#a quick sketch of this fella also | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

tremendouscreationperson · 10 months ago

Text

This covers like 6-8 months so if it's too quick it's cuz it's snippets

Also be careful cuz there's a scene where the reader almost gets assaulted

The Ghoul's eyes scanned the room he had been placed in. Finally after a long journey he was rid of the thorn in his side. He was able to collect his bounty, he would be the richest mother fucker he knew.

As always it started with a Vault. A Vault whose leader ventured out and met a bounty post. The postee took all the information down and was quick to inform everyone they could and then four years later the Ghoul found himself entangled with you.

You were hustling pool at a two bit bar when he glanced at you - he hadn't even registered who you were. The memory scrappy and faded in his riddled mind but as luck would have it he had forced the postee to hand the sketch over.

Your nose was slightly crooked, it had obviously been broken, and your eyes were tired but you were the same girl.

It didn't take long to introduce himself, beat you and convince you to come outside. He hadn't had this much game in a while. How did a Vault Dweller like you flirt with a fella like him?

Fast forward to him tying you up and having to be infuriatingly nice to you because the job was specific that no harm should come to you. There would be a Cap Penalty if you were damaged. Which got him thinking, how did a goddamn Vault get Caps? They must've been selling supplies.

He tried not to think too hard on it, not when you were actively trying to commit suicide.

"Please, sir." Your voice was gravelly with lack of water, you'd spat each mouthful he forced down you at him. "Don't do this. Just kill me."

The Ghoul wasn't one for niceties, he hadn't been for years but seeing you like this made him consider it. Made him want to ease your brow, have you trust him enough to drink from his bottle, prove himself to you.

"I'll do anything, be anything." Your calloused hands reached out, grazing his arm. The Ghoul tightened his grip on your reigns, your hands were far too close to the gun belt slung across his waist. "Please."

His eyes flashed between yours, there was a genuine promise behind them. You were scared. He was the cause of your fear. Usually that was a turn on. "C'mon, princess." He dragged you behind him.

The two of you wandered the wasteland, him usually hauling your sorry ass (physically over his shoulder or with the lasso), there was a stiff silence between you.

You probably felt ashamed for your offer, he probably felt stupid for not accepting it. Either way you went from place to place as he tried to find the Vault. It had been years since he got the vague information and there were hundreds of Vaults hidden.

Eventually you began to sleep around him rather than just pretend. His own sleep schedule was near non-existent these days so it was a blessing that you had started. However that begged the question: were you trying to trick him? So every night he tied you tighter and placed his metal bottle along with a metal cup he had stolen on the lasso. If you move he would hear it, some nights you tossed and turned and you woke him unintentionally.

Those nights were... odd.

Maybe it was because you reminded him of a time long lost - your classic beauty made for the silver screen - or maybe he was just in need of a good fuck. But he felt strangely uneasy when you twitched and whimpered as dreams haunted your mind.

Entering the next town had been a mistake. Of course it had, he had known it as soon as he saw the first look you received.

The townsfolk were freakish looking people - milky eyes and scraggly hair - and they salivated at the sight of you.

The Ghoul barely got the two of you out of there alive, breaking the last of his RadAway. A fact he only realised as you two nestled into an abandoned home. One with walls and everything!

"Shit!" He peeled the bag from his side, broken glass embedded into his leathery skin.

You watched him toss the bag to the side and pluck at the shards. He swore again kicked at the sand beneath his feet.

"How fucked are we?" Your voice pulled him from his anger. You had smoothed the mess of your hair and placed your jacket on the ground as a pillow, staring up at him on bent knees.

The Ghoul didn't want to tell you. You could use this as leverage. If he divulged and you betrayed him he wouldn't forgive himself. This was rule 101. Don't trust the bounty! "We'll make a detour. We're fine."

You scrunched your face but didn't answer back. He had saved you today and yeah it was for the reward on your head but you did appreciate not being murdered or raped or some other horrid third option.

He was not his best the next few days. You were scavenging for RadAway in the few houses you passed but came up empty and he was coughing an awful lot.

"Look, we need to go back." You proposed the idea, with less confidence than you spoke it.

The Ghoul grunted.

"There wa-" He had stooped to your level, interrupting you with his movements, his forehead inches from yours as his eyes bore into your very soul. "Was a pharmacy in that town. I'm not trying to- if you're in pain I'll help."

He stayed there, breathing in your air, for longer than what was comfortable and straightened. "We ain't going back. We'll keep heading East." He took a step back and waited.

You weren't quite sure what he was waiting for.

"C'mon, fleshbag move it." He tugged your elbow and thrust you ahead of him.

The RadAway issue was sorted. You'd hit the jackpot. It meant killing a bunch of people but that hadn't previously bothered the two of you.

The Ghoul has lost sight of you during the fight only to be pleasantly surprised when you rocked up next to him with a case in your hand.

He was only thankful that he didn't have to chase you down.

And so once more into the breach.

Your hands were no longer bound, merely adorned in the finest lasso belt. He didn't want you to get too cocky so was a little harsher with his words every now and then.

But you eagerly divided your scavenged goods and food without hesitation. You were actually eating and drinking enough to function and he was able to relax slightly around you because you wouldn't drop dread. He didn't have to monitor your intake.

Things had changed fully from your first meeting when the second bounty was caught. You'd noticed the papers in the Ghouls jacket as you beat the thing dry. They were tattered and the pencil was so faded but they were bounty posters.

"Wha'd'ya doin'?" He scowled over your shoulder.

"Looking." You waved the posters. "It must be an interesting job."

He huffed in response but didn't take the paper from you as he yanked the coat on.

The man was short and stout but had the ego of someone tall and muscular. He endlessly flirted with you and made cruel remarks to your captor.

The Ghoul was ready to set him free - just be rid, with him free he wouldn't have to drag anyone around! The fucking poster said alive so he couldn't just kill the dickhead, if it go any worse he'd start cutting off fingers - but you were... Happy? Excited? It was an emotion he hadn't felt for a while so it was hard to recognise but you stood and took whatever the man said in order to hand him over.

"Where do we take him?" You asked at the Ghouls right. The lasso was no longer attached to you but to your new 'friend'.

"He's wanted West from here, eight days walk."

And so you did.

You walked and walked and walked.

And it was taxing.

So on the sixth night when you noticed the Ghoul's eyes drooping, and you couldn't recall the last time either of you had properly slept, you tugged the lasso out of his hands.

"Two hours." Was all you said.

He understood.

He hated that he understood.

Fuck, why did he understand?!

And why did it feel good to be understood?

He slept and you kept watch. Nothing happened. No one said anything. It was as simple as that.

The next night carried on in the same fashion. You took the lasso and bid him goodnight.

Only for the Ghoul to wake up to muffled noises.

His eyes flashed open and he couldn't see you. The Ghoul scanned the area until his tired eyes made out a vague silhouette.

He jumped into action, hand immediately grabbing a nonexistent gun. Shit, where was his- No time to think. He flung himself at the man.

There was a scuffle and the Ghoul managed to smash the butt of the stolen pistol into his head, knocking the assailant out cold.

