Latest Posts by cringe--is--dead - Page 2

akage meme but tsubaki !

bonus stills !

i’m gonna assume and claim this is a Gojo cat plushie. Kiryuu has a Gojo cat plushie

that is all

FINALLY

*siiiiigh*… i miss writing these types of things >.<

curse mental illness— by the time i end up bounced back enough (and allowed on my own) i feel most people don’t write for wbk as much :(

𝕎𝕚𝕟𝕕𝕓𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕣 𝔹𝕠𝕪𝕤 + 𝔽𝕚𝕣𝕤𝕥 𝔻𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕤

Incl. Ren Kaji, Tasuku Tsubakino, Toma Hiragi, + Hajime Umemiya

Apologies some are longer than others!

ℝ𝔼ℕ 𝕂𝔸𝕁𝕀

ʰᵉᵃᵈᶜᵃⁿᵒⁿˢ:

This man spends the entire day before your date staring in the mirror at himself and screaming into a pillow because; hello? He asked you on a date? And you agreed?

He is definitely the kind of guy who, when panicked, ghosts people. Not maliciously, but solely because when he's anxious he just avoids the situation in its entirety. You can thank Hiragi he doesn't do that this time.

Doesn't wear his headphones on your date, but does keep them around his neck, and if you're quiet enough you can faintly hear music playing from them. He keeps them close enough to focus on if he gets too anxious or too upset, but not on so he can hear you when you talk.

He keeps the suckers though; but if you had ever mentioned a favorite flavor of yours you'd be surprised to notice that these ones he's eating happen to be your favorite flavor.

You find yourself at an arcade with him; nothing too jam-packed because dealing with large crowds would not be fun, but it's not so empty that it feels awkward.

He definitely overthought it before you two arrived there, and is overthinking it while you two are there.

But he pays for all the tokens, buys you both sodas or waters or whatever you want, plays whatever games you want to or suggest, and it takes the third game for you to tell him to stop going easy on you and give you an actual challenge.

He ends up kicking your ass at almost every game you two played, but you win 2/5 rounds of air hockey, so you count that as a win.

Combines all your points/tickets at the end and sends you away so he can choose a prize for you; he ends up with fewer tickets than he thought so he ends up with a small, plushie of a whale. He's embarrassed, but it's soft and has the cutest beady eyes.

The date lasts for a few hours, and he walks you home, awkwardly brushing his pinky against yours before you take the initiative and take his hand.

Drops you off at your place with a kiss on the cheek

You text him a selfie of you in your PJs later that night, holding your whale plushie and he makes it his wallpaper almost immediately,

𝕋𝔸𝕊𝕌𝕂𝕌 𝕋𝕊𝕌𝔹𝔸𝕂𝕀ℕ𝕆

ʰᵉᵃᵈᶜᵃⁿᵒⁿˢ:

Is the definition of looking cool on the outside, looking cool on the inside.

Is more excited than anything, no room for nerves, you on the other hand?

Who wouldn't be nervous? Have you seen Tsubaki?

He helps the pair of you plan your outfits days before, matching colors and patterns, hairstyles, and accessories.

The moment you two are out and about together you already look like a power couple; and with the confidence he holds your hand all your nerves disappear.

He takes it slow and simple; taking you for coffee and sweets, sitting outside on their cute patio to talk for literal hours.

He's the type of guy who wants you to try a sip of his drink and a bite of his food and is holding out his fork with a little bit of pastry on the end for you to eat. When he puts his fork down he tells you you have some icing on your face and wipes it off with his thumb, and then he puts his thumb in his mouth, it's such a small, and simple thing but your face is red can you tell who my favorite is?

You two go through a handful of drinks and sweets while sitting there, and for each new order he insists on going up and ordering for you, paying, and taking cute pictures of your drinks together whenever they're served really cute

Once you two are done at the cafe, and Tsubaki has plenty of new selfies with you and candids of you, you two go to a clothing shop that he had found, something small and locally owned, and I can imagine you two doing fashion shows for each other

My friends and I used to do this; but you two pick out outfits for each other, trying to make outfits that fit each others style or outfits you think the other would look amazing in

You take turns trying them on and showing them off; and no matter what Tsubaki is wearing he looks so absolutely amazing you forget how to breath a few times

You go with the notion that you’re window shopping and just trying clothes on for fun, but little do you know he buys himself your favorite outfit he wore and you your favorite outfit your wore

You try and argue against this but he just shuts you up with a kiss; hand cupping your jaw, tilting your head up softly, looking at you so soft and sweet before he’s leaning down to press his lips against yours, so feather light and sweet before he pulls back

You’re stunned into silence, face red and lips tinged the same shade as his lipstick

He tells you you both can wear the outfits on your next date, and takes your hand in his, continuing to a pastry shop that’s nearby

𝕋𝕆𝕄𝔸 ℍ𝕀ℝ𝔸𝔾𝕀

ʰᵉᵃᵈᶜᵃⁿᵒⁿˢ:

He is the definition of looking cool on the outside, is terrified on the inside.

He had an entire box of gas-kun10 in the twelve hours before your date, and it takes everything out of him not to bring out a box on your date.

A gentleman; brings you flowers and picks you up early enough so you can put them in a vase of water before you leave.

