#old writing

[dronebiscuitbat]

Holy Shit! This was my first ever attempt at writing for MD that I found buried in the recycle bin of my notes! I wasn't happy with the characterization of them so I tossed it, and this is like a year old... but fuck it. Enjoy!

Some implications,t hough if you got through OITTB you'll be fine

Touch.

“Oh fuck me…” Uzi gasped as she took a look at N’s naked chassis for the first time. It wasn't a sexual thing. Rather a “N's tail busted against the wall and showered himself and his overcoat in acid” thing. But his accidental stupidity was the furthest thing from her mind now.

He had unhealed scars running up and down his body, normally that would only moderately worry her, he's a (while now docile) murder drone. He's bound to be cut up every now and again.

These were however, long claw marks that came from OTHER murder drones, and it had to have been consistent and often with his permanent scaring considering he regenerated a whole freaking head and it's not like his head came back the same off-grey color as his scars.

He turned to her. Unembarassed, which that didn't surprise her, he'd quite literally been an open book since they'd met. Dude had no concept of privacy and she was a little surprised this was the first time she was seeing him naked honestly. It wasn't like he had anything to see but armored plating, but it still made her visor flush with purple.

“Huh?” Was the only sound from him as he held his tail away from him, it was already regenerating, but was still leaking, so he'd dragged a plastic bucket over so it didn't eat through the metal flooring of her kitchen.

“You're covered in scars!” How? Don't you guys heal really fast?” Uzi suppressed the very-unlike-her urge to smother him in a hug, or maybe make him lick himself, that might have been more her style.

“Oh.” For once N didn't immediately sound off an explaination or reassure her worries. He did something far worse. He talked a little bit like herself.

“Don't worry about it, I'm a disassembly drone, we get hurt sometimes.”

He waved it off like it was no big deal, like those weren't totally claw marks running up the length of his sides like a bear had tried to climb him and more worryingly, across his CORE.

Nope. Uzi was not going to let N be like her today. Not when she felt her core stutter with worry and her CPU filled with horrific explanations of why N had so many scars.

Had he done it himself? Why? He wasn't so clumsy to be doing it on accident. Was it V? He did say he had a crush on her, maybe she was taking advantage? Using him as a scratching post? Was it J? Or was it another squad of drones?

“N. You regrew a head and didn’t scar. That had to have happened pretty often for them to be that visible.”

His tail had regenerated, slowly filling up with more nanite acid, but he wouldn't look at her, not all the way at least. His eyes went hollow for a moment.

Then he looked back up at her, a shy smile on his face.

“It… uh… I…” it looked like he couldn't figure out what to say, if he wanted to say anything at all.

And that's when Uzi's resolve broke, they'd been through so much together, prom, specifically, and that was wild. But here he was, being uncharacteristically speechless.

She went up to him slowly, ignoring the fact he was naked. And touched one of his scars, and seethed when she felt the indents where the claws had bitten into him.

“N…” Her voice was uncharacteristically soft, and when she looked up she saw that he'd closed his eyes. Not his real ones, but the ones on his visor were squeezed shut.

“N, I don't want to force you to tell me anything. But I am worried about you.” She ran her fingers again over them, trying to gadge how he felt about it by his expression.

Her hands stilled, still on him but no longer moving. He slowly opened his eyes visor painted yellow and an unreadable expression on his face. His vents took in more air, causing him to pant slightly.

“N.” His name was spoken to him slightly more forcefully, but her hands were anything but, they went up to cup his face, her face dripped concen, he couldn't stop the purr that escaped him. Even if it made the both of their visors fill more with color.

“Uzi… I'm-I’m fine. I was used to it. It was a way I was useful.” He'd repeated what he'd told himself so many times that he'd truly started to belive it. He was eager to please, and if that meant bearing the brunt of J’s aggressive handling. Then he was glad to be useful.

He wanted to take back his words when Uzi suddenly looked horrified. Which wasn't want he wanted, if anything he wanted her to continue looking at her the way she was. He started to tremble. Oh no, he'd messed up again. Maybe Uzi could forgive him? She'd been so nice to him even after he'd almost showered her in acid.

“I uhm, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you upset. I-” His tail went limp, he hunched himself up to make himself look small, looking away, not making eye contact. trying his best not to tremble when the first hit connected- as it always did.

But it didn't, instead the worker drone pulled him down into a fierce hug, hooking her arms underneath his and gripping (or almost gripping, she couldn't quite reach.) his shoulders to pull him down into her.

He blinked before slowly coming down to her level, tension slowly waning from his shoulders as she rubbed circles into them. She was so gentle, so patient, he felt a sob lodge in his throat which he tried to push down.

“Please stay here tonight. I don't know if it was V or J, and you don't have to tell me. But please don't go back to the pod.” Her voice was strained, soft, and felt like heaven going into his audio receptors, he nodded, nuzzling into her neck like a puppy.

When she pulled away she was almost hesitant. Looking up and down his marred chassis before focusing on his face again. She pressed their visors together, causing the glass to click together. N had never seen his freind so distressed, and he felt guilty being the cause.