You were laying on the sand with your hands covering your face, vest top torn and the flies of your jeans broken.

The silence was screaming. It was shouting right into his ear canal, right in front of his eyes, it was in his skin.

But he didn't dare break it.

What could he - your captor - say to make you feel better?

Finally your hands fell to your sides and you spoke to the sky. "He needed the toilet."

Cooper didn't know what to say. He really didn't.

"You were kind to me." Your voice was small. "You allowed me that luxury."

Because I can fight you.

Cooper sighed, dropping his head. He then bound the man as tight as he could, wrapping the lasso multiple times around his torso, shoulders, chest and hands before he stood, waiting.

You understood his gesture. Neither of you could sleep now anyways.

In the morning the harsh glow of the sun revealed the bruising on your face and arms.

As soon as he got the reward he dragged you into the remnants of a clothing shop and watched your face stay blank.

It had been blank all morning, all afternoon. It was eerie. You weren't ever this void. When you had fought him, you'd been passionate in your defiance. When you shared food you gave him a mock-scared expression, making him eat first - making him actually consume the food - and you smiled an awful lot for a bounty. How had he only realised that?

"That's nice." He attempted, pointing at an insanely faded white shirt.

"There's no point wasting your Caps." You finally brought your eyes to him, after a whole day of avoidance. "Let's just get to the Vault."

Cooper frowned. This wasn't you. What had happened? Had he been too late? "No, we're getting you clothes."

You didn't have the strength to roll your eyes.

"Want to tell m-"

"Nothing happened." You folded your arms. "I dunno why I'm so messed up."

"There's a bar over the road."

You shook your head. "There's no point, let's ju-" Your words violently halted when his fingers found your arm. He was delicate and you allowed the movement so he proceeded to bring you in close.

To...

He...

Well, he hugged you.

He pulled you into a sweet embrace and you melted into the man, tears creeping down your cheeks.

The Ghoul would never bring this up ever. He couldn't. Why was he hugging you?!

But he knew you needed it.

The two of you did get that drink after you picked up some undamaged clothes.

So Cooper did something batshit: he stroked your spine.

There was a shift in the dynamic now; you stood closer to him and he hovered for you. It was nothing obscene but he noticed it.

And he was beginning to think you were gorgeous. The new clothes fit you better than their predecessors. Your jeans tugging at your thighs and ass as your shirt clung to your chest but was loose by your stomach causing it to blow in the breeze. Making you reveal your sweet sweet flesh.

It was as though he was turning feral. He felt hot - hotter than usual - and needy.

He definitely needed a good fuck.

And he didn't like to admit it but you were his favourite option.

He was toying with the thoughts when you literally stumbled across the Vault.

It was here.

Your bounty.

You were here.

Months of walking and slowly warming to each other.

It had taken months. A year perhaps?

But you were here.

"The code is 5829." You spoke.

He observed you. There were no outward signs of distress but he knew you better than that. You wanted to run. Wanted to hide. In fact, you were hiding your face from him.

"Let's get this over with."

Cooper didn't want to.

He really didn't.

"Let's go." He offered. "I don't need the Caps."

Your face was vulnerable. "You'd be set for life."

"No, I wou-"

"I saw my poster."

You were correct, of course, he would be set for life. He would be able to roam because he wanted to, not because he needed to. He could devote his whole being into finding Barb. The whole reason he was obsessed with bringing you back was in case this was her Vault. "I don't need the Caps."

The two of you stood on the threshold in a confused trance before you took a step back.

And that movement caused the one thing you were now trying to avoid to happen.

The door unlocked and identical men surround you.

"Y/N!" A smarmy man clapped his hands.

It had been so long, Cooper had forgotten your name - foregoing it with terms like 'princess', 'fleshbag' and 'doll' - he hadn't even considered giving you his and now it was too late.

He wanted you to know him.

He wanted you.

"Priestley." You gave a curt nod.

"Oh, and who's this creature?" Priestley eyed Cooper.

Cooper wanted to say a few choice words but you didn't let him. "This is the Ghoul that captured me, give him the bounty or I'm not coming."

Priestley giggled. "'not coming', you don't exactly have a choice." Two men clasped your arms and secured you. "I don't have the Caps here, they're downstairs. Feel free to unholster your weapon as you follow me. I have no use for fucking bottle Caps so I won't fight you."

Cooper was panicking.

He knew that it was best to play along.

But he hadn't thought about you actually being taken as a bounty. He hadn't known it would cause this pain.

You were willingly led behind the man into a lift and Cooper had to speed up to make it before the thing began it's descent.

Priestley hopped off the lift and snaked his way through the identical tunnels. The air was too still here, too pure.

He then snapped his fingers and you were being dragged to the right.

"Not you, I'm afraid sir." He ceased Coopers movements with a skittish palm.

This was it.

You were being taken.

"Wait!" You begged. "Please, jus-one moment!"

Priestley let an exaggerated sigh out but snapped and the men stopped.

You turned the best you could, meeting Coopers gaze. "Thank you for... I don't know. Your company? Goodbye."

The words could have easily been read as sarcastic and cruel but he knew you were sincere. You were really thanking him for his time. Thanking him for being kind when he really shouldn't have been.

And so here he found himself scanning the room he was sitting in whilst Priestley produced the Caps.

"What'll happen to her?" Coop asked, ignoring the offered treasure.

Priestley's brows rose to his hairline. "Oh, you don't know. This will be exciting to explain. We are a cloning Vault at heart and speaking of hearts... That little ticker is meant for Brianette. I can't believe Y/N could steal Vault Tec property like that! She knew she was a stand in. Knew she was made to be the spare, we took her womb and a kidney not long befo-I don't know why she would run away. It's a glorious privilege to serve her."

"Excuse me?" Cooper drawled. "You're going to dissect her?"

"No, of course not." He gave Cooper an insulted glare. "That would imply she was dead."

The bullet left Coopers gun before his brain processed the movement. He had not registered pulling the trigger.

Where were you?

He needed to find you.

Cooper sprinted through the corridor and back towards where you parted ways but the corridors all looked the same and what was left was now right so he was getting himself all sorts of lost.

Cooper's chest heaved with dread exhaust as he ran down another corridor. He needed to find you.

Where the fuck were you?!

Cooper eventually found a set of doors which he couldn't access.

He must be getting close, right?

The Ghoul blasted the mechanics with his gun and the door stuttered open, just wide enough to to slip past.

Cooper kept on desperate to find you. He needed to find you!

There were identical men guarding one door when he bounced down the corridor. Bingo.

Coop made quick work with them before he pounded at the door, shooting it relentlessly.

That door unlocked and opened a fraction. Cooper had to yank at the metal and eventually it was suitable for him to squeeze his body through.

And there you were.

Laying naked in a pod, water was filling it and you were chained to the bottom. This must be a decontamination chamber.

Cooper stomped up to the pod and thrust the door open before the water rose to your nose.

You coughed as the water burst, drenching him as the door broke. "Ghoul?" The word was dazed.

"I'm here. We're leaving." He promised.

