she apologised to us all (which I don’t think she even would because she doesn’t seem to have any decency whatsoever). The least she could do is at least express some kind of remorse, but she just genuinely doesn’t care, and that’s super messed up. All over some stupid Tumblr blog that is much less important than she thinks it is.

But anyway… I apologise for the whole rant, and if anybody read all the way down to here, I appreciate it. I do actually feel a bit better now that I’ve got this all typed out. And I’m sorry for the oversharing lol, I usually don’t do this, but I just felt like I really needed to tell people and get it off my chest so that I can try to get over it — L

submisssion⬆️⬆️⬆️

ok L i am trying to remain calm here because this isn’t about me.  but i am very emotional right now.  i am so so so infinitely sorry that you had to go through this harrowing and terrifying experience.  ttb (now blogging under spade-riddles) is absolutely disgusting, lower than dirt, that she would put your life, safety, and well-being at risk over a fucking kaylor blog.

please please please im me or get in touch somehow because i want to offer you support.  have you been financially impacted by this?  we can raise money.  do you need therapy?  we can help you find the support you need.  this community is unequivocally here for you.  whatever you need, if it’s in my power to help you get it, i will.  you have my solemn promise on that.

i am so deeply and desperately sorry that you have gone through this.  i was shaking while reading your story.

i am in touch with other people and we are in discussion about the best way to let tumblr know what happened.  this will be a safe space for you (and all of us) again if it’s the last thing i do.  this community is 100% here for you in any way we can help, sending you all the support and love we have.

[lunarfly]

Ok so I decided to finally post the promised: defending Romione (🥺💗💕💖💞💘) against Dr*mione (ಠಿ_ಠ) shippers.

So I've read a few posts about Dr*mione shippers, talking about why their ship is amazing (which had nothing to do with canon btw) and bashing Ron (for no reason) and I'm literally shaking out of anger.

Here are my thoughts:

1. "Ron is too dumb for hermione"

Stop- Just-

Stop.

RON IS NOT DUMB.

Yes, he might not be very interested in school subjects, but 👏 that 👏 doesn't 👏 mean 👏 he 👏 is 👏 dumb 👏.

He is actually very smart! He beat McGonagall's chess game, he is logical and quick-thinking. There's MANY examples of this that I won't name right now, but it's a canonical fact. Ron. Is. Not. Dumb.

And consider he was dumb. So? Would that stop Romione from happening? NO! Hermione didn't mind Ron not being smart. She was just upset that Ron was lazy and wouldn't study anything until the last minute. She wanted to get both Harry and Ron to study according to a schedule.

Is it clear? Intelligence doesn't determine love.

**And this is something that confuses me. This doesn't have anything to do with the point, but why does nobody realize that Harry isn't much smarter than Ron? Yes, he was better at DADA but that requires TALENT, not intelligence. And I'm pretty sure we all know that Ron is talented as well (hopefully everyone realizes that). Nobody uses the fact that Harry wasn't intelligent against Harmione, but everyone uses the fact that Ron wasn't intelligent against Romione. The double standards tear apart the fandom.

2. "Ron bought hermione perfume and Draco could get her something better."

Soooo, you're saying that just because Ron didn't have the money that Draco had means that Hermione didn't deserve Ron?

Wow, this just says a lot about you dr*mione shippers. You only care about the money that Draco has, not his personality. You don't like Ron because he's poor (and I know how FanFics give the "kind Draco" Ron's canon personality so the only "problem" with Ron is his looks and lack of money). And you don't see Hermione nor Ron the way they are. This "point" of yours is literally stating that Hermione should be a gold-digger and get Draco because he can get her the expensive presents that she deserves. Yikes.

3. "Draco can understand the emotional side of Hermione while Ron can't."

Wait

What?

WHERE DO YOU GET THIS IDEA FROM-

Draco is only EVER concerned about his own self, he is a NARCISSIST. He would NEVER care for someone (let alone Hermione) as purely and truly as he cared about himself. He didn't even care about Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy Parkinson etc. He was selfish. The only reason he could express his emotions was because he had to go through a lot since he realized that killing Dumbledore wasn't as easy as bullying Hermione. This would never ever work.

And even if Ron didn't understand her as much, he STILL comforted her. Take the beginning chapters of The Deathly Hallows as an example. You'll see.

4. "Ron is too immature."

I need help.

Of course Ron was immature when he was 11!! Yes, he acted immaturely many times, yes, he made many mistakes, but guess what? He changed! He changed for Hermione!! Draco didn't change at all, not for Hermione, nor for anyone else. He remained the same bratty bully.

If you could reread the books and read prisoner of azkaban vs deathly hallows, you will definitely see how much Ron has matured. He doesn't argue with Hermione anymore, he comforts her, he's there for her. Yes, he made a mistake but he was manipulated by the horcrux! We don't blame Ginny for what tom riddle's diary made her do, do we? So stop blaming Ron!

Anyways, I think if dr*mione shippers have read the books, they'll know what I'm talking about when I say Ron changed for Hermione. I honestly don't know how you could miss Ron's character arc.

5. "Ron would be jealous of the brilliant Hermione."

What?

If I remember correctly, the reason Draco bullied the trio was because he was jealous of them. His jealousy turned into a 7 year torture for the trio and now you're saying that Ron is the jealous one? Please.

But anyways, Ron has been jealous of Harry and has made a few mistakes. But there are reasons behind them and I can defend him for each of these with arguments other than "everyone makes mistakes" (cough cough* Draco stans* cough cough).

First of all, Ron has admitted being jealous of Harry's fame because he lives with 5 older brothers who outshine him. But that's not really a mistake because he never let it get in his way. There were only 2 situations in 7 years when he left Harry out of jealousy but I think these have different explainations.

No1 Ron left in goblet of fire. I think the real reason that Ron let his jealousy get in his way this time, was not only because Harry got to participate in the tournament which could bring him eternal glory, but more likely because he was disappointed that his own best friend didn't even tell him that he was entering and didn't even help him participate (which wasn't true, but Ron thought so back then).

No2 Ron left in deathly hallows. This one was 100% because of the horcrux and I think we should all accept this by now and stop hating on Ron for being affected by dark magic.

And just like that, Ron never let his jealousy get in his way of friendships. I can't think of a situation where Ron is jealous of the brilliant Hermione so if you remember, please let me know so I can argue against it. <3

6. "Ron and Hermione would break up and remain friends, it's easy to imagine because they didn't have a strong relationship."

This was actually said, someone actually said this-

I'm just going to say that Ron and Hermione are happily married to this day (which definitely proves that their relationship is strong) and give the dr*mione community a moment of silence.

7. "Ron didn't do anything for Hermione and was just a jerk."

Coming from a person who has read and reread the books multiple times, I can assure you that Ron did many things for Hermione.

Of course, he was immature at first, he was mean to her, but slowly he started seeing more of the good in Hermione and started changing for her.

And even when he was immature, he still cared about Hermione and would protect her no matter what.

Let's remember how many times rubbish Ron stood up for Hermione against the brilliant bully Draco. 🥰

Let's remember how cowardly Ronald faced his fears of spiders to help Hermione (and the rest of the school, just how jerkier can he get?). 🥰

Let's remember how ridiculous Ronniekins stood up for Hermione against sensational Snape and got himself into detention (oh yes, this is the book version of the movie moment where Ron agrees with Snape about Hermione being an 'insufferable know-it-all'). 🥰

Let's remember how rotten Ronny comforted Hermione when she was worried about Hagrid and Buckbeak (and he even let her hug him and cry on his shoulder, how rude). 🥰

Let's remember how revolting Ronald sacrificed himself to save Harry and Hermione in the chess game. 🥰

Let's remember how horrendous Ron attempted to hex Draco when he used a slur that was meant to offend Hermione. 🥰

Keep in mind that all of these were done when Ron was still immature and still argued a lot with Hermione.

And these aren't even all.

8. "Ron and Hermione have a loveless marriage."

