#the healthy thing would have been them talking about it and figuring out a compromise. like 'when ford needs space he can spend a few hours

[godsfavoritescientist]

Building off of what I wrote in my fic "Sparks," I'm really compelled by the idea of Ford genuinely no longer being interested in sailing around in a boat with Stan by the time they were seniors in high school.

I like the idea of it not being just a symptom of the resentment that had been building between them, nor it being a dream of Ford's that only paled in comparison to west coast tech, but it being a genuine loss of interest on Ford's end. I think it complicates things even further in some really juicy ways.

Like, imagine going through high school slowly losing more and more interest in the dream you've shared with your twin and only friend ever since you were little kids. How do you break it to him? How do you explain it to him without making it sound like a rejection of him? Without it making him hate you?

How do you explain it without it feeling like a spit in the face to all the hard work he's put into a plan that started out as a way of him comforting you by telling you "it doesn't matter what people say about you, you're going to be an adventurer who sails away into the sunset and never has to hear their mockery ever again, and there will be babes and treasure and heroism, and then they'll all see how cool you really are!"

And all through high school you think to yourself, "he's going to move on to more realistic dreams any day now, and then I won't have to say anything about it!" But no matter how many times you mention something else he could do with his life that he seems interested in, or bring up the challenging logistics of traveling around long-term in a boat, he sounds just as committed to the childhood dream as ever, and completely oblivious to how apprehensive you sound.

So resentment grows, little by little. Because that's easier than confronting the soul-crushing levels of guilt that are building up inside of you, every time you don't take an opportunity to tell him you don't want to do the plan anymore. You don't have a single person in your life who modeled how to have difficult conversations for you. As far as you know, having this conversation with Stan would crush him into tiny little pieces and then he would hate you forever, and you can't stand the idea of losing the only friend you've ever had.

So tensions grow. A lack of interest turns into a bitter resentment that, if you were really being honest with yourself, is directed more at yourself than it is at Stan.

And then the falling-out happens, and it seems like you were proven right. Stan hates you now, and he's never going to forgive you for giving up on his dream. But two can play that game, so you try to hate him too. Because if you hate him too, then maybe it won't hurt as much that he never came back. That he never even turned up at school, or by the boat, or in through your bedroom window in the middle of the night. He knows what dad's like, and how he says impulsive exaggerated things when he's angry, and haven't you both dealt with his harsh words countless times before and been able to dust yourselves off and joke about it later? So why isn't he back at home, joking with you about how absurd your dad acted that night, being impossible and belligerent about ruining your dream, but at least now you're even, because you've ruined his dream too.

-

And now imagine you find out he risked the lives of everyone in existence to bring you back, right after you had accepted your fate was to die killing Bill. It would be terrifying and confusing and infuriating. If he cared so much, why didn't he do something to reconnect with you sooner? Why did he ignore you in favor of trying to make it big without you? Why didn't he take the infinitely safer and simpler action of reaching out to you without you having to track down his address and send a desperate plea for help? You were convinced that he didn't care enough to bother with you unless you had an important enough reason for him to come. But even then, he thought your plans were stupid. He didn't want anything to do with you, not even with the world at stake.

Did he save your life out of guilt? Does he pity you that much? It doesn't add up with what he did in the decade leading up to shoving you into the portal. And the dissonance between the version of him in your head that hates you, and the man who held out his arms to welcome you back to your home dimension, is so strong that you feel like you're being lied to again, like you're back in the depths of gaslighting and manipulation that Bill put you through, even though there's no way that's what Stan is trying to do... right? You can't figure it out, so you run away from it. You don't want to know the answer to whether or not Stan hates you, because you don't know which answer would hurt more, so you try to make him hate you more than ever, because at least then you would know for sure how he feels.

And in the end, after he sacrifices his memories for you, and for the world, things seem clearer. The layers upon layers of confusion and anger and hurt seem to have washed away like drawings in the sand, leaving behind the simple truth: that you two had an argument, and didn't move past it for forty years, and despite everything you put each other through, you both still want to re-connect.

So you sail away in a boat together.

And at first, it's wonderful. It's exactly what you want. It feels like an apology to Stan, and a thank-you for saving the world, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to heal the rift between you two, and it's good to be back on earth, and you wonder why you ever doubted the dream you two once had.

But then, after the first long journey you spend on the sea together, when you get back home to dry land, Stan is already talking about planning your next adventure out on the open sea. He recaps every adventure you had on the first trip, over and over again, and he wants to chat with you all through the morning and long into the night, and you don't have the words to explain to yourself that you don't have enough social battery for this, and suddenly you're slipping back into the horrifyingly familiar feeling of Stan being overbearing and needing space from him and how could you think that? How could you think that about him after everything he's done for you and everything he's forgiven you for? But the longer this goes on, the more you realize that you still don't want to spend the rest of your life sailing around with Stan. It's great fun in moderation, but the idea of your whole life revolving around Stan and going on adventures with Stan and being in a boat with Stan with no time to be by yourself thinking about your own things and figuring out your own dreams makes your skin crawl with a claustrophobic kind of panic that you still don't know how to put into words forty years after the first time this feeling grabbed you by the throat and ruined your friendship with Stanley.

But the first time this happened, it nearly ruined his life forever. You can't let yourself feel this. You don't feel this. You're happy to spend the rest of your life fulfilling Stan's lifelong dream, and making up for the time you crushed his dream, and sure, maybe he crushed your dream once too, and maybe it would be nice for him to support your dreams like you're now doing for him, but you can't say that. He saved the universe, and it would be horrible and ungrateful and cruel for you to try to voice these feelings, especially when you don't know how to voice your feelings without it making other people feel like you twisted a knife into their gut. So you try to pretend the feeling isn't there.

You go out on a boat with Stan again. You planned out another incredible journey together, and this should be fun, and you should be happy about this, but the unspoken feeling you shoved as far down in yourself as it could possibly go is eating you alive. The worst part? Stan is starting to notice. You have never been good at hiding your emotions. The trick to it has always been to convince yourself you don't feel it at all, and not think about it, and that has always worked like a charm. But whenever the emotion claws its way back up to the forefront of your mind, you can tell Stan knows something is wrong. So you can't even give him the happy ending he deserves. You can't even convince him that you want to be here on the open seas forever with him, like he deserves. And you keep trying and trying to hide it, but Stan keeps asking in roundabout ways, like "You're being awfully quiet, sixer," and "whats that look on your face?" and eventually it comes exploding out of you like a shaken-up soda bottle dropped on its cap.

And then it's like you're back at home in New Jersey again, standing in the living room while dad grabs Stanley by the shirt. It all comes pouring out of you, in the worst possible way, with the worst possible phrasing, like a pandora's box of monstrousness, and Stan tries to fight back against the sting of your words, but you're made out of acid and you're burning through him and you can see it on his face, and there's never any coming back from this, not this time, you'll just have to either jump into the ocean or become a monster forever, so Stan can hate you more easily again, and-

-and at the end of the outburst, you're still on a boat in the middle of nowhere in the ocean with your brother, in dangerous waters, and you have things to do to keep the boat running smoothly.

You can't run away from him. He can't run away from you. You're stuck here for at least a couple more weeks, even if you turned around and sailed back towards shore right away.

-

And the thing that compels me so much here, despite how unbelievably angsty it all is, is that it sets up a situation wherein the Stans might end up forced to actually address the decades of resentment and confusion and wanting-to-reconnect-throughout-it-all that they thought they could gloss over and heal with enough time spent adventuring together on a boat. They might end up forced to actually address the crux of the issue that drove them apart in the first place: Ford wanting a little more space to feel like his own person, and to feel like he's able to have his own dreams, too.

It wouldn't happen easily, nor right away, but if they were stuck together on a little boat in the middle of nowhere surrounded by magical creatures they have to protect each other from in order to make it back home alive, then after they had one fight where they brought up all the things they silently agreed to never bring up again, it would probably happen many more times, and each time it would leave them both angrier at each other than ever, until eventually something honest slipped through amidst all the saying-anything-except-what-they-mean bickering. And once enough of these honest moments slipped through, then they would have a thread to tug on to start to unravel the gargantuan knot of their decades of unresolved conflicts.

And then, eventually, maybe Stan could learn that he can have a good friendship with his brother without needing to be glued to him at the hip, and Ford needing a certain amount of alone time doesn't mean he dislikes him or wants to abandon him, and Ford could learn that he can be honest and have a meaningful connection with someone without it driving them away and making them hate him.

[heavyhitterheaux]

Ghost Part 4

AN: 💕

Synopsis: The two of you have finally gotten on the same page regarding Ace and Jack has shown you that he's all in when it comes to his and Ace's relationship. However, he ends up taking one step forward and a hundred steps backward when your safety is compromised

Pairing: Jack Harlow x Reader

Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 first

Please Do Not Repost My Content Anywhere

Sitting in your car in front of your apartment building, you let out a loud sob that you had been holding in since the judge had made her decision.You were confident that she would rule in your favor, but the only thing or person on your mind rather was Ace.

He had gotten so used to seeing Jack often that you weren't quite sure how he was going to adjust to only being able to see him every other weekend. And you didn't know the first step in how to explain that to him and more than likely he probably wouldn't even understand. This was the last thing you wanted to ever happen, and you thought for sure that Jack would meet you halfway in order to do what was best for Ace, but once again his pride got in the way.

You had lost track of time and didn't know how long you were sitting in your car crying when you grabbed a tissue from your purse in order to wipe your face and make yourself look a bit more presentable. Blaire wasn't going to bring Ace back until later in the day and you still had some time to kill. It was simply decided that you would get into some comfy clothes and watch Disney plus because you figured that was probably the only thing that could somewhat lift your mood. 

Before you started watching anything, you sent a simple message to the group chat since you knew that they had been waiting to hear from you.

You- I got full custody of Ace 

Blaire- 👀👀👀

Nadia- As you should. What them child support payments looking like?

You- 40,000 a month

Liv- DAMN he actually got lucky. For a celebrity, I’ve heard of people paying a lot more than that.

Blaire- But how are you feeling overall?

