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#and I'm not actually so sure if that's true or not
lorarri · 22 hours
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꒰꒰ ‧₊˚🇾🇪 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐂𝐄𝐃 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 ─ 𝐂𝐋𝟏𝟔 ˚₊· ꒱꒱
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─ summary . . . ❨ it's very well documented that you and your teammate don't get along so when you are forced to spend off season together let's say things get interesting ❩ ─ pairing . . . ❨ charles leclerc x fem! ferrari! f1 driver! reader ❩ ─ genre . . . ❨ social media file ❩ ─ author note . . . . ❨ this was actually super fun to do but god was finding an fc a pain so enjoy! ❩
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❨ series masterlist | main masterlist ❩
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BOSS MAN
okay so the team have decided that you and charles will spend winter break together to try and improve on your relationship
as to avoid the two of you take each other out
again
this is not up for discussion
FAV EMPLOYEE
alr great talk
better start looking for a new driver
cuz I will probably end up killing him by the end of this
yourinstagram . 10min ago
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seen by landonorris maxverstappen1 79,379,469 others
user replied to your story!
omg enemies to lovers arc has begun
user replied to your story!
the way I just know this is about charles
user replied to your story!
forced proximty yummy
landonorris replied to your story!
try to bring him back in one piece
no promisses
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DICKHEAD
if it makes you feel any better I'm not happy about this either
MISS ANGER ISSUES
and somehow even with that information
it still fails to make me feel better
DICKHEAD
so we are staying in monaco right?
MISS ANGER ISSUES
umm no?
why would I wanna stay in white man country
DICKHEAD
cuz we have to spend time together???
MISS ANGER ISSUES
well I'm going back to yemen for the break so...
come or don't not my problem
DICKHEAD
isn't most of the food spicy out there
MISS ANGER ISSUES
you lack of strength when it comes to eating spice is not my problem dude
like I said come or don't
I don't care
DICKHEAD
...fine when are we catching a flight
MISS ANGER ISSUES
in 4 hours
DICKHEAD
wait that's not enough time for me to pack
DICKHEAD
welp
sucks to suck better start packin mr monaco
yourinstagram
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liked by charles_leclerc landonorris 78,379,480 others
yourinstagram yemen is where my heart is
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user she def took this after she killed charles
user lando def checking in to see if charles is dead or nah
user my queen has returned home
user she def tried to kill mr monaco with spicy food
user that coffee is most likey made with charles tears
user okay no more talking about charles can we talk about how good-looking Y/N is
user charles in the likes fred must have forced him to put on the friendly act
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yourinstagram and charles_leclerc . 3hrs ago
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seen by landonorris lewishamilton 76,380,429 others
user replied to yourinstagram story!
we see you with the matching stories miss thing
landonorris replied to yourinstagram story!
took you guys long enough to fall in love
ikr
user replied to charles_leclerc story!
that flower and that hand look mighty familiar sir
user replied to charles_leclerc story!
glad you and mother finally decided to get together
charles_leclerc
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liked by totowolff landonorris 78,480,482 others
charles_leclerc she hated me now she loves me :)
comments have been disabled
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TOTO
you owe me 1 million euro's fred
FRED
stfu toto
why can't you be wrong for once in your life
TOTO
cuz I'm the best
FRED
if that were true I shouldn't have been able to take lewis so easily
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─ requested by . . .
@cialovesklopp ─ heyy, so as request for Yemen i wanted to ask for a Yemeni! Driver for Mercedes x Lewis (or ferrari x Charles) where they maybe can’t stand each other at the beginning but then they’re forced to spend off season together to get along and they visit readers home country and then it’s just soft launching and everyone’s surprised because they all remember how they couldn’t stand each other (and there’s Toto who bet on them with the other team principals and he wins like lots of money because he was sure they would fall in love after that trip) 🫶🏾🫶
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Sleep Calls (Mouse series) - Max Verstappen
Summary: Max and y/n are the last people to arrive in Australia for the race weekend and y/n is absolutely obliterated by jet lag.
We haven't seen Mouse for a while. Idek if people still want this series. But we'll see if anyone likes this one and go from there.
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Y/n had been a little worried about how last minute Max decided to head off from Monaco to Australia. But Max insisted they'd be just fine.
"Mouse." Max whispers trying to ease her from the depth of sleep since they've landed.
"No..."
"I'm sorry." Max laughs as she grunts and looks at him with a heavy sigh. "Come on, mouse. We'll get you straight to the hotel."
Y/n yawns standing up, her hands digging into her eyes still she sees stars and feels Max's hands on her sides to stabilise her unintentionally swaying.
"Are you ok?" Max asks softly earning a nod as she drops her hands squinting for a moment before she lets Max begin got guide her forward.
He already knows that y/n is going to be quieter than usual because she's tired. Despite it being summer in Australia. Max does coax her into getting her Red Bull jacket on before they step out. He also manages to get sunglasses on her.
"Alright, mouse." Max soothes as they step out the jet and he guides her down the steps and to the airport. She latches onto his hand as they walk through the airport.
He really lets her just remain silent in the journey to the hotel, she's sits drawing some shapes on the back of his hand while she leans her head on his shoulder.
When they get to the hotel, Max decides to pull a move that forces y/n to find her voice, though only to squeal when Max suddenly picks her up and throws her onto the bed.
"Max!" Y/n giggles while he smiles at her before beginning to look around at the luggage that has already been brought up.
"Get comfortable, I already know you want to go back to sleep again." Max states while she hums and sighs softly to herself.
"Setting up your sim stuff?" Y/n yawns before she looks at him for a moment.
"Yeah, I'll set it up then I'm going to call the reception to make sure I can get the best connection." Max hums moving over to her with a smile and kissing her. "Get some more sleep. I'll wake you up when you want to eat."
"Thank you." Y/n murmurs making him smile at her as she shuffles to the top of the bed and shoving her face in a pillow.
-
Usually y/n is pretty on it for the WAG camera shots and since she's dating Max and is a fan favourite. She has been shown so much in the practices.
So far none of the shots have made her look very appealing. She keeps yawning. One shot she didn't even witness till after the practice because it was reposted online as she was caught on camera curled up on a seat just hiding in the corner with her head leaning against the wall while she napped.
"Mouse, you are beautiful." Max teases as she whines a little showing him her phone with a video that is of all the clips of her across FP1 and FP2. "Don't worry, you'll get used to the timezone soon."
"Doesn't feel like it." Y/n mumbles while yawning again then following it up with a quiet groan.
She has never travelled well with huge timezone differences. It's one of the reasons she loves the European races so much. Though Australia is the best of the rest to her. Not that she feels like she's getting to even enjoy it like she'd like to.
"Awww Mouse. Don't get sad about it." Max laughs raising her hand and kissing the back of it. "We're going to grab something to eat, you haven't been eating much since we got here."
Y/n hums since that is true, she's been sleeping so much most of what she's eaten is nothing more than snack sized bites of stuff.
"Did a fan make this video?" Max asks suddenly as he rewatches the video making her tsk and take the phone with with a small frown while he laughs.
Max gets caught by some kid fans stopping to interact with them and sign a few things for a few different fans. He'd usually try to make a quick exit but actually he needs to try and get y/n to stay awake for longer anyway so keeping her from getting back in close proximity to the bed so soon.
"Alright, come on mouse." Max smiles finally deciding it's time to go. She immediately moves quickly to latch onto his hand holding onto his bicep tightly with her other hand as she does so. "You can come on the sim with me."
Now, it's a either something she really is going to get excited over or she's going to just shrug too tired to even entertain the idea.
"After we eat?" She mumbles since now she's been thinking about it, food in full meal form doesn't sound too bad.
"Of course we can." Max smiles as they get to the car and he opens the door for her to climb in first.
So they get back to the hotel and Max orders y/n multiple courses from pasta, pizza and burgers to the more refined taste of scallops and artichokes.
Y/n ends up picking at it all like a buffet but he does sort of make sure she eats enough for him to deem it that she's at least eaten the equivalent of a full meal.
He eats some too then moves to adjust the sim set up for her.
"I wanna go on with you." Y/n mumbles quickly when she notices him moving the seat to fit her height rather than his own.
"Are you sure? Usually you get annoyed when I try to help?" Max laughs since going on the sim with her is the only time they bicker, he tries to literally backseat drive while she actually tries to focus on it for a moment. "I don't want to upset you while you're hungry."
"Then don't try to help." Y/n states simply making him laugh before he moves over, his hands cupping her face as he kisses her a couple times. "But I want you to sit with me."
"Ok, mouse. Don't pout." Max chuckles moving back to the seat and adjusting it to where he thinks they both fit.
Eventually he gets her sat on his lap. Max actually loves seeing her focus on the sim, and he's proud to say she's not too bad for someone who doesn't even really like driving and will actively do anything to dodge it. Thankfully on the one occasion Max has been a passenger to his girlfriend. It was a short journey and he assured her he'd never ask it of her again.
"Brake, mouse-mouse, you can't just cut-no."
"Max!" Y/n huffs, his constant instructions making her frown. "I can't focus."
"I'm just making sure you aren't making mistakes."
Y/n grumbles making him smile watching her, not that she can see it. It's definitely something he finds amusing, though he really does struggle to bite his tongue and there's a couple times he grabs the wheel not to help because he promised not to. No he's just "aiding" or "guiding" her.
At some point she decides to give up when she manages to land herself in the wall. Tiredness is getting too much and not even sim racing is going to keep her awake. Clearly it's much more effective for Max.
"Why don't I run us a bath? Just it's still a little early and that way you can relax, I'll keep you awake and stop you from sort of...drowning in the bath." Max smiles while she yawns a little, droopy eyes suggesting just the thought of a bath is tiring her out.
He decides to try y/n with a Red Bull to give her a short lived buzz of energy. After all she doesn't drink much Red Bull despite the brand and Max's choice of drink actually being that of a Red Bull.
