#was constantly third wheeling groups of two for group work

[harukasangel]

Toma, as someone that had a shitty college experience, and was partially due to having zero friends in any of my classes + everyone leaving me out, you have no idea how much I cried when I read this/pos/gen

[niffbluegriff]

I made even more proto-Grendel and Gauss art 💙🧡

I thought about also sharing some of the characteristics and ideas I had while designing proto-Grendel and Gauss, a lot of which I took inspiration from people who commented on the original design sheets. (Thank you for that <3)

For Gauss, I really liked the idea of him being an old hot rod lover with greying hair on the sides and a large scar on the bridge of his nose from all the walls he keeps crashing into. I thought it would be fitting for him to wear a black leather biker jacket along with his atomicycle helmet, which I made based on his original design mixed with a fighter pilot helmet. Unlike Amir, Gauss uses his inline skates to achieve his inhuman speeds.

I designed Grendel as a large juggernaut unit with lots of padding around his original warframe design. Accompanied by a full ginger beard that slightly greys out the father it gets to his hair. He has no real medical skills but always keeps a box of band aids (with hot wheel-like designs on them) in one of his many pouches to patch up Gauss with. Dealing with an insatiable hunger. Grendel's constantly growling stomach reminds him of the Helminth strain growing inside him.

Thinking about how their romance system would work in the game. Coming from someone who has two partners, I really loved the idea of Grendel and Gauss being a romanceable couple. That way the drifter can enter their relationship as a third. They could even have a KIM group chat with the two of them reacting to the drifter's messages.

These are just my thoughts and ideas for a personal headcanon, but I really loved reading the suggestions people commented on the original design sheets, so feel free to add your two cents :)

[deesseshesca]

PAC :What will his friend think of you ?

(SINGLE SINCE BIRTH - ERA ~5 )

No ... because I actually want to crash out !

PILE 1

Page swords (reverse), 5 swords, magician, 2 pentacles 

His friend is going to think of y’all as an old couple. Y’all would be the dad and mom of the group. Don’t be surprised but you will often have a third wheel between y’all. I also get a feeling that this is going to be an union between the dad and the mom of each respective group. Y’all may both be the oldest sibling in y’all respective household since you are unfazed by the people surrounding you constantly. If you need to bicker which you will, it will look like two old heads going at it. Y’all know the Bambi and Druski dynamic that’s exactly y’all. You guys have so many inside jokes. You guys are only this comfortable around each other. Both, you and him have past situationship/relationships … Yet it was the first time for his friend group to see him so comfortable in public. You guys may walk around in matching pjs, which he would never have done on his own not because he found it cringy but because of some kind of social anxiety. Also social anxiety stops him from being his authentic self way too often. So to see him express emotion, be talkative and affectionate with you is actually going to warm the heart of his bros. Little do they know how comfortable he makes you feel 2. To add on that, you are a safe place for his inner child. Not holding him to the high standard which he was born in because of his role as the oldest sibling. Y’all also act like you both can’t stand each other. Bickering and all while cuddling … lol. I see his friend looking around … like : ``Are these guys serious rn?``.You guys are very vulnerable with each other and you both put a lot of effort in this relationship. Your person would never expose y’all problem in the daylight but they are not ashamed to say : `` Damm y’all wish I could stay but little mama is on her period.``, ``Shit we argued yesterday, we are cool but I need to go check on her if everything is good frl frl`` or even `` Sorry for the bad play gang, my lady is mad at me … I am scared she will block me …``.They see the effort on your part 2, coming to his games, making his lunch box, walking around with his fav snack, playing with his hair and hugging him.  They really feel like you are wifey material, which is great because one of your goals in life in all seriousness is to be a MILF . They also know you are here to stay. 

PREVIOUS READING

PILE 2

3 swords, King wands (reverse), Magician (reverse), Knight wands (reverse) 

You and your future person will take a break. No worries there no fuck up. I think this person got really scared of how deep the relationship was going and they respect and love you too much to hurt you. So they just sit you down and express their real feelings and you welcome them with no fight, letting them go. You work on yourself in the meantime. Did a lot of journaling and work on your standard & self concept. One day you will post and they will catch on after spending weeks off socials and they will run back with so much excitement. Not in the way, like : `` Damm nobody can have her but me …`` . Nah this person genuinely enjoys the chase. So they come as an evolved person. Knowing that you may be cuff or you just don't want them but they don't care because it was always supposed to be you. While all this is happening their friends are watching on the side lines. His friend will often remind him of the mistake he made by letting you go. Not in some sneaky way (me:believe me, you would be surprised how many of the friends of my situation were in my DM) but more on some real shit. They saw the happiness, joy and love that was pouring from y’all connection like sweet honey. They will probably help him get you back. Some will literally set up a christmas carol to get you back. Anyways regarding any specific thought… they think you are high maintenance. You are clingy and very sensitive. Like it matters to you the tone that he uses, the words that he uses or even the way he touches or even looks at you. You are quite an emotional woman. Is very easy for you to cry. They also think you are high maintenance, they saw their boy pay for your nails and hair more than once. They know damm well that when y’all become official, he’s going to pay for the trip and your shopping spree because of all that they will never hit on you because in their books, you are too demanding as a gf. 

PREVIOUS READING

PILE 3

8 wands, King wands (reverse), 7 wands, Sun (reverse)  

Most of y’all reading this have a sagittarius rising. Since that came strong I decided to do my little search. Most of y’all may have a sleeper build (quite literally using their slang) or have a plus size/very curvy pear body. You know the body Doja Cat had. When she was way curvier, where she was very heavy down but less up. Also you may have big animated eyes like the character that Tim Burton wrote about. Is almost mystical. Y’all may play a sport, maybe cheer or volley. Some are runners whatever it is you are an athletic babe. Maybe you even play a more masculine sport like baseball or handball. You also have a specific feature in your face aside from your eyes that big, could be your lips or even ears. One last thing … you are a tall gyal. Minimum : 5’7,8 to even 6ft. All this to say is that your looks strike them. They also think you are a cool girl because they saw you do the first move with your future person. You were quite straightforward in what you wanted with them. They also think you are chill because even tho you have not played a boy sport, you are passionate about it so it is easy to build a connection with you. Since you share the same hobbies. You may be sharing the same soul tribe. Meaning there's a high chance that you and this person are friends rn.Y’all are just part of a big friend group which would make you sincere on the ease in which you connect with his friends. Since y’all are all friends ! I think your bff dont want y’all to be together because she knows how much you want a serious relationship and y’all know how much of a womanizer he is. How much he is afraid of commitment. I think you know why because y’all are quite close. Something to do with a father's wound. Unlike the other women, he allows you to see the boys hiding behind the mask but you don't know if he can hold up to a good relationship. Even tho he often voices that he will treat you verrrrrrrrry good. You know he can because the way he treats you is completely different (more gentle and loving) than the way he treats others. Like he treats you even better than the other girls in the group. Is giving everybody can see it  but y’all. Y’all both know  there's a tension and I think (looking at the cards) that you will be the first one making the move.

PREVIOUS READING

[brooooswriting]

Hello I wanted to request a Tara fic and basically it’s like the reader being kind of like the lame friend and she’s just hangs out alone all the time playing with her legos or Mario on her Nintendo and she’s basically a big child or she’s healing her inner child and she’s the type of person that’s only friends with the old lady from the bakery and tara falls in love with her and can you make it like at first when she tells sam or the whole friend group that she’s falling for the reader they don’t approve because the friend group doesn’t like reader that much because they think she’s childish and immature and maybe they think she’s ghostface because she’s alone most of the time you could choose how it ends but yeah

(Reader is not their friend perhaps she could be a roommate or an acquaintance but she hangs out with them sometimes because she doesn’t have other friends)

Stray dog

Tara Carpenter x reader

You were a bit of a loner, you didn’t like big groups of people which was obvious as you never really showed up to any parties or other big events. In fact you barely showed up to anything except the lectures which was why barely anyone really knew you. You preferred being alone, maybe playing some games. The only thing you went to was a small cafe not far from the campus, you always studied there when you were still in high school and by now it was your safe haven of some sort. Claudia, the elderly lady who owned the cafe was a sweetheart and took you in whenever you needed. She let you stay there for hours on hours playing games, eating or learning.

You went there even more since you became Mindys roommate. Don’t get it wrong, she was a nice girl but you get a feeling that she wasn’t the biggest fan of you, constantly mumbling something about you tricking the dorm lottery and she always had her girlfriend over which made you feel weird when you were there. Not that Anika wasn’t incredibly nice to you but you felt like the third wheel. The only time you stayed, even if it was just for a bit, was when Tara was there. Not that you talked a lot but she was nice to you, always flashed you a smile, made Mindy shut up about ‘your weirdness’ and even outside of the dorm she sometimes waved at you.

Most people think that you were irresponsible and a big child, Mindy and her twin brother were definitely two of those people. But that was incorrect, at least for the most part, sure you liked video games and legos and stuff but that didn’t mean that you were irresponsible. Tara was also one of the people who believed that you weren’t the most responsible person, she thought you were nice and sweet nonetheless, but responsible? No!

At least until she went to Claudia’s cafe one day and behind the counter wasn’t the sweet elderly lady or Nancy, her only employee, no. You stood behind the counter, an apron wrapped around you and a smile on your face as you greeted the costumers. “Good morning, what can I get ya?” You asked her as you looked at a notepad in front of you, scribbling something down. “Can I get a latte and” that was the moment you looked up for the first time since she entered the cafe and your heart skipped a beat. She ordered the rest and decided to stay in the cafe, she wanted to figure out why you were here.

“Your coffee and your cinnamon roll” you said as you placed both items in front of her, ready to turn around and leave. “Wait” she grabbed your wrist which caused you to turn around, “since when are you working here” She asked you carefully, scared that she’d sound rude in any way. “Claudia isn’t feeling well, so I told her to go home and I’d look out for the cafe” you answered right as a customer came inside. “I gotta” you just pointed to the counter before walking off.

When the customer left you noticed that Tara’s drink was empty and decided to make her another one. “Here’s a refill” you told her as you placed the cup in front of her which made her look up from her notes. “Thanks. Do you maybe wanna sit with me for a while? At least until somebody comes back you know” you checked the door before awkwardly sitting down, it was weird.

The mood quickly lifted when she started joking about one of your professors. You then just talked about random stuff, she showed interest in your games and you showed interest in her friend group and her studies. “Oh, I gotta go. You here tomorrow too?” She asked as her phone started ringing constantly, “I guess, depends on how Claudia is feeling. Plus, I’m here 90% of the time, don’t have a lot of other things ya know” you smiled as you whipped the table where you just ate. “Well, you could eat with us tomorrow” Tara said which made you furrow your brows. “Uhm, yeah, I might think about it” you clearly weren’t, her friends hated you and you’ve only seen her sister once but you were in fact rather sure that she hated you too.

The next day there was a knock on your door, which confused you as Mindy was already gone and there was nobody who would come for you. But you opened the door to find Tara. “What you doing here?” You asked her, “we are having lunch” she said and pulled you out without waiting for an answer. The second you saw her friends your hands turned sweaty and you started playing with the bands of your hoodie. “I’m not sure about this, they don’t like me” you mumbled to her shortly before arriving. “It will be fine, please” she smiled at you which made you just accept the fact that you were going to eat with them.