You- Sad for Jack believe it or not

Liv- He got what was coming to him smh I don’t feel bad because he brought this on himself

Nadia- I second that 

You-  But now I have to tell Ace and I don’t know how he’s going to take it

Jack was in a daze driving home from the courthouse and the realization was hitting him that he didn't do anything but make things more complicated for himself. He had now driven a bigger wedge in between the two of you and knew deep down that no matter how much he apologized to you that it wouldn't be enough. He wanted to have a relationship with his son, but also wanted to have a healthy relationship with you too and at this point even getting you to talk to him was going to be a challenge.

He had gotten home and didn't realize that Clay had been following him and pulled up behind his car in the driveway. Jack sighed to himself not wanting to hear him say ‘I told you so’ again since he had a feeling that he would never let him live this down. He knows that he fucked up and doesn’t need to hear it over and over again. 

Once he stepped out of the car, Clay was next to him with his hands stuffed in his pockets and simply looked at him.

“Clay, not now. Please not now.” Jack said as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

“I'm just here for support. What just happened was a lot to take in and even though you've been treating me like shit the last few months, you're still my big brother and I still care about how you’re feeling.”

“I know and I'm sorry. I just… There isn't any excuse for the way I've been acting and treating you as if you're not important to me when you know that you are. I just want that close relationship that you have with Ace and I’m jealous of it and not afraid to admit it. You've been in his life since he was four weeks old and I can't say the same thing. Y/N is never going to forgive me now. I wish I would have talked to her when she gave me the chance.”

“That is literally all she has wanted from the very beginning. She never wanted it to get to this point and she actually low key thinks that you hate her.” Clay quietly said as they both walked into Jack’s house.

“What? I could never hate her. I don't hate her. Why would she think that? Never mind, don't answer that. I… get it.”

“And you failed to realize how this would affect Ace because he's the one that's at the center of this whole thing.”

“And now I can't even see him how I want to.”

“You now have to make it up to not only Ace but Y/N too.”

“And I don't have any idea on where to start.”

“You already know what you need to do and no one should have to tell you that. You can start by being the best father you can possibly be to Ace. This isn't rocket science, but you damn sure know how to make things more complicated. Are we sure that you’re even the older one at this point?” Clay asked while smirking and Jack gave him a small smirk in return and shrugged his shoulders. 

Jack's mood had been off for the rest of the time that had passed until it was his weekend with Ace and he wanted to get himself together before you dropped him off. But he just couldn't shake this being his new reality. He knew now that he should have talked to you and simply let you explain, but his thoughts of you moving and taking Ace flooded his mind and that was the only thing that he could think of. But all in all, he just made a bigger mess. 

He had sent you multiple text messages with you responding in ten words or less and it wasn’t because you were being mean or trying to spite him, you genuinely had no idea what to say to him at this point. Until you did, there was no reason for you to give him a longer response. 

It was a little awkward when the person supervising the visit, Britney showed up at his house ten minutes before you were going to drop Ace off and knew that he had to prove to her and to the court that he could take care of Ace and take care of him properly. But most importantly, he wanted to prove it to you. 

Once he saw your car pull up, he went outside to meet the two of you as you were helping Ace out of the back of the car. You were grabbing Ace’s backpack that had all of his toys (and told him that he could only bring three because Jack had an entire playroom in his house specifically for him) and clothes when you heard his voice.

“Hi Y/N.”

“Hi.” You responded while barely looking at him and took a deep breath before continuing to talk.

“His clothes, shoes, and toys are in here and I'll come and get him Sunday at 5.” Was all you said as you handed him Ace’s backpack and Ace was simply looking between the two of you.

“Um, okay.” 

“Make sure he's ready by then for me to come and get him. Okay, Ace, give me kisses.”

You kneeled down to his height and he immediately embraced you and it seemed as if he was holding onto you as if he didn't want you to leave.

“Mommy, can you stay?” Ace asked as he pulled away from you.

“Ace, you're going to have fun with daddy and I'll see you in two days, promise.”

“And we can call mommy before you go to sleep.” Jack chimed in with an attempt to make it less awkward, but he knew that this was probably going to take a while.

“Will you sing to me when I do?” Ace asked, looking at you hopeful. Just about every single night, after the two of you read a book, you would sing him to sleep.

“Of course. Anything for my baby boy.”

—

“Daddy, you okay?” Ace asked Jack as he looked over at him and saw that he was staring off into space when they were supposed to be baking brownies. Peanut butter and chocolate, which he learned how to make from you which had now become his favorite.

“Oh, I'm fine. Now let's get this batter in the pan so we can watch a movie.”  Jack answered as he ruffled Ace's curly hair that resembled his.

“Can we watch Cars!?”

“Of course we can and when our brownies are done, we have ice cream to go with them.”

“But you still look sad. Are you sad about mommy?” Hearing Ace say that made Jack's breath hitch and he simply sighed before saying anything else. To only be three almost four, Ace was incredibly smart and picked up on a lot of things that went on around him.

“You definitely notice everything, don't you?” He asked as Ace simply smiled and nodded.

“I hurt her and I don't think that she's ever going to forgive me.”

“Just say sorry. That should make it all better. Mommy has a big heart like me.”

“That she does, but I don't think that's going to be enough.”

“Well, I still think you should try.”

“Ace….”

“For me?” Ace asked while looking up at his father with eyes that resembled his.

“Now you know that I have a hard time telling you no. And stop with the puppy dog eyes!”

“So you’ll do it!?”

“I’ll try for you.” 

The next few months came and went with the celebration of Ace turning four, and Jack having to do more and more appearances and fly around the country. When that happened, Ace would just stay with you until the next weekend that he was able to come and get him once he was back in Louisville, since he wasn’t allowed to take him across state lines yet. It was Friday afternoon and you were cleaning up your classroom as Ace was sitting at one of the tables coloring when he suddenly asked you about Jack.

“Mommy…”

“Yes?”

“Can daddy come over for a movie night?” He asked while turning around to look at you. 

“Um, Ace we have to see. Daddy might be busy.” You said while grabbing your purse from underneath the desk and taking out your keys.

“Can we call him?”

“Sure, we can call him once we get outside in the car. Come here so I can help you put your jacket on. We can finish coloring at home.”

Ace was secured in the back of the car when you slid into the driver’s seat and attempted to turn the car on. The only problem was that it wouldn’t. 

“You can’t be serious right now.” You muttered to yourself as you lightly laid your head on the steering wheel. Liv had taken a half day today in order to go to a few doctor’s appointments so you know that you couldn’t call her. Nadia would still be at work, and Blaire didn’t close the bakery until seven.

So, that left one person.

Jack.

You sighed as you dialed his number and he picked up on the second ring.

“Hello? Y/N? Are you okay? Is Ace okay?”

“Hey, we’re fine. But I need a favor. Are you at home?” You mumbled because you didn’t like asking him for help, but at this point you needed it.

“Of course. Yeah, I just got back in. What’s going on?” Jack asked as he was looking for the Chinese take out menu from his favorite spot. 

“I’m at work with Ace and my car decided that it doesn’t want to start.”

“Say less. Drop me the location and I’ll come get both of you.”

“Thank you, I’m sorry to ask, but….”

“No need to apologize. I’m on my way now.”

It took less than twenty minutes and you finally saw Jack’s jeep pull up beside you and this made Ace yell in excitement.

“Looks like you get to see daddy after all, huh?” You said as you peeked at him in the backseat and he excitedly nodded towards you.

Jack hopped out while coming over to you and opening your door.

“Thank you again for doing this.” You said and Jack simply waved you off.

“It’s not a big deal, Y/N.”

“I didn’t take you away from anything did I?”

Jack immediately shook his head no as he opened the back door and unstrapped Ace from his car seat and picked him up.

“Hi daddy. I told mommy to call you because I missed you.”

“I missed you too, bubs.” Jack answered before kissing his cheek and putting him in 

His car seat in the back of his jeep. Jack then opened the passenger side door and helped you up, while putting your purse and work bag in the backseat. Once he slid in the driver’s seat, he started making his way back to your apartment.

“Daddy, I’m hungry.”

“What do you want to eat? I was actually going to order Chinese food for dinner. Did you want that?”

“Yes! I want an egg roll!”

Only now you noticed that he was going in the opposite direction.

“Umm? Jack? My apartment is that way.”

“I know.”

“Then where are we going?”

“I want to show you something and I figured that this was a good time in order to do it.”

He glanced over at you and saw the look on your face and couldn’t help but to laugh.

“No kidnapping involved, promise.”

It was another fifteen minutes when you noticed that all of you were literally a few streets over from where Jack’s house was. He then pulled in front of a modern looking house and it looked as if it had just been built and no one had the chance to live in it quite yet. You looked around and saw that there were others similar to it and that it looked like they were building more.

“Jack? What is this? Where are we?” You asked not having the slightest clue on what was going on.

“This is your house.”

Your eyes went wide as you looked at him in disbelief. You looked out the window at the house before looking back at him and was clearly confused. 

“I…”

“I don’t want you two in that neighborhood anymore because it’s not the safest. This way, Ace can go outside and play all he wants and I don’t have to worry about you two not being in a safe environment. This is a gated community so unless you have the passcode, you can’t get in.”

“Jack….. You bought us a house?”

“Yes.”

“I can’t accept this, how in the world am I going to pay for it?” You asked as a million things started going through your mind.

“No one said you had to pay for anything. You need more space, even if it’s just the two of you.”

“But….”

“Y/N, it’s a gift. No strings attached. It’s fully furnished and everything.”

You sat there for a minute before glancing back at Ace who was too busy playing with one of his toys to notice you.

“Come on, let’s go inside so you can at least look at it.” He said while holding up the keys and smiling at you.

“Is this a ploy to get me to stay in Louisville?” You asked, suddenly getting defensive because of his previous actions.

“No, not in the slightest. If that’s what you eventually want to do, then okay but this house will still be here and still be yours. Just while you’re here I figured that the two of you should be as comfortable as possible. And also that you would have probably said no if I asked the two of you to move in with me so it would be safer knowing that you would probably want your own space. You don’t have to move in immediately, but come on so we can at least look at it.”

“Okay.” You quietly said before taking off your seatbelt and getting out the car as Jack did the same thing while tending to Ace after.

