#(<- going to go insane in the library because he’s trying to do research on ga ming for a fic that he’s speedrunning before his release)

[m1d-45]

xianyun and nahida's banners just dropped and the 4*s are kinda-

we got ga-ming but faruzan and noelle are definitely a choice

- curse anon

you could argue noelle is from the poetry event, but faruzan… yeah that’s certainly A Four Star

although, she is supposedly a pretty good anemo support/sub dps, right? with xianyun (and xiao just around the corner) it makes sense to add her on there. since 1) nahida is a support 2) they’re likely trying to push xianyun 3) xianyun is probably a dps (no i haven’t seen her skill cards yet and i’m not going to until she releases) (lied, she’s like. a healer. so??) so that makes sense to me

in the end, i don’t mind. so long as ga ming is on the banner, we live we laugh and we love

[sfznyxio]

❝ 𝐈, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐍 ❞

𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒. everyone says you’re the curse of your own legacy. dubbed “the worst ruler ever in history”, power is all you cared about. your selfishness leads to the downfall of your own kingdom, with you murdered at the hands of people you thought could be trusted. somehow the next day, you regress to the day you become the sole successor to the throne after the previous sovereign passed. can you prove your worth and show them you have what it takes to be the sovereign in this timeline?

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒. argenti, bronya, dan heng, dr. ratio, gepard, jing yuan, ruan mei, sunday, trailblazer (caelus & stelle)

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓. f!reader. royal au, time travel au. angst, hurt/comfort, fluff. 1.9k words. inspired by billion manhwas that have this trope lol. the royal family is absolutely horrible and reader hates them. reader experiences dissociative amnesia due to trauma from said family and the previous timeline. lots of self-doubt. death is everywhere in this fic. a dark joke about betrayal (bronya). reader has hair (gepard). murder of a loved one and revenge (sunday).

𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐀. new year, new blog, and new fic but two months later! on spring break so i’m happy i got to write again, even if it’s just a little bit. watch me disappear for another six months or so because grad school’s a bitch.

𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈.

rumor has it among a group of chivalrous knights from a forgotten land that their deity, the god of beauty idrila, is in your kingdom. you happen to come across one of them when you snuck out of the castle. the knight introduces himself as argenti, a knight of beauty… a very strange one.

what person talks to objects as if they’re people and compliments them that they’re beautiful? as soon as he lays on you, he’s in front of you on one knee and kisses your hand, declaring that you’re beautiful, even as beautiful as idrila themself. surely you’re weirded out, but he seems sincere. 

there’s a possibility that your advisor sent a search party after you. you generally hate being escorted on your outings due to your upbringing, but going back there isn’t where your mind wants to be, so you ask the knight if he could be your company. ah, how could he resist a beautiful lady like yourself?

will he still see you as such when you ascend the throne?

𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐘𝐀.

house rand is known for their strong military leadership and is a unique case of nobility. majority of its lineage are commoners, going through a selection process as children to be adopted by the current leader and be trained as their successor. shortly before your ascension, former leader cocolia rand passed away. no one knows the cause of death, except her daughter.

marchioness bronya pays a visit to introduce herself as the new leader of the house. the two of you express condolences for your families, though you try not to flinch at how she praises the late sovereign like everyone else. she believes you can keep secrets well, which isn’t entirely wrong, so she asks to borrow you. you already know the topic of discussion: the actual cause of death of madam cocolia.

it’s me. her dialogue muffles into white noise. madam cocolia has made a deal with her daughter to kill her if anything happens. hm…? did you put trust in someone to stop you if you ever went insane? can you stab me in the back if that’s the case? your mouth runs on its own, and she’s in shock. you brush it off as a joke afterwards, saying she should ignore it. yet you can’t yourself as it’s been haunting you since.

do you trust her to end your suffering, for the good of the kingdom?

𝐃𝐀𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐆.

the archivist strikes you as someone who dislikes bothersome people, so you try not to spend too much time researching your condition. though upon meeting dan heng at the library, he appears courteous and doesn’t mind your company. what leaves you puzzled is that he doesn’t question your sudden interest in time travel and regression. instead, he leads you upstairs.

on the way there you trip and he grabs onto you, triggering a flashback of the mob capturing you with tight holds during your escape. realizing the intensity of his grip on you because your body’s shaking, he lets go and adjusts his hand placement to your back so you can get up. then he makes sure you’re alright before reaching the data bank.

he assumes that you’re still traumatized from your family’s death based on your reaction to that memory. everyone believes the same thing, and it’s definitely wrong. but you can’t magically convince them that you’ve seen the future where they’ll die because of you. however, his intentions make you feel at ease. he says he’ll be nearby for help. is it really okay to rely on someone else for once?

will he stick to his word and catch you when you fall to your death?

𝐃𝐑. 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎.

the intelligentsia guild believes that knowledge is a valuable resource to obtain various mediums of information across the world. having one of their own at the castle not only as a professor at the royal academy, but as the advisor to the next sovereign is quite an honor. dr. ratio may be a brilliant scholar, but his interpersonal skills… not so much.

there isn’t a day where you’re spared from his lectures. to be fair, you’ve done questionable things after your family’s passing: sneaking out of the castle, researching time travel and regression, and raising raccoons that almost destroyed your garden and your servants’ sanities. nevertheless, you’re irritated by his emphasis on your reputation as a ruler. does it look like i want to be one? you storm out without a second thought.

after calming down, you search for him to apologize. you should’ve told him about how you felt instead of letting out an outburst. unfortunately he has gone home, but leaves a note that addresses your “odd hobbies” - ways to not alert the servants during your escapades, literature of topics of interest that aren’t in the library, and interventions of minimizing the chaos of your familiars. you take it as an apology; he’s more considerate than you think even if he doesn’t admit it.

can he stay by your side if you decide to abdicate the throne?

𝐆𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐃.

house landau is the “shield” of the kingdom, serving the royal family for generations. their current leader count landau is a stern man from what you recall the several times you visited him as a child. now he’s forced to retire due to his illness, replaced by his eldest and only son gepard, your childhood friend.

the two of you haven’t interacted much as you reach the training period for succession, whereas his father drills him to be insubordinate to the royal family as they have been. with your parents gone and the count ill, you can see him whenever you wish. but how should you approach him? more importantly, does he still see you as a friend? you give up instantly, exhausted from your mental trip to the past.

amidst the flames, he yells at you to run as shadows consume him. you shoot up - bloodshot eyes, rapid heartbeat, and heavy breaths. a pair of arms engulfs you, one hand rubbing your back and the other buried in your hair. rest, i’m here, he whispers against your forehead. you start to lose it, sobbing uncontrollably on his chest.

is this what giving in to your selfish gains feels like?

𝐉𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐘𝐔𝐀𝐍.

the sight of citizens flocking to the plaza can be seen from your balcony. 

three people emerge from the crowd, who you recognize as residents of the civilization in the sky: the xianzhou alliance. they have no reason to be here unless it’s important business, and that happens to be you. how forgetful you are.

earlier you test a theory that hopefully changes your tragic fate. it takes courage to act like a jester in front of the council, sending diplomats to invite various factions to forge alliances. the entire court and yourself are amazed that one of the arbiter-generals jing yuan is here in the flesh. the xianzhou rely on themselves for help rather than outsiders, so there must be something that he wants from you.

little did you know while you’re interested in the xianzhou’s manpower, he’s interested in you. his two attendants have never seen their general smitten over someone before; it’s obnoxious. his visits become frequent; his purpose of seeking specific resources is really an excuse to shower you with gifts. he appreciates how headstrong you are throughout the tragedies you faced, wishing you give yourself more credit. he has faith in your capability as a sovereign, even if you don’t agree. 

he’s not here to play with your feelings, is he?

𝐑𝐔𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐄𝐈.

house ruan is revered by academia as geniuses of the century, yet rarely shows up in public as they care less about being in the spotlight. rather, they dedicate their lives to science. their daughter carries the household name with grace and elegance, though it can’t be said the same with her experiments in which she entrusts you to be her assistant.

lady ruan mei is interested in the concept of life. cycles of birth, growth, and death. existence of the living. development of cognition, emotions, and behaviors. they’re fascinating to her. creating lifeforms makes you feel some sort of sorrow; your creation is modeled after yourself. then you wonder how your family reacted when you were born.

soon you’re asked by the scientist about your existence, and whether you believe the gods can answer that. now that you think about it, were they involved in your regression? the human race worships the power of the heavens: creation and destruction. death is inevitable, but can the gods also rewrite reality? if they choose to send you back in time, did they want you to redeem yourself?

why bother going so far if you’re going to screw up again?

𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐘.

no one hosts festivities as grand as house oak. under the impression that you’ve been secluded in your room grieving over the previous sovereign, they’ll throw a small party to cheer you up and celebrate your upcoming ascension. the thought of announcing you want to abdicate the throne is tempting, but their efforts will go to waste so you scrap it. might as well keep up a front and plan your next moves.

you’re welcomed into the venue by the high priest sunday, the organizer of this party. you’re feeling nervous, not because of the amount of guests but because of his overwhelming presence. he doesn’t seem familiar, or are you misremembering? do you still feel unwell, your majesty? behind the high priest is a young woman who bears some resemblance to him, and everything all at once falls into place.

his sister is the precious sun of his life, executed by the eclipse. the high priest follows the royal family without hesitation, only for his loyalty to be questioned at her expense. he isn’t the type to act so rash, but for her he’ll go to great lengths to exact his revenge. you lie to the siblings that you’re fine and tell the high priest to take care of her. there’s more than meets the eye regarding your behavior, but he just agrees to not arouse any suspicion.

what secrets have your people been hiding from you?

𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐙𝐄𝐑.

there are twin raccoons that practically live in your garden and are your servants’ worst nightmares. somehow they’re kind of like you - living in luxury while rotten to the core. you remember ordering your servants to exterminate them last time, so you take them instead so you won’t freak them out, much to your advisor’s dismay.

later you discover that caelus and stelle are shapeshifters who lost their memories, with their only lead being a magenta-haired woman. to your surprise they love to gossip, which proves themselves useful to be your spies, gathering intel on the current news that could coincide with the ones in the previous timeline. they can also find information about that woman. killing two birds with one stone. 

sometimes you worry about their work ethic, considering how chaotic they can be. for instance, their unhealthy obsession with trash cans. as much as you need them to get the job done, you realize you’re nothing better than your family. those two are extensions of yourself, learning about the world just as you are. so you step back and let them have fun with scraps. they’ll get to their missions eventually.

they appear to be loyal to a fault so there’s no way they’ll betray you, right?

[jasntodds]

Petrichor [18]

Pairing: Jason Todd x Fem!Powered!Reader (little bit of fwb)

Words: 9,775

Chapter Warnings: Swearing, angst, canon character death, blood, canon violence, mention of previous abuse, mention of drug use, mention of drug addiction, mention of canon gore, kind of a mention of alcoholism

Summary: ❝Pylades: I’ll take care of you. Orestes: It’s rotten work. Pylades: Not to me. Not if it’s you.❞

Gotham is home, not just for Jason but for you, too. And now that you’re both finally back home, together, you’re ready to see where this next chapter brings the two of you. He’s your best friend and you’re his. And you both might want a little something more with being back home, the place you both feel most comfortable. Surely, nothing could possibly go wrong now.

A/N: I can't believe I've had to type out canon character death 4 times for this series lol You can add yourself to the tag list below, ask me to be tagged, or you can follow my library blog @jasntoddslibrary  and turn on notifications if you prefer that!! I love feedback, I swear it keeps me posting on a weekly basis 😭

series masterlist | masterlist | tag list

You and Gar are seated on the floor facing each other while Rachel went out to get you some supplies. You're trying to wrap your head around how you're supposed to function around the city and take down Crane when the entire city wants your heads on spikes. The GCPD has always been weird about Batman but now they actually want all of the Titans taken down and with Crane behind it, that can't mean just throwing you all in cells and tossing away the key. You can't just go out and fight every civilian that hates you now. They're brainwashed because that's what Crane does and fighting people who have no clue what they're doing isn't going to help your situation. It feels more like you're all sitting ducks at this point.

"Doesn't it bother you?" Gar asks, breaking the silence between you, earning an eyebrow raise from you. "How Jason came back."

Your eyes narrow slightly, unsure how or why it would bother you. Him being alive is a good thing. "Why would it bother me?"

"I mean the Lazarus Pit." Gar states as he leans forward. "Like, he came back and that's just it? Some water somewhere is magic and can bring people back from the dead. That doesn't make sense."

You nod your head slowly, this is the same thing he told you at the manor when he showed you some of the books Bruce had on it. "Yeah, we went over that. It's because of Ra's which I think makes a lot of sense, honestly. It's still bothering you that much?"

"Yeah, like why doesn't anyone know where it is? Or what if they do but it's a secret. Bruce knew, right? Why didn't Bruce close it off like the others? Why did he keep the one in Gotham open?" Gar rambles off his questions.

Of all topics that's going to pick at Gar, this is it? The Lazarus Pit? You're bothered by it, too but not enough to be sitting here thinking about it when you're worried the Titans are going to be hunted for sport now. You've been separated and you're going to need each other but Gar doesn't seem bothered by it at all. Just the Lazarus Pit.

You blink at him a few times. "I've been trying to rationalize the decisions Bruce makes but I think that's more of a dead end than anything else. If anyone is going to have that answer outside of Bruce, it'd probably be Jason or Dick. But, they don't really get him either. I don't know." You shrug your shoulders. "Bruce is paranoid, maybe that's all there is to it. Couldn't explain why no one else knows..."

"Yeah, he's paranoid!" Gar groans. "So why leave it open?"

"No, I mean that's probably why. Or research." You let out a breath. "Maybe he's worried something will happen if he closes all of them off. Or he needs it to do more research. I don't know." You scoff. "I don't know how he feels about resurrection so maybe he wants to use it to help people or something I have no fucking idea, Gar. I think you'll drive yourself insane if you try to rationalize Bruce Wayne." You lean back on your hands, stretching out your legs.

"Maybe more people know about it." Gar says quietly. "If Crane knew..." Gar trails off as his eyes grow worried.

Without him finishing, you know exactly what he's thinking.

"Yeah, thought of that." You nod your head, your heart skipping a beat.

If Crane knew and his guy knew, more people know. They have to. Gotham is a big city so anyone can stumble upon it. People talk, it's what they do. It can't be that big of a secret. The question is who knows about it. If Crane knows, more Arkham inmates might know. More people who are crooked might know. There have been some really bad people who've been killed. If Jason can come back, so can they.

"We have to find it." Gar states.

"Why?" You ask flatly, tired of the circles you've been running.

"So we can do something about it." Gar says sternly.

"Like what?" Your voice raises.

Considering Crane is literally taking over the city, poisoning the water, and still might be wanting to distribute his drug, you think your hands a little bit full at the moment. Why go messing with something like a Lazarus Pit? That just sounds like a bad idea. Doing research into it is fine but the way you see it, it's probably best to leave well enough alone. Maybe you all should tackle one problem at a time and the Lazarus Pit doesn't seem to be a problem right now.

"I don't know! But maybe we can understand more about it and...use it for good. Or close it off so people like..." Gar's voice trails off as his eyes dodge yours. "The Joker don't get brought back."

"We should leave it alone." You urge, not missing a beat. "That's...that's Bruce and Ra's' business and Jason filled me in on the whole League Of Assassins and the Al Ghuls and I don't want to fuck with them."

"Since when are you on Bruce's side?" Gar scoffs in disbelief. The you he knows would love to do anything to get one over on Bruce, to show him up, prove he's wrong. Or just spite him in general. "He left. He left Dick to clean up his mess."