I agree with a lot of head-canons that say he seems more traditional? In the gentleman, chivalry sense; and I agree

He holds his arm out for you to hold when you leave; walking closer to the street so you’re further away from any cars (regardless of how few) and any bikes going by

He definitely follows the movie and dinner thing; having genuinely, subtly found a movie coming out that you had wanted to see and taking you to a mid-afternoon showing

He buys your favorite drink and snacks

I imagine he also makes sure to bring his jacket (and hope you forgets yours) so in case the theatre is chilly he can lend you his jacket

It is chilly, and he does lend you his jacket

He also puts his arm around your shoulders while watching the movie; and everything he does is so cliche but dear god is your heart fluttering

He takes you to a nice restaurant afterwards, and you two have a quiet little table, talking about the movie, about the other Furin boys, about your school life and friends

He remembers your friends names and family members names and asks about how they are and just makes you feel so listened to

When he drops you off at home he literally asks if he can kiss you

Brushes your hair behind your ear, fingers trailing down your jawline, resting at your chin as he tilts your head upwards

He kisses you softly and slowly, no expectations behind the kiss; he lets you lead the kiss, lets you end the kiss when you want

It was a simple kiss yet the man leaves you winded

Calls you later that night to talk and unwind, planning another date for the following week

ℍ𝔸𝕁𝕀𝕄𝔼 𝕌𝕄𝔼𝕄𝕀𝕐𝔸

ʰᵉᵃᵈᶜᵃⁿᵒⁿˢ:

I think he barges into Pothos to panic to Kotoha because he's never been on a date?

She helps as much as she can before kicking him out.

He debates a lot of ideas, literally has a list on his phone of ideas and pros and cons for each place, and he's read them out to literally everyone.

Poor Sakura almost had an aneurysm, Sugishita nodded along to every idea thrown his way, and Hiragi swore he had a stomach ulcer.

He picks you up in the early afternoon, and takes you to a local café; not Pothos (Kotoha threatened him to go somewhere else where his friends don't hang out); and you two snack on sweets, coffee, and tea before you go to the next place.

I imagine that this man still has to include some of his own interests, so he had found an open garden type park nearby— someplace with lots of flowers in bloom, butterflies and honey bees flying all around

It’s a beautiful place really; and he pays for a special bouquet for you, wrapped with a cute ribbon

You carry it around, and it ends up being the only thing he allows you to carry

He’s carrying your jacket, your purse, any bags from things you buy (he pays for, regardless of how much you argue)

The garden has little areas to sit and relax, and he’s offering to buy you any drinks or snacks, and turns the garden date into a mini picnic as well

He’s definitely the kind of guy to sit there and watch you, leaning on his hand with a dopey look on his face while you talk about anything— and the look on his face makes you feel so vulnerable and warm you find yourself stuttering and stammering without him even saying a word

When the sun starts setting he walks you home, and he’s the kind of guy who has an arm wrapped around your shoulders as you two walk, the tips of his fingers brushing against your bicep in an almost tickling way

He’s so sweet and happy when he drops you off at home, walking inside to put your stuff down because he still won’t let you carry any of your stuff, and he even starts putting any leftover food away without you asking

Like Hiragi, he asks if he can kiss you, and as soft as he was on the date, his kiss is closer to smoldering

It’s heavy, it’s fast, and it’s over so quick that your brain is reeling

He grins at you like he didn’t just physically steal your breath away, telling you goodnight, kissing your forehead before leaving

He texts you later that night, cute little plant pictures and promises for another date

𝔸/ℕ: I am very well aware that Tsubaki is in love with Umemiya (he and me both) BUT I am also way too in love and invested in the Great King that is Tsubakino so he's included. Also, this is my first go at writing for Windbreaker, so if anything is OOC or bad... I'm so sorry. I’ll hopefully get better! >.<

absolutely beautiful art 😍 tsubaki deserves nothing less

I love Tsubaki so much and they deserve nothing but happiness and joy forever

I’m finally getting caught up on the Windbreaker manga— and I just!!!

he’s! adorable!!! he reminds me of a puppy!!!

what I wouldn’t do to protect this baby

mama a girl behind you—

how the roles have reversed sugishita

making friends 2.0

this was also my face when I saw this precious panel

i can’t tell if sakura is confused or disturbed

so many more things i’m excited to see animated!!!

USA people! Buy NOTHING Feb 28 2025. Not anything. 24 hours. No spending. Buy the day before or after but nothing. NOTHING. February 28 2025. Not gas. Not milk. Not something on a gaming app. Not a penny spent. (Only option in a crisis is local small mom and pop. Nothing. Else.) Promise me. Commit. 1 day. 1 day to scare the shit out of them that they don't get to follow the bullshit executive orders. They don't get to be cowards. If they do, it costs. It costs.

Then, if you can join me for Phase 2. March 7 2025 thtough March 14 2025? No Amazon. None. 1 week. No orders. Not a single item. Not one ebook. Nothing. 1 week. Just 1.

If you live outside the USA boycott US products on February 28 2025 and stand in solidarity with us and also join us for the week of no Amazon.

Are you with me?

Spread the word.

Who needs store-bought serotonin when I can re-watch Haikyuu again?

I feel one could argue many things in The Apothecary Diaries are done out of love. It isn’t to say all things have happy endings, and I don’t mean only romantic love, but there’s so many actions that are done because of love.

I’d have to sit and think about wording and, god forbid, remembering more than two names, but love is very present in the series, even if it feels out-shown by jealousy and aggression.

Anyways.

AHHH EPIC THE MUSICAL AND WIND BREAKER IM FREAKING OUT!!! you have cooked once again

ah thank you! I’m way to obsessed with Epic and my brain went “you can do something with this” and well… I did!

Would You Fall in Love with Me Again?

Umemiya Hajime x Reader

You often heard the saying ‘time flies’ as a child, and you rarely found yourself believing it. Adulthood and the freedom you sought appeared so far away, and now, you realized how true that statement was.