All three of you walked through the house and you were in awe. Ace’s bedroom had a Louisville Cardinal theme since that happened to be his favorite team right along with his dad, while your room had a black and gray theme. Ace had his own playroom filled with toys and even a mini kitchen with a working stove that was perfect for his height.

“Ace, don’t you like this house and want to live here with mommy?” Jack asked as Ace had begun examining the stove and the little apron that was hanging to the side that had his name on it which was similar to the one that you bought for him.

“Yes! I like it.”

All Jack did was look at you, but you still had hesitations in the back of your mind. It was true that you and Jack were growing close again and working on being good co-parents to Ace, but you couldn’t take him possibly doing something to mess all of this up all over again. Before either of you made a decision regarding him, you would call each other and discuss it first. This just seemed all too much for you and you were overwhelmed.

You remained quiet as Jack simply laid the keys in your hand and closed it.

“Whenever you’re ready, there is absolutely no rush. Please understand that. And also understand that I’m trying to do my best to make up for what I’ve done or what I haven’t done rather. I just want to do right by the two of you.” He whispered so that only the two of you could hear and all you did was nod in response before Jack went to scoop Ace up in his arms.

“Bubs, you ready to go to daddy’s house and eat Chinese food?”

“As long as we watch Cars!”

“Uh? Again?”

“This is nothing compared to his Lion King phase.” You muttered as all three of you made your way back downstairs.

“Oh, one last thing. Let’s go this way.” Jack then led you both in the direction of the garage and your jaw dropped once you set foot in it.

“Didn’t realize that your car was going to give out on you today, but… surprise.” was all Jack said as you were now staring at a BMW SUV. When you and Jack had first started talking, you told him that this was the car that you eventually wanted to buy for yourself and had no idea that he actually remembered. 

“Jack….”

He didn’t say anything and instead slipped his hand in his back pocket to get the keys and hand them to you.

“Ace can ride with me while you test out your new car.”

About another month had passed and the temperature was beginning to warm up and you couldn’t wait to be able to take Ace out all summer and was trying to think of where you wanted to go and wanted to do. You also made sure to include Jack in your plans if he wasn’t too busy. You had the night to yourself since Ace was with Jack and you were currently fiddling the house key in your hands that Jack had bought you. He told you that it was no rush and you were deciding to take your sweet time. As far as the lease for your apartment went, Jack said if you wanted to break it, he would pay for it. But at this point in time, you feel that he already did so much for you already and would probably just ride it out until it was time for it to be renewed again. However, just about every day after you were finished teaching, you would take the long way home to pass by it.

It was around midnight when you had gotten a text on your phone from Nadia and it seemed urgent.

Nadia- Go look at Jack’s instagram…. NOW

You- Why? What’s wrong?

Nadia- HE POSTED YOUR FACE, THAT’S WHAT’S WRONG!

Your heart was now doing backflips as you logged into your instagram app to see that he did indeed post you and now thoughts were beginning to run rampant.

Liked by urbanwyatt, estgee, champagnepapi, 2forwoyne, taylorrooks, saweetie, and 1,200,154 others

jackharlow: Y/N, thank you for being just an amazing mother to my son who has wanted for nothing ever since he came out of the womb. I'm thankful that we're in a better place with one another and keeping him at the center of it because at the end of the day, he's the most important part of this. I can't change the past and what went down between us, but I can move forward and do what's best for the both of you.

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You wasted no time in texting him wanting to address this and how incredibly dangerous it was.

You- Jackman, I’m coming over because we need to talk

Jack- Is everything okay?

You- No, everything is not. I’m getting dressed now

Jack was waiting at the door for you once your car pulled behind his jeep in the driveway and he could tell that you were fuming. He simply stepped aside to let you squeeze past him as you went to sit down on the couch in the living room. All Jack did was come and sit next to you waiting to hear what you had to say.

“Y/N?”

“Why did you post that?”

“Because I figured you deserved a public apology. I just wanted to show how appreciative I was of you and how important our relationship is.”

“Do you not understand what you just did? First, those pictures that were taken were for your birthday and for your eyes only and I actually forgot that I even took them until now. Second, Jack, I have an Only Fans. Did you not put two and two together?! NOW PEOPLE WILL KNOW WHAT I LOOK LIKE AND MAKE THE CONNECTION! I hardly show my face on there, but I have some videos where I do!”

“I….”

“I could lose my job over this! And that’s exactly what I was afraid of! Even if it was a few years ago, they aren’t going to see it that way.”

“Wait, your Only Fans is still active!?” Jack asked curiously, but all you did was roll your eyes.

“Is that really all you got out of that?! Yes, it’s still active! Any time if I was in a bind or needed money, I would upload videos to get paid for it!”

“Why, when you could’ve asked me?! You need to deactivate it and how was I supposed to know you still had it?! All I was trying to do was something nice for you. I swear that I can never win with you!”

“I’m not deactivating anything because that would literally be how me and Ace would eat some days when you were nowhere to be found.”

“Well, I’m here now! You don’t have to worry about that anymore! Anything you want or need, I’ll get it!”

“Every time I need something, I’m not going to run to you and ask for it. We’re not in a relationship anymore or did you forget?”

“I… well what if I want us to be?!”

This had you taken aback and you simply looked at him in disbelief as you shook your head. 

“Jack…..”

“Please Y/N, just give me another chance. I’ll delete the post and make this right and I’m sorry for doing that without clearing it with you first. I compromised your safety and you know that was never my intention.”

“It is literally only a matter of time before someone finds my account.” You muttered without giving Jack an answer.

“I can delete it.”

“But not before almost a million people liked it. The damage is done so it doesn’t even matter at this point.”

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[she-is-ovarit]

This is for all the younger gen Z women, particularly those of you within the ages of 17 to roughly 23. This is written from an American perspective, things might be a little different depending on where you're from.

I graduated high school with the unconscious assumption that certain systems will take care of me. The medical system would educate me on proper nutrition and health issues was probably my largest underlying assumption, but really I just had trust in institutions generally.

This isn't true. You are responsible for learning. As an example, I have been vegetarian since age 14. Nobody talked to me about proper nutrition, they just told me I needed to eat more protein.

I lived a decade of my life having shortness of breath, sleeping issues, clumsiness, cold hands and feet, having brain fog, extreme fatigue, heightened anxiety, etc. My period was extremely light and brown, it'd last for about 2 or so days. I'd go and talk about these problems, and telling doctors that I was vegetarian was one of the first things that came out of my mouth just with any visit because I knew at least that piece was important to communicate.

There was really no action taken over the span of about 10 years. I was told the period thing was normal, that changes for women. A sleep specialist let me know that feeling exhausted was also normal. The brain fog was probably due to anxiety. Here, try allergy medication (tbh that did help for other reasons). Then one day I just asked them to check my vitamin and mineral levels. Prior to this I didn't think you can make requests to doctors, I thought you showed up and they performed tests on what they recommended. With some reluctance from my primary care physician and some compromise because she said my insurance wouldn't cover testing things like B12 levels (I later found out from a nurse that, they would, she would have just needed to fill out extra paperwork), she did some tests.

I found out both my iron and D3 levels were low. What else could be?

I later learned pretty much all the vitamins common to be low for vegetarians were low. D3, magnesium, vitamin Bs, iron, and healthy fats. Bought some liquid vitamins (because the body only absorbs 10% of the pill supplements), began eating an avocado a day, my period became normal for the first time in nine years, and I am able to function.

Another example of how human systems won't educate you: I don't have feeling in some of my toes due to wearing incorrect sized footwear for years resulting in permanent nerve damage. I'm size 11.5 in women's, and I was relying on someone to tell me how proper footwear worked, because surely the guy in the minimum wage position working the footwear section would know.

Don't trust human systems to guide you through how certain things work. Seek specific specialists and experts when you can, and inform yourself on your own. Don't blindly trust search engines like Google, it's not like how it used to be when I was growing up and many millennial adults will tell you to "just google things" because we're used to finding actual substantive answers when we do. However, now, usually whoever pays is who makes the first page or two of search engines, it has nothing to do with what information is "most correct". Don't be afraid to request certain tests be done by doctors or certain referrals made to different specialists.

Edit: And also, I've found general practitioners are terrible when you walk in and tell them about several different symptoms at one time. They're more used to treating one symptom at a time, and they treat the symptom not the root cause. If you go in with a runny nose, general practitioners are going to throw medications at you to try and treat the runny nose, not look deeper into what's causing the runny nose. It's equivalent to if you're in a boat and it's sinking, they're bailing out water without actually fixing the hole or trying to figure out where it is, with the exception of emergency situations and even then it depends.

[yellowhollyhock]

For 03 Donnie 4 5 and 21

you’re the best ❤️

4 If you could put this character in any other media, be it a book, a movie, anything, what would you put them in?

Hmm… I went back and forth a lot with this. Star Trek is right there… but I choose Over the Garden Wall. His skillset would be distinct there, and it could be interesting to watch how his mechanical mind does, or sometimes doesn’t, come in handy in the various metaphysical situations they find themselves in. Also, it’s a story about family, and trauma is a big recurring theme. I think there could be interesting opportunities both for him to grow and to help. He’d be older than Wirt and Greg and would definitely try to help—but would they trust him? He’s a big talking turtle and he’s carrying a weapon. He and Beatrice would get along I think, but Wirt also doesn’t trust her. Greg would remind him so much of Mikey it hurts.

I don’t know, I feel like this one is a nice compromise between others I was thinking of. He’d get to use his skills but wouldn’t be too useful, lots of new different things for him to explore and learn about, some friends for him to make, some horrors to be had.

5 what song comes to mind

Quitting Time by The Roches. Partially just because The Roches are on his wiki as one of his faves, which is the original reason I looked them up, which is how I discovered this song. Also because though

It’s got this sort of daydreamy quality. To me being a dreamer is essential to Don’s character. It also has a theme of being overworked or caring too much about your work, maybe even missing out on what’s really important because you were working instead. Also this verse

Old industrial skyline

Drawing away from you

You are the one that’s moving

You are the fool that flew

You are the fool that flew

^SAINW

21 if you write fanfiction, what do you enjoy doing with this character? what do you dislike?