But he also felt good. Like, really good. He'd liked the way her fingers felt on him and the contrast between the drone now in front of him and the one who'd often pin him to the pod wall with or without warning.

“You aren't like J. You're really patient with me when I mess up.” The words were thick and uncomfortable on his synthetic tongue. Uzi looked up, she was being so uncharacteristically quiet that N was starting to suspect he'd done something wrong again, but this time he wasn't as scared, Uzi would tell him, it wasn't going to happen without warning.

“Thank you.” He then said, and he could almost feel her wince with her hands still around him. Oh… that wasn't what he wanted.

Uzi's heart had fucking shattered awhile ago, but somehow his thanks made it crumble into dust. He was thanking her for doing the bare minimum of giving a shit that her closest (and only) freind had been sexually abused on the regular.

“You don’t have to thank me for that buddy.” She smiled at him, actually, genuinely smiled. What the hell else was she going to do? She'd always treated N differently from all the other drones just because he reminded her of a golden retriever. Now? He was getting an Uzi with all the safety's on.

“Come on, I have a shirt you can borrow. Then we can watch some anime?” She tugged at his hand, leading him away from his overcoat in the kitchen and into her room. She tossed him a long shirt that she'd worn as pajamas once, a lilac one that read “My GF Thinks I'm Tall.”

He slipped it over his shoulders with minimal struggle, looking down at it and smiling before turning back up to her and smiling brighter.

Oh, she was totally letting him keep that if he wanted.

Uzi hummed and told him to turn around while she slipped off her clothes to change in her pajamas. N looked confused but did as he was told. She'd just seen him naked, what was the big deal?

But he was always eager to please and if Uzi wanted something out of him he'd do it. He heard her sigh, “Okay, you can turn around.” N whipped around excitedly, his tail wagging rapidly as he remembered how she looked in her prom dress.

All she was wearing was a black t-shirt that was so long it covered a good portion of her metallic legs, but N still felt his visor flush slightly, as her hair was down and out of her beanie, and it was quite a bit longer than he'd expected.

“Oh! Your hair is really pretty down.” He grins and that causes Uzi to blush, tangling a finger in one of her bangs and looking at the ground.

“Uh… thanks.” She still felt awkward at the revelation that had just occurred. And it had shook her pretty badly. But it wasn't like the feelings she'd been cursed with at prom were suddenly gone. If anything, they were now stronger.

N just laughed, his head bouncing to every corner of the room like he was trying to memorize it all while also trying to take everything in. It wasn't like this was the first time in here either, he was just… always happy.

And Fuck J had done everything but destroy his chassis and he was still smiling happily around her room like he wouldn't always carry that with him.

“Wanna tuck in and watch Illegally downloaded anime?” She asked, trying not to bum him out (if that was possible) by holding onto a smile for him. It was a lot harder than it seemed on the surface, expessially since she could still see his scars in her mind.

“Yeah!” He lept into her bed from the floor like a cat, the tail adding to the illusion. She climbed up behind him, only to have N grab her by the waist and plop her directly into his lap, smiling brightly even when Uzi had to catch her breath.

“What are we watching?” He hummed, tail flicking back and forth, dangerously close to the wall again, Uzi caught it and put it in her lap, causing a flinch from the drone behind her, though he relaxed when all she did was rest a hand on it.

“Hmm, we can start you off with some shorter series if you want. I've already seen most of these.” N just nodded along to everything she said, happy to please, happy to be of use just like before, only now he felt good about it. Uzi was good to him.

Uzi just sighed, she hopped he'd find some preferences of his own soon instead of just being interested in what she was. But what much was there to do in the pod anyway? Play with buttons that didn't work?

So mindlessly she picked one that she'd remembered to be short, and played it on a small screen attached to her bed, N was glued to it almost immediately, but she leaned back into his chest. More watching him than whatever was happening.

Ignoring her core pumping quickly at thier proximity, she relaxed, partly because he was warm and partly because he was almost using her as a stuffed animal, holding her every time anything happened that excited him. His arms were strong, safe, and seemed to have already perfected getting the pressure around her just right for her to start to doze off.

But when very loud, very aggressive snogging noises attacked her audio receptors, she was wrenched out of sleep mode in a panic. Eyes trained on the screen.

Okay, main characters making out, she'd forgotten that bit. But that meant she'd slept through almost three hours of anime and it was almost over. Blessedly, this was the first and only instance of it in this anime, but she probably should have been more careful with her selection.

She took a moment to look back up at N, who had relaxed into the crook of her neck, he was still paying attention, even if his visor was lit up in embarrassment.

“Want me to skip it?” Uzi’s voice cracked with sleep, a little bit gravely, N’s visor got a little bit brighter at her question, Uzi felt his fingers twitch. Huh, they were around her waist, resting on her stomach, she hadn't noticed that.

“Uhhh, not really, it's kinda been building towards this moment.” Hah, it tracked that N liked mushy stuff, and Uzi let out a breathy laugh into N's audio receptors, he felt his core startle-stop, and a shudder go down his neck.