What the-

I'm sorry, I'm trying to be respectful here but this is crap. And the fact that the person said they also had "proof" from the c*rsed ch*ld but didn't want to spoil it-

As much as I hate the c*rsed ch*ld, I can tell you that it did its job portraying Ron and Hermione's unconditional love. Even in alternative realities, where they didn't get married, they were still in love.

And why would you even think that Ron and Hermione would marry and have kids if they didn't love each other? I need explainations.

Next.

9. "Ron never listens to Hermione."

I'm sorry, what? I'm genuinely confused??

What do you even mean by this? Yeah, they used to argue a lot, and? Ron thinks Hermione is brilliant and wonderful and he follows her advice. I can't recall a moment where Ron won't listen to Hermione, doesn't agree with her and ruins her plans. Anyone else?

Since this one is a big mess and a confusion, I'll move on to the next one until someone explains the points and arguments.

10. "Draco could make Hermione laugh while Ron couldn't."

....

Do I really need to say anything for this one?

Ron was the funniest one from the trio, that's why Harry enjoyed his company so much! Don't you remember the line in goblet of fire where Harry thinks about how much he misses having Ron as his best friend, because without him there's less fun and less laughs? I do.

But what I don't remember is finding Draco's sense of humor funny. I'm sorry but his intellectual level is almost as low as Crabbe and Goyle's. His insults are none other than Potty and Weaselbee, he only got 3 O.W.L.s and all of his jokes were stupid and dumb and their only purpose was insulting people he was jealous of.

These fanfics have rotten people's brains...😬

Anyways, I'm going to stop here. I've delayed this post for very long and I'm so excited to finally post it!

I read a book on wattpad by a dr*mione shipper and it was nothing but a giant headache. That's where I got all of these statements from. Most of the garbage in the book revolved around Draco and Hermione being inseparable and getting over all obstacles (wth) and other stupid stuff like that which really annoyed me. The book was called "why we love dr*mione" and it was by Bittenwizard. You can read and enjoy! Trust me, you'll have lots of content to post about after that 🤠👍

*I always try to be respectful to all ships, but sometimes some of them really anger me because the ships are either toxic or the arguments are plain trash. I'm sorry if I offend anyone.

Thank you for reading this. If you're a dr*mione shipper, I hope I've convinced you to give up the ship or come up with better arguments for it.

If you're an anti-dramione I hope you enjoyed the post. I'll delight you with more anti-toxic-ships content. :)

Thank you once again! <3

[pies-writes-and-more]

Dinner and a Show

Word Count: 6, 638

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Fem!Reader

Warnings: a cheating son of a bitch, a very real realization that fancy restaurants charge so much for food, Bucky stealing the show of this fic, and Steve being an impulsive dumb shit lol

A/N: PLEASE DO NOT REPOST MY WORK ON ANY SITES WITHOUT MY PERMISSION! (Reblogs are totally okay!) I know I’ve been MIA, so sorry! This is for @anika-ann​‘s 500 followers celebration challenge! Congratulations darling, you totally deserve it and more! Anyways, I hope you guys like this fic, I had a blast writing it! 

PROMPT: “This is one of those moments when I tell you something isn’t a good idea and you ignore me, isn’t it?”

(Not my gif, creds to the original creator!)

It wasn’t like Y/N hadn’t gone on dates before. Sure, it had been a while since the last guy (…Braydon? Brandon?… Steve’s forehead was riddled with wrinkles as he tried to remember the loser’s name), but Y/N had gone on dates before and Steve had been totally fine with those guys. He hadn’t spent any time sulking around on the couch and complaining about couples or romance, nothing like that. (Even if Bucky had insisted that he had). He was perfectly fine with Y/N dating, why wouldn’t he be?? Besides, it wasn’t about Y/N going on a date, it was about who she was going on a date with. There was something about this guy in particular that Steve was just not okay with. At least, that’s what he’d been telling himself (and Bucky) for the last few hours.

“You need to get over it, punk,” Bucky shrugged away Steve’s tense shoulders and furrowed brow, too busy fiddling with his long brown locks to note the annoyed twitch that Steve’s face gave in response. Bucky fingers pulled on the section of hair he’d been working on for the last few minutes, tugging it away from his head enough so he could examine it properly in the mirror, only to realize that he hated it and quickly ran his fingers through a very messy looking braid. “Stupid fucking Sam. Why did he have to volunteer the only evening that I’ve actually needed him?,” the winter soldier grumbled, mumbling out some more choice words before letting out a breath and trying to separate the section of hair into threes once again.

On any normal day, Steve probably would’ve found it oddly amusing how Bucky wanted to learn how to braid his hair. He could’ve sworn that the Barnes sister used to have braids in her hair often and wondered why Bucky hadn’t ever learned from her, though he wasn’t going to mention it to such a frustrated Bucky. Besides, this wasn’t a normal day and Steve had his own worries to pace around about.

“Just ask Nat to do it,” Steve suggested, and even whilst rolling his eyes, he could see Bucky huffing and puffing stubbornly.

“I did and then she told me, ‘James Barnes, if little girls the age of 4 can braid their hair using youtube videos, so can you’. But she didn’t tell which youtube video to look at! There’s so many! And none of the ones I do turn out like that time that Sam did it,” Bucky growled, scowling into the mirror he was sitting in front of. His hands were starting to grow tired of holding up his hair, and his fingers weren’t exactly trained to do these small plaits.

The corner of Steve’s lips turned up at the memory of Sam insisting that he would look damn nice in braid. He even pointed out that a bun might stay better in his hair with a braid laced in. “You look softer this way too,” Sam had pointed out with a smile, swatting at Bucky’s hands when he had tried to stop him from touching his hair. “Stop being a baby and let me show you.” He hadn’t been wrong. Bucky’s hair looked nice in both a braid behind his back and with a bun encircled by a braid.

“How do you know how to braid hair, Bird Brain?” Bucky had pouted, but sat still with his hands in his lap.

“This guy at the VA once brought his daughter because he was going through a rough time but it was his weekend to see her. I told him that I’d look after her while he went to his meeting so we sat and talked about the life of a 3rd grader. She gave me one of her dolls and showed me how to braid their hair. And honestly? She did them much nicer than I could dream of, but it’ll do,” Sam’s fingers had worked effortlessly even through Bucky’s slightly tangled hair.

Now here was poor Bucky on his own, trying to figure out how Sam did it. His fingers got all twisted in the locks and his mind played tricks on him when it came to which strand crossed over next. “I’m doomed,” he whined, finally giving up and throwing himself backward onto the floor.

“Buck?” Steve blinked, watching his rather dramatic friend close his eyes as his head thudded gently against the floor. His dark hair sprawled out around him as if he had just given up on living, and not just given up on how to properly do his hair.

“Hm?”

“Could we get back to my crisis?”

“What crisis?” One of Bucky’s eyes opened and noted Steve’s desperate expression before grinning. “Oh you mean how you’re impossibly in love with Y/N and only ever realize it when she’s going on a date, but you’ve never had the guts to tell her so you just sit and mope in your room while she’s getting ready? That crisis?”

There was a moment of silence in the room where Steve’s eyes glared a hole into Bucky’s rather amused looking grin.

“I hate you,” Steve huffed, going back to his pacing around his room. If there wasn’t such hard ground underneath the wood of his room, there would’ve definitely been a racetrack imprinted underneath him from how often he had traced his own steps round his room. “I’m not in love with Y/N, don’t be crazy. I just don’t understand why she agrees to go out with such… idiots. Like that guy? The one who was some lawyer? Roger? Rupert?”

“Richard,” Bucky interrupted, sitting back up to watch his best friend spiral. Steve spiralling about Y/N was both pathetically sad and entertainingly interesting to watch, he had learned.

“Him! With his stupid smile and cocky attitude. Like wow look at me. I’m a lawyer.” There was a snide undertone to Steve’s words, one he couldn’t really say he had ever heard coming out from his lips before. But he pressed onward with a tight frown, his mind outrightly confused about Y/N’s dating life.