I like making Donny heal. Whether it looks like telling someone about what’s been weighing on him, a slow adjustment to a new situation, pursuing a healthy relationship and making himself an identity outside of his trauma… the common thread is, it’s comforting and fun to write about his life getting better after all the horrors he’s seen. I project on this guy like crazy, legit sometimes my stories start out as personal pieces exploring how I might take action to heal from past events, but make him do it instead because his hurts are more concrete and healing is easier to imagine. Then if I think it’s in character or a fun concept, I polish it up for sharing

What I don’t like? writing technobabble. I want him to come up with clever solutions and show off his tech skills, but that would require me to think of clever solutions and understand science well enough to pretend to talk about it. Especially difficult when it’s not just real science, I gotta try to figure out which ideas I’m taking from canon and whether I have to/even can expand on them in a way that makes any sense. So it’s figuring out how to make real science mesh with canon science, usually ending up with something that is… neither 😑

[cowboyjen68]

Oh cowboyjen, the world feels so harsh and damaging and I feel so small. I’m a child of abuse and I feel like I had to teach myself everything to heal myself - but not before I fucked up my life and squandered a windfall that could have ensured my comfortable retirement. I’m so sad and angry and ashamed. I was only doing the best I could at the time. Why is the world so messed up and harsh? Do you think it’s getting better? I’m heartbroken.

I know the world is scary and unpredictable and dangerous. The bad news is, it always had been. Which is also the good news in some ways. The cycle of our world is that it is a constant battle of unfair vs fair and love vs hate and good vs evil and dangerous vs safe. When humans are involved the there will always be an up and down and back and forth in the world we are given to live in. It can be awful to see hurt in the world but can be reassuring to know it is nothing new, only the details and humans find a way to bring comfort and happiness to each other and themselves time after time. 

I had a pretty happy and healthy upbringing and I STILL managed to waste the hard earned money my mom and dad left to me. It was not a windfall but sure would have made my life more financially stable.  At the time I let my wife spend most of it and I take the blame. She was following her own patterns from growing up poor and I did not have the courage to say “no”. The loss caused me to do a few things that, had they continued, could have had a devastating impact on my life. 

After we split up I had the choice of continuing to spend my energy on wishing things were different and to wonder “what if” or do some actual work to make my life better, if not immediately, at least in my future.  My friends encouraged me to get a therapist and to figure out what priorities were important to me. The problem I was facing, which sounds like you are also struggling with, was the fact that I felt so overwhelmed I was stuck in the mud of what was done and unable to know how or what step to take to get back to solid ground. 

I listed on paper what I wanted. I listened to myself. The Me now and not the one from the past. It took several tries to be honest with myself and to lay out a plan. I was, like you, so ashamed of my actions I wasn’t seeking help or trying to find ways to improve my lot in life. When I asked for help I was sure people were judging me and I had to be okay with that happening to get the the resources that could give me some leverage to move on and improve my life.

The pep talk is you are not the only one who screwed up life by not being financially responsible and you can make up for lost chances. Now here are a few of the solid lessons I learned:

Ask your bank for help. Mine has a FREE financial planning/debt reduction planning service and app that I knew nothing about. Look to social services, even ones you think you are not eligible to use. Social workers are masters of networking and if they can’t help they might know someone who can. Don’t ever be ashamed to use local foodbanks or clothing banks. Saving 20.00 from the grocery store is 20.00 you can save or use to put gas in the car to continue working. Don’t spend money to save money. You don’t need an pricey app or special account or fancy investments. A simple free savings account at a credit union is a great start. 

I work three jobs and 7 days a week. I take any hours offered me and I am never afraid to take a few Cash Under The Table jobs when they arise. At 54 I didn’t want to be working 60 to 80 hours a week. BUT I have goals and that is what it is going to take to reach them. I did however, promise myself to not be miserable at my job so I work at three places I love. this was my compromise. I will work my ass off but not as jobs I hate.  This is my good fortune and I don’t take any of that for granted.  

There will be sacrifices to play catch up in your life BUT you can decide which things you are willing to sacrifice and what you will not. Be aware of these decisions and don’t act out of emotions. Weigh the next step with your happiness and how it will affect your success to find the balance. 

You will get your head above water again but it does take work. Sadly our life is not a cute 3 minute montage with a catchy song in some feel good rags to riches movie. It takes time and effort and focus. I do promise. The work, and YOU are worth it. 

[overwatch-and-others-imagines]

(Of course my dear, I do apologise this took so long. Life was life for a while. I based this one on personal experrience but all eating disorders show in different ways. I send hugs to all those that deal with them, for the bad days and the relaspes but just know you aren’t alone.

I am going to tag this with eating disorder warning, I did try to keep it sort of vague enough that it shouldn’t be triggering but I don’t want to run any risk.)

          ____________________________________________________

Hanzo is quite aware of how the mind can shape the body, putting ideas in one’s head that aren’t necessarily healthy.

First noticing this in you one afternoon. Hanzo, Genji, Hana, Lucio and you had decided to take a walk through Havana after being stationed nearby. Some sort of festival had been going on, the sound of music had filled the air, children laughing, smell of food and sweets hanging heavy.

It had been quite a fun experience, Genji, Hana and Lucio all being eager to start binge trying everything in sight but none of the food seemed to interest you, explaining it away as “having had a large breakfast” but he noticed you seemed to lose any colour in your face and seem almost nauseated by the smells and looks of the treats around.

Making an excuse of needing some fresh air, he had taken you with him to a large park where while there seemed to be a band playing and some small rides set up, the smell of food was faint.

Questioning whether you felt alright seemed to yield no results as you insisted you were fine so he let the subject drop. Distracting you with small talk as you both waited for the rest of your group to be done.

He seemed quite concerned over the next few days but after some reassurance from you that you were fine, he seemed to let it go. To you at least. He kept quite the close eye, concerned about his dear one.

Noticing a pattern emerging with your behaviour. Some days you were your usual self, others you were withdrawn, self-critical, commenting on your physical appearance and wearing large hoodies. He always checked on you, make sure to compliment you both on actions taken or on physical things. Being slightly more affectionate.

You always seemed to bounce back but would hit those low points and he could never quite figure out why. You made excuses but he could always tell there was something more going on.

It hit him during a mission in Oasis, the two of you had been tracking Null Sector in the area for a week. Having to pull odd shifts to  keep up with the Omnic group's activities as unlike you both, they didn't need to rest.

After waking you up for a 3am shift swap, he was alarmed as you tried to take a step out of bed and just crumpled like a leaf. He was able to catch you before you hit the floor, your limp body being moved back to the bed.

You had woken up after a few seconds, your boyfriend’s concerned eyes staring back into yours with a hand pressed to your forehead. 

Another attempt was made at getting out of bed with your insistence you were fine, you ended up having to sit back down quite quickly. 

After a quick argument about the mission taking priority over you having a dizzy spell, Hanzo made it very firmly clear you were his priority and others could take over for them. Null sector were not aware they were being watched as far as you both knew and he refused to put you in danger when you were not 100 percent.

After that, evac was called, Genji and Tracer soon taking your place on mission as your boyfriend was far too concerned about you to be able to focus and you knew in your current state, you would just worry him more if you left without him.

The next few days were spent in your shared apartment, the couch becoming a small nest of blankets and pillows, your favourite movies and TV shows being watched as the two of you cuddled on the couch. The compromise on food being a snack plate of your favourite items that you slowly worked your way through it.

He was quite proud of you and made that known over those few days, pressing the occasional kiss to your head, giving the occasional squeeze here, telling you that he loved you there. Trying to show in his own way that he understood but was proud of you for whatever you managed to eat.

From there on, he kept an eye on you. Never being overbearing about his reminders about you needing to eat but not ignoring it.

Handing you a breakfast bar in the morning, coming by with some of your favourite meals for lunch, finding local restaurants that allowed take-away for dinner. Respecting the times where you couldn't get yourself to finish a plate and simply putting it away as leftovers. Always quick to reassure you that while structured times to eating could help, it was never too early or late in the day to eat something. Or that a snack and some water was truly better than nothing at all.

The compliments turn up to an 11 on those bad days, not just limited to physical ones but those were the main brunt of them, ones about your mental abilities, smarts, one liners he still finds particularly funny that you had delivered were often also common. Wanting you to know that even if your brain was being cruel to you about your appearance, that he thought you were gorgeous. No matter what.

[theoncomingchaos]

About Ritsu

I just finished binging “The End of the World With You” and I want to share some thoughts about why I think Ritsu is a really realistic and well made character with an intentionally unfinished, but positive character arc.

When Ritsu was growing up, he experienced love as conditional. When he was successful, he was loved by his mother. When he was compliant, he was loved by his father. That means there are a lot of things about relationships that he never really got a chance to learn growing up.

Some things people from messed up families don’t learn as children are things like how to set and follow healthy boundaries (people tend to have no walls or walls that are too high), how to compromise, conflict resolution, and they also tend to have a more flexible sense of right and wrong because they had to be flexible in order to get by as a child.

Examples of this from the show:

-He doesn’t have a strong understanding of what most people would consider pretty basic rules of relationships. This is both romantic relationships and friendships as seen in the way he wrecks every circle he joins. Even by the time he was 30 he has still not been able to do any of this.

-He was willing to give a high school kid a pill to kill himself and doesn’t see a problem with that. Plus, he was ready to drag Masumi into disposing of the body...

-When the fight happened about his sleeping around, he ended it without trying to talk about it or figure anything out. No compromise. No conflict resolution skills.

He grew up always compromising and doing everything as perfect as possible to please his parents, but in the end it didn’t work. He still ended up tossed to the side in favor of the less capable step brother. This would have taught him several lessons unconsciously. Primarily, that this is the way the world works. People are good to you when they want or need you, but they can’t be counted on besides that.Trying to please them is pointless and hoping for unconditional love is pointless. Thus, he developed his philosophy that you need to take care of yourself first and foremost because no one else will do it.

Based on his actions, we can see he does naturally want to be appreciated and loved. Even the fact that he has a keen eye for when people love him is probably because he is so desperate for it he has a lot of practice looking for it.