"Alright, mouse. Drink that. I'll run the bath." Max smiles making her look tiredly down at the Red Bull like she didn't even realise it was in her hand.
Max definitely knows he's going to have to perform a miracle to keep her awake and not return to find her falling asleep just standing up.
Y/n seems to sense him being worried to leave her so she follows quietly taking the biggest mouthful of Red Bull she ever thinks she's taken then swallowing it back with a bit of a grimace. The sweetness hitting her tastebuds unexpectedly hard. She even shudders at the sweetness.
"Alright, drink the rest. I'm not risking your dropping it in the bath. I love Red Bull but not enough to bathe in it." Max smiles picking up the can from her hand and shaking it to test how much she's managed to neck in the time it's taken to fill the bath.
Max manages to wiggle her jeans down while she gulps the rest down. Then putting it down on the sink and smiling as Max pulls her top off up over her head.
"You need to get naked too." Y/n mumbles, clearly the Red Bull is thankfully waking her up a little.
"Of course." Max chuckles then smiling as she moves to kiss him on her toes. He's undressed not a minute later and they're both climbing in the warm bath. Y/n at the opposite end to him. "You're too far away, mouse."
"Am I?" Y/n giggles earning a hum and nod before she feels his hands reach under her knees beneath the water and before she knows it she's pulled over to straddle him.
"You were." Max confirms before smiling at her softly.
"Sorry."
"It's ok, I fixed it." Max shrugs then tucking a few strands of her hair back. She'd thrown her hair up to avoid it getting wet, though some stray strands has dipped into the water.
"I'm still so tired, Maxie." Y/n pouts making him smile at her lightly and lean forward kissing her.
"You can sleep soon, I promise mouse." Max smiles sadly since he and everyone who has to travel for the sport dislikes the matter of timezones most.
Adjusting to them just extra effort that no one really wants to devote time to.
Y/n does seem to crash from the short-lived energy boost from the Red Bull and Max's attempts to keep her from crashing too hard work only just.
When they get out the bath she's just about blinking and managing to keep herself awake as she basically lets Max dry her off then much more lovingly and gently put her on the bed. Rather than throw her like he did when they arrived.
"Alright, mouse. You can go to sleep."
Not that she needs to be told twice, he only just gets to steal a kiss before she closes her eyes and is out for the count. Her body heavy and not even properly under the sheets before her heavy breaths are evened out and she's gone from the realm of consciousness.
Taglist: @namgification @hiireadstuff @jsjcue @geniusalpaca @itsjustkhaos @llando4norris @partyinpitlane @lpab @xoscar03 @harrysdimple05 @mellowarcadefun @cixrosie @scopeiguess @racingheartsposts @c-losur3
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suzukiblu · 1 day
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WIP excerpt: Billy and Damian and the whole soulmate thing.
“That could be considered a security concern,” Batman says very, very neutrally, which is when Billy realizes Batman hasn’t actually said anything to him since he said “Shazam”. 
Shit. 
“So what?” he says, edging a little bit away from Batman as he eyes him warily and debates “Shazam”-ing himself again. Like. No reason. Just this might be an easier conversation to have on eye-level, that’s all. 
Also it’s Batman, so . . . 
“It’s true,” Superman says, wincing slightly. Billy shoots him a dirty look. He still hasn’t forgotten that Superman apparently thinks he shouldn’t be allowed to risk his literal life and soul, like he thinks he’s bad at this or something? He’s really good at risking his literal life and soul, actually! Like, he’s really good at it, and it’s his whole literal thing. Superman didn’t even get hired to do this, he just showed up one day and started punching people! Billy at least had a job interview! 
Such bullshit. 
“Seriously?” he says with a scowl. “I’m good at secret identities. Nobody knew mine ‘til I told you! That’s the same track record as Batman!” 
“It’s technically superior,” Robin says. “Red Robin and Black Bat both deduced Father’s identity as children. And also–” 
“That’s unnecessary information at this time, Robin,” Batman cuts in while Billy’s still appreciating having a supportive soulmate. Robin rolls his eyes. Or Billy’s pretty sure he does–he can’t really tell through the mask, but Robin moved his head like he was rolling his eyes. 
“The list would require some time to go over,” Robin says like he’s agreeing. Billy hides a snicker in his hand. Batman eyes him. 
“. . . you do realize I'm going to be taking you in now, right?” he asks. 
“Dammit,” Billy says. 
“Holy crap, Cap swears?!” Flash yelps. 
“Oh yeah, it’s actually like a magic thing,” Billy says. “I literally can’t say bad words when I'm Captain Marvel? So no, technically, but also yes and all the fucking time.” 
“My entire life is a lie,” Flash mutters as he buries his face in his hands. Green Arrow pats him on the back. 
“You can’t ‘take me in’,” Billy says, scowling up at Batman. “I've gotta protect Fawcett. And you’ve got like, so many kids! There’s no way you have space for another one! They wouldn’t even let you, anyway, as soon as somebody noticed I was there I’d just end up in the stupid system again.” 
“I’m a licensed foster parent and there are seventeen bedrooms in my house,” Batman replies dryly. 
“Bullshit!” Billy sputters. “That’s not a house! Nobody’s house has seventeen bedrooms!” 
“Technically that count includes the servants’ quarters and guest wing, but it is accurate,” Robin says. 
“Guest wing?!” Billy demands. “Why do you have a guest wing?!” 
“For guests,” Batman replies matter-of-factly. Billy scowls at him again. Just because Batman’s funny doesn’t mean he’s gonna laugh. Or get stuck in the system again. 
Like, he’ll just run away immediately, obviously. But getting to the point where he can run away is gonna be a pain, and the League is obviously gonna be a pain about it too.
Ugh. This is so dumb.
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angelltheninth · 3 days
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Maomao and Jinshi from an AroAce Perspective
Listen I'm not saying that these two are aroace but to me they are really seem to be. It's not just the fact that Maomao's color scheme is the ace flag, it's how these two approach romance and sexual situations.
This will have spoilers for the manga and LNs so don't read ahead if you don't want to be spoiled.
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Starting with Maomao. Maomao is preceded as cold, weird, ugly and unapproachable by most other people she meets in the Palace with the exception our lovely main cast. But even some among them start off thinking she's at the very least strange. Hell it was the fact that she stood out so much that first attracted Jinshi's attention.
Maomao herself doesn't seem interested in romance at all, or sex, but she does know quite a lot about it due to her upbringing. There are many times where Maomao uses her knowledge of brothel techniques to get favors or take people off guard: giving advice to Lihua, getting Lihaku to take her to visit her family by offering a visit to the Verdigris House, teasing/intimidating people, the sex-ed class she did. Yet nothing includes her getting sexual with anyone, or romantic. She's not seducing anyone, as much as Jinshi seems to be getting that idea.
She sees her knowledge, and sex and romance, as a tool or something to be traded. Growing up in the Pleasure District it's how she saw these things being handled, she herself doesn't even think she can fall in love. She LOVES people, she CARES for people, but she was never in love with someone or wanted to get sexual with them.
Then Jinshi happened.
And yes at first she was very against any of his advances. She perceived him as fake and therefore didn't think any of his flirting had much merit above him wanting to get laid or to tease her, which is almost impossible. Maomao is shown to be very difficult to fluster and again given her upbringing she is much better suited to fluster others as there isn't much she hasn't head of or seen in terms of seduction. Still there are times as early as season 1 (the first two LN volumes) where she does like Jinshi. She likes him when he's being real, when he's not trying to be "Jinshi" and is actually himself.
One of such times is the first time we see Maomao blush and see Jinshi make her blush. This was when she was fired and was helping out at the big party with her sisters. Jinshi only lightened up when he saw Maomao and at the time he wasn't actively trying to flirt like he normally did, he wanted to kiss and touch her yes but not in the normally teasing way he does. Instead he didn't even realize the lipstick Maomao wore would transfer to his own lips, he was that happy, that enamored with Maomao being there.
And in response to such a simple thing, an indirect kiss, something so tame when compared to everything else she's seen and heard, makes Maomao blush. But of course Maomao is oblivious as well and doesn't realize that every time Jinshi flirts he's being serious. From her perspective he can have anyone he wants, and that much is true, but the only one he wants is Maomao.
When she realizes his secret, one of them at least, she wants to act dumb. She knows for sure that he isn't a eunuch, she knows he can prove it but she doesn't want him to, she wants to be in denial because it will make things easier. He would still be "Jinshi, the flirty eunuch", ironic given that's the part of him she doesn't like but it's also the part of him that makes it easy for her not to be attracted to him.
Her attraction to him, at least the point where she admits it to herself, comes when Jinshi completely drops his fakeness, when she gets to see the real him, the lonely, vulnerable Prince who, like herself, has been forced to fit many roles just to survive. It's only when she spends time with the real him that she starts to admit she likes him.
That is when she turns the tables on him and starts teasing him. She even gets her hands on birth control when she expects them to sleep together and when they don't she keeps teasing him to the point where Jinshi tells her to stop because she's driving him crazy. It's all small things, running her fingers up his hand and his knuckles, letting water drops linger on her lips and fingers, eye contact, again nothing too seductive or sexual, but to Jinshi it's like finding water in the dessert because the woman he's been pining for is finally reciprocating his feelings.
Maomao's attraction, her feelings, her willingness to get physically affectionate and have sex, all of these only manifest towards Jinshi after getting to know him, the real him and spending time with the real him. She needed that connection with him, that deep bond in order for all of these feelings and desires to be something she invites, and lets herself feel for the first time in her life.
Now for Jinshi. Jinshi, even if only looked at as a eunuch, is easy to guess that he comes from a high standing family, money and privilege. He doesn't know how things work outside of the Palace, as evidenced by his reaction to Maomao's make-up and why she wears it. He knows that Maomao is beautiful, with and without freckles and he was horrified when he was told she only applies them to lessen the chances of being sexually assaulted.
