#the measurements aren't perfect and the spine is a bit off. but still!

[stoertebeker]

Bookbinding updates ✨

[whimsicallyreading]

You Don’t Even Go Here

Day Two for Rowaelin Month

A college AU

~

Aelin grins mischievously as she walks up the stairs of the men's dorm at Terresan University. The teal-blue waffle iron clutched under her arm.

Aedion didn't really need it. It had been on the fifty-percent-off rack at the supermarket, and he'd simply thrown it in the cart for good measure. Yet, when Aelin saw the box for it laying the hall, she'd seen opportunity.

It had hit her harder than she'd thought. Aedion leaving. They'd been raised like siblings but grew up something closer to best friends. It wasn't fair that he was nearly three years older and ready to leave when she wasn't prepared for him to go.

Aelin had cried the whole car ride home. Then when they finally got back to the house, she'd called him right away. He could hear how teary she was and happily obliged her call. Narrating his actions as he went about setting up his dorm room. He teased her about missing him, but she could tell that he missed her too.

So, armed with an excuse to visit him, Aelin made the hour-long drive to visit her cousin.

Aelin was halfway up the stairs but not paying too much attention to her surroundings. She was too busy repeating Aedion's room number over in her head because no matter how many times she checked her phone, it just wouldn't stick in her head. Maybe if she'd focused a little more on the things happening around her, she wouldn't have crashed into a half-naked man.

A solid and calloused hand darts out and grips her shoulder before she can go tumbling down the stairs. Its twin desperately clutching the towel wrapped around his waist.

Aelin looks up apologetically, and her jaw nearly falls to the floor. His white hair was still damp from the shower and swooped over the top of his head, and his biceps were too large for Aelin to wrap both hands around. An intricate tattoo coils elegantly from a cheekbone and down the length of his body.

He was a man indeed. Nothing like Chaol or Dorian or any of her junior friends. This was a new breed of man. The apex kind. Aelin is pretty sure she looks like a deer in the headlights, and she's too busy ogling him to understand the words he'd been repeating to her.

"Are you okay?" His eyebrows are furrowed as if he's afraid he'd literally struck her stupid. Aelin felt that wasn't far from the truth.

"Yes, sorry," she apologizes as she steps back, suddenly very aware of how in his personal space she was. "I wasn't paying attention. You just caught me by surprise."

Aelin was definitely panicking. Where was her swagger when she needed it most? Why would it choose now to abandon her?

By some miracle, he doesn't seem off-put by her awkwardness. In fact, a smile curls the edges of his lips, revealing a set of dimples that made her heart stumble.

Gods he had dimples.

"No, I ran into you. It's my fault. My name is Rowan.”

He holds out a hand, and Aelin shakes it clumsily. "I'm Aelin."

"Aelin." She loves the way her name rolls off his tongue. "I haven't seen you around before. Are you a freshman?"

Oh no. Aelin's eyes widen, but she recovers swiftly and smooths her features out. Rowan thinks she's a student. Not some crazy high schooler too emotionally dependent on her cousin.

"I'm actually a junior," Aelin laughs at his perplexed expression. "I don't go here, though. I'm just stopping by to drop off some things my cousin forgot."

White lies. What was a white lie worth? Aelin likely wouldn't ever see him again, and is it so wrong for a girl to enjoy some harmless attention? If Aelin spent more time thinking about it, she probably wouldn't like the answers she'd come up with, but that was neither here nor there.

"Is that a waffle maker?" Rowan's green eyes glint with amusement.

"My cousin loves to eat. What year are you?" Aelin crosses her fingers that he's the same age as Aedion and not a senior or something. Her cousin would murder her if he found out she flirted with a man five years older.

"Don't we all? I'm a sophomore, a bit younger than you, I suppose." Rowan drags a hand through his hair. "Listen, I know you came to see your cousin, but maybe I could get your number, and we could get a cup of coffee before you head out?"

Was this really happening? Aelin inwardly squealed with excitement. Lysandra would die when she recounted this story later. "Sure."