From then on it was like you were a stray puppy adopted by Tara Carpenter, she came to the cafe nearly every time you were there and she often smuggled you into her apartment. It went like that for about 4 weeks. These 4 weeks made Tara fall for you head over heels, the way you were so caring and childish at the same time, she loved the way you were so pure when you talked about the new Lego set and how you would always take over shifts at the cafe when Claudia needed someone. So she decided to talk to Mindy and Anika about it. “Guys, I need your help” she stated as she sat down in front of them, “uhh what’s up?” Mindy asked as her arm wrapped around Anika’s shoulder. “I think I fell in love” Anika smiled softly while Mindy gasped, “omg who is it? Is it Chad? Omg is it him?” She was grinning from ear to ear just gushing about how cute that’d be. “No it’s not Chad” there was a small moment of silence before she gathered all her courage, “it’s y/n” she mumbled. Mindy grunted and Anika giggled, “she’s a big child Tara, I’m sorry but is there even anything you can talk about with her? I mean except for I don’t know Mario kart or some shit” the way Mindy talked about you made her heart clench, yeah you were a bit childish but you were actually really nice and you always talked kindly about Mindy and that she was a great roommate and that you were sad that she hated you. “Mindy, come on” her girlfriend mumbled while nudging her side, “you’re an ass” was all Tara said before storming off into her room, immediately looking her door.

“Great Job” Anika mumbled to her girlfriend who looked at her in disbelief, “oh come on, Tara barely knows her” the brunette said which caused the other one to roll her eyes. “But she does, they’ve been meeting up in the bakery down the street nearly everyday, so go and apologize to Tara. She really likes that girl and you were very unfair” Mindy sighed but went to Tara’s room nonetheless. “Tara, can you please open the door so we can talk?” She called out but only got a ‘no’ as an answer which caused her to go back to the living room.

4 hours later and Tara still didn’t leave her room, she texted you but didn’t get an answer. You were still working at the cafe which explained your lack of interaction. “What’s up with her?” Sam asked when she had been home for over an hour and still didn’t see her sister, “Mindy was an ass to one of her friends and now she’s mad” Anika explained causing Sam to nod, “the one from the bakery?” She asked, Mindy and Anika’s jaws dropping. “You know about her?” They asked completely shocked. “Yeah, I was them together a couple of times and Tara sucks at sneaking people in” the explanation made sense to them causing them to drop the topic for a moment. “You should get her here” the older Carpenter suddenly said causing the twin to look up, “huh?” “Well, I think she’s the only one who could get Tara out of there right now, we all know how stubborn she can be and you have a chance to apologize” the plan was good, the others had to agree. So Mindy stood up and made her way to their dorm room which was empty.

“Sam? How am I supposed to find her? She isn’t at our dorm” Mindy said as she called the brunette. “Look for her at the bakery” so she made her way there to find you sitting at one of the chairs drinking a coffee, it was your time off. “Y/n?” She called out causing you to turn in surprise, “hey, how can I help you?” You asked still confused why the girl was talking to you. “Look, I said some stupid shit and now Tara is mad at me and won’t come out of her room” she told you which immediately made you worry, “oh, I’m sorry” you tried to play it cool as you tried to check your phone for the first time in 6 hours without her noticing. “I’m asking you to come with me so she finally leaves her room” you nodded before telling Claudia that you had to go because of Tara, the elderly woman loved Tara. “Of course honey, here take a cinnamon roll for her. Maybe use it to confess your love” she grinned as she gave you the bag while you blushed, Mindy just stared at you. “thanks C, I’ll see you tomorrow”

You quietly followed Mindy as if you didn’t know where the younger Carpenter lived. When you entered all eyes immediately landed on you, which made you so uncomfortable that you blushed. “Im gonna, you know… get Tara” you mumbled and quickly walked away, knocking on the door you knew so well. “Go the fuck away Mindy, I told you I don’t wanna talk to you” came the most beautiful voice from the other side. “Uhm, want me to go tell her that?” You asked awkwardly standing in front of the door. Suddenly the door was ripped open and you were pulled inside causing you to yelp. “What are you doing here?” She asked as she fell into your arms, “well Mindy told me to come, something about you not leaving your room” you answered with your arms wrapped around her shoulder to pull her even closer. You hugged in silence for a bit until she unwrapped her arm and threw herself onto the bed behind you. You decided to sit next to her, your hand rubbing her back carefully, “wanna tell me what made you that mad?” The question could make her flip so you had to be careful. Her face was squished into the pillows making it impossible to understand the words that left her mouth.

“Tara, honey, I can’t understand a single thing if you don’t turn towards me” you mumbled lifting your hand from her back, “Mindy said some stupid shit” this time you got it and chuckled at her answer. “How is that new?” Your answer made her chuckle too which you counted as a win. “She said rude things about you when I” she stopped abruptly chairing you to raise your eyebrows, “when you what?” You pressed, interested in what she could have said that made her mad when Mindy talked bad about you, because let’s be honest, it was nothing new.

“T, come on. You know you can tell me anything” this seemed to make her break, she suddenly sat up and placed herself onto your lap, hugging you close, “I told her that I was in love with you and she called you childish and a big child and shit” you chuckled lightly as you hugged her even closer. “She’s right, let’s be true but even as a big child I can love you like the adult women I’m supposed to be. Just not on Tuesdays, I play Mario kart online” you smirked while she giggled into your neck, you then pulled her back a bit so you could look at her. “But for real, I do love you and I want to take you on a date, a real one” she immediately nodded and pressed several kisses to your lips.

“Well, that was actually cute” Mindys voice broke you two apart, Tara nearly falling of your lap. “Get the fuck out” she called out and threw a pillow at the other girl. Mindy just ignored her and sat down next to you “I gotta say sorry I guess, you do look after Tara, but you’re still a big child” you laughed and nodded before mumbling a thank you while Tara just hid in your neck. “Now, I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone” she grinned and left, closing the door behind her.

“So about that day” She smiled and kissed you again.

Gosh you were so in love

[lowkeychenle]

meet: jisung's professional hype squad💪🏻🤓

masterlist -> meet: 🚫NO🚫 girl scout cookies 🙂‍↔️😔

group chat featuring: park jisung, lee jeno, zhong chenle, & cee

Description: Your friends call you "the bolter," because every time someone gets close, you run in the opposite direction. When you meet Jisung, things are working behind the scenes--thanks to those same friends.

Genre: SOCIAL MEDIA AU! :D suggestive, crack, funny haha stuff idk

This series includes explicit & suggestive content & is not suitable for audiences under 18. If you are a minor, please do not interact.

Content Warnings: suggestive content, man-hating jokes, kys jokes, etc etc will add more when I think of them

taglist: @buns-inhiding @the-swageyama-tobiyolo @theboyz-jacob @pnkified @ki-aechan @sunghoonsgfreal @mrshwang-park @yeosangsbiceps open! message me or comment to be added🥰

permanent taglist: @sunnybutcloudy @neozon3nha @waffleuvs

park jisung - always means the best but somehow ends up on the wrong side of things every time. baby of the group and constantly teased, doesn't truly know left from right

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lee jeno - world's biggest shit starter; seems like he doesn't do anything wrong, but is the catalyst for literally everything; he enables cee and chenle when they come up with their crazy scheme.

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zhong chenle - jisung's bestie for the restie; constantly tries to get jisung out of his comfort zone, but it never works; tag teams w/ his wife cee to (affectionately) bully jisung

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zhong cee - honorary dream member thanks to public opinion; after a year of marriage to chenle, the two of them scheme to find someone for jisung so he can stop third-wheeling (they pick someone emotionally unavailable for the plot, of course).

[sometimesibewriting]

Ferris Wheel Kiss

✨Summary: You, Uryu, and friends go to the amusement park in Karakura Town for a day of fun. But get separated on the Ferris Wheel, what will happen when you two are alone.

💙Long time no see. I originally intended to drop this one shot in the fall, but life got in the way. Very happy that this fits for winter as well somewhat. Dropping this on the first day of 2024, so HAPPY NEW YEAR. 🥳🥳

❌No warnings, tis the fluffiest of the fluff fics I have ever written.

📃Wordcount: 1398

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/52761025

Rukia and Renji had gotten permission to visit the world of the living. Orihime being Orihime thought this was a good excuse to enjoy some end of fall activities—one of her many ideas being to go to an amusement park in Kurakura town.

Despite coming there as a group, you and Uryu walked behind the group you have come with.

"Doesn't it feel...like…” You began.

“Were third wheeling, yes, yes it does." He pushed up his glasses. "What was Chad's excuse for not coming?" You asked. “An emergency at work.”

“What type of emergency does a GYM have?!? You're a medical student even you came!”

"Well in my defense, the semester just ended. Therefore I was free to come." This didn’t do anything to curb your annoyance which Uryu just sighed at. You’ve been in a sour mood ever since everyone split off into their own pairs. Uryu has been trying to knock you out of it since it started but he was failing miserably.

Orihime walked up to the both of you. "We were thinking the next ride would be the Ferris Wheel. Unless you guys want to ride something else? We're open to suggestions." 

"We pretty much rode and played everything. The Ferris wheel is a good way to end the day." You smiled back at her. "I wanted to get hot chocolate at one of the stands. Maybe after." Uryu added.

"That sounds wonderful. I’ll tell the others that you guys like the idea.”  Orihime skipped back happily to the group, you went to follow after her but was stopped by Uryu. Causing you to turn around.  "What now?" You huffed.

“Aren’t you forgetting about something?” He asked nonchalantly. “I have my wallet, and you and the rest of the gang are here so no.” Uryu kept a straight face at your sarcastic remark. "Your fear of heights."

You waved a hand at him. “I’ll be fine.” He gave you a look, a look that said he knew you were lying.

"I don't understand why you don't tell them. Having acrophobia is nothing to be embarrassed about, it's common. Besides you almost passed out on the small roller coaster."

“But I didn't so…” Uryu tried to fight the urge to roll his eyes. “Besides, if I have you with me I’ll be fine.” He hid his face deeper in his scarf as his face warmed. “You cloud also just fake a sickness to get out of riding.” He suggested. 

You thought a moment, “Like I said, I will be fine.” He pushed up his glasses with a sigh. “It’s the easiest way out.” 

“Yes. But then you’ll stay behind with me and then people would think they were, ya know.” He raised an eyebrow at you. “Together.” 

"That's rich coming from someone who has been gossiping all day about the same thing.”

“I was not gossiping, just venting my frustrations on how this will affect our group dynamic going forward.” You put on your most straight face, all while Uryu shook his head. “Even if true, I think all our friendships would be fine…unless someone in the party has unrequired feelings.”

He looked in your direction. “Not me.”  

“Then you have nothing to worry about, let's go.”

___________________________________________________________

Everyone lined up to get on the Ferris wheel, it was late in the evening the temperature had dipped a little. You had your hands in front of you constantly fidgeting. 

Uryu grabbed your hand causing you to stop, he held your hand in his. “You’ll be fine, your with me remember?”

It was cheesy but it helped your unease. “Four people to each cart." You both turned as Ichigo read the sign aloud. "That's perfect. The girls can ride in one and we boys can ride in the other." Renji elbowed Ichigo in the side. "What was that for pineapple?!?"

"Cause you're not thinking.” Renji pulled Uryu away without warning, his hand slipping out of yours.

Orihime tilted her head as they walked off. "I wonder what they are discussing?" Rukia looked unimpressed. "Probably something stupid."

Renji kept his arms around the boys. "So what we were thinking..." He looked at Uryu. "There is no we." Renji ignored him. “Two girls and two boys in one car, and then one boy and one girl in the other.”

“You pulled us aside just to say that, when it was going that way anyway.” Uryu pushed up his glasses and began walking away. “I’ll take the single cart by the way.”

____________________________________________________________

You were led on by the staff, taking an inner seat, while sat Uryu in the outer seat. The ride started rocking slightly, you grabbed onto the bar gripping it too tight. Uryu put his hand over yours, the warmth from his gloved hand making you feel instantly better.

The higher the ride got the more anxious you became, trying your best to hide it from Uryu who caught on to it immediately. Soon you guys were halfway to the top. 

Your chest began to heave in and out, and your mind started to spin as it came to a stop again. If it wasn’t for your fear of heights it would have been a site to behold. The park looked gorgeous in the evening light.

It was then you felt something warm on your cheek, it being Uryu’s hand for the second time that night. He turned your face so that you were facing him. “I know it’s obvious, but it’s best not to look down, and if you do try not to think of falling…which I know is hard but….” He trailed off.