“I thought Richard was actually kinda nice. I mean, he was a lawyer, but the only time he ever brought it up was when people asked what he did for a living,” Bucky shrugged, brushing his hair from his face before deciding to throw the strands into a half assed bun to flop against his neck. “What’s wrong with this guy again? The new guy?”

Steve scowled at the mere thought of

Kyle.

Steve wondered if he could strain his eyes from rolling so hard the 5 minutes that he had met Kyle. There was this air of privilege that just seeped off of him but Steve couldn’t point out exactly why it seemed that way. No one else had been around when he had dropped by with an insane amount of roses in his hand, proclaiming his utmost interest in Y/N.

“There’s just something about you, Y/N, babe. You aren’t like any other girl I’ve ever met,” Kyle’s words came off so smooth, so eloquent, and Steve felt himself actually gag a little. But Y/N, with her arms carrying the roses like a newborn babe, eyes shooting around the room like she did when she was embarrassed, didn’t seem to note that this guy was just too smooth. She seemed… to like it?

“So what? The girl likes to be complimented and swooned,” Bucky pointed out as Steve explained all this to him. “Why shouldn’t she? She’s an attractive girl and she doesn’t nearly get as much appreciation as she should.”

“I know she’s attractive,” Steve snapped, feet finally stopped in their pacing, arms folding across his chest. “It’s just the way he admires her. Like she’s a piece of meat on a hook.”

Bucky nodded slowly, somewhat understanding why Steve would be worried. Normally, he would be right behind Steve’s first impression of people since he had a gut feeling about crazy weirdos. But whenever it came to Y/N, Steve let the green-eyed monster step in for him. “So you’ve told her right? That you’re worried?”

Steve blinked at him in confusion, his frown tightening on his tense expression, “Why would I tell her?”

“Because if you’re worried about her for genuine reasons, she’d believe you. Any normal friend would,” Bucky explained, the smile on his lips turning into a smirk. “That is, unless, you also don’t like him for another reason. Maybe you don’t want her going on a date with someone… that isn’t… you?” Bucky teased and Steve rolled his eyes in response but his childhood best friend just laughed it off. “Come on, you two are practically made for each other. You’ve never had this hard time of admitting that you liked a gal before, so why Y/N? Why are you so afraid to admit your feelings for her?”

Steve hesitated for a moment, hoping he didn’t actually have to answer that question. Lucky for him, he didn’t. A knock came at the door and Steve gladly took it as an opportunity to dodge the situation.

“Hey! Do you mind if I use your mirror? You’ve got better lighting in here,” Y/N beamed, dressed head to toe in her finest outfit. The two boys shared a look before Steve nodded and moved out of the way for her to enter the room, Bucky scooting on the floor slightly so he could sit next to her on the floor in front of the mirror. “Thanks! You’re a lifesaver, Steve! I just don’t want to get there and realize that I put too much highlighter on because my lighting in my room is so different,” she explained, setting down her makeup on the floor next to her and patting down the products onto her skin as she examined her reflection.

Bucky looked over at Steve and jutted his chin out in her direction, eyes widening in their madness to try to get Steve to say something.

“Uh, excited for your date?” Steve asked, and Bucky noted the lack of enthusiasm in his tone. Y/N shot him a smile from the mirror and nodded eagerly.

“I told him I’d be okay with like tacos or something, cause I’ve been craving tacos lately, but he insisted he wanted our first real date to be a fancy restaurant downtown! He told me he wouldn’t tell me which one, just to dress nice and look my best.”

Steve’s lips parted to interject that she always looked her best, but held his tongue noting how excited she was. He could almost feel how his stomach dropped a little, how his insides were twisting in discomfort at just how happy she looked. She deserved to be happy, he reminded himself.

“So he’s picking you up then?” Bucky smiled, leaning against the nearby dresser as he watched her pat some powder into her under eye area.

Y/N shook her head and gave a sort of half smile, “I know, that’s what I thought too. Cause how am I supposed to get there if I have no clue where I’m going,” she laughed, and Steve noticed just how nervous it sounded. “But he’s sending a cab for me! Already arranged it to pick me up in a half hour and everything. He said he wanted to come get me but he had an evening meeting he couldn’t pry himself away from.”

A little whisper in Steve’s ear made him wonder was it really an evening meeting? Or did this guy just not want to drive all the way out of the city to pick Y/N up from the complex and bring her to dinner? If he didn’t want that, why wouldn’t he just pick something closer to the two of them? Steve’s jawline tensed as he thought about what he’d give to intimidate the shit out of this Kyle dude but quickly relaxed as Y/N’s eyes caught his.

“You alright, Steve? You look all strung up. Something going on?” Y/N turned away from the mirror to look at him and Steve had to catch his jaw from falling to the ground. He had watched her apply her makeup numerous times, tonight wasn’t anything different or anything, and she was wearing a dress that Steve had seen her in multiple times… but…. Steve felt his insides lurch a little, almost begging to be the person she was dining with, looking like the most gorgeous being in any existing universe.

“Yeah, Steve, why don’t you tell Y/N what’s bugging you,” Bucky egged on, his eyes clearly trying to send a signal to his slightly stupid and oblivious best friend. Y/N was busy facing Steve, watching his eyes and facial expressions so she didn’t see Bucky very aggressively mouthing out, “TELL. HER. HOW. YOU. FEEL!”

Steve’s lips twitched a little, chewing on the inside of his lip nervously, “It’s nothing, really-” he started, glaring at Bucky for even bringing it up.

“I think Y/N deserves to know how you feel. You know. About this date,” Bucky continued and Y/N’s eyebrows furrowed as she moved her gaze between them.

“My date? Is there something wrong?” Y/N asked, tilting her head slightly as she looked up at Steve with those gorgeous eyes of hers. Look at her, Steve thought to himself, she got all dressed up for this punk and he might not give two shits about her.

“Just… don’t want you to get hurt, doll,” Steve finally managed to get out and Bucky’s head tilted back in exasperation, while Y/N gave Steve a smile.

“You always look out for me, Steve, but I promise I can do this on my own. Besides, I kick alien ass along the rest of you. A mere civilian date can’t go too wrong,” Y/N pointed out with a twinkle in her eye. Steve simply nodded to her, trying to force a smile that said really no I’m happy for you.

He cleared his throat a little, quickly shifting the conversation to Bucky’s lack of braiding skills. Y/N laughed at the thought of Bucky Barnes trying to braid his own hair but her fingers moved quickly to pull his hair into a nice bun with a braid looping around it, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek afterwards.

“It’s perfect, Y/N, thank you!” Bucky grinned, smiling ever so innocently at Steve as if to rub it in his friend’s face that he got a kiss on his cheek. Steve wanted to roll his eyes again but Y/N stood up and he held an arm out to steady her as she slipped on her heels.

“Alright! I’m going to wait near the front for FRIDAY to let me know the taxi is here! Wish me luck, boys!” Y/N’s voice was so light and airy, something that Steve rarely heard when they were busy shooting down bad guys or tackling mission prep. He couldn’t help but just wish she would be that excited about seeing him too.

Bucky watched his best friend for a moment, raising an eyebrow at the look of puppy dog love on Steve’s face, “You do realize that she would be that excited and more to got out with you, right?” Bucky informed him, as if he was able to read his mind.

Steve blinked in surprise, glancing over at him, “How would I ever know that for sure?”

“Simple. Ask the girl out.”

It hadn’t been more than half an hour before Steve burst into Bucky’s room, where he had been skimming through some memes the Peter boy had sent him via the Insta-gram.

“Hey Steve, did you know there’s this new app called TikTok-” Bucky started, not at all phased by the bursting of his friend into his room.

“I’ve got a plan!”

There was a twinkle in his eyes, a sort of mischievous glint that told Bucky he wasn’t going to like this plan at all. “What is it?” He asked, almost regretting it as soon as he did.

