don&#x27;t be a martyr.

"To be fair," Rahi eyes her, all guilty, "I compare most things to a chemical explosion."

The good, the bad, and everything in between.

Pressure builds. People ignore the warning signs. And then one day something ignites and everyone acts surprised.

In this moment, he watches her with an expression that's nothing short of awe. No wonder he'd become so protective; Zara's very existence so precious, it ranked higher than any comet sighting.

"I mean, I know about that." They're both saying the quiet part out loud, at the very same time. "Being the only one in the room that looks like this, I mean. The only reason the media made such a fuss out of me was because I was the first, in NASA's history. But before I was celebrated for it," — which still felt strange, somehow — "I was working thrice as hard, fighting against every possible stereotype. The mountains we climb look like rocky roads to them."

Then, a heavy nod. It feels as though his head will sink right down to the ground.

"...I get why it matters. I just can't fight that fight anymore. But if you can—" He laughs. "Trying to stop you would be the stupidest thing anyone's ever done."

Rahi does clink his glass against hers, but there's a pause to it. That what if that haunts. "...Don't do that to me." He says, smiling, but that smile tells the tale of a thousand worries. "If it happens, I'll do my best to fix it." Loaded breath. "But. Just. Try not to, please. You're my sister. My kids' aunt. I can't look at you scientifically."

#thread004 | rahi #my heart is with them always

Zara caught that pause before the glasses touched. It was subtle, something anyone else might have missed, but she knew her brother too well. Rahi had always been terrible at hiding worry when it came to her. The clink between their glasses was soft, almost thoughtful. For a moment she didn’t speak. Instead, she watched him the way siblings do when they’re measuring everything that isn’t being said aloud. The smile he gave her was there, but she could see the weight behind it. Her expression softened. “Rahi,” she said quietly.

She leaned forward a little, resting her elbow on the table as she looked at him properly now. “You know that’s not what I meant.” Her tone had lost the teasing edge from before, replaced with something steadier. “I promise, I'm not trying to set the world on fire.” And this was the truth. She had a daughter which meant she had some limitations as to what she could and would do.

Zara turned her glass slowly between her fingers before continuing. “And I know you’re tired.” She said it gently, not accusing, not pushing. Just acknowledging it. “You carried that fight for years. Longer than most people even realize.” Her gaze lifted back to him. “You don’t have to keep proving anything. Not to them. Not to anyone.” She reached across the table then, gripping his hand softly, a very casual and yet affectionate way that felt very them. “And please, don't get grey hair worrying about me,” Zara said, her voice softening again, but the warmth returning fully now. “I’m not planning any explosions.”

The corner of her mouth lifted again, playful but sincere. “Besides, if things ever did get that bad…” she added, lifting her glass slightly toward him once more, “I’d trust the guy who survived NASA and oxidation reactions to help me figure out the formula.”

Questions, Rahi has found after a lifetime of working to answer them, are hardly as simple to answer as they seem. Do you realize how— He eyes her, gaze meeting his sister's with care.

"...I understand the elements that make it into what it is." The way his brain works, science always comes into play. "Like how most explosions happen through multi-molecular reduction-oxidation reactions. I understand that those explosions happen when multi-component fuels and oxidizers undergo rapid, simultaneous electron transfer, releasing massive amounts of energy and generating high pressure gas in a very short timeframe. I understand that it creates a chain reaction, and them— I mean, boom."

Rahi studies her for a moment longer. "...I understand how it works. But I have never been caught in an explosion, or been burned in one." Beat. "But I know it's an uphill battle. I know everything is."

Don't you think? He nods. "I do. I mean, you know I do. Once upon a time, I joined them too."

Then, he sighs. "...I don't know if what they're asking is why you did it. I think it's more, why now. But they're not owed an answer, and neither am I. It's your thing, I get it. And I trust you."

#thread004 | rahi #i love them so much lol

Zara watched him the entire time he spoke, the corner of her mouth slowly curling upward in a familiar, fond smile. Of course he’d answer like that. Of course her brother would somehow turn a conversation about sexism and glass ceilings into a lecture about molecular reactions. It was so painfully Rahi that it softened something in her chest.