“So, the best way to get through this is to only look at you.” Uryu cleared his throat while his checks turned a faint pink. “No-ot necessarily you could look anywhere in the basket. Just not out the window.” He stuttered.

“I think looking at you is better.” You said casually. “Your just gonna stare at me the whole ride?” Uryu shifted awkwardly. “Not in silence though.”

“I doubt that.” He said glancing elsewhere. You looked down searching your brain for something to say, suddenly focusing back on his eyes. Tilting your head slightly, “Yah know, your eyes are pretty.”

All Uryu wanted was to curl up into a ball and disappear when you said that, yet he stayed calm, although his red face and ears told a different story.

“There’s no need to say all that.” He kicked himself for that response. “Is it cause you already know?” You continued the conversation. “I mean…I don’t think about my looks all that much.”

“Mm. That sucks cause your not that bad looking.” He raised an eyebrow, he knew he had looks somewhat. But he never entertained the idea of someone being attracted to him, especially you.

“You find me attractive?” He blurted out and you froze. Did you? He did look handsome in the outfit he came in today. But if you were being honest that was every day, he always knew how to dress so well. It also didn’t help how attentive he was to you in battle and real life. And you weren't lying when you said his eyes were pretty. You always thought that even as a teen. 

You looked back at him, his face red but serious. “Does this mean you're asking me out?” It was the first thing that came to your jumbled up brain. Uryu’s facial expression changed. “I was just asking a general question. I didn't mean for it to come off like that.”

The way not only his expression changed, but the every changing pitch in his voice had you thinking other wise.

“Your such a lair.”

“I don’t see how that was a lie.” He moved his hand from your cheek, the cold hit your cheek feeling unpleasant. “I do find you attractive, happy?” Without any warning you put both hands on each side of his cheeks.

You don't know what came over you. Maybe it was because you two were alone? Maybe it was because of the conversation you were having but you inched closer and closer to his lips, his eyelids slightly closing as you did. It didn’t take long for your lips to find his. Pulling away only after a few seconds.

What you didn’t expect was for Uryu to put his hand behind your neck and pull you in for a longer and deeper kiss. He pulled away after a few seconds leaving you painting, while he was stable. What kind of breath control does he have you wondered.

After a few moments of sitting in silence and staring at each other, the cart started moving as if on cue.

“I wasn't asking you to be fair, but I do wonder if we can we hang out alone more like this.”

"I wouldn't mind." 

That was all you said as the car came to a stop.

[titus-androgynous-87]

I am baffled that this fucking crusty ass rat lookin white boy named fucking WILDER isn’t the worst one on Couple to Throuple

I hated him the moment I laid eyes on him. I hated his fucking rat face. I hated his bottle blonde mullet. I hated his crusty mustache. And when his partner Corey started talking about him having crossed boundaries before, I -really- hated him

I’m only on episode 6 or 7 I think, and he has actually surprised me. He and their additional partner, Denyse, have been really good about taking things at Corey’s pace. And making sure to reassure Corey that going slow and setting boundaries isn’t ruining their dynamic

Wilder actually said, out loud “You not voicing your concerns WILL ruin the night, because then you’ll be uncomfortable and we won’t know. That’s how boundaries get crossed”

Wilder and Corey are also the only couple who have stuck with the same partner through the entire process. All the other couples have swapped at least once. Which is fine, and the point of the show. But it feels really superficial and gross when the couples talk about their temporary partners like they are objects for their pleasure and convenience.

Wilder and Corey at least seem to understand that polyamory goes beyond the physical. Though I do giggle because it seems like Denyse is way more into Corey than Wilder. And Corey is way more into Denyse. And Wilder seems content being their third wheel

Real “this is my girlfriend, Corey, and her girlfriend, Denyse” energy. But they seem to understand that polyamorous relationships, especially closed triads like this, don’t have to be 100% equitable all the time. People are naturally going to have deeper connections with some folks and not others. Doesn’t mean they don’t all care for one another. Nobody can post anything on SM until after the reunion, which is understandable. But I’d be interested to know if they’re still a triad (closed or open) or if they’ve all gone their separate ways

I’m really just here for Maximo and Ash at this point, because they’re the queer energy this show needs. And you could instantly see how relaxed the singles were around both of them

Both are non-binary, pan, and have experience with polyamory, though individually and not as a couple (which is how I think this show should have been structured to begin with)

They’re messy and silly and a touch toxic, but who isn’t on this show?

The ones I -really- fucking despise are the swinger couple looking to just have threesomes

Fucking humiliating their additional partners for not wanting to immediately get physically intimate, let alone fuck, within the first hour of meeting. Treating additional partners like playthings to be shelved when they’re bored and picked back up at their convenience. Mocking additional partners for setting boundaries and voicing concerns. Mocking additional partners for having feelings and thoughts and hopes and dreams. The, frankly, disgusting dynamic of centering Dylan as the UltraSigmaAlphaBro with two women hanging off him. I hope his dick falls off from all the steroids. And his wife Lauren is no better

They never should have been cast

Ashmal and Rehman are MESSY. And totally using their partner Johnathan to triangulate their pre-existing issues. These two need locked in a room until they actually discuss their issues

Ashmal has never taken Rehman to meet his family. Hasn’t spoken with his family about Rehman, nothing. And they keep bringing thirds in to ignore the real problems

Messy, under the covers handjobs don’t solve rifts in your relationship, yall. A two legged table cannot stand

And I have no fucking clue why Brittne and Sean are here. They don’t seem into each other, let alone an additional partner. They’re constantly running away from criticisms and difficult discussions. They ignore their partners and shut down their concerns. Brittne made it absolutely clear she is to be the queen bee of the group, to be catered to

Which isn’t how a healthy duo works. Let alone a triad

Idk this show has a LOT of flaws. But if they do a second season, I think the singles should have all the agency and focus, not the couples. Gimme a group of like 15 poly/pan/fluid folks and let me watch them form their own polycules

Because if I have to listen to another straight man giggle about threesomes, I’m gonna go into my back yard and eat dirt until the rage stops

I really wish Becca, one of the more prominent singles, had warned the rest of the group about Dylan and Lauren just looking to be swingers. That would have added so much more interest for me

Like how are the singles going to approach them about their toxic and gross behavior? Will the couple grow and learn and change when confronted with this? (No but we’d have fun watching them flounder and cry that no one wants to fuck them, let alone go home with them)

[heaven-s-black-box]

Notes- Teyvat Academy Anemo boys

Return to File

Recovery date: September 25th, 2024

Description: right third one for tdy ;-; so the anemo boys in tevyat adacamy!! basically its js high school with the genshin characters and if u could i'd rlly want all of the characters or js the anemo boys r fine :D tysmm

-⭐️ anon

Notes: This work was recovered in conjunction with researcher ⭐️, we thank them for their contributions. I'm starting with the anemo boys, but I'll probably go through and do more characters later. I also hope you don't mind that not everyone is a student.

Back to directory

Aether

Third years who just transferred in, how unlucky to change schools in their last year

Runs morning announcements with his sister Lumine

Somehow becomes his class president, seriously he just got here

His vice-president is Wanderer and at first he’s confused as to why

But then he gets to know him and realizes that he isn’t so bad

Has a problem with Ajax, another third year, solely because their first interaction was Ajax trying to pick a fight

Chief editor of the school newspaper, his sister is the Chief writer

They’re really good at recording stories and reporting them

Really popular with the student body, he’s just great at listening and giving  advice

Also really involved in other clubs events, the knitting club had a little workshop once and he made a hat that he gave to Albedo for his sister

Albedo had wanted to go but the art club had a field trip to a limited exhibit and as the president he had to go

For the school festival his class did a drama production with Aether as the prince looking for his sister

Lumine was busy with her class’ event though, so the play ended with him still on his journey but with a lot of new friends

He did manage to convince her to wear an exclamation mark above her head all day, and people could get a stamp from her to spin a wheel for a prize

Worst subjects are geography and math, best subject is history

Group projects with him are really easy, his work is always done first

Venti

The music teacher but he constantly gets mistaken for a student

Used to be a traveling musician but had kind of a Koro-sensei situation with the nameless bard

Controls the morning announcement music, the first month it’s always his music

After band auditions he has the students record for the announcements

Regularly pranks the other staff, once changed Mr.Zhongli’s desktop to a picture of [Venti]

Zhongli is too tech illiterate to change it back himself, Nahida has to help

Genuinely adores his students and is always happy to help/give advice

Actually helps run the Miss Hina advice column with Gorou since he needed and staff supervisor

Venti has no favorite student(s), he thinks they’re all amazing in their own ways and says so every graduation

It feels genuine every time because it is

Xiao

A student teacher, baffling I know

Why is this man in teaching, he seems to hate everyone

Once, his friends picked him up after school because they were going to a concert

Everyone was scared of the supposed biker gang parked out front

Then Xiao came out and started talking to them, he came back around a minute later on his bike

It was, of course, the Yaksha all dining jackets made by Menogias

He gets bombarded by questions the next day

Intimidating aura but he wants to be there for his students like his teachers were for him

It’s no surprise he was a troubled youth, it’s one of the first things you might guess about him, but you’ll remember not to judge a book by its cover once you speak with him

Also he plays the flute

Sometimes you can pass by one of the music practice rooms at lunch and here him playing, sometimes with Venti

He’s shadowing Mr. Venti because he wants to be a music teacher, though he’s also really good with history

Kazuha

Third year, so his last year

Not part of band, but sometimes he joins as a guest

He was a part of band for the first two years, but his friend died over the summer and he just can’t commit to it right now

Childhood friends with Wanderer, though they’ve only recently reconnected because Kazuha gets why Wanderer shut him out in the first place

He hangs out with the gym teacher Beidou, she encourages him to stop by the judo club

She understands he doesn’t want a club commitment right now, but she thinks he needs something to keep him busy

He stops by Friday practices after school

Almost became Lumine’s vice-president for their class but lost out to Gorou

Gorou wasn’t going to run, but he didn’t want Kazuha to have to back out of the position and get asked questions

Has lunch in one of the stairwells with Gorou, Kokomi, Ayato, and Ayaka

When they’re busy with club stuff he’ll wither sit in the music room or in Beidou’s office, depending on if there’s band practice or not

A very good student and absolutely someone you want in your group

Doesn’t have a worst subject but his best subject is language

Heizou

A second year

He’s president of a detective club, they talk about crime shows, podcasts, and novels

Also a bit of a prankster and very hard to catch

Like if you don’t watch him do it you won’t be able to get him in trouble

His co-president Sara Kujo hates this

Wants to be a detective because his childhood friend was killed in an unsolved crime

Last year his club ran a murder mystery scavenger hunt for the school festival

He has been asked no less than 20 times if they’re doing it again this year

His club supervisor is Mr. Neuvillette, he teaches the laws of Teyvat class

He is also not happy with Heizou’s pranks, the the drama teacher Ms. Furina finds them hilarious

Ms. Furina cast him as the detective in this years play, the first years were annoyed that there were no auditions but once they realized he was basically a real life detective they were on board

Speaking of being a real life detective, if you lose something ask him

There is literally a column in the school paper to report lost objects

It’s usually returned within 2 days

Science is his worst subject but he’s still really good at it

Group projects with him are terrifying because he doesn’t finish it until the day before, but he does always get it done

Best subject is literature, really good at analysis

Wanderer

A third year, is often mistaken as a first year

Attends with his sister Raiden who’s a second year

His mother, Ei, is a teacher

First years, including when he was a first year, always avoid him because he looks like a delinquent

He liked that fear because it meant no one would bother him

Ei was worried though, he never really got over the death of his best friend when he was younger

Childhood friends with Kazuha, Kazuha’s grandpa was their neighbor so they were close

Niwa, Kazuha’s grandpa, died around the same time as Wanderer’s first friend whom he’d met at daycare

And he never really coped with it, at first he was really clingy with Kazuha and then he seemed to want nothing to do with him

They’re starting to rekindle their friendship now, Kazuha actually gets him now, as grim as that sounds

Part of the debate club because Nahida, the history and technology teacher, thought his essays were always amazingly persuasive

He joined at first because it let him call people idiots without getting in trouble, eventually he realized he actually enjoyed it

Got into detention once with Ajax because he punched him, to be far Ajax did say “fight me”

The start of a begrudged friendship

Worst subject is gym because he doesn't really try, he only puts in enough effort to not fail

His second worst subject is bio, and his best subject is history

His group work skills are 50/50, on one hand he will not communicate unless something is really wrong but on the other he finishes his work quickly and neatly

[buriedalienfma]

This week saw the release of episode 5 of 'My Adventures with Superman', and as usual I wanted to share my thoughts on it. I feel like the writing in this episode was a lot stronger than the previous episodes, and a couple of things that I nitpicked in those episodes have been improved this time around. The show is slowly starting to build on the plot threads that its been setting up, and that made this episode very exciting to watch.