“We have to protect her, Bucky, she’s too good for most men of this world. I can’t let this Kyle dude take her out when he’s not nearly good enough. So, we have to go there and make sure he doesn’t hurt her!”

“Mhm. Yeah. Except, we have no clue where she is. She didn’t even know, remember?” Bucky shrugged, hoping that this plan of Steve’s would crumble and he would end up sitting in his room sulking until he got the balls to go tell Y/N how he felt.

“FRIDAY can track her phone!” Steve proudly proclaimed and Bucky wondered if it took him all of the past 30 minutes to come up with this ingenious plan. “I’ll just get FRIDAY to track her phone, we’ll go and set up a reservation, try and get seated near them, and just wear disguises and make sure that he doesn’t try anything!”

Bucky blinked slowly, fingers rubbing his temple as he noticed just how rash and insane his best friend still was, as if they were still kids in the olden days, “You do realize how creepy that is right? You want to track her phone for her location, sit near her and just… watch her? I- You can see how that is creepy right?”

He didn’t.

“Hold up, and what do you mean we?” Bucky asked with a groan, knowing full well he wasn’t going to like the answer.

But Steve was already going through Bucky’s closet to find the most inconspicuous looking clothes that were still fancy enough for a fancy restaurant, too busy throwing clothes at Bucky’s bed to answer.

“This is one of those moments when I tell you something isn’t a good idea and you ignore me, isn’t it?” Bucky whined a little, throwing his head back onto his bed and closing his eyes, wondering how his best friend managed to lose all sense of rationale when it came to Y/N.

And that is how, Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes, dressed in suits matched with baseball hats and sunglasses (“this isn’t how you blend in, Steve, especially at some fancy restaurant,” Bucky had tried to warn him) ended up in line at  

L’ailment,

trying to pretend like they weren’t sticking out of the crowd like a sore thumb.

“Sir, I’m sorry, without a reservation, it’s almost impossible to be seated-” the front of house insisted but Steve pulled off his sunglasses, glancing around nervously.

“Any chance you could make an exception for two superheroes who are good friends with Tony Stark?” Steve begged, practically on his knees pleading to get in.

Turns out, she could.

The lady had another server lead them into the dining area, and Steve quickly asked if they could be seated in a booth that just so happened to be near a gorgeous black dress-wearing girl who was giggling as she sipped the liquid from a wine glass.

“-you have the most gorgeous laugh I have ever heard,” Kyle was saying and Steve had to keep himself from choking on his gag reflex. Y/N laughed some more, and there was a glow to her skin that Steve found himself wishing he had caused instead of… Kyle.

“Sir?” The waiter was tapping Steve’s shoulder and Bucky chuckled a bit, noting that Steve had just been standing there, staring at Y/N and Kyle longer than would be comfortable.

“Sorry, thank you,” Steve blushed, slipping onto his seat and kicking at Bucky’s leg as he continued to laugh at him.

“So much for not being obvious,” Bucky whispered to him, throwing his hat and sunglasses away, much to Steve’s annoyance. But before he could convince his best friend that these disguises were highly necessary on their mission, Bucky had become too concerned with how much the restaurant was charging for food, “How much???? For pasta???”

“Bucky!” Steve hissed with a glare, “Shut up, I’m trying to listen!”

“-looking for just someone to be my best friend,” Kyle was saying, swirling his wine around in its glass. “Here I was thinking that I didn’t want anything serious and then you walk into my life… and I can tell that if I don’t do this right, I’d be missing out on something amazing.”

Y/N’s giggle told Steve everything. That crazy line worked, Steve couldn’t believe it. Couldn’t she tell he was lying? Steve’s hands curled into fists against his thighs, tensing at just how fake the guy sounded to him.

���I mean, he seems pretty genuine. Sure it’s a bit cheesy, but he didn’t actively change the subject or anything and it’s not like he’s avoiding being seen in public with her,” Bucky pointed out much to Steve’s discontent. He waved him off, straining his hearing to hear the rest of the conversation over other people at nearby tables.

“Come on, you can’t tell me that you’re surrounded by good looking dudes who are superheroes all day and you haven’t gone to bed with any of them!” Kyle was laughing and Y/N joined in, but Steve watched as she shifted somewhat uncomfortably at what he was insinuating.

“They’re the closest things I have to family, sometimes I’ve thought about dating members of the team-” Y/N admitted and Steve’s heart fluttered a bit, wondering if she was talking about him… before it fell at the realization it could be someone else. “-don’t think they could be all that interested in me anyways. But enough about me, tell me more about what you do at your job, how was your meeting earlier?”

“Ah you know, late evening meetings, same old, same old,” Kyle smiled, brushing off the topic quickly and glancing at his phone that happened to be on the table. “Give me a second, won’t you, darling? It’s the office. If I don’t get it now, they’ll just keep calling.”

Y/N smiled at him and nodded, waving him off, “I get it. Work is busy, go ahead.” Kyle grinned in response and took off to the back, Y/N sipping on her wine some more as she was left alone at the table.

“Who the hell leaves a pretty girl at the dinner table by themselves to take a work call?” Steve grumbled with a huff, shifting in his seat.

“You would,” Bucky pointed out with a shrug, glancing at the drink menu. “If the Avengers called, you’re telling me you would finish dinner?”

“That’s different, Buck, we’re talking a violent threat versus some office call,” Steve rolled his eyes, glancing at the direction that Kyle had taken off at. “I’m going to the bathroom, hold on.”

He excused himself, Bucky eagerly whispering in his trail, “What do you want if the waiter comes?” He didn’t answer, leaving Bucky to grumble that he just wouldn’t order him anything. But food wasn’t exactly on Steve’s mind right now anyways.

Steve maneuvered himself around Y/N’s table, quickly hiding himself behind a few waiters and other guests so she wouldn’t recognize him, before swiftly walking to the back of the restaurant. He glanced around near the bathrooms, raising an eyebrow as he caught Kyle’s stature near one of the corners.

Half pretending to be looking at the art displayed on the wall and half pretending to be listening to something on the phone he put up to his ear, Steve managed to duck his face away from Kyle who seemed to be chuckling over something the person on the other end of his call said.

“-I know sweetie, I wish I could be home with you right now but I’ve got this meeting… I know I’m tired of last minute meetings too but I promise it’ll be worth it when I get this promotion,” Kyle was saying and Steve could feel something burning inside of him. “Love you too, dearest. Best wife ever, hm?” And with that, Kyle made a kissing sound to the phone and hung up, straightening out his jacket and smoothing out his hair.

Steve wasn’t sure what came over him but he couldn’t deny he saw red. Here this guy was, at dinner with one of the nicest, most honest, amazing human beings that Steve had ever met in his years of living, and this bonehead had a wife at home? Before he could think through the situation, Steve’s arm shot out, grabbing Kyle as he walked by and slamming him hard into the wall.

“What the fuck, man?” Kyle screeched, eyes widening when he realized who was under the baseball hat. “The hell? She brought her superhero boyfriend around?” He scoffed, wincing a little as Steve tightened his grip. “Damn she must be real good in bed for a guy like you to be all riled up about her,” Kyle chuckled, as if his joking manner would ease the tense situation.

But Steve’s eyes just got darker, “You’re a fucking asshole, you know that right?” Steve wished to god his glare could burn a hole into Kyle, his face going red with the boiling rage running through his body. “She got all excited for this date. She’s been talking about you non-stop and you’re going around two timing on her?”

The sound of Kyle’s body against the wall must’ve surprised some of the restaurant’s patrons, whispers growing louder around them. Steve didn’t need to look around for his peripheral to catch the workers coming closer.

“Sir, please, you’re causing a scene. I must ask that you bring this outside of our establishment,” someone was saying but Steve stood exactly where he was, firm in his anger.

“What’s going on here? Is everything okay?” This was the only voice that made Steve jump back slightly, his eyes immediately catching breathtaking ones that he had always admired. “Steve?” Y/N’s eyebrows furrowed as she looked between the two of them, trying to decipher the situation. “Wh-What’re you… why the hell are you here?”