She let out a quiet laugh, shaking her head slightly. “You really just compared this whole thing....to a chemical explosion.” Her tone wasn’t mocking though, if anything it carried true warmth. She leaned back in her chair, one leg crossing over the other as she studied him for a moment. “But you’re not wrong,” she admitted. “Pressure builds. People ignore the warning signs. And then one day something ignites and everyone acts surprised.”

“For years I kept thinking if I just worked harder, if I kept my head down, if I made myself indispensable, eventually they’d have to take me seriously.” She said this a little quieter than before. “But that’s the lie they sell you when you’re the only one in the room who looks like you.”

Zara glanced back up at him with a shrug. “You know what the worst part is?” she asked. “It’s not even always malicious. Half the time they don’t even realize they’re doing it. They think they’re being fair. They think they’re progressive.” A small scoff came then before she shook her head “But the promotions still go to the same people. The same types of voices get heard.”

But it was when he said he trusted her, that her expression shifted entirely, something more vulnerable passing through it. “That’s all I really needed,” she said. “Not approval. Just… someone who gets why it matters.”

Zara turned to look at him again, her glass raised up to his, wanting to clink them together as she spoke. “And for the record,” Zara added, a playful glint returning to her gaze, “if my life does turn into a full-scale chemical explosion, I expect the resident expert on oxidation reactions to help contain the blast. Or at least write a very impressive report about it afterward.”

"Uhm," Rahi starts, but stops himself before more untrained words can slip out of his mouth. "Both, I guess. I think it took everyone by surprise — and for some reason, they think I'd have the answers." A small laugh, then. "I mean, I know why. Because I'm the resident know-it-all and you're my sister. But truth is, I can answer almost any question about the universe and its inception — but I have no clue how to answer that."

The look on Rahi's face had Zara smiling instantly because he was right. He was the resident know-it-all and she was obviously his sister so he should know why she took this step. "Do you realize how hard it is in my position to be a woman? But especially a woman of color?" Zara never spoke about this openly, not with anyone and yes--that meant not even her own brother who she knew would understand or at least try to. "I've hit that glass ceiling and I know the look my bosses give each other when I even try to talk about another move, challenging their status quo." Zara took a moment to have a sip of her drink before looking back at Rahi. "This is my small way to bring about a type of change, even if it won't solve my problem, it can help another...don't you think?"

#thread004 | rahi

@zaraxkumar

"Everyone's been asking me about you," he says, somewhat suddenly. It's rare, these days, for them to see each other away from family — kids, parents, cousins thrice removed. But tonight, schedules aligned and they found enough time to do drinks. Drinks, at a bar, like normal fucking people. An achievement, for the over-achievers. "Lev, Heath — just anyone that is, or has ever been in that world." The forbidden word isn't spoken, but certainly understood. "I never know what to say."

#thread004 | rahi #thank you bb!

Zara loves these types of nights, where it was just the two of them. She knew it would sometimes sound silly if she admitted it out loud, but she missed the constant presence Rahi had in her life while they'd been growing up. Sure he'd also been gone a lot of the time but growing up in the Kumar household meant his achievements were also ever present which felt like he was right there.

His words had her glancing over at him, mid sip before she shrugged and looked at him, her sharpened gaze on her brother. "What are they asking? If I'm regretting my choice? Or if I'm safe? The answer...would depend on what they're asking about, don't you think?"

thedocxlevi

After answering Zara's question, he looked at his son was was exciting and jumping. Levi loved moments like this, he loved seeing his son so very excited and happy. Christmas and the Holidays was Ollie's favorite, outside of his birthday. "Sounds amazing," he smiled nodding his head as he watched the two run along to go see the tree. Still keeping a eye on the kids. "I have been good. Promise Ollie some time with Santa later and what about you?"

#thread002 | levi #( sorry no gifs! )

"I love that for you both, honestly the holidays are so magical and especially in this city. I talked to Saira about potentially flying somewhere for the holidays and she so quickly denied me and threw a fit--I knew it was a complete lost cause," she chuckled softly before looking back at Levi before commenting. "I don't know what it is Lev, but you--you seem different, you seem happier, it's nice." Zara added this with another smile, hoping the other knew that whatever it was, she was happy for her friend.

context: new year's yatch party with: @zaraxkumar

Whiskey swirls in his glass twice before he empties it in one gulp. With a tap of his finger, he requests a refill just as he catches her from the corner of his eye. "Why d'you always find me at these things? You trackin' me or somethin'?" is how he greets her. Conveniently, he leaves out all of those times that he found her just as an event ended to whisk her away to his place.