Sleeping around with different people, serves his needs in more than the obvious way. Besides sexual gratification, he gets shallow, but instant emotional gratification. He knows these relationships are conditional and short term. He isn’t expecting or even seeking love, so it’s easy. He is nice to them, says the right things, does the right things, and is rewarded with attention the same way he was as a child. (I won’t even get into the father complex he has where he is sleeping around like his father did and is potentially trying to prove his worth or get closer to him by becoming him...)

Of course, all of this is different with Masumi. Both Masumi and Ritsu enjoy spending time together. They were friends first and foremost. For once in his life, Ritsu had someone who cared about him for him- not for what he did for them. It was so comfortable and easy- but of course Ritsu can’t trust or even hope that it’s going to be forever or unconditional. He has never had an example in his life of a loving, equal, or lasting relationship. It’s all transactional.

So that leads us to two big questions:

Why did he need to sleep around?

Because he hasn’t dealt with his issues is the easiest way to put it. He’s only 20, he’s fresh out of his messed up household, he has been needing love and attention so badly for so long and been playing the good boy his whole life for nothing. He’s angry, and he’s tired of playing by other people’s rules. He wants so much (love, freedom, sex, to send a huge fuck you to his parents, etc.) and he’s finally ready to say fuck it and get it all with no care to the consequences because what has the world ever done for him anyway. He needed this time to rebel and go a little wild. He wasn’t ready to face the truth of himself or his trauma.

Why did he break up with Masumi if the relationship was so good?

Unfortunately, he met the right person at the wrong time. He wasn’t emotionally ready for a real relationship with Masumi. The minute Masumi had expectations for him it entered transactional and conditional territory. He wasn’t ready to put himself back in that kind of situation again. Since he doesn’t have strong conflict resolution skills, the best solution was to run away.

His Development in the Series:

After 10 years of living this empty fuckboy life, it takes someone platonic who genuinely seems to care about him and enjoy being around him, to point out to him that the longest relationship he ever had is also the only one he seems to hold onto. No one else has ever loved him as honestly and unconditionally as Masumi.

As Ritsu said, no one was going to be there with him at the end. His philosophy of putting himself first put him in this place where even the only real friend he seemed to have died partially because he was too busy getting laid to be there for her when she needed him.

The fact that he starts trying to find Masumi again shows that he doesn’t want to be alone anymore. He also mentioned that this time he wasn’t going to mess it up. In other words, he was ready to try for real to let him in and to work towards having a real and meaningful relationship.

Masumi’s Trauma:

Another part of what makes it even more painful for the viewer is that we know Masumi has his own trauma where he grew up abused and feeling unwanted. He is also desperate to be loved unconditionally which is something Ritsu just doesn’t know how to do yet. Unlike Ritsu who went out and took everything he wanted, Masumi retracted in on himself and shut himself in to keep himself safe- even doing everything he could to please his abuser. (They are the no-walls and too many walls ends of the spectrum of people with childhood trauma).

The road forward- some people are saying this was an open ending, but it seemed pretty hopeful to me. If the meteor really hit, they would have felt it, plus then there is all that sunshine when they opened the curtain and all that lead up to Yuma’s powers probably being the source of the meteor in the first place. Anyway, on the assumption that they live, their relationship is going to need a lot of work.They are going to need to have better communication about their needs and boundaries. I think Meguru and Yuma will actually be really helpful in being their support group.

As many have pointed out, Ritsu wasn’t really “redeemed,” in the sense that the audience could completely forgive his behavior- and they shouldn’t. It was unhealthy behavior brought about by an unhealthy childhood. The tone used in the series never suggests that we should just forget about it. However, he is making better choices and is finally ready to face his issues and do better- and really that's a huge step.

The theme: The main point of the drama is about overcoming trauma and pain instead of running from it, and finding the beauty and joy in life, love, and the world around you.

Ritsu’s story is unfinished and that’s intentional. He still has a lot of work to do on himself, but he is ready to do it. He is finally able to let go of the pain of his childhood and face up to what he let it do to him. He’s ready to face his mistakes and try to be better. He wants to explore the world and experience it in a new and better way with Masumi. Likewise, Masumi is ready to put his hurt and pain behind him and stop letting fear rule his life.

[mangodestroyer]

For a while, I was kind of envious of my peers. It just feels like everyone else is getting it "figured out" faster than me. They have long term partners they plan on marrying, or have already married. They either already have or are thinking about having kids. They live on their own and started a career. Many of them are also already done with school, or have something they're doing for a living without a need for college.

But... I'm only in my mid-twenties. Seriously. We're all only in our early to mid twenties (like, 22-24). And some of these people have already decided to settle down and have kids???

I mean, it just hit me at work yesterday that there's so much I'm able to do right now because I DON'T have a long term partner or a child to take care of. In fact, I am chronically single. Never been kissed. Had one long distance relationship (with a little bit of in person time) that was toxic and, tbh, didn't even feel legit. And the whole thing left me feeling depressed and bitter because I'd become convinced that maybe I'm just not the kind of person who finds a loving partner.

But honestly? While I was dating, I just remember getting a lot of shit for still going for my bachelor's. Feeling bad that I didn't make a lot of money at my job (so pretty much being limited with what I could do at the time and what I could contribute). Being made to feel like my ambitions in life were "too much" and were just not going to work for the relationship. It felt like the only way I could make things work was if I buckled down, got my education over with ASAP, worked a "real" job and had kids.

And yeah, it just felt like compromise after compromise. And also, finding ways to "mute" who I am as a person to make things easier. It got to the point where even certain hobbies and interests of mine were becoming "too much." Constant arguments too. And being policed on when and how I could talk. I got so sick of it and just left one day.

People have told me that this isn't normal. That if I just found the right person (TM), they would treat me so much better. But... what I went through does actually seem to be very common. I'm well aware that decent people exist. I've had healthy friendships and all. But what if some of us just don't find the right person?

And also, I still don't think that I'm relationship material anyway. I don't really want to "settle down." I think it's cool that I currently have the ability to just work/go to school in another country without feeling like I'm leaving someone else behind, or having to talk about it with them, or having to work on getting them to come with me, or straight up just not being able to do it. And, if I have time off from work and school, way more time for myself and my interests. More freedom to eat whatever the fuck I want. MY OWN BED.

Yeah, maybe living life the "normal" way is a bit overrated. I'll admit, there's probably always going to be a part of me that wishes I had a companion, but not nearly as much as I used to. Other things in life just sound far more appealing at this point. The only down side to this seems to be that everyone else is so preoccupied with their relationship and starting a family that it's kind of left me feeling a bit lonely. I almost have to wonder if I thought a relationship was the only way to deal with this.

[thetaekookcloset]

I wasn't asking about that.My question was more about the unseen personality. Judging by their personality do you think Taehyung is more dominant .If the wanted to do something for themselves as a couple do you think Tae is the ultimate decisionmaker behind the scene.What you described also is an example.Even though Jungkook does not want it he succumbs because Taehyung wants it. How do you see it,is it JK indulging Taehyung or Taehyung being dominant.

Ah, I see.  Well, my short answer is no, I guess.  I don't see them that way.  Also I just want to clarify, in my previous ask, I definitely wasn't saying that Jungkook doesn't want Taehyung's attention/affection and that he "succumbs" to it because Taehyung wants it.  I was just saying that people have different ways of showing their love for each other, and Jungkook's ways are more subtle than Tae's.  I think if he didn't want what Taehyung's doing, he would either brush Tae off or speak to him behind the scenes about it, and then I would assume that Taehyung's behavior would change.

To go more in-depth in your question here (and thank you for clarifying), I think that in real relationships, this concept of someone being inherently more "dominant," to use your words, is not really a thing.  More likely, I think, there might be certain areas of life where one partner takes a lead, but then there will be others where the other partner does it, based on the strengths of the individuals involved.  Just as an example, in my relationship, I tend to take point on money and organizational/schedule issues, whereas my partner manages things like getting us to where we need to go and handling more intense social situations that I feel less comfortable in.

I don't think it's healthy for there to be an "ultimate decisionmaker," and while we don't know enough about Taehyung and Jungkook's relationship (romantic or otherwise) to know the details of how healthy the dynamic between them is, I do think that if they've been together for a long time, with as much support from the people in their lives as they would seem to have, then they're probably in a pretty good, balanced place.  I also think there's evidence of exactly what I was talking about: ways that they complement each other, work well together, make up for what the other lacks.  I see times when Taehyung takes the lead on things, and times when Jungkook does it.  Which is a good thing.  In a healthy, balanced, mutual relationship between two equals, there shouldn't be one person calling most of the shots.  Both people should have equal say.  Obviously that requires compromise sometimes, but it shouldn't be one person consistently compromising for what the other person wants.

Ultimately, I think choosing one more "dominant" figure in a relationship is over-simplifying human dynamics.  Certainly there are some people who just go along with what other people want all the time, but that's a trait of that individual person, and I would argue that in a relationship, in order to have healthy dynamics, they would need to work on being able to assert themselves in order to get their own needs met.  And in any case, I don't see Jungkook that way at all.  As I pointed out in my last ask, Jungkook isn't shy about pulling back or pushing back, whatever the situation calls for, when he's uncomfortable in his relationships with people.  He argues, shouts, snaps, physically removes himself -- we've seen him do a lot to assert himself.

Obviously there are also times when he steps back and lets other people, including Taehyung, do what they want, but that's natural compromise, and we've seen Taehyung do the same thing with Jungkook.  The 2019-2020 New Year's live, again: Jungkook told Taehyung that what he was trying to say wasn't important right now, and rather than forcing the issue, Taehyung let it go.  I hesitate to call it a push-and-pull, because I think that makes it sound sort of aggressive when really this is just a natural part of any relationship, but it's an ebb-and-flow, and from what we're able to see, I personally surmise that the ebb and flow of power, for lack of a better word, between Taehyung and Jungkook is pretty equal, whatever form their relationship actually has.

[fuckingfinwions]

More Servant Nolofinweans Au in the timeline where Fingon and Maedhros marry

Nolofinwe did his best to act natural as he walked through the halls. It was far from the first time he had been summoned to Maedhros’s bedroom - though it had been awhile.