Just as she pulled her phone from her pocket, an all too familiar voice materialized behind her. "Aelin?"

Aedion smiles as he lays eyes on his beloved cousin. He takes a couple steps down the stairs, and that grin quickly fades as he sees the naked man.

Oops, she'd forgotten that detail.

"Rowan?" Aedion's eyes harden as they lock on Rowan. "Why the hell are you ogling my cousin with no clothes on?"

"You know him?" Aelin swears under her breath. She cannot believe her luck.

Aedion laughs coldly as he sizes up Rowan, "He's my roommate, but he's about to be a corpse. Why are you perving on my seventeen-year-old cousin?"

Rowan's looks between the bewildered. "You said you were a junior?"

Aedion laughs harshly as Aelin blushes. "I am...just in highschool. Not college. I told you I didn't go here."

"I didn't realize I was rooming with a pedophile," Aedion grabs Aelin and pulls her to his chest. "Was he bothering you?"

"Pedophile?" Rowan's dimples have disappeared, and he looks at Aedion disturbed. "I'm only nineteen!"

Aelin shoves away from Aedion's boorish grip. "The only one bothering me is you."

Rowan's cheeks are flushed red as the full impact of the situation they were found in dawns on him. Damn it if Aelin didn't find his blush endearing. He is a solid chunk of muscle. How is everything he does so cute?

"Look, I just got out of the shower, and I bumped into Aelin. It was an accident. She was just on her way to give you your waffle maker-"

"You brought my waffle maker?" Aedion cuts Rowan off, eyeing the box under her arm.

That's when Aelin sees it. The twinkle of mischief in his eye and the forced concern. Aedion was playing her. He obviously knew Rowan wasn't a creep and saw the perfect opportunity to cause chaos. Aelin scowls at him, and that spark grows brighter. It's moments like this she wonders why she ever missed her cousin in the first place.

Aedion tugs the box out of her grasp and smiles. "Wow. This is perfect timing. Vaughn and Fen were just talking about making breakfast for dinner." He looks at Aelin and forces a frown. "If I'd known you were coming, I would have invited you, but it would kind of be rude to bring a guest now."

"What?" Aelin sputters. She drove all this way, and he was really going to ditch her? It was embarrassing, but tears prickled at the edges of her eyes. He was an ass, but she obviously came because she missed him, and he didn't even care? She really thought they were closer than that.

"Yeah. Sorry, Lin." Aedion points at Rowan, who was just standing to the side, thoroughly uncomfortable. Yet, despite the awkwardness, he hadn't left. "Hey, you owe me one for creeping on my little cousin. Earn my trust back and see that she has something for dinner and gets to her car safely? She has my phone number, one bad text, and your ass is grass."

Aedion tosses her a wink, and it's all Aelin can do to keep from outright gaping. Rowan looks stunned, his eyes darting between the two Ashryvver's. They settle on Aelin for a moment too long. Some of the tension eases from his shoulders, and he smiles. "I think I can manage that."

"Good." Aedion turns back up the stairs pats the box. "Thanks for bringing it to me, Lin. I'll call you tomorrow, don't send me to voicemail."

Just like that, her cousin, a walking, talking agent-of-chaos, disappears back to wherever he came from.

"So," Rowan starts, "If you want, I know a perfect Italian place we could swing by, my treat seeing as I plowed into you."

Aelin frowns and fiddles with the end of her necklace. "You aren't upset that I lied?"

"You didn't lie." Rowan chuckles, a deep sound that sends a shiver of delight down Aelin's spine. "You don't go here."

Aelin tilts her head as if she's deeply considering the offer. "I suppose it couldn't hurt. What's good there?"

"They have an awesome kabob." Rowan tugs his towel tighter. "It's my favorite."

It's Aelin's turn to laugh. "Isn't that just meat on a stick?"

"Let's go, and I can show you how profoundly wrong you are," he moves to take a step down, but Aelin stops him with a hand to the shoulder. "What is it?"

Aelin points to his towel, "I don't think they will serve guests without pants."

