#I don’t think birds are malicious

[theshadowrealmitself]

Once again thinking about aliens and nests and managing on a spaceship but now I have more to add to it:

A species where, if you put down something soft, they immediately lay down on it and do not like being moved, like cats

A burrowing species in constant disagreements with a nesting species over blankets since they aren’t allowed to dig up the ground so going under a pile of blankets is their substitute

(yes this is the same nesting species that’s always trying to steal blankets from humans because “they don’t nest”)

A species that’s used to having a ton of others in their habitats when they sleep trying to get anyone they’re friends with to join their sleep area

A species that does not sleep near others trying to get members of the previous species to please stay away

Humans trying to sleep on their mattresses without getting freaked out by the members of the species that sleep on the walls but faced away from them so they can keep an eye out for danger and aw man do they really have to be faced towards there it looks like they’re watching the human while they sleep

Humans also trying to not get freaked out by any burrowing species sleeping under their bed, it’s just their friends, no need to think about a monster, you’re an adult now get a grip it’s just lieutenant W- oh god what was that noise oh they’re just getting settled

Ceiling species :)

Species that just go wherever it’s comfortable not understanding why humans don’t share their mattresses

And

Relatively large species with sort of a preying mantis type body and the larger members sleep sorta standing/sitting (their lower limbs make it so that when they’re resting they’re still kinda hovering instead of lying/sitting flat) over smaller members to keep them safe and they are all larger than a majority of other species so there are many to watch over! (everyone else is a little bit unsettled but it’s such a nice gesture that no one ever tells them not to)

[tonyboneysblog]

MOTHER HEN: PART EIGHT

parings: hawks x mother!reader

wordcount: 3.4k

warnings: descriptions of panic attack

note: I was laughing maliciously while writing this I hope yall know

summary: you, the mother of Fumikage Tokoyami, are just a simple nurse! Who caught the eye of a certain pro.

two weeks.

two weeks without a single word from hawks.

whatever, no time to think about him.

not when poor Fumikage has exams, sweet thing needs help!

“Fumikage, twelve times nine- cmon…”

Fumikage stared blankly at the paper, he may not look it but..he does not know his times tables.

“I-I don’t know.” He continues to stare at the paper filled with different questions you’ve written down

“Twelve times nine.”

“You repeating it isn’t going to help me, mother.” His eyes flickering towards you and the paper.

“Just guess!” You exclaim.

“110!” He exclaims back quickly.

You smack his head gently, “so close- so far…”

Fumikages head whips up, “I was wrong?!”

“By like two numbers, it’s 108.” You pat his head gently.

Fumikages head droops slowly in defeat, “I’m failing.”

You chuckle softly and Fumikages small bit of depression, truly you doubt the entire times table will be on the exam.

You tap Fumikages chin, “keep your head up, you’re not failing anything.”

Fumikages head drops into your lap, signifying that he’s waving the white flag on studying for today.

You pet his feathers gently, your son’s been through a villain attack so you suppose he can rest!

Fumikage did mention a training camp if he passed both exams, thought he wasn’t able to tell you the location since he himself didn’t even know.

You personally wanted to bring him some food when he got home sick- Fumikage could never go over to the houses his few friends were at.

he missed his mama too much, that’s what he said.

Thought your heart was it dismay, you could feel like something was off but you couldn’t quite place it? it was deep in your gut.

if you focused too much on it then it would become nauseating.

But it was just a feeling, not truly affecting your daily life!

If you remembered correctly, Fumikages exams were tomorrow- then the training camp?

well you were quite prepared, you already predicted that Fumikage would pass with flying colors- which he did- so you gave him the most delicious meal your could think of.

With a mouth watering apple pie for dessert.

Sometimes Fumikage confused you, and bird liking apples feels wrong..but Fumikage is also just human with a bird for a face.

Your son’s confusing.

Fumikage is obsessed with apples, when he used to sleep in your bedroom you could swear it smelled like a tangy, ripe apple.

then we he left, so did the smell.

and the apple scented products didn’t help, kids said he smelled fruity so he went for more woodsy scents.

never got the apple out though.

You can take the apple out of the boy but not the boy out of the apple you suppose?

You watch joyfully as Fumikage huffs down all the food you prepared, mostly for him but it could feed a family of three or four.

Fumikages a growing boy- you’re not judging!

“You excited for camp?” You ask with excitement lining your words.

Fumikage muffled out a quick “very” almost choking on his food.

“Don’t talk while eating, you’ll choke.” You point at him.

Fumikage glares at you softly, but fixed his little attitude quickly. Whipping mouth, then pointing towards the pie.

You chuckle softly, cutting the pie dutifully into a thick piece of warm apple pie.

Fumikage holds the plate like it’s a million dollar vase, like it’s valuable.

Then he basically eats it in three bites, damned bird beak.

You can tell on his face he enjoyed it, reminded you of his father but only for a second.

He always said that your cooking made his heart swell.

well he’s not here and hasn’t been for 16 years, no point dwelling on the past.

Which is what hawks is doing at the moment, with Mirko more specifically.

Mirko rests her head the bench, arms behind her head while kicking her legs lazily to a slow tempo.

Hawks is hunched over, his hand covering his mouth while mumbling.

Mirko sighs, “you know I can’t hear you right? Stop covering your mouth.”

Hawks straightens up, leaning back on the bench with a huff.

“I mean- why would I get angry at her for kissing mean?!” His voice growing louder.

Mirkos head whips over to look at hawks, “she what..?”

“Relax, it was only on the forehead.”

Mirko deflates, pouting.

“So, let me get this straight before I yell at you.” Mirko starts slow and calculated.

“You wake up from your little nightmare in her house, then she comforts you like a “baby” in your opinion- kissss your forehead, you yell at her for confusing your small brain and then storm out?”

Hawks stays silent for a moment, staring at Mirko.

“M-my brain isn’t small.” He stutters out.

Mirko shrugs her shoulders, “don’t into that stuttering habit again, commission hates it.”

Hawks sighs softly, nodding.

“Still- my brain isn’t small, I was just confused.” Hawks retorts.

Mirko sighs heavily, agitated that she has to spend her dinner break listening to hawks, “Why are you confused..?”

Hawks plucks out a loose feather from his wings, twirling it in his fingers gently.

“I don’t know..I wanted her to do that but I still got angry.”

Hawks relaxes into the bench, staring up at the stars.

“I didn’t expect her to do it I guess? I worked so hard on trying to get her to like me and when she did that- I didn’t know what to think. Kinda like I reached my goal, but I didn’t reach it the way I wanted to.”

Mirko hums, her feet tapping softly to a faster tempo than before.

“So, your just upset cause you didn’t get the kiss you wanted?”

Hawks closes his eyes tightly, “it’s not that..i guess I didn’t want it?”

Mirko kicks his leg, “You did want it- you practically vent to me everyday on how you want to pounce and kiss on her.”

Hawks scoots farther away from Mirko, “I don’t know then, I dont even now why she kissed me anyways.”

Mirko knocks his ankle again, “She has a whole kid, her motherly instincts probably just kicked in when she saw a sad little birdy.”

Hawks hums, placing his hand over his face blocking the moonlight from seeping in.

Even though hawks was devastated on the fact that the both of you have basically cut contact, Fumikage was ecstatic.

And he even gets to go to a training camp to make his quirk better, with all his friends?

he’s living the absolute dream at the moment.

Until you rudely throw a remote at him.

You hop over and onto the couch, “Your pick.”

Fumikage relaxes into the blankets you threw onto him, what’s with you and throwing things.

Fumikage always enjoyed picking out the movie, always finding gems in the dirt.

Fumikage continues to scroll through all the options, sadly not finding anything that caught his eye.

He huffs, “there’s nothing good.”

“Not true, you just have terrible taste.”

Fumikage slowly looks over towards you with a “are you serious” face, which only makes you burst into a fit of giggles.

“You’re not funny.”

You gasp dramatically, “you’d say that to your own mother?!”

You kick his arm playfully, your laughter dying down at his hardcore facial expression that he’s sporting at the moment.

Almost like he’s planning something in that head of his..

“What’s on your mind Fumi?”

“Where’s that weighted blanket?” He cocks his head to the side, which is not a thing he does usually.

You play dumb, “What blanket?”

“The one you got me so I’d stop sleeping in your room.”

Truthfully, you have no idea where Fumikage is even going with this.

“Sold it.”

“Liar.” He retorts.

you gasp again, “don’t call me a liar!”

Fumikage hums, all you do is just confirm his suspicions.

Next time he sees hawks he’s getting that blanket back.

Hawks doesn’t need any piece of you, plus Fumikage actually did in-fact use that blanket..

Only when he went to his friends though.

And maybe when you worked nights.

not his fault he always put it back where he left it, he has manners unlike another bird he knows.

What should you even do in this situation?

change the subject obviously.

“You going to that training camp tomorrow aren’t ya?”

Fumikage nods, pride swelling into his chest.

“It’s quite exciting.” He responds monotone.

“Yea I can tell by your voice.”

Fumikages face droops slightly, “if I remember, it’s starts early in the morning.”

“Your trying to get out of hanging out with me?”

Fumikages eyes shoot wide open, “no- I-i just meant that I’d have to be there early!”

You hum, “then go to bed, don’t want you all groggy and mean to your classmates.”

“Is that what your co-workers say about you?”

“Bed, now.” You point towards his bedroom door.

Fumikage chuckles out a small “fine”, making his way to the bedroom.

“Night mom.” He calls from the bedroom.

You hum, “Night Fumi.”

You didn’t give me his nightly ruffle and kiss, you doubt Fumikage would notice though.

You wouldn’t be able to see him in the morning either, work starts just an hour before Fumikage would wake up.

You also try your hand at finding a decent movie, though your efforts were for nothing.

The feeling in your stomach wouldn’t settle.

it just got worse until it made you sick from doing nothing.

You stand up, walking over to the bathroom, trying to find some medicine that would deafen the effects.

Probably just an upset stomach, you thought.

The feeling settled, slowly may you add, as you walked over to your nest.

Letting yourself fall into the mess of blankets and small plush’s, including that damned hawks one.

your hands felt- sweaty? clammy more like, you felt nervous for something but it never came.

Reluctantly, you grab onto the soft plush.

It was nice to occupy your hands.

the feeling didn’t leave, only softened.

That’s all you needed though.

After you woke up and left for work Fumikage texted you, just checking on you of course.

He inherited your anxiousness.

Though you continue to work through the day, hoping that Fumikage had fun on his small little trip.

You got less texts and phone calls but the explanation was that they were wringing him dry.

intense U.A…that could be an email.

On the third day of Fumikages training camp, you got not texts or calls.

And when you got home from work, maybe around 11:30? The nausea came back full force.

It was a gut feeling, you tried to calm yourself down but you ended up texting Fumikage a quick message to see if he was okay.

He didn’t respond.

he was probably asleep! That was the logical way of thinking.

most logical.

you turn on the news, mostly to distract your brain from Turing to the worst possibility’s.

Fumikage was fine, no one knows where he is.

neither do you.

You sit down onto the couch, nervously biting your nails.

It doesn’t say anything about U.A. which Is a good sign.

Only says something about a spotted forest fire that they’re trying to deal with, weird that the flames are blue though.

Even more news stations can be seen in the background, they never care about forest fires? It’s not like All Might of Endeavour will be there either, so why do they care so much?

The longer you watch the news, the more information released, it seems like the aftermath of an attack but it apparently has the possibility to still be continuing.

Fumikage still hasn’t texted.

You heart doesn’t drop until they say “U.A.” And “villain attack” in the same sentence.