#thread003 | aj #event threads.#event | new years

Zara had been rather adamant to give this year's new year's party a miss, wanting instead to spend time with her daughter. But Saira had a new goal in mind. Her younger daughter opted to spend the evening with her grandmother, Zara's mom and so she was left with two options. Either stay home, and ring in the new year with wine and a bubble bath...or take a night out and attend the yacht party. She'd finally gone with the second choice and that's how she found herself here tonight.

She'd just stepped up to the bar to order herself a gin and tonic when a rather familiar voice called out to her. "Uh huh--I secretly attached an AirTag to you," she told him with a dimpled smile before taking the drink from the bartender. "You should really think about getting a restraining order against me."

thedocxlevi

Levi was enjoying the day with Oliver. Growing up, the doctor did not care for Christmas and the days leading up to it but now, it had started to become one of his favorites all thanks to his son. "Hello you two," the doctor replied back with a smile as his son waved to both of them. Ollie looked at Levi, the doctor knowing that look so he responded. "We will totally love to join the both of you for some hot chocolate and I know this little guy would also love to see the tree."

#thread002 | levi #( sorry no gifs! )

It was always a good time to run into friends and so when they ran into Levi and Ollie, Zara couldn't help but extend the invitation. "Great! I'll get them to change the reservation from two to four, how about you two run along and see the tree." Zara offered while she took her phone out and called the restaurant inside to change the seating for them while they kids ran ahead to stare in awe at the large tree in the courtyard. "So how have you been? Getting into the Christmas spirit yet?"

closed for @thedocxlevi

Zara may have been a career oriented woman but she always made time for her daughter. So when her daughter demanded to go see Christmas tree at the Lotte Palace Hotel, Zara obliged. The two of them were walking along Madison Avenue when she spotted a few familiar faces. "Levi, hey--how's it going? Hi Oliver! Do you both want to join Saira and I for some hot chocolate at the palace hotel? Little Miss here is demanding to see the tree and feel like a princess for the day." She held up her daughter's hand with a chuckle before giving them a smile.

#thread002 | levi

recordmemes

༘⋆｡ stirring the pot starters

a mix of arguments, tension, manipulation, gossiping, fighting, & general emotional messiness!

you weren't supposed to hear that.

don't look at me like i'm the only one lying.

want to tell them, or should i?

you think i don't know what you did?

i've hit people for less.

oh, i thought you already knew.

that's funny, you didn't say that last night.

say that again. i dare you.

you wanna talk about loyalty?

no offense, but if you're the last to know, that's on you.

go ahead - pretend like it wasn't your idea!

they deserve to know the truth.

you didn't hear this from me, but -

oh, so now you care?

don't flatter yourself. you were just convenient.

you crossed a line.

we had bets on how long it would last.

it's not even a secret anymore.

you don't get to cry about it now.

touch me again and see what happens.

say it again. louder this time.

you really thought nobody would find out?

don't act so innocent.

okay, but am i the villain for laughing?

tell me who else knows. right now.

this whole time, and you didn't say a word?

don't act brave now.

you're really gonna do this here?

it wasn't supposed to get this far!

you can't rewrite history.

oh, i'd never say it to their faces.

it was supposed to stay between us.

we're all thinking it, i just said it.

you're not as untouchable as you act.

do you even feel guilty?

they warned me about you.

go ahead, make it worse.

if you repeat this, i'll deny everything.

the next thing out of your mouth better be an apology.

you're about three seconds away from regretting this.

you keep pushing, and i'll push you back.

they're going to find out.

one more lie, and i walk.

they're lying to you.

you need to back off. now.

you're defending them? after everything?

don't try to hide it.

tell me, was i just a placeholder?

you really think sorry fixes this?

there's nothing left to say.

don't act like you're the one hurting.

i don't owe you any explanation.

whatever helps you sleep at night.

you should've seen this coming.

i hope it was worth it.

i told the truth. just not all of it.

you'll miss me before i miss you.

smile. you're ruining the mood.

i'd watch that tone if i were you.

it's not my fault you believed me.

you have such a talent for pretending you're innocent.

we both know this is over.

i never said i was a good person.

i thought you were different.

zara || elena || nandita

#( ask memes )

Danger is carried in those big brown eyes, staring up at him like they're daring him to jump back into a sea of past mistakes. He'd make them all again if he knew he could walk away unscathed, but when have they ever pulled apart from one another without the scratches to show for it?