“Your coworker’s got some crazy anger issues here,” Kyle huffed, pulling himself together and brushing his shoulders off. “Grabbed me for no goddamn reason.”

Steve shot him a glare and almost prided himself on the fact that the boy in front of him winced a little, “No reason huh? You want to tell her who I heard you talking to?”

There was a flutter of fear and guilt in Kyle’s eyes, even though his chest puffed out in arrogance, “I have no clue what you’re talking about, I was talking to my work-”

“Bull shit.” Steve took a step closer to him and Kyle immediately took one back, his back hitting the wall again. Their gazes went unwavered, Steve challenging him to say one more lie.

“Steve, stop this,” Y/N insisted, pulling on his arm slightly. “The hell are you doing? What are you even doing here?”

But Steve ignored her questions, eyes still steady on Kyle, “Tell her. Or I will.” There was a pause and Steve couldn’t help but roll his eyes for what felt like the thousandth time. Kyle couldn’t even man himself up to admit what was going on. “Fine. Your date here just got off the phone with a girl who’s waiting for him to come back home. His wife. He told her you were just a business meeting.” Steve turned to look at Y/N, who just looked hurt and confused. She pulled her hands away from the grip they had on Steve and he could see her swallowing down the embarrassment as people shuffled awkwardly to see what the outcome of the situation would be.

Steve felt a quick moment of pride, his ego boosting a little as he confirmed his own suspicions that this was the reason why he had had an issue with Y/N going out on a date tonight. Here this guy was, sleazy and clearly not a good enough guy for Y/N, and Steve had been absolutely right. But almost immediately after the small burst of celebration, Steve felt his heart sink slightly at the look in Y/N’s eyes.

Although her posture was still stiff, her jaw clenched as she looked at Kyle, as if waiting for him to explain that it was all a misunderstanding. That the woman at home was actually his mom or some relative and Steve had just heard the whole phone call wrong. But Kyle just puffed his chest out some more, acting as if nothing had happened. As if he had done nothing wrong. Her gaze then turned to Steve, confusion filling her eyes as she tried to understand why he was even here. Why had he followed her to this date? And for that matter, how had he followed her?

Embarrassment filled Y/N’s whole body and she could feel her nails digging into her palms as she tightened her hands into fists. “Fuck you, Kyle,” was all she said after a moment, turning around and walking quickly out of the restaurant. People gave her empathetic glances as she rushed away but her pace quickened all the more any time she caught their eyes.

“Y/N!” Steve called out to her, his shoulders slinking down slightly as he watched her disappear. People’s murmurs were growing, whispers and assumptions flying to his ears and making him feel smaller than how he was pre-serum. He even caught a few people trying to film the whole situation. A small piece of guilt started to grow in his stomach as he realized how much embarrassment he had just caused. He could’ve handled the whole situation better, he knew that in hindsight.

“How’d that go for you, punk?” Bucky asked slowly as Steve rushed past their table, hoping to following Y/N outside this now claustrophobic-feeling restaurant. Bucky got up from the table, whisking himself away to Steve’s side as the man frantically tried to chase after the girl,“I gotta say, I love a night filled with dinner and a show, but that was terrible entertainment.”

It was at this moment that Steve had not only wished that he hadn’t come in the first place, but he especially wished he hadn’t brought Bucky around. As soon as they had burst through the doors, Steve wasn’t sure if he was relieved or even more panicked to find Y/N standing there, tears falling from her face.

“Get the hell away from me, Rogers,” she warned with a shaky voice, her eyes shooting him a glare as she desperately tried to wipe her face.

“Y/N, please, let me explain,” Steve begged, walking towards her and reaching out to her but she flinched away, a stern look on her face even with sobs shakily leaving her lips.

“You ruined everything, Steve, why couldn’t you just leave me alone? You followed me to a fucking restaurant! I didn’t even know where I was going so how did you-” she paused as she thought about it and Steve’s eyes moved to the ground in shame. The anger built up in her quickly than he expected, her foot stomping on the ground in frustration, “You had FRIDAY track my fucking phone? God, Steve Rogers, you piece of shit, I can’t believe you!”

Steve opened his lips to insist that it was for a good reason but gave up, knowing there really wasn’t a good enough reason to explain, “I-I’m sorry, doll, I know I was an idiot. But I couldn’t let him take advantage of you! I knew there was something wrong with him!”

“Then why the hell didn’t you tell me beforehand? Did you just magically have this realization while I was already on my way here? Why didn’t you say something?” She demanded, arms crossed in front of her.

“I-I-” Steve stammered out, his mind suddenly drawing a blank of all those excuses that seemed like such good reasons earlier. “I’m sorry,” was all he could manage out.

Y/N huffed exasperatedly, shaking her head and pacing around on the sidewalk, ignoring all the glances of people passing nearby, “I cannot believe you, Steve. And then to top it all off, when you found out, you didn’t even just tell me privately. Ha! No, you had to show it off, dangle your new found knowledge in my face in front of everyone as if my dating life is any of their business! You had to go shove him into a wall like some macho alpha asshole!”

Steve’s shoulders shrunk as she yelled at him, knowing he deserved it with the way he ignored Bucky’s warnings (and his own conscience, for that matter), “I-… I know I fucked up, doll, and I’m sorry, and I’ll keep apologizing for however long you want. I just couldn’t let you go out with that asshole. You deserve so much better than all these guys you bring around, don’t you know that? You should be with a man who’s so much more than the others. Someone who wouldn’t treat you like a business dinner,” Steve told her, as if pleading for her to see that she was so many leagues better than the rest of the world.

Y/N hesitated, tears still sliding down her cheeks and ruining that perfect makeup she had put on only hours earlier. Her eyes watched him as he pleaded, eyebrows tensing as if in confusion, “Someone like you?” She asked quietly, almost in a mocking tone. Her words felt so harsh in the heat of the moment but she couldn’t take them back once they were gone.

But the scoff that she expected never came. The we’re just friends, Y/N never left his lips. The look in his eyes wasn’t a look of but you’re just like a little sister to me. There was a pause and even Bucky, who was standing a few feet away, was holding his breath as the two of them stood there.

“I-I dunno,” Steve grumbled out nervously, eyes quickly dropping from Y/N’s gaze, which was quickly becoming a look of confusion. Steve fidgeted under such a tense situation, rubbing the back of his neck as he thought about all those times he had just wanted to be around her. Just wanted to listen to her talk about that hobby of hers that she thought no one cared about. How he longed to lay next to her and just play with her hair, watch as she slowly dazed away. Steve could feel his heart pounding against his chest as he thought about her, thought about all the feelings he had pushed down so eagerly from the moment they met. “Anyways, it doesn’t matter. I said someone better,” he pointed out shyly.

He wanted her to agree. He wanted her to scoff and laugh bitterly. He wanted that anger that was in her voice so long ago to drown him in his guilt, he wanted her to throw him away so he could confirm the fear that kept his feelings at bay for so long. She couldn’t ever want him, he was being foolish. Look at the guys she brought home, they were normal. Deliciously normal with 8 to 5 jobs and a retirement plan, and here he was. The only reason he was even able to breathe properly without wheezing is because of some serum running through his body. He wasn’t normal, he couldn’t give her normal.

There was a furrow in Y/N’s brow as she tried to piece together Steve’s behaviour and his half-confession. Her eyes moved to Bucky, who was watching with half a smile on his face. The two of them shared a silent conversation, her questions answered by a single nod of his head.

“Steve, did you come out here and follow me because…because you were jealous?” Y/N asked him, still confused. There was a little light humour to her voice because of course Steve was not jealous. Steve is Captain Fucking America. Why would the literal god of all things perfect be jealous of anything coming near her? No, it had to be that he wanted to protect her. It had to be that they were just friends because if they weren’t just friends, then everything that Nat, Wanda, Pepper, and even Tony had said was correct. That would mean that maybe Steve did brighten a little whenever she walked into a room, maybe he did start wearing that blue shirt more often because she had commented how much she liked it, maybe he had bought that way-too-expensive cologne because she enjoyed the scent… maybe all those longing glances across the room, the lingering touches of their hands… maybe it hadn’t all been in her head.