It felt as if once you grew old enough to learn to balance freedom with responsibility, your aging never stopped. One moment you were a child, listening to fairy tales from your mother, and the next you were betrothed.

Your husband was a sweet man, he was kind and he made you happy. He was strong and fierce, and you, along with your country, saw and knew this. You had met at a party, hosted by some nobleman your family knew. There had been nothing romantic about it, the stories you fell asleep to spoke nothing of a man falling out of a tree mere inches in front of you.

You hadn’t even been able to feel anything other than panic— but luckily the worst he had was a sore back, and a bruised ego. Once your adrenaline had died down, the first thing you noticed was how blue his eyes were. The next was that his hair, as tangled with leaves as it was, was as white as the sugar cubes your older brother snuck for you.

That night of conversation led to more, and it felt like one day you woke up as the wife of Umemiya Hajime, the crowned ruler of Furin. Your meeting may not have been magical, but your wedding night had put stories to shame.

“Your Highness?”

You hummed, not tearing your eyes from where you were watching your daughter run around the garden, chasing a butterfly as the creature fluttered from flower to flower.

“Some of the suitors are requesting an audience with you, madame.”

Hajime had built this garden for you, every fruit grown was one of your favorites, every flower he had planted had meaning. Baby’s breath, red camellias, pink carnations, chamomile, white clovers, forget-me-nots. You had refused to ever plant anything else, the garden remained unchanged for years.

“Shall I turn them away?”

How you wished to say yes, to demand her to tell them to just leave. To take their sorry-hides and leave your kingdom, your land, your country, to never return. How you wished even more to tell them to gouge out their leering eyes, throw themselves into the sea they claimed took your husband.

Instead you stood, brushing your dress to lay flat, turning to your hear lady-in-waiting, sending her a small smile. “No, I shall see them.”

“Are you certain?”

For years men had come to your kingdom, your home, to request your hand. They acted as if the empty space in your bed was an opportunity for them, that the ring you still held onto was merely decorative. For years you turned them down, for years you held onto hope that your husband would return to you.

But men grew impatient, and your people became weary. You had to begin to entertain them, all the while your heart screamed for your husband, begged you to give him more time to return to you.

Your daughter, seeing you stand, left her butterfly hunt to rush over to you, the smile that matched her father’s painting her face. “We’re going inside now?”

You brushed her hair out of her face, the wavy curls that reminded you so much of Hajime, but the color that matched yours. Her smile was contagious, and you sent her one back, “Yes my dear. I believe you need a bath.”

At this, she made a face, cheeks puffed in an exaggerated pout. She hated bath time, she hated all the pampering she faced during and after. She was a free spirit, opting to play in the gardens. Hajime had left for war while you were pregnant, and the pair had never been able to meet, but every night since she was born you told her stories of her father. Of the man he was, the man he is.

You often woke in tears, dreams of your husband and daughter laughing in the gardens ringing in your ears. You only hoped one day they may come true.

“Now,” You turned back to your lady, “Have them gather in the foyer, refuse them any wine or ale they ask of, however. I don’t wish for any of them to be drunk when hearing what I have to offer.”

“Of course, my lady,” She bowed, heading inside, the worry in her eyes apparent.

Your daughter tugged your hand, “When can I have wine and ale?”

At this, you laughed, reaching to bring her to your chest, “Not for a long time my dear, I highly doubt you would enjoy them.”

She grumbled as the pair of your made your way inside, unknowing of the pair of eyes that tracked the two of you moving.

You had a small group of women working for you that you trusted with your life, of women you knew were faithful to you, and you alone. Years ago that number had been larger. You handed your daughter off to them, cited to have her bathed and ready for her afternoon nap, as unhappy as she was about this plan.

You took a moment for yourself, steeling the courage you needed. You held power, you could command armies worth of men should you need it, but you so often felt afraid without the comfort of your husband with you. But you refused to show this to these men. Once your main lady returned to you, you made your way where the entourage was awaiting you.

The doors opened, and whatever conversations that had been had paused. All eyes were on you, and you felt your skin crawl at the disgusting thoughts you could feel pouring towards you. But you kept your head high as you walked, making your way to the front.

You said nothing as you took your seat, refusing to stand when speaking to anyone. They didn’t deserve that, half of them hadn’t even waited for you to give birth to your daughter before showing up, seeking your hand, claiming your husband had no doubt perished at war.

“I suppose you all have waited long enough,” Was how you began speaking, pausing to allow the sneers and jeers to echo the room.

“I propose a challenge for all those still wishing for the throne, all those aiming for my hand.” Your left hand brushed your hair from your face, aiming to show how you still adorned your wedding ring, a challenge in itself.

“My husband had made many allies for us, and these allies are tough, formidable men. I have reached out to many, and have since then received my answers.” With a nod of yours, the side doors were opened, and more men filled in. For them, you stood, walking towards your husbands allies— his friends— to greet them.

“Shishitorin has been Furin’s closest allies for years, and have been a reason we have been able to hold our own against opponents who came to steal power. The only man who has ever held his own against their own leader, was my husband. No man had ever come close.”

It was a rare sight to see Togame serious, but it was even more rare to see Choji without his smile. Their letters in response had read serious, and you knew they wished to do what they could to ensure these suitors were unable to get their hands on you— or the throne.

They looked ready to kill, as did the rest of their men that arrived with them. They would play nice, as Choji stated in a letter, for you and your daughter.

“If any man can defeat their five strongest fighters, including Sir Togame and Sir Tomiyama, then they have proven themselves worthy for the throne, for the crown, and my hand.”