#cooper howard #cooper howard x reader #cooper howard x you #the ghoul #the ghoul x reader #the ghoul x you #fallout

42 notes · View notes

tomorrowsgardennc · 10 months ago

Text

market update // october 5th

it do be pumpkin season 🎃 got this kratos variety pumpkin (perfect name) from a farmer friend and i sketched out a scary design on it during the slow parts of the day. hope to carve it later this week. future me might regret it.

today was actually a pretty busy day! sooooooooo many return customers from spring all realized i was back from summer break and in a new spot, and shared so many stories about their garden and what grew and what didn't.

one customer said he didn't expect a 100% germination rate on his okra, and he and one other customer "complained" that the okra from seed grew TOO fast!! one day would be tiny, and the next day is too big to harvest. i don't eat okra, nor harvest for produce because i know it has to be picked at *just the right time* and i have no idea when that is 🫣 so i just grow okra for seed only. i asked customers what variety of okra should i grow for seed next year. one said an okra that grows slower or smaller, another said purple okra. which i assume is the burgandy okra since it's a deep red, it can be kinda purple.

had people ask for garlic and onion, and i've been sold out for a couple weeks. might need to get more bulbs so i can grow even more and have even more more of those next year.

also had 2 people ask for parsley seeds. sadly all my parsley got eaten by swallowtail caterpillars in the spring, so never went to seed.

was telling a lot of people about overwintering pepper plants. we are getting lows in the 40s late this coming week, so pepper plants need to be dug up and brought inside. they are technically perennials if kept warm enough. i got a couple more i need to dig up this week myself.

another customer bought an eggplant transplant from me in the spring and she said it's the biggest eggplant plant she ever grew and still going strong. i only sold patio baby eggplants in the spring, and they're a dwarf variety so that's kinda funny.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: seed storage! lots of people were buying seeds that you can't start until spring, so they were asking how to make them last. short answer: cool, dark, dry place. ez pz. long answer: imma do a post soon of all the good options and why some options are bad.

i've also known for being the lady who sells these variety 6 packs. they're super popular and always sell out quick. i take 3 varieties, 2 each, and put them in a 6-cell like this. sometimes i have a theme, like in the spring i had a taco tuesday 6-pack (2 tomatoes, 2 hot peppers, 2 beans) or a pizza 6-pack (2 tomatoes, 2 basil, 2 sweet peppers). nobody else at the market does this, and customers love it because then they don't have to make a decision 😅 just an idea for others who are looking to sell transplants in the spring.

i sold out of my ground cherry produce within 30 minutes. last day i was offering them. guess i'm growing more next year 🫠 sold out of all but 3 of my kale plants by end of market. sold a good chunk of seeds too. hope my inventory lasts 🫠

not a lot of photos because of all the chit chats with customers, so enjoy this little fella until next week.

waved at 12 kids today, got 10 waves back in return. not bad, not bad.

#food not lawns #gardening #home garden #homegrown #gardenblr #grow food #food #homestead #suburbia farming #suburbian agriculture #suburban agriculture #suburban farm #home farm #farm blog #garden blog #farmers market

14 notes · View notes

leashybebes · 10 months ago

Text

wip game

@nyxvalentine said flowers.

I have such a soft spot for this one! aka Evan Buckley vs the heteronormative agenda aka fellas is it straight to buy your boyfriend flowers?

I posted most of what I've actually written for this here so here's a quick sketch of the rest:

It's basically an excuse for me to explore how it might feel to go from one set of dating expectations to another, to second guess what you want to do vs what you think you should do. And also to play with outsider pov (my beloved) via an exasperated but grudgingly charmed Eddie who gets to witness Tommy getting The Full Romance Experience AND gets to see his bestie find someone put thought into making him happy.

Spoilers: Buck's not fussed about flowers but he is charmed head over his heels by the windowsill herb garden with pots in the bi flag colours.

#bucktommy #my writing #sort of #wip games

9 notes · View notes

moonlight-tmd · 2 years ago

Note

Saw your rebolg on the warbuild bee post : D

I was wondering what your take would be on WF!Bee? Like before everything happens and he’s sent to boot camp. I kind of imagined a more street smart version of him that’s rough around the edges but still has a sense of humor, even if it’s a bit darker. He basically built himself from nothing on his colony and had to learn quickly before it had a chance to suffocate him. Through his experience he’s been humbled a bit, but when he’s talking about his speed and skills, he’ll still brag and say he’s the fastest mech/greatest weapons engineer to ever be sparked.

As for his whole relationship with Blitz, I liked to imagine them being physically affectionate with each other. They practically have a long distance relationship due to Blitzwings work, and when they finally get to see each other again, they stick to together like superglue, whether it be lightly caressing the others (door)wing or clinging to each other like koalas (with Bee being Blitzwings size, they have a much easier time cuddling). And of course there’s Bee’s gift giving love language; Blitzwing is practically armed to the derma with finest quality weaponry the galaxy can offer, courtesy of his sweet mechfriend who want to make sure he can beat the autobots good and swiftly. That’s not mentioning every upgrade Bee has preformed on every piece of equipment he could get his servos on, he’s practically given Blitz’s ship a full makeover by now.

That is really cool! I like that idea a lot too!

I thought about how'd he look like as a warframe and i got an idea-

Like what if he magically got his original frame back but with some tweaks to fit earth? They fight over Allspark Shard, he got buried in a mountian of scrap, then some weird glowing shit happens and molten metal pours over and a freshly forged Warframe emerges from the pile. In this he has a monster truck alt mode; I was imagining sorta viking warrior vibe to it, he's got in-build swords that can electrocute ya, his tires are on the back rather than on the shoulders, no doorwings. Also some bronze detailing on top of shiny yellow. Here's a quick sketch of the general look cuz i suck at drawing detailed art from my head-

Yes he got yellow optics cuz they are cool and he's not autobot so no blue. Also i thought he'd have like, an emblem of something like a hammer on his chassis instead of the faction insignia, like a mark that he leaved on everything he forges to sell so everyone knows it was him that made it. Also fun fact- he has retractable claws, except they're thinner and also work as welding tool. An easy way to work with tiny details and parts.

I like the idea that he was considered the greatest engineer/smith/forgemaster that ever existed, therefore Megatron has high respect for the guy. He was nicknamed 'The Architect' and the rumour of the rising legend spread before mysteriously disappearing [aka Bee getting taken and reformatted].

Before he got reformatted tho... hmmm. Yeah his love language would defo be giving gifts, be it weapons or just small sentimental things like jewelry or statuettes made of metal. He is kinda good with engraving, not on the same level as Blitz but it's still nice. Surely he was great at giving bear hugs, really keen on physical contact. My bet is that he was stronger than Blitzwing and could easily pick him up and carry around- having to carry all the heavy materials for the forge n all. I think Blitz was just a seeker back then and then got upgraded to triple-changer. And then they got conjuxed- ah you probably read the other reply so i won't repeat.

And way earlier- he was kind but also rough, he was kinda like Ratchet when repairing his upgrades on others- complaining and judging them for whatever they did that broke the thing. He was playful and didn't really take into account if the fella he spoke with was a high placed individual or just a random street bot, he treated all his customers equally. I like to think he got taken off the streets by a smith that taught him all he knows and then Bee took over the workshop once he was old enough. Then one day an out-of-ordinary mech came into his workshop and tadah, we got a love story.