"I'm not on Buce's side." You grit your teeth. "I don't know why I have to be on anyone's side besides my own, by the way. Look, he's been doing the Batman shit a long fucking time and his methods don't always work but there has to be a reason the pit was left open." You pause for a few seconds before you shake your head. "It brought Jason back. It's not up to us to close it or do something with it."

The room falls silent with your final words. A lot of really bad people can be brought back and that is obviously a big concern. And you disagree with Bruce like you get paid for it but you know if that, of all things, was left open there is a reason for it. It brought Jason back. The way you see it, it can't be up to you and Gar to do anything about it. The Lazarus Pit isn't a battle and it's not up for Gar and you to make it into one. That's Bruce, Ra's' and Jason's business now.

"I got everything." Rachel states as she walks into the room, gaining Gar's and yours attention. The two of you get to your feet as Gar takes the bag from Rachel. "So, this happened last night? With the GCPD?" Rachel asks as Gar looks through the bag and pulls out a box of Cheeze Its.

"Yeah." You nod. "We, uh, we were set up. Dick and Babs had a plan to get the public off our backs but uh, Crane has basically the rest of the department on his payroll now so, uh, yeah." You nod your head as you look to the ground. Gar nudges you softly, offering you the bag. You look inside, seeing clothes. "Thank you." Your eyes widen at Rachel as you nod your head but before you can go to change, all of your phones start blaring an alarm.

The three of you pull out your phones, hoping this means cell towers are back up and running but you can never get so lucky. Instead, Jason wearing the Red Hood suit appears on your screens. Sam's heart falls to her feet. This is never good.

"Hello Gotham!" Jason cheers. "It's Red Hood coming to you live from the most exclusive spot in town: The Batcave. For too long, this city has been at the mercy of criminals and I'm not just talking about the Penguin and the Riddler and The Joker. I'm talking about the ones who pretend to help but only make things worse. First Batman and now the Titans. Hypocrites who feed off of your terror and pursuit of glory and they turn Gotham into a city of carnage. But it all comes to an end today. There's a new savior in town. First thing I'm going to do is burn the trash. You hear me, Nightwing? You're public enemy numero uno. But not for long, meet me at midnight. You know the place. It's time for us to finish this." Jason finishes before the screens go black.

You can feel the headache coming back. What the fuck?

"Okay, what the hell was that about?" Gar asks, looking to you.

Just last night Jason got you both to safety, took out the snipers. Gar might have been a bit out of it but he remembers that pretty vividly. Now, Jason is back with Crane?

"I literally have no fucking idea." You let out a groan, stuffing your phone back into the pocket of your suit.

"I thought he was on our side?" Rachel asks.

"Yeah." Gar raises his brows. "Isn't he supposed to be?"

"He is!" You immediately defend, desperately grabbing for an ounce of faith and reason Jason might have. "I don't know what he's doing. Maybe..." You pull in a breath, trying to figure out why he'd be acting like he's trying to target the Titans. If it were you, it'd be an act, a ploy to play both sides. "Maybe it's to meet up with Dick? I don't know. I mean, he has to make the public think he's with them and not us. He has to play along with Crane or he's dead again. And Crane clearly has access to the towers so it's not like Jason can just...call Dick. Crane might know." You nod your head, mostly just blurting out whatever bullshit you could come with on the spot.

"That's not reassuring." Gar remarks. "How do we know he's not working with Crane again?" Gar asks and he wants to hold onto hope that's not the case but after everything, even he's starting to be chiseled down into a calloused version of himself.

"We don't." You state, holding your head steady, careful not to waver. "We don't know. I don't think he would but it's always possible Crane drugged him again, I guess." You roll your eyes before you roll your shoulders. "Okay, I'm gonna go find Dick."

"No!" Gar protests. "They're going to try to kill you if you go out there. We need to stay hidden until we think of a plan."

"Yeah, I'm with Gar on this one." Rachel states, glancing between the two of you.

"I know this city like the back of my hand. I can find him and be fine." You argue back casually.

At this point, you aren't too afraid of what's out there. It can't possibly be any worse than anything you've experienced lately. You can change, go out as a civilian until you find them. It shouldn't take too long and if it does, you know where they'll be at midnight and you can go there. Someone has to find Dick before any of this gets any worse. And someone needs to find Jason to make sure he's not actually going to try and kill Dick again. You're volunteering, again.

"How are we supposed to find you again then?" Gar asks.

"I don't know." You shrug. "Rache's ESP or whatever?" Rachel offers a slight glare to you as you shrug and give her a grin. "That's kind of what it is." You mutter under your breath. "Whatever Rachel just used, use that. I'm gonna find Dick and if I can't, I know where they're gonna meet."

"Why do you know that?" Rachel asks.

"Because I know Jason and so does Dick. So I'm gonna go there if I have to." The casualness of your voice is not reassuring to Gar or Rachel.

"We're gonna try to find the Lazarus Pit then." Gar states, holding his head high as he crosses his arms.

"You're not gonna stop about that are you?" You ask slowly, giving Gar a slight glare.

"Nope." Gar offers you a smile right back which gets your rather cold exterior to crack just a little.

"Fine but can you promise not to mess with it...like don't take any water...liquid? From it, okay? Or have Rachel try to destroy it." You raise your brows at Rachel and then at Gar who starts to beam.

"Of course not." Gar nods his head once. "I just want to find it, learn more."

"Alright." You let out a sigh. "I'll change and head out. If we don't meet up and you don't hear from me before somehow, we'll meet back here at noon tomorrow, okay?"

"Sounds good." Rachel offers a soft smile. "Don't do anything stupid."

You let out a soft laugh. "Yeah, too late." You look back to Gar. "You guys don't do anything stupid." You smile cheekily at Gar before you turn on your heels. "Be careful!" You wave a hand as you leave the room.

You start your search near the tunnel system, hoping Jason will be there at least but he's not. The reality is that if Jason doesn't want to be found, he won't be. That little bit of information about him has you starting to really worry. It's probably nothing. Jason is probably just with Crane, getting information and saving his own ass. But, there's this small part of you that does wonder if he's preparing to go after Dick again. As much as you don't want it to be true, a part of your trust in him is gone. It's been ripped and torn to unrecognizable shreds. It's as if he took that trust and ripped it apart, baring his teeth with anger like a rabid bear and it can't be mended from that. It's not how it works. There is no fixing it. Just gaining something new and you are not there yet. That leaves you questioning his motives even if the beating between your ribs is telling you his intentions are only pure.

Finding Dick is of no use either. You don't even know where he would go. At least with Jason, you know he likes the school around the block from the library but he doesn't care for that library. He prefers the one near the shelter that houses mostly kids. He has his favorite gargoyle. Finding Jason, when he wants to be found, is easy but Dick? You have no clue where he would even go. He probably has places to go but you aren't sure of any of them which leaves you mostly wandering around until it gets closer to midnight.

By then, it's time to change and meet them at the spot. If nothing else, Dick will be there and you'll be able to tell him where Gar and Rachel are.

This is not how Jason wanted this to go. He wanted to meet up with Dick but with Crane having control of the entire city, he couldn't risk it. Too bad for Jason because Dick does not trust him. Dick has offered him no benefit of the doubt of this not turning into a fight and no part of Jason actually blames him even if he's mad. Of course, Dick doesn't trust him. Why would he? But Jason doesn't stop fighting him to try to explain anything and neither does Dick. Instead, the two of them fight, throwing punches and kicks. Dick uses the enigma sticks and Jason shoots at Dick a few times. It's turned into chaos.

Somehow the roles have flipped. Jason doesn't want to kill Dick but by the way Dick is fighting, Jason is scared Dick will fight him till the death and Jason doesn't want to die again...not yet. It leaves him with no choice. Fight harder, faster, better. Be better.

But Jason and Dick's attention is pulled away from each other.

"What the fuck are you idiots doing?!" You yell, fully suited up again and just walking up to see the chaos they're creating.

This does not look good. They shouldn't be fighting. If all Jason wanted to do was meet up with Dick, they shouldn't be fighting. Something went wrong and at this point, you aren't even sure who caused it this time. But by the way Dick snaps his attention back to Jason and smacks him with the stick, you almost wonder if it were Dick that started this.

Jason doesn't take it lightly, immediately stepping back into combat mode and firing a shot at him. You roll your eyes, pulling out your grappling hook and a knife. You aim the hook at Jason's feet and the knife at Dick before you fire and throw. The hook smacks Jason's feet, throwing his aim off while the knife's end hits Dick's arm with enough force to get him to drop his stick.

"Hello? What the fuck are you two morons doing?" You snap again.

"He started it!" Jason yells as he points at Dick like a child.

Dick snaps his attention back to Jason. "Me?!"

"You threatened to kill him again, Jason!" You yell at him. "Seriously, what the fuck is going on?!"

Jason spins to look over at you. You cannot believe he wanted to fight Dick again. Of all people, you have to know this is not what he came here to do tonight.

"I just wanted to fucking talk and he attacked me!" Jason points at Dick again.

"Gee, I wonder why Dick would attack someone who just threatened to kill him. It's a real brain teaser, Jay." You quip back but you roll your eyes and look over to Dick. "So...you gonna kill him now?"

"I saw him!" Dick defends as he points the stick at Jason once he picks it up. Are they both five? "At the PD." Dick clarifies. "He was on the roof when we came out. He was in on it!" Dick closes the distance between them and smacks him with the stick again.

Jason doesn't miss a beat in fighting back, not even bothering to explain that he was at GCPD to help. Of course, Jason isn't going to try to explain that now. You're just exhausted with these two. At some point, they need to learn how to communicate with words and you figure, maybe they can just fight it out for once. Maybe they need to just fight until they get tired. So, you cross your arms and decide you'll watch and try to intervene if it looks like they might actually kill each other.

Dick ends up disarming Jason entirely, sending him to the ground just as a crowd of civilians gather around to watch the show and that's when your stomach starts to sink. Jason will be fine but these people hate Dick. The fight turns into a violent hand-to-hand fight, the two of them throwing punches and kicks as hard as they can and going for the neck. Jason grabs Dick's neck, pushing him back but Dick grabs Jasn, throwing him over Dick's head and slamming him on his back onto the hard pavement. You wince at the sight and sound. Dick walks over and picks up one of Jason's guns before he goes back to Jason and stands right over him. Dick points the gun at Jason's head.

You're quick to run and stand over Jason. You look up at Dick. "Dude, put the gun down." You put your hands out in surrender, the gun aimed at your stomach. "You're not gonna kill him." Your voice doesn't waver even if you're not entirely sure if that's true anymore.

Would Dick kill him?

Jason doens't want to die. It feels wrong to be back. It feels wrong. Like he's stretching the universe too far and it's all going to snap back, straighten itself out and toss him back into the grave where he belongs. But today, at the hands of Dick Grayson? No. He is not dying tonight so he decides to taunt Dick. Even if Dick wants to kill him, he'll never do it. He'd never give Jason the satisfaction even if Dick were able to toss his morals to the side.

"I did this to you." Jason mutters.

"Shut the fuck up, so fucking help me." You look to the sky in annoyance.

"You did this to yourself." Dick points the gun past you, aiming at Jason again. You move to stand in front of the gun again.

You were just shot two days ago. As badly as it hurt and as bad as it still sucks now, you'll take the bullet if you need to. No one is dying tonight. You've all lost too many people already and this is over a miscommunication.

"Come on. Give me the fucking gun." You mutter. "You're not like us." You plead, locking eyes with Dick.

There's something about the way you say it that gains even Jason's attention. It's not pained or sympathetic, it's just honest. It's not remorseful even, just honest and candid. But it's sad with the smallest touch of desperation. It says everything Dick and Jason need to know about how you really feel about people killing other people.

Dick looks at the gun and back to you. He hands you the gun and you take it, removing the bullets immediately and tossing them before you bend down beside Jason to make sure he's okay. For a second, you really thought Dick just might pull the trigger.

"You okay?" You ask softly as Jason leans up on his forearms, his head and back throbbing from the impact.

Jason looks back at you, brows pinched tightly together but then he sees movement from the corner of his eye, grabbing his attention behind Dick. "Nightwing." Jason's voice is rough but stern, harsh. A warning. Jason's eyes widen with the slight nod of his head.

You follow his stare, seeing an innocent civilian aiming a gun at Dick. Dick's brows pull together but before he can turn around, the kid starts shooting. Lucky for Dick, the suit is bulletproof. The bullets bounce right off as Dick turns around. The gunfire comes to a stop as you and Jason watch from your spot behind him. The both of you start to worry, just a little because the suit might be bulletproof but the kid just needs one lucky shot for this to be catastrophic.

"Woah, easy. I'm not here to hurt you." Dick says, putting his hand out as he walks towards the kid.

You get to your feet first, offering Jason a hand up. Jason takes it but the two of you keep your eyes on the kid. Scared kid, a gun, a guy painted to be the enemy fighting the guy painted to be the hero. The air fills with dread, suffocating Jason with its bare hands tattooed with guilt and regret. It's his fault Dick is here. It's his fault he didn't just say what happened and what he wanted. None of these people should even be here. What is he supposed to do?

"Careful, put the gun down." Dick states.

Jason pulls out another gun, switching to new bullets. He's definitely not going to shoot a scared kid who thinks he's doing the right thing. But, he can shoot in that general direction, he can just use it as a threat if he needs to. He doesn't want to threaten the kid but if he has to he will. He did not come here to kill Dick, get Dick killed, or watch him die. Not tonight.

"What the hell are you doing?" You whisper to him.

"Being prepared." Jason mutters back.

Dick hears Jason and turns around to face him before he starts walking back toward you and Jason. Dick is on guard, feeling as if he can't trust Jason. The second his back is turned, Jason is reloading a gun. From Dick's perspective, Jason isn't done fighting and Jason poses more of a threat than the kid. So, he pulls out the enigma stick again.

Before Dick can reach you and Jason, the kid starts shooting again. Dick is blocking them but Jason pulls you behind him, blocking you from the few shots not even putting any thought into it. But, by the time the third shot rings across the stale air, it finally makes proper contact with Dick. The kid got lucky. The kid got lucky, sending the bullet into Dick's neck right above where his armor stops.

It's as if the entire scene falls into slow motion as you and Jason watch in horror as the blood spurt from Dick's neck. Jason's heart stops beating entirely as Dick's hand goes to his neck, trying to put pressure on the wound. Jason eyes the kid who doesn't even look surprised or sorry or fucking scared. He doesn't look scared. He should look scared.

Jason didn't feel scared killing all those people but if he weren't high, he would have at least felt something. There would have been some part of him that would have felt some sort of fear or remorse or pity or he would have had a thought questioning if it were the right thing to do. Is this really the last resort? He would have felt fucking something other than pride for a job well done. This kid does not look like any of those things. He looks like he just did something on a random Tuesday night. No remorse, no consequences. Just a thing he did.

What is the city turning into?

What has Jason turned this city into?

"I did it for you." The kid's wavered voice breaks the silence, shattering the slowed illusion.

Jason glances to Dick as he falls to the ground and then he looks back to the kid. This is not what he wanted. Crane, Jason, they convinced the public of this. That this was the right way. Jason may not have had a part in that video but it never would have been made if it weren't for him. The public is gonna get blood on their hands. This will clear up, somehow, someway, it will and now this innocent kid, has to deal with the death of someone on his own hands for someone who was masquerading around like a hero, like a savior.

"Red Hood." The kid states, this time the unsteadiness of his voice is gone. And then he starts chanting Jason's vigilante name, over and over and over again as the rest of the civilians join in.

You look at him with heartbreak before you run over to Dick, pushing him onto his back where you put your hand over the neck wound. How could this happen? Another person? Another fucking person? Dick was always right about Gotham. Maybe Bruce was right about Gotham.