It appeared simple in writing, but you had been there when Furin and Shishitorin had begun their companionship. You had witnessed the blood shed, the tears, and the pain that came, and had been privileged to witness the relationship that came after. Had it not been for their strength for you to fall back on, you worry grief would have had you years ago.

“May the most worthy man win,” You nodded at the group of men, turning to nod at the guests, before taking your leave.

Murmurs broke out behind you, and for once, you heard the worry in the voices of the suitors. It filled you with a level of vindication you hadn’t known one could feel.

You knew there were very few men able to win five consecutive fights against Shishitorin’s strongest fighters, even if there was nothing on the line. But now your friends were armed with the determination to ensure your husbands place remained untouched, you felt strongly that no one would even come close to winning.

Despite the confidence you had in your friends, your heart still hammered, and you couldn’t fight the tears that filled your eyes. Silently sobbing was something you had long since mastered, you refused to appear weak in front of the men who had taken residence in your home, show fear to your daughter who looked up to you so.

You took a moment to collect yourself, eyes screwed tight as you willed the inevitable headache to leave you be. Knowing it was unavoidable, you continued down the hall, making your way to your daughter’s room. To no surprise, she wasn’t asleep.

“My dear,” You sighed dramatically, making your way to her bed, “I told you a growing girl needs ample rest.”

“I’m not tired!” The same old song and dance, truly.

“No? You woke so early this morning,” An exaggerated yawn left your mouth, “Even I find myself in need of an afternoon nap today.”

She narrowed her eyes at you, “You can nap with me, then. I guess that’s fine.”

“How gracious of you, my little princess,” You shifted to lay beside her, allowing her to move to lay so her head was on your chest, ear against your heart.

It was quiet for a bit, your fingers carding through her hair. At one point, you had thought she’d fallen asleep.

“Mama?”

You hummed, “Yes, my dear?”

“Am I ever going to meet daddy?”

It may have been less painful had she plunged a dagger into your chest, but you schooled that pain, your hand continued to brush through her hair, “You will, little princess, one day.”

“But when?”

“I don’t know,” Admitting that felt the same as admitting defeat, but you couldn’t lie to her.

She was quiet for another moment, “Do you think he’ll like me?”

That was enough to give you pause, and you moved her to look at you, noting the tears in her eyes.

“He loved you the moment I told him I was pregnant with you,” You brushed the first tear that fell away, “He often spoke to you in my belly when you moved around in the morning, he sang you lullabies every night, even before your ears had begun to form.”

You tickled the tips of her ears, her little giggles easing the ache in your chest, “He cried more than I did when he had to leave before you were born. He promised you, the day he left, he was fighting for me, and for you. He promised nothing would stop him from returning to us, that he’d destroy anything nature sent his way— every storm, every whirlpool. He’d even fight the gods should he have had to.”

“Is that where he is? Fighting gods?”

“Perhaps, or perhaps he’s commanding the storms to bring him home to us, and clouds aren’t the greatest with directions.”

She smiled, but it dimmed after a second, chewing her lip before speaking, her voice quiet, “Some of the men here said he was dead… said you were in- in denying that he was dead. They said I need a dad, that you need a King.”

The hatred you had in your heart originally swelled, and you felt anger eat at your heart, and she continued, “But I knew they were liars! I have a dad, and when he’s back they’ll have to leave!”

“That’s right,” You smiled at her, a forced feeling, “Now, my dear, a nap will do us both well.”

She laid down, her eyes fluttering shut soon after. You felt yourself drift off with her, the feeling of anger still fresh in your chest. You hadn’t realized how tired you were, until you were woken hours later. The sun had begun setting, the sky a bleeding red. Your heart was hammering, and you were holding your daughter close to your chest. Blinking blearily, you stared at the bedroom door. Why had you woken so afraid?

A muffled scream echoed throughout the building, and that gave you enough answer. Your daughter was half-awake, and you held her tight to your chest. The door was flung open, and your ladies rushed in, panicked looks on their faces.

“What is—”

“One of the men has gone mad,” One of them whispered to you, tone frantic, “The others were conspiring, ma’am, they were— they planned to—” Her eyes flickered to your daughter, but her message to you was clear as day.

The man had grown tired of waiting it seemed, perhaps some had gone to fight and lost, and they decided to act on their own accord.

“Shishitorin—”

“They took up arms against many of the suitors, but we came to find you, you two must hide,” Her eyes were frantic as she tugged at the two of you.

Your heart was hammering, your palms sweaty as you held your daughter to your chest. She had no idea what was happening, but her grip on your dress was tight.

You left your daughter’s room, taking up in a small room, one you recalled your husband saying was to only be used when necessary. Unfortunately, that necessary was here. You were all huddled close, your daughter, naturally, the most protected. You’d kill any man who entered that room before they touched her, and you would ensure if you died trying you wouldn’t be the only one.

Your dedication ladies were around you, ready to sacrifice themselves for you. But you prayed to whoever may be listening that shouldn’t happen. Hours crept by, slow as the sap that dripped in the garden during the springtime. There were screams and yells, the sound of gurgling and people choking on, what you assumed, was their own blood.

The silence that followed it all was deafening. None of you moved, no one shifted. You heard it then, a muffled call of your name. You felt the women around you tense, but you sat straight, “That’s Choji.”

Still weary, you ensured your daughter was safe in their arms before you stepped outside, clutching tight to a dagger you had grabbed on your way out the door.

“Choji?”

The shorter man looked frenzy, hair disheveled, blood on his clothes. But he was smiling— his eyes looked watery.

“Choji— are you—”

“He’s back,” He rushed to you, hands gripping your forearms, “Umemiya’s back.”

