#ambiguous universes

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

Average Drama Enjoyer observes some peak drama.

[can-a-tuna-fish]

Give him $25 and he will come home with a bag full of food that hasn’t seen the light of day since the early 90’s.

[wizard-finix]

LU Star Wars AU: Part 5

LAST BUT NOT LEAST ITS TIME AND SKY LETS GO

PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4

Time

Time is a direct survivor of Order 66. He was a child living in one of the more remote temples when everything happened, and was able to escape alive by fleeing into the dense forests of the planet.

Time spent many years after that traveling on his own and not getting close to anyone out of fear of being found out, or worse, left behind. He holds a certain bitterness towards everything that's happened, and when he was a teenager, he was involved in a major incident on the planet Termina. Time finally decided to bury his saber on a remote planet after that, unwilling to take on the responsibility that comes with it.

Time actually ended up meeting Sheik and donning Mandalorian armor some time after that in his teenage years. He doesnt always gel with Mandalorian warrior ideaology, but he doesn’t truly fit the Jedi way of his childhood anymore either, after all the war and death he’s seen. He's determined to be strong enough to protect those he cares about, like Malon.

Time doesn't entirely get along with the Chain at first. (Especially Warriors and Twilight; Warriors reminds him of his old Jedi master, who wore a red scarf, and Twilight's saber looks suspiciously familiar.) The boys eventually grew on him anyway, and he counts them among the people he cares about.

Sky

Sky comes from a gaseous planet in the Outer Rim with settlements that float in the clouds, constructed far above its surface.

Sky's planet is a bit of a cosmic mystery, since it should be impossible for islands of solid rock to float; some theorize that it was constructed instead of naturally occurring, or that there is a unique combination of magnetic fields and orbits that make it possible, but no one knows for certain. Loftwings are part of the planet's ecosystem of impossible floating islands, and are an important part of the culture there.

Being so remote, the Empire didn't show much interest in Sky's home planet until Ghirahim showed up. The Empire hasn’t taken over his home yet, and he is determined to keep it that way, along with the rest of the Knights of Skyloft (including Sun). Ghirahim's interest in the planet involved rumors that there was an old Jedi temple hidden on its surface, and the secrets that were hidden within it.

Those rumors turned out to be true; there was an ancient abandoned temple on one of the floating islands, and Sky and Sun ended up discovering it before Ghirahim did. Sky also found a protocol droid named F1, and with Fi's help he and Sun managed to forge their own sabers with the only remaining kyber crystals there.

Sky's connection to the Force manifests mostly as visions, and he occasionally experiences strange, cryptic dreams as a result.

Linked Universe AU belongs to @ linkeduniverse!

[isasan347]

Enjoy!

[coochiequeens]

Woman’ is not an ambiguous term open to an evolving interpretation.” - the attorneys representing the women who want to keep the sorority house they pay $8,000 for male free.

By Genevieve Gluck December 14, 2023

The female complainants at the center of a lawsuit to have a trans-identified male removed from a sorority at the University of Wyoming have re-filed their appeal, demanding the court clearly define the word “woman.” Artemis Langford, previously known as Dallin, was accepted into Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG) last September, spurring several women to file a lawsuit to have him removed.

In August, the case of Westenbroek v. Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity was dismissed on the basis that re-defining “woman” to include males was “Kappa Kappa Gamma’s bedrock right.” Despite hearing testimony from the women, some of whom stated Langford had “watched” them undress with an erection, Judge Alan Johnson rejected the women’s request to rescind Langford’s admission into the sorority.

However, on December 4, the young women filed an appeal to have the dismissal reversed, arguing that Langford’s presence in the sorority house “caused emotional distress in a personalized and unique way,” and demanding that the court clearly define the word “woman.”

In the appeal, the women reassert that Langford displayed “strange and sexual behavior” towards them, and caused them a level of discomfort and anxiety amounting to personal injury. It reiterates claims that Langford had been filming and photographing the women without their consent and had displayed a visible erection while in the house.

“Specifically, Langford’s unwanted staring, photographing, and videotaping of the Plaintiffs, as well as his asking questions about sex and displaying a visible erection while in the house, invaded Plaintiffs’ privacy and caused emotional distress in a personalized and unique way. And thus Plaintiffs have pleaded a viable direct claim. This Court should therefore reverse the district court’s dismissal of Plaintiffs’ derivative and direct claims,” the appeal reads.

Some of the allegations are a reiteration of previous claims, which Langford’s attorney, Rachel Berkness, has attempted to portray as both false and discriminatory during court proceedings. In June, Berkness filed a motion to dismiss the sorority women’s claims against Langford as “frivolous and malicious,” stating: “The allegations against Ms. Langford … were borne out of a hypothesis in search of evidence and pieced together using drunken party stories. Ms. Langford is not a victim; she is a target.”

The initial suit, filed at the end of March, had asserted that Langford, who is 6’2″, had been voyeuristically peeping on the women while they were in intimate situations, and, on at least one occasion, had a visible erection while doing so.

“One sorority member walked down the hall to take a shower, wearing only a towel … She felt an unsettling presence, turned, and saw [Langford] watching her silently,” the court document reads.