Even tho he was a Warframe he didn't like to fight, he preferred to spend time in his workshop tinkering away to his Spark's desire. Once he got on the autobot team and on earth, he surely did some small things for the group to help them recover- new med tools for Ratchet, maybe some shurikens for Prowl, little upgrades to make their weapons or stuff more durable and so on. Besides Bulkhead, he never shared anything from his past to anyone, all his team knows is that he's outstanding with tinkering. He doesn't like to dwell on what he lost because of some autobots that forced him into this new life.

Geez that was chaotic to write, hope you can get around in this. Thanks for listening to my ted talk.

#blitzbee #maccadam #ask box #long post #warframe!bumblebee au #tfa au #tfa #tfa bumblebee

45 notes · View notes

twistedechoes-dotcom · 2 years ago

Text

Still feeling salty about the cancellation of Bomberman (3DS) so I decided to be silly and just do a quick sketch of what the white bomber from the official artwork would look like--

To make it fit the Super Bomberman R lore we could say this fella was some sort of catalyst to the "R" generation of the Bomberman project and was a scrapped prototype. If you wanna see em then you'll have to dig in Planet scrapheap or look really hard.

Its status is inactive now but once reactivated, its personality would be closer to White bomberman Pre R era... maybe sounding like BMO if it could ever talk

BONUS : a low-quality time-lapse video of me making every single artist of all techniques cry because I draw like an absolute maniac and break the rules of art by drawing how I do (also fun fact about me : I draw with a screenless tablet)

#super bomberman r #bomberman #my art #bomberman 3ds #we just get silly in here #twistedechoes dotcom

13 notes · View notes

shads-shipposts · 1 year ago

Text

So, my sailor fic Anachronism won't be released in full until at least 2029 due to other projects in my neverending queue, but! There's a profound lack of Karaboudjan crew content on this site and I feel like rectifying that. Plus I haven't cursed this hellsite with my nonsense in ages, and that's gotta be fixed.

So, here's a touch-up/completion of something I'm fairly certain I posted a while back. Ch 2 of Anachronism, called Run and Gun! It takes place the morning of the Tintin movie's beginning, but don't worry about not having chapter 1 to read yet. Honestly, things will probably make less sense if you read chapter one. Plus I haven't written it yet.

All you need to know is Anachronism involves a literal self-insert (I get sucked into the movie) but with the twist of its actually the same universe as one of my old Tintin fanfics that was never finished. Hence why Allan is after me, he's got bits of memory missing and ain't happy about it. Also, being a black belt ain't made up. I trained for 4 1/2 years and got it in 2019. This story takes place in 2020, specifically Jan 1.

Enough ramble, on with the show! Depending on the reception, I may post more book snippets as I go along. So be sure to leave a comment if you enjoyed! Or if you have thoughts on characterization, it's been a while since I've written with these guys.

CW: Langauge, minor peril, utter chaos

Word Count: 3700

---------------------------

“Catch that kid! I want her alive!”

Well ain’t this dandy? All I wanted to do was sketch the ship, now I’m in a run and gun chase scene! This is what I get for being curious!

At least this was just a dream, so I couldn’t really get hurt.

Right?

Usually my dream would have shifted into something unhinged by now. Things were too stable, too realistic. Too… what was the word? Linear.

Footsteps came quick behind me, and close. Blackbelt or not, running was not my forte. My fighting style was quick and brutal, so I never had to worry about stamina. Fights were only supposed to last a few seconds, otherwise they were brawls.

I was not trained for that.

I just really hoped it wasn’t Allan right behind me. He had questions, and to be fair I had a hell of a lot of my own, but I didn’t think he’d be keen on sitting down and having a calm chat about them.

I risked a glance behind me.

Not Allan, or any other sailor I recognized, but a young guy. No older than me, or taller, but probably faster.

“No hard feelin’, doll!” he called. “Boss wants you back, so I’m takin’ ya back!”

“Ain’t you precious!” I retorted, anger sparking through me at the nickname. “Call me that again and I’ll drop your ass!”

“That fire won’t do you any favors with the boss!”

“And your smooth talk won’t do you any favors with me!”

I had to lose this guy, he was getting close.

Spotting a brick wall maybe eight feet high, I changed course and headed straight for it. Hopefully this young fella couldn’t vault walls like I could.

Let’s see if all that self taught parkour pays off!

Jumping at the wall, right foot first, the treads of my boot caught the rough brick and I propelled myself over the obstacle. I landed in a puddle, but at least I was gone from the bad side of the wall.

“Oh what the hell?!”

Ha! Lost him!

“Nick! Where’d she go?”

“She vaulted the wall!”

Well, that was no good. That sounded like Neil, and he could probably toss Nick over the wall.

Time to make like my name and vanish!

Spying an open door, I darted inside a warehouse and climbed up behind some crates. I was careful to not put myself into a corner, however, because I knew my harsh breathing would give myself away. I could control it decently well, but even still.

My reprieve was horrifically short lived.

Voices, inside the warehouse.

“Those footprints led in here.”

Damn puddle.

“Be careful, fellas. She’s feisty!” came Nick’s laugh.

“Anyone would be annoyed to deal with you,” another sailor snorted. “Remember, boss wants her alive. Preferably unharmed, but use force to get her down if needed.”

Oh, it’s gonna be needed.

Noise came from my right, and I turned in anticipation as I waited for the sailor to show himself. He sure was making a lot of noise, and I thought I even heard a crate tumble down to the floor.

The reason for all the excess noise soon revealed itself.

“Gotcha!” Nick laughed, arms wrapping around my middle. He hauled me up and towards himself, but that gave me an idea.

Throwing all my weight back into him, he yelped and we both tumbled backwards, heels over head, down the tall stack of crates. Something that should have hurt like the dickens, but didn’t.

This was a dream after all.

Down we went, Nick having a much worse time than me. It was a long way to the cobblestone floor, the sailor who made all the noise rushing to beat us to the bottom where another sailor waited. I didn’t recognize them, so I didn’t feel too bad when I kicked off the pile of crates and launched us both into the legs into one sailor as he darted below us to grab me.

He went down, he and Nick ending up in tangled a pile of sore limbs, leaving me free to spring free and ready myself to square up with the remaining sailor.

Though I honestly wished he would have been the one Nick currently struggled to detangle himself from. I’d faced off some big guys in karate, but this fella was on another level.

Leverage. I’d have to use leverage.

In a way that did not anger this big guy.

“Little girl has skill,” he remarked in a thick Russian accent, giving me a smile that was surprisingly more good-natured than sinister. “But sadly will not make safe.”

“Get ‘er, Ollie!”

Diving into a shoulder roll, I sprang up and immediately changed direction and dove into another one just as his arms closed over the spot I just was. I darted out the door, immediately slamming into another sailor and taking us into the street.

I could not catch a break!

A car horn sounded, but before I could react, the sailor I ran into snatched the back of my jeans’ waistband and rolled us out of the way to the other side of the street. I kicked off with my legs, aiding him the best I could.