Jason went into more detail about what Bruce said to him the day he took Robin away. Bruce had said something about how people lose themselves to the city. Maybe he was right. Maybe they go mad, maybe they turn into murderers, and maybe they die. But eventually, maybe everyone gets lost in the city of damaged hopes. And maybe Dick was right, too. This city takes and it changes people. It's as if this city needs the chaos of destruction in order to stay afloat and it waits in the shadows, just waiting for the perfect victim at the right time before it sinks its teeth into them. It bleeds them of all their good parts until there's nothing left. A perfect sacrifice for the city.

Maybe that's all Gotham is because Dick is bleeding out because some kid got fucking lucky with a gun.

Jason watches in horror and having everyone chant his name does not sound as good as he once thought it would. At one point, he thought having everyone cheer for him would feel good. He would be important but he just got his brother shot. Someone who has almost always just tried to help him. Jason has been out here trying to kill him and thanks to you, Dick was willing to trust Jason and give him a second chance but now he's just been shot and it's his fault. And he's going to die because of him.

Jason knows what it's like to die and it's fucking terrifying and painful. Tears brim his eyes and the crowd is still chanting and he sees your cheeks glistening in the low streetlights around you. He wanted to talk but when Dick attacked first, rightfully so, he just couldn't help it. He thought that it was over for him and maybe it didn't have to be. How the fuck did he get here again? He should have just surrendered. That's all he had to do but his ego and pride get in the fucking way. All he ever does is get in the way. Dick's gonna die and it's all his fault.

He wants to run, get out of here because it's all too much. Too loud, too heavy. Too much pressure. Everyone is cheering as if Jason pulled the trigger and killed the worst of the worst. They're brainwashed and Jason knows that better than anyone. Someone has to snap them out of it. It's too much but running and pushing has never done him much good.

"Get out here!" Jason yells over the crowd as the chanting slows down. Your attention, like the rest of the crowd, lands on him. "Go! Before I start fucking shooting." Jason aims the gun into the air, his arm steady and his eyes threatening.

"We're on your side!" One of the citizens announces.

"So do what I fucking say." Jason snips back. "Didn't ask for you fucking help here. Get out of here." Jason takes steps toward the crowd as they start to back away.

They grumble and mutter amongst themselves before they eventually disburse. Jason takes that as his cue to run up beside you, leaning over Dick. There's blood pooling out of his mouth as he gasps for air.

"I can't stop the bleeding." You state. "Think he hit the fucking artery."

"I got it." Jason mutters, slightly nudging you out of the way where he can replace your hands with his. You have had enough blood on your hands lately, this is on Jason.

Neither of you have ever seen Dick look scared or panicked. Surely, he feels it. He is human and normal, mostly. But, he's really good at hiding it. With Deathstroke, you didn't see the look of pure terror on his face when you were standing outside the window. You didn't see the look of horror and agony on his face as Jason was falling to his death. You didn't see it because Dick has always been good at making sure no one sees those emotions from him. He has to be strong, sturdy, and a little calloused in order for everyone else not to panic. If the leader looks panicked and scared, so will everyone else. If everyone is scared and panicked, mistakes are made and more people die. So, he hides it. Until now.

Dick can feel the blood loss taking over, making him light-headed. The blood loss and bullet wounds alone are making it harder to breathe. He knows how long he has, maybe minutes but nothing more. Not unless you or Jason can get some sort of help in the next few seconds. He's going to die and it is fucking terrifying. He isn't ready. He has too much left. Who is going to look after the Titans if he dies? Who's going to stop Crane? He has too much life to live, outside of the Titans to die tonight but he is helpless. There is no help and there is no hope. It's just him bleeding out in the middle of downtown Gotham.

"Get." Dick tries to pull in a breath. "Help."

You look around and you don't see a single person around. Your heart starts to break as the lump comes back to your throat. It destroyed you when Jason died and it destroyed you when your mom died. You're actually pretending like Tim survived just in case he didn't. You can't deal with it if he died, too. But, you look back at Dick and you're really scared he'll die.

You might fight with him all the time and disagree with him usually, but you have a lot of respect for him. He saved your life more than once. You might not like his morals but you think he is a good person and he tries a lot harder than anyone else ever would. To help innocent people. To help you, no obligation, no transaction, no contingencies. He helps you because he just does. Just like with Rachel and Gar, and despite what Jason thinks, you think that's why he tried to help Jason, too. Just because. It shouldn't be Dick to die. The Titans need him. He's a really good leader, usually. It's almost shocking but he is. And everyone trusts him. The Titans will fall apart if he dies. They practically fell apart when Donna died but Dick would kill them. The Titans need him. You need him.

Jason glances over to you, knowing this is going to be bad. He's not going to make it and by the look of devastation in your eyes, he knows you feel it, too. And then the throbbing under Jason's hands comes to a slow halt.

"Dick?" Jason questions, looking back at him. "Hey, man, stay awake." Jason holds his voice steady, careful not to let it slip how much this is ripping him to shreds. "I can't feel his pulse." Jason says quietly, glancing back to you before he pulls his hand away, trying a different spot but he still feels nothing.

"Keep your hands on the wound." You mutter, moving to the opposite side before you place your hands on his chest and start chest compressions.

Jason watches you, trying to keep his hands steady on the wound but with every ump, Jason can feel blood coming from the wound, warming his hands. The tip of Jason's nose starts to feel like it's on fire while his eyes feel like someone's just thrown sand into them. This cannot be happening. Dick is otherwise dead and he's got you doing CPR, just as you did the night Jason died. And Jason can't peel his eyes away from you as some sort of self-torture because he thinks this is probably similar to how you looked that night.

The hood of your suit falling off of your head, resting lazily on your shoulders and moving with every compression. The way your hair is a complete mess. Tear-stained cheeks shining against any light that they catch. And blood soaking your skin. Jason wonders if this is the exact sight Babs walked in on. You must have felt so alone.

"Dick!" You and Jason hear Gar's voice from across the pavement, wet footsteps picking up their pace. "What happened?" Gar yells as him and Rachel get closer to the two of you.

"He was shot." Jason states as you don't miss a single beat.

"He's not breathing." You rush with heaving breath.

"Are you sure?" Gar asks with glossy eyes.

You stop, feeling for a pulse and there's still nothing. "Positive." You continue chest compressions, looking to Rachel who falls to her knees beside you.

"Is there anything you can do?" Gar asks, looking at Rachel.

You stop, sitting back on your toes, to see if Rachel can use her powers somehow to save him. It might not have worked on Donna but maybe it could work on Dick. He hasn't been dead long. Maybe that matters and Jason and Gar seem to have the same hope. Jason pulls away while Gar keeps his stance steady, almost holding his breath as Rachel tries her powers, a purple glow coming from her hands over Dick's neck. But nothing comes from it. Instead, the purple fades as Rachel lets out a cry.

"It's too late." Rachel sniffles, looking to Gar.

Gar lets out a scream as tears start to fall from your eyes. Jason's eyes stay trained on Dick, almost distant as he thinks the pain of it all has just chewed him to pieces. What are you gonna do?

You look to Rachel who looks like she might break into a million pieces right in front of you. Gar yells again as bats crowd the space above all of you. The four of you look up, watching the bats circle around all of you. Gar starts to have problems with his eyes as he rubs them only for his face to start turning green and then his hands start to change until his body follows. Suddenly, Gar is a bat, flying with the others above you.

"Gar?" Rachel asks.

You, Jason, and Rachel get to your feet as the bats circle closer and closer to Dick, Gar right in the mix of them. You all back away as the bats fly down to Dick and start to pick him up, all of them working together. They fly Dick high into the air before they start moving.

"What...the....fuck?" You look to Rachel as she'll have some sort of answer.

"That's new, right?" Jason looks to you who just nods.

"Come on." Rachel says, without missing a beat, grabbing some of Gar's clothes before she starts following the bats and Gar.

You and Jason exchanged a confused look before deciding to follow. You both have absolutely nothing left to lose at this point.

"I thought he couldn't turn into anything else?" You ask as the three of you run to keep up with the bats.

"He turned ito a snake once." Jason answers, not even thinking.

He was possessed at the time and the reason Gar turned into a snake in the first place but Gar talked about it a lot at first. Jason tried to help him transform again, several times with different methods. Getting him mad, scaring him, sparring harder with him, they tried everything but nothing ever worked. And then Gar stopped talking about it.

"Yeah, once but now he's a bat?" You question. "What the fuck?"

"Is that really what you're concerned about right now?" Rachel asks, her voice torn between amusement and worry.

"I mean..." You suck in a breath. "It's better than the alternative. I would prefer to focus on the weird shit than the sad shit."

Rachel gives you a subtle glare as you keep up your fast walk. It's not a long walk before you all reach the entrance of a building and Rachel is the only one who understands what's happening.

"They're taking him to the Lazarus Pit." Rachel says as Gar and the bats take Dick into the building.

"What?" Jason almost demands as his steps come to a hard stop. "You found it?"

"Yeah." Rachel mutters softly, turning around to see Jason not walking and you standing a few feet in front of him.

He can't go in there. It feels wrong. How do you know Dick would want that? Would he want it? If someone were to have asked Dick before he died if this is what he wanted, would he say yes? Would he agree to it without knowing the consequences of being brought back? Would he be okay with the constant feeling of being pulled back to the dark where the Grim Reaper waits with a smile?

But Jason looks at you and Rachel, the two who Dick has saved. It's not his place to argue it. Dick hasn't been dead long. Maybe he won't feel the way Jason does. Jason was dead a few days. Maybe it's different. Maybe the Pit has different effects the longer someone is dead so it's not his place. Jason hasn't been on good terms with Dick in a few weeks, he doesn't get a say. But, he can't go in. The pull is too strong and his bones feel like they might vibrate and shatter right through his skin. He can't do it.

"You coming, Jay?" You ask softly as you close the distance between you. You thought maybe he'd want to see the thing that brought him back. It is fascinating. And maybe he could be there if it works for Dick. Maybe help.

"No." Jason shakes his head. "I'm going to Crane." Jason spits it out without thinking as he watches the shock consume your face.

"Do you think that's really a good idea?" Rachel asks as a wince almost consumes her entire expression.

Jason takes a step towards you and nods his head at Rachel before looking back at you. "I gotta try to fucking help. Maybe I can get Crane to spill with Dick dead. He won't know about the Pit."

He has to do this. Maybe he can convince Crane to give up some form of information. If the Pit can bring Jason back, it can bring Dick back. He's going to wake up in a few hours and now it's Jason's job to get him some answers so they finally put this whole thing out of its misery. He owes Dick that much.

"Are you sure?" You ask, eyes scanning his face as if fully convinced this is just him avoiding something.

Jason nods softly. "Yeah, go with them. We'll meet later." Jason offers something that's not quite a smile.

You don't like the idea but...maybe Crane will think Nightwing's death is on Jason's hands. Maybe that'll be enough for Crane to actually trust Jason just enough to offer some sort of information to him. It's the right thing to do.

"Okay." You nod reluctantly. "Be careful, yeah?"

"Always." Jason gives you the subtle smirk he always does before he nods and runs off in the opposite direction.

The two of you go into the building, following the way Gar and the other bats took as you run to catch up. You get to an open room where a glowing pool of blue liquid sits right in the middle of the room. Gar and the other bats hover above it, holding Dick's lifeless body.

"Gar, now!" Rachel yells as the bats start to lower Dick into the water.

Once Dick is lowered, the bats fly around until Dick is completely submerged and then they disburse. Besides Gar. You and Rachel sit at the edge of Lazarus Pit, just watching as it starts to bubble. This whole thing is weird but you can't help but feel just a little bit of hope. If it worked for Jason, it should work for Dick.

"You're not allowed to leave anymore." You mutter, keeping your eyes on the Pit.

"What?" Rachel shakes her head in confusion.

"You're not allowed to leave. Everything went to shit and you show up, find me and Gar and then the damn pit. You can't leave, Titans need you." You nod your head quickly as Rachel smiles softly, looking back to the pit.

Gar transforms back to himself and starts getting dressed. Once he has his pants on, he walks to the edge of the pit, standing opposite you and Rachel. He's blinking dramatically, having a subtle sway to stance as he tries to get his equilibrium back to normal.

"He's gonna make it, right?" Gar asks, looking at you.

Gar isn't sure how you would know but you're the one who's had more conversations with Jason than anyone. Jason might not know a lot but something about asking you gives Gar hope. Maybe you do know the Pit works every single time. Gar hopes it works like that.

"I don't know." You shrug. "Uh...J-Jason just said, uh, that someone put him in it and then he was alive. So..." You nod your head. "I-I guess if that's all there is...yeah. Jason was dead for a few days so..." You pull in a shaky breath.

"I can't believe he actually died." Rachel states, her eyes on the pit. She says it mostly out of hope that whatever happened with Jason to bring him back, will bring Dick back.

You glance to her before you pull your knees to your chest. You know it's because Rachel is finding all of this out for the first time while everyone else has had a few weeks to digest the news and fumble their way through the aftermath. But, no one can believe Jason not only died but then came back. It's the way it's talked about, how it's said in passing and so casually that you almost wonder if they're all just...fine with it. At the end of the day, Jason died. He died. That was something that happened and he remembers it. As someone who was nearly beaten to death, you know that was haunting. Is haunting. You can't imagine what dying is actually like. And how terrified he probably still feels. But, everyone else is...it's as if that aspect of it, doesn't matter. To some extent, you get it. You understand because he became Red Hood and decided to kill Dick. You understand because they didn't see it. But, it irks you anyway.

"Sorry." Rachel says quietly. "I didn't mean anything by it. I just meant that it's kind of crazy. Jason was reckless but I didn't think he'd actually get killed." Rachel explains calmly.

"No, it's okay." You shake your head. "You're just getting the news of everything and then Dick is killed. I get it, don't worry about it."

"Are you okay?" Gar asks, his brows knitted together in their usual state of worry.

"I'm fine." You look up to him with one stern nod. "Been here a few times, right?" You quip bitterly.

"That's why I asked." Gar nods his head.

"Yeah, I'm good." You sniffle. "Are you guys okay? I mean...it's Dick." You look between Rachel and Gar as if feeling you have no right to grieve him as much as them.

You've been at odds with Dick most of the time over the last few weeks. It doesn't seem fair for you to absorb any space for grief. It should be given to Rachel and Gar.

"No." Gar answers. "What're we supposed to do without him?" Gar's voice nearly shatters.

"We don't have to think about that because if it worked for Jason, it'll work for Dick." Rachel states with ease and you're not sure who she's trying to convince.

"Yeah." Gar says shortly.

"I think we need to force the batboys into therapy after this. Group and individual until they learn how to have a conversation." You groan, trying not to focus on Dick actually dying and not coming back from this.

"We all need therapy." Gar mutters as he comes to sit on the other side of you.

The three of you fall silent, just watching the pit with no idea how long this is supposed to take or if you'll even know if it works or not. This is definitely the pit but none of you know the logistics of it. For all you know, this isn't going to work or it could take hours or days. So, you just fall into silence, mostly thinking of everything that's happened.

It's haunting and sets reality into stone of the work you all do. Of couse, it was real the day Donna died. Wonder Girl was killed. It was real then, too. But, it was an accident. And then it was real when Jason died. But, it was Jason who was killed by The Joker. That was different. This is Dick though. He's the leader and even when he's wrong, he still knows what to do. He was Robin. He's Nightwing. He's not supposed to die and he did anyway. And it was by some kid with a gun. It wasn't The Joker or Two Face or Deathstroke. It was just some kid. A kid Dick would have protected but everyone turned their backs on the Titans over Crane. And Dick was killed for it.