“Eh, not into watching other people snog. You do you buddy.” She nestled back into the position she was in before, intending to go back into sleep-mode until it was over.

“Is that what they're doing? I thought she was trying to maul him but I couldn't figure out why.”

Uzi snort-laughed into the crook of his neck, sending pleasant vibrations up the disassembly drones spine, another shudder went down his neck.

Yeah the animation in the scene wasn’t the greatest. Uzi thought to herself, the creators had clearly run out of budget somewhere on the last two episodes.

“What's snogging?” He asked, waiting until the feeling in his gut went away to ask, Uzi hummed lightly, still underneath him, still half-asleep, if he contrentrated enough, he could feel her core hum.

“Just a cutesy term for kissing dummy.” She replied, which didn't answer his question because;

“I dont know what that means either.” And that caught her attention enough to make her fully awake.

Oh right, she was talking to N, her best freind, the same best freind who's sides looked like a scratching post.

And J hadn't even fucking kissed him either. Uzi was glad she'd killed the bitch. Twice.

“Well, it's what two people do if they really like each other. Not like, friendship like, but like…” She hummed, trying to explain something she'd not had experience with herself to someone who was essentially asking what an arm was.

“You said you have a crush on V? So like how you feel about her.” Ow, just a little bit of emotional self harm from the emo kid, nothing to see here.

“So she's not trying to steal his blood?” He asked and Uzi let out another snort-laugh, N was unintentionally appealing to her dark sense of humor.

“No, although that would admittedly be way more entertaining to watch.” Her eyes flicked back to the screen, damn, did these two need to breathe or what?

“I don't think V would be into this. She'd want to actually steal my blood instead.” Uzi couldn't help but shrug and nod, he was probably right, V didn't seem the type.

“I really like you.” He said slowly, making her nerves alight, it didn't help that he was right in her ear as he said it, still in the crook of her neck.

“I already said not in a friendship way…’ She didn't let herself hope he meant it like that, but she felt him grip her. It was his turn to blush. She felt him freeze, then his breath stuttered out, she heard his cooling system whir to life.

“I… I don't think it is.” Uzi stiffened, heart feeling too full, visor almost tearing up. She didn't say anything though, just took one of his hands and squeezed it. She felt a hundred different words and reactions bubble up at once, like crabs in a bucket it caused none of them to make their way out.

He didn’t say anything else, perhaps he was too nervous to. But Uzi did catch onto his tail slumping slightly and he started to move away. Uzi didn't let him, pressing harder against him so he couldn't.

“Stay.” Was all she said, holding his hand tightly. She couldn't bring herself to say anything else back, she was far too edgy and emotionally stunted for that. But she didn't want him to think that he was unwanted.

Because she did want him. Terribly, but her head was too fucked up to say it so she was trying to show it, through her actions rather than words she wouldn't know how to say.

N thankfully seemed to get her message as he settled back in behind her. Thank Robo-God she hadn't scared him off with her current timidness, she could possibly confess verbally someday, but thinking about that was on the verge of making her overheat.

And then after a pregnant period of silence where she could have sworn she heard his core thrum more loudly than normal; N kissed her neck. Well really he licked her neck, using way too much tongue for the simple gesture. But Uzi still knew what he was trying to do.

And despite the urge to scream, or perhaps pass out from overheating; she felt herself move her head out of the way to give him more room, giggling softly at the way his tail wagged at her acceptance.

It was such a girly, un-edgy giggle she wanted to curse herself. What the fuck was she doing?

“L-less tongue, more like you're biting.” And so his lips found her neck next and that made her squirm, one of her hands came up to press him down into her shoulder.

Teaching N how to kiss her neck was apparently what she was doing. And she couldn't quite get herself to be mad about it.

That's when her whimpers started, N was a good listener, and attentive, so whenever she'd give him any sign of enjoyment he'd try to do more, slow kissing turned to sucking and nipping, making the sounds out of the girl in front of him more intense.

He pulled his head away when she'd sounded breathless, a sweet chuckle bubbling off his lips as his tail curled around them both.

“Is it okay to bite?” He asked, he sounded out of breath as well. His voice was lower, taking on a gravel that seemed to include the parts of him that were slightly more murder bot-y.

“In general, or with me?” Uzi breathed out, anticipation ramping up, core beginning to spin to bring extra oil to where it needed to.

“You.” He whispered, one of his hands wandering up from her stomach to where her core was humming loudly. Causing a shudder to wrack down her spine suddenly.

“Bite me.”

At the command he did, sinking his fangs into her neck at an angle, sending her oil into his throat and making Uzi yelp, her hands instinctively shot up in self preservation, but N held them back with his arm, he held his position as she slowly relaxed, a low whine escaping her lips as pleasure took over pain.

“N…” She purred, there was something so primal about her in his mouth, he had every capacity to end her in a second. But she knew he wouldn't, even as he sucked a gulp of oil out of her and errors appeared on her visor.

Then he pulled back and licked until her neck stopped leaking, She felt him lick his lips from her oil, and then sigh in contentment.

