` WEAPONISED

𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐔𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐎𝐋𝐃 𝐔𝐒 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄

[shinnogi]

      we can never be gods, after all - but we can become something less than human with frightening ease [...] the knives that will slaughter heaven, our heads bloody but unbowed [...] for ours is a fate worse than death...

        GUIDELINES   .   MUSES  .   MEMES  .

[ophidae-a]

Jiraiya, boasting: I’m the type of person that likes to think things through

Orochimaru: Since when? I once saw you eat a marshmallow that was still on fire.

[narutwitter]

[mythshire]

✧˖°⚔️°˖✧ 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐀 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃 ··· a collection of enemies to lovers, rivalry and surrender, violence as intimacy, fury & desire roleplay sentence starters. genre: romance, tension, power dynamics, slow burn.

You think you're so much better than me, don't you?

Stop looking at me like that.

We're on the same side now, whether you like it or not.

I'd rather die than work with you.

You're the last person I wanted to see today.

Don't you dare act like you care about me now.

I know what you did. I know everything.

You've always been my enemy, but you've never been my equal.

Why does it feel like you're the only one who actually sees me?

I don't trust you. I'll never trust you.

You're insufferable, you know that?

We can't keep doing this—pretending we don't feel it.

I've spent half my life trying to destroy you.

God, I want to hate you so badly right now.

You make me want to scream.

I didn't save you because I like you. I saved you because I had to.

We're not friends. We'll never be friends.

You don't get to be vulnerable with me now, not after everything.

I've imagined killing you a thousand different ways.

Why do you always have to be right?

I hate how much space you take up in my head.

You're my rival, not my—whatever the hell this is.

Don't touch me. Don't you fucking dare.

I know you better than anyone, and that's the worst part.

You've ruined me for anyone else, and I hate you for it.

I'd burn the world down before I let you win.

You look at me like I'm the villain, but you're no hero either.

I can't do this. I can't want you and hate you at the same time.

You're the only person who's ever challenged me.

Stop pretending you don't feel this too.

I've never wanted to throttle someone and hold them this badly before.

We're going to regret this in the morning.

You think you know me? You don't know anything.

I didn't mean to fall for you. This is a mistake.

You make me feel like I'm losing a battle I didn't even know I was fighting.

I swore I'd never let you get close to me.

Why does fighting with you feel better than being happy with anyone else?

You're dangerous. To me. To everything I've built.

I hate that you're the only one who makes me feel alive.

This thing between us—it's toxic. We're toxic.

You've always been the thorn in my side. Now you're under my skin.

You betrayed me once. How do I know you won't do it again?

I've spent years building walls to keep you out.

We're playing with fire here, and we both know it.

You're my competition, my nemesis, my—fuck, I don't even know anymore.

I never wanted this. I never wanted you.

[zachrp]

ᝰ🚬 𝚉𝙰𝙲𝙷𝚁𝙿 .ᐟ RANDOM SUGGESTIVE DIALOGUE + ACTION PROMPTS. CHANGE ANY PRONOUNS IF NECESSARY. SOME MATURE THEMES MAY BE PRESENT. SEND "REVERSE" TO SWITCH THE ROLES OF SENDER AND RECEIVER.

DIALOGUE

come here, i just want you closer.

don't rush. i want to feel this.

you feel so good inside me.

i've been thinking about this all day.

tell me what you want.

you drive me absolutely insane.

i love it when you look at me like that.

don't stop, please.

i need you right here.

you're doing that on purpose, aren't you?

i can't stop touching you.

you feel perfect like this.

stay with me tonight.

i want all of you.

you make it hard to think straight.

look at me. keep your eyes on me.

i love the sounds you make.

you're being dangerous right now.

i missed you.. missed this part of you, too.

let me take my time with you.

you're warm. you're real.

i don't want this to end yet.

come closer. closer than that.

you feel like home.

don't tease me unless you mean it.

i like it when you lose control like this.

you're everything i want right now.

you're breathtaking when you're like this.

stay still, let me.

i love how responsive you are.

you're making this very difficult for me.

you don't know what you do to me.

say my name again.

can i come inside? please..

you feel even better than i imagined.

i want to hear you.

you're intoxicating.

i could touch you forever.

don't hide from me.

you're mine tonight.

you look incredible like this.