And with the obligatory spoiler warning, here's my thoughts on Episode 5:

- It's nice that this episode places a little bit more focus on Jimmy Olsen and how he feels like a bit of a third wheel in the main trio. It makes it seem like the lack of focus on him in the previous episodes was intentional. Jimmy being a conspiracy nut is a funny take on the character, but I have to point out that some of things that Jimmy talks about as part of his conspiracies - the existence of Atlantis, the psychic Starfish, etc - are all things that are well established in the DC Comics. This gives me even more hope that this show will take inspiration from the Silver Age Jimmy Olsen comics or the 2019 Jimmy Olsen series by Matt Fraction.

- The dynamic between Steve and Jimmy was pretty entertaining and I like that Steve actually had some insights on the friendship dynamic between the main trio.

- The show follows up on the cliffhanger from the previous episode with Lois trying to prove that Clark Kent is Superman. That's such a classic Superman plot point and I love it. There's some funny gags here, like Clark constantly rushing off everytime he hears a crime on the radio, only for the radio to report on Superman taking care of the situation.

- I also like that Clark is invested in trying to trace the connection between the villains from the previous episodes and the stolen tech that they were using. That's yet another plot point that's followed up on from previous episodes, and that helps to make the writing of this episode feel stronger.

- Through a convoluted series of events, Superman and Lois eventually discover that the villains that they've been fighting in the previous episodes have been kidnapped by a third group of people. That group consists of Slade Wilson, Amanda Waller and a third unknown man who seems to have a grudge against Superman for unknown reasons. Some people have speculated that this man could be Sam Lane, Lois Lane's father. And honestly, I hope that's true. You can get so much drama and interesting stories out of Lois's father being one of Superman's antagonists.

- Slade Wilson and his gang get into a skirmish with Superman and they go all out in trying to capture him. The fight scene in this episode feels a lot more visceral and exciting compared to the previous episodes. It just feels more fast paced, there's more than one enemy involved and Superman is constantly kept on his toes while still getting beat up. I also like that Superman is on the losing end for much of the fight until civilians are put in harms way, at which point he stops pulling his punches and turns the tables. I've said it before, but this show totally gets Superman and what he's all about. He's not just a guy who only exists to punch supervillains. He genuinely wants to help and protect others.

- During the fight scene, Slade Wilson states that they're the good guys while the third unknown man stops the fight when civilians are put in danger. It's clear to me that these antagonists are a part of Task Force X, a morally grey Government organization from the comics. This show hints that the organization has some connection to Clark's past and that the third man might have some personal history with Superman ? We'll have to see where that plot point goes.

- And finally, the biggest plot point in this episode - Lois finds out that Clark is Superman. To be honest, I was hoping that the show might hold off on Lois finding out the secret until later on, but this works for me too. The relationship between the two can be developed a lot more once you get that out of the way. But now that the secrets out, there's a lot more tension between Clark and Lois and they have a bit of a falling out. In fact that's the main theme of this episode which had two main plot threads. The "A" plot focused on the rising conflict between Clark and Lois and while the "B" plot that focused on Jimmy didn't appear to be connected to the "A" plot, there's still a thematic connection with Jimmy starting to resent Clark and Lois for not being there for him which leads to all three members of the trio having a falling out with each other. I like that there's some tension in this group. You can't just have the relationships be wholesome forever, and the group could feel even stronger when they eventually sort out the tension that they have with each other. This is especially true when it comes to the romance between Lois and Clark. It's at its best when the characters have some drama to work through. Hell, that's the premise of one of my favorite short Superman stories, "Glasses" by Jeff Loveness and Tom Grummett. I'm very excited for how the future episodes will deal with this conflict.

So that's episode 5. It's a great episode and an improvement over the previous episodes. I can only hope that the show will continue to improve even more and I can't wait for more episodes. 

[ninadove]

Lukadrinette and Clemmy for the ship ask game !!!!

THANK YOU HEHE 💖

Lukadrinette ✅

1. What made you ship it?

Honestly? Migration! Pretty late to the party, I know. As someone who loves unconditional and overpowering devotion (romantic or platonic) between two characters, I don’t have many poly ships in general, and Wishmaker left a bad taste in my mouth. I did not want my boy Luka to constantly be the Love Square’s third wheel.

In that sense, Migration did the exact opposite of Perfection and Protection, which crushed the remnants of my interest in Adrigaminette beyond repair. It started off on the wrong (but admittedly hilarious) foot with the therapy session, and yet somehow by the end I could see Luka taking great care of these two idiots and being cared for in return. As far as I’m concerned, all three of them are in a long distance relationship by the end of the episode.

2. What are your favorite things about the ship?

Lukadrien

Seriously though. I think @paracosmicat said it best when they called Luka the Love Square’s grounding force. They need his quiet strength and kindness to not explode the fucking moon.

3. Is there an unpopular opinion you have on your ship?

Okay okay. Do not stab me.

… I think Lukadrinette could have been pretty toxic in S4, given the dynamics between the characters then, but that it is leagues healthier than Adrigaminette as of S5.

And yeah, I’m biased, obviously. It doesn’t change the fact that I am absolutely right.

NOW THAT I’VE BEEN CONTROVERSIAL ON MAIN. Let’s move on to my obscure ship, my beloved rarepair, the OTP amongst my OTPs.

CLEMMY ✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅✅

1. What made you ship it?

The actual origin story is that I joined a Layton roleplay group wayyy back then, and picked up where their former Clive had left off. Keep in mind, I was just about to turn 14, which means Azran Legacy wasn’t even out yet.

AND THEN IT WAS. AND IT MADE EVERYTHING A BILLION TIMES BETTER.

2. What are your favorite things about the ship?

I absolutely love the parallels and contrasts between Clive and Emmy. Both are twist antagonists, both are redeemable, both deeply care for Hershel despite having betrayed him. One is a manipulator, while the other has been used her entire life. Most importantly, one accepted the consequences of his actions, while the other ran away.

There’s just so much potential here, and the fandom has been sleeping on it for over a decade.

LIKE

AS MUCH AS I COMPLAIN ABOUT THE LACK OF FELIGAMI AND SENTICOUSINS CONTENT, THERE ARE 10+ TIMES MORE WORKS FOR THEM THAN FOR CLEMMY. I WROTE TWO OF THESE. I AM DYING SQUIRTLE.

Get on it, people. I’m saying that in your own interest. The Clemmy agenda will prevail anyway — you want to be on the right side of history when it does.

3. Is there an unpopular opinion you have on your ship?

Clive is bi, but doesn’t know it because he is also demi and as such did not have any crushes before meeting his future wife.

Emmy is pan. For some reason, non-lesbian Emmy seems to piss off fans beyond belief, even though there are no canon elements to hint either way. As a lesbian myself, I am perplexed.

Ask game here! 💙💛

[rinneverse]

ㅤ.ೃ࿐ 𝐎𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐄'𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐒 ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

ʚɞ ⁺˖ ⸝⸝ yeah, i'm indulging myself. idc if not a single person cares because I CARE!!! here are all my selfships in no particular order, hehe

જ⁀➴ 𝒐𝒂𝒌𝒇𝒖𝒚𝒖 ₊˚ෆ

— oak x chifuyu matsuno

highschool sweethearts, fleeting kisses and passing notes, lipstick stains and oversized hoodies, cuddling by the fire and sharing a hot cocoa, pressed flowers and polaroids, co-parenting a whole zoo of animals together, learning basic first-aid in a panic when chifuyu comes home beaten and bruised after gang activities...

જ⁀➴ 𝒐𝒂𝒌𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒅𝒆 ₊˚ෆ

— oak x bladie

partners in crime, bandaging eachother's wounds, "i would die for you" taken very literally, grumpy x sunshine, two wrongs will sometimes make a right, pestering blade so much he can't help but fall in love, somehow a wolf and bunny fall for eachother and make it work, she falls first but he falls harder

જ⁀➴ 𝒉𝒂𝒋𝒊𝒐𝒂𝒌 ₊˚ෆ

— oak x iwaizumi hajime

childhood friends to lovers, princess treatment, brother’s best friend, home cooked dinners and staying in to watch a movie as a date, morning kisses and sleeping in on the weekends, those pushups where every time you go down, you get to give your partner a kiss; going to the gym together and pushing eachother to be better

જ⁀➴ 𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒌 ₊˚ෆ

— oak x suna rintaro

couples who talk shit together stay together, team manager!oak x pro player suna :>, expensive gifts and glittering necklaces, an anklet with his initials, cheering for him at games and getting dicked down in the locker rooms after, being private but not secret on social media

જ⁀➴ 𝒐𝒂𝒌𝒋𝒂𝒙 ₊˚ෆ

— oak x tartaglia

looks like could kill u, is actually a cinnamon roll x looks like a cinnamon roll, could actually kill u; found family, a princess and her bodyguard, he would genuinely kill for me i'm not even kidding, dumb and dumber, stupid idiots pining to stupid idiots in love, scary dog privilege galore

જ⁀➴ 𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒂𝒌 ₊˚ෆ

— oak x alhaitham

getting put on a research project together and reluctantly becoming friends, forced proximity, eventually falling in love when i realize hey.. this guy really isn't so bad (maybe just a little bit haughty, but when you're alhaitham it's a little bit deserved to be that way), reading books together by the fire, always getting third-wheeled by kaveh, alhaitham is emotionally constipated but with me, he slowly learns that opening up is okay.

જ⁀➴ 𝒔𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒌 ₊˚ෆ

— oak x scaramouche

i hate everyone but you, enemies/rivals to lovers, we may be broken but we are still capable of love, healing together, late night study dates and far too many coffees, being haters together, dumbass used as a term of endearment, very intense fights and even more intense love, two freaks who don't know how to handle their emotions learn how to do so together

જ⁀➴𝒐𝒂𝒌𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒆 ₊˚ෆ

— oak x aventurine

two lost and weary souls finding a home in eachother, holding aven and comforting eachother through our nightmares, making bets on silly little things (and lets be real: i lose, majority of the time), luxurious gifts and constantly being spoiled with extravagant dates, beating the shit out of him constantly for gambling his life and having no regard for his self-preservation (but not telling him i was worried because my pride. he knows, though).

જ⁀➴ 𝒐𝒂𝒌𝒌𝒐𝒕𝒔𝒖 ₊˚ෆ

— oak x yuta okkotsu

two bumbling flustered idiots in love, everyone around us knows we like eachother EXCEPT for us, i'm so serious the entire friend group has to shove us together for us to realize, being eachother's first (and last) everything, cafe dates and sharing the sweetest of desserts, constantly gossiping together

જ⁀➴ 𝒐𝒂𝒌𝒊 ₊˚ෆ

— oak x aki hayakawa

princess treatment galore, long late night drives together, being taken care of after years of being the caretaker (and it goes both ways), aquarium dates and shark plushies, lounging on the balcony of his apartment and smoking together, being a happy little hayakawa family because nothing bad ever happens in chainsaw man. trust.

