2025 on Tumblr: Trends That Defined the Year

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@emmartinelli
‘ you’ve changed… ‘
why the disappointment?
is it because i’m stronger, now?
smarter, now?
no longer yours to c o n t r o l ?
↳ INSTAGRAM: @smartinelli uploaded a new photo.
96 days. #h2obitch
❤ 1.1k likes, ✐ 124 comments
avaxblake:
Holing up in an apartment for days on end with town being a hubbub of summer activities was, for lack of a better word, pathetic. Even for Ava Blake–– a recluse creature with an attraction to solitude and an affair with loneliness. It was the self-disparage and the lack of Vitamin D that drove her to pack a beach bag and make her way down to Lake Munroe, set up camp on a towel, and watch shirtless men rally in a particularly intense game of beach volleyball.
Eyes hued of water and silt were glazed with faux interest in the match, head in the clouds, until a bout of loud cheering broke her from her reverie and harnessed her attention to court; one team celebrating as the other sulked in their losses as if a family member had just died, and the urge to role her eyes was crippling. It was then she turned to the group of strangers beside her–– and a slow but sure, enigmatic smile curved her mouth, light jest on the row, “… Was that a touchdown, or a hat-rick? A slam dunk?” The bad joke left her as soft as her features, but it swiftly went ignored; a cringe rattled her bones. She was bombing. Home was looking real good right about now.
Staying at home was torturous to Emma, so at every opportunity, she was wandering around the activities of Lanford in search of some sanctuary -- something to keep her busy, to fixate her wandering mind on, to feel some semblance of human. Her friends came and went when they could, all dependent on their work schedules; luckily for now, one of her former classmates was visiting from the city, forced onto annual leave and use some of the holidays she had accumulated. Emma was thankful for the all-day company. Presently, however, Clarke had wandered off in search of soda. This left Emma to zone out of the game and retreat to idly looking through the internet on her phone.
She was enraptured in an article about the latest M.I.T retreat and sad heart was filled with a bout of nostalgia. It had been years since she’d lead that -- inspiring young eyes with hope for the future, to change the world, and sharing her knowledge with the malleable minds that thirsted for information much like she used to. A quiet sigh left plump lips, and her mind was clouded, so much so that she didn’t hear the girl next to her. Words registered far too late and Emma glanced across, awkwardness flooding her expression. “Um--” She stuttered out, wanting the girl to acknowledge that she had heard her, even if it was silent for a beat too long. “I-- uh, you know, I think it was-- I’m... the technical term escapes me right now.” Clearing her throat momentarily, Emma merely pursed her lips, then spoke again in a much quieter tone. “I literally have no idea.”
just because you are b r o k e n
doesn’t mean that you can’t stand tall
just because your voice c r a c k s
doesn’t mean you can’t roar with a lion’s heart
just because you are b e a t e n
doesn’t mean you have to give up
bassmadden:
Sebastian was, for a lack of a better word, hiding. He remembered a time when he’d loved the festival, it’s loud noises and flashing lights, filled with excited people looking for some fun, but now the prospect exhausted him. Instead he’d decided to head towards the lake close to Munroe Woods, eager for the peace and tranquility that he hadn’t appreciated before, but surely did now. His dark eyes scanned over the crystalline surface, the sounds of water sloshing against the dock combined with the whistling of the wind through the weeds brought a soft smile to his face.
The sound of footsteps on the weeds at his side forced him to open his eyes and stare at the newcomer from his sitting place close to the shore, sighing imperceptibly as he saw the intruder came in peace. “Hiding from the big crowds like me, or just taking a break?” he asked, dusting off his conversation skills as best as he could.