i love being this close to you.

you're shaking, i've got you.

you taste amazing.

i want you exactly like this.

i'm not letting you go yet.

you're taking me so well.

tell me if this feels good.

i love how soft you are.

breathe, you're doing so well.

i can feel your heartbeat.

i want to make you melt.

you're so beautiful it hurts.

stay right there.

i love when you get needy.

you don't have to be quiet with me.

you feel incredible under my hands.

i've wanted this longer than i'll admit.

you're all i can think about.

i want to savor you.

let me show you how much i want you.

you're making me weak.

i love being tangled up with you.

don't pull away.

i could get addicted to this.

you feel even better pressed against me.

you're driving me absolutely feral.

stay. just like that.

i love how you react to me.

i want to make you feel good.

you're mine in this moment.

you feel so right.

let me kiss you again.

you're intoxicating this close.

i love your hands on me.

you're impossible to resist.

don't stop touching me.

i love when you pull me closer.

you make me feel wanted.

i could stay like this forever.

you're everything i need right now.

i want to hear you come.

you're so warm.

let me take care of you.

i love when you relax into me.

you feel incredible against me.

i'm not done with you yet.

you're making this very tempting.

open up for me..

you're perfect right here.

i want you to remember this.

you're all mine tonight.

i love when you lean into me.

you make me ache.

don't hold back with me.

you feel amazing when you're like this.

i want to feel every part of you.

you're driving me crazy.

i love how close we are.

i don't want to stop touching you.

you're exactly where you belong.

let me feel you breathe.

you're making me lose focus.

stay with me a little longer.

you're everything i want right now.

i want you slow.

you feel incredible wrapped around me.

you're so responsive.

don't rush this.

i love when you look at me like that.

you make this feel so easy.

i want you close when you fall asleep.

you're intoxicating like this.

i love your warmth.

stay right here with me.

you make me feel wanted.

i want you to feel how much i want you.

don't go yet.

you're making me want more.

i love being like this with you.

you're everything in this moment.

let me hold you.

you feel so good against me.

i want to remember this.

you're breathtaking this close.

stay tangled up with me.

i love how you fit with me.

you're making me soft.

i want to stay right here.

don't stop touching me like that.

you're incredible.

i love how needy you get.

you feel perfect right now.

let me keep you here.

you're everything i want.

i want to make this last.

you're making me melt.

stay close.

i love your closeness.

you're intoxicating.

don't move.

i want you exactly like this.

you make me feel alive.

i love being wrapped up with you.

you're so easy to love like this.

you're everything to me right now.

i don't want to rush this moment.

you feel so right.

i want to fall asleep like this.

you're mine tonight.

ACTIONS

( fingers ) : for SENDER to lace their fingers with RECEIVER'S.

( lean ) : for SENDER to lean in until their breaths mingle.

( trail ) : for SENDER to trail their fingertips along RECEIVER'S arm.

( slow ) : for SENDER to press a slow kiss to RECEIVER'S mouth.

( waist ) : for SENDER to pull RECEIVER closer by the waist.

( body ) : for SENDER to press their body against RECEIVER'S.

( neck ) : for SENDER to nuzzle into RECEIVER'S neck.

( murmur ) : for SENDER to murmur softly against RECEIVER'S skin.

( cradle ) : for SENDER to cradle RECEIVER'S face in their hands.

( linger ) : for SENDER to linger close without speaking.

( back ) : for SENDER to stroke RECEIVER'S back slowly.

( firmly ) : for SENDER to hold RECEIVER'S firmly in their arms.

( guide ) : for SENDER to guide RECEIVER'S to their lap by the hips.

( forehead ) : for SENDER to rest their forehead against RECEIVER'S.

( sigh ) : for SENDER to sigh softly against RECEIVER'S mouth.

( cup ) : for SENDER to cup RECEIVER'S cheek gently.

( jaw ) : for SENDER to trail kisses along RECEIVER'S jawline.

( arms ) : for SENDER to wrap their arms around RECEIVER.

( tug ) : for SENDER to tug RECEIVER closer by their clothing.

( temple ) : for SENDER to press a kiss to RECEIVER'S temple.

( skin ) : for SENDER to linger with their lips against RECEIVER'S skin.

( chest ) : for SENDER to hold RECEIVER close against their chest.

