Writing Prompt

There's a certain warmth to him that I can't quite explain, a warmth that spreads up into my chest, into my neck, then the tips of my ears as I glance to my side. He's a steady presence, arm pressed agaisnt mine. He doesn't reach out, doesn't move, doesn't even offer a word in the silence. I let my eyes fall back to my hands, flexing my fingers.

I pause, hand splayed open in the cold winter air. It's chilly, the breeze that drags by making me bury my face further into my hoodie, winter nipping at my numb face. His hand is tucked into his pockets, out of sight, out of reach, but oddly enough it doesn't stop me from tugging on his sleeve. He doesn't resist, only offering an acknowledging glance as I pull his left hand from his pocket.

I tuck my arm under his, threading my thicker, rougher fingers through his thinner, softer ones. I tighten my hold as he tightens his. A pleasant heat spreads from the palm of his hand into mine, running up my arm and spreading through my chest. I slouch further, flushed face, no longer just from the cold, burrowing deeper into fabric.

Tentatively, reverently, I feel his thumb rub the back of my hand, and I lean into his touch, head falling onto his shoulder.

It doesn't feel quite as cold anymore.

“There is more out there in the world for us to discover. The destinations and the journeys that we shall go, we will be together. Isn’t that what you want? There is a future written in the stars that is destined for us. We believe in the stars because that is how we met. Our stars collided, we collided helping us to realise what we adore. We collided to have a future that is meant for us,” I say facing Jackson waiting for his response patiently.

“I don’t believe in the stars,” he says shrugging my head off from his shoulder.

“Then what exactly are you looking at?” I reply pointing my finger out to the night sky almost touching the firey aspect of the stars, that makes them burn bright through the night.

“Darkness, Liana.” I rise my chest up and sigh in frustration before I fiddle with my fingers, twisting them around together nervously. There is silence between us that is ripping us apart.

“Then what do you believe in?” I ask waiting for an answer that I expect. I need him to say that he believes in us which will slow down my heart from racing and calm the nasty thoughts that roam around my head. _He doesn’t love you. You’re unworthy. _I shake these off like he is doing with us.

“Religion,” Jackson says bluntly and his word pricks my heart up again, racing like mad trying to get these thoughts to throb against me. It hurts. I turn away and put my head down on my lap, trying to hide my face and the eyebrows of mine that are scrunched down, along with the redness around my eyes because of the moments I regret spending with Jackson.

“I want words of affirmation.” My voice may be a little muffled because it is covered by my shame. “I want you to say you love me without actually using the words.”

“How do you expect me to do that? I don’t know love.” I throw my head up before turning to face him. To face the man that is suddenly breaking me apart.

“You don’t know love?” I shout. “Then what do you call this? What do you call us?”

“Dating.”

“You’re a star, Jackson, that collided onto mine. You fell for my beauty, my shine, my everything. That is something you could say to me at least.”

“I am the wrong star that fell for you. I wasn’t meant to collide with you. I am the right person wrong time because I don’t know love. I’m sorry, I can’t do this anymore Liana. Stars or darkness, right? I’ll always choose the darkness.” Jackson walks away leaving me stunned, mouth gaping open to see him leaving and that my thoughts were true. He left. He doesn’t love me. I’m unworthy.

Stars or darkness? Stars. I’ll always choose stars, because I choose to see the good people and want them to shine through their darkness. But Jackson is choosing to stay there in the darkness of this night, not letting himself to shine. And I’m staying here under the black painted sky while he walks from my life, walking from my shine.

My love,

You are the oxygen in my lungs You are the blood coursing through my veins I am filled with nothing but you

My love,

You are every thought in my head Every nerve in my body You are every beat of my heart

My love,

A black hole, stealing all my love I am every planet and you’re my sun You are the centre of my universe

My love for you is an ocean And I drowned long ago

My love.

I close my eyes and I see you beside me I see you walking my heart feels as though it’s running a marathon I hear your voice it’s like hearing the waves in the ocean

Tell me what it means if your all I think about Your all I wanna see throughout the day What’s it mean when I look into your eyes and I see a future I see you walking down the altar.