She has her tricks, but he knows them all — at least he thinks he does. AJ tilts his head at her and then shakes it slowly; he doesn't get in. Instead, he steps up behind her and holds the door with a strong hand wrapped around the top. "Ladies first," he reminds her. And then, "That was the old me, you have nothing to worry about." Of course he'll walk her to her door. And of course he'll wait for an invitation to join her inside. And if it doesn't come, he'll take the ride back to his place and forget about it in the morning.

#thread002 | aj #event | halloween 2025

Zara freezes for just a beat — not because he’s behind her, not because his hand is above her head, but because he is suddenly close enough to stir up a catalog of memories she’s spent months filing away. “Old you, new you,” she says softly, turning her head just enough that her eyes can find his over her shoulder. “You always talk like you’re two different people when really…” Her gaze flicks down briefly, a tiny betrayingly fond smile tugging at her mouth. “…you’re just one very complicated man with decent fashion sense and terrible self-control.”

She steps into the cab, sliding across the seat but keeping the door open with a hand on the edge. The city noise hums around them, but she doesn’t look away from him. Not yet. “Come on then,” she murmurs, chin tipping in subtle invitation — not to the night, but to the moment. “Before you convince yourself you’re some kind of saint now.”

There’s warmth there. And danger. Maybe the same danger he sees in her eyes. “But AJ?” Her voice gentles, almost too honest. “If you’re walking me to my door… you know that’s never worried me. You’re the one who usually ends up in trouble.”

ohisms

✱ ˚｡⋆ ↪ MAKING DEMANDS ... [ REMASTERED ] ( a collection of various original dialogue prompts centered around posing requests / demands. adjust phrasing / gendered terms as necessary. )

memorize my coffee order, already!

quit fidgeting, you look suspicious.

stop comparing yourself, it's pointless.

give yourself a minute, [ name ]. you need rest.

don't move ... a single muscle.

can you teach me how to do that?

order room service – let's be lazy today.

pull out your ID, they card everyone here.

pack light, we'll be walking for awhile.

stop second guessing yourself.

don't say another word.

show me what you've been working on.

we're already late, can you hurry?!

we don't have time for this, [ name ].

just take the compliment, okay?

don't you dare just leave me here.

quit being so stubborn about this.

relax, i've got everything handled.

turn up the music! i love this song.

take my jacket, i'm not asking.

give me your hand, let's take a walk.

order whatever you want, it's my treat.

stop picking fights when you're tired.

meet me tonight ... our spot.

loosen up, quit being so serious all the time.

stay awake, you might have a concussion.

just let yourself be happy for once.

you have to stop sabotaging yourself.

tell me why you're really here.

drop your [ weapon / gun / knife ]!

quit trying to change the subject.

just breathe with me for a minute. in, out.

follow me and stay close.

just be yourself, [ name ]. that's all i want.

call me when you get home safe.

don't beg, it's pathetic.

stop trying to fix everyone else's problems.

can you [ tie / zip ] this for me?

stop lying to me. tell me what you did.

put that down, you don't know what it is.

tell me what you're thinking right now.

stay quiet until i figure this out.

tell me something i don't know about you.

come dance with me.

get out of my sight.

wear the [ item ] i bought you tonight.

take my arm, those heels look dangerous.

let me drive – you can enjoy the scenery.

can you stop hovering?

wait ...! hold still, i want to take a picture.

keep your hands where i can see them.

stop pretending you know what's going on.

find a first-aid kit. quickly!

you can't tell anyone what you saw.

take a nap, i'll wake you for dinner.

keep your voice down, they'll hear us.

don't you dare lie to me.

take the scenic route, we're not in a rush.

tell me a story from when you were little.

answer your phone when i call you.

give me your jacket, i'm freezing.

don't get yourself killed.

tell me what you see when you look at yourself.

tell me what you see when you look at me.

stop being so modest about your achievements!

leave them to me, just go.

just admit that you love me.

just admit that you hate me.

come here, let me look at you.

don't listen to them, they don't know what they're talking about.