Steve felt his heart start crawling up his throat, clutching at the dryness and making him regret he hadn’t at least drank some water earlier. There was a part of him that wanted to deny it, to throw his heart away as far as he could and insist that no good could come from this. But the look on her face, what was that in her eyes- was that hope? Steve cleared his throat slightly, shifting his weight on his feet as he sheepishly looked up at her, “Would that be bad?” He asked her softly. “Me… Me being jealous, would that be a terrible thing?”

Y/N’s lips turned into a small smile, a gentleness touching her tearful eyes, “No, I don’t think it’d be terrible. Actually, it might be… a good thing.”

Steve’s posture straightened as she spoke, the lines smoothing on his forehead while his heart still beat aggressively into his chest, “R-Really?”

“But this doesn’t excuse your poor behaviour, Steven,” Y/N scolded him again quickly, wagging her finger in his face. “Feelings for me or not, you should’ve told me! You shouldn’t have followed me to the restaurant or embarrassed me publicly!” Steve’s head ducked again as he nodded along, knowing she was right and he really did fuck up a lot tonight. “But,” she smiled a bit, her heart fluttering a little at the mere thought that Steve fucking Rogers was jealous over her dating, “maybe if you keep apologizing and work on that irrational behaviour of yours, we can consider making sure this never happens again.”

Steve nodded quickly, smiling at her innocently, “I promise I won’t ever be this kind of idiot again. I can’t promise I won’t be another kind of idiot, but I promise I won’t have FRIDAY track your phone and follow you on another date every again.”

Y/N laughed at how puppy dog he seemed, eagerly begging for love so quickly after being scolded, “I mean, it would be pretty awkward if you didn’t come to my next few dates.”

Steve blinked at her in confusion, trying to follow her thought process, “S-Sorry?”

“Well if you’re going to take me out, you can’t just not come along,” Y/N pointed out with a small stifled giggle, Steve’s eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Thank fuck, that took so long,” Bucky yelped out from behind them, lazily wrapping his arm around Steve’s shoulders and rubbing his knuckles into the blond’s head, who just groaned and tried to shove him off. “Honestly, next time at least feed me if you’re going to take this long. Can we go home now? I’m seriously hungry for some pasta that’s not going to cost me a second mortgage.”

“Do you even have a first mortgage?” Steve asked with confusion and Bucky swatted at his head quickly, insisting that that wasn’t the point.

Y/N couldn’t help but smile as she watched the two, biting down on her lip as Steve met her eyes and smiled that same heart-melting smile. After climbing into a cab that she had waved down, Bucky told the story of tonight’s events from his own perspective (exaggerating details, Y/N was sure of it). She knew one day she would laugh at how impulsive Steve’s thinking was, but for right now, she was just happy with the fact that he had taken her hand in his as they drove home.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** 

Hi hello, just a quick other author’s note to big a huge thank you to @wxstedhexrt​ (aka the love of my life). Thank you for always reading my fics and being excited about my writing, thank you for helping me when I’m stumped and for giving me the title of this fic. Thank you for being fucking amazing and the best human ever <3 I really don’t know if I would’ve put this out without you so thank you so much <3

MASTERLIST

[remmushound]

Rise/bay 23!! @brightlotusmoon @errorfreak88 @selfindulgenz

Donnie ran out of his room in an excited frenzy. His feet tip-tapped the happy dance he always did when he found a discovery. The light in his eyes, the flutter in his heart. The warmth overwhelming him. He ran right over to the cuddle pile, hesitating only to eye the strange scene curiously before prodding Donatello’s forehead.

“Mm?” Donatello’s eyes opened in an angry scowl at being disturbed.

“Hey!” Donnie was beaming, his eyes shimmering like dark pools of shiny chocolate, “Hi— here— here take a look at these!” 

Donatello grumbled through his sleep-heavy state and ignored the pictures shoved in his face, covering his muzzle with his arms to block out the light.

“Wha— hey, come on! I think I found your April!”

Donatello hardly heard him, and the fuzz of his mind wasn’t sharp enough yet to care. As the bickering continued with Donnie’s mouth running like a motor trying to wake up the sluggish softshell, Raphael opened his own heavy eyes and started to listen in. 

“Ugh! Make it stooooop!” 

Leonardo reached over and prodded Donnie where his tail would have been under the pants, making the box turtle yelp and fall forward. 

“There.” Leonardo snuggled back in against Raphael, “I found the off switch.”

Raphael was fully awake now and slowly started to untangle himself from his brothers. When he stood, the absence of his immense form made Michelangelo and Leonardo roll suddenly and slam into Donatello on either side. None of the three seemed to care. Raphael gave himself a minute or so to stretch and pop his joints before positioning himself behind his brothers, low to the ground. He sucked in a good deal of air, and then belched it back at his brothers.

The reaction was immediate. Screams of terror as the scent overwhelmed them and the panicked scrambling as his brothers tried to escape the stench. Their feet scrambled helplessly on the floor for a minute as the slick floor held them in place. Michelangelo was the first to find his footing, then Donatello, and lastly Leonardo. All scrambled to different corners of the lair.

“AH OH MY METAPHORICAL GOD!”

“THAT’S DISGUSTING!”

“DISHONOR ON YOU, DISHONOR ON YOUR FAMILY, DISHONOR ON YOUR COW!”

“You’re up now, antch’a?” Raphael laughed. “Whatchu got for us Don?”

“What? I don’t have anything for you.” Donatello answered.

“He meant other Don, Don.” Leonardo nudged his brother in the side, “Maybe we should mark you with paint or something— Don 1 and Don 2.”

“Not funny, Nardo!”

“No, it is extremely funny.” Leonardo laughed continuing to prod Donatello playfully.

“Nardo, if you keep doing that I’ll—“

“You’ll what?” Leonardo stuck out his tongue and bounced between legs as he continued to poke Donatello and avoid his swatting hands.

“Eh, ignore them.” Raphael smiled as he rubbed his neck and turned to address Donnie, craning his neck over to look at the pictures the box turtle reluctantly offered. “You found something?”

Donnie squeaked at the closeness of the snapping turtle’s head to him and pulled away quickly, dropping the photos in his panic. Raphael picked them up and his eyes lit up once he located the reason for the images.

“That’s April!”

That simple declaration was enough to make the other three forget about their playful bickering and hurry to Raphael’s side. The mutant held the proof of April low enough for his brothers to be able to look comfortably. Cheers sounded off seconds later.

“Yeaaah!”

“That’s April!”

“Oh, she’s okay!”

“Looook!” Leonardo prodded a finger against the paper at April’s chest, “She’s got the orb!”

“Ohh I hope she’s okay!” Michelangelo piped, crawling to hang over Leonardo’s shoulder.

“Time stamps from an hour ago.” 

“Do you know where she is now?”

“Can we get a pizza on the way to find her?”

The smaller mutants started to swarm Donnie with their questions, but Raphael was quick to separate them and give the box turtle some space.

“This is the last I saw of her— she was heading into an alley and I can just kinda see her going up the fire escape.” Donnie said finally.

“Hey, isn’t that where dad was?” Leonardo pointed out.

There was a symphony of agreement.

“I didn't see her come back down though, so she’s probably still up there.” Donnie said, “Unless she found a different way down, which I don’t see why she would…”

Donnie gave yet another yelp as Raphael’s hand fell onto his shoulder. Raphael laughed.

“You’re a jumpy one arencha?” He gave Donnie a few comforting pats to try and reassure him, “Great work Don! You don’t know how much this means to us.”

Donnie’s eyes glimmered with astonishment at the genuine praise.

“Yeah, that big head is good for something after all.” Despite the insult, Donatello’s words came off as a good-natured joke as he circled around Donnie and leaned his head on the box turtle’s shoulder.