 "Xara, you are my sun, my stars, and the air I breathe. You consume me, my every thought and wish." I take another step towards her, but she doesn't move from the ledge. "I hear your sweet, serene voice in my dreams calling me and I've never craved the sound of my name more than when it escapes from your lips." Another step, I'm right behind her. I crouch down and soothingly stroke her pale shoulders. "You are intricately carved into my heart, Xara. And I'm the one holding the knife." 
 She lifts her head and gently places it on my shoulder as she leans back. I bury myself in her ebony waves until I find her ear and caress it with my lips. "May the Fates witness my words," I whisper. "I vow myself to you, Xara. I vow my loyalty and trust. I give you my heart to hold in your hands. Should I ever cause you grief or pain, I wish you crush it and reap my very soul. I could never walk this land knowing I hurt you in the slightest."
 I sit in the sand, grab her by the waist, and spin her into my lap. Her shining aquamarine eyes gaze up at me. Gods, she’s beautiful when she cries. I hope these aren’t the tears of sadness. I’ll offer my soul this very moment if that’s true. “Xara, I-”
 “Don’t.” My blood ices over at her words.
 “No, I won’t stop. You can’t make me stop, Xara. I-”
 “Don’t say it!”
 “I want you!” I yell out over her protests. “Godsdamn, Xara! I want you and you can’t make me take back my words! I will not take them back, ever.” Rivers flow down her cheeks and I can’t stand to see it. I rest my forehead on hers and close my eyes. I feel my own tears threatening to flood behind my eyelids. “Don’t make me take it back, please.”
 I feel the cold touch of her small hands cupping my face. Mine are still resting on her waist, I pull her closer.
 “Do you mean it?” Her tone is meek and cautious.
 “Every word, I swear it.”
 “Could you fall in love with death, even if it means you succumb to it yourself?”
 “If that’s what awaits me down this path, then I welcome it.” Before I open my eyes, her mouth finds mine. The cooling sensation of her lips takes me to the edge of ecstasy, I want to dive further into it. She wraps her arms around my neck as if she’s tethering us together and I snake my hands from her waist up her back to hold her tighter. I wish we could live in this moment forever. Just our two souls, fusing as one.

Maria had done her hair and makeup beautifully, something she hadn’t done alot, but tonight was special. She was going out with Joel, a guy she had met online. They’d talk over messages alot and Maria had really liked him. Maria was putting more efort into what she wore and what she looked like today, just for Joel.

Joel had gotten out of bed after laying there for a while. He was nervous, very nervous, what if Maria didnt like him? He was unsure if he even wanted to go on this date. What if Maria didnt like him? That was the thought circling through Joel’s head the whole day.

Joel had began to get ready. Putting on his fanciest suit and tie, and a spritz of cologne. he couldn’t tie his tie though, having his mom come over and tie it for him. Although it was a bit embarrassing he told the story to Maria over text messages, giving her something to laugh at.

Over the cellphone Maria saw the message, she laughed uncontrollably, something she hadn’t done in a while too. It was as if Joel was bringing out another side of her, one that she left in the pass when her father died in an elevator. The elevator cables had been loosely tied together making the elevator fall down multiple stories and kill everyone in the elevator.

Maria was traumatized from this event for life, scared, she didnt know how to carry on with her life after this event. But like everyone, after some time and therapy she let go of that memory. Maria was confused, she hadn’t frlt this feeling ever since her dads accident, she felt love, love from Joel. He was always there for her. Especially when she had harsh memories from her father.

Maria texted Joel for the last time before going outside to his car. “ I need you..”