What are you all supposed to do if this doesn't work? Just go back to San Francisco like nothing happened? That doesn't seem possible. It'll just feel cold and lonely.

Between the three of you sitting here, he's saved your lives more times than you can count. He is the older and annoying brother none of you really asked for. It's losing another family member. But...it hits a little different this time. So, the air around you feels like it's carrying bricks and the guilt of the entire world.

Jason, he's also still processing everything that's just happened. When he left to meet Dick, he knew he'd have to start talking immediately, given his own broadcast and conversation with Dick. But, then the flashbang went off and it's like it...triggered something in him where he just had to fight. He just had to. Something deep inside of him told him Dick would never let him explain why he did what he did. It's the immediate defensive mechanism and he knows it. But, he's on the way back to the manor and he's thinking that was just dumb. It was not giving Dick any bit of credit which Jason doesn't like to do on most days but he deserved this time. And now he's dead. He's dead and that's Jason's fault because that kid was defending him. Everything is his fault even when he is desperately clawing his way away from all of this. It follows him.

He told you that, months ago, it follows him like a curse and he has never been so sure of that. First it was his mom. He is not mad at her and he holds no resentment towards her but he wasn't enough for her. She chose those drugs every single day over him and he knows part of that was so she could function. That's how it started. It started so she could take care of him. If it weren't for him in the first place, his mom wouldn't have gotten addicted and then she'd still be here.

His dad was angry and desperate because he was just trying to provide for them. He was down and out and he was an ass and abusive but there was a point, before the alcohol, where he was trying. He was trying and if it weren't for Jason being an extra mouth to feed who needed other things, maybe his dad wouldn't have been so angry and desperate.

Had he never gone after Deathstroke, you wouldn't have been there. Had he never gone after Deathstroke, the Titans wouldn't have left and the tower wouldn't have been attacked or the Titans would have fought together. Gar wouldn't have been kidnapped and turned into a killer. Donna wouldn't have died.

You wouldn't been traumatized had he never went after the Joker. You wouldn't have been shot. Dick wouldn't have been shot and killed. Hank wouldn't have been killed. Everything that's happened has been following right on his heels like a rabid dog chasing him down a dead end alley. There is no escape. He is just stuck in this constant spiral of agony and causing everyone else around him the worst pain they will ever experience.

This is all his fault and there's nothing he can do anymore.

Even if the Pit works, will Dick remain the same? Or will he be as terrified and traumatized and stuck as Jason? Whatever side effects Dick gets from the Pit, that has to fall on Jason, too.

Jason reaches the Batcave, the cuts from Dick's punches still bleeding over his face. Crane is dragging his scythe on the floor, his face covered in fresh cuts. He's got this evil and eerie smile while there's a body on a table, cut open with his organs sticking out. This is the first time he's ever felt terrified of Crane. At the hospital, it wasn't Crane Jason was worried about it. It was who would call in. But this? This is Crane losing his damn mind on some, likely, innocent person and Jason thinks his days are definitely numbered with him. Everyone's days are numbered with him.

"Nightwing's dead." Jason states, his words flat and pained.

"Batman saved my toy." Crane says but it's only slightly enthusiastic, almost childlike as he holds up the scythe by the chain. Crane lets out a light chuckle as Jason just watches him closely, ready to move if Crane tries to pull anything. "A trinket of our courtship together. Who would have thought he was so...sentimental."

Jason's eyes narrow as he watches Crane. All of this...over his scythe? Jason knew he was insane but he's really pushing the envelope tonight.

"Did you hear me?" Jason questions but with no venom or snark. His chest is in so much agony, he doesn't think he can muster it at this second. "I said Nightwing is dead!" Jason gets himself to yell, growing frustrated.

"So?" Crane states. "Wasn't my monster." Crane states plainly but not in the way where his words feel light. This time there's something heavy and dark in his tone, running a chill up Jason's spine. The scythe drops to the floor, Crane still holding it by the chain. "He's your monster. What do you want? A cookie?" Crane offers a half-assed chuckle, mostly to himself.

A fire starts erupting through Jason's blood like an overdue volcano. He can't be serious. Getting clean, Jason realizes that so much of the shit Crane was spilling was just him manipulating him, making sure Jason had no one to run to besides Crane. But, there's some part of him that is still hurt and disgusted by the reaction. It was Crane's idea.

"You said that's what you wanted." Jason argues softly, taking just a few steps toward Crane. "When it was done, we would save Gotham my way." Jason's voice is small as the sense of betrayal kicks in.

He is only here to find out what Crane has planned and then he's gone. But, he can't help how badly it hurts. It would hurt anyway because he was manipulated into it. Turned against someone who has been looking out for him. But, Jason, as far as he knows, felt like Crane figured they were still on the same side. This doesn't feel that way. That's when Jason is realizing that's the point. Jason does the dirty work so Crane can be up at the top, hands clean and filled with the power Jason served him on a silver platter.

He knew that's all it was but maybe a part of him still believed otherwise and for the life of him, he has no idea why.

"Gotham will be saved." Crane starts his walk towards Jason, holding his scythe so it doesn't drag on the floor. "But first, it must be destroyed. As clever hopes expire, waves of fear and anger circulate over the bright and darken the lands of the earth." Crane explains as he uses the chain to sway the scythe back and forth while he paces in front of Jason.

"What the fuck kind of gibberish is that?" Jason quips back not even entirely sure if Crane is actually coherent.

"No," Crane says quickly, turning to face Jason. "No, not gibberish. No, it's the past come to life in the present." Crane pauses and Jason realizes how completely fucked he is. "An ode to the bat and his wee bird. When they stopped me, but they can't stop me now. No." Crane is looking away from Jason and Jason is starting to wonder if Crane is talking to him or just talking to himself or some third person Jason isn't aware of. "They can't stop me now...because." Crane shakes his head. "Because we will walk among them. The dead." Crane looks back at Jason and Jason hangs his head, something about him basically being the dead. "And the fallen city will be like...it'll be like a beacon. Very soon, very soon, Jason, very very soon they will die. Yes, they will die."

What the hell is this maniac even talking about?

"Who will die?" Jason asks cautiously.

"All of them!" Crane faces Jaosn as he screams, his entire face turning red. "All of them! Everybody." Crane looks to the floor and this is not how Jason wanted to fix Gotham. The answer isn't gutting the fucking the city. "You still stink of fear. After all that I've given you."

Jason's growing tired of Crane's babbling. It's not making any sense and he wants to get the fuck away from him before Crane tries to slice him in two like the other guy.

"You said I was gonna be a savior." Jason nods his head at him, a hint of disgust in his voice. "Is that your whole plan? Destroy the fucking city?"

"Is that not what it's been about?" Crane states almost whimsically.

"And how the fuck do you plan to do that?" Jason lets out a scoff but Crane just offers him a harsh glare as Jason sees his grip tighten on the chain.

Crane isn't going to tell him anything and even if he does, it'll likely be an incoherent mess like it has been the last few minutes. It was a waste of time, mostly. What Jason does know now is that he wants to destroy the entire city. There are a lot of ways to do that though and that's where he finds himself stuck. But, he can't stick around here. Not when there's no chance of getting a good answer.

"I won't help you destroy the city." Jason holds his stance, firm but calm.

"Well," Crane says with disappointment. "Perhaps you won't." Crane says before there's a pause and then he turns around quickly, throwing a scythe at Jason, still holding onto it by the chain.

Jason dodges just in time, moving quickly away from Crane. Crane follows right after him, swinging his scythe at him and just missing by a few inches. Jason keeps moving away and running, avoiding the blows each time. He does not want his head taken off tonight. That is not the plan. So, he dodges and once he sees the opportunity, he runs out of the Batcave as quickly as he can.

Crane has officially lost it which was only a matter of time before that happened. Jason was hoping they had a little bit more time but, if Crane is losing it, that means he'll be easier to take down. Once Crane starts losing his mind, he gets distracted, starts losing some of the quick thinking he's so proud of. But, Crane has something in place. It's the way he talked about it that tells Jason Crane won't need to do anything else. It's already in motion. So, now he needs to find at least you, Rachel, and Gar and maybe the four of you can figure it out. Maybe you've had some luck with the Lazarus Pit.

Jason hopes you've had luck with the Lazarus Pit.

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[lovemyromance]

What people seem to be forgetting is that main characters need a plot line that solely depends on them. They can't just be the sidekicks on the mission, they are the leading force. They can't just tag along as someone's boyfriend/girlfriend. They need a reason to be there beyond love interest drama.

Lucien, despite being nonexistent from ACOWAR on- is a main character. I might not be his biggest fan recently, but even I can agree with that. He was in every single book, has been Feyre's friend from the start.

Gwyn? I don't see it, sorry. Her story was told. She trained, she healed, she fought, she went back to the library. The end. She was Nesta's friend in ACOSF, and that is her role in this series.

To say Gwyn will get an entire book is insane, and an entire book before Elain-a main character and the third Archeron sister-is absolutely off the rails.

Why would she get a book? Is she tied to any plot? Emerie, at least, is a Valkyrie who is Illyrian so if anyone is getting an Illyrian plotline, it's likely the Illyrian woman who had her wings clipped by a misogynistic society and lives in Illyria.

But people don't seem to be very vocal about Emerie getting a book. I wonder why that is - when she is more tied to the ACOTAR plotline (not that I think SJM will even explore Illyria, but just saying), when she is also a Valkyrie, when she is also Nesta's friend.

And I'm really not trying to elevate Emerie to diss Gwyn. I'm saying neither will get a book, because they're literally side characters in ACOTAR.

ACOTAR is not TOG or Crescent City. It is not multiple POVs of multiple characters we just met. We follow Feyre for 3 books, with occasional Rhys POV. We then get a fun little novella with Feysand, Mor, and Cassian POVs. Then we go back to the dual POV pattern with Nesta & Cassian. And one bonus chapter with Azriel POV.

People seem to be forgetting SJM herself said she started planting seeds for the spinoffs in ACOFAS.

Let's look at what ACOFAS set up:

Elain avoiding Lucien, Lucien avoiding Elain

Feysand bonus chapter about Elain

Cassian got a POV

Cassian & Nesta's current state of hostility

Nesta's struggle

So Cassian got a POV, and then Nesta, his love interest got a book.

In an interview about ACOFAS, SJM said she knew Nessian was next, and even started doing research for Elain's journey.

Elain's Journey.

And in recent interviews she's spoken about Azriel's journey.

In ACOSF, we see the first ever Azriel POV.

My bet is, the next book will be Elriel. It follows the pattern. We know Elain's book is next, but if she were to be paired with Lucien- why didn't Lucien get a POV?

Why did Azriel of all people get a POV?

It's because it follows the pattern. Cass/Az got POVs, so the next book is their love interest, Nesta/Elain.

SJM has only talked about Elain and Azriel's journey. She has not talked about Gwyn's journey. She has not talked about Lucien's journey. She's given us all the pieces to this puzzle,

Of course she thought it was obvious 🤷🏻‍♀️

[ladykailitha]

Can Anybody See Me? Part 9

Just moving right along with these. Here I introduce two new people to befriend Steve. Because I like Steve having friends his own age that he hasn’t trauma bonded to. Starting tomorrow I’ll be putting up a little plot bunny that got away from me but have no fear, this one will return.

On the tagging, I HAVE REACHED MY HARD AND FAST LIMIT OF 50. I love the response this story has gotten. I do. I love you all. I love every reply, like, and reblog. It brings me so much joy, you don’t even know. But tagging is hard for my ADHD brain. I have gone up from 20 to 30 and finally 50 as my system improved but I think if I do any more than that I’ll go insane. So any future tagging requests will be ignored. Sorry.

The best way to keep update on these stories is follow me and set me on notifications. I rarely do a lot of reblogging these days (too busy churning out stories like whoa), so more often then not a post will be a story. I try to post at least once a day (some times twice if I’m trying to rush through the posting a bit like I did to make sure the Valentine fic got out in time without making people wait on Vamp!Eddie), just never at set time.

Pt 1 Pt 2 Pt 3 Pt 4 Pt 5 Pt 6 Pt 7 Pt 8 

*

Steve was biting his nail as he waited his turn at the back of the crowd to see if he had made it.

“Ain’t doing it for this time, big boy,” Eddie told him. “I will stay for emotional support though.”

Steve gave Eddie’s arm a squeeze. “Thanks, man. I’m just so nervous.”

Finally they got to the front of the line and Steve’s finger slid down the list and next Thompson was Steve Harrington.

“I got it!” he said jumping up and down. “I got it!” He hugged Eddie.

And Eddie gave him a small tap on the back in return.

“We need to celebrate!” Steve said. “I’m taking everyone out to dinner.”

Eddie laughed. “The whole school, huh? Man, I knew you were rich, but that’s a lot.”

Steve playfully shoved at him. “Noooo...I mean you and the rest of Corroded Coffin. If it wasn’t for you guys I wouldn’t have ever tried out and I want to thank everyone.”

“Sounds great, pretty boy,” Eddie said. He turned Steve around and pushed him toward his first class. “Now go, before you’re late.”

Steve laughed and started walking. He looked over his shoulder and smiled softly.

Butterflies took off in his stomach looking at Eddie. He shook his head and went to class. That was another thought for another time. If he was going to graduate, he couldn’t be late.

*

Eddie went to go pick Steve for the celebration dinner but when he pulled up to the house there was a shiny silver BMW in the driveway and the front door was open.

Shit, shit, shit.

He wasn’t going to back out now. Steve needed him. He got out of the van and skipped up to the door.

He knocked on the door frame and an elegant woman in her early forties came out of one of the side rooms.

“Who are you?” she asked, taking in his band tee and ripped black jeans with a sneer.

He held out his hand. “Edward Munson, ma’am. Steve and I are in math together.”

Just then Steve came out of his room with his dad. Mr Harrington looked thunderous and Steve more than a little frightened.

“Eddie!” Steve called out.

“What’s all this then?” Mr Harrington boomed.

“Stevie and I are doing a project in math,” Eddie explained with a grin. “Mr Vinke assigned pairs to research noted mathematicians. We picked Gosta Mittag-Leffler, the dude that is the reason the Noble prizes don’t have a math award.”

Mrs Harrington turned to her son. “Couldn’t you have worked with any of your friends?”

Steve blushed.

“It’s just Tommy and Carol in that class and since they wanted to work together, Mr Vinke put me with Eddie.”

“Can’t be helped, I suppose,” Mr Harrington said gruffly.

“I’m here to pick him up to go to the library,” Eddie explained. “But we can do it tomorrow if you’re busy?”

Steve looked to his parents, in half agony and half hope. Agony because he did want to go celebrate with his friends. Hope because even if he couldn’t do it tonight, at least he would be able to see his parents and tell them all about his good news.

“It’s fine,” Mrs Harrington said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “We’re only stopping by for a couple hours anyway. I wanted to get some of my nicer jewelry and don’t trust the mail system to get it to me intact or at all.”

Steve’s face fell. “You aren’t staying?”

“Big meeting in Chicago tomorrow morning with some very important Japanese investors,” Mr Harrington boomed, pounding Steve on the back. “Can’t be missed.”

Steve nodded. “I’ll just go get my school bag.” He ran back into his room and grabbed his things. He was back out in a flash. Steve squeezed past his dad and thundered down the stairs. He gave his mother a kiss on the cheek.

“You ready to go?” Eddie asked softly.

Steve nodded.

Eddie waved at the Harringtons. “It was nice meeting you both.”

As they walked to the van they heard Mrs Harrington say, “Well, at least he’s a polite boy.”

“I didn’t know manners were taught to trailer trash,” Mr Harrington replied with a guffaw.