The flush that Aelin loves his back full force as he scrambles the other direction up the stairs. "Shit. Give me five minutes. I'll be right back. Aedion better have not locked out or I swear-"

Rowan's embarrassed tirade quiets as he charges up to his dorm to change. Aelin smiling as he goes. She can't believe she's going out to dinner with a guy like that.

Opening her phone, she sends a quick heart emoji to her cousin. He instantly replies back with one of his own. Aedion may have moved to college, but he still had her back at the end of the day. Even if it wasn't in the most ideal way.

Rowan comes back down the stairs moments later, and she's not disappointed by what she sees. He took the time to put on a flannel shirt and comb some gel through his hair. While the view without clothes had been pleasant, Aelin could definitely appreciate this look too.

"I'm ready if you are," Rowan extends an arm to help her down the stairs.

It's such a fussy, old-man move, and she loves it.

"Let's go."

[zuffer-weird-girl]

It's been a long time since I didn't write anything 'original' of mine, so just have this

Suffering due to the silence

Usually he admired the silence.

It was just so peaceful whenever no one was yelling, making a fuss over something... it was perfect. He could work at peace, read a good book, anything really. When the quarters of Shie Hassaikai were avoided of any sound, it could be uncomfortable to many, but for him it was heaven on earth.

Although... he learned recently that not always the silence was pleasing... and he got that lesson in the worst way possible.

~

"There is no way you need to raise your voice like that." He hissed while you still continue glaring at him with arms crossed "You're an animal now to keep howling like that?"

"Howling? Chisaki. Is that hard to understand that not only you gets worried in here?! You just go into a meeting, nearly almost dies and expect me to not be like this?!"

"You're being irrational." He sighed in annoyance, hand on his temple before he pointed at you while opening hsi eyes "You aren't delusional to think that a job on the mafia is all peace and happiness. Not even commenting on my quirk that can easily get rid of anyone or any injury in general."

"So you prefer to get hurt endless times instead of being careful with your own damn mouth?!" His eyes darkened as his voice lowered as a warning.

"Care to explain what is that suppose to mean?"

"I mean that you don't measure your words neither care about your own state!"

"Stop. Yelling." He hissed but you only ignored the venom on his voice.

"You don't give a shit about me, your partner, getting worried that well, I dunno, just got shot and simply dismissed as nothing?! I know your quirk Chisaki, but that doesn't mean you can just threw insults at other gangs or leagues and just get attached, and even getting the fuck up excuse that they threw the firts move!"

He clenched one side of his head as he growled the kore you speak, why can't you just stop?! He doesn't need you to fuss over something that is clearly not to be even concerned about it.

"SHUT YOUR DAMN MOUTH FOR ONCE!" he, before he could even process, let out a shout, shocking you to the point if even making you jump.

He breathed in and out, before returning to his composture, the most ugly and cold glare on his eyes to you.

"Whinning and complaining wont lead us to anywhere. And clearly your "worry" isn't just going to help this. So stop with this nonsense for once." He said nonchantly but evidently fed up with all of this... although he noticed the moment a tear fell from your eyes he had gone too far.

He went to speak again before you simply sniffled and looked up at him with the same cold and distant look he gave to you a few minutes ago.

"If it's that what you want. Fine by me... Overhaul." He felt shivers of disgust running his spine at hearing his villain name from your mouth as you walked away with not much words and closed the door of his voice.

~

That was the last thing he heard from you for at least now two days and a half...

He had heard of those 'silent treatment' before. Precepts whose got someone on their lifes often spoke about their partners and how they had "fuck up" to this point. Whenver he heard those, he couldn't understand neither would care to try to, in his head, silence was a blessing.

But he thought the exact same opposite when it comes to having a partner as well... he thought it was unnecessary, a complete waste of time and that teh feeling of 'love' was purely illusion... the moment he layed his eyes on you, he found out those things were real.

The disgusting butterflies on the stomach, the anxiety and craving to see them again, the utter worry and pain whenver you saw they crying or possibly being on danger... it was all true.

This silent treatment, was indeed a pain.