"It's okay, Laura." John's brawny arm nudged Laura's side. Confused, she turned her eyes toward John and swallowed hard. "What are you talking about?" "It's not your fault they're mad at you. You made a mistake, that's all. Everyone makes them. It's not the end of the world because Laura Brown messed up." John's voice was quiet, but his eyes swam through her's like they were attached on a long line. A single line tying John to Laura. One that she hoped would never be broken. "How did you know?" He could see through her, Laura was sure of that. He knew the way she allowed things she shouldn't to get to her. With a grin, John took her hand. "I always know." "Yeah," Laura strengthend her grip on his hand. It was warm and brought untouchable warmth to her body. "You do." John's eyes were still stuck on her. She wasn't sure he remembered how to blink. With the sun glowing above him, his face looked serene and golden, as if the beams of sun were gently kissing his face all over. Laura thought she might like to be the sun. Without thinking, she reached for John's other hand and held it tight. He didn't resist or say anything at all. He took one step closer and Laura's heart began to race so fast she thought she might collapse on the ice. "You're beautiful, Laura Brown." Laura giggled, something she hadn't done since she was a girl. She thought, once she was grown, there wasn't all that much to giggle about. She couldn't believe how wrong she had been. John released one of Laura's hands to caress her cheek, the way the sun caressed his. His lips parted and Laura wondered if he was about to kiss her. When his eyes dipped down to her lips she knew what was about to happen. Giggling again, Laura brought both her hands up to John's face and pulled him closer. Their faces were an inch apart. Unable to withstand the tension for a second more, Laura pushed her lips against John's. She felt his entire body relax in her hands. Her heart threatened to escape her, but she didn't mind. John's lips were on hers and he tasted spectacular. Jealous of the sunlight, Laura began to kiss John's face everywhere the light fell on him. One on his cheek, on his nose, his eyes, his neck, his head, and his lips again and again and again. This time, John giggled. Laura didn't know boys could giggle, but she liked it. Standing there, on the frozen lake, Laura became the sun and John her light.

The fire crackled softly, its warm glow casting flickering shadows across the forest clearing. Ethel sat close to Beau, her knees drawn up as she traced patterns in the dirt with a small stick. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, watching how the firelight caught in his silver-threaded hair and softened the lines of his face.

“You know,” Beau said after a moment, his voice low and steady, “I didn’t think I’d ever find a place where I could stop running. But then I found this valley.” He turned to her, his gaze steady. “And I found you.”

Ethel stilled, the stick forgotten in her hand. “You make everything... different,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Like the world is bigger and smaller all at once.”

He smiled, the kind of smile that reached his eyes and melted the knot of confusion she’d carried for so long. “I think you’re the bravest person I’ve ever met, Ethel,” he said. “You don’t even realize it, but you are.”

Her chest tightened, a warmth blooming deep inside her. She hesitated, then reached out, her fingers brushing his hand. “You make me want to be brave,” she admitted. “Like I can do anything... as long as you’re here.”

Beau turned his hand over, letting their fingers intertwine. For a long moment, he simply looked at her, his expression soft and open. “Then I’ll stay,” he said finally, his voice as certain as the ground beneath them.

Ethel’s lips curved into a shy smile, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Words felt unnecessary now; she could see everything she needed in the way he looked at her, in the warmth of his hand holding hers. And as they sat together beneath the vast expanse of stars, she realized she’d told him everything that mattered without saying much at all.

[Taken from the fanfic I'm currently writing] • Characters are from the game "I Was a Teenage Exocolonist"; Tangent and Solana (Also referred as "you", because Sol is the character you play as)

///

(Age 17, end of late Pollen)

Maybe you shouldn't think this way, but it makes you laugh every time you do — so naturally, you just can't stop comparing.

Because Instance is not fond of you. Never has been. In this life, in other lives, it's always the same. For some reason, she just doesn't like you. And you've never been able to figure out why. Sometimes people just don't like other people, you suppose.

So, by any means, you're trying your very best to not cross Instance. To just keep peace.

And by defalt, you try to avoid conflict with her more than with every other adult. You don't want to argue. Not that you're afraid to argue, with all the knowledge from previous years you would probably win — it's just that you don’t want to drag Tangent into the middle of it. That would only make things worse.

You can handle teachers. You patch things up with your parents after a day or two every time. But Instance? If you get on her bad side, things escalate quickly. Tangent would either try to calm her down or leave you two to resolve it on your own. And either way, it won't end well.

And as expected, Instance doesn't warm up to you. At least, not at first. Then you get closer with Tangent; and she stops Instant from snapping any time she is particularly not fond of you. You and Tangent spend hours repairing robots and running experiments, talking quietly during breaks. More and more, you can feel the shift. Slowly, Instance watches as the two of you grow closer.