( thumb ) : for SENDER to brush their thumb over RECEIVER'S lips.

( deep ) : for SENDER to kiss RECEIVER slowly and deeply.

( nudge ) : for SENDER to nudge RECEIVER closer with their knee.

( curl ) : for SENDER to curl around RECEIVER protectively.

( rest ) : for SENDER to rest their hand at RECEIVER'S lower back.

( lap ) : for SENDER to pull RECEIVER into their lap.

( collar ) : for SENDER to kiss along RECEIVER'S collarbone.

( hips ) : for SENDER to hold RECEIVER'S hips firmly.

( hair ) : for SENDER to brush hair away from RECEIVER'S face.

( press ) : for SENDER to press slow kisses along RECEIVER'S neck.

( nuzzle ) : for SENDER to nuzzle closer, seeking warmth.

( stroke ) : for SENDER to stroke RECEIVER'S thigh absently.

( still ) : for SENDER to hold RECEIVER still beneath their hands.

( kiss ) : for SENDER to kiss RECEIVER'S until they both breathless.

( trace ) : for SENDER to trace small circles on RECEIVER'S skin.

( heart ) : for SENDER to rest their hand over RECEIVER'S heart.

( brush ) : for SENDER to brush their nose against RECEIVER'S.

( wrap ) : for SENDER to wrap their legs around RECEIVER.

( hold ) : for SENDER to hold RECEIVER after climaxing.

( savor ) : for SENDER to kiss RECEIVER slowly, savoring it.

( cuddle ) : for SENDER to pull RECEIVER into a tight cuddle.

( cheek ) : for SENDER to rest their cheek against RECEIVER'S shoulder.

( pull ) : for SENDER to pull RECEIVER closer until there's no space left.

[shinnogi]

lowkey...and this is just the brazilian in me but...sasuke would be a luiz gonzaga kind of guy

[dramaticshadowclone]

[shinnogi]

writing baby sasuke is always so fun but also such a mess because his emotions are all over the place, he can go from proud, to insecure, to shy, to bubbly in a single paragraph 😅

[mythshire]

✦ ⋆ 𖤓 ⋆ ✦ 𝐁𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐎𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐄𝐕𝐄 ··· a collection of injuries tended in silence, pain worn like armour, the intimacy of being seen at your worst. genre: hurt and comfort, angst, romance, drama.

• You're bleeding through your shirt. Don't tell me you're fine. • How long have you been walking around like this? • I'm not going to hurt you. I just need to see how bad it is. • You should have told me the moment it happened. • Hold still. I mean it. Hold still. • This is going to sting. Bite down on something if you need to. • You've been hiding this for days, haven't you. • Who did this to you? I need you to tell me who did this. • Stop being brave for five minutes and let me help you. • I've seen worse. I've also seen men die from worse, so let me look at it. • I found the bandages in the trash. You want to explain that? • Don't you dare apologize for bleeding on me. • Your hands are cold. That's not a good sign. • I'm not angry. I'm terrified. There's a difference. • Come into the light. Let me see your face. • You should have stitches. I know you won't go. So sit down and let me do what I can. • You're white as a sheet and still trying to stand up straight. • I could hear you in the night. I didn't say anything. I'm saying something now. • Don't look at it if it makes it worse. Just look at me. • It's not weak to let someone see you hurt. • You came to me. Of all the places you could have gone, you came here.  • Lay back. You're not getting up until the color comes back to your face. • I'm not going to ask what happened. Not yet. First let me fix what I can. • You've been holding your left side since you walked in. Think I didn't notice? • This is going to leave a mark. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. • I've patched up a lot of people in my time. None of them scared me like you do right now. • You could have died out there. You could have died and I would have been the last person to know. • Sleep. I'll be right here when you wake up. I'm not going anywhere. • You're allowed to make a sound. Nobody's watching. • I need you to stay awake for me. Just a little longer. Talk to me. • You're lucky the cut wasn't deeper.  • Stop apologizing for needing help. Stop it right now. • I've seen what it looks like when someone's used to this. That's what scares me most about you. • Tell me your name. Tell me what day it is. Stay with me. • You're going to be alright. I promise you.  • You went back out there after this? With this? • Nobody takes care of you, do they? That ends tonight. • I've been gentle with you. I need you to be honest with me in return. • You're safe now. You're here, you're safe, and I've got you. Just breathe.