“You’re one to talk, peanut head!” Leonardo laughed, “Your head looks like Stewie Griffin’s in reverse!”

“Ha ha.” Donatello faux-laughed, “Very funny, Leon.”

Donnie shivered as Michelangelo scrambled up his shell, using the older turtle’s tech for hand and foot holds. “You’re so smart, other Donnie!”

“Uh— heh— thanks?” Donnie’s cheeks hurt from smiling so wide. 

Raphael whistled, and his brothers all dislodged themselves from Donnie to heed his call. “Come on, Mad Dogz! April needs us!”

Another uproar of agreement sounded.

“I have an ideeeahhh!” Donatello purposely exaggerated the last word, “Let’s take the turtle tank!”

That suggestion sparked a series of cheers. 

“You do have a turtle tank right?” Donatello asked, his brothers excited cheering still sounding behind him.

“Well— yeah— but—“

“Great!” Donatello didn't let him finish, and Donnie couldn’t help but wonder if it was on purpose.

“Wait— you’re not really supposed to…” Donnie’s voice only got softer as the cheers drowned him out and the other four set off searching for the tank, “Take it out of the lair without… oh never mind.”

Donnie followed reluctantly after them. 

When they finally found the room they had been searching for, Leo blocked their path before they could enter. While the rest of the brothers stared at Leo— Donatello annoyed, Michelangelo concerned, and Raphael confused— Leonardo was quick to confront the box turtle.

“Hey guy, we were trying to get through there you know.”

“I know.” Leo crossed his arms pointedly.

“What, you the new door? Cause I’m not really seeing any working handles.” 

Leonardo pretended to look all around Leo for a handle before returning to stand in a similar stance as the older shinobi, except more relaxed. 

“Waiiiiit~ Are you like the sphinx? Gotta answer a riddle to get past you and if we get it wrong you just stare at us disappointedly!” Leonardo said the last part of the sentence in a low voice that tried to mimic Leo, standing up a little straighter and making sure to be loud. “Waitwaitwait, lemme guess: What’s green and uglier than a half-drowned mutant mole rat? And the answer is you! What’s my prize?”

Leonardo cupped his hands together and batted his eyes innocently, standing on one foot as he posed.

Leo didn't even address the annoying slider. “Donnie. What are you doing?” He asked slowly.

Donnie’s head shrank slowly into his shell. “Sorry Leo… I tried to stop them.”

“He spotted our April.” Raphael explained calmly.

“And so you thought you could just bully my brother into taking you out to get her?” Leo pulled up to his full height to try and tower over Raphael, even if the difference was only a few inches.

“Wha— bully?” Raphael frowned, not flinching at the attempt at a threat and looking more concerned for Donnie than for what Leo could do for him, “I didn't mean to bully him— did— did I?” 

Raphael looked back at Donnie with soft eyes. Donnie was looking incredibly guilty, his eyes locked on the floor as he sniffled softly and adjusted his glasses. Raphael gave a long, almost mournful sigh and approached Donnie.

“Gee, I’m sorry. I didn't mean to press you into anything.” Raphael apologized, “I just really wanted to find our April.”

The rest of the collection of mutants muttered similar apologies, Leonardo even giving a bow to the box turtle. Donnie looked to Leo to make sure he wasn’t the only one made uneasy by this strange situation. Leo seemed to carry a similar sentiment.

“Don’t worry— we’ll go out and find your April.” Leo said finally when he was able to, “But you all need to stay here.”

“Stay here?” Leonardo shot back, “Why?”

Leo was more than happy to challenge the slider again, almost glad he finally got the mutants attention. “My brothers and I know this city better than you.”

“Yeah, and we know our April better than you! And you’re not my leader!”

At a simple touch on the shoulder from Raphael, Leonardo immediately calmed down. “We won’t get in your way.” Raphael addressed Leo.

“You better not.” Leo said after a hesitation, so used to an aggressive remark that a kind one threw him off guard for a moment. “Suit up Don. We roll out in five. You two as well!” Leo called across the lair to Raph and Mikey.

“What?” Leonardo turned to Raphael with a hushed voice, “You can’t be serious!”

“I’m not.” Raphael whispered softly out of the corner of his mouth. “I said we wouldn’t get in their way, and we won’t. Never said we weren’t going.”

Leonardo understood immediately and gave a soft laugh, punching Raphael playfully in the shoulder. “April, here we come.”

[skullrock]

the jacket - Steve x Reader

pairing: Steve x Reader

summary: you find a relic from Steve’s past and try to search for answers.

word count: 2.3k

warnings: angst!! angst!! but w a happy ending <3 also a bit of kissing and reader being kinda a shithead <3 duality of man

a/n: I was like . hmmm . what if reader found Steve’s Members Only jacket and saw the blood stains and tried to understand what happened . so I wrote it <3 hope u all enjoy

===

Steve was in the shower, and you were cold.

And it wasn’t like you’d never dug through his closet before. You’d found all kinds of gems - things Steve either let you keep or things you forced him to try on for you. So you really didn’t think it was a big deal when you came upon a pile of clothes tucked away in the very back corner.

You first pull out a few t-shirts - definitely ones he wore for practice. You place them aside and continue, picking up a black t-shirt. After that, you found a gem - that old Members Only jacket he used to wear senior year, an obvious Christmas present. Happily, you slipped it on, putting the other t-shirts into the pile and shutting his closet. You didn’t notice anything odd; and, actually, you weren’t sure why Steve didn’t wear it anymore.

“Am I sexy?” he asks, walking in with his hair up in a towel, one draped loosely around his waist.

“Always,” you answer, snuggling under his bedsheets. Steve throws on underwear before coming over to you, crawling on top of his comforter.

“You cold?” he asks, leaning down to kiss your head, then nose, then neck. “I can help.”

“Then do it,” you murmur, pulling him closer.

Steve doesn’t notice the jacket for a while. His lips eventually moved from yours and down your neck again as he stripped the covers off of you. He finally opens his eyes as he moves towards your chest and quirks a brow. “What’s th-“

And then the blood drained from his face.

“What?” you ask, concerned at his expression. “I - I was cold, so I threw it on -“

“Where did you find this?” he asks, voice hoarse, frozen still as he propped himself up above you.

“Your closet?”

“Let’s - um - let’s take it off,” he says, and his voice sounds anything but sexual. He wants it off, buried back in his closet, away from your eyes. Because there’s blood all over the collar and on the cuffs, and as much as he tried to scrub it out, it was soaked in.

You didn’t need to know any of that. He doesn’t want you to know any of that. You couldn’t know any of that.

You sit up, brows furrowed painfully, as Steve nearly rips it from you. “I’m sorry - I -“

“Don’t be,” he says quickly, moving from the bed and to his closet. “I just - I don’t think I’ve washed it -“

“It was fine,” you say. “Why don’t you wear it anymore? It was always so cute on you.”

“Grew out of it,” he says, but you can see as he’s holding it that it would definitely still fit. He throws it back in the closet and grabs some clothes, effectively ending the make out session. He grabs a new hoodie for you, too, coming back towards the bed slowly.

Steve felt sick. He was holding his breath as the anniversary of the second traumatic Upside Down incident approached quickly. Every year, something new happened - and he was convinced this year wouldn’t be different. He didn’t need you dragged into it like Robin had been dragged into it. And even if Robin was his best friend, she didn’t deserve that. His partner didn’t deserve it, either.

You’re quiet as Steve crawls under the covers and holds you close. You felt a little sick, too, but you didn’t know why. Maybe because you’d never seen Steve look so terrified. Certainly, you’d never seen him so terrified over a piece of clothing. You didn’t want to pry, but you wanted to know more. Was there something in the pockets he didn’t want you to find? Did a past lover give him the jacket? Your head spun as Steve pressed a kiss to the back of your head.

“Let’s take a nap, okay?” he whispers, wanting his racing thoughts to stop.