You've seen her watching the way Tangent smiles when she's with you, laughing quietly as she leans in or takes your hand. And unexpectedly, you've caught a moment of something fleeting in Instance’s eyes — a flicker of sorrow, of loss.

///

You joke in your head from time to time about "finally getting mom's approval". You can't decide if Instance would be wonderful or terrible mother-in-law. It doesn’t matter, though, does it? Mostly meaningless question. It's not that you would ever find out. The thought hurts a little, but you can cope. After all, it's just a passing idea — one that quickly fades, even if it never quite disappears.

Then one day, something happens.

One day, you saw something you didn't understand.

You meet her in the corridor outside her research room, waiting several hours after your own shift ended.

Tangent smiles, and steps toward you as if on autopilot, but then, she stops. Her smile falters, and she pulls herself back, standing beside Instance. Her movement is hesitant, a quite noticible shift in her usual confident composure.

Instance looks down at her for a long moment, her expression unreadable. It's not a look of disapproval, or of judgment anymore. A hard, unyielding exterior, but with something unexpected beneath — something softer, and understanding. Then she looks at you. Then back at Tangent. Tangent meets her gaze, and you see the subtle shift in her expression, the one not everyone can notice. Her shoulders tense as if bracing for upbrewing storm. She looks between the two of you, unsure of what to expect.

And then, as if something has shifted — maybe nothing at all, maybe everything — Instance gives a small nod. It's not much, but it's a moment of recognition, something celebretory, something rare. Tangent stares at her for a moment, searching for something more.

But Instance doesn't say another word, the only reaction was that one, singular nod, and you can see Tangent's shook. Almost as she can't believe what she's seeing. She looks at you, then back at Instance, who straightens up, holding her palms together in a gesture that's almost respectful, almost… Accepting. Tangent fights back a smile as, without a word, she steps toward you — and you see her composure crack.

And then she runs.

It's unexpected. The controlled, always-above-it-all woman you know turns into a whirlwind of energy, a lightness you're never seen before. She quickly reaches you, holding onto your arm almost desperately, and quickly runs from the room onto the open, her steps echo loudly in the empty corridor. It's so much enthusiasm; the kind you didn't expect. It's like she's forgotten herself — forgotten the weight of the world on her shoulders, or more precisely, forgotten the limitations she was putting on for years.

Outside the building, the night air feels different. Like the whole world is lighter. And you've never seen her so careless and sunny before. So unburdened. You can't tell what's going on as she firmly holds both your hands, making circles and tugging you along.

Well that is TREMENDOUSLY out of character. What is going on?

Everyone can see you. Everyone can see her, prancing around out in the open, acting like a child who's dream just come true. And she doesn't care.

As you laugh and hold her hands tight in return, you don't care either.

And then — without even a hint of a warning she pulls you into her chest, her arm looping around your back, the pressure of her grip firm but tender — in one seamless motion, she lifts you off the ground. You gasp as she twirls, her body guiding you with an effortless fluidity that feels almost like you're dancing, but it's far more unrestrained.

The twirl hug — just like you saw in movies. And read in books. Something you never expected to happen; not with who you choose to give your heart for forever.

It's hard to realize in the moment, that all of this feels unfamiliar. _Way too unfamiliar _to be the path you took countless times before.

The suddenness of losing your footing takes you by surprise, but she's holding you tightly, spinning in circles so fluidly, her laugh ringing out like rainstorm.

There's a fleeting thought that she might drop you — it's not that you don't have trust in her, but when you think "sport" Tangent is probably the last person to come to you mind. But you found yourself thinking that even if she's being a little too confident in herself doing something so random, that's absolutely worth it.

All because her laughter is infectious, a bright and unrestrained sound that echoes through the mostly empty, starless evening streets. So light, so full of wonder, that it fells in your heart like it might just tear open the clody sky itself. It's a sound you never expected to hear from her in this way — free, unburdened, and alive.