It’s a fucking fire, and there’s students.

is Fumikage okay?

did something happen to him?

is that why he hasn’t responded?

you can feel your breath quicken, bringing too much air yet none at all at the same time.

The scream that comes from you is guttural.

Your neighbors probably think you’re being murdered, you can’t stop though.

Imagine if you didn’t get off of work.

Would you had to see Fumikages body on the stretcher?

The nausea comes back again, you can feel yourself getting lightheaded.

And sudden knock on the door knocks you from your thoughts, only for a moment.

Quickly, you walk over to the door.

It’s police. They came to tell you Fumikages dead because U.A. Is an incompetent school-

“Y/N” hawks voice calls gently.

You don’t know what to feel, why is he here?”

“W-why-“ “I heard on the news.”

You look terrible, horror is written all over your face.

Hawks holds your shoulders, “He’s okay.”

good thing for that, you practically fall into him.

Sobs rack your throat, you can’t stop crying even though you finally know Fumikage is fine.

Hawks closes the door behind him, slowly pushing you towards the couch.

trying to make you comfortable.

He holds onto you as you cry your heart out, he can feel his ache.

He was notified on the radio before the news was, villains attacked the secret training camp.

He flew like a bat out of hell to make it to your house, he thought about going through your balcony but that would’ve scared you.

He holds onto you, rubbing your back and trying to tell you to just breathe.

You hold onto him tightly, until your knuckles are white.

He brushes your hair gently, taking off his gloves beforehand.

“Y/N, calm down.” His voice is stern but gentle.

You only respond with more sobs.

“Everything’s okay, I promise you.” His voice almost sounds like he’s begging you to feel better.

To feel like it’s not your fault.

You take a big breath, trying to control yourself.

“W-where is he?” You ask slowly through hiccups and sniffles.

Hawks continues to hold you, “most likely at the hospital getting checked for any injuries.”

He can feel your breathing speed up, “he’s fine, he’s a strong kid.”

You push your head farther into him, trying to find comfort in him.

“Why’d you come.”

“…I don’t know.” His voice tender.

You hit his stomach, “I’m not forgiving you for ignoring me.”

He chuckles nervously, “I know.”

“I despise you.”

Hawks sighs, “..I know.”

You hug onto him a little tighter than before, exhaustion coming down onto your body.

You can’t drive to the hospital like this.

“Hawks.” You mumble out from his soft jacket.

“Yeah?”

“Please go get my son.” You beg him.

Hawks nods softly, placing his gloves back on and gently settling your back onto the soft pillows.

“I was planning on it.” He sends you a small goofy smile.

you can’t return it, only just a huff of amusement leaves you.

Hawks makes his way out the door and over to the a hospital that Fumikage would most likely be at.

Hawks guess was correct since he was able to Fumikage next to the vending machines.

Fumikage glances over to hawks, then realizing that it’s hawks he stares dead at him.

“Hi Tokoyami.” Hawks calls cheerfully.

Fumikage tilts his head up, “Why are you here?”

“Your momma asked me to come and get you.”

“Liar, you just gonna kidnap me and bargain my mother for her love to ensure my safe return.” Fumikage says with an 100% serious face.

Is this what you have to deal with everyday?

Hawks smiles, “No, quite the imagination you got.”

Fumikage doesn’t return it, only grimacing.

hawks sighs, “look, your moms worried sick- just let me take you home.”

The vending machine makes a soft clutter as Fumikage speaks, “How’d she find out?”

“The news?”

Fumikage makes a small tsking noise, then dropping to the opening of the vending machine.

“Get me my drink, then you can take me home.”

Hawks laughs, clutching his stomach softly.

This kid is seriously trying to make some trade deal.

Hawks walks over to the vending machine, hitting it in the middle then shaking it.

A loud clunk comes from the opening, fumikage reaches his hand into it only to have two drinks.

He grabs both, a free drink is a free drink.

Then looking at the second one, “my mother, she’s okay?”

“Slightly disturbed, but alright.”

Fumikages words suddenly quiet down, “dkd she cry?”

He talks his foot nervously as hawks nods, then Fumikage hands him the second drink.

Hawks raises his eyebrows in surprise, “what’s this for?”

Fumikage looks away, “I’m aware that your…infatuated with my mother, and I’m assuming that you comforted her when I was unable to. This is a token of my gratitude, Hawks.”

Hawks smiles, snapping open the drinks.

Two birds with one stone, Mirko. He got to technically get good with you and your son!

Fumikage doesn’t make eye contact with hawks again, maybe it hurt his pride to thank someone he apparently despises so much.

Hawks walks out of the hospital with Fumikage, who really only had scratches apparently.

A lot of the other kids had a lot worse, one even being kidnapped.

Hawks wrap his arms around Fumikages waist, lifting the two of them into the air and making their way back to your home.

The flight was quiet, not awkward like last time.

It was enjoyable in hawks opinion.

Walking through the door, Fumikage stops just to stare at you.

Your lips wobble as you open your arms up to him, inviting him into your warm embrace.

Fumikage runs into your arms, shaking.

Hawks didn’t even notice Fumikage was affected by the attack.

Your holding Fumikage so tightly, it makes hawks heart feel..empty?

Seeing something he wished he had, not you holding onto him but his own mother.

Fumikage starts to stutter, trying to not let the tears affect his speech, “mother- im so sorry!”

You mumble to Fumikage that he did everything he could’ve possibly done, that he has nothing to apologize for.

“I-i let dark shadow out of control.”

you hug him tighter, you don’t really understand how it feels to be Fumikage, how it feels to have someone else attached to you.

You can only whisper reassurance into him ears, kissing his forehead softly.

You look over to see hawks standing there awkwardly, so out of place.

The only place you know where to put him is with you.

You reach out your hand to him, he grabs it.

You whisper quietly, “thank you.”

Hawks only tightens his grip on your hand, wanting to feel the pressure of your bare hand against his but he’s unable to due to the thick gloves he wears.

Fumikages cries grow softer until it’s quiet, seemingly fallen asleep.

You smile, happy that he’s home.

But you have another business to attend to so you shift out of his hold, laying him down onto the couch.

You look at hawks, “We should talk.”

He nods sheepishly, following you to wherever you’re heading.

You open the door, sitting on the steps and patting the spot next to you.

He sits down next to you, letting out a small breath he’d been holding in.

He speaks first, “I’m sorry for being angry with you.”

You hum, almost like you’re urging him to continue speaking.

“You confuse me, and I regret..w-walking out like that..” he stutters.

His wings flutter softly, ears growing red as he covers the lower half of his face.

he mumbles something incoherent.

You giggle softly, “What did you say?”

“I-i said I enjoyed…your a-affection.”

You hum, “thank you for the apology, and compliments.”

hawks nods, his ears growing redder.

You pinch his ears softly, “Fumikage wants his blanket back.”

“It’s mine now.” Hawks says sternly.

You laugh and stand up, waiting for hawks to do the same.

“You should get some rest at home.”

Hawks nods, standing up and making his way down the stairs.

Until you grab his shoulder softly, “hold on.”

Hawks looks over to look confused slightly.

You push up his visor towards his forehead, kissing the space between his eyebrows gently.

Hawks wings puff up and almost spread to their full length before he stops them.

“There, your reward.” You say nervously.

Hawks nods, seemingly speechless by your actions.

Then making his way quickly down the stairs, bolting out of there like a mad man.

Taking off into flight, only slightly off balance and almost tripping.

Hawks quickly flies home, shedding himself of his clothes and throwing himself onto bed.

Grabbing your blanket and holding it close.

He starts to giggle and kick his feet like some school girl.

If only Mirko could see him now.

Actually- he can’t wait to tell Mirko.

TAG LIST: comment to be tagged!💕

@lost-in-horrorland @boopjuice @validveenus @qardasngan @arminsarlerts @star-the-rabid-dog @bunni-teeth81 @lightsgore @portgasdbruh @camejlo-35 @marsbars09 @tharae514 @yoongiwantsme @kimahrii @pink-jello-fish @l1vvvvv @miy-svz @bumblebeebutter @lacunaanonymoused @emmmeoo

AUTHORS NOTE:

I am genuinely so sorry that I can’t tag some of you guys, tumblr won’t even let me and I feel like I going crazy😭 I hope the people who I could tag were able to see this next part part and again I’m really sorry! But you better love me again after all that fluff😒

[ghost-bxrd]

I’ve been getting really into magical stuff recently and also DC so I’m just gonna drop this here:

Fae Dick Grayson

F A E

okay so fae stories are special to me because I grew up on hearing pagan folklore and fairytales about fae and fae adjacent creatures as good night stories so hooo boy yes I adore that trope! (I mean, I made Dick a Banshee in my fic Shuck so… hehe)

Anyway, Fae Dick Grayson! There’s just so many things you can do with it ✨

Robin appears from one day to the next, following in Batman’s shadow like a mischievous sprite, so honestly rumors have been going wild about him since day one. Robin actually being something non-human doesn’t really come as a surprise!

The fae folk are known for being awfully good at blending in with regular humans when they put their mind to it, the only thing that puts them apart (in most stories) is their otherworldly beauty, and Dick Grayson? Well, he’s definitely got that in abundance.

Just sometimes, when the light reflects off a surface in just the right way, when someone pours a glass of water and you happen to look right through the spray, or when you think you catch a glimpse of something out of the corner of your eye and you spin around— but there’s only Dick Grayson, even if a second ago you could have sworn you saw eyes where there weren’t supposed to be any; colors that aren’t supposed to exist; feathers where only skin has any right to be.

And, gods, all the talking. Dick is terrifyingly good at talking to people without actually saying anything, to the point where you walk away from the conversation feeling utterly drained after spilling your entire life story but when you think back on it— you can’t remember him ever telling you anything about himself. You know there were the usual pleasantries of “hi” and “nice to meet you” and “how are you doing?” but anything beyond that just kinda… seemed to spill out of you? It’s very strange. It’s very unnerving. By the end of the evening you other convince yourself you’re overreacting or you simply push the incident out of your mind altogether.

And there’s another thing about Dick. His name.

He only ever introduces himself as Dick Grayson/Robin. Never Richard. Never. Especially not Richard John. Names are sacred for the fae folk, names have power, so while Richard John Grayson may not be Dick’s true name, he treats it as such to honor his parents. None are allowed to use it. None except Bruce or Alfred on special occasion.

Of course, Dick’s “true” name isn’t exactly a secret so when someone does happen to use it… well, Dick may be… other… but he’s still intrinsically good in a way many of his kind don’t have the patience to be. Dick judges on a case by case basis, just like his parents and Bruce taught him. And usually people do not mean it maliciously when they use his name so he kindly corrects them and that’s that. But oh man, if they still insist on calling him “Richard”? Well..

“Oh no, it seems your credit card is being declined, sir!”

“Sheesh, you tripped over a root? In Gotham?!”

“What do you mean ten birds flew into your window last night? You live on floor level!”

“Dude I’m telling you that rash doesn’t look normal.”

“I… don’t think crows are supposed to follow you like that.”

It’s little things (most of the time, unless you really pissed Dick off) but they keep piling up, slowly driving you insane. You feel like you’re being watched, but it’s just a bird sitting on the window sill again. You feel like someone moved all your furniture just slightly to the right even tho you checked all the cameras.

The fae are kind, but they are also vindictive when crossed.

(Thanks to Bruce, however, I think Dick’s bouts of “vengeance” rarely go much farther than that though.)

Dang ok that ended up being an entire rant… wow. Anyway, yeah. Fae.

[assortedvillainvault]

Hi! I'm so happy to see your requests are open, I loved your Maleficent x shy reader hcs and I would love more for her. Can I request Maleficent x touch starved reader headcanons, where the reader is uncomfortable being touched at first bc she isn't used to it, then realizes she's starved for it and starts to crave it? Thank you <3

Good Evening Anon, please accept this humble offering! Love me some denial and a crumbling will when it comes to touch starved shenanigans, y'know?