From the moment he sees Maomao he's interested in her, at first because she stands out so much, she's smart, she can read and write, she has knowledge of medicine and poisons, she can be useful to him. A new toy to entertain him. But it doesn't take long for that to turn into genuine interest and after that a crush, one-sided for the longest time but still a crush.
He finds it fun to get a reaction out of Maomao. He flirts with her more then he does with anyone else, in fact he doesn't seem to want to flirt with anyone else and the only time he does so is to help Maomao with a case she's working on. He uses his flirting, his good looks and his good looks as a distraction, as a weapon, to gain favors. Much like Maomao has seen all of these things in her upbringing.
When Maomao reacts to Jinshi's flirting he finds it amusing, even if she doesn't return his feelings. Her not being smitten by him, or rather by "Jinshi" is another thing that draws him towards her. She's not after his looks, his money, his position, a one-night stand or anything of the sorts, she's one of the only people that sees through him and starts to see the real him.
He is also very jealous and prone to misunderstanding what Maomao does with others. Part of this is because Maomao leaves out so many details but he also never thinks she's being romantic with anyone, his mind goes to sexual favors, because that's what other people look at him for. The women that want him only want him for his good looks and smooth voice, he knows this, so as far as romance goes he never thought much about it, and as a Prince he thought he would only marry to make kids, not for love. He even said as much when noticed that Gaoshun wanted him to settle down and have kids.
The moment Maomao left was a wake up call. Before he too thought she was fun to spend time with but he didn't know just how much she meant to him. He was so horrified that she would have to take clients that he offered to buy her right away, was smitten when he saw her and then protective when other men at his house noticed how pretty Maomao is.
Jinshi isn't someone who opens up easily, just like Maomao he has roles he has to play, all of which carry risk that could get him killed. When he does let his guard down he is much more likely to be flustered by Maomao, something that he's not used to as he normally the one doing the flirting. When they were on their "date" and he does into a brothel/restaurant he's not even aware of what it is or is interested, and also not realizing that it's the first instance of Maomao being jealous.
Another instance of him being flustered is when Maomao falls on top of him when she's trying to climb out of the hole they got stuck in after an attack and falling into the river. By that point he had already seen Maomao in her underwear and now he had her pressed up against him, that was all it took to get him hard and reveal one of his secrets. He was very flustered here, yes because his secret got out but also because this was Maomao, his crush, on top of him, pressing against him, with her hand on his dick, even if it was still covered.
Following that we see Jinshi open up more and more, showing Maomao his real self, getting hurt for her, accepting her help when he needs it, worrying for her to the point of choking her to stop her from swallowing poison. He isn't "Jinshi" with her, not when they're alone, he can finally be his real self.
Which also means that Maomao can see how easy it is to get under his skin. Jinshi wants to have that venerability with Maomao, he wants an actual romantic relationship, not one based on his looks or one that revolves around sex. When Maomao thinks they're about to have sex she brings birth control, she doesn't want to get pregnant, she doesn't want to have kids right now, it was just about sex, like she thought Jinshi wanted too.
But that wasn't the right time or the right circumstance to have sex, not yet because now Jinshi is the one chasing that romantic connection, now that Maomao has met him on the sexual attraction front.
Maomao and Jinshi compliment each other beautifully in many aspects, their personalities, their different perspectives due to their upbringing, the way Maomao is more knowledgeable in sexual manners, less so in romance, yet finds herself not opposed to them when she gets to know Jinshi more, and the way Jinshi saw himself as valuable for his looks and only considered real romance after meeting Maomao.
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w2soneshots · 3 days
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Hey there can you please do something like y/n (also a YouTuber and she’s a very nice a sweet girl )y/n and Harry r dating and living together and Harry is doing one of those videos he does with Stephen,Chris and Will and maybe it’s just like she’s kind of in the background and cute little moments of her being in the video.
Lockdown -W2S
Words: 0.6k+
Warnings: none.
In which you and Harry spend an average day in lockdown together.
a/n: thank you so much for your request my love! I hope I did it justice💝🫶🏼
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y/username
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Liked by tobjizzle and 349,120 others
y/username: good morning🌅 @wroetoshaw
-comments-
freyanightingale: morning beautiful💞
-> y/username: 🫶
y/nfanpage21: you're both practically matching🥺
user81910592: what's Harry filming??
I've been with Harry for around a year. We got together just before January 2020, and when covid hit Harry asked if I'd move into his apartment with him. We spent all of the first lockdown together and became even closer, due to spending every day practicing trapped in his room. When September rolled around constrictions were being lifted but we were still spending a lot of time inside.
Harry, Chris, Will and Stephen have recently started doing group videos on YouTube. I've been in the background of lots of them but usually go into the living room (when Cal isn't doing something in there) and watch tv. Today they're filming "Ranking the top 10 YouTube videos of all time".
"I'm gonna start filming in a sec, are you gonna stay?" Harry asked, his keyboard clicking. "Mhm," I hummed "I'm just gonna put my AirPods in." I said. "Ok." He glanced at me with a smile. "Alright boys!" He said loudly to the computer, a few minutes later. After around ten minutes Harry said my name "y/n?" "Yea?" I said pushing myself up from the mattress to lean on my elbows. "Can you quickly react to this," he pointed to the screen "for the video?" He asked. I nodded "sure." I got up from the bed and Harry moved his chair back so I could sit on his lap. "Here." He said passing me his headset. I put it on and immediately the boys said hello.
I reacted to the video with a loud laugh as I leaned back into Harry. Then I said a quick goodbye and passed the headphones back to Harry. I sat back down on the bed while Harry finished the video, which seemed to be taking a lifetime.
Once he was finally done he plopped down on the bed. I took my earphones out and smiled at him. He smiled back "I'm gonna get in the shower, wanna join?" I raised my eyebrows then giggled "yes, yes I do." I said and we both got up off the bed. As we stepped into his bathroom we stripped our clothes off.
After we finished "showering" we dried ourselves off, got changed and headed into the kitchen to get some dinner. "You alright there Cal?" I asked the man stood looking at the oven with a confused look on his face. He looked toward both me and Harry "uh- yea, I just can't figure out how to turn this on." He said. I laughed "you've been in this apartment for over a year and you still can't turn the oven on?" "I haven't needed to use it, we've got an air fryer ya know!" He exclaimed. Harry chuckled "just press," he stepped forward to point to one of the buttons "that one mate." He said. Freezy nodded "oh, thanks."
Cal took his food to his room and me and Harry began making some simple, quick spaghetti bolognaise. "Mmm, this is just what I needed." I said taking another bite of the pasta. "Yea, this is bangin." He said with a quiet hum of satisfaction.
We cleaned up and headed back to Harry's room. We sat on the bed and Harry began scrolling through his phone while I tried to decide what movie I wanted to watch on his large tv. Harry hates anything that isn't a documentary or based on a true story, he thinks it's pointless watching fiction because you don't actually learn anything. Which I understand so usually while I watch something Harry will sit with me, but doesn't actually pay any attention.
I lay with my head leaning comfortably on Harry's chest, our legs slightly intertwined and his arm wrapped tightly around me. Just before the movie finished I drifted off into a deep sleep, lulled by the sound of Harry's heartbeat and the calming sound of his breathing.
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di-42 · 2 days
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Ok. *rolls her sleeves* You want face value? *rubs her hands* I'll give you face value.
Crowley hates his plants.
He shouts at them, belittles them and k*lls them. He says horrible things to them and the fact that he k*lls the plants off screen is no reason for us to doubt that he does. Because we trust his words in that particular scene. His behaviour throughout both seasons, especially season 2 where the only thing he takes with him from his former flat are the plants, is absolutely irrelevant of course.
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Crowley thinks Aziraphale is stupid or that he is an idiot. If he says so in situations of stress, in situations where the context suggests he's desperate for the angel to see things his way the context is just irrelevant, because he says that Aziraphale is an idiot. If the rest of the series shows us that he trusts Aziraphale and his intelligence greatly, that's irrelevant because in a couple of scenes he said that Aziraphale is an idiot.
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If Crowley had gone to Alpha Centauri he WOULDN'T EVEN HAVE THOUGHT about Aziraphale. That's what he said, so it must be true.
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Crowley actually wanted Muriel to arrest him because he's a demon. That's what he said, so it's exactly what he meant. That the unfolding of the story suggests that was a trick to get to heaven is irrelevant.
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In Rome Crowley was an aardvark. Obviously.
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Aziraphale is just an angel Crowley knows. Exactly like Sandalphon.
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Crowley clearly wanted to k*ll Job's children. The whole goats-turned-into-crows thingy? Irrelevant.
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I'm sure that if you take Aziraohale's words towards Crowley during the final fifteen at face value you'll agree with me that everything else in the show is to be taken at face value.
I invite everyone to come up with more examples.
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robobarbie · 6 hours
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Hello hellooooooo! We recently had a banner contest in the discord server, and I wanted to show y'all the awesome entries that didn't win. They're all really cool in their own ways, so I wanted to give them each a lil moment.
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(by @/jestie)
Love the focus on xyx!! He reminds me almost of what I'd think teenage him would look like. Very chill, sporty, and out with friends on a beautiful spring day. The linework in this feels really soft as well -- especially on those hat details. AND THERE'S CAT!! CAT!!!
All other submissions under the cut!
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(by @/hunddenseje)
I like the details in the flowers a lot for this one. The way people draw roses and how they choose those inner patterns is always neat. And the little plants and mushrooms on his shoulders are fun!! They go well with that striped shirt pattern!!!
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(by @/stintsy)
The way this artist circled the boys with that pink rosy pattern will stick in my brain for a while. It's v pretty, and it's like they opened a bush and found us in there for some reason. "Hello! Happy Spring!" Thanks boys please close it back up!!! It's my cry hour in the bush!!!!
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(by @/emmascient)
This person's artstyle is so unique and full of life. The little spots of light coming through the trees just adds to whole thing, too. And I really like seeing fanart of owl with textured hair!!! Also check out xyx's fucking biceps holy fucking sh-
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(by @/.mewo.)