He at first thought that on the first day you would stop with this childish thing and return back to normal... but you didn't. The more the tickling of the clock on his way ticked on his ears, the more he bounced his knee in irritation... another second passed by without you on his presence.

He didn't received any words of you. At all. Not even a glimpse of a eye. And this was slowly torturing him...

He was becoming so desperate at this point that he even tried to catch your attention by calling you or requesting that a precept called you into his office. All of this ended in, you walking past him more quickly and one nervous as hell precept knocking on his door, saying that you had things to do at the moment.

Things were getting bad and darker for the young leader of the Shie Hassaikai. Everyone on there knew that you were the only one whose could calm down the best without getting killed by him... you were the only one who could keep Chisaki Kai calm and... happy to say the least.

You were his joy and light on his dark life... the more he tried to denied, the more he fell for those sweet and innocent eyes and gentle as a touch of a angel personality...

Now? He couldn't even get a good morning or a simple greeting.

He walked into his room and didn't find you, which was odd considering that it was night time already... he had noticed that you waited to get out of the bed only when he left and that you slept on some free room or went to bed way earlier than usual.

He sighed and prepared his heart and chest, which was already feeling tight and cold as ice, to find you reading on the living room... as usual, not even sparing a glance at him.

"Is late. You should go to bed." He commented nonchantly while you flipped one page from your book.

He wasn't blind, he could see teh red in your eyes and the hints if dried tears on your cheeks... for how exactly long you had cried because of him...?

"... is.. a interesting choice." He averted his eyes a bit "But even if it's a catching story, you need rest as well."

Only a nod of your head. It was all he got so far.

He sighed and got out of the room, entering his office and closing the door for just a bit only to open the slightest to catch a glimpse that you had gone to the bedroom shortly after he closed his office.

He had to admit. You were persistent.

And he? Was too prideful to say those words his inner being was almost begging for him to do.

Say that you're sorry dammit. Push your pride aside for once... you love (Y/n), you fucked up. Why cant you just say it?

... he didn't know.

~

Now, it was four days since he had last heard your voice or even felt a brush of your fingers... amd he could admit that he was just miserable.

How could he get so... dependent, in a certain way, of you?

He even himself stopped talking, the less he already did, and even let some slips of precept pass since it didn't matter to him at that time... he only wanted for you to at least look at him. Look at him with love again in your eyes.

One time Rappa was speaking to Tengai and let it slip some shit about Kai just when he was passing by... and the man himself got surprised when Chisaki only passed by without much of a word.

Both man had their eyes wide open and quickly got even more shocked when their boss quickened his steps just a bit to try to speak to you again.

He heard what Rappa said clearly as day. But he cared more about feeling or hearing his love again then some thug that little respected him.

He was... numb.

Although the breaking point reached when he caught a conversation of you and Chrono. Hearing your voice again did atrocities with his heart and head, and he swore he let out a breath he didn't even knew he was holding when he got the privilege to listen such a melodious sound again.

"Come on (Y/n), we're almost begging here.." Chrono spoke while you picked your mug and poured your drink on it.

"Seing the boss in this state is worse and way too fucking uncomfortable then seing him angry. And I fucking meant it! JUSt TalK WitH HiM LiTtlE PuNk-!" Mimic shouted while you sighed and took a sit on the kitchen.

"... you two really dont think I want to..?" You spoke, one of the saddest tone of voices he ever heard coming from you.

"Then why the fuck?" Kurono spoke, more confused then ever.

"I just think he really doesn't care too much sometimes. And whenever I spoke up my worries he just brushes off like it's just annoying or bothering him... it sounds like his worries are rational and worth it while mine is just... whimpering."

He sighed, having to admit mentally that you weren't wrong in the slightest...

"Besides... the way he shouted, and what he said" you tightened your grip on your mug as your eyes burned "I-I... can't just forget neither let it slide..."

He walked away from that place, opting to not hear anything about your sadness longer... While his commurates still try it to change your mind.

That was it... his pride and arrogance that go to hell.

~

You went to enter your room, knowing that Chisaki was probably still on his office working, feeling more tired and sad than ever as the days passed.