PSA I can never remember whether it's Diaval or Diablo for the name of her raven, but Diaval sounds cooler. Regardless this is very much meant to be the animated original 1950's Maleficent, not the live action - no hate to it just not my cup of tea. Though it can probably be read either way so if you prefer live acton then power to you m'lord.

Maleficent x TouchStarved!Reader

Ah yes, her favourite game.

Her fingers are cold, and her nails thick like the claws they’re pretending not to be. The way you jolt at even the slightest contact is a facinating little game to her and Diaval.

You want to think that your snappishmess at being touched is offputting. Like you’re a caged animal, snarling away before you rip off some fingers. The harsh way you flinch from elegant (and unexpected) hands on your face and shoulders and hair gives you tension headaches and sore shoulders.

But from a dragons perspective it’s akin to petting a dewey eyed, fluffy little creature. Squeaky and trembling. A kicked-puppy sort of Cuteness.

Tasty

It’s no wonder her nickname for you is Morsel.

T’would bloody help if she would stop appearing silently in your personal bubble and scaring the living daylights out of you.

She’s so tall her horns clip the ceiling how is she so QUIET-

Half the fucking indecency is that she’ll run the back of her fingers down your arm or your cheek to ‘soothe’ you. You know. Like she does to her BIRD-

Are you a pet or a partner honestly.

If you actually ask that she’ll smirk. Archly, slowly, you can physically feel her gaze travelling up and down over you and you know what you (and your erratic heart rate) don’t need that question answering thanks you’ll just go ok bye-

Dear you’re part of the dragons hoard, she’ll consume you regardless. The lines between pet, partner and meal really aren’t all that well defined.

The worst part will be when you finally get used to the looming, heavy, weighted blanket feel of her presence in the room. Because when she’s not there, you’ll miss it. And it will hurt. It will feel like someone removed one of the walls without asking, and you’re exposed. You’ll run your own nails over your arms and it won’t feel the same.

Eventually, the lack of those condescending, brief, addicting touches will leave you wracked and achy.

When she returns, the sheen of desperation she can taste in the air has her grinning maliciously, and one elegant finger will beckon you to her idly.

Fffffffffuckit.

You’ll swipe at Diaval’s smug chattering later, you want her to stroke your hair and damn the conseqeunces. Maybe you’ll forgo all dignity and climb into her lap. Who knows??

She knew. And now that you've stopped being so silly about it, she's going to keep you exactly where you are. Really little one, did you expect to belong anywhere else?

[avocadoguru]

He was staring at her in a way no one had in her entire life. She couldn’t read anything in his eyes - not surprise, not fear, not malicious intent - nothing. (wolfrry, werewolf!harry, alpha!harry, ranger!y/n)

Lupus Noctis- Masterlist, Author’s Note & Warnings

Chapter 1 (word count: 4.1k) / alternatively, read on wattpad

“Ready to head out for patrol?”

Y/N looked up at her colleague before switching off her laptop for the day “Yeah, let’s go. Finished for the day, anyway.”

“Good. Eager to get home early, I never sleep well on a full moon, I’ll just toss and turn the whole night, least I can do is try and turn in early.”

“Really? Thought that was just a myth or something. Just close the curtains.”

Nick shrugged as he locked up the station behind them “It’s not that, it’s not even shining directly through my window. For the longest time, I didn’t even make the connection until an ex of mine figured out I could never sleep through full moons.”

“So then why aren’t you the one on watch duty tonight?”

He furrowed his brows at her as they started going down the trail they usually took when they started their nightly patrol “What, like you don’t sleep while you’re on watch duty?”

“I do, but the bed in there is awful. So it’s not a good sleep anyway. You could’ve taken one for the team.”

“I mean, I’ve been stationed here long before you came along, so I did actually spend quite a few full moons while on watch duty, thank you very much. It’s guaranteed no sleep. At least at home I maybe get 2-3 hours in.”

“Awh you poor man, you,” Y/N teased as they ascended an area of the trail where it became steep.

“Right? Speaking of. You’ve been here almost 2 months now. How are you liking it so far?”

“It’s… definitely not what I was expecting. But in a good way, I think. The only thing that I’m most phased by is how secluded this place seems most of the time when it’s not even that far outside town. I was expecting a bit more… action?”

Nick laughed lightly “Action? Like what?”

“I dunno. More wildlife interaction, for one.” 

“God, Y/N. You’re such a rookie” he snickered. “You’ll get your fair share of wildlife, don’t you worry.”

Y/N wouldn’t call herself a rookie in general. Maybe for this particular job, but she was confident in her skills. A trained survivalist and ranger. She could identify species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and plants from sight alone. She knew how to build a fire, climb a tree, make a shelter from only what the forest could provide, and forage for food. She could do it all, despite being a newbie to the team. She felt like she was probably even more skilled than Nick. But as much confidence as she had in herself, she knew the forest, mountains, and wildlife were due respect. Especially during the night.

“I mean, don’t you find it odd that the bears are so few around here? Like ok… boars and rabbits and what have you, but where are all the bears? I’m convinced they’re hidden somewhere in the deeper parts of the forest.” 

“Haven’t you patrolled deeper in? With Karl, maybe?” Nick asked with brows raised.

“No, I have, but we hardly saw anything exciting. You can’t really believe we only got the 3 bears we’ve spotted this year around here. I mean, the place is massive,” Y/N's breath was slightly labored as they continued along the steep path, "The highest points are so difficult to access, the few times we actually get up there can’t really give us that great of an insight.”

“Bears are nosey. They’d have come down to explore way more had they really been cooped up high up there. I know it’s odd, but there’s just not that many. I’m sure there’s more than the 3 we’ve inventoried, definitely. But I wouldn’t expect many more deeper in.”

“What does Karl think? He’s not much of a talker.”

In all honesty, Y/N preferred patrolling with any other of their colleagues. She wasn’t big on small talk, which Nick seemed to have a penchant for. She much rathered be vigilant and actually do her job whilst patrolling instead of listening to his mindless chit-chat. Or maybe it just irked her ‘cause she had a feeling he had a thing for her and was worried he’d try more one day.

“He’s on the same page. He’s been here the longest and has seen most of this forest, but it’s always been like this. I’d say we’re lucky not to be handling that many bears. Maybe look for excitement outside of work.”

Y/N let that comment at the end slide. She got the vibe that Nick might have been trying to flirt with her once or twice but she wasn’t about to entertain any workplace romance. Especially not with him, since that would definitely not amount to much excitement if she was being honest.

“Maybe if we were stationed at the highest point we’d have a better understanding of what really goes on in the deepest parts…”

“Yeah, no. You’ll see once we hit winter, there’s no way to make it to the top, no SUVs or ATVs are gonna get you there unless we hiked up there and stationed for longer periods of time. And that’s definitely not in the job description for me, I didn’t sign up for ranger life full time.”

“Suppose you’re right… It’s a difficult climb even when dry. I don’t think I could’ve driven the 4x4 on my own up there. Karl definitely knows the trail like the back of his hand and we got stuck a few times anyway – what was that?” 

“What was what?”

“Didn’t you hear that?”

They both perked their ears up and listened intently but there was nothing to be heard except for the usual forest noises. “Sounded like a wounded pup.”

They kept on listening for a while and then slowly resumed their trek, “Well if it was a pup, you know what that means. Where there’s a pup, there’s a she-wolf guarding it with her life. Honestly, I’d have much rathered had more bears on our hands than all these wolves.”

“At least they keep their distance, not as nosey as bears are, as you put it.”

“Unless you get in their way,” Nick cautioned.

Y/N knew the story, knew who she'd replaced when she got this job, and what had happened to him. Safe to say, she didn’t want to stumble upon any wolves while patrolling on foot. Whenever they were inventorying fauna they would take their jeeps for a reason.

“But the pup sounded like it was hurting…”

“Virtually impossible. They’d never let a pup stray from the pack. You’re just not used to hearing them up close. It’s deceiving, even the young are quite feral. And never by themselves.”

Y/N was not convinced, she knew what she’d heard, but then why wasn’t the pup crying out again? Maybe she’d imagined things. And Nick was definitely right about not going near a wolf pup.

After finishing doing their nightly rounds, Nick got in his car and drove away, leaving Y/N to peace and quiet. 

She filled her water bottle and turned the radio on. The radio station Y/N usually listened to began crackling and the fuzzy noise was more annoying than silence, so she turned it off. She wondered if the moon was affecting the equipment at all. Normally she had no issues listening to the station. It was one of the few that typically came in crystal clear. She shrugged as she sipped her water.

The night shift wasn’t all that bad. It could be a little creepy. The dark, dark night, the noises coming from the forest, the chill in the air, the silence inside the station… She tried to ignore the strange feeling she had in her chest. Something felt off. Perhaps it was because it was her first night shift during a full moon. Perhaps it was nothing. Perhaps it was just that she couldn’t listen to a little bit of music while she did her paperwork. The music made things feel lighter.

The tiny station wasn’t anything special, but it did have some very high-tech equipment, medical-grade kits, room for a bed, a table, a bathroom, a desk, and an entry area for any wandering humans. The daytimes are for people. During the day shift, she was used to encountering a person here and there. People would occasionally come into the station with a question during daylight hours. But at night, it was animals. They’d usually run off before she could spot them. She’d hear them, she’d take notes and infrared pictures, and use the data to compile for inventorying and informational purposes.

Finishing half of her bottle of water, Y/N locked up the room with the computer and turned the sign on the window to the station so it read ring bell for help just in case anyone were to wander toward the station. After dark, the forest park was closed, except to registered campers, but that didn’t always stop people from finding their way inside anyway.

She was about to settle in with her book when she heard the same wail as before, much fainter this time due to how far away she now was from the place she’d heard it initially. And even then, she registered it would’ve been across a clearing that was most probably amplifying it and making it sound way closer than it actually was. 

Her keys in her hands, she debated what to do. What if it was hurt? It sounded like it was hurt. After all, part of her job as a ranger was to ensure the wildlife’s safety, and poachers were unfortunately hard to keep at bay. 

It didn’t necessarily have to be a wolf. There were all sorts of pups that sounded about the same at an early age. Could’ve very well been a stray dog even, not unheard of, and actually much more probable to roam on its own than a wolf. Maybe it was attacked by a wolf and left to suffer, maybe it wasn’t poachers at all. Maybe, maybe, maybe. The possibilities were endless.

She thought to call Nick back in, after all, how far could he have gone? But she felt a sense of urgency taking over her, well, if worse came to worst - she was armed and knew her way around the woods.

Wolves travel in packs. There’s no way there was just this one pup and maybe its mother - no, she’d have heard them from afar. And especially with the full moon, they were bound to be vocal. 

Just to be safe though, she took the Jeep. Making sure to keep a low profile - after all, the moon was up and was definitely aiding her way around the forest without having to turn on the headlights - she knew the general direction she was going in, but couldn’t help but wish the pup would make some noise so that she’d be able to locate it more easily. 

She kept her window down and her engine revving to a minimum as she made her way as close to the clearing as possible. She’d have to go on foot soon, but she would leave the car close enough to make a run for it if needed. 

The cracking of twigs underfoot and the bright moon rising above made her feel grounded. The moon gave her a sense of direction, while the dried twigs let her know she was stepping on solid ground. Though it was only visible when the curtain of leaves opened every ten feet or so, it was the moon that would help guide her back toward the path.