Sometimes, socialising was just exhausting. Being around people was draining. Although Emma had improved in leaps and bounds over the past few months when it came to her recovery, she still wasn’t the same person as before -- she never would be, but she often did fester in nostalgia to the young adult she was before she let her demons win and the tragedy of her brother happened. So when the tiredness hit and she couldn’t be around people anymore, she didn’t force herself to for the sake of their happiness; whilst the festival continued to shine and twirl around her, Emma all but disappeared, seeking peace and turning her phone on silent after letting her friends know she’d find them later.
However, without realising, the brunette had interrupted someone else’s sanctuary. A deep bass broke her narrow-minded reverie and Emma looked up in a moment of surprise, but then a warm smile was on her lips, albeit hesitant somewhat. “Just taking a break--” She offered at first, stopping herself from rambling. Moving closer, she held branches out of her way as she did so, gaze diverting from the man’s face to the water ahead once she was in the clear. “But I didn’t mean to get in your way, if you’re here to ditch any and all forms of ‘people’. Say the word and I can go elsewhere.”
anthonyjwilliams:
“I watch children for a living, I think I can handle a couple of dogs.” Anthony replied, letting out a small chuckle. Although, he tightened his grip on the dogs just to be safe. He watched as the woman walked in the direction of the cat, and then couldn’t help but smile as the cat was saved.
As Emma walked back towards him, her called out towards her. “Good job, you’re a hero.” Anthony said, sending her a small smirk. When she got closer to him, he nodded at her statement. “Yeah, I agree. If we didn’t save the poor cat, I’d have worried about him or her.” Anthony lead out the leashes to the woman. “The dogs were just fine, don’t worry. How were the teenagers?”
His remark made her laugh and she waved a hand in his direction, as if to dismiss the joking compliment until Emma was in front of him and speaking. She nodded in agreement to his remark, then inhaled deeply at the inquiry of teenagers. “Like they always are, honestly. I heard some mutters of stupid passive aggressive things; one got snarky like they always do when they try to prove a point to their friends that they’re cool and adults suck; but one did quietly say sorry when I called the ranger’s attention with the cat in my arms.” The brunette huffed then, pursing her lips for a moment before looking down at the dogs. “I should probably keep these ones going or they’ll lose all momentum for their walk. Have you got much planned for the rest of the day?”
jasonluca:
“Just get a prison girlfriend. You’ll be fine for a bit. Then you can break up with her or you know, get out of jail and never talk to her again.” Strangely, a valid option if this was real life but it wasn’t and he was glad to be eating ice cream on a couch instead. “Huh,” He pursed lips in thought. “I thought you’d say friends. But you’re right, you care a lot about the opinions of others… Which isn’t a bad thing.” In retrospect, he didn’t really care for his father’s opinion so he couldn’t get in the mindset either way. “Yes…” Jason narrowed eyes toward her in confusion at her question. “I wouldn’t be sitting here with you if we weren’t. I don’t really associate myself with the likes of small talk. I figured that was obvious enough. So, maybe you’re not on the money after all. But yes, I’d say friends. In regards to the question, though - you shouldn’t worry about being held in high regards by your friends anyway, especially me, if that’s what you’re getting at.”
“This is why we keep you, Jase, you’re the brains.” Index fingertip tapped her temple as she eyed him, attempting to make a joke in severity but the hint of a smile can’t be hid in her expression as conversation transpires. “Honestly, you’re not wrong -- I think both are me at this point because I still haven’t... detached from my parents, in a way.” Her voice grew softer as she tried to explain herself, but then she realised she didn’t have to; she never did with Jason, that was part of the beauty of it. He didn’t care to stick his nose in business nor expect you to bear your soul to him. The brunet opposite her was happy with the lowkey and easy aspects of friendship. It was refreshing. Soft laughter aired at his sassy quip and she nodded along, mulling it over while taking another scoop of ice cream. Then, spoon popped out of her mouth, replying with ease and honesty. “Sorry to let you down already but I’ll always care -- don’t worry, though. If you say something cute I promise not to tell anyone.” The smile that quirked her tiers then was like a secret meant for them, and lasted only a moment before she interjected without giving him much time to reply. “Sweet or sour?”