જ⁀➴ 𝒐𝒂𝒌𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒍 ₊˚ෆ

— oak x boothill

this is truly my good girl x bad boy fantasy im so serious, shy girl x boldest boyfriend in the west, boothill teaches me how to shoot, more tba im tipsy rn but i wanted him in here NEOOWW

જ⁀➴ 𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒂𝒌 ₊˚ෆ

— dr. ratio x oak x aventurine

arguably my most selfish selfship yet, but that’s the name of the game baby!, once again princess treatment galore, stay-at-home dates and (reluctant, on ratio's end) cuddle piles, aventurine lowkey becomes a sugar daddy basically, babysitter x dumb x even dumber, being their trophy girlfriend is a full time job (but i wouldn’t have it any other way), late night deep talks nestled together, reading in bed with ratio while aventurine yaps away about his schemes

જ⁀➴ other selfships i haven't crafted paragraphs for yet... ₊˚ෆ

— will i one day? who knows...

oakdei (mydei). sunoak (sunday). oakji. (kaji ren). winteroak (bucky barnes). oakkei (tsukishima kei.) wrioak (wriothesley). rinoak (itoshi rin). thinking abt a potential nagireoak.... heh.

there's so many. i'm not sorry. i luv being big and greedy <3.

[bridgertonbabe]

I can just see the two years of Sophie being at school without Benedict in the Meet me at Midnight AU poor Ember is knackered from sending owls along with Benedict’s constantly and him sending her flowers and treats weekly as she gets through the week and rewards for her amazing marks

Colin trying to point out other guys for Sophie and Mike and Phillip being all “dude… Cavender really? Never gonna work.” And Mike already claiming godfather dibs on their babies and asking to officiate their wedding and Colin just wanting to cry at the talk

And then Benedict turning up on Hogsmede weekends

Colin finally coming to his senses and finally realising that they’re clearly made for one another, but I can see it being something like a freak accident in Potions or something (Colin accidentally putting the entirely wrong ingredient into the potion and it blowing up on Sophie or someone deliberately trying to compromise her NEWT project) and shes rushed to either the hospital wing or it’s so bad she’s took to St Mungos (cause we know I love a bit of angst) and Benedict turning up, having been in the middle of painting completely frantic and heartbroken at it all and Colin finally getting it…

And actually it being Colin who asks Benedict if he wants to come on their interrailling tour because he doesn’t want Sophie to be sad and away from him for too long

Colin had been really looking forward to starting their sixth year of Hogwarts, specifically because with his older brother now graduated he no longer had to endure Sophie and him being besottedly lovey-dovey 24/7 as they had been throughout the second half of fifth year and all summer long. At long last there would be semblance of the Awesome Foursome as they used to be before Sophie and Benedict got together, and Colin hoped thinks would revert to normal.

However Benedict still continued to annoy his brother without being physically present as every single damn morning Sophie would stop listening to whatever Colin was saying as soon as Clement had swooped in or Ember had crash-landed with a letter in tow from her boyfriend. Eagerly she'd open it then and there and turn all heart-eyed as she read through his correspondence, which caused Colin to roll his eyes because what could they possibly have to write about to each other every single bloody day? And it wasn't just letters; Benedict would also send her packages containing treats every Friday as well as photos and small paintings he had done just for her.

As annoying as the couple was, Colin thought he at least had until Christmas before he'd have to suffer the ordeal of playing third-wheel to them back at home; but much to his chagrin on the first Hogsmeade weekend of sixth year he came to an abrupt halt as soon as he laid eyes on Benedict when the gang entered The Three Broomsticks Inn. Sophie had squealed in delight from her boyfriend's unexpected appearance and had jumped into his arms before they grabbed a table and Benedict bought them a round of butterbeer. Colin simply couldn't believe that his brother would go so far as to encroach on their Hogsmeade weekend just to spend time with Sophie, and spent the rest of the day grumbling under his breath in a sulk, which the rest of the group paid no mind to as they enjoyed their trip in the local town. For the rest of the year Benedict met them on every Hogsmeade trip and while he would happily hang out with them as a group, for a couple of hours at least he and Sophie would break off by themselves to spend some time alone, something which Phillip and Michael (like the absolute traitors they were) affably encouraged them to do.

Sophie and Benedict were still going from strength to strength heading into seventh year and while Colin had at this point become accustomed to the fact that they were very much an item, it didn't mean his exasperation caused by their relationship had eased any further. Fortunately for Colin, on the first Hogsmeade weekend of the new school year Benedict was away, and so the friendship group remained in tact without any hangers-on and it felt nice to have Sophie's undivided attention within the group again after so long. However, it didn't go unnoticed by other students that Sophie's boyfriend hadn't made it to their regular Hogsmeade meet up as he had done for the previous year.

"Oi, Bridgerton." Cavender sidled up to Colin just as they had left Charms. "Is it true Sophie and your brother are on the rocks?"

"What?" Colin asked, not having anticipated the line of questioning.

"Well he was a no-show at the weekend, wasn't he? So it's got people talking that they've broken up, and on top of that apparently he's stopped sending her letters; so have they?"

Colin opened his mouth to clarify that the reason behind Benedict's absence was because his brother had gone abroad with Henry and Wetherby to visit several European art galleries, and as a result his correspondence with Sophie had been reduced to every third day compared to their daily back and forth.

"I'm not sure." were the words that ended up leaving Colin's mouth instead. "It's between them." he shrugged and tried to ignore the growing feeling of unease forming in his stomach due to his fibbing. "Why'd you ask?"

"Well if she's been dumped then I'd be the first in line to offer her a shoulder to cry on." Cavender smirked darkly. "So if you're saying there's a chance,"

"Look, I wouldn't know." Colin interjected. "He's my brother and she's my best friend so I just stay out of it."

"No, I get you." Cavender winked at him before giving him a pat on the back and sauntering off.

Colin decided to shake off the gnawing in his stomach that he had just done something wrong, and instead opted to think that the conversation was perfectly harmless and wouldn't lead to any far-reaching consequences further down the line. And everything seemed that way until several days later when during break time in the courtyard where he was hanging out with Phillip and Michael, Sophie stormed up to him with a furrowed look of consternation across her face.

"Why did you tell Cavender that Ben dumped me?" she asked point-blankly in lieu of any greeting.

Phillip and Michael whipped their heads to Colin as disbelief contorted their expressions.

"I didn't tell him that!" Colin spluttered, since those words had never actually left his mouth.

"Well then why did he have that impression after talking to you?"

"I... I don't know." Colin swallowed, even though he knew exactly the reason why.

"Really? So you didn't give him the go ahead to hit on me and offer to show me a good time?!"

"Colin, what the fuck?!" Phillip swore as Michael closed his eyes and shook his head exasperatedly.

"I never fucking said any of that!" Colin argued, frustrated by whatever yarn Cavender had spun to Sophie.

"Well why did you let him think he could?" Sophie exclaimed.

"Look, he was just asking if you were single because he was interested-"

"And did you put him right?" Sophie interrupted. "Did you tell him that I'm in a loving relationship with your brother, or did that slip your mind somehow?"

"Sophie, I didn't encourage him!" Colin insisted - ignoring the fact that he did nothing to discourage his peer either. "But is it so wrong for someone else to show interest in you?"

He wasn't too surprised by the bewildered expression of fury pulling on Sophie's face in response to his question.

"I have a boyfriend!" she stated.

"Exactly, and he's all you've ever known." Colin replied. "All this time you've had tunnel vision for Ben and Ben alone and you've never thought to look around and consider anyone else, that there might be others out there who like you just as much or maybe even more than Ben and you're missing out."

Sophie stared at him like his head had just shrunk to the size of a pygmy puff. She glanced to both Michael and Phillip before staring incredulously at Colin once more.

"I'm in love with your brother, Colin! Why the hell would you want me to be considering anyone else?!"

"Oh so you think Ben's back home holed up in his room pining after you hour after hour? You think he isn't going out with Anthony or his mates and checking out other girls, being tempted by other girls, having fun with other girls as he waits for you to graduate school? Because if you think he isn't then you're far more naive than I thought you were. So excuse me for trying to help you realise that there's plenty of other fish in the sea for when Ben outgrows you and ends things!"

Sophie stared at her best friend, her mouth open ajar and her eyes glistening with upset from what he had just thrown back at her. Colin maintained her gaze, if only to ignore the daggers Phillip and Michael were glaring into him in his periphery. He was expecting a rebuttal, for Sophie to scream something back at him; but instead she shook her head miserably, turned on her feet, and marched off. Phillip glared at him and strode straight after her, catching up to her in seconds as they went back inside.

Colin wasn't shocked when he received a smack around the head a second later.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?!" Michael growled at him. "Why would you say any of that to her?"

"I'm just preparing her-"

"Preparing her for what?! When has your brother shown anything other than utter love and devotion to her?"

"They're too young to be this settled-"

"Oh what, you mean like Anthony and Kate? You mean like your parents were?" Michael retorted. "Face it, this has nothing to do with you looking out for Sophie's best interests! This is just you being a massive fucking prick for no good reason!"

Michael began to storm off too before turning on his heel to face Colin again.

"And Cavender? Really? Of all people to stand back for and let them have a shot with her, that's who you gave the go ahead to? You really are a fucking idiot." Michael swore before kissing his teeth and shooting Colin a dirty glare before stalking off.

For the remainder of the term Colin had to lie in the bed he had made for himself as only Michael maintained his companionship (and Colin was sure that was only reluctantly since they shared a dormitory and sat together in most of their classes). Sophie went out of her way to avoid him at every single turn and Phillip aligned himself with her while making it clear to Colin he wasn't going to forgive him until Sophie had, judging by the stony-face he was always met with from him whenever he looked over in their direction.

Back at Aubrey Hollow for Christmas, Colin had anticipated some sort of showdown, having expected Sophie to tell all to Benedict about their falling out but much to his surprise his brother seemed puzzled by the recent division between the pair. Colin had thought he and Sophie would have to talk eventually since they would share his bedroom like they always had, but instead his parents had allowed Sophie to share Benedict's bed now that she was eighteen. It meant that there was little to no crossover between them over the course of the festive break and even if she wasn't with Benedict, Sophie surrounded herself with the rest of his family to keep Colin at arm's length. It was just as Colin was starting to think their friendship was beyond repair that there was a knock at his bedroom door and in walked Benedict and Sophie hand in hand, though the latter didn't look quite so thrilled to be there.

"Okay look," Benedict started with a sigh, giving Sophie's hand a squeeze as he looked to his brother, "I don't know what on earth has happened between you two since you both refuse to talk about it, but this can't go on. I know how much you mean to each other, you've been best friends all this time and I'd hate to see you fall out over... well, whatever it is you've fallen out over, okay? So, I'm going to leave you to talk things out and I just hope that you can make amends. Really, I hate seeing you both like this and I just don't see what could have gotten between you for this to even happen in the first place."

With one last squeeze of Sophie's hand and giving her a quick peck on the cheek, Benedict gave an imperative nod to his brother before exiting the room and closing the door after him. Silence hung between the two friends, with Colin sat on his bed while Sophie hovered in the middle of his bedroom with her arms crossed, both of them equally uncomfortable as the other.

"You didn't tell him anything?" Colin broke the pained silence.

"As much as I can't bear to be around you, I didn't want to see Ben beat you up or duel you for what you said." she replied.

He nodded, appreciative that in spite of her disdain for him that she still considered him enough to not want to set Benedict on him and upset the relationship between the brothers.

"I know you clearly don't like me and Ben being together, and I know we irritate you... but I never thought you were cruel enough to say the things you did. That you thought I was punching above my weight with Ben-"

"No, no, no, no, no!" Colin jumped to his feet, immediately concerned by Sophie's croaking voice. "Sophie, I never thought for a second you were punching with him, that's not what I think."