Y/N stopped and closed her eyes. She wanted to hear it again, the noise that she’d heard earlier. It could have been a wolf. It was very likely a wolf or stray dog. But she wanted to hear it once more and then she’d turn back, she promised herself. With her eyes closed and the sounds of the wind blowing through the brush and the tree limbs, the scent of pine and wood all around, she felt calm. These moments were the ones she considered a perk of the job. Being in nature, still, and quiet with a cry of an owl or a small peep of a fox.

She sighed and opened her eyes. Her heart rate had calmed considerably. The silence of the moment (though not without the noises of nature all around) had made her feel peaceful. Y/N shook her head and laughed at herself. She was silly to wander off the path in this off-limits zone. It was dangerous at night. It was time to head back to the trail.

And there it was again! The whimpering of the pup, but this time around, she could also hear muttering. Human muttering. Poachers, then. Just her luck. She knew she had no choice but to call in reinforcement in this case - there was no way she was gonna arrest people on her own, even if by some miracle there was only one person, which was never the case anyway. She went for her walkie-talkie and then fumbled for her phone instead, realizing yet again she was alone at the station for the night. Nick was gonna have to make that u-turn after all.

But just when she was about to make the phone call, she stumbled upon a very peculiar scene. 

There was just one man - oddly enough, probably an amateur since he didn’t know this was definitely not a one-man job, and he was holding the pup close to him, while he was kneeling on the ground in front of it. 

She couldn’t tell the exact breed of the pup. She was too far away and it was too young to tell, but the man was the one she was casting all her attention upon now. He seemed to be in some sort of physical pain, he was contorting and grunting, which was what was making the pup whimper. It didn’t seem to fear the man, but it was clearly compassionate to his suffering. 

Still - what the hell was this man doing? Had the pup been the one to cause him harm, he’d have hurt it by now, she’d seen her fair share of human cruelty. But the pup was not budging. Also, the man was speaking to it, whatever he was muttering was more than just grunts of pain - he was actually speaking to the animal.

She took in the appearance of the man, or at least as little as she could make out of him from a distance. He had long hair, he was definitely a tall person, even knelt on the ground, she could tell. His appearance was overall very… unique. Certainly not your average Joe the poacher. 

An idea came to her that made her grasp her rifle more tightly than before. What if he was some sort of hippie weirdo, some sort of witchcraft enthusiast that was looking to perform some sacrifice on the pup? With the way his body was contorting, and the chants he was seemingly performing, his overall appearance, the dark clothes, the long hair - it all added up. He was gonna sacrifice the pup for some pagan ritual and she wasn’t about to sit there and watch him take out a knife or something right before her eyes, hurting the pup before she could intervene!

“Stop right there!” 

The man’s eyes darted toward her immediately and she could’ve sworn they shined a bright yellow hue when they made eye contact. Clearly, her imagination was running wild with this whole pagan ritual scenario she’d been envisioning just earlier because the closer she got the more the man looked as normal as any.

Well. Maybe that wasn’t quite the right way to describe him. Aiming the rifle at him and advancing slowly, she couldn’t help but take in his appearance more closely. His eyes were in fact piercing, but they were a very light shade of bright green. His complexion seemed quite ghostly but that was surely due to the intensity of the moonlight that was shining brightly upon them in the clearing. His hair was unlike anything she’d ever seen on a man before. Long, silky curls, reaching slightly over his shoulders, it appeared to be wild and soft at the same time. She couldn’t make up her mind, because his mouth kept catching her eye the most, his large mouth with luscious, almost feminine lips that shone temptingly in the moonlight along with his irises. She had to stop inspecting his appearance as soon as her eyes landed on his cross pendant that hung low on his torso, his shirt open to his ribcage. She’d gotten close enough, and also, she was getting distracted.

Yes. He was unusual looking for sure. She was probably not far off in her assumptions since there was an eerie vibe to him, but what really confirmed it was the intensity of his stare.

He was staring at her in a way no one had in her entire life. She couldn’t read anything in his eyes - not surprise, not fear, not malicious intent - nothing. But she felt incredibly vulnerable under his scrutiny. She barely had a chance to glance at the pup, which, at a closer inspection, she still couldn’t quite tell whether it was wolf or not. It was weird how it just stood there next to the man, though. Like it was his pet he’d trained for years and years, and the pup couldn’t have been more than 7 maybe 8 months old judging by its build. 

The man was still panting heavily, his jaw slightly set, but whatever was happening to him before - pain or him performing a chant or whatever it was - had seized. She made sure her demeanor and voice were unwavering “What are you doing with this animal here? Are you aware you are trespassing in a prohibited area?”

“Officer. I was not aware. I’ll be out of your hair, and back on the trail.”

“Stay put.” she gestured with her rifle, discouraging him to get up as he was about to. “Why didn’t you log into the station if you were going to camp overnight? You are violating a number of laws here, sir. Is this animal yours?”

She tried her level best to read him, but his eyes weren’t giving away anything. It was like looking at a psychopath, oddly enough, that was the only comparison that came to her mind. She’d never seen anything like it.

“I wasn’t planning on camping… the pup is my pet. He wandered off a while ago and I’d been looking for him ever since. Now that I’ve found him, we’ll be leaving.”

“Sir, I will not warn you again. You are to stay put until I give you clear instructions otherwise.” She looked at him some more, scanning him head to toe as best she could. He was wearing chelsea boots. Heeled chelsea boots. Velour, heeled chelsea boots… to go for a hike? “Did you drive here?”

“Yes, my vehicle is parked at the southeast entrance into the forest.”

“That’s the furthest exit. A long trek over here, at least a 9-hour walk. You’re telling me you made it all the way over here dressed in those?” she pointed her rifle to his boots and for the first time she saw a hint of a reaction on his face, if only for a split second.

A smirk.

The man had smirked. 

Was this entertaining to him? 

“I stopped for a quick walk, just to get some fresh air. I wasn’t planning on spending the whole day here. My pet wandering off left me no choice, I’m afraid.”

“What’s the dog’s name? Why isn’t it collared? What breed is it?”

The man looked over to the pup who was just standing there dumbly. This was the oddest dog she’d ever seen. If she didn’t know any better she could’ve sworn he’d placed some spell on it to stand so still - she’d never seen a dog behaving like this in her whole life.

“I don’t know. Haven’t had him long.”

“Sir, have you stolen this dog?”

There it was again, that smirk, only this time, it seemed like he was doing it with his eyes somehow. They sparkled with mischief. “No.”

“Do you have any means to prove this is, in fact, your pet?”

“He obeys me.”

Y/N whistled and tried to make the pup come to her, but it didn’t even budge. 

“I’m his owner.” the man reiterated.

“I’ll have to take it in until you can make proof of ownership, I’m afraid.”

“You’ll do no such thing.”

Y/N scoffed “Sir, you are in no position of bargaining. Let me see some ID.”

“I don’t have any on me.”

Y/N pondered the situation. Did she really want to take him into the station? She wasn’t prepared for that, she didn’t call in for reinforcement as per protocol, and she would’ve just gotten herself into unnecessary trouble. She could easily just take the pup - the sweet little thing was obedient and well-behaved, check its chip to see if it was in fact stolen, and have the man bring in proof the next day. Yeah. That sounded a lot more reasonable.

“I’m taking the pup into the station until you make proof of ownership tomorrow. You’re lucky I’m not fining you for trespassing.” She unclasped a key from her keychain and threw it at him, he didn’t budge to catch it so it hit him square in the chest “That’s for the tourist cabin down west from here, it’s a 5-minute walk. You can’t miss it. Stay on the path, and don’t try and take any shortcuts. This area isn’t tourist friendly. This is why you should log in at the station when you plan on camping. Make sure to check for snakes, otherwise, it should make do to get you through the night,” she also threw a flashlight in his direction. “Use that.” She whistled again, trying to get the pup’s attention “Come here, boy, c’mon.”

The pup wasn’t budging, if anything it began whimpering. The man looked at it and without having to say a word, it unglued itself from him and made its way toward her reluctantly.

This man was definitely into some dark magic at the very least. The whole thing sent shivers down her spine. It was as though he had the dog hypnotized or something.

She tied a makeshift lead around the pup’s neck and secured it to her belt, as best she could while still aiming the rifle at the strange man. “You may get up now.”

He didn’t even bother picking up the keys and the flashlight in doing so. He stood at an impressive height, even taller than she’d originally assumed. He was clearly concealing his displeasure with the way he had to give up the dog, that perpetual scowl on his face was the only thing trading any kind of emotion, though she suspected that was his default expression.

“I expect you tomorrow at the station with proof of ownership. If you don’t show up it’s considered a federal offense. Am I understood?”

“Understood, officer.”

She nodded and lowered her rifle for the first time since coming upon him. “Be safe.” 

She waited for him to start towards the cabin, but he was just standing there, staring at her. “It’s that way,” she gestured the rifle in the direction she’d indicated earlier.

He reluctantly took a step back, and then another, and then turned and disappeared into the woods. It was as if he’d never been there.

She looked down at the puppy who was seemingly distressed, looking after its owner “It’s alright, boy. You’re safe,” she whispered at it and then tugged on the lead to make their way back towards the jeep. 

It wasn’t until she got inside and secured the pup in the crate she had in the back that she realized the man hadn’t picked up the key and the flashlight from the ground.

Oh well. His problem. She’d done her duty.

The drive back was much shorter now that she could use the headlights and not worry about being as silent as possible. Just as she was about to unlock the station though, she heard a wolf howling. She’d not heard one as close in the whole 2 months she’d been stationed there. It made all her hair stand up on her body.

The last thing she expected was for the sweet little pup by her side to start howling in return. 

“Guess you’re not exactly a dog, are you, boy?”

She knew it. That man was not its owner. And whatever hold he’d had on the pup was not exactly human either.

Chapter 2

A/N: (@fkinavocado and @gurugirl here) We're so excited to begin this series and we really hope you love it as much as we do! ❤️

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[arcadiabaytornado]

The contrast in Life Is Strange between the good vs bad nature of camera’s is so neat. 

Just like anything else, a camera can be used for good or bad. On the bad side of things, it can be used for surveillance. We see this in David following around Kate and taking pictures of her because he assumes she did something wrong. She loses her right to privacy because someone wants to paint her as guilty, and cameras can do that by taking moments out of context. We see an example of that with Kate's video. She's filmed grabbing at guys to make out with, which, out of context, makes her seem like a wild party animal. However, when we speak to Kate, we learn that she was drugged and not in control. 

Then we also have the more obvious example of Mark and Nathan. They both use photography to capture peoples most vulnerable moments without their consent. For them the “art” outweighs the suffering that it takes to make it.

But that doesn’t mean cameras are a bad thing! Max often uses her camera for good. She uses photography as a way to capture memories and things that make her happy. She takes photos of Chloe framed by the sun, she takes photos of squirrels trying to catch lighting bugs, she takes pictures of birds perching on rocks. And on a more heartbreaking note, if you sacrfice Chloe, you can see Max looking through a photo album of their childhood together. Those photo’s give her good memories that can hang onto. 

More Undercut

Her camera isn't used maliciously, though I know people point out that Max can take photos of dark matters like the dead whales and the dead bird. Personally, I don't think these things change my argument at all. While those photos are dark in subject matter, they don't hurt anyone. Max didn't kill the whale or the birds to get that shot, unlike Nathan and Mark, who have to actively harm people to take the photos they want. And I think that’s the point. Max never had to harm anyone to take darker photos, and Mark and Nathan didn’t have to either. They choose too and that fact is highlighted by their contrast with Max.