[busyw0man]

⋆｡‧˚ʚ💋ɞ˚‧｡⋆     𝐫𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝

𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬  -  send  ‘reverse’  for  the  sender  and  receiver  to  swap.  adjust  wording  as  needed!

[  recognition  ]  sender  stops  short  when  they  see  receiver,  like  the  world  needs  a  second  to  catch  up

[  double  take  ]  sender  walks  past  receiver  before  realizing,  then  turns  back  too  fast

[  breath  ]  sender  stares  at  receiver  in  disbelief,  forgetting  how  to  breathe

[  hesitant  ]  sender  takes  a  step  toward  receiver,  then  pauses,  unsure  if  they’re  allowed

[  voice  ]  sender  tries  to  speak  to  receiver  and  fails

[  hug  ]  sender  pulls  receiver  into  a  tentative  hug  that  tightens  like  it’s  been  waiting  years

[  forehead  ]  sender  rests  their  forehead  gently  against  receiver’s

[  laugh  ]  sender  laughs  mid-embrace,  tears  slipping  out  at  the  same  time

[  hands  ]  sender  cups  receiver’s  face  or  grips  their  arms  like  proof  this  is  real

[  silent  ]  sender  and  receiver  stand  together  without  speaking,  just  breathing  the  same  air

[  unsure  ]  sender  hovers  close,  unsure  whether  to  hug  again  or  step  back

[  scent  ]  sender  breathes  in  receiver  like  memory  made  real

[  tension  ]  sender  lets  out  a  soft,  incredulous  laugh  that  breaks  the  moment  open

[  touch  ]  sender  squeezes  receiver’s  hand

[  presence  ]  sender  stays  close  to  receiver,  finding  that  just  being  there  is  enough

𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞

❝  i  can’t  believe  it’s  really  you.  ❞

❝  i  thought  about  this  moment  more  times  than  i  can  count.  ❞

❝  you  look…  the  same.  a  little  different.  still  the  same,  though.  ❞

❝  i  didn’t  realize  how  much  i  missed  you  until  now.  ❞

❝  i  didn’t  know  it  would  feel  like  this.  ❞

❝  i  was  afraid  you  wouldn’t  be  here.  ❞

❝  i’ve  waited  a  long  time  for  this.  ❞

❝  i  don’t  know  what  to  say,  i  just—  ❞

❝  i  didn’t  think  i’d  ever  see  you  again.  ❞

❝  you’re  really  here.  ❞

❝  i  held  onto  the  idea  of  you.  ❞

❝  i  didn’t  know  how  much  i  needed  this.  ❞

❝  it  feels  like  coming  home.  ❞

❝  i  never  stopped  missing  you.  ❞

❝  i  thought  i’d  moved  on.  i  hadn’t.  ❞

❝  i  don’t  want  to  let  go  again.  ❞

❝  you’re  still  my  person.  ❞

❝  i  kept  hoping.  ❞

❝  i  don’t  care  how  long  it’s  been.  ❞

❝  seeing  you  makes  everything  else  fade.  ❞

❝  i’ve  carried  you  with  me  this  whole  time.  ❞

❝  i  didn’t  realize  how  much  space  you  left  behind.  ❞

❝  i  don’t  need  answers  right  now.  just  this.  ❞

❝  we’re  here.  that’s  what  matters.  ❞

[mythshire]

※.·:·.※ 𝐘𝐎𝐔'𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐂𝐊 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐄 𝐍𝐎𝐖 ··· a collection of chosen bonds, found family, & unconditional belonging roleplay sentence starters. genre: platonic love, hurt and comfort, loyalty.