“I've been wanting to do that for forever.” He explained, laughing slightly at her blissed out face, oil slightly dripping off his lips, he let her turn to face him, wrapping his arms around her back.

“Uzi? Did I go too far I-” She lunged up to kiss him, tangling her fingers in his hair. He whimpered, he hadn't even realized his hair was sensitive until she raked her fingers through it and he groaned.

He tried to keep pace with her, but he was inexperienced and the practice on her neck didn't help. Still Uzi continued to guide him, slowing down to his pace, her hands fluttering down his neck, drawing another groan from his lips.

One of his hands found the the small of her back and the other cupped her cheek. While one of Uzi's hands wandered under the shirt she'd given him and lightly touched his core.

He pulled away immediately, wincing, but holding her hand there as if he was fighting some internal programming. Uzi felt guilt hit her like a truck, she'd wanted to try and erase the pain, not bring it to the surface again.

She held him as his eyes were squeezed shut, his core stammer-starting and restarting. The guilt creeped deeper, and concern filled her visor.

It took a minute or two, but N looked back up at her, looking guilty himself.

“S-sorry, I wanted to, well I wanted to do a lot of things, like tell you how I feel. But I wanted to show you I was okay.” He drew circles into her hand that had remained on his core for the duration of his episode.

“I guess I wasn't as okay as I thought… sorry.” At his second apology Uzi sighed, and she used her free hand to cup his cheek.

“No, I'm way happier you stopped me. I definitely crossed a line…” Uh yeah! You freaking kissed him you idiot! I mean he had been making out with your neck but he did not give you consent to kiss him!

“You didn't. I wanted to.” N spoke that with confidence, some energy coming back into his voice as he was shaking off the trauma.

“I mean I was the one who took it that direction in the first place. Preeeeetty sure you'd rather die then admit you like me sooo…”

Oh, oh he was being a little shit. Calling her out like that. That wasn't cool, that wasn't cool at all.

“Well you're the robot equivalent of a golden retriever and I have a reputation to uphold, Bite me!”

“Already did, you're delicious.” He teased. Making all the venom in her voice dissolve. She blushed deeply, refusing to look at him.

“Sooo, when did you fall for me?” He asked, grinning. Making her want to spite him, she looked back at him, visor angry, but he had such an earnest look on his face, she frustratingly couldn't stay mad.

She thought back, when did she start feeling this way?

She'd always enjoyed Ns presence, he balanced her out when she was being too edgy and he had always known how to make things fun.

But it was prom. When he'd worn that suit and held her for the first time. When they'd danced and he'd taken so many scary hits for her, being nearly bisected in front of her and collapsing in a puddle of his own oil.

Yes, he had gotten back up. But it'd still scared the life out of her.

“P-prom.” She started. “I thought that fan blade had hit your core. I was so,so scared I was gonna lose you.”

N wasn't sure what he'd been expecting, maybe another “Bite me!” Or another type of “aggressive” deflection that lacked any true bite. He hadn't expected her honest answer, or how her face turned down in the same worry he'd seen that night.

“Same.” His gaze was soft, watching as another purple blush took over her face. Despite her best efforts to look tough, he quite literally saw her edge melt away at the way he was looking at her.

He knew what anger and aggression looked like, it looked like J, looming over him, telling him how useless he was while simultaneously using his body as a stress-ball. Getting herself off on his degredation.

Uzi liked to act aggressive, but in reality it was a shield for herself rather than a sword for others. N wouldn't deny she was tough as nails, but Uzi was undeniably sweet, she craved connection much like himself and right now he wished his first instinct when she touched him or when she was raising her defensive shield at him wasn't to submit, or to flee, or to try to appease someone that he knew deep down wouldn't intentually hurt him.

He wished it was love, something he had in spades and wanted to give but didn't want to be scarred again. Even if all signs pointing to Uzi being as gentle with his heart as he was to hers.

He hadn't realized he'd begun to tear up until he felt Uzi's forehead on his again, the same concerned expression he'd come to expect tonight, her hands on either side of his face.

He kissed her again, much more breifly, before capturing her in his embrace. Dragging her fully into his lap and encapsulating her entire being in his larger chassis.

“One day, when I can't remember what J looks like. I'll let you do whatever you want to me…” He whispered softly, making them both blush like mad. But he didn't backpedal or think Uzi was angry at him anymore. Because she was purring into him, touching his core just over his shirt.

“All I want to do is be good for you.” Now that didn't sound like Uzi, but at the same time it did. Because right now she was unarmoured and N felt so honored to have caused that. He kissed her forehead.

“You are.” Is all he replied with, the credits of the anime scrolling across his screen as he glanced at the screen.

He couldn't wait until he could give himself physically to her. But until he was ready she'd always have him like this, cuddling and holding her as sweetly as she wanted. He could give her that, at least.

They fell asleep like that, with Uzi's hands wrapped around his sides, over his scars.

He didn’t notice.