“Okay,” you whisper back, but you couldn’t sleep. You could only lay and listen to Steve’s soft breaths behind you, wondering what could possibly have happened to make him so terrified.

===

Things returned to normal for a week, but you could not stop thinking about the jacket. You felt bad for being so hung up on it, and you felt bad for planning to dig through his closet again. But the next time Steve showered when you were over, you rummaged through the pile again, paying more attention to the clothes in it.

The first few t-shirts were fine - probably things he really did grow out of. And then you got to a green sweater. It was dark and it wasn’t easy to find issues, but you finally noticed - multiple dark stains littered the fabric. They were blotchy and random, most focused at the collar. Your brows furrowed but you quickly put it back, anticipating Steve’s return. They must have just been clothes that were stained with wine or beer or something. You didn’t know why that scared Steve so much.

Your eye catches the Members Only Jacket again, and you grab it quickly, eyes scanning it rapidly. Your eyes land on the collar, and then you see it - faint, red stains lined it, random as they were on the green sweater.

Blood. Lots of it.

You throw it back in the closet and stumble back a bit, confused. You knew Steve had been in small fights before, sure, but this amount of blood was really bizarre and - and why did he have so many shirts that were stained with it? Were there more than just the two you’d found?

Steve returns from the shower merrily, but you quickly make an excuse as to why you need to go. He frowns but lets you part, confused with why you looked so afraid.

===

“Can we talk?”

Your voice shook as you spoke, the two of you laying on his bed and staring at the ceiling. Steve’s brows furrowed and he sat up, already anticipating your questions. “What’s up?”

“Wh… um. Do you remember when I was wearing the jacket?”

Steve nods and pulls you closer. “Babe - I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to act weird. I just haven’t worn it in a while.”

You raise your brows a bit. “And that’s why you were terrified of it?”

Steve falters. “Well - I was just shocked to see it.”

Your brows furrow. “You ripped it off of me.”

Steve shakes his head, tries to think of a better excuse, one that's close to the truth but not quite there. “It just reminds me of a bad time in my life, okay? It’s absolutely nothing to do with you -“

“Steve.” you say, narrowing your eyes. “You don’t have to lie to me.”

“I’m not lying to you,” he says lowly.

You incline your head. “Will you get it out for me?”

Steve squeezes his eyes shut, feeling bile rising. “Can’t we just watch - watch a movie?”

“Steve,” you say, but he's up off the bed in a flash. Your heart drops at his refusal to talk.

“Let’s go downstairs -“

“Steve.”

And when he turns around, he looks panicked, tears in his eyes. “Please.”

You hurry towards him, wrapping your arms around him tightly. “Hey, I’m sorry -“

You freeze up when you feel him sob into your shoulder. Hot tears land on your neck and you gently tug him to the floor with you, horrified and confused. “Hey,” you say again, running your hand through his hair, holding him close. “You’re okay, Steve.”

Steve doesn't want to cry. He hasn’t cried. But the October anniversary being nearly two weeks away and the horror of you finding out was too much for him. He wanted to curl up and push you away, but he let himself be held by you, trying to follow you as you asked him to breathe with you. He trembles and cries, clutching on to you, refusing to look up from your neck.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbles eventually, still shaking. “I….” He shakes his head. “I don’t know.”

“It’s okay,” you whisper, kissing the top of his head. “I’m sorry I pried, Steve.”

Steve doesn't answer. He sits and cries, focusing on your chest moving as you breathe. As much as it hurts, it’s helpful, and he feels a little bit lighter by the time the tears run out. He moves his lips to your ear and quietly says, “I can’t talk about it here.”

Your heart feels like it’s stopped in your chest. “What?”

“We have to go somewhere safe,” he says, even lower, and you strain to hear.

“Steve - what the -“

“Just - give me a minute, okay?”

===

Steve chooses the quarry, because it’s the only place he can think of that’s desolate enough to maybe not be bugged. He’s never told anyone about this, and it makes him shake. His palms sweat. He feels sick, but he parks, despite you begging him to just go back home. He looks sick, too, making your chest constrict with worry. He didn’t talk the entire ride, even when you exclaim as he pulls a nail-riddled bat out of his trunk. He only speaks when you’ve walked far away from the car.

Steve stares at your collarbones, exposed from your sweater draping with your posture. “What I’m going to tell you… is very dangerous.

“Steve, what the hell?” you ask, genuinely scared, eyes flicking to the bat. “Are you safe?”

He ignores the question, because he really doesn’t know. “You have to promise me you won’t bring this up or tell anyone. Okay?”

“Steve -“

“Please,” he begs, voice cracking, and you finally nod. He breathes out slowly, takes another deep breath, and then starts.

He explains everything as linearly as he can. Starts back in 1983 and works his way through, stopping to explain things to you and pausing to collect himself. It’s not so hard to talk about it, really - Steve feels like he’s reciting a comic book or recalling a dream. He rips his eyes away as he watches your facial expressions drop and contort.

“So the blood,” you interrupt at one point, “it’s from… this?”

Steve’s brows furrow. “What blood?”

You freeze a bit. “I… I looked at the other clothes in the pile with the jacket. They had blood on them.”

“Oh.” He blinks.

“I’m sorry, I really shouldn’t have -“

“It’s fine,” he says, and clears his throat. “Yeah. It’s from this. Well - the green sweater is from Jonathan Byers, mainly, but otherwise, yes. Demon blood, my blood, Russian blood.”

“Jesus Christ,” you whisper. You reach out to cup his cheek gently, running your thumb over a scar on his cheekbones. “And that’s why you’ve got those scars?”

He nods somberly, and your heart breaks.

It’s a lot of information to absorb. Like, you knew weird shit happened in Hawkins, but you didn’t know it was… inter-dimensional monsters and demons. You didn’t know Steve and others you knew were wrapped up in anything so sinister. It all sounds made up, too much to fathom, but you know Steve. You trust Steve. And you know that he doesn’t deserve any of this.

And it kind of all makes sense, really. Why he had you spend the night so often. Why he has so many nightmares. Why he's friends with a ton of kids. Why he doesn’t like going on walks in the woods, and why his curtains are always drawn shut. Why he doesn’t swim in his pool. Why he disappeared the week of the fourth of July. These quirks suddenly make sense to you, and as complicated as it all is, you still believe him.

“I know this sounds crazy - I know it sounds crazy - but you ha-“

“I believe you,” you say.

Steve’s tense shoulders relax. “You do?”

“I do,” you assure. “I mean, that’s… it’s insane, but why wouldn’t I believe you?”

Steve stares at you for a good moment before dropping his bat and wrapping his arms around you. He’s quiet as he does, and you wrap your arms around him too, trying to swallow past the ache in your throat, tears threatening to spill over.

“Steve,” you whisper, chin resting on his shoulder. “Are you safe?”

Steve doesn’t answer for a while. “I don’t know.”

You hug him closer. “I’ll make sure you are.”

“No,” he says sternly, pulling back. “No.”

“Yes,” you say, slightly irritated. “Why wouldn’t I be by your side?”

“Because you could get hurt or killed or both.”

“I….” You stare at his chest for a second before meeting his eyes. “I would do that for you.”

“That’s stupid,” he says.

“I don’t care. You did it for your friends. And I’ll do it for you.”

“That’s stupid,” he repeats, shaking his head, but he pulls you in again. “If something happens again….” Steve bites the inside of his cheek. “I can’t lose you.”

“Hell, Steve,” you say with a sad smile. “You’ve been through this shit three years in a row. I think you can handle anything.”

“But what if I don’t?” he whispers.

“Then I’m here to help,” you assure. “Always.”

He pulls back again. “I don’t want you anywhere near this shit. Okay?”

“Okay,” you say, understanding the sincerity of his request. “But if you need me, whether you admit it or not, I���m here.” You flex your muscles. “I’ve got a mean punch.”

“Sure,” he says, smiling sadly. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” You stand on your tiptoes to kiss his forehead. “And I’m right here.”

===

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