Just a bunch of bros on their lunch break bayBEEEEEEEEEE!!! I like the detail of toast's coat tied around their waist and the fucking anti-societyboy shirt quest is wearing LMFAO. Also cat is ADORABLE in this. God. More cat art. Always need more cat art!!
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(by @/c1nnadoll)
Every time nightowl is drawn in a croptop, two months is added to my life. I just know it's true. God bless that cute ass flower crown and the perfect little peace sign. Man looks so stable and happy. I hope he had a nice day after this picture!!!
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(by @/fluffydeer21)
Toast and Quest look so content and cute with their flowers. And there's another neat rose with a lil interior pattern! Held, of course, by this artist's fave LI. Xyx looks pretty good with gold jewelry, I cannot lie. I have no idea why I made them green in game. LMFAO
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(by @/noneivly)
I like how this feels like a painting. Like those brush strokes and even the palette choice just look like something you'd see hung on a wall? It's really cool. Also the little detail of the chibi picnic boys in the background makes me giggle. Small!!!!! So fucking small!!!
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(by @/kiki_221)
The energy in this is excellent. You can almost hear them laughing together at Toast's expense (deserved I'm sure). I'd like to imagine they're all relaxing at a park after a big lunch. I hope they got to discuss all the good things that happened to them this week.
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(by @/01noxxie10)
Another excellent chillin in the grass pic! Purple actually looks really good on Quest. I don't think I've ever drawn him in that color before? So this image made me think about that a LOT. Also look at fuckin chill ass xyx. Calm beautiful motherfucker. Fuck you!!! Fuck you!!!
--------------
There's two more images, but those are the discord banner winner and the one I chose for my twitter! If you want to see those excellent drawings, check out my twitter here or join the discord server here!
Thank you everyone for all the submissions! I treasure them deeply!!
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iheart-alastor · 1 day
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Alastor x Fem! Reader who can control sound
I've made this out of pure bordem before I go to sleep if you want me to continue it and possibly make it into a chapter I will put a poll at the bottom of it for you to answer!
(Baso reader in this can control peoples voice and certain objects what create sounnd like a tv or radio/anything what sound comes from)
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Alastor was on air again talking about the early 1900s and how life was until a huge screech sound ripples through his broadcast and cut it off. Completely before a loud laugh came through his microphone he looked at it in annoyance and confusion 'what was going on' before a voice came through it one more "Will you Shut the fuck up about the 1900s you fossil god it's so sad" a glitchy voice said to him. He knew it wasn't his actual mic heavens no why would it talk to him like that anyway he cleared his throat before asking "And who is this may I ask interrupting my broadcast is very bold of you" he asked in a stern voice trying to find out which desperate soul was trying to get on his nerves "Erm nonya business you old prick I was just doing people a favor from having to listen to yap about how it was to live with the dinosaurs" the voice said teasingly. Alastor scoffed at this comment "Oh dear once I find out who you are I will make sure to tear each of your limbs off for disrespecting me" he said as his antlers grew larger "ooo so scary I'm gonna shit myself, omg you're so edgy it's actually making me feel sick!" The voice said before laughing like a maniac before it stopped communicating with him
✼ •• ┈┈┈┈๑⋅⋯ ୨˚୧ ⋯⋅๑┈┈┈┈ •• ✼
Later on you was walking through town after ruining the radio demons broadcast, you're glad you've only just got in hell as he won't know who you are but making sure you don't interact with him anyway so he doesn't recognize your voice. Coincidentallya you bumped into someone pulling you out of your thought you stumbled back onto your ass before letting out a loud groan you looked up to see the radio demon standing there. The streets were quiet, empty, the only people noticeable were sinners who watched the situation from alleys. "Well my dear looks like you've taken quite the stumble!" Alastor said jokingly following it with a laugh at his own joke before he reached his hand out for you to grab onto. You took his hand and pulled yourself up and whispering a thanks before looking away. Hopefully he doesn't recognize your voice even if you whisper. "Do I know you dear you sound very familiar" you froze in place at the question and it made your already dead heart feel like it had stopped pumping "Uhm, no I don't think so I've only gotten into hell" you said trying to change the tone of your voice the excuse was half true as you had only gotten into hell at least over a week ago now you knew a majority of the overlords especially alastor. "Oh well you must not know me then! The names alastor pleasure to meet you darling what a pleasure" he says while taking your hand and landing a kiss on your knuckles "Well.. Hi alastor the names y/n" you say while nuzzling your head into your shoulder flustered at his gesture nobody had ever kissed your hand before. Probably because you grew up in a generation whats slowly loosing their manners, you was also glad you hadn't told alastor about your name whilst you interrupted his broadcast as you really don't want to make up a name alastor chuckled at your reaction to him kissing your hand "Y/n? What a beautiful name darling very beautiful I must say do tell me y/n do you easily get flustered?" Fuck why was he so polite? You would of already fell for him if you forgot that you just interrupted his broadcast an hour before bumping into him. If he knew who you was you'd be dead already! "Uhm no I just wasn't expecting such manners coming from a generation of people who have none it's quite rare" you say before laughing "oh do tell me my dear your generation is crazy! Respectless, sex deprived and don't know how to treat a lady as fine as yourself!" You chuckled before going back to thinking did he always act like this being flirtatious? Because gosh if not he may be wooing you on accident although your supposed to be rivals!
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yanderes-galore · 2 days
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May I request yandere Gojo Satoru with Civillian! Darling? Thank you for your hard work! ^^
I can try, sure! First time writing Gojo and things may be off as I'm not that far into the series yet (I got distracted by other series... oops-). Hope you enjoy though :)
Yandere! Satoru Gojo with Civilian! Darling
Pairing: Romantic/Platonic
Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Overprotective behavior, Manipulation, Stalking, Clingy behavior mentioned, Fear of loss, Dubious companionship/relationship.
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Gojo most likely wouldn't get involved with civilians often.
He constantly surrounds himself with Jujutsu Sorcerers and strength.
He doesn't typically stick around the weak often.
However... Gojo may like someone who doesn't always expect something from him as a Sorcerer all the time.
Gojo is a complex character with all sorts of emotions.
Yet, I feel Gojo would never show his true emotions to a civilian darling.
He can't fully relate to you, always having high expectations and strength ever since he was young.
The closest one he could relate to was Geto.
Gojo is a very lonely person due to being unable to make close emotional connections... even with allies.
He doesn't like people close to him.
Which is why it's odd when Gojo shows such an interest in a mere civilian.
He's a man who has seen and faced death, one who feels the world is being held up by him.
Yet you are someone completely unaware of the dangers of Curses... so devoid of the stresses he has.
Gojo can't relate to you but he feels a need for you.
It's not like he can train you or teach you about Curses... you don't have it in you.
Yet there's something about the way you speak to him in such a casual manner that drives him... crazy?
He no doubt met you by chance, buying something for his students before coming across you.
Gojo would probably feel a need to protect a civilian darling.
You're so oblivious... conversing with him as though he's just another person on the street.
Gojo has the usual goofy personality, coming off as playful with you.
Your laugh sounds heavenly and you just seem so...
Vulnerable.
The thought actually hurts him a bit.
Vulnerability... something he despises.
Vulnerability is a curse he used to endure... back when...
Gojo tries not to think of such a thought when speaking with you.
It would take time for Gojo to get used to you.
What disturbs him is how easy you could be harmed.
He's scared to get close to you as you could be targeted.
He doesn't want to lose anyone else...
Yet he can't keep himself away from you.
Fighting his obsession and logical thinking, Gojo may eventually come to one conclusion.
If he can't part from you... and he doesn't want you hurt... he will just keep you from leaving his sight.
This leaves to Gojo stalking you, always seeming near you, and perhaps even appearing clingy at times.
It's hard to get Gojo attached in the first place, if you do then he's intense.
This is the reason he didn't want to be close.
He was scared to get attached and lose you.
But... can't fix that now, right?
The good thing is Gojo will keep you safe, right?
He's untouchable by most... so if you were threatened he could easily defend you.
Associating with such a man is a dangerous game.
You poor thing did it without trying.
Now Gojo doesn't plan to leave you alone, you're in too deep.
He'll be your friend, or something more depending on how you feel about him...
Most importantly he'll be a guardian... your protector...
He won't mess up protecting the one he cares about this time.
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୨ PINKY PROMISE ୧
Summary: Y/n finally confronts her abusive dad, leading to a massive argument, where she leaves the house.
Warnings: Angst, daddy issues, violence, cussing.
Notes: English is not my first language, so I’m sorry about any mistake!
୨୧
Im on the living room couch since my dad left the house. My eyes blink slowly, struggling to stay open. I see on my phone, 2AM. The big yellow light only makes me drowsier at each second that goes by. As soon as my eyes close, I hear the door opening, automatically getting my attention.
I sit up, rubbing my eyes. I watch the old man walking through the living room with a bottle of beer in his hand. The familiar smell of alcohol fills the room. He looks in my direction, his eyes narrowing as they land on me. “What the hell are you doing still up?" He asks with a tone of accusation.
I hesitate before answering, finding the right words. “I.. I was just waiting for you, dad.” I reply. The tension in the room is big.
"Waiting for me? More like waiting to nag me, you little brat." He scoffs as he walks over to the kitchen, opening the fridge and getting another alcoholic drink.
I feel the rage burning inside me, but I push it down, knowing it will only make things worse. “I was worried about you” I say, my voice trembling slightly. “You were gone for hours, and..”
But before I can finish my sentence, he cuts me off with a bit of a laugh. “You are just like your mother, always putting your nose where you are not called” He takes another swig from the bottle. I put my phone in my pocket. I start getting up, maybe going to bed was actually the best idea, but it looks like he still has things to say. “You're the last person who should be worried about me, little bitch.”