sierra-moore:
A smile, the first sign everything was going to be okay. Even if the struggles behind closed doors could never be understood from an outsider, Emma’s facial movements seemed genuine. “Remind me again, why aren’t we fat?” She sniggered and stepped inside, stamping her feet on the mat to remove any dust from the bottom of her sneakers. Not once had she been inside Veronica’s house, their acquaintanceship rarely progressing in the right direction for friendship; it wasn’t because Sierra didn’t like her, it was because their paths rarely crossed. And unlike Rafe, they never did in high school. “Chipotle, a ton of it. The woman behind the counter was shocked when I told her it was only for two…” She snorted, embraced by the woman in a tight hug. For once Sierra didn’t flinch, instead embraced her back and allowed the bag of food to drop onto a side table. It felt like more than just a hug, but a gesture to move forward that was welcomed by the brunette. She squeezed too, happy that Emma had been discharged and looked healthy. “How are you?” Sierra questioned as they went into the kitchen, leaning down to rub the top of the dogs heads.
There was a moment of pondering evident on Emma after the question, and all she could offer was, “I have no idea. You raise a super valid point but I’m just going to keep letting the cosmos do its thing.” With a soft laugh, she took the lead in welcoming Sierra inside; at this stage, the house felt like it was partly hers. That had been a sensation most of her group of friends had experienced in whatever place Veronica owned, considering she was the appointed squad mother and her place always had Rafe’s douchebag jar in it. However, countering the fact that Emma had her own stylised room, chipped in for utility bills, and slept in the house nightly, it was safe to assume she was a resident of it. “I’m, like, almost a little offended? But I’ll let it slide considering she doesn’t know us and the power of our bottomless stomachs. We could probably start a Stress Eater’s Club considering the skill we’ve amounted in that area.” Melodic laughter followed as she ended their journey into the kitchen. From there, Emma hopped up onto a stool surrounding the center island, and began to fuss around with the food bags planted atop the counter. As she did so, she answered, a sigh leading her replying statement. “Good, I think. I’m just taking each day at a time but, like, it’s kind of funny that -- at twenty-eight, almost twenty-nine -- I’m learning more about emotions and grief handling and whatever than I ever did as a teenager, you know. In those years where you’re meant to become a fully functioning person who gets those kinds of things. My parents weren’t very fussed with those life lessons, though, so... better late than never, right?”
oliverwcst:
“I mean i’m not one for floatin’ so I guess it works out. If i’m in water i’m either surfing or doing laps, not much time for flamingos or avocados. But that’s for my own protection is what i’m seeing now. Me and my dignity.” Even as he spoke Oliver’s eyes didn’t waver from the dogs, content to let them get their excitement out in kisses and rubbing against his hands, always the willing victim for the attentions of a canine. “She’s gorgeous, and I promise i’m worthy of such an honor of these powers. Are they all yours?” Having his own place now for the forseeable future just made him want one of his own all the more. “I’ve been avoiding walking by the shelter to be honest. I’d take one home in a heartbeat but i’m not here consistently enough and i’m worried it’d hate to be travelling.”
Laughter bubbled from Emma at the man’s remark, and she nodded along, keeping her gaze trained to him and the dogs; they were friendly, domesticated animals, but it was her responsibility to make sure they didn’t cross a line. “Got’cha,” The brunette mused in reply to the earlier statement, before she too joined him in a crouched position; it didn’t last until she was moving her legs to sit comfortably with them underneath her, hands petting Chief idly as the other two were enthralled with the stranger. “Oh, no! Just the annoying little one -- he was a gift from an ex that I’m not parting with. This one is my buddy Rafe’s,” She stated with a tussle of Chief’s fur, then a head nod to Kaya motioned as she continued, “She’s my roommate’s.” Her hues finally strayed from the animals to his face. “I’m Emma, by the way, and I fully endorse you walking by the shelter to get a pup. You could always train it to travel? Or if not, I know a totally good dog-sitter, just on the sly...”
thenameis-kev:
“Probably not.” Kevin made a face at the thought of a sunburnt cat. “I don’t think you can rub aloe vera all over a cat,” he shrugged, that being the one solution to the problem he could think of in his mind. “God. I wish I could get away with that. I’m as pale as milk at this point of the year. Kind of wish I could wear beautiful tan tights all day everyday, but this heat… I’d rather die.”