• You know you don't have to keep checking on me, right? I'm fine. • How are you? Wait, did I ask that already? • I don't know what I'd do without you. I mean that. • Oh, God. I thought something happened to you. Don't scare me like that. • You're not alone in this. You know that, right? • We're family. That's what we do. We show up. • Make yourself at home, okay? This is your place too now. • Get out of here with that. You're not a burden. Don't ever say that again. • Is there anything you need? Food? A blanket? Someone to just sit with you? • So, what's next for us? • I have to admit there's a small part of me that's terrified you'll wake up one day and realize you don't need me anymore... that you'll leave. • It's just... I've never had this before. People who stay. • Why are you still here? I mean, you could go anywhere. Be with anyone. • I know I'm not easy to deal with. But thank you. For staying anyway. • [Name], I don't know what I'm doing half the time, okay? But I know I'm not doing it without you. • I don't really know where else I'd want to be, except right here. • You're the best thing that ever happened to me, you know that? • I really think you saved my life. Not dramatically. Just... by being here. • Hey. Bad dream? Come here. I've got you. • You don't owe me anything. This is what family does • Stop apologizing. You're allowed to need help. • I made your favorite. Thought you could use some comfort food today. • You look exhausted. When's the last time you actually slept? • I'm not going anywhere. You're stuck with me, remember? • We've been through worse. We'll get through this too. • You don't have to be strong all the time. Not with me. • I brought you something. It's stupid, but it made me think of you. • Come on. Let's get you home. • You matter to me. More than you know. • I've got your back. Always have, always will. • You're shaking. Here, take my jacket. • I know you're scared. It's okay to be scared. • You did good today. Really good. • I'm proud of you. I don't say that enough. • Stop pushing me away. I'm not leaving. • You think I'd let you face this alone? Not a chance. • I'll stay up with you. I don't mind. • You're safe here. I promise. • Tell me what you need. Anything. • You don't have to pretend with me. • I trust you. Completely. • You've got this. And if you don't, we've got this. • I'd do anything for you. You know that, right? • You're not too much. You're never too much. • This is your home now. For as long as you want it. • I'll fight for you if you can't fight for yourself right now. • You make me want to be better. A better person. • I chose you. I keep choosing you. Every day. • You're allowed to fall apart. I'll hold the pieces until you're ready.

[shinnogi]

I wrote 2 replies and by brain said: enough 😵‍💫 i'm queuing all replies though, so i will probably write more on my phone and then edit them tomorrow and throughout the week

[shinnogi]

I’m hoarding my replies, I plan on doing some writing this weekend 🫣 but with preparing to move out and work I’ve been super drained 😔

[shinnogi]

it’s that time of the year again where I’m thinking of toxic oro.sasu 🫣

[shinnogi]

I think I will have to adhere to the cliché of making Kisame a marine biologist in his modern verse, like I will just have to

[kiigan]

And then I'll reject them.

ㅤEven though he was well aware his son would never do such a thing — Ryuu was mischief incarnate at the best of times, yes, but he was never cruel nor heartless — Itachi had to laugh at those words spewed out so boldly, shaking his head. Instead of predictable admonishment, however, what he did was to playfully pinch his son's side, silently reminding him that he wasn't above returning to the threat of tickles from before and make it a reality.

«I will make sure to speak to your father about this.»

ㅤAnd that was the last he was willing to add to the topic of that mission, lest it really ended up eroding his good mood. Never one to put up with incompetence, much less when it might eventually harm his loved ones. Pushing the thought aside, Itachi made himself focus on Ryuuichi's reaction to the possibility of coming clean with Log, and he was not disappointed. His youngest son was such a paradox, sometimes. «My darling boy, you truly are a coconut.» Something strange to say? Hard to take for a compliment? He made sure to make it explicit right after. «So tough on the outside and hard to crack open but, once someone manages to, what lies underneath is as sweet as honey.»

ㅤShaking his head again, this time unable to hold back his snickering at the thought that the Snake Sannin would ever do such a thing, Itachi brought his hand up again to play with his baby's hair. «He will not literally kill you, that much I can promise. And I would know, because much of what I am nowadays, myself, is thanks to him.» To this day, he still could not understand why Orochimaru had not been considered as a candidate — the best candidate — to become Hokage. Or, well... he did know exactly why. He did. Same reason why Fugaku, for example, or even Mikoto, had also never been considered. Because none of them were seen as trustworthy by the obsolete old mummies in the Council; with all due respect, which was very little.

ㅤ«Would you like me to speak to sensei about this? I could ask for permission to court his son, on your behalf.» The offer sounded serious enough, even though Itachi's smile was still as firm in place as before.

[shinnogi]

      Ryuuichi flinched away from his father's playful pinch to his side, making a soft hum in the back of his throat, acknowledging that his father would be sharing the weirdness that happened during his mission with Neji. Neji, who was an ANBU captain. In Ryuuichi's opinion, the scariest ANBU captain. The younger twin choked at being called a coconut, a scandalized frown marring his face.