"Then why did you say-"

"Because I'm the world's biggest arsehole! Everything I said was just me being hurtful and pathetic for no other reason than... I don't even know why. Sophie, I really am so sorry for upsetting you and saying a bunch of things that had no weight behind them. You're right, I was cruel and I was not just a lousy friend but a lousy brother for painting Ben out to be like that just to be a dick. I don't expect you to forgive me and honestly I wouldn't blame you if you never did, but I miss our friendship so much. Ben's right, you mean so much to me and I hate not being friends with you. I just want to make things right between us again-"

He stopped short when Sophie threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly, an embrace he immediately latched onto and hugged her back in equal measure, relieved by the physical show of forgiveness even if he didn't think he quite deserved it.

"I've really missed you too." she told him. "And I'm sorry for upsetting you-"

"Nothing you've ever done has upset me." he assured her. "I'm entirely at fault here, Soph. I'm just... I'm just a stupid piece of shit, really. And don't try to say I'm not."

"Well okay, if you insist." she exhaled with amusement into his shoulder and Colin was just relieved to have his best friend back and to be able to make laugh again.

Once they had returned to Hogwarts the Awesome Foursome were reunited once more, with Michael and Phillip both willing to move past the fallout now that Colin had Sophie's forgiveness, and the reunion arrived just in time as preparation for their NEWTs kicked off. Together they studied and revised and kept each other sane, though Sophie seemed noticeably distressed more than usual ahead of the exams, but that was understandable with the pressure weighing down on them all more than ever to do well.

A welcome break for the gang was Quidditch, with Colin and Michael as Hufflepuff beaters, and Sophie and Phillip as substitute Ravenclaw seeker and keeper respectively. While Colin and Michael helped their house romp to victory in their second game of the school year against Gryffindor, Sophie and Phillip were called up as last minute substitutes ahead of Ravenclaw's match against Slytherin.

When he wasn't playing for Hufflepuff, Colin was one of the student commentators and so his voice was echoing around the Quidditch pitch during the Ravenclaw versus Slytherin game, barely trying to conceal his bias for the former team with two of his best friends playing on it (regardless of his two younger sisters playing for the opposing team). Slytherin were being thrashed by the competition, with little to no chance of ever defying the odds, and their fate was all but sealed as soon as the snitch appeared and Sophie sped off to claim victory for her team. Colin boastfully narrated his friend weaving her way through the stands in her chase of the fluttering golden ball, watching her intently as she reached out to catch the snitch - but then in flew Cavender.

Cavender was one of the Slytherin chasers and yet there was a beater's bat in his hand. It would be understandable if one of his beaters had dropped it and he had managed to catch it for them, or even if he was using it to hit an oncoming bludger headed his way; but there were no bludgers at his end of the pitch. Instead he was soaring towards Sophie armed with a bat, his face red with a demonic grin; and while aiming for her, he swung.

Despite being on the opposite side of the oval pitch, Colin heard the crack as loud and clear as if he was right next to it. Gasps went up all around the pitch and across the stands and everyone watched as Sophie dropped instantly from her broom, falling like a ragdoll towards the earth below her. Someone's yelling was sounding all around, but Colin was too hysterical to realise that it was coming from him crying out into the microphone as he watched his best friend plummeting through the air - until Phillip snatched her up in his arms after making a desperate dive for her.

Colin barely even remembered how he got from the commentator's box to the infirmary, it was all a blur; all he could focus on was his best friend lying unconscious in the hospital wing as he clutched her hand. Phillip, still in his keeper's uniform, was clutching her other hand, and Michael was holding her ankle at the end of the bed; all three of them praying for her to wake up soon. Sitting on a free neighbouring bed also shaken up by the events were Colin's three younger sisters as well as Posy and Penelope as they worriedly held vigil for Sophie's health.

He didn't know how long they had been sat waiting there for any news when suddenly the doors to the hospital wing burst open and Benedict stormed in, followed after by his parents and Kate. As soon as Benedict caught sight of Sophie, Colin could see his blanched face pale even more, and Phillip swiftly moved out of the way to allow a frantic Benedict to take his place in holding her hand.

"What on earth happened?" Violet gasped as Edmund stared in horror at Sophie while Kate brought a hand to her mouth.

"A member of the Slytherin team hit her over the head with a beater's bat." Professor Danbury explained.

"By accident?" Edmund swallowed.

"No." Daphne, dressed in her Slytherin Quidditch robes, shook her head right away. "It wasn't an accident."

"He snatched Eloise's bat from her and just took off after Sophie." Posy said.

"Why would someone do this to her? Who could want to hurt her?" Violet shook her head in shock.

"Unfortunately Mr Cavender has been causing problems for quite some time now." Professor Danbury exhaled, and Colin watched the way Benedict kept his teary-eyed gaze focused on Sophie and gently caressed her face. "He's been reprimanded for several years for harassing some of his female peers, and sadly Sophie's been his most recent target."

"What do you mean?" Kate asked.

"Since the start of this term Mr Cavender has been reported for verbally abusing Sophie in the hallways, spreading false rumours about her around school, and making sexually inappropriate comments towards her."

Colin's face fell and he cracked his neck towards the headteacher, stunned by the revelation that Cavender had been targeting Sophie behind his back. Though, when he cast a look at his friends, both Phillip and Michael seemed just as taken aback by the news as he was. How on earth had none of them been aware of what was going on with their own best friend?

"What? If that's the case then why weren't we informed?!" Violet demanded to know, frowning at the headteacher for answers.

"It was other teachers and prefects who reported the harassment to me. Mr Cavender was warned and given punishments on several occasions, and I even called Sophie to my office to let her know we were doing everything we could to put an end to the situation. I told her I'd contact you as her guardians to inform you of what was happening but she begged me not to." Danbury explained. "She insisted she didn't want any fuss and that she didn't want to concern anyone undeservedly. I explained that we needed to let you know regardless but she pleaded with me not to and justified that if the situation was put to rest that nobody needed to be informed. She was so desperate for there not to be any trouble that I relented but I asked her if she was at least confiding in her friends about it, that she at least had people to talk about it with, though now I realise she really was trying to keep it all to herself, the poor thing."

Colin felt a pit burrowing in his stomach, an endless abyss of guilt that Sophie for whatever reason didn't feel comfortable or think it worthwhile to let anyone know about her ordeal by the hands of Cavender - a guy who he had essentially stood back to allow to go after her. When he looked to his brother he saw tears trickling down Benedict's face, utterly devastated that his girlfriend had been suffering in silence without telling anyone.

"Is she going to be okay?" Edmund asked despairingly to the matron as she joined them.

"She will be, though she'll be here for at least a week."

"How bad was it?"

"She suffered a fractured skull and swelling to the brain," Colin hung his head, clasping Sophie's limp hand in between his as he processed the severity of her injuries, "but I've already administered Skele-Gro and given her an elixir to ease the swelling. She'll be in quite a bit of pain when she comes round but I'll keep her medicated until she's fully healed and recovered."

As much as everyone who loved and cared about Sophie wanted to stay, the matron restricted the amount of visitors meaning the majority of them had to leave for the time being. With the matron estimating it would be a few hours at least until Sophie came round, Kate was able to encourage Phillip, Daphne, and Eloise - all still dressed in their Quidditch attire - to go change their clothes and she coaxed Posy, Francesca, Penelope, and Michael to get something to eat as well. As she shepherded them out of the hospital wing, Violet and Edmund followed Danbury to her office, wanting to witness for themselves Cavender's repercussions for his horrendous actions. It meant Colin and Benedict stayed by Sophie's bedside, sitting in forlorn companionable silence as they waited for her to wake up.

Colin kept looking from the state of his best friend, the bandages around her head offsetting the seemingly peaceful tranquility of her slumber, to his brother who was clearly suffering from heartache as he rested his face against the hand of hers he was clutching closely, intermittently pressing his lips against her hand as he willed her on to be okay. The guilt was eating Colin up inside, seeing what Cavender had done to his best friend, and all because he had been an immature brat over Sophie's relationship with his brother.

"I'm sorry." he choked out after they had been sitting there for who knows how long.

"What?" Benedict blinked a few seconds later, so fixated on Sophie that he barely registered his brother's voice.

"I'm sorry. For everything." Colin trembled. "This is all my fault."

"Colin?" Benedict frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"It's my fault she's lying here. That she's got a fractured skull and fricking swelling on the brain."

"Col," Benedict reached out and touched his arm, "this isn't your fault. It's that cretin's; he's the one who attacked her and has been harassing her. This isn't on you."

"He asked me if you two had broken up." Colin blurted out. "Back in October when you were away in Europe and didn't go to Hogsmeade, and I should have just shut him down then and there... but I was a prat, I was so stupid and thoughtless and instead of telling him you were still together I just acted like I didn't know. I never encouraged him to actually go after Sophie but I didn't discourage him either... and now he's done this to her and been harassing her all this time and it's all because of me, because I was petty and jaded for no fucking reason and... I'm the reason she's lying here." he sobbed, hating himself inherently for all the pain he had caused Sophie by giving Cavender and inch and thus letting Cavender take it to a mile.

He had never felt low, so pathetic, like the worst friend in the whole world - and then Benedict reached out and grabbed his hand.

"Colin, listen to me; this is not your fault." he intoned.

"It is-"

"No it's not. Cavender is the scum of the earth. He's the one who's inflicted his harassment on her, he's the one who battered her over the head; that is not on you." he insisted. "I remember him when I was still here and he's always treated girls horribly. I'm surprised he hasn't done something on this scale before to get himself expelled. I even remember when Sophie and I started dating, I caught him eyeballing us on several occasions, but now in retrospect he must have been zeroing in on Sophie. As much as it hurts to think about, I reckon he's had her in his sights for quite some time and was waiting for any opportunity to swoop in. He might have thought if we had broken up then she would have been easy for him." he shuddered.

"But if I hadn't told him I didn't know,"

"No, Col. You could have told him to get lost then and there; but does Cavender seem like the type to take no for an answer? It wouldn't have mattered if you had told him no or told him you didn't know; he was going to go after her no matter what. So please; don't you dare blame yourself for this. He's the only person I blame for this." Benedict swallowed as he sadly looked over to Sophie.

Colin nodded, accepting that Cavender was a nasty piece of work and knowing if the roles were reversed he wouldn't let Benedict or anyone else blame themselves for the awful actions of a reprehensible monster.

"But I am sorry for how I've treated you guys." Colin said, needing to make his apology known while he had the chance. "I have been such a dick towards you two when you didn't deserve it."

Benedict stewed on his brother's apology for a beat, rubbing his thumb against the back of Sophie's hand as he watched her pensively.

"Can I ask why you were so rattled by us being together? Do you think we're not going to work out or is it feeling like a third wheel,"

"I don't even know." Colin shook his head. "I was just shell-shocked when I found out you were together. I just never once thought you two might ever get together or considered anything of the sort, so it just threw me through a loop. I didn't know how to process it. Then I guess there was a bit of jealousy that you stole my best friend from me... but I was just being an immature brat, I know that now. I just clung onto that petty resentment even when everyone else was telling me to get a grip and chill out."

"Well, I am sorry for upsetting you." Benedict said sincerely. "If you felt betrayed we didn't tell you first, or even admit to you that we had feelings for each other before we got together. Maybe it might have been better if we had."

"It might have done... but I honestly think I was just... just being a child about it all." Colin admitted with a sigh. "Because when you two got together we came back to school and the dynamic changed. You two were always together, you were always tagging along with us, and then Phillip started going out with Lucy, and then Michael started dating anyone and everyone; and suddenly we were less of a friendship group doing everything together and everyone was doing what they wanted to do... except me."

"But you've dated people too." Benedict noted.

"Yeah but only because everyone else was so I thought I might as well. But all I wanted to do was hang out just the four of us, like it had always been... I think I was basically too scared of growing up and falling behind, and I think I placed that blame on you and Sophie because if you hadn't got together... I don't know, maybe we'd still be the Awesome Foursome and doing everything as a group, but that was unfair of me to view it like that. And besides, changes are going to happen no matter what, that's life I know... I've just got to deal with it better."