Not since Maedhros and Fingon had supposedly married.

It had been just as long since Nolofinwe had spoken to his eldest son, and nearly as long since he had seen him. A few days after the supposed marriage, Nolo had been assigned to lay the fire in Maedhros’s room. He had gone at a time the prince was normally in the council, opening the door without knocking as he expected it to be empty.

Instead Maedhros had been at his desk. He had told Nolofinwe to shut the door and come back later - but not before Nolofinwe had seen the figure in Maedhros’s bed. Fingon was face down and completely naked, and lying more still than Nolofinwe had ever seen his restless son.

The stillness was probably related to the whip marks criss-crossing his back. There were scabbed rather than bleeding, but still Fingon’s back was more red than tan. There must have been dozens of lashes, to leave Fingon in such a state even after days of healing, but Nolofinwe didn’t have time to count exactly how many.

Nolofinwe had entered the room a few hours later and found it apparently empty. He had laid the fire and straightened the covers on the bed - there was no blood on the sheets, so Fingon had not been whipped here. Nolofinwe had been to Maedhros’s room a few other times in the past month, always when Maedhros was gone, as his chores required. He had not seen Fingon again, or indeed any evidence that a second person now lived there.

So it was perhaps not so strange that Nolofinwe was nervous about going again to such a room and to see such a person.

Nolofinwe knocked, and entered when Maedhros bid him.

“What would you like, your highness?” Nolofinwe had planned to spend all his time in the room looking for some hint as to Fingon’s status, but found it unnecessary. For there was Fingon on the bed next to Maedhros, looking as healthy as ever. Fingon was naked while Maedhros wore only a dressing gown, and Nolofinwe had a sinking feeling as to what tonight’s game would be. But still, it would be worth it for proof that Fingon was - perhaps not safe, but no less so than he had been beforehand.

“Go ahead and strip. I want you to start with eating me out. Then you can fuck me while I fuck my husband.”

“Maedhros!” Fingon objected.

“What? You said you wanted to bottom tonight, but if you can switch positions with Nolo if you’ve changed your mind.”

“When I said I wanted to talk to my family, I was hoping for something more substantial than moans.”

(Nolofinwe began undressing. It was somewhat reassuring that Fingon was confident enough to argue, even though it had never changed much.)

“Well, I can hardly call all three of them in here at once. Now that you’re mine alone, my brothers are keeping the others busy. It took me two days to find a night Nolo wasn’t already reserved!”

“You still don’t have to fuck my father and me at the same time!”

“It never bothered you before.”

“It did, I just was worried about retaliation if I refused.”

“Huh, really? I though you just hated being ordered to fuck your family members yourself.”

“I hate that too, and even more! What’s not to understand that I don’t want to have sex with my family?”

“You can’t just spring that on me and expect me to change things immediately.”

“Why not?”

“Good relationships are about compromise, you know.”

“How are you compromising to what I want in any way?”

“I wore a plug all evening last week because you said edging was hot.”

“You wouldn’t wear it any longer than a few hours, and it was after you had me wear a cockcage all night.”

“I have a lot less free time to catch up on sleep than you do. But I invited Nolo here at all because you wanted to see him.”

“And because your father’s ban on fucking him expired.”

“Well yes. I’m not going to lie to my father for you Fingon.”

“It wouldn’t have been a lie, to let my father and I have one normal conversation in the last month to reassure him.”

“No, but my father already thinks I’m far too sympathetic to you. If I start to do things for your family’s comfort, he’ll be certain that our marriage has made me easily swayed.”

“Fine. I’ll go along with your plan tonight and we can work out the details after - with one condition.”

“Which is?”

“I get to actually talk to my father after, you don’t just send him from the room as soon as you’ve come.”

“I can’t allow the two of you any opportunities to plot against my family.”

“We could have made secret plans to overthrow the king anytime in the past several decades!”

“Maybe, but until this last month you wouldn’t have known the details of the council. Now you can see my mind, and are a much greater threat, along with the fact that you disobeyed your rightful place.”

“You can see my mind just as well; I couldn’t keep a secret from you. Please let me talk to my father?”

“Very well. Afterwards, in my arms, for half an hour.”

“Seriously? You could supervise me just as well if I sat by the fire.”

“True, but I enjoy holding you.”

“Alright.”

Maedhros looked over at Nolo for the first time in the exchange, gaze lingering on his muscular thighs and the hollow of his throat. “Handsome as ever. Kneel in front of the arm chair by the mirror; I want to watch you open me.”

“Yes your highness.”

“Maedhros will do during sex, just as ever.” Maedhros untied his dressing gown as he walked over. He sat on the very edge of the armchair with his legs upon the armrests. His asshole was just barely reachable, though Nolo would have to crane his neck back to avoid running his chin into the chair, or his face into Maedros’s balls.

Nolo began licking; it was far from the worst position he had been used in. After a few moments he remembered what Maedhros had said about “watching”, and began to thrust his hips in time with his movements. It didn’t add to the skill all, but making someone ask twice for a show rarely ended well.

--

Fingon stretched his arms, and moved to stand, but Maedhros grabbed hold of his wrist.

“We agreed I’d hold you.”

“I’m not trying to sneak away! I was going to get a towel; we’re both far too sweaty and sticky for cuddling to be pleasant.”

Maedhros muttered something that sounded a lot like “try me”, then raised his voice. “Nolo, bring over two damp towels for us to clean up. Or three I suppose.”

Nolo did so, walking quietly enough that he overheard the conversation from the bed.

“You’re keeping the bond closed,” Maedhros said.

“Are you going to order me to open it, so that even my thoughts aren’t private from you?”

“No! I’m just concerned, normally we’ve had it open during sex, and we both like it.”

“I have. It usually makes things very enjoyable.”

“And I was worried if you were upset by something.”

“If I was upset by something - we just had sex with my father!!”

“Yes? I made sure you didn’t have to touch him, or watch him be hurt. You’ve done this plenty of times before.”

“I could I drop my walls now, let you feel every ounce of my disgust.”

“Would that help you relax?” Maedhros offered.

“No, but you’d deserve it.”

Nolo hastened out of the bathroom. Only two of the cloths were actually wet, but he could at least wipe the worst of the sweat off himself with a dry cloth and finish cleaning in his room. Better to interrupt this before Fingon pushed Maedhros into an argument, and he missed his chance to speak with his son at all.

The sound of his footsteps had apparently reminded the two spouses that they were not alone. By the time Nolo reached the bed, Fingon was glaring at Maedhros, and Maedhros was caressing Fingon’s face.

“Your towels,” Nolofinwe said as he offered the damp towels on one arm. He was still naked, but it wasn’t like they hadn’t seen worse.

“I suppose someone should enjoy the afterglow,” Fingon muttered, and began wiping between his thighs.

Once they were all somewhat cleaner, Nolo dared to talk to Fingon. “I truly am glad we can talk. I’ll admit that I’ve been worried about you.”

“It hasn’t been as bad as it could’ve. How much do you know of what happened?” Fingon asked.

“Not much. Maedhros requested your things and said the two of you were married. Since then, he hasn’t touched me or your siblings, and none of us have seen you for longer than a few seconds.”

“Wait, when did you get a chance to see me for a few seconds? I haven’t seen you even that much.”

“Shortly after you... moved out, I went to lay the fire in here. I assumed the room would be empty, but instead Maedhros was at his desk and you were on the bed. He told to to come back later, so I did.”

“And you didn’t say anything?”

“I was gagged. Feanor required us all to wear them for the first week.”

“It was well your back was healing,” Maedhros said helpfully. “I would have let you say hello if either of you had been able to speak.”

Fingon shook his head, “And you don’t see a problem that we weren’t?”

“Neither of you would have said anything productive.”

Fingon ignored Maedhros and turned to his father. “Other than the gags, have you been alright?”

“Yes. Things are much the same as ever. Turgon and Aredhel have started a new round of their elaborate card game, and are discussing using your bed as a playing space unless you’ll need it urgently.” The times one of them had returned hurt too badly to walk the next day were few, but not zero. If Fingon had returned injured, he would disrupt the card game; if he was merely weary to the bone the game could be tidied up in minutes. Not to mention that Aredhel and Turgon both were interested in card games that took dozens of rounds played across days or weeks; something that only happened if neither of them was permitted to their respective havens of the pottery shop and Elenwe’s house.

Of course, if Fingon and Maehdros really were married, Maedhros could see through such flimsy excuses the moment Fingon let his mental walls down. But if they weren’t Nolofinwe did not want to risk the rest of his family even more.

“They can use that room for whatever they wish; I won’t be going back to it.”

“Ever?”

“No. King Feanor doesn’t think it’s fit for the husband of the crown prince, so I’m here instead.”

“I am very surprised to here of your marriage; I had not known you were considering it.”

“I wasn’t, but I slipped and invoked the Name when I was playing the part of the sweet naif. Maedhros replied, and that’s that.”

“I see. Are you happy with him?”

“No. He is a coward who won’t even advocate for me if it there’s any chance Feanor would like him less afterwards, even though Maedhros assures me he won’t be disinherited.”

“Hey!”

“I asked to talk to my father, you’re the one who insisted on being here.”

“I didn’t know you were going to insult me.”

“You don’t have to listen, I could sit by the window to talk instead.”

Maedhros hugged Fingon tighter.

[confessionsfromabalcony]

Lawyer Makes a Dollar, and Parents Make…Poor Decisions

There’s a unique level of unawareness that you ascertain when you’ve been subjected to poor romantic relationships your entire life. My parents are perhaps the prime example of Do as I say AND as I Do. I want you to imagine the two worst people you know. You hate them. A coworker and maybe that asshole roommate from freshman year. Now, imagine them married for ten years and, oh yeah, they’re also your mother and father. And I wish I was exaggerating. A few months post-separation they accidentally happened to shop at the same Marshall’s, so naturally they (loudly) accused each other of stalking the other party and it ended with several videos taken by strangers of their clearance section screaming match. They had to play it in court. Anyway, when you’re subjected to that level of disarray and chaos, it’s only natural that you will absorb some not-so-traditional ideas about relationships. Here are a few examples of the pillars of marriage, courtesy of my parents:

1. Screaming is encouraged, as it is the only way to get your point across.

2. Throwing things emphasizes your passion, so make sure to hurl as many things as you can against a nearby wall.

3. The silent treatment is simply because you are so focused on a healthy discussion you physically cannot speak…for days.