      ❛  Dad! You can't just expose me like that!  ❜ he huffed, but there was no real aggravation in his voice. ❛  Who knows who might be listening in? I have a reputation to uphold, y'know? Jeez.  ❜ Ryuuichi did not disagree with his father's playful assessment, though. Anyone who knew the twins could see that Ryuuichi was all bravado and toughness on the outside, but on the inside, he was as soft as one could be—rather the opposite of his older brother.

      ❛  Besides, everyone in the family knows I am just a little prince. Mura is the strong one; he is all soft and gooey on the outside, but on the inside? He's tough.  ❜ Ryuuichi was his brother's shield, while Homura was Ryuuichi's rock. He would never admit it to anyone, but there were only four people who could scare the hell out of him: Neji, Itachi, Homura, and now, well, Orochimaru.

      Ryuuichi leaned into his father's touch, sighing deeply. He never thought having a real crush would be this anguish-inducing. ❛  Dad, I know you think that, but, like, I have nothing to offer his son! Like, nothing at all!  ❜ Ryuuichi brought his thumb to his mouth, biting his nails to stave off the anxiety. ❛  I mean—I do; I am very hot, and I am very good in bed, mind you. But like... anything else? Nothing. Nada.  ❜

      The younger man groaned, shaking his head. ❛  No, no, please, that would be so uncool. Like, I would have to change identities, Dad.  ❜ Ryuuichi sighed again, feeling like a princess in a castle, trapped with no escape from feelings he couldn't deal with. He was a player, a man of the people, and yet there he was, pining for an older man. ❛  I will just... pine, right? That's normal, and these feelings will go away... somehow, right?  ❜

[kiigan]

It's like getting stumped while trying to master a jutsu.

ㅤAnd here was yet another concept that Itachi honestly could not relate to. For as long as he could remember himself, he'd never had to face such experience — teaching himself how to concentrate chakra at the soles of his feet so that he could climb the kitchen cupboards and grab the box of dango hiding there, mastering the clan's Great Fireball a few seconds after Fugaku had introduced him to it, just to name a couple of clear examples. Regardless... he did understand the reasoning underlying his mother's words, even if perhaps the example chosen had not been the most accurate one. Mikoto did know his perfectionism better than most, after all, and had witnessed time and time again the lengths he would go to ensure that literally everything he did was never anything if not that: perfect, flawless. With everything good and bad that such a mindset implied.

ㅤ«Would you say that loving someone is like a battle, then? To use a metaphor, of course — not literally so. But in the sense that you want to overcome your proverbial opponent? A competition of sorts? You wish to prove that you are better than them at the art of loving one another?»

ㅤDid any of this even make sense...? It sounded kinda awful, when put this way, but Itachi truly was trying his best to understand it and, usually, it helped him whenever he was able to describe the situation and every variable involved in it. Understand, explain, control, predict — that's how it always went. It was at the basis of the scientific method, as it was. Fortunately, as his mother continued talking, the next thing she said turned out to be not as complicated to crack; namely, this idea of a lover as a sort of rival. That wasn't too far away from what he'd just proposed, right? Which meant, at least, that he wasn't completely clueless and this realization reassured Itachi a little. Maybe there was hope yet.

ㅤ«I can understand that much, yes. If he sees you as a rival, that means he sees you as an equal — he respects you and he does not take you lightly.»

ㅤBut the problem now was... shouldn't that be true for everyone, then? Wasn't that something like basic human decency? ...Maybe he wasn't making as much progress as he'd thought just a few seconds prior. Sighing softly, Itachi brought a hand up to rub at his temples; not necessarily enough to have provoked a headache, but more like a subconscious reflection of the sheer confusion that he was currently plunged in. It was to the point where now he wanted to go and ask the exact same questions to his father, to get a grasp on Fugaku's point of view and compare it to Mikoto's, look for areas that overlapped and areas that had no coinciding at all. He knew better than that, however. Even Itachi, with all his trouble to understand the ways of social conventions and interpersonal relationships, had earned the morals to describe the Uchiha leader as emotionally constipated socially inept. Best to not go prod at that hornet's nest; maybe, in a few years and once Sasuke was old enough for these things, he could speak to his brother instead.