[ name ], don't make me do this.

drop your [ weapon ].

stay here and wait for my signal.

don't just sit there, move.

take this and run, don't let anyone have it.

pretend you're my [ partner / gf / bf ].

don't look , you'll give us away.

stay with me, don't drift off.

stop pretending like you care.

go make sure the coast is clear.

take this with you. it's a good luck charm.

don't tell anyone about this.

if anybody asks about today, lie.

stop looking at me like that.

tell me you love me.

just kiss me, already.

talk to me in [ language ].

keep your eyes on the road.

stop crying and calm down.

give me one chance to explain.

come with me. there's so much we could do.

wear the [ dress / tie / item ] i gave you tonight.

show me how you like to be touched.

hold my hand.

kiss me, make it look real.

look at me. how many fingers am i holding up?

[ name ] ... will you marry me?

just slow down for a minute. what's going on?

take a deep breath, you need to calm down.

get out of here, [ name ]!

draw your weapon.

go rest. i'm not asking.

take a step back.

keep your promise for once.

quit assuming you know what i'm thinking.

give me a straight answer.

be polite to our guests.

look me in the eye and say that again.

put your feelings aside for a moment.

keep close to me.

here, let me see that.

look up at the sky.

run ... run and don't stop!

get out of here, i don't want to see you right now.

stand up, this isn't over yet.

close your eyes and count to ten.

keep your head down and keep moving.

[ name ], let me past.

listen carefully to what i'm about to say.

don't just stare, come in.

stop laughing, this isn't funny.

take this and hide it from me.

don't make a sound.

the sidewalk is slippery, give me your hand.

quit causing problems everywhere you go.

just admit that you don't know what you're doing.

stop right there, i mean it.

don't say that name aloud.

just trust me, okay?

stop acting so childish.

call the police. now.

tell me you love me, even if it's not real.

take a good hard look.

stop the car, [ name ].

let me walk you to your [ door / car ].

almost done, just give me five more minutes!

don't make eye contact.

stay out of trouble.

let me see that beautiful smile again.

just do it already, we've waited long enough.

hold me tight, and never let me go.

finish what you started.

tell me what you know.

quit being so melodramatic.

just stay away from me.

turn around. slowly.

don't be scared.

put it down before somebody gets hurt.

stop pretending , i'm tired of the pretending.

grab me my [ item ], will you?

don't make assumptions.

put this over it to stop the bleeding.

get to safety! i'll be right behind you!

stay the night, i hate sleeping alone.

wipe that look off your face.

keep an eye on them.

look at yourself in the mirror.

eat. you haven't touched your food in days.

zara || elena || nandita

#( ask memes )#( memes )

"Same difference when you're having fun," he quips back, voice characteristically low and unbothered to mask how much the thought of walking back home irks him to no end. Shouldn't he have left those days behind when he stopped being a stupid boy and became a man with power?

Blazer unbuttoned and open, AJ's hands are shoved in the pockets of his pants as he stands in front of her. Closer than they'd been in months, certainly closer than they should be now. "Not pay you, pay for the ride," he clarifies. What kind of man does she take him to be? He's better off not knowing. "You wouldn't leave a brother out to dry, eh? C'mon." Beat. "Have it drop you off first, too. I'll even walk ya to the door myself."

#thread002 | aj #event | halloween 2025

Zara lets out a soft huff of laughter, the kind that sounds almost like disbelief but carries a hint of fondness too. “Same difference, huh? You always did have a way of making trouble sound charming.” Her tone is light, teasing, though there’s a knowing glint in her eyes as she takes him in, the loosened blazer, the casual stance, the familiarity she shouldn’t still feel. “Mm, right. Pay for the ride,” she echoes, one brow lifting as she steps a little closer, enough for the city lights to catch in her eyes. “You sure that’s all you’re trying to buy tonight?” The question lands half-playful, half-daring — an old rhythm slipping too easily back into place.