"It's okay, you know. To be scared by change. It's perfectly natural." Benedict told him, his tone as kind and brotherly as it had always been whenever he had given him advice. "Just talk it out. Whether that's with mum and dad, or your friends, or me; we're always going to be here for you whenever you get scared. You know that, right?"

Colin nodded and shot him a small smile. "Thank you."

"Any time." Benedict smiled back, relieved that they had at long last talked things out.

For several minutes they silently revelled in the progress they had made in rebuilding their relationship after nearly two years of the unspoken divide that had grown between them, both of them glad that they were united and had someone to lean on as Sophie rested between them.

"Um, did Sophie mention to you that us lot were thinking of travelling after we've graduated?" Colin gingerly asked.

"Yeah, she mentioned it." Benedict nodded.

"Did... did you want to come with us?"

Benedict clearly hadn't been expecting the question as his head snapped towards his brother and his brows sprung up.

"Wait, really?"

"I knew Sophie had been hesitant when we were talking about it, and I know she must have been weighing up her options figuring she couldn't ask if you could come to keep the peace; but it would be stupid of me to want to exclude you."

"I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable-"

"You wouldn't." Colin shook his head. "Truly you wouldn't. I might have been a dickhead and in denial for the longest time; but you make Sophie happy and she makes you happy. You've both been happier than I've ever known you ever since you've been together, and I don't understand why I tried to stand in the way of that - man, I've been such a dick." he huffed with vexed mortification of himself. "I love you both so much and all I want is for you both to be truly loved and utterly happy; and you're the happiest when you're together. So please come with us. It would mean the world to Sophie."

A soft smile broke out on Benedict's face and he nodded. "I'd be honoured - just don't get expect me to pick you up and take care of you when you're getting shit-faced."

"That's fine - but you've got to keep it down in the bedroom; I don't want to hear any of that for the sake of our relationship."

"Deal." Benedict chuckled.

Colin went to make another joke when their attention was stolen by the groaning from the bed - Sophie was stirring.

"Sophie." Benedict gasped and jumped to his feet, clutching her hand closer. "Sophie, are you okay?"

The groaning turned into a pained hiss and Sophie struggled to open her eyes properly.

"It hurts." she whimpered.

Without being asked Colin immediately ran off to grab the matron, leaving Benedict to reassure Sophie, gentle soothing her through the pain that must be affecting her head. When the matron accompanied Colin back to the bed she delicately explained to Sophie her injuries and told her she needed another dose of the potions that had already been administered, but warned her they had horrible tastes and would cause her some unease for a few minutes before the painkillers kicked in. Like a trooper, Sophie endured the medicines but as she settled again she winced in agony as the elixirs worked their magic.

"Squeeze my hand, Soph. As tight are you want." Benedict told her and rested his free hand on her shoulder to let her know he wasn't going anywhere.

"Same here." Colin added.

"Colin?" she wheezed. "You're here too?"

"Course I am. And the matron's gone to get everyone else. We've been so worried about you."

"But I'm going to be okay." she whimpered, half trying to comfort him, half uncertain that she would.

"You're going to make a full recovery, sweetheart. It just might hurt for a while longer." Benedict assured her and rubbed at her shoulder.

"Okay." she swallowed with a timid nod.

"Just think good thoughts, Soph. Look forward to all the chocolate we're going to get you to eat for your stay here." Colin said and smiled as soon as his mental image prompted a smile from her. "And you can also look forward to our interrailing trip. Ben's going to come with us, and we're going to have the best time, I promise you."

"Really?" she looked from him to Benedict. "You're coming too?"

"Colin invited me." Benedict told her encouragingly. "I wouldn't pass it up for the world."

"Oh I'm so glad." Sophie smiled, though winced again from the pain of the Skele-Gro affecting her skull.

"Take it easy, Soph."

"Well then, stop making me smile about what I've got to look forward to." she teased back, though it was then followed up by an involuntary cry as the potions continued burning their way through her system.

"It's okay, Soph. It's okay." Benedict tried assuring her, though Colin could see how awful it was for his brother to watch his girlfriend writhing in agony.

"I hate feeling weak." she croaked out.

"That's the last thing you are." Colin stated. "You're the bravest, strongest person I've ever met. So don't you dare think so lowly of yourself."

"Okay." she whined and when another wave of pain went through her she dropped a hold of Colin's hand and instead gripped Benedict's hand between both of hers. "Oh, Ben..."

"I'm right here, baby. I'm going to stay right by your side, okay? I'm not going anywhere."

Colin looked to his brother and in that moment he saw for himself just how utterly devoted and in love he was with Sophie; and after everything she had endured in life, that's all Colin ever wanted for her, and at long last he fully accepted that she and Benedict were meant for each other and that there could be no one else who could love her better than his brother could.

Knowing Sophie well enough, Colin knew she'd much prefer to not let anyone else see her like this because as much as she hated feeling weak, she hated being viewed as weak even more. He told Sophie he'd preempt the arrival of the others and get them to wait outside the hospital wing until she was ready for visitors, which she was gratefully relieved to hear. He gave her shoulder a reassuring rub and then made his way to the doors of the infirmary, but before he left he took one last look at Benedict comforting Sophie through her affliction, watching for a beat as his brother continued to soothe her as best as he could. Safe in the knowledge that his best friend was being cared after by the person who loved her most, Colin let out a sigh of relief and exited the room.

[lifesarchive]

THE SHARDS by BRET EASTON ELLIS (REVIEW)

quickly: a group of rich white friends are too high to notice that the new kid may be a serial killer (an imaginative young writer / a vain but popular group of friends / a new kid with a dark past / valium for breakfast, weed for lunch, ‘ludes for dinner, cocaine for dessert / boys, boys, boys / endless supplies of sex, drugs, and rock and roll / hippie cults hiding in the hills / blood sacrifices and bodily ‘arrangements’ / ‘there’s someone in the house’ / where are the adults??!)

For just a moment, I was a young, hot, high, and wealthy white seventeen-year-old in ’70s-’80s Los Angeles… My parents are never home, every day is an orgasm, and I have all the drugs and euphoria I want. In my endless pharmaceutical high, a serial killer is playing mind games with my friends and me, and I’m barely sober enough to notice it is happening.

That is THE SHARDS. I am confident that if I were to give this hardcover copy a good shake, either a quaalude, a Valium, or a mist of fine white powder may loosen itself from the bindings. These are the substances that seem to hold the story and its characters together. There’s also a hearty scoop of graphic, disturbing, deranged, stomach-churning violence… a stark contrast to the ultra-sweet lives of these young rich kids. The reality of these brutal slayings is what makes the kids’ dissociation all the more real.

★ ★ ★ ★

more thoughts: SPOILERS!

Some personal context… this isn’t the book I originally planned on reading after “HUMAN SACRIFICES” by María Ampeuro, but it was actually the perfect follow-up. The world of the characters in María’s stories were soaked in the harsh realities of capitalism, white supremacy, and patriarchy. What better pairing than a story on the other end of the spectrum… rich white kids with Daddy’s money made from exploiting others!

This is my first Bret Easton Ellis book. All I knew about the guy before reading this was that he wrote AMERICAN PSYCHO. I’ve seen the movie, but I’ve never read the book. I actually owned the book for years, and it was destroyed in a flooded storage facility. Nevertheless, I ended up meeting Bret Easton Ellis’s work anyways. Not because I sought out his penmanship, but because, as tends to happen, I just had a good feeling about the book based on the cover, description, and number of reviews.

This book made me feel poor and ugly, and I think that was the point!

This is a story about a story. The book opens with a prelude in present-day LA as our narrator, Bret Easton Ellis, is driving around and sees an old classmate, which ignites panic within him. 

From there we are sent back to the summer before Bret’s senior year begins. He is a closeted bisexual man in love with his best friend Sarah, who is dating his good friend Thom (whom he is also in love with). He doesn’t seem to be in love with his girlfriend Debbie at all. An idyllic summer spent third wheeling with Susan and Thom ends once school starts and a new guy is introduced at the morning assembly… Robert Mallory. 

Immediately, Robert gets under Bret’s skin. Bret remembers seeing Robert months before he moved to L.A., at a movie theater, but Robert’s consistent denial of this drives Bret crazy. Taking time off from the different guys at school he is secretly intimate with, he decides to follow Robert after school one day. Robert catches him in the act of tailing him and any chance they had at a friendship is ruined. From here on out, it’s a game of cat and mouse between the two. (Or maybe mouse and mouse?)

The first major OMG moment is the death of Matt (a consistently stoned hottie), one of Bret’s ‘intimate friends’. 

As Bret watches Robert ease his way into the various friend groups on campus, he begins to see a side of Robert that is only noticeable from a distance… he notices the silent calculations that Robert is constantly making as if Robert is devising some secret masterplan. It’s then that Robert begins taunting Bret, dropping hints that he knows about the relationship between Bret and Matt. It’s also then that Matt starts receiving mysterious phone calls and notices that someone has stolen his pet fish and rearranged his room. In a state of psychological anguish, he accuses Bret of being behind it, due to some ‘gay’ obsession with Matt. Soon after, Matt turns up dead. Missing for several days, then found dead and mutilated in his own backyard. 

Bret meets with Matt’s father and learns the horrid details of Matt’s death. This makes the outlines of what Bret may be dealing with become more real now. No one cares about Matt’s death enough to notice the pattern that is forming. News articles begin to appear, daily, about missing girls, missing pets, mysterious home break-ins with furniture being rearranged, and late-night attacks. The police eventually put together a profile for a killer they are calling The Trawler. There are hints that he may be connected to a roving group of Manson-esque murder hippies that are terrorizing LA.

Bret makes the decision to divide himself between a true, hidden Bret, and a false, public Bret. Public Bret will play the role of a model student and boyfriend, while private Bret investigates Robert Mallory, whom he believes to be The Trawler. Valium, Quaaludes, and marijuana form the wall between the real and fake Brets. (Imagine someone breaking into your home, and you pop a pill and hide in a closet, falling asleep, and just hoping they pass you by.) Cue an endless string of parties, conversations, car rides, class assignments, and missed calls from Debbie (and The Trawler) that Bret floats through.

Fast forward past more missing women, Bret following Robert Mallory through the streets of LA, Bret being followed by a mysterious van through the streets of LA, Bret being taunted by The Trawler, Bret meeting with Robert’s aunt and finding out about Robert’s dark past, Bret breaking into Robert’s second home, Bret sleeping with Debbie’s dad, and Bret’s numerous attempts at telling someone what may be happening with Robert and being called crazy, etc. 

Eventually, we reach the foggy climax. After Debbie goes missing, Bret is convinced that Susan is the Trawler’s next victim. Robert’s next victim. He decides to take matters into his own hands. That night, Susan and Thom are attacked at Susan’s home by a masked assailant. Susan bites the assailant and he runs out (but not before disfiguring Susan’s breast, and Thom’s leg). Robert comes to the rescue, getting them help, and then heads back to his apartment. Bret arrives at Robert’s apartment soon after and a fight ensues that leads to Robert jumping to his death. Bret is alive and tells a version of the story that exonerates himself, and there is no one to dispute it. 

It is only in the denouement that it is revealed that Bret was the attacker that night of Susan and Thom’s attempted killing… and this is where I started to come down off the story’s canna/lude/coke/valium high… We find out that Bret is Susan and Thom’s attacker after Susan recognizes the bite mark she left on her attacker’s arm, casually peeking out from Bret’s long sleeve Polo. He breaks her hand and threatens her, to keep her quiet. (It’s only years later that Bret finds out Susan immediately told Thom about what she saw on Bret’s arm).

Coupled with this jarring reveal, we are also told (through a letter written to the press) that The Trawler is neither Bret nor Robert. The Trawler is independent of both young men but is indeed a part of the cult roaming the hills of LA. They claim that Robert Mallory was ‘their God’, and the mutilated bodies were ’sacrifices’ given to ‘the God’. Then I just sat with the book closed and wondered what I had just read.