I am thankful they got divorced though. Granted, they should never have gotten married. If I could go back in time and change one thing, it would be to have a rabid dog chew up their marriage certificate and then close the officiant’s office doors forever. Yet, in a weird way, they’re almost perfect for each other. I have never seen two people make each other so batshit crazy that they’ll commit a felony just to inconvenience the other one, or talk to any stranger that will listen about their bitch ex-wife while standing next to their new wife. I’ll let you figure out who did what there. The word compromise doesn’t exist for them, and it’s a tiny bit admirable the lengths they will go to just to inconvenience each other. One time, my father paid his lawyer $800 simply because he wanted to create a new child support agreement that stated my mother had to stop addressing him as the shortened version of his name. I know what you’re thinking, “wow, he must just have that type of money to throw it away like that!” And the answer is no, he was a literal school teacher. My mother isn’t innocent either, because she would always book my sister’s flights for 2am on a weekday, knowing the airport was a 2 hour drive away. It got exhausting to even watch. The point is, watching that ping-pong-shit-show of a relationship caused me to have an extremely skewed view of healthy romantic relationships. It was no surprise that my first real boyfriend exhibited the same patterns as my father.

His name was stupid and his actions were even dumber, but the real idiocracy was that I stayed with him for over a year and a half. This was a boy (man actually, he was 18-20 when we dated, I was 16-18) who broke into my house and said he wouldn’t leave until I forgave him for texting other girls. I proceeded to jump out of my window, slice my leg open and sprint down the street to my car, only for him to chase me out of said window and jump into my car because the doors didn’t lock. Don’t get a Nissan. He then proceeded to tell me he had a bottle of pills in his pocket and he would swallow them all in front of me if I didn’t forgive him. Naturally, I texted his friend to come pick him up and he acted like nothing had happened and asked his friend if they were going to play Xbox later. It’s almost impressive how I didn’t see the parallel to when my father crashed his car for my mother’s attention. Yes, you read that right. He wrecked it into a tree because he wanted to tell my mother that since he almost died she should take him back. She did not.

It’s almost sad how much influence your parent’s relationship has on your ability to understand love. I had only seen grandiose displays of emotion as the equivalent to unconditional feelings, and that manifested into an extremely toxic relationship that kept the roller coaster of danger on repeat. Why else would I stay with a guy who made me sleep on the floor outside of his room so he could call another girl on the phone? I had no idea what love looked like. My grandparents were no better. My father’s father is on his fourth wife, and his mother’s husband admitted he sleeps with a knife under his pillow due to her insane episodes. My mother’s parents are still married despite living in two different states for eleven years and her father having a live-in girlfriend that her diagnosed bipolar mother pretends to not know about. Not exactly a model of healthy attachment styles.

It is important to note that this can be overcome. That despite witnessing copious amounts of violence, you can learn to be gentle and tender. It is not sad to not know how to love, but it is sad to never try to learn how. I will speak on this specific subject another time, when I can talk about my wonderful partner.

What’s truly sad is the amount of hate that two people can hold in their heart for each other. Especially when two people had something that drew them together so tightly that they formed three lives over it. It’s hard to believe that in the human condition, there is a force that can resist love. I believe that hatred is rooted in love, and that my parents are only a small degree away from coming to terms with their differences. If not for each other, then at least for their children. It will never happen though.

Whoever dies first is getting piss on their grave.

[perpetual-fool]

So I realized, I can't imagine what a healthy relationship of any type would look like because virtually everything people do reads as 'lying' to me. Part of that is that I've caught people in a lie and learned 'when people do X, they're lying'. And part is that things just don't make sense. The former might be lack of empathy. Like, I can't tell the difference between fake approval and real approval, so all approval is fake. The latter is just my thing, being different, but that affects every issue. Like, I think the problem isn't even that I can't figure out what a 'friend' is or whatever, the problem is that the whole concept is incompatible with me.

I think it's like recipes. Far as I can tell, the way most people cook is to just follow rote scripts. The learn a repertoire of 'dishes' which they then 'know' how to make. And while having recipes on hand is useful for reference, that isn't how I think at all. I don't learn how to make chocolate chip cookies, I learn cookies as a concept and a formula by which I can make a range of different cookies. For instance, the other day I worked out ice cream should roughly be 1:2:3 parts sugar/milk/cream by weight. But the people around me can't understand that unless I give it to them in cups and pints and for exactly their size of ice cream maker. Which, really isn't understanding it at all.

So 'friend' I think is a recipe of a relationship. Like when people invoke that word there's a rote set of broad things to be done or not and in a certain way. Knowing people the specifics might be nebulous, and to some extent people might be doing the neurotypical thing of 'you're supposed to do this, but you have to do it in a normal way and not a weird way'. And I know from experience that a lot of relationship stuff seems totally fucked to me. For instance, people talking about partners using possessive language has always rubbed me the wrong way, kinks aside. So I think any sort of relationship that makes sense to me would have to be an agreement of doing or avoiding specific things with a person. So like, maybe someone only wants to cuddle and play video games, and they should be able to do that without being shackled with further expectations. Or maybe someone wants to infodump about philosophy while having gay sex, and you could do that, or you could compromise and maybe save the sex for later, or you could just not do that. And those are all valid relationships. Aside from the last one, which would be not a relationship.

Anyway, I think this has resolved my issue of feeling bad for finding people attractive. Ostensibly, if they're dressing in a revealing way in a public way then they've implicitly consented to people liking how that looks. Not that people should need consent when they aren't actually interacting. But really the issue is that I was taught feeling that way is evil and haven't had anything to supersede that before.

I should be able to start imagining what hanging out with someone would hypothetically be like. Although I guess I also need to figure out what sort of things I'd do by myself before I can figure out how I'd do things with others. And I wish I could be learning someone else's perspective, but that just doesn't work.

- I have actually been working on other things, I just don't have anything worth sharing yet.

Unrelated, I'm airing out the house because someone bumped the stove, leaking some gas. I'm feeling weirdly good, just sitting here with my window open. How much of my malaise is just lack of fresh air?

[progressivemother]

Relationship Tip: Compromises & Communication

Marriage is all about communication and compromises. These have become cliches and I have heard of many calling it a myth. Marriage itself is compromise. When you get married, you’re literally thinking of what you want from life and your partner is thinking of what they want from life, and you meet in the middle to figure out how to make all those things work together because that’s what you’ve both decided is most important. The path up can be steep but you come together in the end.

You need to agree on what it means to compromise on important issues. A good place to start early is to agree on how you’d prefer the other person approach you with any issues that come up. My husband and I usually talk to each other first before we make a decision on anything largely important such as what type of shower we want in the bathroom or how we should go about saving for the home and for a perfect car for my husband to autocross.

With small things, such as buying a drink or snack, my husband will always ask me if he can buy it. We made a compromise where I take care of the bills and the budget. I grew up in a poor family where having this ability was extremely important. On the other hand, he grew up in a middle class family where is may be important but not as much when it comes to buying small things and his mother has always been a shopaholic. We aren't poor by any means but we did agree that we should do a budget so that we can have things we actually need, instead of buying things that we may want at that time. Sometimes we get something we want but the rule of thumb is to wait a week. If we still want it after a week, then we can buy it.

But the process of compromising doesn’t end once an agreement has essentially been reached, especially if it was a situation in which one party has clearly gotten their way. In this case, we make sure we show sincere gratitude toward the other. My husband getting another vehicle when he already has three or when I get more jewelry despite having a lot (I really like stones) are good examples. In any healthy compromise, that gratitude is what allows for the possibility of even more successful compromises down the line.

Holidays are a great example of compromise and communication. We need to chose which family members we would like to visit or have come to the house. We try to involve every family member we can but there are some on both sides that each of us are not fond of. We pretty much agree on who we don't like on both sides so it isn't too difficult but we still try to involve them. We make sure we are there to save each other from them.

Another example is household and yard chores. I am a clean freak and I usually take care of most of the home simply because I am picky on how it is done. The kids amd my husband have chores that, universally, are done in the same way in many families. The best way is to make a list of chores that each of you feel like you can excel at and what you are not good at. My husband takes out the trash, takes care of the difficult parts of the yard, and does most things with the vehicles. I take care of most things in the home, the bills, and taxes. But we both care for the kids and cook.

How often we socialize as a couple such as going to events is another compromise. Neither of us really like parties or bars, so we don't have to figure this out much. Socializing with friends separately is easier for us. We do know each other's friends and we get along with them well when we have a party at our home. Great cmmunication is important for this. We have to know each other's likes and dislikes and what activities we enjoy, can tolerate, and don't enjoy.

We have to compromise 'me time' and 'we time'. 'We time' is usually dates or hanging out in bed or on the couch. The steps to a compromise in this situation can be pretty straightforward. Identify the shared goal: If we are worried about how much this will cost then we focus just on the budgetary issues and brainstorm solutions. My 'me time' is usually doing my yoga, checking my social accounts, making a tiktok or writing on my blog. His is usually building something he wants for his truck or working on the vehicles, although he does want me out there to watch him at most times.

The last compromise I can think of is vacations. The main way to figure this out is to write down the places we want to go separately and then compare. Every time, there will be a country to state that we both want to see and that is what we agree on. If we don't have one, then we usually choose the top one or two from each list and attempt to develop travel ideas from there. It might seem like a lot of work, but it will make sure our priorities for the trip are aligned before any specific plans are made.

All compromise is a form of communication. You need to be able to communicate with your partner and find a way to compromise different things. It's important for a healthy relationship. Most couples, like my husband and I, have things in common and can compromise fairly easily but there will always be things that we don't have in common or we cannot see eye to eye. This where the communication and compromises come in. This is important for a healthy relationship.

P.S. Political affliation is never a compromise. Be sure you find out during the first date what someone's political affliation is. A marriage will never work between two people on the opposite sides of the political spectrum. I was lucky and found a wonderful man who was a leftist/liberal like me on my first date. We have been together for about ten years. We have two children and were able to buy a nice home at twenty three. He is great to me and our children.