It was a blur, really, after Choji uttered those words. The night had shifted, darkness surrounding the walls of your home. Your daughter was whisked away, exhausted but placated by whatever you had said to her in a daze. You found yourself alone in your bedroom, as you had found yourself so many times before. It felt different now, and your wrapped your arms around you, an attempt of soothing yourself.

The door opened, and you couldn’t stop the wild beating of your heart. You turned only partly, looking at the man who entered. He wore your husband’s face, at least what you had assumed your husband would look like after eight years. This time of seasons, it was almost nine years.

He was taller than you recall, or perhaps it was how he held himself. His hair was longer, the ends curling almost identically to your daughter’s. His eyes, the same shade of blue as the ocean, were far sadder than you could ever remember.

“Is it really you?” Your voice was a whisper, but it echoed loud in your chambers, “I’ve often dreamt of you coming home to us, and I must admit each waking moment is more painful than the last.”

He stepped forward, and you couldn’t stop the step back, mirroring his closeness. The pain in his eyes intensified, and your resolve cracked some.

“Every time you reach to touch me I wake up, if this is another dream I’d wish to stay in it as long as I’m able.” He nodded slowly at your explanation, eyes staring at you, as if he was as afraid to look away as you were, “You look far different than you have when you’ve visited me in my dreams. You’d always great me with a smile.” Your voice cracked as you spoke.

He looked pained at this, and his shoulders tensed, looking as if he were hunching in on himself, “I’m not the same man I was when I left you.” His voice was quiet, deeper, but the same voice you wished to hear for years.

“I’m… different now, I’m afraid. War was not kind, and the journey home, my journey to you was unforgiving.” He swallowed hard, eyes pleading as he looked at you, “I’m not the man you took as your husband, and I’m afraid you won’t be able to love me as you did before.”

“Your journey took six years longer than you promised,” You all but whispered towards him, hands trembling as you fidgeted with your ring, “There was talk that you had died.”

He shook his head, “I had to come back to you, to— to our child. Nothing would have stopped me, not even death herself. She tried though,” His voice was thick, “I watched many men die, I took… so many lives. Their blood stains my hands, no matter how much I bathe.”

He looked at his palms, as if searching for the stainage.

“When I returned there were so many men here. They spoke vilely of you,” The words left his lips like poison being spat, “They spoke of your body as if it were a prize they sought after, one they would’ve taken if it were not given. Their fight with Shishitorin was a genius move on your end, my love.”

He smiled at you at that, and the tears that had been building spilled over. That smile had haunted your dreams and nightmares alike for years. And now it was here, mere feet in front of you.

“But they grew angrier. I wished to plot my arrival to be less dramatic, but the threats they spoke of. I’m only a man,” He closed his eyes, holding his breath for a moment before looking back at you, “They cannot, and will not, ever harm you. Look at you. Or speak of you again. Years ago, the blood staining our home would have had me feeling guilty, but now I see it as a means to an end. I fear my hearts turned cold, it’s closed in my time away. I fear your husband doesn’t exist anymore.”

“Doesn’t exist?” He nodded at your whispered question, a shameful look on his face.

You turned away from him, the tears still steadily falling down your cheeks. The garden, your garden, stood as pristine as it had earlier, the cherry blossom tree standing in the middle, her branches swaying peacefully in the night wind.

“If you wish to prove you’re still my husband, or worthy of being so,” Your voice was thick as you spoke, your nose stuffed, head throbbing, “Then I shall give you a task as I have the others.”

“Anything for you.” The sincerity in his voice was borderline painful.

“I wish for you to uproot the garden outside,” You didn’t turn as you spoke, “My husband planted all types of flowers years ago, said there was meaning behind them. I have never met another man who understands the language flowers hide as he, and I have done my own research.”

Truth of the matter was you had found the notes your husband scribbled years ago, lists of flowers and their meanings, which ones he felt for you and which one he swore he’d never even look at.

“Indifference. Refusal. Disappointment. Resignation. Stupidity.” You forced a mirthful chuckle, “All things I fear my husband felt for me. Towards me.”

There was silence, not even the sound of breath other than yours. For a moment, you were terrified he had left the room, and you turned.

He was crying, silent tears falling down his face as he stared at you. Anger was written in his eyes, but he didn’t move, wasn’t even looking at you anymore. His gaze had matched yours, looking at to the garden and all her loving plants.

“For you to even suggest that—” He took a breath, his cheeks red.

“Everlasting love, the flame of my heart, an oath to never forget you, promised twice, patience, a wish for you to think of me, and only of me.” His voice grew louder as he spoke, “I had wished to plant hibiscus bushes under our window, but the scent made you sick while you were pregnant, and you told me on our wedding night that roses were too simple to express our relationship.”

He turned to you, the bright fury behind his eyes unleashing a storm of emotion. “I’d have burnt any flower, any tree, any bush that even suggested I thought such awful things about you.”

You stepped towards him, your chest bubbling with anger, with sorrow, love, pain— everything you had kept in for eight years.

“And the only man who knew all this was the man I married,” You were in front of him now, his faces inches from yours, “So I suppose that means you’re still him.”

The anger wavered for a moment, before you watched his face crumble. The silent tears turned into ragged breaths, and you stood tall, the pain in your chest aching to join him.

“I fell in love with you, and I have never stopped loving you. Time, distance— nothing will ever stop those feelings. Do not come into our bedroom and state I won’t love you as much as I did all those years ago, as much as I do now.”

“I have waited eight long years, alone and worried, but as in love with you as I was when we were first married. I was waiting for my husband, for you,” You poked at his chest, the first contact you had with him for eight years, “You absolute idiot.”