Anyway, it’s impressive how relevant this conversation still is considering the rise of social media and the attempted normalization of filming strangers in public. We’ve seen in real life how cameras can be used for good (people can film videos of them surprising their long distance partners, they can film videos of their friends doing something sweet/silly in public, they can take a video of their dog running around the park.) or bad (Filming neurodivergent people in public acting “weird,” filming goth or “unusually” dressed people to mock them, filming a stranger crying in public for an “aesthetic” or a “This is so me.🤪” video.) It really is impressive how this conversation has only become more complicated since LIS released, but man has the subject matter in this game aged well! 

[pigeonpeach]

Love Blooms within the Desert

Aka eremite reader x nilou

Contains: stalking? (Might not be classified as that because its not really creepy or malicious maybe?) pining, fluff. Gender neutral reader

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4 the end

A/n Inspiration struck me randomly so i must go with it

The desert is boring. Inbetween your trips and escorts are you often spending alot of time just in the sand doing nothing. Dancing is a common practice amongst tribes to pass the time and lighten the mood. Although you have never had the race and balance for it. You liked watching people dance instead. You had escorted a few merchants across the desert and thus were making your way back to the main central hub for eremites where you would escort another person. Unfortunately your tribe was content with sleeping off the exhaustion instead of any fun card games or dances. You never had the gut to ask, worried your tough exterior might crack. So you headed to the nearest oasis, the intention was just to bathe a little.

The night was beautiful, the stars were on full view with not a cloud in sight. Its as if there was just a blue filter over the desert with how well lit it was. So you quickly saw the figure of the dancing lady in the oasis. You stopped. If it was a fellow eremite you might be in trouble. Territorial disputes, or just adrenaline junkies were common. You weren’t good at negotiations. Come to think of it, you really weren’t good at much aside from strength related activities, and cooking. Hunting in the desert was a pain, scorpion meat wasn’t tasty so spices and marinades was your way of keeping sane and disguising any sneaky sand particles.

But her dance wasn’t similar to most you had seen. Nor were there others eremites around. It wasn’t impossible. Unfortunately sometimes eremites would be the last ones standing in their tribe, you had met a young girl named Jeht who was attracted by your cooking. You shared with her because you were full anyways, your tribe didn’t like that particular experimental marinade you came up with. So she ate her fill, telling you about her father and mothers passing. How she was looking for Babel, you wished her well and pointed to where you thought she was.

Looking at her closer now however you don’t think she’s a eremite. Actually she kind of looked like a goddess of sorts. Long flowy fabrics, her headdress, her movements were so graceful and serene. She danced to the melody of the night, of the nearby birds that chirped and the loud bugs. Her red hair flowed beautifully as she danced in a shallow part of the oasis, letting the water cool her feet. You knew it was wrong to just… watch someone but.. you couldn’t help it. You sat behind one of the bended palm trees and watched closely.

She was humming. A tune you didn’t know. But it was beautiful to watch. Her face was focused, she seemed.. stressed actually. Sweat dripped down her forehead. Before her eyes suddenly landed on you. A shock was evident as you quickly stood up and backed away.

“S-sorry.. just wanted some.. water..” you said, leaving your claymore in the ground as you cautiously approached the water from the other end. Purposely putting distance between you two in hopes she wouldn’t run off.

“O-oh that’s quite fine. Ah i didn’t mean to pollute the water with my uh… feet.. i just was walking for so long on the hot sand that i uh…”

“Don’t worry I’m not drinking it.” You said a little weirded out by that thought, water is water, so long as its safe you would drink it. But she probably had a different opinion of cleanliness.

“Oh okay..” silence fell between you as you took the opportunity to wash your hair. Cupping the water and drenching your face and hair in it. Temporarily did you remove your mask. Making her cover her mouth for a reason you weren’t sure about. “I.. i didn’t expect you to have such striking eyes. Sorry that must sound weird.”

“It doesn’t really. I’ve gotten weirder comments from people.” You say. You shake off the rest of the water. You would have a proper shower back at the main city, but for now you had to do with this. “So, what is your profession?”

“H-hm? Oh right. I’m Nilou, a dancer for the Zubayr Theatre. We put on lots of performances. My most recent performance was supposed to be about a desert girl so I figured it might help to actually go to the desert. I came later but it was still so hot.” She giggled awkwardly. You sat down, the water soaking your shoes.

“That sounds lovely. Eremites do have their own dances but it really isn’t as intricate as yours. But i think it helps to actually see the desert.” You paused trying to come up with a conversation topic to continue.”You know, not many people in Sumeru actually ever come here. they’re too intimidated by the gangs and hot sand and scorpions. I can’t blame them too much but they’re really missing out.”

“really?” She seemed intrigued.

“Well.. i think that’s just kind of like life you know, you gotta fight bad guys, conquer the environment and you get rewarded with sights like this, the cloudless night with endless stars, the oasis’s. Not to mention the foxes.” She smiled at that.

“Oh yes the foxes! They’re so cute but so skiddish. I wish I could pet one.” She sighed.

“Sometimes they actually come near me. Well only this specific family near Aaru village. I fed them a few times and so they’re more comfortable around me. Truth be told they aren’t optimal for meat or food so i hardly ever do try to hurt them.” She seemed a little startled by that concept, likely envisioning a cruel fate for such cute critters at your hands. You felt a embarrassed by that thought. “Not that i ever have eaten one. Scorpions are better food. They hardly ever hide and they provide alot of meat. They have a texture i’d compare to liek… lobster maybe?”

“Oh. I didn’t know they were edible.” She seemed less weirded out. ‘Wait why are you so eager to impress this lady anyway?’ “Although that does sound a little bit tasty.. i guess I should try it sometime.”

“Oh its great with a rosemary, boar fat, and sweet flower marinade with hara hara spice and minimal salt, oh you can pepper too.”

“Wow, is that recipe popular with eremites?” She asked curiously. You shook your head. Again embarrassed, most eremites looked at your weirdly when you showed that much interest in culinary passions. Although they didn’t complain or argue when you had something to show for it and for them to sample. You still felt embarrassed for culinary preferences to your potential weak spot. Getting spices and other flavors isn’t easy out here.

“Just me and my tribe. Mainly because of me.” You said. “I just can’t stand the same old things for too long. I find the process of concocting and working my surroundings to be quite relaxing. I don’t really know how to make much else that isn’t meaty.i hardly ever get vegetables.” You trailed on. She however seemed more comfortable, even sitting across from you.

“They must like you alot. In my troupe our chef is the most important one. You can’t work well on a empty stomach afterall.” She smiled.

“They tolerate it.” You paused as you decided not to divulge your tensions and issues with your tribe to a stranger. “Say, whats your favorite kind of dishes.” You asked curiously. She seemed to light up.

“Oh I simply love padisarah pudding, there’s also Tachin and sheermal!” You were however lost. You never had any puddings, tachin you had, but you were curious about these delicacies. A curiosity was peaked that you couldn’t satiate. Something pulling you now from your homelife right into her world. Into the forests, the city..

“I’ve never had padisarah pudding. Is it a dessert?” You asked. She nodded.

“Oh you should its lovely, if you ever come to sumeru city I’d love to treat you to some.” She smiled. Your embarrassment was different now, less of shame and now of.. confusion and surprise. You hadn’t had someone like her treat you so nicely, offering you what must be a bit pricey of a promise. She was only a dancer after all, her wages can’t be that good. But that offer sparked something in your stone heart. A crush? Love? Attraction? You bottles it away to deal with later.

“Maybe I will. My tribe and I are heading back in the morning actually. Are you going to the Caravan Ribat tomorrow?” You asked.

“Ah i am. But its okay I can go by myself. I don’t want to burden your tribe out of nowhere.”

“I insist. Its not too safe and… well.. i don’t mean to be mean or rude but your outfit might lure.. robbers and such. I’d be happy to accompany you alone if you would feel safer like that.” You said. ‘Whats wrong with you? Why are you insistent on making sure she’s safe now?’

“Well if you insist. I guess I should’ve thought about a plan to go back.. actually… if you don’t mind… could I sleep near your camp or.. in it maybe? I’m worried about sandstorms coming now.” She seemed rather embarrassed.

“I’ll bring my tent over don’t worry.” You said. “I’ll be right back.” You said, leaving your claymore.

‘Gosh what has gotten into you! Usually you would charge for such but you’re offering a escort for completely free just because she indulged your culinary curiosity and was nice! Are you truly so depraved of affection that you would throw yourself at the feet of those stuck up Akademiya nuts? But she’s not in the Akademiya, she’s a dancer, you hear they hate the arts. If anything she’s more familiar with the adversity you face than you would think. Whatever. You’ll just walk to the Ribat and maybe spend the day with her for a change. You can get a break surely. At least to try that pudding and maybe even see her performance…’

You knew deep down that something else was blooming inside. Your heart nurtured a seed of interest that turned into something more romantic as you thought about Nilou more and more. Ignoring the looks of your fellow tribe members who just shrugged and went back to bed as you hauled the whole tent yourself. You knew however that chances of a successful relationship with a non eremite wouldn’t be in your favor. For your home is the sand and hers is the flowers. But.. it couldn’t hurt to indulge your curiosity. She probably doesn’t even reciprocate anyways.

Nilou meanwhile tried her damnest to fix her headdress and her hair. Hoping she wouldn’t look like a slob or improper lady infront of that attractive eremite.

[thesakuragarnet]

Distracted

Summary: Dabi attempts to remain calm during a work call when it's his turn to get ra!led.

THIS WORK IS 18+ ONLY! S3XUAL TAGS WILL BE HIDDEN BELOW THE KEEP READING BUTTON!

Non-Spicy Tags: DabiHawks, swearing, smut, pre-paranormal liberation war arc, they're in love I promise

Word Count: 1,302 words

AO3 link

Spicy Tags: switch DabiHawks, brat b0ttom Dabi, praise k!nk, a n a l s3x, n!pple licking, aftercare

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Lieutenant Dabi? Are you still there?” Skeptic’s grating voice crackles through the phone next to Dabi’s head. He got excused from going to the meeting because he said he wasn’t feeling well. In reality, a certain Pro Hero was fucking every thought out of his head. It was kinda funny to him in a way; Hero Society was metaphorically and literally screwing him. He and Hawks had been seeing each other shortly after he joined their cause, and Dabi was utterly addicted to the rush of love that had been absent for so long. He never realized how much he ached for it. How much he needed it. 

They’d been going at it since before the meeting started, and the edging was insane . Dabi forced Hawks to stop every time they needed him to talk; he was worried they might get suspicious. 

“Fuck,” Dabi groans, breath hissing through gritted teeth as Hawks slows his thrusts to a stop once again; the villain attempts to collect his bearings before unmuting himself on the call. 

“Yes, I’m still here. What do you want?” He scoffs, hoping he isn’t as breathless as he feels. He thanks his lucky stars that they hadn’t decided on a video call. His clothes had long been ripped off by a slew of feathers, and his legs are splayed out on either side of the Hero. Hawks’ eyes narrow; he’s getting impatient. 

“You and Geten are to start training your Regiment together twice a day for the rest of the month. Have you decided on times yet?” Skeptic snaps. 

“Whatever the ice bastard wa- aants ,” Dabi grumbles before the last word almost turns into a moan as Hawks leans forward, sucking on his unburned nipple. Dabi’s pleasure turns to aggravation as he smacks Hawks’ head, trying to get him to stop. 

“This is a trap. He’s gonna bitch about whatever time I pick,” Geten shrills. Hawks traces his tongue over the sensitive flesh, and Dabi flexes his fingers, gripping the sheets. 

“Don’t. Care,” Dabi grunts, desperately trying to keep his cool. His eyes roll into the back of his head as Keigo slowly starts thrusting, keeping his movements shallow enough to not make any noise. Before Dabi can gasp, Hawks clasps a hand over his mouth. 