All his words just remind me of how much I hate him. Since my mom died, nothing has been the same. He started getting into alcohol, drinking every day. I have bruises from all the times he had ever hit me. I hate when he mentions my mom, like he didn’t even loved her. I turn myself to him. “It’s not my fault you go out to drink like a fucking addicted, just because you can’t stand the idea of mom not being here anymore!” I say. “And I shouldn’t be worried?!”
“You are just like her” He looks at me with disgusted eyes. “Always running your mouth, just like your goddamn mother.” He gets closer, his breath hitting my face. “If she was here, she would be embarrassed of having you as a daughter, just like I am.” He pauses. “You are just a mistake. I wish I had used a condom that night. No one can fucking stand you.”
I shake my head. “That’s not true.” I try to convince myself. Some tears running down my face, I just can’t avoid them. I feel more and more angry.
He simply keeps talking. “And let me tell you,“ He points an accusing finger at me. “That shitty boyfriend of yours? He’s just with you out of pity.”
“You don’t know what you are talking about. You don’t know him, dad.” My breath gets heavier.
“He’s just using you, like everyone around you, piece of shit. You will see, as soon as he finds someone bett-“
Suddenly, before he could finish talking, I push him away from me, making him lose balance, almost getting him on the floor. “Stop! Just shut the fuck up already! Leave me the fuck alone!” I scream, tears blur my vision.
But my father’s rage only seems to intensify. He doesn’t give up. He comes back, his hand connects with my cheek, slapping me across the face, leaving a red mark. For some moments, I froze. “I hate you!” I yell "I hate being here! I hate every moment spent under this roof with you!"
“Ungrateful brat! That’s all you are!” He affirms, louder than me.
“I hate the way you treat me, the way you talk to me, the way you make me feel like I'm worthless! I’m out of here!” I use the same tone as him, but this time sobbing. And with that, I start walking towards the front door, I open it.
“Sure! get the fuck out of my house! And I don’t wanna see your ass back here when you realize the shit you’ve made!” He tells me. I take one last look at him before shutting the door.
I start crying uncontrollably as I walk through the dark streets. I don’t even have where to go, I just wanna get out of this place. The only thing I can think of is Chris. I need him. He’s the only one who will understand me.
The panic just builds up as I walk the fastest I can to his house. Each step that I take doesn’t feel real. How the fuck is this actually happening. After an eternity, I finally reach his house. I ring on the doorbell, nothing. It just makes me cry more and more. I ring again, still nothing. Until I finally see the door opening. His eyes half closed, shirtless only with his pajama pants on. He blinks in confusion.
“Y/n? What’s.. What’s wrong? What are you doing here?” He asks with his husky voice.
“Chris.. Im sorry.. I..” I try to speak but the words catch in my throat, I’m only able to cry. He pulls me into a hug, my head buries on the crook of his neck as I keep breaking down. He holds me tightly, as I cling to him, my tears soaking his bare skin.
He kisses the top of my head a few times “Shh it’s okay..” He whispers. “You don’t gotta say anything right now, I just need you to breathe, love. I’ve got you..” We stay like this for some moments, until I calm down a bit.
He pulls me back from the hug, making me look at him. “Why don’t you come in so we can talk better, huh?” He questions me calmly. Chris leads me to his room, always holding my hand. As we get there, he closes the door behind us.
“Let me get you something more comfortable to wear” He looks on his wardrobe. As soon as he finds it, he hands me an oversized hoodie and some fluffy pajama pants. Once I'm settled into the cozy clothes, my boyfriend guides me to his bed. We lay down, my head on his chest as a pillow. He strokes my hair gently. “I hate seeing you like this.. Do you talk about what happened?”
I sniff. “It’s just.. Everything with my dad..” My voice shakes as I talk. I start tearing up once again. ”We argued again, but this time.. I said I wasn’t coming back there, but I don’t even have anywhere to go..” I go back to crying.
“Listen to me, you do. You have me, you are staying here for how long you need to. I’m sorry I didn’t got you out of that house earlier.” He rubs my back.
I sigh. I look up at him with my watery eyes. “Can I make you a question?” I whisper.
“Yeah, what is it?”
“Do you ever.. Do you ever regret being with me? Do you ever wish you were with someone else?”
Chris's brows furrow with concern as he looks into my tear-filled eyes. “Hey, hey, hey.. Why are you asking me that?”
“I don’t know.. My dad is always telling me how you are going to leave me and.. I.. I don’t know..” I say insecure.
Chris cups my face with his hands. “Y/n listen to me, those are just lies. Im not going to leave you and I don’t regret being with you, I love you.”
“Do you promise me?” He wipes away my tears with his thumb.
He extends his pinky finger towards me. “Wanna make a pinky promise?” His sentence makes me chuckle a bit, like a little kid. Slowly, I reach out and intertwine my pinky finger with his. “I promise that I will always be here for you, Y/n.” He smiles. “Now can you promise me that you will never doubt about it?”
“I promise Chris.” He gives me a soft peck on my lips.
୨୧
omg this end was so shitty
taglist: @daddyslilchickenfingers2 @orangelala @annamcdonalds67 @lilo7sworld @soso-scarlettolivia @junnniiieee07
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Sending virtual hugs! 🌸
I’m wondering about your thoughts on Xie Lian and how he views Hua Cheng and the Gambling Den.
He expressed to Hua Cheng his concerns about how dangerous it is, and let it go when he understood that he and Hua Cheng have differing views on the matter.
It makes me wonder how things would have unfolded if the man who gambled to have his competitors die or give his daughter’s life and marriage if he lost, had been able to complete his bet without interruption. Like how much is Hua Cheng involved in something like that?
Would that man simply have walked away with the luck he needed to get what he wanted? I can’t see Hua Cheng actively hunting down and killing those people.
But I can see him allowing the man the luck needed to make his desires come true - so not actively engaging but not interfering with the man’s terrible decisions - kind of like with how he dealt with He Xuan.
I’m not completely sold on that thought though…😅 your thoughts?
Thank you! 🌸
And thank you for your ask! I love talking about Ghost City :3
I've thought about similar things regarding the Gambler's Den, but ultimately, I think it's on purpose that we don't find out for sure and are left to wonder. Especially since, at this point in the story, both the reader and Xie Lian are still slowly uncovering who Hua Cheng is as a person.
When we look at this scene after everything is revealed, I think it's quite clear from the mockingly derisive way he talks to him that Hua Cheng did not like that guy, and I wonder if he would even have taken that second bet if Xie Lian and the others hadn't been there - he seems to have a pretty good understanding of Lang Qianqiu's character when be talks about him with Xie Lian later, so I can see him use that second bet as a lure to make Lang Qianqiu cause a commotion. Because then Hua Cheng gets to "discover" that Xie Lian and the others are there, which means he has a reason to invite Xie Lian to Paradise Manor, which is necessary to make that whole "have them rescue 'Ming Yi' so that He Xuan's cover isn't blown" plan work.
As an aside, though of course Hua Cheng is always happy when he gets to spend time with Xie Lian, I think he must have deeply hated deceiving him like this. It speaks to how much he values his arrangement with He Xuan and how vital the information He Xuan provides is to him - which is proven when right after this, the whole Fang Xin reveal happens. Without He Xuan monitoring what's happening in heaven and relaying the information to him, Hua Cheng wouldn't have known that Xie Lian got locked inside his palace and couldn't have come to rescue him.
Back to the topic at hand though. I think it's worth looking at the actual dialog when Xie Lian and Hua Cheng discuss the den because there's so much in there:
After some hesitation, Xie Lian spoke up again. "San Lang, it may be out of line for me, but I still have to say it. That Gambler's Den of yours is incredibly dangerous. Won't it blow up in your face one day?"
A place that allowed the betting of sons and daughters and people's lives, granting wishes for others' sudden deaths - it was dreadfully sinful. Never mind a little brawl; if one day the bets got out of hand, the Heavenly Realm wouldn't be able to stay on the sidelines.
Hua Cheng gave him a look.
"Your Highness, did you ask Lang Qianqiu why he had to jump into that mess?"
Xie Lian was slightly taken aback, not quite understanding the intent of the question.
Hua Cheng continued, "I bet he must have told you that if he didn't do it, no one else would."
He was amazingly on the mark, obviously having seen through Lang Qianqiu.
"That's indeed what he said." Xie Lian admitted.
"Then I'm the complete opposite," Hua Cheng said. "If I don't control a place like this, then someone else will. I'd rather that person be me."
Xie Lian knew when to back down, and he nodded. "I understand."
It seemed, although Hua Cheng was the sentimental sort, he also cared more about control and power than Xie Lian realized.
It's fascinating that it we look at what Xie Lian actually says and thinks here, what he mainly seems to be worried about is what would happen to Hua Cheng and his friendship with Hua Cheng should Jun Wu be given reason to actively start going against him. Which is also what Xie Lian worries about during this entire mission - what will happen if it turns out Hua Cheng is involved with a heavenly official's disappearance and heaven retaliates, what will happen if he's not involved and Xie Lian has destroyed their friendship by deceiving him. It doesn't matter to Xie Lian that Hua Cheng is a Ghost King and that they're technically on opposite sides - he's decided based on his own experiences and judgment that Hua Cheng is a good person and a good friend, and he's already at this point very protective of him. Especially since he's not unaware that the heavenly realm in general and Jun Wu in particular do not share his opinion on Hua Cheng, and the political implications thereof:
Jun Wu turned around. "Tell me, what kind of extraordinary character did you engage with when you descended this time?"
Xie Lian raised his hand. "My Lord, I swear I did nothing. Just, one day by chance, I encountered an interesting young man on the road, and we spent some time together. I didn't think much of it."
Ju Wu nodded. "Chance encounter, young man, Supreme Ghost King. Xianle, surely you are aware what the consequences would be if Ming Guang was to question you further and you confessed to this in front of the other officials? No one would believe you."
"Xianle knows," Xie Lian replied woefully. "So, I'm grateful for My Lord's timely intervention. My Lord, you're not actually going to interrogate me, are you? I wouldn't collude with the Ghost Realm. These are absurd concerns."