[batman-gif]

Shirt I made for the Oregon Shakespeare festival :)

[logophilist1982]

Old Notebook

[invalidstories]

Forbidden Love

Warnings: physical aggression, physical restraint, forbidden attraction, and romantic tension

In the dimly lit alley, Hero stumbled, their breath ragged and limbs heavy with exhaustion. They had been chasing Villain for what felt like an eternity, their determination fueled by a relentless sense of duty. But now, as they faced their adversary in the cold embrace of the night, Hero could feel the weight of their fatigue bearing down upon them.

Villain, ever the opportunist, seized the moment, lunging forward with predatory grace. Hero's reflexes were dulled by exhaustion, and before they could react, Villain had them pinned against the brick wall, their body pressed close, trapping the Hero.

"You look tired, Hero," Villain purred, their voice a low, taunting whisper that sent shivers down Hero's spine. "Is the weight of the world finally catching up to you?"

Hero gritted their teeth, refusing to show any signs of weakness in the face of their enemy's gloating. "Maybe," they managed to rasp out, "but that won't stop me from taking you down."

Villain chuckled darkly, their breath hot against Hero's neck. "Such bravado," they murmured, their lips dangerously close to Hero's ear. "But we both know you're no match for me in this state."

Hero's heart raced as they struggled against Villain's iron grip, their body pressed against the cold, unyielding wall. Every fiber of their being screamed for release, for freedom from Villain's suffocating hold. Yet, even in their exhaustion, a flicker of comfort grew within them, being so close to the villain.

As Villain's gaze bore into theirs, Hero felt something stir within them – a strange, forbidden attraction that blossomed despite the circumstances. There was something captivating about them, something that stirred Hero's heart in ways they couldn't explain.

"You may be right," Hero admitted, their voice barely above a whisper, "but there's something about you that I can't ignore."

And in that moment, with the world crumbling around them, Hero reached out, their fingertips grazing Villain's cheek. Villain leaned into the touch, their eyes fluttering closed as they surrendered to the irresistible pull of fate.

Suddenly, their lips met met the villain's in a desperate kiss, emotions surging between them – desire, longing, and a hint of defiance. In that stolen moment, Hero and Villain were no longer enemies, but two souls intertwined in a dance of forbidden passion.

But as they pulled away, breathless and exhilarated, Villain whispered words that shattered the fragile illusion of their connection.

"Perhaps in another life, we could have been more than enemies."

And with that, they disappeared into the night, leaving behind a trail of uncertainty and longing in their wake.

"Amid the chaos, find beauty in the unexpected."

Masterlist

[mcaquila]

Ten-year-old me was so sure I would publish that story. Ha.

[beeboos-creativecorner]

Just ... Jump - a Jacob Frye x reader one shot

Hello day 4 ! I wrote this in a single night back in June of 2021. Don't know what else to say. As a follow up, I wrote another one shot the night after dedicated to Evie, which will be posted during this event also. You know, all this was back when I could do crazy things like write a piece in a night instead of agonise over a piece for weeks lmao. It's not clever or elegantly written as other things I've done, but it's all right and it was enough to make it into the line-up :)

Fic under the cut x

London was somewhat serene at this time of night, less bustle about, but enough to know the city was buzzing with life. Microscopic oil lamps burned on the sides of the streets and other, fellow specs stumbled upon cobblestone, too intoxicated to find their way home. As cute as everything was, being miniature sized and all, it was an oddly terrifying experience. Your companion detected your prolonged silence and asked,

“Well?”

“When you said ‘fun’, I was expecting us to go to a fight club, or drink ourselves senseless, or even have sex on the train, but this? I’m beginning to think I don’t know you anymore,” you replied, too paralysed to even look in his direction. Your eyes were fixed on the wooden container many metres below you, overflowing with the brown, dying leaves of autumn.

“Come now, we can do all those things later,” he said, that witty tone dancing off his tongue in lighthearted spirits. You simply wished you shared his optimism. “Besides, Evie thinks you're ready - I think you're ready - to make the jump.” He was set on this notion of convincing you to take the opportunity, and unfortunately no amount of distracting could change that.

“Isn't the Leap of Faith a ceremonial thing first time ‘round? Can’t we just wait for Evie to be available, possibly Henry as well? I don’t think doing this in the dark is smart either, maybe we can come back tomorrow?” This was all to justify your cowardice. To be frank, the situation you were put in became a little too much to handle, and now you wanted down. You’d had enough of dwelling in your own existential thoughts for one night.

“You read too much and practice too little, love. Evie’s busy with her own work and when she gets back you can show her how good of a teacher I am.” He winked, jabbing your flank with an elbow. You flinched in panic, eyes still trained on the distant stack, heartbeat thumping, pulse accelerating. How could Evie, Jacob, and - dare you say - Henry do it so fearlessly? “Go on, why’re you dawdling?”

“Oh, you know, it’s just the whole ‘I-could-jump-off-wrong-and-break-every-bone-in-my-body’ thing.” Your expression was deadpan, concealing all you could about your current state.