[marriagemyth]

How To Avoid The Common Relationship Problems Couples Face

Most adult relationships last around four years. However, you want your bond with your current partner to last forever. But obstacles can interfere with that goal. Even so, if you educate yourself on common relationship problems, it becomes a lot easier to avoid them. Read below for some popular issues and helpful tips that will help you navigate the rocky road of romance.

Not Spending Quality Time Together

When was the last time you spent time just talking to your partner? If your answer is I don't know or I can't remember, then it's probably been too long. In a relationship, communication is vital, but so is quality communication. The importance of quality time in relationships cannot be stressed enough! Quality conversations enhance trust and understanding between two people and help them grow closer together. If you want to have a healthy relationship, make sure that both of you get enough face-to-face interaction with each other every day (and night). It's helpful to schedule time together during the week so that you can focus on each other and your relationship. If you have kids, try to schedule this time on a weekend so that they don't feel neglected.

Avoiding Conflict

Let's face it: No one likes to fight. But relationship issues are inevitable and can actually be a good thing. It can help you and your partner work through problems, resolve issues and learn new things about yourselves and each other. You don't have to talk while you're upset. This will help you to avoid saying harsh things to your partner. Try to wait until you're calm and can have a conversation in which both of you listen to each other. If you find it hard to talk about things that bother you, write your thoughts down on paper first. This can help you figure out what's bothering you, what your partner did wrong (if anything), how best to approach this issue with them, and how they could make amends if necessary.

Talking Too Much About Past Experiences

Talking too much about the past can be a bad way to bond with someone. While it may seem like an easy way to connect with your partner, it actually makes you more distant from them. This is because when you're constantly talking about past experiences, it means that you're not fully present in your relationship. In order for two people in a relationship to grow closer, they need to focus on each other and what they want for the future rather than just talking about their pasts.

Having Unrealistic Expectations

In the same way that you need to be open to compromise, you also need to be realistic about what your partner can do for you. There's a difference between having high standards and expecting too much from others. If you want your partner to always be loving, that's fine. But if he or she has never been particularly demonstrative in the past, it would be unrealistic for you to suddenly demand kisses every hour just because the two of you are living together. Instead, settle for something practical. You don't need kisses every hour on the hour. Getting a few throughout the day should be enough to make you feel loved.

Lack of Trust

A lack of trust can be an enormous source of stress in any relationship. If you don't trust your partner, they may feel like you're constantly on edge. That will make them uncomfortable and likely to avoid you. If you want to feel closer to your partner, try to trust them more. Let them know that you're not going to judge their actions and that you'll give them the benefit of the doubt. For relationships that have a history of infidelity, that can be a challenge. But if you're committed to fixing a relationship that's come to mean so much, it's worth it. It will take time, but you can restore trust in your relationship if you're both willing to put in the effort and be honest.

Jealousy

Jealousy can be a good thing. It's a sign of love and passion, and it shows that you care about your partner. However, jealousy can also be destructive if it leads to arguing. If you're feeling jealous about something your partner said or did, it's best to talk about it rather than bottling up those feelings.

No Work-Life Balance

Too many people are letting their jobs ruin their relationships. Many couples find it difficult to spend enough time together. This can lead to resentment and anger. If the only time you have together is at night, when you're both exhausted and stressed out from work, something needs to change. This might mean hiring help around the house or asking for part-time hours at work.

Lack of Sex

It's natural for couples to go through periods where they sleep together less frequently. However, if you're experiencing sexual frustration, it might be time to talk about it. If you're both too busy to find time for sex, make plans with each other in advance so that you can make sure everyone has their needs met.

Money Issues

If one person spends more than they earn and can't get out of debt, this has to be addressed. If one person doesn't agree with how their partner spends money, they need to talk about it instead of getting mad. You won't fix money problems overnight, but if you're both willing to talk about it, you can find a solution that works for both of you.

Learn How to Avoid Common Relationship Problems

In order to avoid the common relationship problems that can destroy your love life, you need to understand one thing: relationships are work. Maintaining a healthy and happy relationship with someone requires effort from both parties. Sometimes, you just need a push in the right direction. A relationship coach can help you communicate better, understand what each other needs, and work through disagreements in a healthy way. If you're prepared to take your love to new heights, contact a relationship coach today. It's time to stop struggling and start enjoying your relationship again. Read the full article

[crazygaysex]

I was doing well until pms set in now I’m again feeling hopelessly depresst please god let it end soon I was stabilizing I SWEAR

Maybe if I buy enough things I will be cured

Need to figure out how to be alone so bad but I don’t want it I want affirmation love and adoration I want to sleep wrapped up in each other and when I think about buying new blankets I immediately imagine offering to tuck him into them

Its hard to think anything positive about myself I’m shallow about it I like my looks and that’s about it hope it could translate to some sort of faith in myself as a person I seem to be trying to erase myself it’s not fair it’s paradoxically self absorbed and I’ll drive everyone away from me

Cant lie his apathy is difficult for me I want to feel loved and I want them to be the one who loves me specifically because I love them specifically for most of a year it was a sure thing to know they felt the same for me as I did for them at least there was that now they have nothing for me and I get so scared when I’m low like this that they’ll find someone who’ll help them remember how to be excited about someone and they’ll just leave me behind like I’ve been nothing this whole time

And even if I didn’t do a very good job being a healthy person to be involved with I’ve tried so hard for this I’ve wanted nothing but to bs allowed to be a positive force in their life and I’ve gone as far as to think well if they don’t want this from me it’s all I want is to do what they want i want whatever they are willing to give me. I was willing to meet on their terms and with this compromise I know they love me god I have to believe it it would be too ridiculous and terrible if they never had this whole time

I’m not as selfless and evolved as I thought though I just don’t give a shit about myself almost ever which isn’t the same thing. Cause u see when he even talks about leaving me I latch around his legs and start screaming and crying because I am not actually so selfless that I can accept being cast aside I need to have them to look forward to and we haven’t done nearly enough together we haven’t had enough time I can’t bear the idea of this past year being the end of it all with no more to come

I think this break could ssave our relationship and help us both but I get so depressed feel so alone knowing they aren’t feeling like I am aren’t missing me like I miss them because they can’t feel a thing at all about anything in general. It’s awful because they’re suffering and it’s awful for the more selfish reason of that I feel completely alone and pathetic the way I’m pining for them. And mind you it’s been less bad the rest of this week I’ve been feeling pretty hopeful and trying to be with myself but my hormone imbalance is making me irrational and constantly tired and upset everything is worse when I’m like thjs

I get so lonely what would the point even be of going back up north to my apartment ? I want to have a real adult life but I don’t feel like there’s anyone there who gives a shit about me and I’m terrified that it’ll be s long while or never until we are back together and I don’t know how I’d cope with sharing the friend group everyone likes them more than me and or lives with them but I think I should probably try to actually hang out with people when I go back because I need to have friends cultivate friendships .. but like I get this horirble feeling that when we r both back in town if we r still not seeing each other that it’s going to result in a lot of painful social situations in which we have to avoid each other or i have to see them having fun with other people and not me and it’ll just tear my rotten shit ass up with jealousy I am a rotten person I feel like I’ve gone all bad inside with envy selfishness and paranoia it’s made me antisocial and weak like a puddle instead of a person god I am trying not to hate myself it doesn’t help

I don’t want to rush them at all wouldn’t make me happy but the idea of going back and us not being together sounds too difficult but I want to have a proper bedroom and to go out on the weekends and to have friends fuck all that for now though I can’t do shit about it just need to take time with family and try to heal myself be kind to myself prepare myself to be on my own up there again maybe if I can get a bit better by then i won’t be so rotten and awful inside about it that’d be the goal I suppose

[xaharadesert]

Modern MC Playing an Otome Game - Headcanon

Arcana Characters (Main 6) x MC

A/N: this one is for @astraeus-trash! It’ll be taking place in a modern day AU, so please keep that in mind! Please let me know if there are any spelling or grammar mistakes :) requests are open!

❤️Julian❤️

He does whatever he can to distract you from the game

He’s determined to show you how much better the real world is

And you know, if that means taking you out to town every single night, and spending most of your time together, he’s not complaining

He’ll occasionally poke gently fun at how addicted you are to the game

And he often mocks the appearance of the characters— especially their proportions

🧡Portia🧡

She just outright makes fun of the game

And to do so accurately, she plays the entire thing

She’ll quote dramatic lines from your favourite characters to mock them

And points out every little plot hole she can find

She will legitimately make you an entire PowerPoint on Why It Is Bad and Why You Should Be Spending Time With Her Instead

💛Lucio💛

He’s a trust fund baby, so he’s rich, so he simply buys the company that made the game

And proceeds to hold it hostage until you spend more time with him

The constant threat that one day he’ll snap and delete your favourite game isn’t exactly a healthy motive for hanging out

But then again, Lucio has never been a great judge of this kind of thing

💚Muriel💚

He thinks it’s odd that you spend so much time playing an otome game, but he doesn’t really comment on it

Frankly, he kind of likes being able to hang out with you in silence while you each do your own thing

But he does kind of wish he could make you smile the way the characters do

Sometimes he’ll push himself out of his comfort zone and ask you questions about the game

He likes the way your eyes light up when you talk about the things you love, so it’s a perfect compromise

💙Asra💙

Takes advantage of your love of the game to figure out what you like

If you thought the character in the game was romantic, just you wait until you see what Asra has planned

You have no idea how he does it, but he pulls off some of the greatest outings based off the events of the game

Sometimes it borders on comical with how closely he sticks to the source material, but overall it’s always a very sweet gesture

It doesn’t really bother him that you play games like that, because that’s really all it is; a game

💜Nadia💜

While she has no interest in it personally, she does like that you enjoy it so much

She views it as a contemporary form of storytelling rather than a challenge to her place in your life

So she’s willing to listen to you rant about it as much as you’d like, the same way she would if you had simply read an ordinary romance book

She might take one or two ideas from the parts that you really love, but mostly she’s just content to listen

And she’s got some pretty powerful connections— if you see a flaw in the story, she can make sure the developers hear about it