You weren’t sure who broke first, but the sobs causing your breath to hiccup broke free. His arms were around you, and you were weeping into his shoulder, as he was in yours. He was as warm as you recalled all those years ago, as solid as ever. He held you, as if he was terrified you’d move too far from his reach if he gave you the space to do so. You held him back equally as tight, if not more.

“My dear, how I have missed you.” He whispered against your hair, and the warmth of his lips against your forehead brought forth a fresh wave of tears.

“I knew you’d return,” You pulled back, cupping his cheeks, staring at the man you had loved for nearly a decade and a half.

He pulled you forward, crushing you into a kiss. His lips were rough, you could almost feel every crack in his skin against your own. But you melted into his embrace like it was your first kiss all over again. It was messy, both your cheeks still wet from your tears. You held each other, lips molded into one until you both had to pull back to breath, panting in each others space.

“We have a daughter?”

You laughed, broken and whole all at once, “Yes. She acts so much like you, I nearly named her Hajimia.”

He made a face, “Please tell me she isn’t named that.”

You shook your head, “No, Fumiko.”

Hajime echoed your laughter, just as wet and unbridled as yours, “Hibiscus.”

“I told her stories of you every night,” You traced a scar on his forehead, cutting straight through his eyebrow, “She already adores you so much.”

He grabbed your hand in his, the palms rougher and more calloused, but as warm and protecting as ever. He brought your knuckles to his lips, a kiss pressed against them, “And I already adore her, I did the moment she was conceived.”

“You fought nature and men’s deadliest armies to return to her, to me,” You pressed forward, your face in his chest, the sound of his heartbeat was music to your ears, “I love you. I never stopped.”

He took a shuddering breath, “I love you.”

a/n: so I whipped this out in one sitting, sat here and wrote for like 2 hours straight. if you can’t tell I’m a little Epic obsessed. I don’t even know if this is good or not!

Hihi just wanted to stumble in and say that all your writing is so amazing !!!! ^^ especially your umemiya arranged marriage series it's my personal favourite lol But fr thank you so much for giving us so much content! :3

this was sent to me forever ago but I now wanna answer it with just— thank you!

I was so proud of that fic when I started it but I felt like I was burning out with my writing, and I started to really hate it

but this message just… makes me so happy :) thank you

episode 4 of apothecary diaries— the threat— i think is and always will be my favorite

maomao smacking the shit out of the stupid ladies in waiting??? music to my ears

daydreaming hyperfixation scenarios before bed becomes harder when your current hyperfixation is the epic musical

Nirei’s like you could not have said something less helpful

would you still love me again?

*sees the icon of a mutual I literally never talk to* oh look it’s my Friend

question because i'm curious...

+ tell me your favorite pokemon/reasoning in the tags i'm nosy

“Is it okay if I draw fanart of your fanfic?👉🏼👈🏼”

My brother in Christ we shall have a spring wedding

god can someone PLEASE make a cook book based on everything they cook in dungeon meshi

like all the “monster recipes” but obviously replace the “monster” items with whatever they’re supposed to be

Pine after your anime men. Sicken yourself with longing

꧁✬◦°⋆⋆°◦. 𝓜𝓲𝓼𝓽𝓵𝓮𝓽𝓸𝓮 ◦°⋆⋆°◦✬꧂

꧁✬◦°⋆⋆°◦. 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓶𝓪 𝔁 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻 ◦°⋆⋆°◦✬꧂

A/N: I got sick, sorry these are all gonna be so late.

At the team's holiday party, you and your boyfriend do your best to avoid his best friend, who seems way too determined to get you two trapped under the mistletoe for you first kiss.

This wasn't the first time you and Kenma had been invited somewhere as a couple, yet from the way his team fawned over the two of you, you'd have thought it was.

It wasn't always bad, sometimes it was sweet; Yaku teased the two of you sure, but he noticed whenever you or your boyfriend were uncomfortable and backed off, Kai simply made sweet remarks about how you two complimented each other well, short phrases that had both you and Kenma beat red.

Kuroo, to no ones surprise, was the worst.

When you two first told him you were dating he thought it was some type of prank; you and Kenma had been pining over each other to him for so long he had grown hopeless. Turns out, late-night video game sessions can do a lot of good.

That being said, this was you first holiday party as a couple, and for almost 90% of the time thus far you two were avoiding said team captain.

It wasn't a big "high school party", there was no spiked eggnog or blasting music. Yamamoto tried and got told off rather humorously. There was food, drinks, some weird American Christmas music Kuroo found, ugly sweaters, and presents.

And mistletoe.

"I can't believe him," Kenma looked like he was trying to burrow himself deeper into his sweater, one you had picked out for him, knowing if you didn't, Kuroo would, and that would have been worse.

You shrugged, taking a sip of your eggnog before making a face; it may not be alcoholic but it wasn't great, "Really? This seems exactly like something he would have done."

Kenma paused, before letting out a rather loud sigh, leaning so he was against your shoulder, curling so his body was angled towards you, "It is. That makes it worse. I should have known he'd do this."

You smiled down at him, though he couldn't see you, "He kept us too busy with party favors to even think about his meddling."

"Stupid ploy of his," Your boyfriend muttered, glaring at the wall in front of him.

"Maybe we can turn the tables? Trap him under some mistletoe with someone else. I'm sure if you called Bokuto he'd come over."

Kenma shook his head, "One, I don't need to deal with Kuroo and Bokuto, secondly, Kuroo would think it was funny and it wouldn't work the way you're thinking."