How long would you be able to atture this torture (Y/n)...?

You pushed the door and froze when you saw the back of your lover, taking off his tie before he looked at you, same tired and devoid of happines expression of yours.

You lowered your head and turned on your back to him, preparing to leave before you widen your eyes a bit when you saw the wall desconstricting and constructing another part right on the middle of the door... preventing you to get out of the room.

Damn his quirk...

You stayed immobile while your heart pumped hard against your chest while your ears catched the sound of his foot steps coming closer to you.

You didn't move, only gulped the thick air stuck on your throat when the sounds stopped, meaning that he was close enough to you.

"... I am not used to this." His voice sounded so raspy yet rough that send shivers through your spine.

You gasped a bit when you felt his hands and arms wrapping around your midsection to bring you close to his chest... warm breath hitching the back of your neck and ear, making your heart bump like crazy.

"I do understand that you worry about me just as much as I do... but.." he sighed shakily while hugging you closer to him, breathing in your pure and clean scent was so calming yet let him nervous someway... "I am not used to it."

You stood still, not even breathing almost as you let him talk...

"I am not used to such a kind and gentle soul care for me... even spare a single sign of... love." He closed his eyes in a sigh "I learned from a very young age that you can't just trust someone... because normally they would dissapoint or stab you on the back... Pops was a exception since the old man took me in... but I feel in need to repay him and you know it (Y/n)... for me, someone can't just do such a kind action without wanting something in return, and even if him or you say that is not necessary I just can't help it..."

You furrowed your eyebrows together but resisted to touch the arm beneath you.

"I never got such a good person on my life until he took me in... or when I met you..." he sighed, tightening his eyes at feeling the burning on them forming "I know you worry, but for me... it just doesn't matter what happens with me, if I got my goal, then is fine... but I never stopped to think that you were hurting because of my actions and consequences and.... I am so sorry for that..."

You widen your eyes at the last sentence as tears escaped from your eyes... for Chisaki to apologize, without being completly sarcastic, it took a lot...

"I am sorry... for not taking your opinion and worry. I worry just as much about you yet due to my arrogance I couldn't see your own... I'm sorry (Y/n), a millions times sorry, a thousand times sorry but..." he tighten his grip around you as he buried his face in your neck.

"...Will you talk to me already..?"

You furrowed your eyebrows but smile at the same time before sighing, using your hand to brush the slightest his skin a bit.

He felt joilts of eletrevity of feeling your touch on him again, sighing a bit in relief but still wouldn't let go of you.

"... for you to give one apology it takes a lot... imagine a thousand." You sighed and he swore that at that moment a tear or two escaped his eyes as he hugged you tighter as a form of gratitude.

He let go a bit just to pass his arm around your the back of your knees to lift you up in bridal style as he settled on the bed with you on his arms... laying his head on a angle that you couldn't exactly see his face properly.

When he felt your fingers brushing his dark brow looks he knew he wasn't at least that much fucked... but he still holded you close to him, afraid of you regretting your decision.

He sighed through his nose as he nuzzled himself onto your neck, relishing on the calm and peace that only you aas able to give to him.

"Never do this again." He muttered in your neck, the sound appearing muffled by his black mask and your skin "I felt like I was losing myself."

Your giggles were just music to his ears as he allowed himself to smile and close his eyes in bliss, enjoying the feeling of your lips on his temple.

"I didn't thought that four days were enough to leave you like this... I'm sorry." You giggled at the vibrations that were caused by his low groan on your neck.

"You're the reason of my happiness. If you wanted to make me suffer then you were suceful... "

He brough you closer as your sweet voice and gentle touches lulled his tired soul to a peaceful sleep.

[spaceskam]

"I'm so proud of you."

Liz smiled and accepted the kiss Max placed on her head along with the celebration shot he'd gotten her. She tipped it back easily and he kissed her lips for extra measure.

"Thanks," she hummed. Max grinned and bumped his nose against hers before sitting in the bar stool beside her. He sat close and sideways, knees spread to fit her in between them.