"Naturally, I know you would not intentionally collude with the Ghost Realm," Jun Wu said.
"I'm grateful for My Lord's trust," Xie Lian replied.
Xie Lian is definitely stretching the truth here with the "I didn't think much of it" part, given that by the end of his investigation in Banyue, he damn well knew that the "interesting young man" was Supreme Ghost King Hua Cheng, and then he kept spending time with him regardless. He's very careful about protecting their friendship by downplaying it and being vague, and further than that, he's very careful about protecting Hua Cheng. We've already seen this earlier when Pei Ming was interrogating him - Xie Lian even pretended not to know who that "red-clothed young man" was because he rightfully deduced that Pei Ming would try to use Hua Cheng as a scapegoat to get Xiao Pei off the hook. Then when Pei Ming does try to pin the whole thing on Hua Cheng, Xie Lian immediately speaks up in his defense:
"General Pei, let's keep things clear and separate. Let's not talk about whether the young man I traveled with was Hua Cheng or not. At the very least, even if he was indeed Hua Cheng, that has nothing to do with what General Pei Junior has done. A Supreme Ghost King might have the worst possible name on people's tongues, but not everything can be blamed on him."
I find it very telling that the reason Xie Lian is being so carefully vague is less so he himself won't get into trouble and more that he's very aware that if Hua Cheng gets wrongfully accused, no one will question it simply because of who and what Hua Cheng is. And it's that kind of injustice and prejudice that Xie Lian will always stand up against. At this point he still completely trusts Jun Wu, but when it comes to Hua Cheng, Xie Lian not only disagrees but actively disobeys, though he's careful about how much of that he shows in front of Jun Wu:
Jun Wu shook his head. "I should not comment on the friends you make, but I will say this: Be careful of Hua Cheng."
Hearing this, Xie Lian bowed his head slightly, keeping his eyes down and saying nothing. He should've responded with "Yes, My Lord," as he should have been able to say yes with ease by that point. Yet, for some reason, he really didn't want to say that particular "yes".
Hua Cheng likewise also understands his and Xie Lian's respective positions and is careful not to endanger Xie Lian. Like here, when he explains why he put up somewhat of an act of not knowing Xie Lian because there were other heavenly officials present:
"Since gege is here, why not come in? We haven't been apart for that long, so don't be a stranger to San Lang."
At his beckoning, Xie Lian let down the beaded curtain. "Earlier in the Gambler's Den, it was San Lang who pretended not to recognize me."
Hua Cheng approached and stopped at Xie Lian's side. "Lang Qianqiu was there too, so if I didn't put on an act, I'd be giving gege trouble."
Or here when he's content to be accused of having maliciously kidnapped Xie Lian if that means Xie Lian won't be suspected of resisting his arrest and made to look guilty:
Xie Lian finally understood. Shi Qingxuan could see that Hua Cheng had no ill intent, but on the surface, they had to pretend that Hua Cheng had only barged into the Heavens to collect his due. It would prevent gossip from those how might suggest that Xie Lian had maliciously and intentionally absconded. Hua Cheng understood Shi Qingxuan's intent and had played along. However, Xie Lian didn't want to go this route.
"All right, stop acting. He only came to the Heavens to save me. San Lang had good intentions, so why conceal them?"
Hua Cheng does this to protect Xie Lian, but Xie Lian likewise wants to protect him. This has ended up quite long-winded, but I wanted to look for more evidence of why I think that Xie Lian mainly brought up the Gambler's Den because he's worried that the bets could end up endangering Hua Cheng himself.
Hua Cheng sincerely thanks Xie Lian for his concern, but makes it clear that he doesn’t quite agree, and I think it's worth looking into why that is.
I've seen Hua Cheng be described as completely amoral by fans, but I don't think that's how the text actually portrays him. He certainly can be quite critical and cynical with his views on both humans and gods, but his reasoning for establishing and keeping the den isn't "I don't care what happens there" or "I want places like this to exist for my own gain". He is, at least from his perspective and based on his experiences, simply being grimly realistic about how if he forbids these kinds of bets, the people who want to conduct them will simply move underground and do their gambling in secret. So not only will these bets happen either way, someone else will eventually take control of such a place, and Hua Cheng doesn't trust that such a person wouldn't take advantage of it.
Hua Cheng isn't amoral, he just has his own perspective on morality and justice. He's also not passive and uncaring in the face of what he perceives as wrong and unjust, but he doesn't really talk about that openly unless prompted. Like here during the Black Water arc, when they discuss the scroll with (supposedly) the names of victims of the Reverend of Empty Words:
Xie Lian turned to Hua Cheng. "San Lang, you said it's full of outrageous mistakes. How so?"
Hua Cheng scooted over to him, they were now sitting much closer than before. Hua Cheng pointed at a few names. "These are wrong."
Xie Lian looked at the names closely; all of them were known to be lawless, malevolently evil tyrants. "How do you know?"
"Because I killed them," Hua Cheng said.
Hua Cheng deeply hates people who abuse the power they wield, to the point that he personally acts against them. I think this ties in well with his reasoning about the Gambler's Den. I don't think there's anything in the text that suggests Xie Lian is upset to realize that Hua Cheng cares more about power and control than he'd thought, just surprised - until he comes to Ghost City, Xie Lian has mostly been around the very laid-back "San Lang", and this is the first time he's encountered Hua Cheng in his own territory, where he's a Ghost King ruling over the largest settlement within the ghost realm.
Also Xie Lian doesn't know this yet, but given everything we later learn about Hua Cheng's past, I think it's quite obvious that Hua Cheng's preoccupation with the power and control he wields, as well as his contempt for those who abuse theirs, is rooted deeply in the trauma he's gone through. Control in particular is a huge thing for him for several reasons, one of the main ones being that as a child, he was repeatedly punished for things outside his control, and he internalized that pattern to the point where he now punishes himself for things outside his control, as is shown repeatedly when he decides he's failed Xie Lian in some way. But I'm going to go into more detail about this in my Hua Cheng + trauma responses meta.
Lastly, I think it's important to keep in mind that the text makes clear that even when Xie Lian and Hua Cheng disagree, rather than a point of conflict it's actually proof of how strong and healthy their relationship is. I've sometimes seen fans (not you) portray their relationship as Xie Lian being irritated with Hua Cheng's attitude towards others, having him either be somewhat grudgingly resigned to it or actively trying to change Hua Cheng's behavior. But when we actually look at the text, we realize that nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the opposite is the case - Xie Lian is incredibly protective of him and repeatedly gets defensive when others judge and blame Hua Cheng. I'm gonna examine that in more detail in my hualian meta though, so for now, I hope this turned out a satisfying answer!
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bonefall · 18 hours
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My birthday was a couple days ago, and I got to see my bio dad for the first time in a while. He surprised me with the fact that I have a little half-sister, whom I've never met and who was adopted about two years back. So, I wondered if any situations in BB mimic this or have a theme of "secret siblings" or "secret family"? Sorry if this is a weird ask; this blog is honestly just such a cool little place and I love the way you approach the subject matter and take the flawed misogynistic foundation of the WC books and make them so much better (JUSTICE FOR BUMBLE!!!). I've also learned a lot about healthy and unhealthy relationships here and am really glad for your deep dives on Squilf and Bramble. Thanks, Bones!
Not weird at all! I really like exploring all the little nooks and crannies of complicated familial dynamics. I think one of the untapped strengths of WC (that the writers seem to be unaware of) is how their MASSIVE cast allows them to present all sorts of unique dynamics. So I like to pick up on it, since they don't.
For secret siblings...
I'm pretty heavily leaning towards Ambermoon being adopted by Wildfur, as a surrogacy. Something feels correct about it. Especially since Icecloud is getting retooled into a post-Battle of the True Eclipse birth, and a major supporting character in AVoS-era stories as a friend of Alderheart.
Thinking about it, I should zoom in and expand this. Maybe have Icecloud, somehow, acquire forbidden knowledge that would invalidate the Queen’s Rights and he (transman) struggles with if he's going to use it to expose his parents as an excuse to help Ambermoon.
(Especially since Ambermoon and Icecloud are basically nothing alike. Amber is independent, bold, and vain. Ice is jessie pinkman big-hearted, disorganized, and deceptively meek if you look past his "chill" demeanor)
But that's wip-- there's also Breezepelt and the Three, who are going to have an actual friendship. In particular I can't unsee Breeze and Lion having a deep one. I know I commit the Cardinal Sin of borderline himbo-ifying Lionblaze in BB, but I can't help it.
Hollyleaf ended up nabbing a bunch of his most violent roles to make her villainous descent smoother narratively, so BB!Lionblaze's story ends up being more focused on Ashfur's abuse, comic relief with cats in other Clans (something that the very serious Jay and Holly have a hard time providing), and the emotional fallout of the big reveal and Bramblestar's turn on them. Breezepelt slots neatly into that.
They were friends. Lionblaze's whole life came down around the reveal, everyone looking at him and his siblings differently, like they're suddenly something terrible. Why can't we find a silver lining, Breezepelt? Why can't we call ourselves brothers if the whole world is going to do it anyway? So much is changing, but THIS doesn't have to, we will take their weapon and turn it to armor, my ally, my friend, my brother.
(and when Breezepelt is lashing out at the three because of the Dark Forest's influence, Lionblaze is there, taking the blows and trying not to give in to the impulse to send him flying with a single paw)
There's also Harespring and Kestrelflight of WindClan and Owlclaw of ShadowClan. All of them are from a single litter between Whitewater and Mudclaw. She was going to raise the three of them alone as ShadowClan cats, but when the sire was smote, Whitewater felt they were cursed.
She was able to give the oldest two to their bio-uncle, Torear, but the weather was so bad that day and the runt was so sickly and small that it surely would have killed him. I don't think Owlclaw ever finds out why his mother always treated him with suspicion, but it did mess him up horribly.