Sighing, you tilted so your head was rested against his, "Damn."

You could feel him nod, "Damn is right."

The music could be heard through the walls, and you only felt a little bad that you and Kenma were hiding in Kuroo's mom's office. You both knew it was only a matter of time before he came searching there for you, but you'd be ready to either shove him out or book it.

"Maybe we can trick Yaku and Lev under the mistletoe," He suggested quietly, "Cause a distraction so big Kuroo forgets about us."

You hummed, "That works until demon-upperclassmen-Yaku torments you at practice."

He groaned, "Might be worth it."

You laughed quietly, setting your cup down, "You know," You started before you could second guess yourself, feeling the familiar flutter of nerves in your stomach, "If it were more private I wouldn't mind kissing you under mistletoe."

You felt him stiffen against you, and for a moment you screamed at yourself mentally, but he relaxed a second later, a quiet huff of laugh coming from him.

"Yeah," He reached across to take one of your hands into his, "Me too. He's only doing this cause... well," He cut himself off, and curiosity got the best of you when he didn't finish his thought.

You pulled away some, looking at him, your hands still connected, "Well what?"

His cheeks were pink, and he was doing his best to avoid eye contact, "I had... mentioned wanting to kiss you. Maybe. But not knowing when. He joked about mistletoe at the party. But I forgot until we showed up."

You think almost everyone was caught by surprise at the sheer amount of mistletoe hanging from doorways.

You waited, giving him time to feel comfortable looking towards you, a small smile on your face, "You know... you could have asked me?" Your voice was soft, teasing, "Considering I'm your girlfriend, not Kuroo."

He huffed, half-annoyed, half-laughing.

"I'm serious, just ask me if I want to kiss you. No mistletoe necessary."

It took a second for him to fully process what you said, and his eyes widened a fraction. He visibly swallowed, his grip on your hand tightening slightly.

"Will... can I kiss you?"

The simple question, even if you were expecting it, had butterflies explode in your stomach, your heart fluttering in your chest. Your palms felt embarrassingly sweaty.

"Yes."

You'd, embarrassingly, imagined what your first kiss would be like when you were younger. Entering your teens, it seemed like the biggest deal in the world. You'd have this prince charming of a boyfriend, someone boisterous who took you on spontaneous dates, someone who dipped you under the stars for your first kiss.

No part of you had imagined having your first kiss, hiding away in your friend's mom's office to avoid public humiliation at his goading.

No part of you imagined how it actually felt. All those dreams felt so silly now.

Kenma's lips were warm against yours, your hands still holding one another's. The kiss didn't go any further than this, and it only lasted but a few seconds, but it was enough.

He pulled back first, cheeks far more red than they had been when he asked, and you were sure yours were no better. Despite the anxiety that had been clear on his face, he was smiling, something so soft it made all those nerves disappear as if they'd never been there before.

"Think that was better without the mistletoe," You murmured, and he nodded in agreement.

It was quiet between the two of you for a moment, before--

"There you two are!" Kuroo was standing in the doorway, looking a bit frazzled.

You and Kenma didn't have time to react, but it seemed like Kuroo was too focused on something else to even notice.

"I'm hiding with you, I got Yaku and Lev under the mistletoe and I think--"

"Kuroo Tetsurou!"

I'm sorry but this is such bullshit. Y'know how many times service workers have had the most deplorable fucking shit said to them over the phone? Never did jack shit about their threats but ofc they'll hold this woman for bullshit amounts of bail money because of shit she said after having her fucking Healthcare denied. fuck off dumbfucks

sometimes i wish i could tell other women that you can just stop removing your body hair and in many cases the consequences will be way less severe than u expect. you can go to the beach with all your leg hair intact and nobody will stop you or say a thing. you can stop waxing your upper lip and people won’t stare at it the way u might be bracing yourself for. you can quit plucking your brows and eventually they will grow back into themselves and no one will even notice. like for sure women are punished for not participating in beauty rituals but i also feel like so much of it is like The Panopticon sometimes where you just convince yourself that if u stop that kind of gendered upkeep everyone will be mad and stop talking to u forever when in reality you just keep existing and nothing remarkable happens. it’s not always easy but you can kind of just stop for real

the edit itself

this edit is getting taken down from tiktok every time someone reuploads it, its straight up censorship at this point

Im not even american but im having a great time with this

DONT LET THIS DIE

credit to miraculousgastropod for the original

Here’s to 2023, a year of as many little courageous kindnesses as possible. ♥️

I was today years old when I learned that when you type “otp: true” in AO3 search results it filters out fics with additional ships, leaving only the fics where your otp is the main ship

⋆˚｡⋆୨✧୧˚ 𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑭𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒕 ˚୨✧୧⋆｡˚⋆

⋆˚｡⋆୨✧୧˚ 𝑼𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒚𝒂 𝒙 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 ˚୨✧୧⋆｡˚⋆

"Do you think this is enough?"

You glanced up from the plates you were setting down, all paper, you didn't want to have another incident of Sakura and Sugishita bickering and breaking anymore. Umemiya was frowning at the table littered with plates of food, almost every dish including some of the late fall and winter veggies he had been growing.

You hummed, "It's more than enough Haji," Walking over to him, you placed your arms on his shoulders, turning him to look at you, "I think we'll even be able to send everyone home with leftovers."

He smiled at that, but you could still see the underlying worry in his eyes. "I know how important this is for you, I promise you, it'll go perfectly fine."

A nagging feeling in your mind told you those were famous last words, but you brushed it off. Umemiya and Kotoha had spent countless hours cooking and planning all the food, and you and Tsubakino had gone out shopping for plates, cups, napkins, and utensils that matched the 'winter theme', and also wouldn't shatter if dropped.