Eddie winced and Steve gave his elbow a squeeze. Once the were in the van and pulling out of the drive way, both boys relaxed.

“I’m sorry about that, man,” Steve said. “They literally came home ten minutes before you got there. I tried calling but Wayne said you had already left.”

Eddie turned and looked at him. “Hey, it’s okay. Because at least this way it wouldn’t leave me and the boys hanging at the diner wondering where you are.”

Steve blushed. “It was still rude of them. They didn’t tell me they were coming home and then to just dash off like I didn’t exist. Even I can tell that this is an aesthetic that is carefully, artfully done.” He waved at Eddie’s look.

Eddie huffed out a laugh. “Yeah? What makes you think that?”  

“The shoes,” Steve explained. “They are too white and too new to be trash.”

Eddie grinned. “Look at you, being all observant.”

Steve just shook his head. “It’s not rocket science, dude.”

“No, but it is Sherlockian,” Eddie said.

Steve laughed. “Fair enough.”

*

They arrived at the diner to see that in addition to Jeff, Gareth, and Brian, Gethin and someone he didn’t know was there, too.

“Hey, guys,” Eddie greeted.

The new boy was a shocking curly-haired redhead with more freckles then hairs on his head.

“Hey, Steve! Eddie!” Jeff greeted. “This is Marty. He’s part of Hellfire Club, too. He’s a senior this year, so we’ll miss him next year.”

Steve waved. Eddie slid into the booth and Steve next to him.

“I wanted to celebrate Kyle not getting the role,” Marty said with a grin.

Steve eyed the new boy with new appreciation.

Eddie’s grin was feral. “In addition to Marty being in the club, he’s head of stage crew.”

“And assistant director this year,” Marty added with a grin.

“Ooh...” Gethin said. “Many hats this year.”

“Yeah,” Marty said. “It’s going to be hectic. I can’t wait.”

Steve grinned. Marty reminded him of Dustin a lot. “I’ve gotta ask. Why didn’t you want Kyle to be Thomson?”

“Because he cheated on the first audition,” Marty deadpanned.

All eyes went to Marty as they stared at him in shock.

“How?” Brian asked.

“He recorded a perfect version of himself singing and lipsynced with the Walkman in his pocket,” Marty explained.

“So how come he didn’t do it again?” Eddie asked.

Marty pulled something out his pocket. It was a small cassette tape. He waved it back and forth with a smirk.

“I may or may not have removed the tape just before he went on.”

Steve laughed. “I think you’re my new favorite person.”

Eddie clutched his chest. “I’m wounded, Stevie. So wounded that I am no longer your favorite person.”

“All right, all right,” Steve said, rolling his eyes. “Marty is my second favorite.”

“But I’m the one that destroyed your art project!” Gethin protested.

“Tied for second then,” Steve amended.

Suddenly the other boys were fighting over being his third favorite. Or fourth. There was some debate over that.

They only stopped when it came time to order.

Once they all got their drinks, Eddie held his up. “To Steve!”

“To Steve!” everyone else parroted back.

“Thanks, guys!” Steve said, blushing.

*

It was very late when Eddie pulled up to the now empty and darkened house.

“Thanks, Eddie,” Steve murmured. “That was fun.”

“You’re welcome,” he replied. “Just let me know if you need a fake report to show your parents.”

Steve laughed. “I don’t think they’ve looked at so much as my report card since seventh grade. I think I’m good, man.”

Eddie just shook his head. “See you tomorrow, Stevie.”

“Good night, Eds,” Steve whispered. He got out the car and waved good night.

Eddie waved back and waited until Steve was inside, before his eyes slipped shut.

He was in so much trouble. It had been so long since Eddie had a crush on anyone that he forgot what the warning signs were.

Wanting to spend every minute of every day with them. Check.

Wanting to do things for them all the time. Check.

The warm fuzzy feeling in his chest whenever he saw them. Check.

Wanting to be even more outrageous to catch their eye. Check.

Being jealous of other people spending time with them. Triple check.

Fuck.

When Steve had said that Marty was his new favorite person, Eddie’s own personal green-eyed monster began hissing in his ear. It immediately went running when Steve amended his statement, though.

Which was something Eddie should examine more closely. But if he was being honest with himself, he didn’t want to. In case the answer wasn’t the one he wanted.

Eddie was a little bit furious with himself. Steve was a known ladies’ man. like besides his hair, it’s what he was famous for. So unless Steve was secretly a Rock Hudson or Rupert Everett then Eddie was screwed. Crushing on straight boys was a death sentence to any gay man. But especially when that was all that was available in Bumfuck, Indiana.

He pulled out the driveway trying to come up with ways to break his crush on Steve without breaking their friendship.

By the time he got home he was no closer to an answer than he was at Steve’s.

Part 10 Part 11  Part 12 Part 13  Part 14  Part 15  Part 16  Part 17 Part 18  Part 19  Part 20  Part 21

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[kywaslost]

Just Rest Will You? - Dean Winchester

A/N: Ahh, how I miss writing for Supernatural. Definitely discovered I can’t write as well for this fandom as I can for others, but here I am! I’m writing at least one fanfic for every character I’ve ever written for (with a few exceptions) because why not! Dean Winchester is story #3!

“How’re they doing Sam?” Dean asked harshly as his foot pressed the pedal of the Impala further down. “Sam?!” There was a whimper, then a groan, coming from the back seat. Dean’s eyes furrowed in worry. “Hang in there Y/N. We’re almost to the hospital.” 

    “They’re losing a lot of blood,” Sam answered, pressing his flannel harder against your wound. “Stay with us, Y/N. You’ll be ok.”

    And they were right. When you arrived at the hospital the doctors kept you overnight. They gave you a blood transfusion and stitched you up. With the assurance of Sam and Dean, they let you go home. You were miserable, though. You were stuck either in your bedroom or the living room. The brothers wouldn’t let you do anything, even research. You were allowed to read, but that was it. No case searches, or anything that would cause you stress. 

    What the brothers didn’t know was that not doing anything stressed you out more than any hunt ever has. You felt useless, laying around while Sam and Dean searched for anything that went bump in the night. You tried to get up and move around. Searching for books to read but they forced you to lay down and let them do it all for you.

    One night it was just you and Dean. Sam went out to get groceries and pick up dinner, leaving on the couch in the library and Dean sitting at the table. You had a hard time standing still, however, and it was driving Dean insane. You tried several times to stand and browse the shelves, or go to the kitchen for a drink, but he stopped you every time. 

    “Quit moving around,” Dean griped from the table. You were trying to take a nap, but you were so anxious you couldn’t sit still. You kept moving around, rolling over or sitting up every minute. “Just go to sleep already.”

    “I can’t--” you were cut off by a sharp pain in your side where your stitches were. Then you felt blood running down your side.

    “That’s why,” Dean said with a sigh, rushing over to you. He lifted up your shirt to assess the damage. “You pulled your stitches.” He stood. “I’ll be back.” Dean returned a few moments later with a first aid kit, instructing you to lie down so he could patch you up.

    You pulled your stitches again the day after, only this time Sam was with you. He was letting you help him cook. When you reached up in the cabinet, you felt the same stinging pain in your side. Sam had to restitch them.

    Dean confronted you that night while he was helping you to bed. “Why can’t you just take it easy and rest?” he asked, throwing your blanket over you. “You're driving me insane, baby.”

    You looked away from him. “You don’t get it.”

    “What do I not get?” He sat down beside you. 

    “I hate feeling helpless,” you confessed, tears welling in your eyes a bit. “I can’t do anything except lay around while you and Sam work on saving the world.”

    Dean placed a hand on your shoulder. “Well, you can’t get any better if you keep injuring yourself.” His thumb rubbed against your skin gently. “I get that you want to get back to work, but tearing your stitches is only slowing you down. Sam and I are just trying to look out for you.”

    You sniffled, then nodded. “I know, but I don’t like feeling like this.”

    “Scoot over,” Dean instructed. You did as asked, watching as he slid under the covers and laid down beside you. His arms wrapped around you gently, carefully avoiding your wound. “You’re not helpless, Y/N.” He pressed a kiss to your head. “Now get some rest, and take it easy. You’ll be back in shape in no time, I promise.”

[wisdomssdaughterr]

PROJECT SUNSHINE CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE → ONE WEIRD NIGHT

summary: steve harrington x oc

when another product of Hawkins National Laboratory escaped a long-survived nightmare alongside her sister, she crashed into one unsuspecting teenage boy and dragged him deeper into the dark mysteries that made up their hometown.

word count. || masterlist

warnings: cannon typical violence, child abuse, horror, gore, and depictions of mental illness. parts of this story were written pre-season 4 release. cannon divergence.

previous chapter ← → next chapter

In the passenger seat of an old, beat-up car, Calum Miller drummed his fingers against his chin in thought. He was unable to let anything go or be; his mind was a tangled web of suspicion that his hometown wasn’t what everyone believed, and he was almost desperate to prove it. 

“You know, maybe the whole Pennhurst idea wasn’t too far-fetched. It’s possible Danielle and even Will ended up there somehow,” he thought aloud. The whole story surrounding Danielle Torres drove him mad. No printed article or half-assed story the long-lost teen uttered convinced Calum that there wasn’t more to the story. He had done his research and in nearly every kidnapping case, it was unlikely the victim survived a week, let alone ten years. Someone- Danielle, her family, the Hawkins P.D., and probably others- was coving something up. They didn’t want the public to know something and Calum wanted to know what. He also wanted to know- no, he needed to know- if it had anything to do with his dad. 

“Jesus Christ,” Tamera huffed. 

“Are you really still upset about the tutoring thing? I know we blew it, but we can think of something else-” 

A dry, humorless laugh sounded from Tamera, and her eyes remained glued to the road. “No, you idiot. I’m not mad you blew the tutoring idea. I didn’t even want to do that! I’m mad that you basically accosted Danielle. She hasn’t come around the library in days,” she said. “I liked talking to her. She’s nice and sweet, and you scared her off! Now I’m gonna be lucky if she ever talks to me again.” 

Calum frowned. He didn’t understand why she didn’t see how weird things were with Danielle’s story. Sure, she seemed nice and all, he wasn’t doubting that, but something wasn’t right about her or how she found her way back to Hawkins. 

“Come on, Mara-” 

She cut him off with a quick glare. “No. Just let it go, please.”

Once again, the friends found themselves trapped in the same loop of a conversation they’d been having for weeks. Calum had thrown almost all of his focus into scraping together clues that would lead him to his dad, and Tamera had helped him where she could. But with the dead ends they kept meeting and then Calum’s questioning of Danielle, Tamera was getting visibly annoyed with him. 

Maybe he was being annoying about it, but he needed to find his dad and fix things. He needed his mom to stop drinking herself into a coma each night because of her husband’s absence. The only thing he had was that Danielle Tores returned the same week his dad and Will Byers went missing. Will returned but his dad didn’t. 

With a sigh, Calum ran a hand through his blond hair and pressed the issue further. “I told you, Mara, I can’t let this go. My dad is out there somewhere, and I have to find him.” 

She shook her head but didn’t ignore him; she wanted to convince him his efforts were misplaced and useless, but it wouldn’t work. Calum was too stubborn for anyone to convince him he was wrong. “There is nothing but that week connecting Danielle or Will or anyone to your dad. You have nothing besides those insane theories with no proof. You’re trying to turn nothing into something.” She paused and her anger melted into something of guilt before she continued, “Your dad is gone. He left, Cal. That’s all there is to it.” 

Her words stung like a slap to the face, but he tried not to let them get under his skin. Tamera sounded like his mom. The woman had shut down every possibility of her husband being taken or vanishing. She insisted he left her, but her behavior told a different story. There were problems between his parents, mostly because his dad spent a lot of time away at work, but they loved each other. That could explain her unraveling in his absence, but something about the way she acted was wrong. She didn’t seem sad or heartbroken; she was relieved and enraged in the most confusing of ways. There was something he was missing; his parents were telling him something. 

His mom didn’t make a livable wage as a hairdresser in downtown Hawkins. The job was more of a side hobby that she used to make some extra cash. It was Calum’s dad who was the breadwinner of the family. He didn’t know what his dad did, but it was some government number-crunching job that he never talked much about out of fear he’d bored his son to death. All Calum knew was that he brought in more than enough money to support them, but when he disappeared, Calum worried he and his mom would sink without the income. He picked up extra shifts at the arcade and got a second job at the movie theater in hopes of making ends meet. 

Then, one night when he returned home late from work, he saw his mom dressed in the same clothes as the day before, not having been to work. Calum mustered up enough courage to ask her how they were going to support themselves without Dad’s money. She shrugged him off and told him not to worry about it and that it was “all taken care of.” That only made him more confused. How was it taken care of? Who were they getting the money from? 

“My dad wasn’t a bad guy,” Calum said, keeping his tone level even though he was screaming on the inside. “There was no reason for him to leave like that. He didn’t take anything, and he didn’t say goodbye. There was nothing, he just vanished.” 

If his dad was going to leave, he would have said something to Calum, that much he believed. 

There was more that occurred that week that only heightened his suspicion that something odd was going on. “You know, that night he didn’t come home there were power outages all over town. Mr. Robinson said it had something to do with that power company in the woods, the one with the military out front.” 

Tamera rolled her eyes. “Oh wow. The Department of Energy had trouble with the power in November. That obviously means aliens came down and abducted by aliens.” 

“I’m being serious!” Calum snapped. Power outages had occurred more than a week than they had all year, according to the Hawkins Post. He knew it was a stretch, trying to connect a series of weird power outages to his dad’s disappearance, but he felt in his gut that there was something weird going on.  

“Don’t you think it's a little strange that a bunch of vans from the Department of Energy were at Nancy Wheeler’s house?” 

“What?” Tamera asked. 

He explained to her what he saw. The Department of Energy was out and about that whole week; Calum recalled seeing their vans around town, but not once did he see anyone working on the powerlines. He was no electrician, but he knew that the Department of Energy vans never came around the summer prior when a wicked storm knocked the power out for three days in the dead of July. Men were out working on lines from dawn to dusk trying to get the power back. What was different that time? His curiosity and suspicion peaked when he saw a line of those vans outside Nancy Wheeler’s home. 

Calum had cut through the neighborhood on his walk home from work. He needed to clear his head in the wake of his dad disappearing. When he reached the top of a hill that overlooked the other half of the neighborhood, he saw the collection of vans at the Wheeler’s home and the series of men and women, dressed in suits, carrying boxes out of the home. It made no sense to him. Who were those people and why were they at the Wheelers? But then he mulled it over and little connections were made. Nancy Wheeler was best friends with Barbara Holland who had also gone missing and never returned during that week. Her little brother was best friends with Will Byers. And her boyfriend, Steve Harrington was supposedly childhood best friends with Danielle Torres. It seemed to perfect to a coincidence.

Tamera a quiet for a long moment before she said, “That is… weird.” It was more than that, but he was happy with her not telling him to give up his pursuits. 

“That’s not all, either. I skipped school two days ago because I didn’t want to play basketball in gym-”

“Which is ridiculous, by the way,” Tamera said. “But continue.” 

“I ran to the store and when I was talking home, I saw Nancy and Jonathan Byers together. They came out of Radio Shack with a bag full of stuff.” The pair was odd, but Calum had seen them together more since the start of the school year. “I couldn’t get close enough to hear most of their conversation, but I swear I heard them mention Barbra Holland.” 

Tamera looked unconvinced. “Barb and Nancy were friends. I’m sure she talks about Barb.” 

“I guess, but did you know Nancy and Steve eat dinner with the Holland once a month? I bet they also think Barb’s still somewhere out there just like her parents do. The Hollands are selling their house to pay for a private investigator.” 