Over in BB!DOTC, Thunder Storm is getting more half-siblings earlier. Clear Sky and Falling Feather had two daughters-- Pale Sky and Tiger Sky.
I want to explore the way that the various stages of Clear Sky's life acted on his kids. How any little curiosity Thunder Storm had about the life he might have had if he wasn't abandoned is crushed by seeing kittens who weren't. How Clear's favoritism of his oldest child set the trio against each other from the start. How this idea of "love" is toxic yet intoxicating.
It feels good to be the golden child. The power it gives you over his sycophants is satisfying. To know you, and you alone, have what someone else craves. Problem is, that's conditional, and it's cruel.
What Thunder Storm learns from his time with his biodad is that Clear Sky is not his father at all. He's taught him exactly what he DOESN'T want to be. There may be similarities-- in temperament, in physical prowess (though BB!Thunder is three-legged, he's still ripped), in taste and senses. But Thunder Storm's father is Shaded Flower.
(BB!Gray Wing died in the first book, rescuing Shaded Flower from being trampled by a horse. Xey're a patron of wisdom, Shaded Moss is taking the role of fatherhood to Thunder)
His sister is Rainswept Flower. His mom is Bright Storm. If there was a bond he could have had with Tiger Sky and Pale Sky, it dies simply and cruelly on the knife they used to cut each other out.
Pale might have wanted to mend it, she was the gentler one. But she dies in the First Battle along with her mother. Tiger Sky is too stubborn to accept any help, should Thunderstar offer it, and Thunderstar isn't in the business of begging for others to like him.
Naturally I'm lowkey obsessed with them lmao. I need to make a BB!DOTC overviewww
#I have a perspective on half siblings colored by a dynamic in my family#The generation above me has two siblings who had an awful biodad and an amazing stepdad (who did officially adopt them)#And there was nothing ''natural'' or good about how one of them was obsessed with their biodad.#It was influenced by his surroundings and did nothing but drag an incredibly toxic man back into his sister's life#Over and over#But anyway the son used to tell me ''theres no half in siblings''#The daughter adored her halfbrother through the mother who raised them-- but was adamant that her biodad's newer kids were nothing to her#I guess I agree with the son. But not in the way he believes it#There's no half in siblings because you either Are. Or you are Not.#You have a shared experience with having that person as a parent or you don't. And that's what's unchanging.#It's not the blood; it's the sweat and tears. But anyhoo#Personal details of my life aside#Tiger Sky and Pale Sky are Clear's Dead Angel Fetus Children in-canon. I think that was Weird.#So instead I made them. Not. Dead angel fetus children....#They're characters now lmaoo#Better bones au#I think Tiger Sky (i call her Tigs in my head a lot) is one of my favorite kit saves ever though#She's not going to be from the last litter either. I haven't picked who the mom is yet but he does have even more#At least one of those is going to make a grab at power but um. Sparrow Heart will not react Well.#BASICALLY lads I'm cooking. My revamps of the DOTC characters basically write themselves because I am very fond of them.#Clear's youngest: ''OH I JUST CANT WAIT TO BE KI-"#Sparrowstar: ''-lled.''
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rederiswrites · 2 days
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I don't see how trump turning America into a christofacsist state is any different than the norm? like it's been like that for native and black people since it's creation like we inspired the nazis in the first place so like what the point? oh trumps gonna kill everyone who isn't a white cis male! and? that's what america's best quality since day one
Okay I'm actually going to respond to this Edgelord Supreme bullshit, because as absurd as it looks written out like this, I actually do think a lot of people are feeling some half-articulated version of this despair and cynicism. Let's kick that in the ass.
First, let's get one thing straight. History has been terrible awful bad always and forever. There have been a thousand genocides and a million wars and a billion brutal, inhuman war crimes. Back in the days of the earliest civilizations, wiping out entire cities when you defeated them was basically just how things were done for many societies. The fact that we have international laws and international bodies of justice, however obviously toothless they remain, is the result of thousands of years of extremely mixed progress.
So at this point, you pretty much have to say either that a) humans are an incurable blight and don't deserve to live, or b) that we've done amazing, beautiful things and experienced billions of moments of happiness and created art and fallen in love despite all this, so we're still worth working on. Personally, I am very strongly in camp b. I see things worth living for a hundred times a day. There's really no comparison.
Second, the USA is not uniquely bad. It is terribly damaging to people both within its borders and all over the world. It is build on genocide and slavery. Many of its foundational institutions are deeply corrupted by these things. And guess what, that's uh....pretty common. No, really. The US is currently a big fucking problem. It's our turn with the big stick, for sure. But even then, we're not alone.
So how the fuck is this encouraging? It isn't. I'm not encouraging you, I'm telling you to fucking GET GOOD, because when you say shit like the above, what I hear is "Oh I SEE, I'm a TERRIBLE PERSON I guess I should just kill myself to make your life easier." I hear someone who would rather give up and call their country morally bankrupt and irredeemable than to PUT IN SOME FUCKING WORK.
Cynicism is so comfortable. It doesn't ask anything of you. "It's always been like this," it says. "Nothing's going to change."
Except things do change, and things have changed, and your entire premise is in fact absolute dogshit. The two presidential candidates are not remotely the same, and we are not, yet, a Christofascist nation. I could, as many before me already have, enumerate the million concrete ways in which your premise is just not true, but honestly I won't bother, because it's not a premise in good faith. What I mean by that is that even a cursory examination of the actual facts would totally trash your expressed beliefs, so you're not really interested in the facts.
Change for the better can happen. Change for the better has happened. It's just not as EASY as you want it to be. There are more steps. For example, you can't have viable independent candidates until you have campaign finance and voting reform. So you have to push for those things. For years, probably decades. Many people have died without seeing the realization of things they fought for, and yet those things have come to pass. You may die fighting the good fight and not see the victory. I may too. Meanwhile, you make the choices that will hopefully get the fewest people killed.
So stop acting like we're all just too shitty to bother about, and put in some fucking work.
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siriuslystyle13 · 19 hours
Text
You drew stars, around my scars
Remus Lupin x Fem!Reader
cw: scars, self loathing (Remus), hurt/comfort, FLUFF!!!
Yawning slightly and flattening down her hair, Y/n trekked down to breakfast in the great hall. Sitting down sandwiched in between Lily and Marlene, she grabbed a slice of toast, lathering it with a monstrous amount of butter.
Parting her lips to indulge in her breakfast, Y/n looked over to where her boyfriend, Remus usually sat. instead, she was greeted with the concerned faces of James, Sirius and Peter.
"Hold on, where's Rem?" She asked the three boys who stared back at her like deer in headlights. "He's still in bed Y/n, not feeling in top shape." James replied, raking a calloused hand through his thick black hair. "Mhm." Sirius interjected, his mouth full of cheerios. "its his..." the boy whispered cupping his mouth in his hands so only Y/n could hear. "time of the month"
How could've she forgotten? The full moon was tomorrow and Remus always struggled immensely in the days leading up to it.
Finishing her toast quickly, Y/n hastily got up from the table and rushed to the boys dormitory.
She found herself faced with the hard oak door and decided to knock to get Remus' attention instead of just barging in.
one knock... no reply
two knocks... still nothing, though Y/n could hear shuffling inside
three kno- "Sirius I swear to merlin I told you to leave me alone-"
"it's me Rem." Y/n spoke softly, he cheek to the door. At this, the handle turned and the door opened to reveal her boyfriend. Though sickly and pale looking, he was still beautiful.
"Hi dove" he murmured in exhaustion. Waiting for Y/n to open her arms and allow him in.
Y/n sat him down on the bed and cradled him in her arms as she stroked his hair.
"How could you like someone like me" He spoke, looking up at her with faint tears glistening in his eyes.
"whatever do you mean, lovely?" she stroked his cheek looking down at him in utter confusion and remus swore he had never seen a prettier sight.
"I'm a monster Y/n. You know it, I know it, James and Sirius know it."
"Remus you know that isn't true, I love you. Werewolf or not. I'm here. James and Sirius are here. You have friends, you have me."
Before the full moon, remus' self esteem always hit a low. Y/n believed it to be her duty to make sure he knew how loved and cared for he was.
"I love you Remus, I love everything about you. I love the way you make me laugh, I love how clever you are, I love your scars, the list goes on baby."
"I love you too Y/n." Remus replied, cuddling into her more. "I don't know what I would do without you."
"I vow to never let you find out." she chuckled, stroking his hair.
That's how they fell asleep, cuddled up. remus' head on Y/n's chest, encapsulated in her arms. Only to be found by James and Sirius later on in the day.
"oi guys come look at this." James whispered summoning Sirius and Peter.
"ew I think I might actually be sick" Sirius whisper wailed dramatically.
"well I think they're quite sweet." Peter smiles, attempting to move the other two out of the way so he could shut the door and leave you in peace.
hi guys! tysm for all of the love on 'in sickness and in health' I thought I might do something similar but a different fandom. if you have any requests let me know and I will do my best. thank you for reading!
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valsunrye · 3 days
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Response Summarized
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I will likely not look at things on the situation anymore; it's been aggravating my anxiety to high levels for days and bringing my mind back to thinking about my past years-long experience irl with what might've been emotional abuse...
My takeaway from this: guilty? innocent? I'd say Alex is innocent in some regards and guilty in others. I'm sorry for ALL involved no one deserves to be doxxed and harassed. The seriousness of the situation is that these rash responses could've gotten a suicide report on Alex instead of receiving this response, think about that fact. This isn't just a cancelization or drama you could've gotten someone KILLED as someone who is a very emotional person myself I want you to reel in your emotions I don't care that a lot of you are teenagers, so am I and there is nothing that justifies doxxing when you are not even 100% sure that every single allegated claim is true.
This has been extremely immaturely by the internet and community, think on your actions because some responses made were very much illegal. I saw someone post Alex's full legal name, phone number, address and past address while calling Alex a transgender slur which I have since reported and gotten taken down. The angry mob mentality on both sides is unacceptable: harassing the victims, harassing Alex, harassing neutrals. (None of these are appropriate responses, stay rational.) I've been appalled, disgusted and utterly disappointed, shame on you.