“All you have to do is what I showed you, the rest will work out itself,” Jacob advised, clutching your hand in his gauntlet-clad one. You wanted that action to be the calm seas after a storm, you wanted that to alleviate your drumming heart and the swirling of your stomach. Alas, it did not. Infuriating you more, it gave you an edge, a side you hadn't really seen of yourself in Jacob’s company.

“Wise words, Jacob Frye. Keep it up and you’ll be Mentor in no time. Getting your students to jump off Big Ben first try.” The final part you muttered to yourself, hoping Jacob was getting the hint that you weren’t keen on leaping one bit. The sarcasm became your shield to hide behind.

“I know you can do it,” he reassured, squeezing your hand tighter in affirmation to his point. His speech flooded your tensed brain, his accent making the word ‘do’ sound more like the morning dew you’d find littered across the grass on a cold day. Normally that would send a wave of shivers to engulf your skin. You supposed this night in particular was an exception. “If it makes you feel better, I can go first. Prove how easy it is.” You nodded, swallowing a large lump that had made its home in the comfort of your throat.

Jacob, on the other hand, was clambering up to the uppermost spire of the elegant landmark, crouching there for a good while, surveying his surroundings. His breathing was audible, heavy, yet steady. The top hat he was wearing moments earlier had disappeared into the folds of his coat, hood drawn on his crown. Standing to his full height, the emotion in his eyes were unreadable, as if he had filtered out all his fears and bottled them to store them on a shelf. With a final, deep inhalation, Jacob sprung off the golden spire.

You observed in pure awe, as his back arched then straightened in flawless form as he descended at a rapid rate. Then, with impeccable timing, his body curled a good few seconds before hearing the satisfying whumph of his impact with the foliage. Scrambling out of the box a second subsequent, Jacob frantically waved at you from down below.

“See? Easy as pie. You should try it!” he called up to you, undaunted by the fact he could end up waking half of the borough in the process.

“I don't know about this, Jacob. Couldn’t we have begun with something... closer to the ground?”

“How else are you going to learn? Come on, if I can do it, you can.” You allowed that to settle with you, soaking it in before collecting yourself. With cold hands gripping freezing metal, you scurried up to where you saw Jacob pounce from. And you sat there endlessly, fully deterred by how unbalanced you were, along with bile rising from the pit of your stomach. Your legs wobbled as you made the attempt to stand, the fear pulling you down to reality and back to the safety of sitting. As much as you wanted desperately to do this, - for Jacob, for yourself - the sensation overwhelmed you and you couldn't. This everlasting ice and unbreakable chains prevented any hope from peeking through.

“I can’t- I can’t, Jacob! I’ll die if I do!” you confessed to him, voice varying in inflections as you wrestled to remain loud enough to hear. “I just don’t- I just don’t want to let you or Evie down. I’m sorry.”

“No! Don’t you be sorry. I’m coming back up, stay right where you are,” he claimed, valiance encasing his soul with verbal communication. He gave you the air of a hero from a melodrama theatre piece you went to see the other week. What burned that fire in your chest was establishing that you were the distressed damsel in need of saving. Atypical to the generally stoic and stubborn you, who never asked for anyone’s assistance. Unconsciously, your breathing turned erratic, tears forming in the corners of your eyes, defying your mental order telling you not to weep like a helpless baby.

“Don’t cry, love,” a familiar sound filled your ears and you couldn't resist the smile tugging your cheeks, feeling his arms wrap you up, his chin leaning on your shoulder. His radiating warmth healing you, reminding you that you weren’t alone, donating that sense of security to you that you never knew someone could give. You hadn’t noticed how time went by as you spaced out, as Jacob had reached you faster than anticipated. That, or blame the zipline strapped to his bracer. “You did great for what you managed to do tonight. I’m sorry for pressuring you like that. I promise we’ll start somewhere smaller, and in the daylight, and Evie will be there too. But that’s all for another day. Now, how about we get ourselves a drink?” That was the best suggestion Jacob had fabricated that evening.

“Oh god, I could really use one.”

[subjectanomalies]

Waters

She said

Her love runs like the sea—

She’d tear lands apart

Just to let me see.

She said

I’m like no other,

A seashell too precious

To trade for coral

Or color.

But then,

When waters dried,

I was left

With fata morgana—

A shimmering lie.

She said she loved me.

But even oceans

Forget their tides.

And waves

Never brought

My heart

Back to where it was found.

[writingingraves]

IRIS - Old Iris Snippet (2021 ver.)

This is a funny (imo) fragment of the 2021 Iris story. Iris was so funny throughout the whole thing back then. Hoping she's such as endearing in the upcoming remaster as well.

Work on IRIS the remaster has officially began! Content is shown on the B/T community first.

IRIS' L. is the placeholder title for a future book: a portal fantasy, whimsical story with teen drama, mystery, venturing and body horror. It is part of the Creation And Destruction (Standalone) Tetralogy, a BAD TOKENS story.