Neither of us were gonna be able to fight if we both got flattened by multiple tons of steel.

Angry yelling followed from the driver, but I didn’t really have the time to say sorry as I found myself locked in a grappling match with the sailor who saved both our skins.

Why couldn’t the other black belts have just ignored the awkwardness and taught me grappling?! I didn’t know dick about this!

But I did know one thing.

As an arm came down and tried to loop around my neck, I bared my teeth and sank them into his bare arm.

It tasted like sweat, dirt, sea-water, and engine grease.

Not that I knew what the last tasted like.

“Youch!” a semi-familiar voice yelled, quickly releasing his hold on me.

Diving away, I sprang up but stopped in horror as I found myself staring down a dead-end alley. Spinning around into a right fighting-stance, guard up and front leg ready to strike, I finally saw the sailor I’d nearly gotten run over.

Neil knelt on the ground, blocking my way out as he nursed his wounded arm. I hadn’t bitten too hard, more concerned with just getting free via surprise, so all he had to worry about was spit and a bruise. Inspecting the bite mark, he then looked up at me with an expression halfway between amusement and shock.

“You just bite me, Shortie?”

“Well pardon me for wantin’ to escape!”

He snorted in amusement, a partial smile on his face. “Apology accepted, but afraid I can’t grant that escape.”

As if on cue, more sailors joined him at the entrance to the alley. Hobbs, Tom, Ollie, Nick, the unnamed sailor Nick fell on, and…

“Shit,” I hissed, locking eyes with Allan.

“What’s the rush?” he asked. “It’s rude to not say goodbye, kid.”

That easy-going and nonthreatening smile don’t fool me, Al. Tom’s the Golden Retriever, not you. You’re a German Shepherd with anger management issues or some shit.

Nick and the unnamed sailor stood on either side of the entrance, looking the opposite directions as they presumably kept a look out for any passersby. The others moved into the alley, pushing me further back.

Hobbs laughed, looking me up and down. “What’re we all standin’ around for? She’s not so tough, watch!”

He came forward, reaching for my arm. I waited until he got just close enough, subtly shifting my weight to my left leg, before letting it fly.

It caught him in the chest, knocking him off his feet and back towards the group.

“Nice strike,” Ollie said, arms crossed and stance relaxed as Neil erupted into laughter.

“Don’t encourage her!” Hobbs spat, slowly staggering to his feet.

“Looks like we got a martial artist on our hands, boys,” Allan remarked, looking me up and down. “No wonder they felt so safe takin’ a stroll down the docks.”

Not my brightest idea, but even in a dream I can gather ideas.

“Now I get why you said it was reflex after you smacked me in the face,” Neil said, still laughing at a wounded Hobbs.

“Sad to say, kid, all that fancy dojo-learnin’ won’t do you much good here on the street. But we can do this the easy way or the hard way,” Allan said, tone now conversational and even charismatic in a way. ��Up to you.”

Of course he’d switch to charming and agreeable now, he had me cornered. Ol’ good cop bad cop, except Allan Thompson played both roles. Good trick, scare someone out of their wits then act all friendly so they would be more likely to cooperate and “make it easier for everyone”.

Unfortunately, I never in my life “made it easy” for anyone and I sure as hell wasn’t gonna start now.

“All we need from you is some answers,” Allan continued, stance relaxed and arms loose by his sides.

“You and me both,” I muttered.

The way you shift from threatening to trustworthy is amazing, sir. Were you not out for blood, I’d study you like a prison psychologist.

“Quit fightin’,” Hobbs growled, coming up on the right. “You’re just gonna get yourself hurt.” He emphasized his words by pulling a blade out.

I ain’t the one that got Sparta-kicked just a minute ago.

“No need for violence,” Allan called over to him, but he said nothing about sheathing the blade. He looked back over at me. “I’d suggest playin’ nice, kid. No more of that warehouse nonsense, these fellas won’t be as easy to deal with as the new guy.”

“Drop the act, Allan,” I growled. “You and I both know that sweet talkin’ is empty and I ain’t so stupid as to be charmed by honeyed words like that.”

His expression changed, the easy-going smile shifting to something not quite sinister but definitely not friendly. “We’re gettin’ those answers, kid. One way or another.” His tone darkened. “You want to play rough, we can play rough.”

Hobbs flanked his right with a blade, Neil his left with nothing but his bare hands. Tom stood back, waiting and watching the scene unfold with sharp eyes and a hand on his hip close to what I knew to be a firearm.

“Four corners, huh?” I asked, shifting into a ready stance with my weight on my toes. “A gun, a knife, and fists. All I need is a kicker. You good at round-house kicks, Allan?”

He didn’t say anything, still bearing that dangerous smile that sent shivers down my spine yet also brought a similar smile to my own face.

“Think this is a game?” Hobbs demanded.

I flashed a toothy grin his way. “Play ball, bitch.”

Allan shrugged. “If you insist.”

Hobbs came first, blade aimed for my leg. A simple horse stance to horse stance paired with a wrist throw took care of him.

Neil was next, swinging wide with a haymaker that didn’t make much sense but he’d already proved enigmatic in his methods so I didn’t spend time questioning him. I just stepped in, blocked the punch on the inside of his arm, and wrapped my hand around the back of his neck. By a stroke of luck, I threw him into Hobbs and they both went down.

But now I found myself facing Tom, or rather, not facing him.

He locked me in a bear hug from behind, but unlucky for him this was one of the easiest attacks to break.

Drive my heel onto the top of his foot, punch out and step into a horse stance to break the hold, elbow to the gut to wind him, grab the arm, kneel, bend, and flip.

Tom fell hard onto the cobblestones in front of me, arm trapped in an armbar, but as I drew back a fist to strike his ribs, I found myself unable to commit.

Instead, I threw his arm away and dove into a shoulder roll to escape before he could spring up and grab me.

But what was waiting for me was worse, and I sprang to my feet to find Allan’s pistol pointed straight at my chest.

He was in arms reach, and I knew how to disarm him, but I risked the trigger getting pulled and the bullet hitting one of the others. If I could just get him to shift slightly, then I only risked the wall getting hit.

Unless it ricocheted…

“Hey, what gives?” Hobbs groaned, cradling his wrist. “Why does Tom get let off easy?”

“Maybe because he didn’t try stabbin’ the kid!” Neil smacked him over the head. “What were you thinkin’, dickhead?!”

“I was just aimin’ for ‘er leg! I wouldn’t hit anythin’ vital!”

My attention slipped, focused on the bickering pair.

Allan immediately took advantage of the mistake.

“Tom.”

Act!

I stepped in, both hands grabbing the top of Allan’s and forcing the gun down. For some reason, it didn’t go off. Snatching it from his grasp, I slammed my foot into his gut and drove him back. The force sent him off his feet, just like Hobbs, but before he recovered I had the gun ready and aimed at him.

I’d never be able to pull the trigger, even with it just aimed at his foot, but I just hoped they wouldn’t know that.

Allan did notice, however, where I was aiming and where my finger was; resting along the barrel, far from the trigger. Still kneeling, his eyes traveled from the gun to me, slightly narrowed. Tom came up from the side, cautiously, but Allan stopped him with a hand.