Also remember that it is not within your right to be like, "Alex, we all forgive you🥺🥺🥺" You were not the one who got hurt. People still had their mental health declined by Alex's reckless actions, which I am truly sorry for. I hope you heal.
I'll likely still post TMC content sometimes, as I'm emotionally attached to the characters. The fandom itself got me through some difficult times, and I would have stayed regardless of whether or not this response was posted only due to that.
I think that both Ven and Alex need to take a step away from the internet, as well as their past relationship issues, and go offline.
Anyone may feel free to share tldr I got off discord to other sites or with mutuals etc. If you have the time please PLEASE actually read the document itself, there's a lot more to it and those who don't read are the ones who spread the most misinformation.
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hannahssimblr · 2 days
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“Evan, can I sit?”
He glances up at me and shrugs, patting the ground next to him so I slump down heavily on it and take a healthy gulp from my bottle. 
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“You good, man?”
“Yeah, amazing.”
“I, uh, I see you were chatting to Leah, there? You know each other?”
“Nah.”
“Really? Well... she’s a weirdo anyway, you’re better off getting away from her, like, I just sell her weed and stuff, I don’t really like when she hangs around too long.”
“Yeah, fair enough.” 
“Was she being weird with you?” 
“Nope.” 
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We’re silent as we watch the flames. I begin to wonder what time it is, and whether I've stayed long enough now for it to be acceptable to go home. As I watch all of the other friends around the fire have fun together I’m struck by how much of an outsider I really am. Sure, Rob and Katie are nice, but will any of that niceness extend into normal life with the eyes of everyone else at school upon us? Surely they will go back to the steps at the back of the school while I go back to the rugby changing rooms, or the library, as it may be and things will resume as they are, as they've always been and always will be. Realistically, would they ever be seen with me? Would I ever be seen with them? There's this weird, empty feeling in me, a feeling that just compounds day after day, month after month, year after year, and it's like I don’t belong anywhere or to anyone. I'm just floating in the in-between, and who even am I? What does it mean to even-
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“Hey,” Evan interrupts my spiralling inner dialogue, “I meant to say to you that it’s cool that you came along, you know, even when Jen and Michelle didn’t.”
This takes me by surprise, “You think?”
“Yeah, I mean, I suppose I kind of thought you were just hanging out with us sometimes because of them, and that you didn’t really want to be there, but,” a shrug, “I suppose that isn’t true.”
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“No, I like hanging out with you.”
“And it’s not just because you’ve been ostracised by your other friends?”
I hesitate for a beat, “No.”
Evan laughs, “Wow, I’m so convinced!”
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“No, come on,” I rock to the side and nudge his shoulder with mine, “Like, yeah, sometimes it’s nice to have Jen here, but I’m fine, I can handle myself around the emos… and as for Michelle, well, she hates me, so it’s actually kinda comfier when she’s not here, and- oh,” I realise immediately what I’ve said, “um, well I don’t really mean that, it-”
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“No, it’s okay,” Evan says, “I know that you two aren’t exactly best friends or anything.”
“Ah, so she’s talked to you about me.” 
“Nah, you’ve honestly never come up in conversation.”
“Somehow that’s worse.”
He snickers. 
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“How are, um,” I pick at the beer label with my thumb, “How are things going with you guys? Like, the last time we talked you were feeling kinda…”
A sigh, “Oh, yeah, it’s the same. Like, she’s so nice but sometimes I don’t feel like I get enough from her.”
“Uh huh.”
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“I kind of get a bit annoyed about it sometimes, like, how are we supposed to be together properly if I hardly see her? Like, man, she’s allowed to come to my house like, once a week. In the afternoon. And that’s the only time we can… uh, hook up or whatever. It’s so annoying.”
“Just from an outsider's perspective, you know, you seem pretty happy.”
“Yeah. She’s definitely into me,” He musses up and fixes his fringe, “I dunno. It’s fine, just sometimes I wonder about shit. You know what I mean, right?”
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“I’m probably not the best person to ask, seeing none of my relationships have worked out so far, and I’m also fairly drunk, so…”
“But you know what it’s like to be with someone who wouldn’t give you the things you needed, right?”
“Yeah, ‘course.”
“So you do get it.”
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“Mm, I suppose,” as our conversation tapers off I let my mind drift into thoughts about love and loneliness and the hollow disappointment of all of my relationships. These are bitter, useless, self destructive thoughts as usual, made even worse by the fact that I’m not exactly capable of rational thought while inebriated. Is drinking bad for me? Am I a miserable drunk? I have to physically shake myself out of my own head before I start talking myself into a hole again.
I turn to Evan to start saying something else about, I don’t know, whether he’s ever tried pranking someone by turning their school bag inside out and putting the books back into it or something stupid like that, but I see he’s distracted by something else across the bonfire. 
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It’s that girl with the pink hair. She’s leaning over a bag to rummage for more beer, and her short skirt rides up when she’s bent over like that so that her underwear is visible through the sheer material of her tights. I frown at the dirty little smirk on his face, the way hungry eyes follow her movements, and the look between them as she glances over her shoulder and sees him watching her. I nudge my knee against his to interrupt whatever is going on.
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“Wow, nice legs, huh?” 
He looks at me, surprised, but lets out a rough laugh, “Yeah, for sure.”
“Is she into you or am I just seeing things?”
“Nah, I don’t know about that.”
“Oh, c’mon, no, I’m just messing with you, she just looked like… I dunno.”
“Like what?”
I shift awkwardly, “You know what, don’t mind me, I’ve had too much to drink, I thought I detected flirting, or whatever, I guess I was wrong.”
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The girl kneels onto the ground and starts asking around for the bottle opener, and Evan doesn’t take his eyes away from her. “She’s pretty though, isn’t she?”
“Hm?”
“Carlie. That’s her name. She’s pretty, do you think?”
“She’s single?”
“Yep.”
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“So are you trying to set me up with her or are you just pointing that out?”
“I’m not trying to set you up.” Evan seems agitated by this idea that I might try to date pretty Carlie, who, by the way, treats me like I am contagious. As though it’s any of his business what she does, as if he should even care. Something sour settles in my gut, but I can’t tell whether it’s that I'm weirded out by this conversation or if the alcohol is nauseating me. 
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“Right, well, she’s not my type,” I watch his face carefully, “Is she yours?”
“She’s pretty hot.”
Maybe he's looking for my approval or my agreement, which I don’t give him on purpose. To see where it leads me I respond with a benign, “Oh, you think?”
“Uh huh,” They catch eyes again and she smiles coyly and quickly looks away to resume her conversation. That’s flirtation. She’s flirting with him, and him back, right in front of my face. 
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“You know, a lot of people would consider your girlfriend to be pretty hot too.” It’s true, I’ve heard those rugby boys saying it before, the only time they ever had anything remotely complimentary to say about any of the emos was to point out the things they fancied about Michelle and what they might like to do to her if she A. wasn’t emo, or B. nobody knew, so that they wouldn’t have to suffer the social consequences. I feel disgusted again at this memory. I know where I was, sitting on the bench lacing up my boots and saying nothing while they spoke casual filth about a girl I know. 
It’s a similar feeling to the one I have now at this bonfire with Evan, and maybe this is how he is when he’s drunk, maybe he just gets a bit… leery, but when he stares across the fire at someone who isn’t his girlfriend I swear I am looking at Willy FitzHerbert. 
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He waves my comment away, “Yeah but at least Carlie is interested in sex.”
“How do you know that?”
He leans closer, “Obviously because I’ve done it with her.”
“Yeah?” I say, “When?”
He smirks and says nothing.
I push him again. “A few years ago?”
He lowers his voice and looks at me with eyes that glitter with salacious excitement. I don’t think I’ve ever once seen another boy look so pleased with himself as he says: “Try a month ago.”
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It takes all my self control not to react. I just pause for a second as a shock of revulsion rips through my body, I feel it from my feet to the top of my head, and then, when I decide to speak, my voice is strange to my own ears, “While you were with Michelle.”
A shrug, “It just happened on a night out when she wasn’t there. I dunno.”
“She doesn’t know?”
“Course not. She’d break up with me.”
“And... you don’t want that.”
“No, because we’re in love. This stuff with Carlie, it was just… you get what I mean. It’s not like that with her.”
I sigh, “Uh, yep.”
So it appears it is the same for Evan as it is for all the others. Michelle is the virgin, Carlie is the slut and he wants it all at the same time. A girl worthy of love, and a girl interested in sex, two things that cannot converge. There is no girl that can be both.
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“It felt good to let loose with someone who knew what they were doing, and like, not have to think so hard about making the other person all safe and comfortable and, blah,” he rolls his eyes, “Carlie is cool.”
“Right, yeah, she seems it.”
“You get me, right? Guys like us, you know, we need to be able to just relax sometimes, not think so hard…”
“Yeah, for sure… Guys like us, huh?”
“Hell yeah!” He clinks his beer bottle against mine, “I knew you’d get it, honestly, I wasn’t sure if I should say something but I feel good now that you understand what I meant.”
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I try to laugh but it sounds weird and strangled, so I bring the bottle to my lips in the hope that drinking will disguise my discomfort, or at the very least numb it a bit. I finish the last two thirds of it and toss it somewhere amongst the miscellaneous rubbish, remnants of a hundred other miserable bonfire nights on Dollymount strand.  
Then, after a minute or two Evan nudges me again. It’s hard to look at him but I force myself to because it is what I would do if this situation was normal, “You’re not going to say anything, right? Like, to Michelle or Jen? Like I know you probably won’t...” A laugh as he adjusts his fringe, “That'd be insane, I know, but I wanted to make sure.”
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“Me? Nah,” I say, “Why would you even have to ask? Don’t worry about it,” I scratch the back of my head, “your, uh, your secret is safe with me.”
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