“How do you know all of this?” 

Calum’s mother was still on the fritz, but she had resumed working at the salon, just not as frequently as she had before his dad vanished. Calum helped around the place when he caught a break from work. If there was one place someone could get any information they wanted, it was the hair salon. The mothers, aunts, daughters, and sisters of Hawkins liked to talk about everyone and everything. 

“I have my sources,” Calum said, smoothly. “And those sources confirmed that they saw the private investigator the Hollands hired talking to Danielle more than once. If all of this shit isn’t connected, how do you explain that?” 

“I don’t know.” She paused before glancing at him through slightly more sympathetic eyes. “Just don’t jump the gun on this, okay? I agree that all of that stuff is weird, but there’s still no proof it’s connected to your dad.” But it had to, Calum thought.

He wanted to make Tamera understand, somehow, but before he could get another word out, a car came barreling down the street toward them. 

“Shit!” Tamera yelled as she jerked the wheel to the side and narrowly avoided the speeding car. Bright headlights flooded Calum’s vision and he let out a matching scream alongside Tamera. Their car veered slightly off the side of the road, the right wheels in the grass, as the other car passed, they continued racing down the road. 

Calum clutched his chest, feeling like he just suffered a mini-heart attack. “Jesus Christ! Who the hell was that?” he asked. 

Looking in the rearview mirror, Tamera narrowed her eyes under her large, wire-framed glasses. “I think that was the new kid’s car.” 

“What an asshole.” 

→←

Steve was dead, he had to be. Dead, but in a lot of pain, which didn’t make a lot of sense but even thinking was too painful. Every one of his muscles ached and his head felt too heavy for his body. His eyes were still closed when he tried to move, but it was as if he was crammed into a small space that wouldn’t allow his limbs to stretch. With a groan, he forced his eyes open despite the pounding in his head. 

The world was a blur in front of him. He tried to rub his eyes and clear his vision, but someone grabbed his wrist. “No, don’t touch it.” Dustin’s voice filled his ears as the kid’s face came more into focus. “Hey buddy, it’s okay. You put up a good fight. He kicked your ass, but you put up a good fight.” 

Oh, God. That was the only thought that flowed through Steve’s mind as the events of the night rushed back to him. The feeling of glass shattering over his head, the screams from the kids, and the taste of blood in his mouth all came back to him. 

From right beside Steve, another familiar voice sounded. “Please slow down,” Sunshine groaned. 

“Don’t throw up in here,” Mike replied, his head popping up on the other side of Dustin. 

“Okay, you’re gonna keep straight for half a mile, then make a left on Mount. Sinai,” Lucas instructed from somewhere in front of Steve. 

Steve had no idea where he was. All of the voices pounded against his skull and there was a weird feeling like he was moving. The last thing he remembered was blacking out in the Byers living room, but he was sure he wasn’t there anymore. Why did he feel like he was moving? 

He tried to sit up, but he was in an uncomfortable and awkward position. There were too many people too close to him. All he could do was look forward and focus on figuring out what was going on. Then, it dawned on him that in front of him was the front seat of a car and he was indeed moving. Not only that but the car was being driven by a redhead who sat way too close to the steering wheel. 

“What’s going on?” Steve started to panic. 

“Relax,” Dustin said, in a lame attempt to ease Steve’s worry. “She’s driven before.”

Mike scoffed. “Yeah, in a parking lot.” 

“That counts,” said Lucas. 

On the furthest side of the backseat, pressed up against the door with his hands shoved in his pockets and his hoodie pulled up over his head, Luke shook his head. “No, it definitely does not.” 

Ignoring them, Dustin looked down at Steve with an expression that looked slightly guilty. “They were going to leave you behind, but I promised that you’d be cool, okay?” 

It certainly was not okay; Steve was in a car being driven by a child. “What is happening?” Steve’s words came out a little slurred. He tried to sit up again as he repeated, “No, no, no.” But a small yelp sounded from his other side as his elbow hit something that was not the door. 

“Ow! Steve, stop moving.” Turning his head, Steve noticed that Sunshine was wedged between the door and him. His elbow was jammed into his ribs and her arm was wrapped around his shoulder, holding an ice pack to his cheek that he hadn’t even noticed until that moment. The side of his face felt numb but the panic inside of his was red hot as he peered past Sunshine and out the window to see Hawkins fly by. 

“No! Stop the car! Slow down!” he yelled. 

“I told you he’d freak out,” Mike huffed. 

From the driver’s seat, Max yelled, “Everybody, shut up! I’m trying to focus!” 

“Oh, wait, that’s Mount. Siani,” Lucas said, looking between the map in his hands and the road. Max shot him a confused look before he frantically pointed to the quickly approaching turn. “Make a left! Make a left, now!” 

Max muttered a string of curse words and yanked the steering wheel as hard as she could to make a sharp left turn. Everyone in the car screamed as a mailbox bounced off the hood of the car and flew over them before landing in the dust the car kicked up from its veer off the road. 

The rest of the trip was a blur. Steve was squished in the backseat and his ears rang from his blow to the head the yelling that filled the car. Somewhere along the way, they nearly collided with another car that was unlucky enough to be on the road at the same time as them and Max nearly drove them all into a ditch. 

Steve squeezed his eyes closed and held onto Sunshine’s arm for dear life as he silently prayed for their trip to be over. It felt like an eternity later, but eventually, Max pulled into an empty field and slammed down on the break. The car lurched forward to a sudden stop, and as everyone fell back against their seat, a collective sigh of relief rang out. 

“Incredible,” Mike said, breaking the silence with a look of bewilderment and awe in his eyes. 

Max pulled the keys from the ignition and tossed a look to the backseat. “I told you. Zoomer.” 

Steve didn’t know what the hell she was talking about, and he didn’t care. He needed out of the car before he hurled. 

Everyone was on the same page and made quick work of getting out. Sunshine pushed open the door and nearly tumbled out of the car before she leaned heavily against the side of it. 

Steve rubbed his throbbing temples, but his effort to collect himself was cut short as the kids all started pulling supplies out of the trunk and placed them near a gaping hole in the ground. 

“Guys,” he said, trying to get their attention. “What do you think you’re doing?” His words were still a little slurred and he had to hold onto the car door to keep himself upright.

“Steve,” Sunshine sighed, but Steve couldn’t stop his anger from bubbling up at the kids as they continued to move and ignore him. 

“What are you, deaf? Hello! We’re not going down there! I made myself clear!” 

A hand grabbed his shoulder and forced his attention. Sunshine peered up at him. He couldn’t see much in the darkness of the field, but it didn’t make much to notice the tiredness that adorned her features. Her brows were furrowed and there was blood smeared against her skin; Steve wondered how they kept finding themselves in those kinds of situations, blooded and bruised and exhausted. 

“I thought we were on the same page?” he said, exasperatedly tossing his hands up in the air, causing her to lose her hold on his coat and step backward. “This is insane and dangerous!” He didn’t intend for his voice to come out as loud as it did, and it was more pointed at the kids than Sunshine, but she still flinched. A wave of guilt instantly ran through him. He closed his eyes once more and willed the world to stop spinning so fast.

“Steve, you’re upset, I get it,” Dustin said, approaching the two teens. Steve rubbed his eyes once more and settled his gaze on the kid who held Steve’s backpack and bat. Dustin wore a pair of swimming goggles and a bandana tied around his neck; he looked ridiculous. “The bottom line is, a party member requires assistance and it’s duty to provide that assistance.” 

Steve hated how loyal the kids were to each other; he’d never seen a group of friends so utterly devoted to one another, and if they weren’t standing at the edge of a hole that led into another nightmare or if Steve hadn’t just gotten the shit beat out of him, he’d probably think it was sweet. 

“Now,” Dustin continued, holding out Steve’s backpack toward him. “I know you guys promised you’d keep us safe. So, keep us safe down there.” 

Steve turned and looked at Sunshine, who was already looking at him. She brushed her frizzy hair behind her ears and wiped the dried blood from under her nose. “They’re going to do this with or without us.” Steve knew she was right, and he knew Hopper and Joyce were going to kill them. 

“Fine,” he said and grabbed his backpack. “Let’s go.” 

Tag list. @sattlersquarry , @echoing-oursong , @leptitlu

[neruro]

even if i dont know anything...

✧˚ · . perhaps you wanted to see him in a different way. someone other than someone you couldn't be.

– character/s: tighnari x reader

– notes: angst w/ comfort, childhood friends trope, mild spoilers for the genshin manga / collei's backstory

First: The time you had enough courage to finally try and enroll into the Akademiya.

You had always wanted to explore Sumeru's forests, meet exotic animals, and meet similar-minded pupils and teach them all about what you learned on your adventures. You even made sure to write down everything your remembered about the 'aranaras' that children chirped on about. Archons, you worked ever since you were a child to get accepted into the Akademiya.

Though once you finally got the letter, you stared at it, hesitating for a good five minutes before slowly and carefully tearing it open.

'Thank you for considering enrolling. Unfortunately, we regret to inform you...'

That was all you needed to read before you showed the letter to your dear childhood friend, who insisted – annoyingly, you would add – on accompanying you as you read it.

"Eh... C'mon, just because you weren't accepted into the Akademiya doesn't mean you can't pursue your dream." Your fox friend said as he squinted at the fancy letter. "Maybe you'll become an expert researcher and they'll be on their knees to have you back."

You turned to him, eyes glancing at his sympathetic ones before turning back to the paper, giving it a hard glare, and crumpling it up, giving it a careless toss to somewhere in your room.

"At least you got accepted, 'Nari." You poked his shoulder, keeping your tone as light as possible. "Bring me some books from the library when you start studying, alright?"

Tighnari frowned at your response. "You're still upset."

"Maybe a little," You responded, though you were quick to change the subject. "But! My favorite fox is going to the Akademia to study. He'll have all the knowledge of those insane scholars at his disposal. I can ask him to teach me and it'll be easier than writing all those essays."

"So I'm your personal professor now?" He sighed with a gentle flick of your forehead. "Dummy. If you don't understand what I teach you, that's your own fault."

'Perhaps that's why I was never accepted.' You think to yourself, concealing your bitterness as Tighnari started lecturing you about using him as your personal tutor. 'I won't understand anything like you do.'

You admired him. You appreciated him. And, of course, you were happy when you saw the joy on his expression when he read his acceptance letter. But some days... You had to admit it was hard to look at him when all you saw was someone who was everything you longed and worked to be.

Second: A Dendro Vision.

In this world, getting a vision was a blessing from the gods. It practically guaranteed more opportunities, more connections, the power to capture your dreams in your hands and fulfill them to your liking. You knew the world was unfair, but you hoped you would be blessed by the gods like some others in Sumeru City that your family had always pointed out with stars in their eyes and admiration in their voices. You hoped you could've been able to be the subject of their admiration with the fox hybrid down the street who joined you on observing plants.

When Tighnari met you in a cafe after a couple months at the Akademiya, your eyes instinctively looked at his glowing Dendro Vision pinned to his chest before anything.

'Of course...' A small, tiny, insignificant part of your mind thought. 'What did I expect? Of course he would make more progress that I could've ever hoped...'

"It's been a while, Tighnari." The more sensible side of yourself forced out. "I expect you to tell me everything, alright? Don't leave any details out!"

He laughed, with that smile that couldn't help but disintegrate all your envy, all your worries, all the reasons why it hurt to see him despite him being in your life since practically birth. You weren't ashamed to admit you really, really liked him. His furry ears he allowed you to pet, his gentleness that showed itself whenever you needed it, his intelligence that he wasn't afraid to use to help others, his words of reassurance whenever you expressed how annoying little things were.

It was funny, you couldn't help but think. Even after all the times he comforted you, you were still feeling the same way.

Was it selfish of you to feel like his words weren't what you wanted to hear?

But if that was the case...

What did you want to hear?

Third: When he came to your house.

It was the middle of the week and in the middle of the day. Knowing Tighnari, it was the most random timing he could've ever chose to meet you. With a new set of clothing and a faint forest-scent, he helped you prepare supper.

"I joined the Forest Watchers," he announced. "When I got there at first... Honestly, they were a bunch of rookies who need a couple books on Botany. Can't even tell a poisonous mushroom from an edible one..."

"Talking trash about your co-workers isn't something I'd expect from the Tighnari, the master botanist." You joked, earning another gentle flick to your forehead.

"I'm not talking trash. Besides, after I taught them a few lessons, they picked up on things right away. They're quick learners, which make them excellent at their job."

"Teaching similar-minded pupils..." You laughed softly. "That sounds nice."

His ears must have picked up something in your voice because he stopped what he was doing and turned to you, placing gloved hand on your shoulder to get your attention away from the vegetables you were cutting. His touch was gentle and his eyes were kind as they always were. You wished you could've recognized that more often.

"Hey, you okay?" He asked. "Did I say something wrong?"

"Quite the contrary," You said, turning back to the cutting board. "I'm happy for you. It sounds like life is treating you well."

His gaze lingered on you for a few more moments.

"Yeah, I suppose so."

He was silent the rest of the preparation of your meal. You didn't mind it. But his fidgety mannerisms told you all you needed to know.

"Y'know, we could really use some more help. I'm sure your competent enough to not see a Rishboland Tiger and think that you can form an interspecies friendship." Tighnari said during the meal, half-serious and half-jokingly. "It would be nice being with you more often too. You seem a bit... Anxious every time we meet."

You stayed silent for a moment, stirring your soup. The fragrance was relaxing, likely due to the herbs Tighnari insisted on adding. But you couldn't focus on the taste when he had offered you such a drastic change to your life.

"I'll think about it." You ended up saying. "Thank you for the offer though."

Fourth: The time you served as Tighnari's assistant.

You'd like to think you trusted him completely, as you told him everything you wanted to do, the things you dreamed of as a child, your goals for the future... Two peas in a pod, a couple of forest rangers would comment.

It was around Spring by the time Cyno came back from Mondstadt with a girl, no older than the age of fourteen. A shy and timid child who didn't know how to write was named Collei, you met with Cyno as he entered Gandharva Ville, quite amused by the awkwardness of his green-haired companion.

"Would you like a Pita Pocket, Collei?" You asked, opening your bag that all Forest Rangers were required to bring. "They might not be better than Monstadt food, but it's guaranteed to fill you up."

"Oh- Uhm... Ah, thank you..." She took it from your hand, immediately shrinking behind the Mahamattra.

"Don't mention it. I look forward to working together."

"Oh. Tighnari made those things for dinner once." Cyno said, taking a glance at the snack. "It's... Pita appetizing, don't you think?"

Collei looked up to the male, confusion written all over her face.

"It seems you don't get it. 'Pita,' is similarly pronounced to 'pretty,' so pita appetizing... pretty appetizing..."

"Cyno, you met the girl a few days ago and now you're already bombarding her with your horrible jokes?" Tighnari emerged from one of the houses, letting out an audibly annoyed sigh. "I suppose this young lady's name is Collei? I'm Tighnari, Chief Officer of the Forest Rangers of Avidya Forest. I see you've already met my assistant."

"I- It's nice to meet you, sir!" Collei stuttered with a mouth full of Pita Pocket.

The girl, you soon found out, was rather endearing. What she lacked in knowledge and skills, she made up for in passion and determination. Despite being in poor health, she tried her best to do the duties you and Tighnari gave her. And you were proud to say you formed a pleasant relationship with her.

However...

"I was thinking... Maybe you could leave Collei's training to me?" Tighnari said when Collei went off to bed. "Her topics are getting a bit advanced, and it's difficult to train students–"

"Tighnari," You finally whispered, quiet enough so that only he could hear it. "I'm not a rookie Botanist who doesn't know what they're doing. I know that. But you... Just because you went to the Akademiya and you have a Dendro Vision, do you think that you're more experienced and passionate than what I've been working to be my entire life?"