[sparkles-rule-4eva]

Today I wound up spending like an hour flipping through my old sketchbooks and notebooks and I picked up a story I started writing back when I was like 14 and hadn't touched in years

I wrote it LONG before I became a Sonic fan, keep in mind

And as I read through it, I suddenly remembered that I had named a particular monstrous beast in it "Shadow."

Except now, as a Sonic nerd, I can't picture the name with anyone other than the Ultimate Lifeform. So reading my own ancient writings, speaking about this strange other "Shadow" had me WHEEZING

Examples:

Shadow killed my OC's dad, guys

ALSO THIS CHAPTER NAME WHAT THE ACTUAL HECK

I JUST—

I was LOSING it laughing at this earlier it's just so weird 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I know what I was actually talking about, but every time i read the name all i can picture is Y'KNOW AND IT'S SO FREAKING FUNNY

[write-with-will]

So I found my old brainstorming doc for SOW and… 😭😭

Past me was something else man

@vesanal @xunfix @gay-hoe-boy @thebookishkiwi @inspirationallybored @corinneglass @sunflowerrosy @seastarblue @seafloor509

[trixter-god]

Just for shits and giggles here’s a very old self insert fanfic i wrote in high school instead of doing my homework.

It’s in first person (I know I’m sorry) and I don’t think the “main characters” name is ever actually said… lmao.

Richard Grayson X random female (me duh) Jason’s also makes an appearance <3

It’s very short so if you’re bored give it a look.

The moon was full, the night was loud and my head was pounding. Being hung upside down is not the best way to spend your Friday nights. I look to the fight below me. Nightwing and the Redhood were back to back fighting off the goons. Pretty much owning them actually. Batman raced off about 10 minutes ago after the joker to who knows where.

“Hey boys, as much as I like hanging out, My leg is starting to fall asleep'' I yelled. Nightwing and Red Hood both looked over to my detection then to each other. Redhood kicked a goon into another before racing his way to me. Throwing something in my detection. I close my eyes knowing what’s coming. A small snap and I’m falling. My head stops protesting as I feel myself rush to the ground. Holding a scream, two fit arms brace my fall. My head pulses in shock and the pounding seems harder. “Are you alright?” nightwing says, rushing next to hood. The goons laid in piles on the floor. I give him a glare while I’m lower on my feet. “Besides my head wanting to come off my shoulders and the fact that I can barely feel my legs, I'm fine.” My words were then, like always, used against me as an unknown pain shot through my leg. My leg gives out, sending me back into red hood arms. Gently I try to stand only for the pain to return.

“Okay maybe not” Red Hood transfers me into Nightwings arms, most of my weight lying now on my right foot and nightwing.

“Hanging upside down probably pulled your ankle out of socket” Red Hood grumbles in agreement as he takes his time detangling me from the rope while nightwing keeps me grounded. I rested my head on his shoulder. The dizziness of being upside down for that long was finally catching up with me.

“Go for nightwing” His right hand came up to meet his ear. I could tell he was keeping his voice light to not cause me any more pain. Hood Finnish off the ropes now using them to tie up some of the forgotten guards.

“She’s safe and sound” Nightwing hummed effectively.

I shifted my weight seeing if I could stand my own. Another sharp pain runs up my leg. Deciding that was not going to happen I relaxed in defeat. Resting my head in the crook of his neck I closed my eyes not realizing how tired I truly was. Must have been the adrenaline. Nightwing continues to replay what I had witnessed upside down over to I assume Batman. His voice was light and clam but I could hear his heart betting a mile a minute.

“We’re on it,” dick said after a good pause. “ you wake down there” he quips as he pulls me up bridal style. He smelt like sweat, kevlar and Vanilla. “No” I half mumbled, wrapping my hands around his neck. “We’ll let you rest when you get to the hospital” nightwing informed. I rolled my eyes playing with the zipper on the back of his collar. “Let’s move,” Hood said at the door nightwing did like he was told to and raced after Red Hood. I was given the civilian runaround answering random questions they asked until I was reluctantly placed on a stretcher and loaded into the ambulance. Nightwing gave one last wave to me before the doors were shut, leaving me in professional hands. Doctors spoke and prodded my body to check for concussions or breaks. I answered the same basic questions as before as I drifted off the sleep with the permission of the EMT.

I woke to the sound of solf beeping and the hard kick of an air conditioner starting up. Slowly opening my eyes. I let myself process where I was. It was dark in the room, the only light coming from a lamp over in the corner. Walls were a sickly white with a matching ceiling. It smelled of cotton and lemon cleaner, Gotham General Hospital. My eyes adjusted to the little light enough to read the bright red clock numbers from across the room. It was almost 5 in the morning meaning I had been out for at least four hours grimacing at the thought of how long I have been here for I rubbed my eyes now, aware of the weight that is pinning my right hand down.

Dark hair seemed to disappear into the shadows of my blanket as an unseen hand held my own. I wondered lightly how it would have looked to the EMTs that brought me in to have seen Dick Grayson racing through the door. lightly wiggling my captured fingers was just enough to stir the oldest Wayne as he turned his head to smile up at me.

“Hey.” His voice is a little raspy from sleep.

“Hey.” I repeated back to him with a smile.