“Definitely not -- I think they’re very against anything cool, like temperature way, on instinct.” In truth, she didn’t know much about animals, but this was a random guess in a rather shallow conversation. Who really cared about facts at a time like this? “I get it, I’m just lucky I’m Italian. Maybe you should start a fundraiser. Help Kevin achieve his Summer Tan, rather than a summer bod. That’s old news anyway.”
astrid-haycs:
Astrid was joking, of course, when she said the only reason she didn’t get a dog was to crush Arthur’s dreams. In truth, they’d spent so many years barely scraping by that a dog had seemed impractical, and then by the time they got their heads above water, she was traveling so much it just didn’t make sense. She’d always half expected to come home one time to discover Arthur had gone behind her back and gotten one anyway, but it hadn’t happened yet. So what was stopping her now that her life in the field seemed to be coming to an end? Maybe she just wasn’t willing to give up that dream yet… “Alright, how much is AJ paying you to say this?” she teased.
It was hard to bite down the smile at Astrid’s remark, even though it wasn’t the truth; she wished she had more to do with her friends family -- maybe it’d fill a hole that her own little brother left behind -- but Arthur felt like more of a concept in passing at this stage. Regardless, it didn’t stop Emma from grinning. “Just my usual pocket money. He said he’d raise the bar if I managed to get you to say maybe.”
anthonyjwilliams:
“Yeah, the poor thing really needs someone to help.” Anthony agreed, nodding at the woman. Cats really hate water, and surely getting wet would not improve the animals day. “That might be best. I mean surely the dogs would scare the cat more. Good luck, and I will be here if you need any more help.” Anthony replied, holding out his hand for the leash.
With a deep inhale, Emma assembled some form of confidence, nodding to the mans words. “Okay, I’ll be quick. But also, like, please don’t lose these dogs? They’re not all mine.” A laugh followed that statement as she handed over the leashes. She knew they’d be okay, however, because they’d all been trained well. As testament to her inner turmoil, Chief had already laid down in the grass, whilst Kaya and Yankee were busy with each other rather than running off. “One sec!” Was her parting dialogue as Emma then began to approach where the cat was floating towards the other side of the lake.
[ insert skippity skip. ] After a stern -- or maybe mostly just passive aggressive comment -- to the teenagers, Emma then handed the distressed cat to a ranger before walking with determined purpose back to her dogs. “Okay, done! I feel a lot better. That poor thing would’ve been on my mind all day if I hadn’t done something, so, big thanks for looking after the dogs. Hope they weren’t too much of a problem?”
erin-lhakpa:
Erin looked at Emma, watching her eyes as the flitted about. She wanted to comfort her in some way, but emotions were never something Erin was good at. “No, Em, don’t be sorry. That’s not what I mean,” she sighed. “You didn’t do anything wrong. At least, not to me. I’m just saying that, you know, I get it. It’s something… I have experience with,” she shrugged.
Emma’s natural defence when the topic was broached by those not close enough to visit her in hospital -- the tight-knit few who saw the ugly and real parts of what had happened and knew, in some fragment, the inner workings of her mind -- was to apologise for scaring people and say she was working on being better. But Erin’s kindness caught her off-guard, and along with the confession, the brunette had to take a moment to exhale. Finally, she was able to look Erin back in the eyes, voice quiet. “I had no idea. ...I want to say sorry again, but I should probably stop saying it so much. Is it okay... if I ask things?”