You turned to him, hating looking at him, though you loved him. You were angry at him though you were always happy for him. You envied him though you admired him. Emotions swirling in your chest– humans were just so complicated, weren't they?

"You... You know I don't mean it like that." He said calmly, though the twitch of his ears betrayed his true emotions. "I don't want to tire you or put too much work on your shoulders. I don't think it's healthy for you, especially right–"

"Of course... I don't know anything, do I? I don't know anything about teaching students things I've spent my entire life learning in books and research I spent all my mora on." You felt awful, lashing out at him like that. But your words tumbled out of your mouth before you could regret them. "It hurts me every time I look at you. You're so... Wonderful, 'Nari. But all I see is someone who was given everything I worked towards. All I see is what I could've been, someone better."

His ears twitched again at your outburst, taking in everything you said.

He took a couple steps toward you, pausing to gauge your reaction. No signs of dismissal or severe irritation– so he held you against his chest, sighing quietly in your ear.

"I admit, I don't entirely understand what to do in this situation. But one thing I do know is that you don't have to be me. And you certainly don't have to try and be better than me."

You looked up at him, seeing his gaze turn away as he spoke. “Even if I may have been dealt a better hand, you learned to never give up on your dreams. I’m proud of you. You may not be a vision holder who graduated from the Akademiya, but you’re my Shroomboar who followed me around when I did my research when we were kids and insisted on fanning me when I travelled the desert with my father. After all, you’re standing here in front of me, aren’t you?” He said, a hint of a fond smile on his delicate features. “It might be difficult to let go of the mindset you have right now, and I may have not majored in psychology, but I want you to know how amazing you are by yourself. You don’t need to be like me, or anyone else as long as you never give up. I’ll be waiting patiently for you to come to that realization, okay?”

He’ll be waiting for you, until the day you're ready.

Though was that the answer you wanted?

The next move is up to you.

[ebongawk]

129 for the meme!

129. “I told you I’d come home to you.”

It was the longest they'd ever been apart.

In the past, any of Eddie's tours had been short stints. Corroded Coffin's label called it strategy, pushing them into short stints as an opening show for larger, more well-known bands in order to give them a dedicated following that screamed for more.

Eddie had complained endlessly about the exploitation of it all. I mean, Christ, Cunningham, they're basically just leading us into the gallows by a string!

And, for awhile, it did kinda seem like that. But, after a few tours like that, the band started selling merch.

Then selling more merch.

Then selling out of merch.

Then they had to stop doing meet-and-greets because they were being swarmed, and that was when the label finally gave them a permanent opening slot for the back half of the North American tour with Soundgarden.

Freaking Soundgarden!

(Whether or not Chrissy knew who Soundgarden was prior to this was secondary.)

They'd started on the west coast, which had been extraordinarily convenient, since Chrissy could make the shows near their Oceanside home. Strategically picking days where her classes weren't necessarily important.

Then, as they'd moved further away, Chrissy had been confined to their apartment. To her semester finals and the library and a boyfriend she only got to talk to maybe once a day.

It was such an amazing opportunity, and he and the band had worked so incredibly hard to get where they were. Chrissy was unimaginably proud of him, even as the distance cut into their relationship and the space in their shared bed felt bigger and bigger as the nights passed.

One night, Nancy had come down from Lenora Hills while visiting Jonathan and taken her for a girl's night out. Chrissy had stumbled home just when the phone rang, excitedly answering Eddie's call before almost immediately dissolving into tears.

"You're gonna find someone better," she'd sobbed. "Some–– Some hot rocker chick with piercings and tattoos and–– and a freaking mohawk or something!"

Eddie had laughed like it was the most absurd thing she could've said.

"How could I possibly want that when I have perfection waiting for me back at our place?" he'd replied easily. "I'm gonna come home to you, sweetness. Promise."

That had been a month ago. A full month after the start of the tour. Eddie had another month still left in the tour. And it was great, and he really seemed to love it, and Chrissy only had one more semester left of school and then she could join him on tour whenever she wanted because there was anthropological research to be done in every part of the world, and all she needed was a library and a typewriter.

She just. She really missed him.

They'd gotten off the phone a half hour ago. Eddie had sounded particularly breathless, and Chrissy knew without asking that he'd just finished up yet another incredible performance. One where girls were probably screaming and throwing their bras on stage because all of the Corroded Coffin boys were good-looking, but Eddie was so magnetic that he unintentionally stole the show.

He was on the east coast, three hours ahead of her, and she maybe would have felt bad about keeping him awake if she wasn't completely aware that Eddie was always awake until two in the morning.

Unless he was at home, anyway.

"I like going to bed with you," he'd admitted once with a smirk and a little shrug, "because that means I get to wake up with you and spend more hours of the day with you."

Her heart twinged in her chest, and Chrissy gave a heavy sigh as she checked to make sure the front door was locked before heading to bed.

Just as someone knocked on it.

Chrissy blinked, thinking for an insane second that she was hearing things. After a moment, another knock came, this one louder and slightly more insistent. Convinced someone had the wrong apartment, Chrissy crept toward the door, trying not to alert whoever was on the other side to her presence as she carefully avoided the creakiest parts of the hardwood hallway.

Peeking through the peephole stole her breath completely, and Chrissy nearly fainted.

She was seeing things. She had to be.

Still, her hands fumbled to unlock the deadbolt and the chain lock, cursing when she missed the catch initially, before finally wrenching the door open.

"Hey, sunshine," Eddie greeted easily. Like he hadn't just upended her entire life by showing up on their doorstep. "I would've just, y'know, come in, but I know you lock the chain when I'm not home."

"Eddie?" she asked, voice catching on the second syllable of his name, like he wasn't standing in front of her. Like her eyes weren't to be believed, and he was nothing more than a hopeful figment of her lonely imagination. "W-What are you...?"

Scratching the back of his neck and drawing attention to the backpack over his shoulder, Eddie just shrugged. "I, uh. I mean, we had a one day break between Pittsburgh and NYC. And I had to, like, bribe the label to get a replacement guitarist for tonight's show. I'm only home tonight and tomorrow," he admitted, regret obvious in his tone. "But I, uh. I needed to see you. I missed my girl."

He blurred before her, and Chrissy blinked rapidly, trying to dispel the sudden interruption of her vision.

Oh. Tears.

Scrubbing at her cheeks, Chrissy barely managed to say, "You came... just for me?" before a sob broke from her lungs.

All at once, she was wrapped up in that overwhelming familiarity. The scent of tobacco and leather and the undercurrent of his favorite cologne, couple with the strong, sure embrace of his arms that Chrissy couldn't help but melt into.

"Oh, baby," he breathed, holding her close right there in the doorway of their home. "I told you I'd come home to you."

[shadybirdwombat]

I've thought about writing an elucien fanfiction..

The prologue would consist of Beron being killed by Lucien and Eris. Keir being killed by Mor. Eris becoming high lord of autumn.

Morrigan leading hewn city.

Beron will kill helion because Helion sacrifices himself for the loa and the rest of her sons. This Lucien becomes high king.

Gwyn and Azriel kill the queens. Fund out they're mates. Gwyn is the granddaughter of Beron. Her father andras. She's researching koschei. Vassa and the swans are freed because of Lucien's full powers. The seasons are the actual rightful queens.

Azriel, Rhys and Cassian plus the Valkyries are trying to keep the Illyrians from joining koschei and they find out daglan are still in prythinan. Trying to recruit worshippers. Beron and the queens left them out. Emerie has taken over the Valkyries and is helping with the Illyrian rebellion. Mor and her are together.

Beron was using a spell to torture Tamlin to insanity. He's back to being high lord and spring court is thriving

Elain is missing. Though no one has paid attention. She's been erasing her memory from others. She's been in the middle. Searching using her powers. For asteri, monsters and pockets of magic. Though she's found two friends. A witch. An ironteeth witch. One of the first witches created by the valg. Lucien hasn't visited velaris. He's been in day etc. So he really has no clue.

She stays in the middle to hunt monsters and asteri. She's know Elain for many years. Even as a human Elain knew her. She's mates with Tamlin. I want her to be Latino with blue black hair with valg king eyes.

Elain's other friend is a Demi fae. A daughter of the king of Hybern. Who was protected by the witch. She was also the mercenary. Balthazar etc. She had visions though not a seer. She's Eris mate. Eris and mor were mates. Though they had a false bond created by koschei, king of Hybern and Beron.

She's short and has dark brown hair and brown eyes with a spark of green not hazel . She's related to Jurian. His half sister. She has two wolves. They're aren't tog fae. They're fae. Just fae animals.

Koschei would still be alive. Lucien, Eris and Tamlin go to the middle to investigate tales of increase of monsters. The pockets of magic etc. This is from Gwyn's research. Loa and Eris remaining brothers are watching over autumn

Bronn, Hart and alis return to spring. Help watch over while Tamlin is in the middle.

Day court is being run by scholars and Gwyn. She's using the libraries to research topics. Azriel and her are together. They just have jobs to do.

Dusk court is real being ruled by Nesta who has humans and fae living together.

All three high lords are following the Middle suriel. Who is a bit mad.

Though he leads them to the three females. The witch is fighting nagas. The Demi fae picts.

Which Tamlin starts helping her fight the nagas They don't have a slow burn. Immediately recognize each other. Accept the bond later on. Though not against it. She's giving me asterin vibes. Personality wise.

Eris helps the Demi fae. Though she ends up saving him. Because a pict pretend to be his mom.

They're are a bit reluctant about the mating bond..

I see her as Aelin character. Full of mischief.

So lucien senses elain. She's being attacked by bogge. Which you can't kill. Though Elain can. She's not just a seer. Idk what additional powers. I would give her.

Anyways Elain found a pockets of magic.

Created a garden in the middle. With sprites, fae animals etc.

She brought back trapped fae. Which were the ones in stone.

The story will be about koschei. The valg kings. Elain and lucien finally getting together. She had things to do before they could. As did he. Elain being viewed as the ruler of her garden in the middle. Though she refuses.

Eris finally accepting love from a light-hearted mate. His hounds and her wolves actually get along. She brings out the sweet loving side of Eris. Plus goofy.

Tamlin and his mate just being strong rulers. They bring out the live your life to to the fullest vibes.

English is my first language and I haven't written anything in years.

Decades even lol

[addicted-to-dc]

Jason Todd/Red Hood X Reader - The Archives

Hello hello! I had so much fun writing this, and I hope to make it into a mini series (I’ll keep telling myself that). I’m expecting 2 or 3 more parts for this, but damn I’m in love with this story already. I know that I’ve written too many Jason Todd fics, but I can’t help that he’s my fav.

Word Count: 1.5k

Warning: Paranoia, fluff, etc. 

If it weren’t for your full ride to Gotham University, you would have left Gotham in the dust a long time ago. It has a pretty good program for your major and you get to live here for free, but the negatives are obvious.

There are insane and super powered individuals that like to cause panic and ruin everything. Maybe it’s because you’re not from Gotham and are just hyper aware of everything. The University tries to reassure its students, especially the out of state ones, but you can’t help it. You’ve been lucky enough to avoid everything that’s happened so far, but you have a feeling that your luck will run out soon.

The library has always been your go to safe place no matter where you went. Most students stuck to areas that they knew, but you tend to wander. Finding an empty spot is difficult until you know people’s habits, which led you to the archives. There are plenty of tables, hiding spots, and knowledge to entertain you when you’re bored of your assignments. Anything from old newspapers to unpublished works could be found. Besides, the smell of old paper beats the musty smell of your dorm room. No one visits much, not since the archives were all uploaded to an online database.

It became your safe space, a home away from the dorm that you could always rely on to clear your mind. It was undisturbed until October hit. You guessed that he was researching for a history project. Why else would someone be here?

Every time you see him, which is on a daily basis, you just move to your side of the archive and try to finish your work. There’s a sadness that your space has lost its secrecy, but it’s nice to have company. You two soon get used to each other’s schedules, and soon enough it’s an unspoken agreement to see each other. Despite all this time spent together, you haven’t even said one word.

You can’t help but crush on the guy. At first, you only saw a mauve blur as he ran between areas to find whatever he was looking for. Then the blur evolved into a dude wearing a hoodie and jeans, and a good looking one at that. Whatever his name is, he’s doing a very intense investigation. That was the first clue that made you think that he’s getting a higher degree. He shows up at the weirdest times, but you do that so you can’t say much, and is researching enough to write at least one book about it. He always cleans up after himself and has everything cleared by the time you’re ready to leave. It doesn’t hurt to be cautious about your work, but he takes it to a whole new level.

Your courage disappears as soon as you walk past him, giving a smile and a nod before exiting the room. It kills you every time, but the way he looks at you whenever you leave just makes your mind go numb. Everything you rehearse crumbles to dust, replaced with silly soliloquies and poetry that no guy would ever be into. Your love for literature made you into a huge sap, and you couldn’t help it when you melt as soon as you look into his eyes.

Just as you think it’s another failed attempt, you hear his voice.

“Hey, uh, you forgot this last time.”

Gods, even his voice was amazing. You turn around and see your beat up poetry book. The cover was long gone when you found it in a discount bin, but its writings drew you in ever since the first page. You can’t believe you lost it and didn’t even notice.

“Oh, thank you,” you reply, smiling so wide your face hurts. “I guess I was in a rush yesterday.”

You can’t believe you’re talking to him.

He laughs, “Yeah, I guess we both didn’t realize the time. It’s an interesting book you have there, though. I hope I didn’t intrude by reading…”

Oh, oh. You swear your eyes turn into hearts at that admission.

You wave the hand that has the book in it, “It’s fine, I’ll finally have someone to talk to about it. Did you like it? I mean, whatever you read?”

Mystery Man laughs again, gesturing to the book, “It’s intriguing. I pride myself on finding weird stuff like that, but it seems you’ve picked up something even I haven’t seen before.”

“Oh, really?” you ask, looking at the beat up book. “You know what it is? I just bought it ‘cause it looked… sad. It needed to be read, y’know?”

“I understand completely,” he smiles, moving to your side to open the book to a certain page. “This right here? This line tells me who this mystery poet is.”

You stare at the line as if the answer would pop out at you, but you just look at him for it.

“Amadeus Arkham, a pretty famous person if you know your Gotham history,” he replies, flipping a few more pages. “This is a copy of his original works, but it’s rare enough as it is.”

You couldn’t believe it. All this time you’ve been reading this and it’s the words of the man who founded Arkham Asylum. A man that went through so much only to die a madman in his own asylum. Mystery Man sees the recognition in your eyes.

“You could have kept this,” you said, focusing on him, “but you didn’t.”

He shrugs, “It’s yours, not mine. Plus, I’ve already taken a few pictures of the book so…”

A laugh escapes from your lips. You would have done the same thing, and the look on his face tells you he knows.

“Not to be that kind of person, but after spending weeks together in this room,” he starts, and your heart begins to race, “would you like to go out sometime? I know a few of the spots Amadeus references in his works and-”

You nod, probably a little too hard since it makes him unable to continue his sentence. Sometimes it kills you that words don’t work for you sometimes, but this time it’s different. You don’t even know his name and he can read you so well.

“If you don’t mind, can you solve one more mystery for me?” you ask, placing the book in your bag.

“I could,” he replies, the playful tone nearly rendering you speechless again.

“A name for my mystery man?” you ask, biting your lips to stop you from laughing.

“Only if I can yours.”

“(Y/N),” you respond.

“It’s Jason.”

Damn, it fits him so well. How in the hell is this happening right now?