When she finally sets you down, your heart is still racing, and world is still spinning around — so much that you wonder if it's only this world being moved. It feels like you're still caught in that moment, a part of the world that doesn't exist anywhere else. Solana is left blinking in the sudden stillness, absolutely disoriented, the dizziness that lingers in your mind. Her hands remain on your shoulders, steadying you when Solana nearly falls over, but the joy in her eyes… It's something you didn't realize you'd been missing. Something you'd almost forgotten. It's raw, genuine — like she's finally let go of a weight she's been carrying for years.

She pulls you in once again, closer, holding you against her chest and still _laughing. Your _breath coming in short gasps of laughter as well, heart racing — not from fear or the blurriness of the world anymore, but from the sheer intensity of what just happened.

She doesn't let Solana go immediately. Instead, she holds you for a moment longer than necessary, as if savoring the closeness, the rare vulnerability of the moment. She's practically glowing, and for a moment, you just stand there, lost in the enormity of it all.

– That was... – You struggle to find the words, your mind still reeling from the surprise of it all. – I didn’t expect that.

Tangent pulls back just enough to look you in the eye, and her smile is soft, almost shy now. Appologetic. Something she rarely shows you — something vulnerable, but real. The same look she gave you after crying in your sight for the first time.

– To be completely honest, I didn’t either. Sorry for…Well…

Tangent tries to say something else, but then something makes her lose her composure once again. She giggles, the same pure sound that brings warmth flooding into your heart. Her head drops back on your shoulder as she laughs.

– I… – She tries again, her breath catching in her throat. – I've never done that before. I don't know what came over me.

You smile, still a little dizzy from the emotions that have just washed over you. Solana just holds her in return, lifting herself onto tip-toes to settle more comfortably in the accepting hug

– I guess, it's an honor I got to be the first, – You whisper, trying to distinguish words through your own laughter.

You never expected this type of affection — never thought you'd be here, holding each other like this. Not after so many years, so many universes where things never aligned.

– Thank you, Sol, – She says, her voice soft, almost reverent. Her words are a quiet confession, one that wraps itself around your heart like a permission to stay together. She finally calms down, her shoulder slumbering. – For being here. For staying. For... Just… Everything.

You hide your face in the crock of her neck — more importantly, hiding an lovelorn smile that can't seem to leave your lips — even after so many years of heartbreaks.

– I'm not going anywhere.

And for the first time, it feels true. Not just a promise or a hopeful sentiment. But a truth that's settled deep within your bones.

The wind picks up again, tugging at the loose strands of hair around your face, but it's no longer cold. With her here, holding your hand, everything feels warm. It doesn't feel like the world is closing in on you anymore. It feels like it's opening.

Solana doesn't need her to confess anything more. You don't need her to change. In this moment, you're both exactly where you need to be. And for the first time in forever, you feel like you're both finally moving in the same direction, even if that direction is still uncertain.

Tangent initiates another physical touch — something that takes you completely by surprise. Without you asking, or prompting it — she leans in, her forehead resting against yours, and in that instant, everything else fades. Without any intend behind it. And it's unexpected — because it isn't the touch with a hint of something more, and it isn't needed. It's the touch of someone who simply wants to be close. Something tender and innocently sweet.

Tangent tilts her head against your neck for a moment, and you can feel her breath against your skin — steady, calm, real.

– You know what? I might as well just say it. I feel like I need you to know. You make it so easy, – She relaxes into the touch, her shoulders softening. – To just be myself.

She doesn't need to say any more. Just this — the fact that she's letting you see her, is telling. And as the stars above start to shimmer more brightly, as if the universe itself is celebrating with you, you smile, letting your heart settle for the first time in centuries.

And now, without any "maybe", you know everything changed. The map with written paths was now suddenly covered in splotches of paint, and new universe began to form from scratch.

For once, there's no rush, no urgency to change.

And probably, that wasn't even your doing.

It was the moment you finally realized.

After millions of years, thousands of attempts and countless failed universes, something has finally shifted in a new, undiscovered direction.

/// /// ///

"would you even hang around me if i were a worm?" "what-?" "just asking.." "dude, i'd still be here even if you were a pile of scat." "for real?" "for real."

💁❤️💩