I went back and forth on whether I felt this deserved 4 or 5 stars (like my opinion matters LOL). What gives me doubt is the execution of the ending. As bulky of a book as THE SHARDS is, the writing was actually pretty easy to follow. It flowed frictionlessly from one page to the next. I didn’t even mind all the extraneous storylines because they flowed, and added flesh to the characters. However, the last few chapters ended in such an odd package of revelations and reveals that it almost seemed as if a different writer had tried to finish the story with Bret’s voice.

Now, I must also say, that after reading the book I did a lite Google search on Bret Easton Ellis, just to see what he’s up to today. Unsurprisingly, he seems to be exactly the man I’d expect him to be after growing up as a well-to-do SoCal private school kid (i.e., his book White, 2019). He has not escaped the haze of privilege and wealth, that tends to blind those with his upbringing, from the complex harsh multi-ethnic multi-cultural struggles of the world. I wasn’t disappointed though. Just confirmed. Only a privileged asshole could write so excellently about vanity, insecurity, and recreational pharmaceuticals. 

[winderlylandchime]

2/3 And now they mentioned how they didnt talk about their sexuality for s1 ‘ohh that’s actually dope. He knew if people knew he was straight nobody would talk about the show. Damn, i like him even more now.. OH PETER IS SHADY! I LIKE HIM. He is my best chance at getting behind the scenes dirt. Tell me baby, who is to blame for the finale? And the proposal..and the..you know what let me be quiet’ Gale was taking about how Scott and him didnt wanna say there was straight and he paused it and went ‘wait…what about that Hal guy? I know he’s straight but did he also keep it a secret or was he like ME?GAY?NEVER..I actually didnt even realize he’s not here, i wonder what he’s like in interviews’ Peter at one point mentioned how he enjoyed having a relationship with the writers to discuss storylines and he goes ‘but did they really? Or was it selective? Cause I can’t see my Blondie liking not being in the final scene.. or the Pink Pussy stuff.. And don’t get me started on Brian in the last season. I know that I just kinda met my man like a few hours ago but there is no way he agreed with them about Brian in season 5 so who’s lying’ While they’re discussing Emmett and they kinda compare him to Brian, he just points to the screen and yells ‘THEY ARE THE SAME! and yet god forbid to make them frie-*camera zooms out and he sees Gale better* look at that pretty man just sitting over there…what was I saying?’ ‘They had sex meetings? That’s actually fucking impressive. Lowkey ahead of the time. Okay what are those three constantly talking about and doing? I would also like to be part of it. they keep laughing and talking. *he is pointing at Peter/Gale/Randy talking while Ron is talking*..and by the looks of it Ben dude is also third wheeling like me’ ‘Whenever one of these two old dudes speaks, Gale’s face looks like he’s waiting for the moment that he gets to go ummm actually you’re wrong’ ‘okay I REALLY like Peter. It’s like he’s there to humble them and entertain Gale and Blondie. i mean cmon, any time he picks up a mic, Gale starts to laugh. MAKE ME PART OF THE GROUP PLEASE’ Peter is talking about the locker room scene where he calls Michael a dick: ‘IM GLAD WE ALL FUCKING AGREE! I FEEL SEEN! Representation matters!…why did he make sure to say michael not hal? Is that guy annoying? Was he method’ And then Peter asks Ron about coming to set naked and he burst out laughing and goes ‘i want all the behind the scenes scoop and I want to go back in time and work on that show they look like they had fun..*looks at me all suspicious* who hated who? Actually nevermind, youre not trusted anymore after lying to me about him being gay’ (i never said Gale was gay btw) Ron mentioned about how Gale asked them to cut something: ‘PAUSE! What? Wait Gale asked them to cut something because it was too much? What could be too much? They did everything? What the fuck did they make them do?! *looks at me all worried* SPEAK LESBIAN SPEAK!…okay im calmed down..can you please tell me what scene they cut? (I look at him like hes stupid cause how the fuck can i know that) wow, you really don’t know anything important, do you?’ ‘they FIRED the designer? Damn, why wasnt social media a thing?! Imagine them making a fucking tiktok video dancing to Britney Spears..(dan asks peter for the designers name) he knows everyone from years ago. But i feel like he remembered her out of pettiness. THEY GLUED FABRIC TO THEIR DICKS?! Aint no way. Oh Gale was for sure bald down there for a whole year..that man was fucking every episode’ ‘look at Randy laughing at Gale. I just know he bullied him for fun at times. I am asking once again, please tell me there’s more videos of them together. Young, old, i dont care just GIMME IT’ The host mentioned Prom and asked how was it to film it and Dan reached for water and he yelled ’HANDS OFF THE MICROPHONE GRANDPA! This isnt about you’ right after that Randy says it was really fun for him and he goes ‘top 5 things i didnt fucking expect to hear today..this is right after Gale being straight’

Your brother is hilarious talking about Hal. I think everyone knew he was straight because of his “fame” before QAF.

Emmett and Brian would be friends and the writers just fucked up. I will die on this hill. I WANT to be a part of this group too. You just know that Gale Peter and Randy are on a group text thread to this day.

Yeah the BTS of prom is so fun! Everyone taking turns hitting Randy with the nerf bat.

I am loving all this commentary!

[josephcharno]

Some Health Benefits of Cycling

From a means of transportation to a leisure activity to a sport, bicycling, also called biking or cycling, affords multiple physical and mental health benefits. These include improved cardiovascular health, weight reduction, stronger core and lower body muscles, and boosted mood and cognitive function.

As an aerobic exercise, riding a bike raises heart and breath rates and works out the heart and lungs. The result is improved cardiovascular function, including better blood circulation and pressure and higher lung capacity and oxygen utilization.

Multiple research studies, including a 2016 Danish study published in the American Heart Association (AHA) Journal and a 2019 systematic research review in Medicina Kaunas, an international peer-reviewed journal, have demonstrated the positive impact of cycling on cardiovascular health. The first encompassed 54,000 men and women ages 50 to 65, and followed them for two decades. It showed that regular bikers have about a 20 percent lower risk of coronary heart disease than their non-biking counterparts. The latter meta-study reviewed 300 studies and revealed that indoor cycling profoundly benefits bikers’ lipid profile and overall cholesterol levels, reducing their risk of heart attack and stroke. It does this by lowering LDL, or the so-called bad cholesterol, and triglyceride levels while boosting HDL, or the so-called good cholesterol levels.

In addition to a healthier heart and lungs, cycling also contributes to achieving and maintaining healthy body weight. It is a low-impact activity and an excellent calorie burner. Further, depending on the intensity and the terrain where bikers ride, they can control their energy expenditure and the number of calories they burn.

A 2018 study in the Journal of Education and Training Studies examined the effects of spinning (riding a stationary indoor exercise bike) on the body composition of women in their 30s and 40s who had a sedentary lifestyle. The participants exercised thrice weekly for six weeks. The study concluded spinning is an effective way of losing weight and reducing body fat percentage in women in these age groups, and suggested it as a plausible method for achieving favorable results in women who are either obese or overweight over a relatively short period.

Another large-scale observational study from 2016, published in The Lancet, a weekly peer-reviewed medical journal, encompassed nearly 155,000 men and women ages 40 to 69 from the UK Biobank and demonstrated that those who actively commuted had a significantly lower body fat percentage and body mass index than those who commuted via car or public transportation.

Besides improving body composition, cycling strengthens the core and lower body muscles while being gentle on the joints. The effect is most prominent on the calves, glutes, hamstrings, and quads. And mountain biking, particularly on hilly or rough terrain, fires up the abdominal muscles because riders must constantly change direction to avoid obstacles while balancing their center of mass over the moving wheels of the bike. A stronger core translates into a reduced risk of lower back pain, improved balance, and better posture both on and off the bike.

Finally, numerous studies have shown the positive impact of cycling on riders’ mental well-being and cognitive function. One example is a 2019 study in PLOS One, published by the Public Library of Science, which followed 100 adults 50 years of age or older for eight weeks. About one-third of the participants did not cycle, while the remaining two-thirds engaged in outdoor cycling thrice weekly on conventional bikes or e-bikes (bikes fitted with electric motors to facilitate pedaling). Both conventional bike and e-bike riders demonstrated substantial improvement in cognitive function and mental health compared to the controlling non-cycling group.

Also, cycling comes in a variety of forms, each offering different mental health benefits. For example, mountain biking requires greater concentration to navigate the challenging terrain and avoid obstacles, which may help to enhance overall focus and mindfulness, while speeding down a hill on a road bike can be particularly exhilarating and produce a sense of sheer enjoyment.

[corinthemerado]

Yessssss, you see the vision! Now that I have someone's attention, I will now expand on this headcanon:

So, three Vanserra brothers went after Lucien, right? Two died, and one survived and came home. What if the two who died were indeed the two eldest Vanserras, and the third was not Eris, who is the third out of seven, but next brother after Eris?

Because Beron ordered for Lucien to be hunted, so it fell on the eldest brothers. But Eris? Middling son Eris, who often fell into the mediator role amongst his brothers when they squabbled? Too-soft-as-a-child Eris, who conspired with his nursemaids to hide litters of smokehound pups in his rooms, taking them out on rotation so no one would know how many he was actually raising and making his younger brothers laugh by having the pups perform tricks for them for treats? One of his mother's favorites (alongside Lucien) Eris, the best of what Beron had given her, who was relegated to the most distant room of the Forest House because it doesn't do to spoil a son by letting him cling to his mother's skirts (and standing in the way of the LoA when Beron is in one of his cruel moods)? Eris was away with the LoA ostensibly on business of checking up on some Autumn Court principality that was an afternoon stroll with his smokehounds to spare the lady mother of this nasty heartache, even if for a little while. So the fourth went on their father's orders in place of the third, and midway through the stroll, something great and terrible occurred: the fire coursing through Eris's veins intensified as he became inundated with the ancient power of Autumn. He and his mother were crying before they even knew the extent of what they were grieving: the Heir's power had always been within the eldest of Beron's sons. For Eris to hold it...well. Indeed, they came home to the loss of not one, but three brothers and sons.

Now the Heir, Eris found himself thrust into more limelight and scrutiny than he'd ever been used to. For the first time in his life, his words held weight beyond the extent of the listeners' egos. There were expectations of how he was to be that preceded who he was. After all, everyone knew of the cruel Heir of Autumn.

So, that's what Eris became. He modeled this Heir version of himself after his late eldest brother, played the part, and it worked. His father favored his new heir, his mother despaired. His brothers fell in line, and Lucien did his time away. People saw their expectations met, the transition melded smooth by the fact that to the world the Vanserra brothers existed as a notion of a group rather than as individuals that formed a family. This is how a future High Lord plays, and this is how Eris plays as a future High Lord.

(But sometimes, sometimes, his smokehounds frolic too happily across a grassy hill, and he tastes the earl grey on his tongue, smells the paper of a new book under his nose, feels the soft brush of his mothers lips on his temple. He almost flicks his fingers to dispel another brewing brawl over buttered toast between his brothers before he registers that it was just the wind.)

I just want more middle child!Eris cosplaying as an eldest brother but is inwardly just constantly throwing up his hands and screaming, "I don't know what the fuck I'm doing!" and longing to disappear into the forest where he can curl up against the trunk of his favorite tree with a book and all of his smokehounds.

Bonus: He's attracted to Nesta because she very much gives off eldest sibling vibes, and he very much needs an eldest sibling in his life to take the wheel.

Okay, but Eris actually growing up as a middle child and being thrust into the eldest role after his two elder brothers are killed by tamlin and lucien??

Apparently SJM wrote him as the eldest surviving Vanserra son at some point and retconned it because she writes off vibes and never edits her work? And now I can't stop thinking about middle child!Eris. Help, this might be my current favorite Eris idea.