Or thrown.

He sighed, arms crossed over his chest as he continued to stare at everything, as if they'd just up and disappear if he looked away, "I know some people might think it's silly but... this is more than just a meal for everyone."

You felt yourself soften as he spoke, "It's a way of seeing how far everyone here has come. How far this town has come."

You turned him to face you, cupping his jaw gently, and his eyes instantly moved to look at you, the adoration so crystal clear it still made you feel all types of vulnerable.

"And that's exactly what you're doing," You smiled at him, "Everyone can see that, feel that."

He smiled, and the look finally reached his eyes. He leaned further into your hand, eyes closing for a moment as he basked in the quiet that had settled on the roof after his fretting had calmed down. The door creaked open, not loud enough to be disturbing, but the small bubble of the two of you was put to pause.

Sugishita wandered over to the two of you, carrying a few brown bags in his arms. No doubt extra snacks and sweets from some of the townsfolks. Judging by the slight red tint to his face, he got caught being thanked in the cold far longer than he anticipated.

"Ah, man!" Hajime peered into the bags, gaze eager, "Oh! Granny Kimura sent some of her anmitsu! We'll have to hide that or else everyone's going to tear into that first."

Sugishita nodded, already looking for places to hide the bags. Entering now was Sakura, Suo next to him, looking as pleased as he always did. Judging by the pink on Sakura's face, the poor boy had been teased the entire walk here.

Unlucky for him, you thought it was downright adorable.

"Hello boys," You called out to the two, Sugishita momentarily glowering at Sakura, before wandering off to hide the sweets.

"You two are early!" Hajime called out, beaming as the two first years walked closer, Sakura looking like he'd rather be anywhere else.

"Wanted to be early enough to help if you needed us to," Suo spoke cheerfully, "Plus Sakura here was just too excited to wait."

"I was not!" The other boy yelled, voice higher pitched as he denied the accusation of being excited, and you couldn't help but laugh a bit at the dynamic of the two.

The pink on his face turned red quickly, and it didn't take a genius to figure out he was responding to the way Hajime had turned to look at you. You knew the look like the back of your hand, eyes soft, small smile on his face. Most people said Hajime wore his heart on his sleeve, and only you truly knew how true that statement could be.

"I - you - we - "

You took pity on him, feeling Hajime's arm wrap around your waist, "Why don't you two start to unwrap the plates and such? Get them set out so people can grab them as they get here."

Happy to have a task, or just happy to walk away from you two, Sakura nodded, high tailing it over to the table with all the plates and napkins and utensils. Suo smiled at the two of you.

"Nirei is on his way," He informed you two, "Kotoha cornered him to help her carry some more dishes over."

He walked over to help Sakura, the poor boy struggling with some of the plastic wrapped around the items. The door was pushed open, the blonde boy rushing in, arms carefully carrying some dishes.

He looked panicked, as if he was running late and not one of the first people to have arrived. When he saw how few people were here thus far, he let out a sigh, smiling brightly when he caught your eye.

"Kotoha says she'll be here soon! I brought the dishes that don't need to stay warm!" You could see the moment his anxiety caught back up with him, and he bowed towards Hajime, before scurrying off to his friends.

"You've got some good first years this batch," You hummed, leaning back into Hajime's hold.

You felt him chuckle, the vibrations against your back, "I couldn't have asked for better little brothers."

"Careful, if Sakura hears you say that he might blow a gasket."

He laughed loudly at that, and you couldn't help but join, hearing soft bickering stem from the now four first years, and you were glad you had invested in paper and plastic items.

No shattered dishes today.

Slowly, more people trickled in. Various extra sweets and snacks being brought from townsfolks, Kotoha finally arriving. She and Tsubakino were carrying more trays of food. The aroma of the rooftop smelled amazing, and once everyone had settled in with warm drinks, the food was uncovered.

It didn't take long for a lot of it to go, people taking piles of food and wandering to sit and talk. You finally had a free moment from helping to wander off to your boyfriend, and he moved, instantly making room for you to sit on his lap.

"So," You leaned back against his chest, accepting the warm cup of cider from him, "You still worried there isn't enough food?"

He let out a small laugh, "I'm more worried everyone's going to enter a food coma at this rate."

"It's a good thing Shishitoren agreed to keep watch for you all to do this," You muttered, mostly to yourself, "I saved them some plates of food as a thank you."

Hajime sighed, leaning so his chin was rested against your head, "What did I do to end up with someone as perfect as you?"

You were glad, for this moment, that he was behind you, cause you were sure you were blushing as much as Sakura with his words.

You shook your head in response, "You were just you," You reached up, albit a bit awkwardly, but managed to poke at his nose, "And I decided I wanted to spend my life with you."

"And I am thankful for that everyday."

Before you could respond, there was a panicked yelp, and it took you a moment to realize it came from Nirei. Looking over, you saw a spilled drink on the ground, and Sakura and Sugishita facing each other, both annoyed.

"I'm really glad we went with plastic," Was all you said, shaking your head at the two first years as they started arguing, knowing full well Higari was seconds away from pulling his trouble makers apart.

hey guys so apparently this is a thing a lot of people don't realise but like. if you have had writer's block/ art block for like. six months. a year. two years. that's maybe not a block. that's maybe depression. and you should maybe look into treating the source of the problem instead of just beating yourself up for not being able to write/draw. be kind to yourself and know that your struggle to create isn't based in laziness or a lack of skill or talent.

Ship bingo! I couldn't find any that fit my preferences so I made my own. Feel free to reblog/repost!