“Well, Jason…” you trail off and tilt your head, squinting your eyes. “You seem like a Jay or Jayce type of Jason.”

“Jay is fine,” he chuckles, flashing that damn smile again.

You don’t know how you’re going to finish this conversation. This man completely shuts off your brain. How do you turn it on again? Wow, that needs rephrasing.

“I would love to see what he wrote about,” you answer, your face heating up as Jay’s face lit up. “Tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I can do tomorrow. Same time?” Jay asks, his hand reaching for the door handle.

You nod, “Yeah, you wanna meet here?”

Jay opens the door and follows you out of the room. You look at the time and notice how late it is. How is it already 9 p.m.?

“Sure, near the statue?”

“Near the statue,” you agree, walking side by side until you finally see how dark it is outside.

The looming darkness reminds you where you are. It’s almost Halloween, and you’re sure that some sicko is probably waiting out there to lure you into a van or something. Your roommate needs to stop roping you into watching horror movies.

“Hey, uh, you think you can walk to my dorm with me?” you ask, nervously looking outside. “I forgot how dark it gets here in the fall.”

You adjust your bag and tighten the straps, mentally preparing yourself for the trek. Jeeze, he asks you out on one date and you’re already latching onto him like a crazy person.

“Yeah, it’s just a block away, right?”

Nodding, you push the door open and firmly grasp his arm as you start walking. It’s ridiculous that you’re already showing your paranoid side to him, but it’s nice to finally have someone to walk beside.

“You’re not from Gotham, aren’t you?” Jay asks, guiding you to the sidewalk.

“It’s that easy, huh?” you sigh, looking around you. “I love this place, I love its history, but it has a reputation. My parents nearly made me go to a different university, but this one always had my attention.”

You pass by the first street, your body relaxing as the conversation continues. It doesn’t hurt to learn more about Jay, especially his recommendations in novels. You’ve never learned this much in a single conversation, and you hope that this will never stop. You can get used to this.

Continued in part 2

[daintylovers]

hii love !! could you maybe qrite smth about mike asking y/n out or how and what their first date would be and their dynamic? only if you want ofc 💕💕😩 xx

of course angel!!!

would it be okay if i made the reader a little shy?? i see so many where the reader is super confident and i know that generally that's not the case for most people

and i just feel like mike with a shy s/o would be so cute :)

if you aren't feeling shy!reader just let me know and i can remake this <3

so i feel like you two could potentially meet in the library

and by meet i mean he had been staring at you with the biggest heart eyes known to mankind

you thought he was a little creepy just because you had caught him staring at you

multiple days in a row

and he just is very intimidating

especially because he rarely talks in class

which obviously you had not taken notice of or anything

because it's not like you had a crush on him as well

when he finally talked to you it was only because dustin and lucas kept pestering him to make a move

they felt bad for their lonely, loveless friend

the pair had also done their research on mikes latest crush, to be sure that you weren't super weird or anything

you had passed their test with flying colors

the boys had devised an entire plan for mike

this included a teacher introducing a project to the class that you and mike had together and then getting you two paired up

this would lead to a work session conveniently held at mikes house

from there you two would hit it off, never working on the project, and eventually he would ask you out

naturally events did not happen as planned

mike is an impatient little shit

and you were too good for him to just let slip through his hands

so he ended up approaching you in said library from earlier

you were browsing the shelves looking for your latest target

and out of the corner of your eye you watched as mike entered your atmosphere

at first he was trying to play it off as if he was looking for a book as well

which you knew was utter bullshit

not once had you ever seen him actively engage in reading a novel

he took so long to open his mouth that it was you who first spoke to him, uttering the words "excuse me" under your breath

instead of moving and letting you pass he maneuvered his body to take up more space in the aisle and straight up asked you out

here is an exact transcript of the conversation that ensued, "would you wanna go out with me some time?"

"hmm?"

"i said would you want to go out with me? maybe?"

"no-"

"fuck i knew it"

"no sorry not no! i- I mean, ... well, um why?

"why do i want to go out with you? or why did i know you didn't want to go out with me?"

"both, preferably"

"well you are insanely pretty, even my friends think so. and you are also really quiet which is nice. i feel like everyone kind of overlooks you because of that though, which is super unfair. i just want to kind of get to know you maybe if you want me to. because i feel like you would be a cool person to hang out with and spend my time with.

i knew you would say no because everyone can tell i have been basically stalking you which is super creepy and i'm sorry. i was just nervous. its no secret i'm not popular so i can only imagine all the stupid shit you have heard about me. but if you just give me a chance i promise you won't be bored. you might regret it if a cuter person comes around, but at least you would be able to say that you didn't have a bad time."

"oh, um, okay"

"okay you'll go out with me?"

"oh yeah absolutely."

"you mean i didn't just talk much for nothing? like you aren't joking me?"

"mike, yes i will go out with you. yes you talk too much. and yes you also seem cool to hang out with maybe"

damn you guys were so awkward

anyways you guys went on your date

it was super cute

you guys went to the movies because mike didn't want to talk too much and make you feel weird

and it was perfect for you because you didn't want to be so quiet that mike thought you didn't like him

the whole hands touching each other while reaching for popcorn totally happened

he even convinced you to share a drink

which for a first date is basically like making out

during the middle of the movie he had the courage to reach for your hand

what he didn't account for was the fact that his hand was super sweaty

you didn't mention it to him until a few weeks later

after the movie you guys walked home

and he let you talk his ear off about the film

he didn't particularly enjoy it, but because you had so much enthusiasm about it, he quickly grew to associate it with the feeling of his heart growing warmer in his chest

it was the first time he had ever heard you talk so much and he was in love

in love with the sound of your voice

and the way you laughed was contagious

he honestly just wanted to spend the rest of his life listening to you

obviously you guys started dating soon after

everyone viewed your relationship dynamic as tall frightening loser and shy sweet bookworm

they were all shocked that you had fallen for him

but who could blame you

i mean who knew that losers had so much appeal???

[vaguely-concerned]

the absolute insane research rabbit hole I am currently going down to try to determine the one (1) specific version of the robin hood stories I listened to on cassette tape audiobook in like 2001 and that permanently affected my brain chemistry. I am going nuts. and yet I must know. if anyone by chance should happen to know what version it could have been, considering that it was likely produced in the 90s or a bit before (from memory of the state of the cassette packaging, it was quite worn) and available (in norwegian but in translation) from a small library in somewhat rural norway... please tell me and free me from this self-inflicted torment lol

some more vaguely remembered context that might help pinpoint it:

robin dies at the end, and I think he's already been parted from marian for some time before that (I don't remember if it's because she's dead or just For Reasons, but the growing melancholy of the last few chapters even before he dies were probably what made this version imprint itself on my brain). he's at a convent after falling sick and the abbess or something is an old enemy of his (and maybe his cousin??) and goes whole hog on the bleeding cure to make sure he doesn't get up again. little john (and maybe will scarlet?? some merry man at least) are there with him as he dies and little john cries while robin comforts him. this scene did permanent things to my psyche I suspect. peak 'THIS WASN'T IN THE DISNEY FILM WITH THE FUNNY ANIMALS!!'-betrayal and outrage mixed with 'but also this is so sad it's somehow beautiful...' formative childhood experience.

if I remember correctly there's a bit more of the rest of the merry men than you get in most adaptations. robin and little john had some powerful homoerotic Somethings going on to my baby queer mind but that's just what the robin hood mythos is so idk what that adds to it in terms of helping with the search

I think it must have stuck fairly close to the original ballads that we have, at least comparatively (I've had a looksie and it was definitely not howard pyle's version. I think it had a bit more somber/serious tone especially towards the end, and less of the faux-old fashioned language)

I remember finding it very funny that robin's way of making friends was just finding people who proved they could easily beat him up or were better at stuff than he was and going 'you rule do you wanna join my cool club? :D' and them all being like 'you're an annoying little twerp but also ...yeah <3'. he may also have met marian like that in this or I may be mixing it up with a different version.

from this and some other odds and ends through my downward spiral of obsession I have a tentative theory it may have been either rosemary suthcliff or antonia fraser's versions (both from the 1950s)? but especially with the layer of translation getting inbetween it's so hard to tell haha

I understand if all anyone has to offer when faced with this always sunny conspiracy board of leads is sympathy and/or rightful mockery, but all ideas are welcomed with open arms

[pithyorangecurd]

I'm absolutely obsessed with this.

That they were... never supposed to investigate. It makes sense. Because they are an archives, with a set in research department. It's just that they all CAME from research, and nobody told them not to.

Tim, who is using this to look into his brother, Sasha who was going to be the archivist and had Gertrude's example, and Jon who is being compelled. And all of them have researcher experience and nobody is there to tell them what to do.

All of them except "immaculate library" Martin. It's insane to think about them going out and bringing him along. He's probably the one who did the most actual archiving work. Meanwhile mister fuck cops for information and miss hack government computers are following their hearts, under the caring guidance of King "none of this is actually happening".

I can only imagine this is why they're allowed to do things. Gertrude would store statements and wouldn't put any of the investigation with it. So they genuinely have no information with anything, and they're trying to scrounge up the lost research.

[naradivision]

With the COVID numbers slowly rising again (unfortunately), that's got me thinking of a question I wanted to ask...

If COVID took place in the HypMic universe, how would your OC's handle it? Would they slowly go insane from being trapped indoors? Would they develop an unhealthy drinking/smoking habit? Or would they be perfectly fine?

It’s sad to say Yuuya would be the most affected in the group. Although he has loads of hobbies that can enjoy at home, he is still an outdoor person who craves human interactions at heart (That’s why he loves part-time jobs and tends to have many different ones every week). He doesn’t have any problem with online schooling, but to be alone for a great amount of time will distress him greatly even if he does understand the circumstance and make sure to properly follow the safety regulations. Besides, he is the type to be worried about the well-being of other people in general, so this pandemic would definitely give him a lot of internal struggles. Therefore, he is likely to cope with this by being more active on online platforms such as Zoom, PROFILE, or etc. But as soon as he manages to adjust himself (with some help from his friends, his teammates, and his furry roommate) …he too, would be able to find peace at home from some small projects like working on his music tracks and trying out new DIY ideas. 

And for Asahi; despite his childlike personality, he is surprisingly handling things well during the pandemic. Even so, it isn’t to say that he won’t be bothered by too many regulations and the lower influx of customers at his family store. Since he has a family business to run and has two elderly people at high risk of developing serious symptoms at home, he has to get busier and be more cautious about many things. Aside from that, the difficulties are going to make him discover his own forte —Other people may not be aware about this, but Asahi is crazily good at marketing… You can see that he has already done a lot of promoting stuff via the birthday events of other divisions. Along with his own creativity to boot, he will soon take this opportunity to try many more methods to help promoting his store. Maybe he will try online marketing, maybe he’ll learn to use social media for his own benefits, maybe he’ll just get more invested in his hobbies (making handicrafts, embroideries), Asahi in his productive mode with lots of free time is something unstoppable. By the way, he is concerned about his friends too! He is probably the first one to reach out and find a way to brighten them up without knowing.

Lastly, Saigo-san… He is the least affected from quarantine and all sorts of regulations. And to be utmost honest, the idea of social-distancing rather sounds like a blessing to him. He used to work at home from the very beginning so he has no problem with it. Getting less paid because of the reduction of clients? Nah, that won’t be a problem since he already has a lot saved up from the past and he also has another way of income (he plays stocks). He just gets a job as the property appraiser because he is bored and that’s all. Moreover, he dislikes getting outside of his mansion unless it’s neccessary. The most appealing things for him to do during the pandemic are reading something from his mansion’s library, keeping up to date with the worldwide circumstances, and maybe doing some research on something that piques his interest. He may even use this chance to find out more about other rival divisions in order to plan things ahead for his team. 

Thanks for the ask :)

[runningwithfangs]

Vampire Chronicles Book Review/Rant #3

The Queen of the Dammed

Wowowow congratulations to the world’s worst polycule on saving Vampirekind. 

Another super fun romp where so much happens, yes there is nonsense, but the nonsense is nicely paired with a lot of intense drama and high stakes. I like how Anne got around her own premise that the vampires are writing their life stories by it still being Lestat who writes it, but he’s gathered all this information from the other vampires that were actually there, even when he was not. 

The chapters being mini-stories and the many characters we meet, everything coming together in the end, it’s not just fun but so immersive. Anne doesn’t hold back in expanding her universe. At no point does it feel like too much too soon, or like the universe and characters are expanding faster than the story or getting out of hand. Anne is a fantastic writer.

In this book we start to see the world outside of our main vamps, the fledglings (Killer and the Fang Gang 🤯), the vampire bars, the Talamasca, the vampire cult followers, and so many new characters! 

Feminist Icon Akasha (is trying to kill most men). See kids, that’s what happens when you watch TV for 50 years straight.

This is one of my favorite books from the series, maybe one of my favorite books ever. 

Favorites:

It’s hard to pick! Jesse’s story is great, the dreamlike drunken nights at Maharet’s house with the vampires asking her about chocolate, the Great Family and the care and love Maharet has for them, her records and her family tree of lights, the attention and advice she gives them all, it’s just so sweet.

Devil’s Minion! I’ve been seeing fan art and posts about Armand/Daniel since I started this blog and did not get it until I read this. Now I GET IT, holy shit, it's chewing-through-drywall material. The horror of Daniel running for his life, being hunted, then suddenly they’re bonding, hanging out and doing all these cool things, Daniel admitting he loves to cuddle a dead thing?! The experiments, the smoothies, the madness from hanging around a vampire, the “I love you too much to turn you” vs “I love you too much to let you go on without me.” Insane. Horrible. Beautiful. I could rant about this section alone for so long. Oh, and learning how the book was published was neat too.

Getting little bits about the twins from everyone’s dreams, that repeating imagery of the cooked body, the heart and the brain on plates. I got really invested in this mystery, and once it all came together it was horrible but so captivating. It’s a great vampire origin story. 

Vampire road trip and vampire roommates at Night Island! I wish this part was longer and that vampires could stand to hang out with each other more, I want my vampire friends to hang out damn it! Jesse and Gabrielle became friends! Louis wants to know about his daughter’s ghost! Grandpa Khayman telling stories! Uncle Marius accepting that Lestat is gonna be little shit and no one can stop him!

Least Favorites:

The violence enacted on Maharet and Mekare, I know it’s to show Akasha’s cruelty but damn.

Smutt:

Lestat’s permaboner. Thanks, Anne.

Lestat and Akasha pinning each other back and forth on the bed and drinking from each other was kinda hot tbh.

Armand and Daniel in Pompeii when they start their romance, if you can call it that. Armand making Daniel have sex with other people while he watches 🙈

Nonsense Meter:

4/10 nonsense again. A bit of nonsense in the Devil’s Minion, and a bit in the Lestat training montage/kidnapped by Vampire Mommy part, but not a ton. Maybe it’s a bias because I liked this book so much and every story was full of drama, high stakes, and complex morality. 

Misc:

I can’t help but wonder what kind of research Anne was doing, I looked up some of the cities, artifacts, and locations she mentions and it checked out. Was she taking ancient history courses or just living at the library?! Gotta give that woman credit. 

I don’t want to get into a long discussion of Akasha’s idea that killing most men would allow women to bring about world peace and fix all our earthly problems, but as someone who has mostly existed as a woman in the world, I may have fantasized once or twice about Thanos snapping a bunch of men, sure, I get it. I don’t agree, I think money, isolation, messed up priorities, and lack of checks in power have more to do with *waves hand around vaguely* everything, but it makes for an interesting premise. “Tell me, my prince, what is the primary use of men now, if not to protect women from other men?”