"So," he started, "Are you excited?"

"About grad school itself? Not quite. About what it means? Absolutely," she stated. He just smiled at her. He always looked so, so proud of her. It was a daily reminder that she made the right decision leaving her legacy for this.

"Oh, c'mon. I know you, Liz. You're going to enjoy every single research paper you write," he teased. She smiled a bit wider.

"Maybe."

"I can't wait to be your dumb trophy husband you bring to all your work events. Like, I promise to be the best bimbo you could ask for," he gushed. Liz laughed and leaned into him.

"You're not a bimbo!"

"Uh, compared to you and all the people you'll be around? I'm perfecting my smile and nod look immediately."

Liz shook her head, but leaned in for another kiss. This was absolutely worth it.

-

Liz felt the fact that someone was in her apartment before she heard them which really should've been a massive red flag.

"What was that?" Max asked sleepily. Liz pushed his head back down and he complied easily.

"Nothing, baby, go to sleep," she said softly. He hummed and she reached for the bat that she may or may not have pushed beneath her side of the bed after letting Max put it beneath his.

She slowly made her way out of the bedroom and silently closed the door behind her, heading towards the living room. Her footsteps were silent, something she'd perfected when she was young, which made it easy to sneak up on the dark figure standing by the kitchen. Liz swung the bat and, right before it hit the figure, it turned around and grabbed it from her hands.

The bat was tossed to the floor, so Liz swung her fist instead (left, not right, because they always assumed you'd hit with your dominant hand). She hit them, but they grabbed her arm and swung her body around. Liz used her weight against them and they both fell to the ground.

They wrestled for a few minutes on the ground, Liz doing her best to get any kick or hit in while the other person did the same. She had to give it to them, they out up a good fight.

They only stopped when the lights flicked on.

"Liz, what is going on?!" Max's voice asked from his spot in the doorway. However, Liz was much more distracted by the girl beneath her.

"Rosa?"

Her sister gave a cocky grin and raised an eyebrow, looking as challenging as ever. Liz knew right then that the only reason Liz was even kind of winning in the fight was because she was letting her.

"Hey, Lizzie, long time no see."

"What the hell are you doing here?" Liz asked, climbing off her sister. Rosa jumped to her feet and brushed off her leather jacket, still grinning.

"Me? Oh, I just missed you. Who's the stud?"

"Liz, what's going on? Who is this?" Max asked. Liz ignored him.

"Missed me? Right, you haven't called in six years," Liz scoffed, "Why are you here?"

Rosa's smirk faded a little and she looked over to Max and then back to Liz.

"Needed to talk," she said. Liz took a heavy breath and raised her head.

"Tell me."

Rosa's eyes drifted over to Max. "Does the skyscraper need to be here?" Liz pursed her lips before sighing.

"Max, can you excuse us?"

"No," he said firmly, "Tell me what's going on. I just woke up to you fighting some girl."

"Aw, you don't talk about me? I feel left out."

Liz rubbed her hands over her face before turning to Max. She grabbed his hand and smiled as warm as she could.

"This is my sister," she said, watching the confusion get deeper, "There's a lot of stuff about me I haven't told you."

"Well, tell me now," he said. She squeezed his hands.

"I'll tell you, I promise," she said, trying to ignore the sharp pain in her chest. This was the absolute last thing she wanted. Protecting Max had easily been her first priority. Leave it to Rosa to fuck that up.

She kept ahold of his hand as she turned to Rosa.

"Tell me."

Rosa gave a dramatic sigh, but Liz could see through it to see her genuine uneasiness.

"Mom went on a hunting trip," Rosa said, vague as ever, "And she hasn't been home in a few days."

Liz swallowed harshly, "How long is a few?" Rosa again gave an unsure look to Max.

"Tomorrow will make four weeks."

Liz's heart sunk, but she quickly tried to ignore that feeling. Whenever Liz said she wanted to go to college, her mom had all but disowned her. She didn't deserve her sympathy.

"And why'd you come to me?" Liz asked. Rosa gave her a look that said 'seriously?' and Liz returned it with an 'I don't hunt anymore' . Rosa rolled her eyes.