“How about nine and nine?” Hawks’ syrupy sweet voice lilts into the phone. 

“That works,” Geten snorts. 

“Wait. Wait, is Bird Boy on the call? I didn’t think he was supposed to b-” Skeptic’s voice crackles before Hawks hangs up the phone. Dabi’s gaze darkens. 

“Relax, princess. You were too distracted,” Hawks sneers, only for Dabi to bite his hand harshly. 

“FUCK!” Hawks seethes, reeling his hand back in pain. 

“That’s for embarrassing me,” Dabi retorts with a devilish smirk.

“You seem to not have a problem being on call when you’re the one buried in me . What’s wrong Dabs? Don’t want the other villains to know you just wanna be held and taken care of?” Hawks snickers mockingly, and his lover’s eyes narrow. 

“Say that again and you won’t get the privilege ,” Dabi snarls, his eyes glowing with a malicious glint. However, his harsh gaze melts into pure bliss as the hero starts rocking his hips. 

“ There’s that beautiful expression I love seeing,” Hawks grins, and Dabi ignores him, dissolving in the pleasure. The low, raspy moans gradually pitch higher and higher, turning into choked whimpers as Hawks thrusts faster and deeper. 

“Fuck me. God , yes. Don’t stop,” Dabi wails repetitively, feeling the fire prickle beneath his skin as his lover starts planting deep, tender kisses along his scars, feathers gently brushing against his entire body. 

“You’re so pretty when you beg, princess,” Hawks groans before hungrily pressing his lips to Dabi’s. The villain moans lewdly into the kiss, his tongue desperately prodding until it intertwines with the hero’s. Hawks gets more aggressive, thrusting faster and faster as his hands grab Dabi’s wrists, forcing them together and above his head. Dabi doesn’t even resist; normally, he would playfully struggle and make Hawks work for it, but he’s too far gone. The hero breaks the sloppy kiss, a strand of saliva connecting their lips as he watches his lover's eyes roll back into his head. The thin space of unburned flesh between the scars on his jaw and eyes is painted with a passionate blush, and he can feel the heat surging beneath the villain's skin. Hawks never thought he'd have such a chokehold on Dabi of all people. All it took was one drunken night, and he'd spilled how much he wanted this. All it took were Hawks' thinly veiled words of praise, and Dabi was putty in his hands. 

"H-Ha-Hawks~" The shattered moan leaves Dabi's lips between heavy breaths as his cock throbs, bouncing up and down and dripping pre on his stomach with every jolt of his body. His eyes lock onto the hero's, pleading...begging. 

"What do you want, princess?" Hawks smirks, swallowing a groan of pleasure. Dabi wants so desperately to say 'stop fucking calling me that', but he doubts he could manage it without whimpering between thrusts. Dabi's eyes look up at his wrists, held firmly in place above his head, then down at his untouched cock. He doesn't want to give Hawks the satisfaction of asking to touch himself, but, at the same time, he needs to be given permission. He could easily break free of the hold if he wanted to, but it's not that simple. Not in this state. Not in this context. Hawks bites his bottom lip, as if mockingly pondering whether or not he should allow it.

"I said you weren't allowed to touch yourself, didn't I?" Hawks sneers, and Dabi grits his teeth. Without warning, he pulls out and flares his wings. Feathers shoot through the air, swirling around Dabi and forcing him to flip around on his stomach. The villain yelps as he feels Hawks' talons sink into his hips, jerking his ass into the air as he plunges into it. Before Dabi can take a breath, Hawks' feathers curl up underneath him, rising up and pulling him flush against his back while one of his hands snakes around his cock. 

"Ah, fuck," Dabi sighs loudly, Hawks' name dripping from his lips like honey. 

"You're fucking insatiable, Dabs," Hawks growls, licking the scars on the villain's neck. 

"Close," Dabi gasps, feeling his orgasm stir in the pit of his stomach. 

"Not yet," Hawks commands, pounding deeper and deeper, shifting his angle to brush against his lover's prostate. Dabi's breath staggers, and he dissolves into choked whimpers as he tries to keep control. 

"Can't~ah~hold~AH!" Dabi's moans pitch higher and higher, his eyelids fluttering as his tongue lolls out of his mouth. With a final, harsh series of rapid thrusts, Hawks groans under his breath as he empties into Dabi. The Hero continues to deliberately pump his hand up and down, and the scarred villain comes completely undone. The air is thick with the smell and heat of sex, and they both collapse as they separate.  

"Worth skipping that lame meeting, huh?" Hawks huffs with a cocky grin between deep breaths. 

"Fuck you," The villain growls, pulling his shaking legs up close to his chest and resting his chin on his knees. 

"Damn, babe. Still bratty even in the afterglow?" Hawks sighs, rolling his eyes as he gently drapes a wing over Dabi, forcibly pulling him closer. Reluctantly, the villain obliges, nudging himself into the crook of Hawks' arm and burying his face between the hero's pecs.

"If I get asked about that phone call I'm gonna fucking brand you," Dabi mumbles, and Keigo just chuckles, tracing his fingertips along the scar lines on his back. 

"Whatever you say, hothead," He yawns as they fall asleep in each other's arms. 

[breannasfluff]

The absence of Four has Wild sticking even closer to Legend and Hyrule. He loves them dearly, but his instincts call for a flock.

Hyrule is perfectly happy to attach himself to Wild like an octorok. Prying him off becomes harder and harder. Legend and Wild end up sacrificing each other to escape. They don’t really need much. Wild’s got plenty of food and games in his slate and Wind brings meals from Malon. Sky doesn’t come again, probably wrapped up with Four.

“Can you tell me more about nesting?” Wild stares at his hand of cards without really seeing them.

“What do you want to know?” Legend plays one and Hyrule clicks his teeth.

“Anything? I don’t—well, I don’t remember. And I was so busy on my journey that I didn’t stay in one spot. I don’t think I remember anyone nesting?”

Legend nudges the traveler to go for his turn. “Probably not. Nesting means hunkering down somewhere safe and comfortable. Most passerines do it at home. Let’s see…well, we have Nesting season like the seabirds have Migration or the raptors have Hunting.”

Wild’s frown deepens. He’ll have to ask the flock about that later.

“It’s usually triggered by other birds and when we feel safe,” the bowerbird continues. “So, yeah, it makes sense you wouldn’t during your journey.”

“I nested with my Zelda,” Hyrule pipes up. “We aren’t a flock, but we trust each other.”

“Nesting in the castle? Nice.”

The thrasher’s laugh is mostly trill, melodic as always. “Honestly, I rather be in a loft like this than buried in mounds of lace and silks. She’s got the other Zelda now, so it’s not really a problem.”

Right, Hyrule’s adventure ended with two princesses instead of one.

“So nesting is triggered because I’m with you?” Wild asks.

“Probably. All passerines are a little different, depending on their instincts. Hyrule here,” a nudge, “wants his pair birds and no one else. Four is happy with anyone. What about you?”

“Ah…” Wild’s fiddles with his cards. They are no longer playing, caught up in conversation. “I’m more like Four…I guess? I’m fine with other birds in the nest. Obviously not the raptors but…” he trails off.

What does he want? What is he missing? What was nesting like for him Before? What about when this ends and he has to go home? Zelda isn’t a nesting bird, despite being social enough.

“Open-nest or closed-nest,” Legend says. “Anyway, sometimes it’s being around other flock birds, but usually it hits in the fall time. It gets colder and the days get longer. We want to tuck away somewhere warm.”

A question sits on the tip of his tongue, too embarrassing to ask. Legend can read him like an open book and nudges him. “Spit it out.”

“I don’t want—chicks. And it’s not springtime. So what’s the point…”

Hyrule breaks the silence with giggles that turn into a waterfall of chirps. Legend joins in, eyes dancing. There’s nothing malicious so Wild swats at them, wings fluffing.

“I’m sorry! It’s just—we aren’t actual birds!” Hyrule wheezes for air. “Sure, some instincts are similar, but we’re hylian, too.”

“By the Three,” Legends says. “Can you imagine what it would be like if we were real birds? No, thank you. Secondary instincts are bad enough.”

Wild’s ears are burning. “You don’t have to laugh that hard.”

“Nesting is about resting,” the bowerbird continues, taking pity on his flockmate. Hyrule still giggles, wiping at his eyes. “Like animals hibernating? It’s a built-in instinct to settle down and relax for a bit. Recharge and bond with your flock. Spend time with family.”

That…makes a lot more sense. 

Read the rest here!

[elodieunderglass]

Someone who doesn’t follow me was concerned with the fact that my posts about plantcraft may not be ideologically pure.

Here is my response, which is more effort than a random really deserves:

I don’t hate any plant! They are all “native” somewhere, they are all “useful” somewhere, they all have benefits and lessons to share with us. I love the grass in the grassy part of my own garden. There are six different seed types and they are beautiful. I love seeing little wild birds eat the seeds, and seeing the chickens and Guinea pigs eat the leaves. I love how public parks with grassed areas stand up to every insult humans throw at them, and then in fine weather people automatically come and sit on it. I love the human impulse in fine weather in a city to find a place with mowed grass and Sit Upon It With Friends. No other plant than turf grass could serve the public like that.

I think it’s possible to have a deep and meaningful relationship with any plant that strengthens your connection to nature. I would rather have “ordinary” people practice No Mow May in joy and interest, and journal their butterflies, than bully them out of having a lawn. I think a sustainable interest in sustainable gardening can grow more naturally from “ordinary” people gaining knowledge and connection than through the ranting and bullying of people who actually KNOW NOTHING ABOUT PLANTS.

I don’t think people should water lawns (except in fire risk.)

I don’t think any land should be terraformed. People should not have turf grass in Arizona (it’s frankly cruel to the plant, and takes far too many resources to maintain.) but equally people should not be trying to grow thirsty vegetable plants and flowers in Arizona. People should not be growing almonds in California. The first principle of plantcraft i preach is to work with the local geography in respect for the land. Terraforming a plant that needs a life support system is wrong, but not because the plant is malicious or evil or deserves hate. It’s simply the wrong choice for that land, and would be a fine choice on other land.

I don’t think American dads should have three acres of lawn. I don’t think Americans should have 3 acres. I think they should give the land back. I think if you have more land than your household can reasonably maintain and use, it should be a common. In most cases in Europe and America this will simply be a reversion to how land-in-excess was handled. Many proponents of sustainable living set five (productive) acres as the maximum for a private household to own. In fact, I don’t think anyone should privately own thousands of acres. No, not even those slightly mythical cutesy American family farmers.

I have many political stances that sound a bit bonkers and radical, but when you carve them back, they’re actually deeply informed by science, ecology, sustainability, indigenous activists, and good relationships.

Sometimes I feel that the internet isn’t ready to handle complex thoughts about ecosystems, and maybe that’s fine. Maybe people need to have very simple ideas like “Grass is Bad, Bees is Good” and it doesn’t really matter if, as a result of believing that, they kill lawns with roundup to be more eco-friendly and displace native pollinators with cute European honeybees. Because maybe simple is just that much easier to handle.

But I cannot explain how much I dislike viewing the natural world as a set of fandoms. In which there are organisms you’re supposed to support and plants you’re supposed to hate and people have to check the purity of your preferences. I just don’t think that the lenses of supremacy, power struggles and borders are useful ways to relate to the inhuman universe: they aren’t lenses that zoom in to deep truths, they’re mirrors that only show you reflections of your own thoughts.

I can only warn you that doing so leads you farther away from building relationships and connections with the natural world, and separates you from it, instead of leading you to your place in it.