Her hand lifts just slightly, flagging the cab again as if to remind herself she still has an exit. “Fine. Get in before I change my mind.” A faint smirk tugs at her lips as she opens the door and nods toward it. “But if you’re walking me to the door, AJ, you better behave. I know how that story usually ends.”

context: leaving the brooklyn paramount with: @zaraxkumar

He only realizes his phone is dead when he pulls it out of his pocket to call a cab. Fucking New York, he thinks bitterly as he looks around him. No one he wants to leave with, no one that inspires that much confidence, except of course —

"S'all about sharing, ain't it?" AJ approaches her with a grin, wide and toothy as if that makes it more convincing. Maybe it does. He doesn't remember what works on her anymore. "I'll pay if ya drop me off."

#thread002 | aj #event | halloween 2025 #( thank you for the starter bb! )

The party had been a fun affair—a much-needed night off from being home with Saira. Her daughter seemed to be having the time of her life anyway, if the stream of sleepover photos was anything to go by.

She’d just hailed a cab when a familiar figure stepped out toward her. Not the worst person she could run into—but certainly not the safest. “It’s Halloween, AJ, not Christmas,” she teased, lips curving as she took him in.

Her gaze flicked to her phone, the late hour flashing up in pale blue. “And I don’t need you to pay me.” Still, she didn’t step away when he moved closer, the night air thrumming faintly between them. It didn’t escape her notice that he was insisting she drop him off before the cab took her home—definitely not the kind of chivalry she remembered from when they were close.

daphberkeley

Zara's words felt generous and soothing to Daphne's ears. She was glad to earn such a reputation with descriptions she would have liked for herself. "Certainly," she agreed, "Oh, I do love a good surprise. — You're right. I'm not one to tuck away from the spotlight; I'm telling it where to land." The idea that circulated that she was the American Princess Diana was nothing she didn't welcome; in the quiets of her mind, she was endorsing it completely. She was thrilled with the fact that she was the recipient of such adoration, and she would not deny it as what she deserved.

Daphne thoughtfully draped her hand over Zara's for a moment, receiving her encouragement with a smile and reassurances. "Of course not. I didn't get here playing for myself. A good team is what great people are made of." Elbows leaning back against the railing, Daphne, too, peeked a glance inside. It was a pretty picture indeed, with each room filled with conversation and jolly—exactly what modern Thanksgiving traditions beckoned each year.

"What's new with you and Saira?" she queried innocently, hoping to break into something of a softer topic for the pair of them.

@zaraxkumar

Zara didn’t flinch at the touch to her hand—she met it with a small squeeze, a gesture of quiet solidarity before Daphne leaned back again. “Telling it where to land,” she echoed with a hint of admiration. “Now that,” she added, amusement flickering in her gaze, “sounds exactly like you.” At the question of Saira, something subtle shifted—nothing obvious, nothing dramatic, just a slight slowing of her breath, the kind of pause only someone paying close attention would notice. When she spoke, her expression remained composed and open, but there was carefulness beneath it.

“We’re… good,” Zara said at first, letting the word settle before she continued. “She’s growing fast—smarter than me already, which I’m trying not to take personally.” A small laugh slipped out, gentler than her usual dry edge. “She started writing these little letters to herself. Future Saira, Past Saira. Found one tucked into my laptop bag the other day. She wrote, ‘You’re doing better than you think you are.’” Her jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “She’s so young. I didn’t learn that kind of resilience until I was at least thirty.”

There was affection there, but also a quiet weight. “I’m trying to make sure she gets to keep her softness without the world convincing her it’s a liability. That’s the hard part.” Then, with a glance Daphne’s way that didn’t quite hide her curiosity, she added lightly, “And you? How are things going with all the noise surrounding you at all times?”

#thread001 | daphne

tristanzaire

@zaraxkumar setting: halloween @ the brooklyn paramount

"We're really gonna need you today," he tells Zara, upon finding her at the bar. "You might be the smartest one we have." No offense to all his other loyal warriors — but something about Zara's brain just moved differently. She could see things Tristan could not.

His hands come to rest on the bar counter, not yet sticky with beer or whisky trails. As Tristan waits for the bartender to spot them, his gaze naturally drifts to Zara’s costume — a stark difference to her usual attire. But then again, she could say the same for him. “Uh… Meow?”