“Why would you risk gettin’ shot to get the gun,” he asked, one hand over his stomach where I nailed him. He stood, eyes trained on mine. “Only to aim it somewhere that wouldn’t even stop your attacker?”

“Mind your business.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Considerin’ I have my gun aimed at my foot, think it is my business.”

“I ain’t lookin’ for a murder charge.”

Dream or no dream. Not that that is the whole reason.

“Did not stop you from trying to break neck in warehouse,” Ollie commented, still standing calm as could be near the front of the alley.

“Desperate times call for desperate measures and all that.”

He tilted his head. “You are not desperate. Dedicated to escape, but not desperately seeking.”

“Didn’t realize I was bein’ chased by a buncha shrinks.”

“He’s right, though,” Allan said. “You’ve not once been lethal. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”

“Sure was painful,” Hobbs grumbled, shaking his wrist.

Allan stepped closer, and I raised my gun to his arm.

He shook his head. “Again, not lethal.”

“Good trigger discipline,” Ollie commented.

“Won’t help.” Allan stepped closer again, hands still at his sides.

I still couldn’t bring myself to aim at his face. You never aimed a gun at something you didn’t intend to shoot. Aiming it anywhere near him was already breaking that rule.

Instead, I warned, “Back! Don’t test me, mate, I’ll pull this trigger.”

Lies. All of it lies.

I knew that… and so did Allan. We were in the 2011 movie, but I was not dealing with movie!Allan. I was dealing with some variant of the one I originally wrote with all those years ago, which was closer to the comics; smarter, more cunning, and a lot sharper than anything the movie even hinted at. The charismatic side was new, but very unwelcome. I didn’t know how to even begin thwarting it, and he fucking knew that.

“Come on, then.” He opened his arms. “Pull the trigger, kid. Shoot me down.”

I looked into his eyes, reading the challenge there clear as day. The moment I pulled the trigger and hit any part of him, the others would pounce. They’d already tried attacking separately once before; they would not make the same mistake twice.

We were both within striking range, both able to absolutely ruin the other’s day. But still we remained, unmoving, staring the other down. Locked in a battle of wits, a battle which neither party was going to give up easily. There was too much at stake to walk away.

We both wanted answers. The only question was… who wanted them more?

Tom stepped into my field of view, slowly. “Shadow, just drop the gun, yeah?” he tried, a hand reaching out. “Ya can’t hurt us.”

“Don’t mistake my inaction for inability,” I growled, not taking my eyes off Allan. “I know my way around a gun.”

“It’s not that. You don’t want to pull that trigger, trust me.”

Neil and Hobbs were cautiously approaching now too, staying back at a gesture from Allan. The first mate didn’t take his eyes from me, however.

They were way too calm considering I had a loaded gun. Or…

My eyes widened.

Did I?

Grabbing the slide, I aimed away from Allan and looked inside to find an empty chamber. Ejecting the clip, I found it to also be empty.

They weren’t scared of the gun because there was no reason to be scared of it. It was useless, unless I threw it at one of them. That wouldn’t do any good.

“You gotta be shittin’ me!” I whined, dropping the gun.

Allan reached out with his foot and slid the gun behind him, where Ollie picked it up. “Tough luck, kid.”

“Shut up,” I grumbled.

“It’d be best if ya just came with us,” Tom said, stepping forward only to stop when I shifted into a fighting stance and brought my guard up.

“Er, not a good idea,” Neil said, shaking his head. “Can’t win a boxin’ match wit’ Tom, Shortie. You got lucky he grabbed you. He usually just punches.”

“A, I’m taller than him,” I grumbled, gesturing at Hobbs and earning a venomous glare. “B, I know I can’t beat him.” I looked between the men, heart pounding against my ribs. “But I sure as hell can make you wish you left me alone.”

Dismay crossed Tom’s face. “Doesn’t ‘ave to be like this.”

I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as I prepared to go down fighting. “We both know it does. Unless you let me walk outta here.” I smiled humorlessly. “And that clearly ain’t happenin’.”

Dream or not, this was gonna hurt. Emotionally, and physically. Getting beat up by Tom was not something I ever wanted to go through. Something told me he would take it relatively easy on me, but even a light yet solid hit to the diaphragm from him would take me down. If I was bad at grappling, boxing was even worse.

And we already established I wouldn’t be able to hurt him.

“We won’t ask again, kid,” Allan warned as the men all took a step toward me. “This has gone on long enough.” There was no smile on his face and no amused tolerance in his voice with his next command. “Stand down.”

I shook my head. “No. Y’all square up.”

“Yoooo, Shadow!”

We all looked up, fight briefly paused, and rage filled me as I saw Trevor looking down at us from the roof.

“You miserable and worthless list of terms and conditions!” I hissed. “Get your ass down here so I can at least fuck up your face ‘fore I’m torn to bits!”

He laughed. “What, after I was gonna offer you an escape?”

“Oh yeah?” I gestured angrily at the sailors. “Little late!”

“Not really! Got a little magic trick!”

“Now ain’t the time for games!”

“Not a game! Watch!” He threw a small sphere at us. “Abracadabra!”

It bounced off a crate and landed at my feet, making the men jump back.

“Grenade!”

A hiss and explosion of smoke later thankfully disproved Neil’s initial theory, but left us all with sore throats and watery eyes.

Not that it stopped one sailor.

A shoulder slammed into my stomach, driving me back into the wall. I brought my elbow down, hitting the tender spot between the shoulder blade and neck, but the man grabbed me as he fell and we both went down. Arms tightened around my middle, whoever it was trying to pin me to the ground.

Allan, judging by the feel of rolled up sleeves.

He brought his full weight down, nearly knocking the breath from me and almost causing my arms to buckle. The man was heavy! A hand grabbed one elbow, yanking it back, and down I went. I rolled as I fell, teeth aimed for his shoulder. I missed the bulk of it, but managed to at least catch the cloth.

Tasted and smelled heavily like tobacco and what I assumed was some time of smokey yet slightly sweet alcohol. Bourbon, maybe?

Writer brain off, Fighter brain on!

“Damn it all, kid, quit bitin’!” came the raspy yell, but I couldn’t tell if it was anger or smoke that caused his tone.

“Nien!” I growled through a mouthful of shirt.

He rolled us both out of the alley onto the sidewalk, out of the smoke. I ended up on top as we came to a stop right by the curb, but before I could strike, a hand snatched my arm and dragged me away from Allan.

“Time to go, Shadow!”

“Trevor?! Get off-!”

“Let’s go, let’s go, no time for slow!” Trevor sang, yanking me to my feet before turning to Allan. The hair all along my body stood on end before Trevor hit him smack in the chest with a small blast of lightning.

It sent Allan back to the sidewalk, and damn near sent me into shock.

“Trevor, are you tryin’ to fuckin’ kill him?!” I screamed, frozen as Allan laid groaning on the ground.

“Relax, he’s fine!” Trevor yanked me down the road, away from the alley and the docks. “C’mon!”