ㅤWith his nose being booped, Itachi smiled in response to the cute gesture and measured his words for a moment longer. Whether he would ever see Shisui and/or Izumi in that same light was something he could not tell, much less if his friends would reciprocate such sentiment to begin with, but this made him think of something else. «Mother, do you believe the idea that there is someone for every single person? As in, that every single person will be able to find romantic love one day, at some point? I see this subliminal message in many books and films and I am conflicted on what to think of it, myself. It sounds concerningly like the Just-World fallacy.»

[shinnogi]

      Would you say that loving someone is like a battle, then?

      Her son's words made her consider the possible logic he might have been following. Mikoto was aware her examples were not the best when it came to Itachi—still, her son might be a little too logical, too estranged from the general consensus, but he was not incapable of empathy or putting himself in other people's shoes. Even if he had never really struggled with mastering techniques. ❛  I would say so,  ❜ she considered, her voice soft as she tried to organize her thoughts to best sate her son's curiosity.

      ❛  Not in the sense of proving one is better at loving than the other,  ❜ Mikoto smiled, her eyes still soft but glittering at the silly notion that love was a competition of egos, ❛  but to prove your love is genuine, to prove that you are worthy of loving them and being loved by them.  ❜ Her own words made her consider her relationship with her husband. Neither one worthy of the other, neither one engaged in that sort of battle—neither one willing to prove the veracity of feelings that did not really exist anymore, if ever.

      To think that the reason Hiashi's starlight eyes had caught her attention was not only for their beauty, but because they saw her as a person—not just a soon-to-be woman, not just a soon-to-be mother—but a rival. Equal. ❛  I think that was exactly what I liked about him, you know?  ❜ Mikoto did not mean to sigh so hopefully, like a schoolgirl with a crush, and yet, thinking of the past often had her in a daydreaming mood. ❛  You see, Itachi, when I was a child, things were not as progressive as they are now.  ❜ Not that it had changed much, but even then, changes had been made. ❛  As a woman, I was... just that. I was not seen as a shinobi; I was a future mother—someone's future wife.  ❜

      There was a certain bitterness in Mikoto's voice as she talked about it. So many times being scolded by her own mother about her 'unruly' disposition that would render her unmarried. ❛  Even being a direct descendant of Uchiha Madara by blood, even being the best in my class, I was not seen as anything other than this other being—mother and wife—even when I was a child.  ❜ She did not regret becoming a mother; her children were her life. But as a young woman, she had yearned for adventure, for battle in the way it was frowned upon by society.

      ❛  Hiashi-kun, however, did not treat me like that...  ❜ her voice grew shy, soft as she remembered the rivalry with the Head of the Hyuuga clan. ❛  He saw me for my skills; he valued my opinions in his own infuriatingly elitist ways. But he did.  ❜ Mikoto's fingers once again tangled themselves in Itachi's soft hair, gently running through the dark strands, a soothing motion for her sake more than for Itachi's. ❛  He was the only one who did not think the best I could do, the best I could accomplish, was to become someone's wife, in a time where everyone thought so.  ❜

      Itachi's next question made her chuckle. It was a nice concept, wasn't it? To think there was someone designed to love you, someone created by whatever powers that be, specifically to love you. No matter how absurd it might sound, it was comforting to think it to be true. ❛  It would be a comforting thought, wouldn't it? To think that from the moment you are born, someone designed to love you is also walking the same earth.  ❜ As a child, she would think about it, about a soulmate of sorts. Secretly, she would hope it would be Hiashi.

      ❛  But love isn't something that just happens. Love is a choice. Love is difficult; it is at times painful and tiring. But it is love because you actively choose to love that person every day, no matter what, through the good and the bad.  ❜ The concept of soulmates sounded delightful, because it stripped people of the responsibility of having to try, to actively love someone who was not perfectly crafted for them. ❛  Love isn't a stagnant thing, a blanket term. It is action. It is effort; it is dedication. Which is why I think your books enjoy the concept that there is someone for every single person out there. Someone made specifically for them.  ❜

      Mikoto then smiled, thinking of the future, of Itachi and Sasuke finding love. Would she be alive to see it? ❛  As a mother, I can allow myself to indulge in that thought—not for myself, of course, but for you. For Sasuke.  ❜