[potterandpromises]

The trio assumes Bunny left Mrs. Gambolini to Oliver in her will to ‘give him the bird,’ as it were. But in season 1 Oliver mentions he once had a parakeet named Bruce, and it’s clear he loves Winnie. So I don’t think it was malicious. I think Bunny considered everyone she knew and decided, despite their personal differences, that Oliver would take the best care of her pet in the event of her death.

[symbioticsimplicity]

Four Guys Walk Into A Bar pt 4

I let Eddie drive, this is what happened.

Part 1  Part 2  Part 3 A03 link

                                                               *

“You ever wonder if ants have feelings?” Eddie asked the ceiling, his voice floaty and aloof the way it usually got when he was toasted, “Like is it possible to compress the shit that makes feelings down that much?”

“Can’t say I have.” Billy passed Eddie the cigarette they’d been sharing, the reach made easier by Eddie’s positioning with his head on Billy’s stomach.

“You think about ants often, Munson?” The words were probably meant to be mocking, but the liquor had softened Tommy's tone. His freckled cheek was pressed against Steve’s shoulder, making the words all the more muffled and soft.

That was something that had started about an hour ago, all of them bleeding into one another. First Eddie had thrown his legs over Steve’s lap. Then Tommy, never one to be shown up, let himself lean into Steve’s side. Billy had laid down beside Eddie, and Eddie hadn’t hesitated to cuddle up to him. The blonde had looked like he was staring down a bear, but he hadn’t told Eddie to move. Which naturally meant Steve could sprawl his legs out over Billy’s. 

He hadn’t argued that either.

Now they were all more or less a puddle of limbs in the middle of the floor. 

It was comforting, though, in a way Steve hadn’t realized he desperately needed. It had been years since he’d felt anything approaching safe. Even before the Upside-Down craziness started, when he was afraid there was rarely anyone around to turn to about it. Whether it was because he was actually alone, or just for fear of being mocked. Steve kept to himself, and he hadn’t allowed himself to think about whether or not he wanted things to be that way.

Now, surrounded by warmth and pressure, and the sheer certainty that he wasn’t alone, he found he never wanted it any other way again.

Eddie yawned, catching Steve’s attention. Christ, even his yawns were loud and dramatic.

“Not usually. Not any more than I think about birds or dogs or whatever. Just sometimes, when shit gets really wild like this, it makes me wonder, ya know?”

“Almost getting killed by interdimensional monsters makes you wonder if ants have feelings?” Steve tugged at the loose fibers at the bottom of Eddie’s jeans.

He sighed, then groaned, then sighed again, “Not-- there was a process. I was thinking about everything going on, and then I started to wonder what we even look like to those things. Do they know what people are? Made me think about us just being formless blobs, but that didn’t feel right so I pictured ants instead. Cause nobody ever really thinks about ants when they kill them, which is kind of fucked up, when you’re imagining yourself as an ant, you know? Then I started thinking about if an ant would really think that? Like do they care? Do they have feelings? Is killing them worse if they do, or sadder if they don’t?”

“Oh my God,” Tommy whispered, and for a moment Steve was surprised to hear him sound concerned before, “Do you always think that much, holy shit dude.”

Eddie lifted one of his feet off of Steve to smack at Tommy lightly with it, “Do you always get so surprised by the human capacity for thought and introspection? I know you’ve probably never done it, but it’s pretty normal.”

“Nothing about that was normal.” Billy replied, snagging the ass end of their shared cigarette from the corner of Eddie’s mouth where it had burnt down during his little rant.

Eddie arched his back to look up at Billy, though it had the unfortunate side effect of digging his heel into Steve’s stomach. Steve groaned, lifting his foot before it could dig into his scarring, consequently not immediately noticing the stares aimed his way.

“What?” Steve glanced from Billy to Eddie to Tommy and back again.

“What do you mean what?” Billy glared, his cheeks dyed pink again.

“Ah, Steve Whorington makes his mighty return.” Tommy grinned maliciously.

“Not for nothing, but he’s right, that was about the sluttiest sound I’ve heard outside of an actual porno.” Eddie’s voice sounded the same as it usually did but his face was as flushed as Billy’s.

“That was a pain noise!” Steve objected, feeling his own face go hot, “Your foot was in my large intestine!” 

Eddie bit both of his lips and pulled them into his mouth, trying so hard not to say something that Steve could feel him vibrate with the urge.

“Shut up.”

“I didn’t say anything!” Eddie chirped, a grin cutting across his face.

“Sounded like his dick was in your large intestine.” Tommy said instead, foolishly for how close he was sitting to Steve.

Steve smacked him, harder than he probably would have usually for the cavalcade of images that had now flooded his brain. 

“Ow!” Tommy whined, “What, hit too close to home, Stevie?”

Steve knew that if he looked over at Tommy, he’d be giving him that look. The one where he made his eyes look as big as possible since he knew how easily that got Steve, the one where he looked like he couldn’t possibly do a thing wrong. It was one of Steve’s favorite and least favorite expressions on him all at once. He was evil.

“You’re an asshole.” Steve glared. 

“That wasn’t a no.” Billy pointed out, helpfully, “You into Munson?”

Steve suddenly wished fervently for another earthquake to open up a crack directly beneath him.

Eddie for his part hadn’t said a word, he was just watching Steve the same way he’d watched Tommy earlier. Those big, dark eyes of his made Steve feel like he was falling upward into the night sky. Like he was weightless even while being crushed, like he could float there forever even if he didn’t survive the experience. 

“I’ve got eyes, don’t I?” Steve tossed an arm over his eyes, half to hide the blush burning across his cheeks and half to hide from Eddie’s stare. 

The softest gasp met his ears, making nausea crest in his stomach. Goddamn it, of all the ways to drop this…

“He is kind of cute, I guess, under all the layers of weirdo.” Tommy said appraisingly, snapping the room’s attention to him next, “Oh, were we just supposed to keep trying to act like everyone in this room hasn’t thought about screwing everyone else?”

“I--” Billy started.

“Oh no, don’t you even try to bullshit me, Hargrove. I might be an idiot, but I’m not stupid.” Tommy kept on, “I know you have a thing for Steve, and you’ve been acting the same way with Munson all day.” 

Billy scoffed, “Acting like what? I haven’t been acting like anything.”

Tommy only raised his eyebrows at him.

“I haven’t!”

“We could test it.” Eddie shrugged, “Tommy’s little hypothesis.”

“Test it?” Billy squinted, “How?”

Steve was sure he already knew where this was going, but he found the idea of stopping it for once was the least appealing option. Sometimes he was drawn to the fire just as much as the rest of them, sue him.

“I could kiss you.” Eddie’s voice was calm, soft, and filled to the brim with something fragile, like hope but thinner. 

Billy tensed up, “The hell makes you think I’d want that?”

Eddie’s expression changed on a dime, irritation rolling in like a storm cloud. 

“For fucks sake, Hargrove, ain’t nobody here for you to posture up to.” Eddie twanged the way he did when he was too annoyed to hold it in, “Not like we’re gonna tell anybody about all this. Right guys?”

Eddie fixed his intense stare on both Steve and Tommy.

“Why in the fuck would I tell anyone about this?” Tommy scoffed, “Hello, conservative parents and Christian college football scholarship?”

“I won’t tell anyone if you don’t want anyone to know.” Steve shrugged, “I mean, we’re probably all gonna die tomorrow anyway.” 

“No we ain’t.”

“Fat fucking chance.”

“I’m not dying at twenty-one, I didn’t quit railing coke on the weekends just to die young anyway.”

“Okay, alright sure. We’re not gonna die tomorrow.” Steve conceded, “That means we’ll have that ‘fought and almost died together’ brotherhood thingy Grandpa talked about with his war buddies. That’s gotta mean we can kiss without making it weird or whatever.”

“He makes a sound case.” Eddie said, thoughtfully stroking his chin, “What say you, Sir Hargrove?”

“That’s worse than ‘Sunshine.” Billy muttered, his deep blue eyes finally falling on them, on Steve in particular much to his heart’s detriment, “I think they should do it first.”

“Who’s they, Sunshine? Me and one of those two or those two and…those two?”

“Those two.”

“Ah, want me all to yourself, do ya~?” Eddie grinned.

“I-- shut up, Munson.” Billy squeezed his eyes shut, almost as though praying for patience.

“Why don’tcha make me, baby boy~?”

Steve could see the exact moment Billy’s patience ran out. And in all honesty he didn’t blame him, if anything he was surprised he’d survived this long. Eddie could be annoying when he didn’t actively want something, but with an agenda? He could be just as relentless as Nancy if he felt like it.

The blonde moved much faster than a regular human could have, fast enough that Steve lost track of his arms for a moment. He hauled Eddie up his body-avoiding knocking his feet against Steve’s crotch by the grace of God-like he weighed exactly nothing, before crushing their lips together.

Steve watched for a moment before glancing away to give them at least the illusion of privacy. 

Unfortunately looking away meant meeting Tommy’s eyes, Tommy who was giving him that look.

“Want some of what they’re having?” And if Steve hadn’t been trapped in the gaps between his eyelashes, he might have laughed at the lame line, “Been a while.”

It had been. Years, in fact, since he’d kissed Tommy. Before either of them had gotten girlfriends they used to “practice” on one another, for hours. If Steve was honest, he had loved passing the time that way.

“What about Carol?” Steve asked, only just now remembering his former best friend’s long time girlfriend. 

His eyes tightened around the edges, mouth drawing into a thin line, “We broke up last June. She went off to France to study, and I went to Indiana State.” 

Steve winced in sympathy, “Know how that feels. Me and Nance… we didn’t make it long.”

Tommy nodded, “Yeah, saw the ass end of that. Looked rough.”

“Was.” Steve nodded, watching the way the words formed on Tommy’s lips, “Took a while but I got over it.”

“Have any help with that?” He glanced over at Eddie and Billy where the former was currently kissing the latter half way into the ground.

“A little.” Steve smiled, remembering how goddamn flabbergasted he was to find being around Billy Hargrove of all people made him feel… calmer. And then Eddie had strolled in and lit up his world like he’d been born with an instruction manual just for that.

“You’re not jealous?” Tommy tilted his head towards him, “I’m kinda jealous.”

“Not really?” Steve’s eyes traced up Eddie’s jaw and over to Billy’s, “I probably should be. But it’s-- this makes sense to me? The other way around never really did, I guess. Why have one person when you could all have more?”

Billy’s hand slid into Eddie’s hair and pulled, causing the other metalhead to pull away with a whine that made Steve’s stomach swoop with arousal.

“I like more.”

“More.” Tommy echoed, his tone catching Steve’s attention again, “I’ve always been a greedy bastard.”

The next thing he knew Tommy’s lips were finding his. 

Kissing Tommy was familiar, like coming back to a childhood home after years of having lived on his own. His hands went right where Steve knew they would, and his own followed suit. The rhythm they found was the same they’d decided on years ago, and the comfort of the routine soothed Steve bone deep. 

It had been months since he’d kissed someone, fuck he’d missed it.

More than that though, he’d needed the emotional bit, he thought. He’d been running at a dead sprint, ignoring every single thing that could hurt him or slow him down for years now. He hadn’t known where the hell to break down at, even if he’d wanted to. Who could he lean on who wasn’t already carrying the sky along with him? 

The familiarity and the softness broke him apart with such care he didn’t even realize he was crying until Tommy pulled back. 

“That bad?” He teased softly, an echo of what he’d said the first time they’d kissed.

Steve laughed, wet and a little hysterical, “Not you. Just. Fuck, I needed that.”

Tommy surprised him yet again by pulling him into a hug. 

“You haven’t freaked out this whole time, duh you needed something to wake your ass up.” Tommy murmured, “Experience or not, this is some crazy shit. You haven’t even batted a fuckin’ eye Steve. I’ve seen you get upset about cubed cheese.” 