Giving one last look at Allan, who was indeed slowly recovering and coming back up on one knee, I turned and followed Trevor away from the scene.

#karaboudjan #tintin 2011 #tom karaboudjan #allan thompson #neil karaboudjan #hobbs karaboudjan #OC ollie #OC nick #Anachronism fic #if you require serious fics #this ain't the one #we got furries and magic and self-awareness up in this ish

4 notes · View notes

sketchunit · 1 year ago

Text

Hi!!

Heyo heyo there, you can call me Sketch!! I’ll be posting a lot of my characters/stories (come meet my silly fellas!!) aside from my various interests, and also random story ideas or other assorted thoughts from the jumble in my brain- hope you can find something you enjoy!!

A quick lil tag guide: oddly specific angels: anything related to my oddly specific angels concepts!! plague doctor posting: any & all plague doc related posts. may or may not include some of my own in the future? (update: personal plague doc posts are under #doctor Q, and the full acc can be found at plaguedoctorq.tumblr.co!) sketchunit log: my ramblings and such, also encompasses all original posts of mine :] sketchunit’s scribblings: my art‼️ sketch’s ocs: any work, lore, art, reminders, references, etc related to my silly lil brain fellas worldbuilding: story ideas, lore, etc of mine campaign resources: (mostly) D&D related references/reminders art refs: references and reminders for myself for later. maybe you’ll find something that can help you too? :) recipes: guess. bugs: take another guess. doctor Q: rbs from or anything related to my plague doc acc! [|87

#sketchunit log

4 notes · View notes

zinzolin101 · 1 year ago

Text

I decided to remake my old childhood drawings, so here they are. They're also in different styles because yes.

1: Tri-Sea

I remember making this fella in Spore then drawing it because I liked it so much, but I don’t think they have anything to do with the sea. :P

2: Skellon

Fun fact! THIS WAS AN UNDERTALE OC!!! I know this because they have a skeleton-themed name.. BUT THEY HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH SKELETONS!! THEY HAD THAT NAME BECAUSE I LIKED THOSE TWO SKELETONS AAAAAAA- also I made it look like a coat of arms thingy, hope I got it right :)

3: ..I never gave it a name. It’ll be put under read more due to organs and dissection, so be warned.

When I was younger I was quite a fanatic when it came to making.. science diagrams?? of my creatures when I first learnt about it in science class. Man, I really loved science, still do now.

That’s all I have now, time to disappear again. (Also why did this take so long to make holy shit, THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO BE QUICK SKETCHES HOW DID THEY TURN OUT LIKE THIS?!)

#art #digital art #artists on tumblr #what else do I add here uhhh #I think ants are pretty cool #did u know that there is a type of ant that EXPLODES??? (Though exploding is a bit of an understatement..)#(OVERSTATEMENT*)

3 notes · View notes

somelonelywordmonger · 11 months ago

Note

I like how these guys are closer to snakes in their design, especially the larger snakes one can find in Africa *shivers* but also how they can resemble some of the dinosaurs found over in Africa and how they fit in not only with the climates/environments there but also the many mythologies that span across the many cultures in Africa! And OP's coloring of them fits perfectly, too, especially for camouflage purposes. With the first cool boa-like guy being almost like red clay! I know these are quick sketches, but I am interested in how much OP has been putting into this and how it works! Fascinating to see how dragons change across regions and cultures! These fellas are similar to some of Australia's dragons but also to the great Aztec and Mayan Gods! (Incidentally, is the feathered-serpent Quetzalcoatl considered draconic? For clarity, I mean the second definition of 'draconic', which means to resemble or be a dragon.)

What species of dragons are found in Africa? What clades do they belong to?

ooo so I was wanting to do a Smaugust Post about this but I was unsure how, so I'll just reply to this question with 12 very rushed dragon doodles...

(edit; to be clear this is in my creative project Dracones Mundi, not 'real dragons' or a comprehensive list of mythology. Dragon designs inspired by mythology)

Click the 'keep reading' to learn more!

West African Rainbow Serpent (Dracovermidae: Afroserpens iris)

This dragon is specifically a 'west African rainbow serpent' to differentiate been this and the Australian rainbow serpent. The West African Rainbow Serpent is based on West African folklore (Vodun tradition among other things, deities such as Ayedo Wedo etc.) and the physical design is based on an art sculpture of Ayedo Wedo a friend sent me a picture of (black head, white neck collar) + some snakes I like (spots with dark rims) + rainbow gradient.

Grootslang (Dracovermidae: Afroserpens magnus)

A gigantic dragon with diamond eyes said to live in caves under South Africa - looking into South African caves to discover there are vast bodies of water in huge caves was an experience - the above design is a loose idea, the final Grootslang for the Dracones Mundi project may look different...

Elephant Eating Serpent (Dracovermidae: Afroserpens aethiopicus)

Based on bestiaries saying 'big serpents in Africa wrap elephants in their coils'.

Chicken Headed Serpent (Afroserpens gallocephallus)

I might merge this design with the existing cockatrice design (see further below), only time will tell...

Nile Serpent? (Dracovermidae: Dracovermis hydra)

Huge serpent found in the Nile, and in the Mediterranean. Inspiration for Apep/Apophis in Egypt, but also for the Hydra in Greece.

Congan Plated Dragon (Testudracidae: Stegosuchus monstrum)

Large dragon that lives in the Congo Basin - inspired by Mokele Mbembe, Emele Ntouka and Mblieu Mblieu Mblieu

Dinodrakes (Drakonidae: Dinodrako...? )

Silly dragon I put on Madagascar - not inspired by folklore, these are just funny dinosaur inspired dragons. Mr Razzledazzle and his beautiful big wife.

Green Wyvern (Megaviperidae: Megavipera virida)

Based on Europeans slapping a little green dragon on maps of Africa for 'Aethiopia', 'here be dragons'. Also this is Saint George's dragon, so in versions of the legend where the saint fights the dragon in Libya I decided to put the green wyvern in Libya. Green wyverns therefore have a wide distribution in Dracones Mundi as Saint George has fought the dragon throughout North Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Kongomato (Megaviperidae: ?)

A swimming dragon that lives in Zambia - it can grab boats with it's powerful jaws, swim with it's powerful tail and has huge wings. I am not certain on this final design, working on it...

Cockatrice (Medaviperidae: Basilliskos gallimimus)

CHICKEN DRAGON. Very deadly. Found throughout the world, including Africa.

Jaculus (Megaviperidae: Pteraserpens jaculus)

Jaculus, the javeline serpent, can fly at intense speeds, stabbing prey with it's sharp face.

Terrorsaur (Megaviperidae: Pteroserpens...?)

Silly dragon based on "what if janky cartoony green pterodactyls are dragons?" and then I found a lot of cryptozoology places 'pterosaurs' in central Africa. Playing with this concept, nothing solid yet.

...

There are some other African dragons that I'm not sure about including - Ninki Nanka is something I have had on my radar for a while but I could not find enough info on it to write or draw something (recently looked it up again and there is more info wow... Okay next draft will include Ninki Nanka!!!!)

and Akhekhu which I had in a previous draft then abandonned. Might put him back in. Not sure if he's dragony enough?