His tawny skin seemed to glow in the darkness as it did in the city lights.

[1introvertedsage]

Sometimes it’s felt like I’ve had a monster inside of me. So full of anger and rage for what this world is. I’ve also felt a deep void within me. An endless emptiness for something I couldn’t find. No matter what I tried.. I could quiet the monster but never fill this void.

[phoenixofthegreenwood]

I wrote this thing for school once that I remember being really good but I don’t know where it is 😭

I would love to read it again and I can’t because I didn’t save a copy of it 🥲

[invalidstories]

One Bed

Warnings: Potential emotional distress due to relationships, non-sexual physical intimacy

In the dimly lit room, Hero and Villain found themselves in an unexpected predicament—they were both stranded for the night in a remote cabin, with only one bed.

Hero glanced around the cozy space, taking in the rustic decor and the soft glow of the fire crackling in the hearth. Despite the circumstances that had brought them together, there was a strange sense of tranquility in the air, as if the universe had conspired to grant them a moment of respite amidst the chaos of their rivalry.

Villain stood near the window, their silhouette outlined against the moonlit sky. There was a tension in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken truce that had settled between them for the night.

With a sigh, Hero approached the bed, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling into their bones. "Well, I guess we'll have to make do," they remarked, their voice laced with resignation.

Villain turned to face them, their gaze meeting Hero's with an intensity that sent a shiver down their spine. "Indeed," they replied, their tone unreadable.

As they settled into the bed, their bodies mere inches apart, Hero couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at their insides. They were supposed to be enemies, locked in an eternal struggle for supremacy. And yet, here they were, sharing a bed as if they were old friends.

But soon enough, discomfort crept in as Hero shifted, feeling the weight of Villain's presence too close for comfort. "I can't sleep like this," they muttered, their frustration evident in their tone.

Villain sighed, a hint of annoyance flickering across their features. "Fine," they conceded, "you take the bed. I'll take the floor."

But Hero shook their head, adamant. "No, you shouldn't have to sleep on the floor. We can find another solution."

Villain scoffed, their pride wounded by the suggestion. "I'll change rooms then," they declared, moving towards the door.

But Hero's voice stopped them in their tracks. "You can't," they said quietly. "I checked. They're fully booked."

Villain's shoulders slumped in defeat, the reality of their situation sinking in. "Well, what do you suggest we do, then?"

Hero hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing their features. But then, with a determined glint in their eye, they replied, "We share the bed. But we'll make a pillow wall between us."

Villain raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "A pillow wall?"

Hero nodded, "It's the best compromise we have. We both get to sleep in the bed without invading each other's space."

With a begrudging nod, Villain acquiesced, and together they constructed a makeshift barrier of pillows between them, creating a fragile boundary between them.

As they both drifted off to sleep, the sound of their steady breathing filling the room, Hero couldn't help but wonder what the dawn would bring—a return to their bitter rivalry, or the dawn of a new understanding between them.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

As morning painted the room in soft hues of dawn, Hero stirred from their slumber, blinking groggily as consciousness returned. But as they shifted, they found themselves tangled in a mess of limbs, their body inexplicably intertwined with Villain's.

At first, confusion clouded Hero's mind, their thoughts muddled from sleep. But as awareness slowly seeped in, they couldn't help but feel a strange sense of comfort in the intimate closeness.

With a soft sigh, Hero attempted to extricate themselves from the tangle, their movements gentle so as not to disturb Villain's sleep. But as they tried to pull away, Villain stirred, their grip tightening instinctively around Hero's waist, pulling them closer.

Surprised by the unexpected gesture, Hero stilled, their heart fluttering in their chest as they gazed down at Villain's peaceful expression. In that moment, all traces of loathing melted away, leaving only the warmth of companionship.

Unable to resist the pull of the moment, Hero allowed themselves to relax into Villain's embrace, their lips curling into a soft smile at the unexpected turn of events.

And as they drifted back into a peaceful sleep, entangled in each other's embrace, Hero couldn't help but feel a sense of hope blossoming within them—a hope that perhaps, despite the odds, there was room for understanding and acceptance in even the most unlikely of relationships.

"Love, akin to wildflowers, thrives in the unlikeliest of terrains, sprouting amidst adversity and blooming with unforeseen grace."

Masterlist

[pumpkinmagekupo]

Suddenly a bright light shone out in the growing tunnel of darkness, filling her with a newfound energy. She ran as fast as she could toward it until the snow vanished from beneath her feet and cold icy rocks replaced it. The sudden change made Mizuki slip and she slid down a slope until she collided with rocky outcrops at the base of the cave. She cried out in pain, but the darkness seemed to have stopped at the mouth of the cave. Mizuki looked up at the stalactites at the back of the cave where she lay:  they looked like they were made out of ice and shone an aetheric blue. 

Something in her heart told her she was safe here...but would she wake up soon?  Was she even dreaming?

If I close my eyes, will it all end?

Snippet: Deep Down

A slightly spooky read: be warned.

and also a hint at the new wip.