“It’s just better that way.” Steve muttered, “Slices are harder to make even.”

“Fuckin’ weirdo.” The affection in his tone kept the insult light, stingless, “But seriously, when was the last time you let yourself lose it?”

“Uh…” There was no way to lie around this one that wouldn’t get him caught, Tommy knew all of his tells, god he was just as bad as Robin about calling him out on his bullshit, why had he missed him?

“That alone is a good enough answer.” Tommy’s hand rested against the back of Steve’s neck, beginning to kneed at the muscles there, “This shirt is a lost cause, don’t let its death be in vain, feel free to cry all over it.”

Maybe it was the absurdity of it all, maybe it was the still swelling emotions in his chest, or maybe it was the relief of having someone offer him a safe place to drop his worries and responsibilities for a moment. Hell, maybe it was all of them.

But Steve tucked himself up against Tommy’s neck and shoulder and let himself cry. 

He’d never been a loud crier, preferred people not to notice he was doing it at all if he couldn’t stop himself. The only sound he made were the occasional sniff or hitched breath. 

Once the tears had stopped coming and his mind was stuffed full of numb-tingly cotton, Steve had adjusted so he wasn’t laying so awkwardly with Tommy. He noticed Billy in a position not too different from his own, his cheeks similarly damp. 

Like Tommy, Eddie was rubbing his back, stroking through his hair almost absently. As if giving affection the way he did was just second nature and not a goddamn miracle to people like Steve, people like Billy.

“If we do die tomorrow,” Billy’s voice wound quietly between the four of them, “Glad this happened first.”

"Me too." Tommy agreed, turning his head Billy's way, "Oh and Hargrove?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't ever fucking lie to me again."

Tagging: @thelemonbandit @ihni @love-kurdt @thediktatortot @ghostlyjax

[lustrous-dawn]

Loyal Suns

Roshi gnashed his fangs. He knew he was being hard on the runt; the truth was he couldn't help it. Hikori reminded him so much of his younger self. So young, filled with innocence and youth. 

He wasn't the least bit subtle about it. His blunt honesty was the entire truth, never a game. Why mask it to spare the runt's feelings when he needed to grow? 

He was who he was.

“You lack manners. So bull-headed.” A soft voice in his ears, the touch of fingers through his mane, coaxing him to relax. “You make even the mightiest of Tauros bent the knee yet you cannot bring yourself to curve your temper. That will not do, follower of mine.” 

Akimitsu’s voice, an echo. The Arcanine stopped abruptly. With a roar, his paw raked furious grooves into the soil. “STOP PLAGUING ME WITH YOUR MEMORIES!”

“Let us sit together and enjoy the warmth of the sun. Perhaps if you take the time to think, it may help you see the error of your ways-”

“YOU'RE DEAD!” He furiously plowed into the earth, an upheaval of sharp stones rising through the soil with every stomp. 

Amidst his tantrum, he missed the small sight of the Staravia. She didn’t quiver at the sight of destruction. He would have commended her for having a spine on a different day. Not now as Roshi emitted a snarl, “I don’t believe I asked for your damned company.” Like the rest of the lot who decided to grace him with their presence, he had no choice but to tolerate it—no more. “And no. That runt is not like that bastard.” 

The growl in his voice was one ever-rising, a whisper of a mischievous smirk danced around in his mind. 

The golden fox of old. A friend. An enemy. A grimace broke across the Arcanine's features before he quickly recovered, his eyes filled with anger as he focused on Mina.

“Your fucking theory couldn't be further off the mark!" Roshi barked. "And you know what? I’m tired of you lot, nosing around in my business.” The Arcanine lifted a paw, a malicious glint in his eyes.

"None of you are taking me seriously! So I'll make you understand, one fucking way or another!"

"Stop."

The single word stopped the hound in his tracks, his paw quivering above the bird. He recognized it.

"Grk..." Roshi treaded nervously on his paws as the Ninetales approached, entering his view. That damn smirk. "Jiyuku..." As the mist surrounded them, no wonder he hadn't seen the Ninetales skulking about. But that was how Jiyuku was.

He was only seen when he wanted to be seen.

"I had believed Akimitsu taught you manners but I see nothing has retained in that thick skull of yours," Jiyuku rebuked him. "Have you forgotten the duty she has passed onto us, Roshi?"

@askpokecallcenter

[ The art here is done by @askcapital ]

[sharptoothed-gaze]

man, thank you for being normal about q!phil and about qsmp in general, i woke up and saw discourse and immediately ran over to your blog because i knew you would be level-headed about everything. i don’t know what it is, but people misunderstand our bird man all the time! he’s flawed like any other character, and that’s part of what makes him so interesting. maybe people are unkind to him because there aren’t a lot of crows on tumblr? it seems like just about everyone who’s angry about it doesn’t watch phil’s pov at all, which is where the misunderstanding comes from, and as a multi-pov watcher it makes me shake my head sadly. i am shaking ur hand though if you’d wish. crows are in this together

Thank you anon! I had no idea that anyone would bother seeking out my blog like that, but that's very cool to know. I love being a crow blog (tho I do watch a lot of other povs), and yeah I do think there aren't too many of us on here. I will gladly shake your hand lol.

Anyway, I appreciate being seen as level-headed in this space. I genuinely try to understand as much information as possible when it comes to storytelling and fandom. I'm not entirely neutral because I have my biases, but I still try my best to be logical.

Personally, I think the only way to get a full picture of a character is to consume different perspectives. It also helps to watch qsmp with the idea that "everyone trapped on this island is fucked up and trying their best." I don't think anyone here is malicious or trying to harm their eggs, instead they're mostly just filled with trauma and 100% accidentally passing it onto their kids. This is true of Philza and Tubbo, but it doesn't make them evil or terrible parents. They're just flawed people/characters and that's how it goes.

I think the Tubblings vs Crows discourse thing is pretty mirrored on both sides. I've seen people on both kinds of blogs grossly mischaracterize these characters and be very hostile to the other group. It leads to hella defensiveness because we all want other people to understand why we like our favorite block people (and we obviously know our guys aren't evil).

It sucks to see though because both Tubblings and Crows do and say pretty much the same things to each other. We gotta start being more charitable to each other since it just creates a horrible cycle.

[dilatorywriting]

I see you talking about characters like idia(which i agree with you, his hypocrisy rubs me the wrong way) But what are your thoughts on Crowley? I feel that he is just so suspicious we don't know anything about him other than him being the headmaster that dumps his problems onto others

Crowley I honestly don’t feel strongly about one way or another. He’s the whacky headmaster who does what the plot needs him to do and little else. Whether he interferes or leaves the Prefect high and dry seems usually more like a handy, comedic, plot device to get the player involved in the main story arc and less like something that’s meant to be, like, genuinely malicious. He mostly just seems like he’s there to act as a funny lil’ narrative guide who occasionally pops in to say something batshit insane before disappearing into the wind. I do appreciate that his negligence is at least, like, acknowledged in cannon. Even if only really to make jokes at his expense. But again even then, he’s not really treated as a character so much as a literary device. It’s like, tell me anything concrete about Crowley other than he’s a weird ass bird dude. In comparison to Crewel who we know is stern and loves classic cars and is very hard but ultimately still cares about his students. Or Vargus who’s a meathead but wellmeaning. Or Sam who plays the piano and has a very conniving sense of humor. We don’t know what Crowley’s life is like, what he really thinks about students or teaching, or really anything. And yes, yes. Mystique and blablabla. But to me, his character is not intentionally mysterious (at least, not entirely) so much as just… overlooked? If that makes sense?

From an outside-of-the-game-cannon perspective, I do think he’s fun to write about. There’s so much blank canvas there for a character with a cool concept that how could you not have fun with it, y’know? Though of course, at least imo, making him in anyway genuinely paternal is an absolute crock of shit. Oh—I adore it. 10/10. Love to see it. But no way would cannon Crowley give two craps about the player. He’s just… not really written to be anything other than the Quest Giving NPC or to info dump. The other professors + Sam have so much more interaction with the students in general. For example, each one participates extensively in at least one Event. Crowley just sort of… exists.

So TLDR: Would love to see him expanded on in cannon and then maybe I’d have more of an opinion on him. Until then, meh. Cool design, fun to write, but there’s very little about Cannon Character Crowley to genuinely love or hate.

[ask-horror-ds]

What do they all think of eachother?

Sparrow: Well, I think it should be kind of obvious what I think of the trio down in the jail.

Spindle, fake whispering: He hates them.

Sparrow, side-eyeing Spindle: I don’t hate them. But they’re not exactly great people, so I think it’s sufficient to say that I’m not exactly a fan.

Sparrow: As for Dream, I’m…not entirely sure. Look, I know he’s an awful person and has the blood of hundreds, if not thousands of people on his hands, but…he was also my boss for god knows how long. I always trusted him. And it’s a bit hard to change my own opinion of him that drastically.

Sparrow: And Gouge is a whole other can of worms. I can’t believe someone that close to me could do something so….horrifying.

Spindle: I dunno I personally think they’re all shitheads.

Pulaski: I don’t know much about any of them, but the snippets I’ve heard have given me a…less than ideal opinion of them.

(None of them really know Hunter unfortunately)

~~

Slash: Oh give us 5 minutes in a room with bird boy and you’ll see exactly how we feel about him.

Byte: God what I would give to gut his fucking ass.

Pluto: He’s such a fucking bitch. We all hate him. I mean look at us! He fucking locked us up! He’s a dick!

Slash: And don’t even get me started on ‘Lord Dream.’ What a narcissistic asshole. I may not hate him as much as Finch, but he’s a very close second.

Byte: Meh I hate Finch way more. Slash has some weird vendetta against Dream-

Slash: Because he’s a fucking prick! You know he is!

Byte: -but I don’t really care that much. I mean I want him dead but it could be quick for all I care.

Byte: Now Hunter, ohhhh he’s a close second

Pluto: Oh we all hate Hunter. He’s so annoying. He needs to learn when to shut the hell up and piss off.

Slash: Yeah he’s an annoying bastard. We’ve tried to skin him but he’s too damn slippery.

Byte: Gouge is pretty cool though.

Slash: Yeah we’re chill with Gouge. She hangs with us sometimes.

Pluto: Used to, anyways.

Slash: Stupid fucking bird bitch.

~~

Delusion: I’m…unsure of how to feel about Finch at the moment. While he did overthrow me, I do believe he was just doing what he thought was best. He’s wrong, of course, but I understand he wasn’t acting out of malicious intent towards me.

Delusion: And he has given me rather decent accommodations for the situation, and has given me enough magic suppressants that I don’t have to worry as much about getting burned by my aura. So I don’t hate him, which would surprise many given what he did. When I am inevitably released, I may even give him another chance at loyalty. He’ll have to earn it back, of course, but he’ll be allowed the chance.

Delusion: As for the others? I am less than fond of Slash and Byte. They’re clearly negative influences on Pluto, and need to be disposed of. I do have high hopes for Pluto, after all. I believe he and Gouge would get along well.

Delusion: And I believe it should be obvious how I feel about Gouge. She’s a very loyal worker and has thusly earned my respect.

Delusion: Now Hunter is an interesting case. He is rather useless to me and I will likely be rid of him in the long run, but at the moment he is proving a tad useful, so he can stay.

~~

Gouge: Do I look like I give two shits about them? Fuck off.

(Gouge won’t admit it but she does like the horror squad, maybe even more than she likes Delusion. She thinks Hunter is annoying, and dreams of all the horrifying things she could do to Finch when she breaks out. She hates his guts.)

~~

Hunter: Oh I really like everyone! Though I really do wish Pluto, Byte and Slash would stop trying to hurt me…