So in this current roster of African dragons we have 6 inspired by African folklore and mythology (Grootslang, Rainbow Serpent, Nile Serpent, Congan Plated Dragon, Kongomato, Chicken Headed Serpent) 4 inspired by European mythology saying 'this lives in Africa' (Cockatrice, Green wyvern, Jaculus, Elephant Eating Serpent) and 2 I made up just for fun (Dinodrakes and Terrorsaurs)

#dragons #these are amazing #flight rising undertide vibes

145 notes · View notes

quandaryqueen · 2 years ago

Note

i am once again asking for more pre-riddler gotham edward shbdkadjbyw

mayhaps (pre-riddler) gotham edward with a future s/o who's an excellent sketch artist for the gcpd? like even with the vaguest of details they can get, they can draw an accurate likeness of a suspect most of the time? they would totally have a bunch of sketches of other people, of officers and ed too-

Pencil work

Gotham Edward Nygma X Reader

Pre-Riddler Edward is always a treat uwu I actually prefer him than the Riddler!

"This is Y/N L/N, they're gonna need some details about the man who assaulted you."

Edward watches as Detective Gordon gestures at you by his side in front of a poor woman— who had been minding her business in a typical day walking on her way to work, when she was pushed by a passerby at the side of the road, almost getting herself ran over. Just an average day in Gotham, something someone should shrug off after spewing a few profanities before resuming, but James Gordon happened to stumble upon the scene and brought the woman back to the precinct.

You stood ready with a sketch pad and pencil in your hands, nodding attentively as the woman began to detail the appearance of her assailant. The way your face tense from the concentration, softening when you turn back to ask for clarifications, before returning to a concentrated gaze. Edward wasn't aware he was blocking the path as he stood at awe at the sight of you at work.

You weren't called in all that much, at least, not at the rate he was also called in but it was always a sight to behold. That, or he is kept occupied with forensics. Mostly cooped up in your little space, sketching away. He only knew that because he always had the excuse to walk behind you, look over your shoulder, before pretending he wanted to tell a riddle to the nearest officer who happen to be beside you.

"Is this your man?" Detective Gordon shows the woman your sketchbook. It wasn't as detailed as your typical works, but it is just a quick sketch.

The woman nodded and was excused, leaving Gordon to work with the analysis to run the assailant's face through police database. And just like that, you were retreating back to your desk.

"A-ah, Mx. L/N!" Edward did not have the train of thought which consists of him going back and fourth between approaching you or not, as your name rolls from his tongue without much of a thought process.

He didn't expect you to glance back. Shit. You have never talked before and this is the first time you're interacting. He doesn't even know why he called you... Now what?

"G-great work! By the way! Hah... Um..." He scratches the back of his neck.

"Thank you! I try my best!" You smiled.

He returns your smile with his signature Muppet smile, before he retreats to his usual stomping grounds in a hurry, his face set ablaze... Somehow, he has the feeling of wanting to do that again.

~•~

Nothing could go wrong with an idle sketch while you wait for someone to call you on the scene for your expertise and it was the perfect way to pass time, other than being trapped in an endless scroll. The carbon tip hovering atop the paper, you lazily scan your surroundings for an inspiration. There was the beloved coffee machine, next to an office plant, near the forensics lab, where Edward Nygma exitted—

Edward Nygma... The funny fella from yesterday, ye? Definitely a cute guy... Black hair, always neatly combed to the sides, not a strand sticking out, brown eyes behind black framed square glasses, lips always stretched to a Muppet smile. You regret letting him go yesterday, internally punching yourself for not being that much of a conversationalist.

You never really talked to the guy all that much, only exchanging small talk, greeting when you bumped to each other before resuming to your day. When you do get to work with him, it would be brief that you don't really get to interact with him at all. There was a time Detective Bullock was bad mouthing Edward when you were on the scene, turning to you to nonchalantly express his annoyance for the bespectacled man when he made his way to the scene. You kept quiet, not wanting to cause a rift with your co-workers, but you had a way of letting the detective know you don't like the way he talks about Edward... So much for not wanting to cause a rift...

He looked particularly eager making his way forward, his eyes lit up and pace quickening. You watch him pass by your table and pretended as though you weren't just staring at him. By doing this, your eyes landed at the end of your pencil, the carbon tip filling out spaces to Edward's coat and—

How the fuck—

You were shocked at yourself as well, eyes wide at the sight of the absentminded sketch before you— a figure of Edward Nygma, though rough in terms of shape, you were a little concerns about how mu h details you were able to jot down from such a distance. Closing your sketchbook, you take your palms and press it against your heated face, fingers pulling down your cheeks before you slammed your head against your table. Stupid brain chemicals.

You just hoped Edward didn't see it... But on the contrary—

Edward was shocked when he spotted an unmistakable figure of himself on your paper, getting a good sight of it all when you closed your sketchbook and slam your head against your desk, all the while, repeatedly banging your head on the surface lightly. Well, that couldn't be good for the noggin and before you can cause great damage on your cortex, he taps your shoulder.

"That was a marvelous drawing!"

Your stomach dropped and eyes widened, a reaction Edward caused with his thoughtless statement that he had yet again, had zero thought process behind it. Oh no, you don't think of him as a creep now do you? Justified and understandable...

"I'm so sorry." You blurted out in the midst of the mess in your mind. Oh my fucking god this is so embarrassing, I wish I can crawl under a rock and die.

Edward blinks owlishly. "Uh... Why?"

"Um... For sketching you?" For being an absolute leering creep???

"Nonsense! I'm quite flattered!" And besides if anyone should be sorry, it's him, he's the leering creep. "All those details in such a short time! I don't know about you, but most of the time, you're the one who makes the process of capturing the baddies faster. Putting a face to the assailant! Then it would be more easier to get more information like the name, age, where, when, why, how— how long have you been sketching?"

Be still my beating heart... You held a hand to your chest, maintaining a tense smile as the feeling of wanting to be swallowed by the ground subsides as it was beginning to be replaced by flattery.

"Um... Thank you... I mean... Since I was young? It was a hobby at first, then I got into this... Um... Job and I guess I'm a professional now."

"May I see?" Edward could barely contain his excitement as he gestured at the sketch book on your desk.

For a moment, hesitance took over, but you eventually got over it and flipped through the pages, landing on the recent page, before handing it to Edward. His eyes were wide with wonder as he admired the pencil work, his eyes softening at how much details you incorporated in your drawing, a smile gracing his features.

"Wonderful..." It slips pass his lips, his finger softly stroking the material of the pad.

"You can look over the previous pages if you want."

"Really?" He glanced at you, eyes glimmering with excitement.

"Go ahead." Although you were a little shy, you allowed him to close your sketchbook and go to the very first page.

You saw the advantage of prolonging the conversation further and took the chance. For so long you've wanted to approach him, as he seemed fun, but you never really had the courage to speak with him in a casual manner. Who knows? Maybe a foundation of a bond can be forged through this.

#edward nygma #riddler x reader #dc x reader #edward nygma x reader #dc x you #edward nigma #request #gotham edward nygma x reader #anon

165 notes · View notes