"I figured you'd want to help."

"Why would you assume that? I have a life here, I don't do that anymore."

"Do what?" Max asked, "What hunting trip? You're not telling me anything."

"He's pretty, but he talks too much," Rosa said. Liz glared at her. "Listen, Gandolf, this doesn't really have anything to do with you, so–"

"If it involves Liz, it involves me."

Rosa gave an impressed look and Liz's stomach dropped as she realized she was about to infodump.

"You really wanna know, pretty boy?" she asked, taking a step closer. Max squared his shoulders and held his chin high. "All the things you were told were fake–myths, legends, werewolves, vampires, all the scary things that live in the dark–they're real. All real. And we hunt them, kill them, save people." Rosa smiled and cocked her head to the side. "We're real heroes, my sister and I."

"Did you have to say it like that?"

"Just wanna make sure he knows who he's dealing with," Rosa said, "It's a dangerous business, but we do it with pride. Or, did."

Liz shook her head. "Look, I don't know what's going on with Mom, but I can't help you. I don't do that shit anymore." Rosa's jaw clenched.

"Liz," she said firmly, "This is more than Mom just fucking off. She got a lead."

"A lead?"

"A lead," Rosa confirmed, "About Dad."

Liz felt a chill go down her spine. Oh, how convincing that one little word could be. But Liz couldn't just cave. She had a life now. Here, with Max.

"Rosa, I-I can't just–"

"Liz," Max said sweetly. She turned to him and he looked as kind as ever. "Let's go find your mom."

Liz's eyes widened. "No, you aren't–"

"I'm not letting you go by yourself, but this is obviously important and I want to help. Besides, it's only to find your mom and we come home. It's not forever. How long could it take?" Max said.

She stared at him with a level of pity she usually couldn't find for him. He was so sweet and innocent. He didn't understand what he was saying. He didn't understand that it was easy to get into, hard to leave. If Max came with her, who would be there to pull them out?

"Oh," Rosa said, obviously delighted that he was down to fight, "He's useful."

"C'mon, Liz. What's the worst that can happen?" Max added.

Liz sighed slowly and decided against making a list. Instead, she turned back to her sister with a frown. She hated this. She hated that she was caving.

But their dad was out there and her mom knew something.

"Fine. Let's go find Mom."

[the-apprentice-bebop]

I think it's about time people realise that even if you want the so called "perfect" body, you're probably never going to get it, and that's okay. Your body just needs to be healthy for you. Yeah, averages are good for making sure you aren't seriously underweight or overweight, but trying to achieve a statistical average will only cause you hassle when you're actually okay for who you are.

I'm a dude with a little bit of weight. I've got a stomach, pudgy arms, pudgy legs. I've always had it, and no matter what I do I will still have it. I can't achieve any chiseled look, but I still eat well and exercise a little and take care of myself as much as I can. I don't have any health problems that aren't hereditary. I'm decently strong.

My mother's job requires her to be on her feet constantly, wandering around a storeroom, pulling heavy things off shelves. Her watch can measure her heart rate and it shows that her heart rate is high enough for her to be doing cardio. And yet, she's not even close to skinny. She just can't be and she never has been.

My step-dad has visible abs even when resting, and obvious muscles, and is quite skinny, but he's also on so much medication that he'll hurt himself lifting heavy things half the time. I'm inclined to think the only reason he's strong is because he was in the army for a couple years.

My little brother literally does not gain visible weight, and honestly he doesn't weigh much anyway. He's pretty short so it's not too big of a problem, but if he was any taller he'd be severely underweight. And he eats really badly, anyways. He's always been skinny, but because he got older it's gotten worse and his spine literally sticks out of his back. I don't think he could gain any weight if he TRIED.

And that's all the same family.

Some people have different body types and not everyone is going to be the peak of physical wellness and fitness. I think it's high time we at least start accepting that we can't be perfect, even if we can't love ourselves for it. If your body isn't hurting you, why change it? It's perfectly okay like that for a reason.