“[Langford] has, while watching members enter the sorority house, had an erection visible through his leggings,” the suit says. “Other times, he has had a pillow in his lap.”

As evidenced by his Tinder profile, Langford is “sexually interested in women.” It was further stated in that Langford took photographs of the women while at a sorority slumber party, where he also is said to have made inappropriate comments.

“At a slumber party, Langford ‘repeatedly questioned the women about what vaginas look like, [and] breast cup size,’ and stared as one Plaintiff changed her clothes,” reads the appeal. “Langford also talked about his virginity and discussed at what age it would be appropriate for someone to have sex… And he stated that he would not leave one of the sorority’s sleepovers until after everyone fell asleep.”

Langford was also said to have taken pictures of female members “without their knowledge or consent.” Some of the women noted that they had “observed Langford writing detailed notes about [the students] and their statements and behavior.”

In May, a judge twice prohibited the women from suing anonymously, while stipulating that Langford’s identity should remain protected. Langford was referred to by the pseudonym “Terry Smith” and male pronouns in the legal documents. Six of the women then refiled the lawsuit under their own names, and are requesting that the court void Langford’s membership in KKG.

“It is really uncomfortable. Some of the girls have been sexually assaulted or sexually harassed. Some girls live in constant fear in our home,” one of the sisters, Hannah, told Megyn Kelly during an interview on her podcast.

Rather than addressing the privacy and safety concerns of the women in KKG, who had each paid $8,000 to live in the sorority house, “Kappa officials recommended that … they should quit Kappa Kappa Gamma entirely.”

In June, the sorority filed a motion to dismiss the suit, calling it a “frivolous” attempt to eject Langford for “their own political purposes.” According to the motion, the women suing were flinging “dehumanizing mud” in order to “bully Ms. Langford on the national stage.” The sorority invited the women to resign their membership “if a position of inclusion is too offensive for their personal values.”

In the motion, lawyers for Kappa Kappa Gamma attempted to depict the suit as an attempt by “a vocal minority” to impose their views on Langford and the rest of the sorority members.

“Perhaps the greatest wrongs in this case are not the ones Plaintiffs and their supporters imagine they have suffered, but the ones that they have inflicted through their conduct since filing the Complaint,” they wrote. “Regardless of personal views on the rights of transgender people, the cruelty that Plaintiffs and their supporters have shown towards Langford and anyone in Kappa who supports Langford is disturbing.”

The recent appeal against the suit’s dismissal, filed on behalf of the young women by Sylvia May Mailman of the Independent Women’s Law Center, the Law Office of John G. Knepper, Schaerr Jaffe LLP, and Cassie Craven of Longhorn Law firm, details several alleged violations of the sorority sisters’ rights, as well as KKG’s own policies.

“The question at the heart of this case is the definition of ‘woman,’ a term that Kappa has used since 1870 to prescribe membership, in Kappa’s governing documents,” the appeal states. “Using any conceivable tool of contractual interpretation, the term refers to biological females. And yet, the district court avoided this inevitable conclusion by applying the wrong law and ignoring the factual assertions in the complaint.”

It goes on to note that from 1870 to 2018, KKG defined “woman” to exclude “transgender women” and that any new definition may not be enacted without a KKG bylaw amendment.

Numerous examples are given of rules put forward by the sorority which use the term “woman,” with the attorneys maintaining that “‘woman’ is not an ambiguous term open to an evolving interpretation.”

KKG leaders who approved Langford’s membership have “subverted Kappa’s mission and governing documents by changing the definition of ‘woman’ without following the required processes.” Kappa President Mary Pat Rooney’s legal team has argued that Langford’s admission into the sorority was based on a 2015 position statement which asserts that KKG “is a single-gender organization comprised of women and individuals who identify as women.”

However, the women’s legal appeal points out that KKG can only change its membership criteria by amending its Bylaws, a process which requires a two-thirds majority approval vote by a Convention of board members. As a Convention to amend Bylaws to reflect the position statement was never held, the appeal states, Langford’s acceptance into KKG is a violation of accepted policies.

KKG leadership is also accused of using “coercive” tactics during the process of voting Langford into the organization in September 2022. After an initial anonymous vote conducted via Google poll failed to result in Langford’s acceptance into the sorority, Chapter leaders developed a second, non-anonymous voting system in which multiple sisters changed their votes because of “fear of reprisal.”

In addition to denying women anonymity, Wyoming chapter officials, after consultation with Kappa’s leadership, had told members that voting against Langford’s admission was evidence of “bigotry” that “is a basis for suspension or expulsion from the Sorority.”

Curiously, prior court documents also reveal that Langford was admitted to KKG despite not even meeting their basic academic eligibility requirements. 

While KKG requires applicants to have a 2.7 Grade Point Average (GPA), Langford only had a 1.9 at the time he submitted his membership request, and was not on a grade probation. The legal complaint notes that this indicates Langford’s application was “evaluated using a different standard.”

In November, two longstanding alumni members of KKG revealed they had been expelled in an apparent retaliation for advocating that membership be restricted to females only. Patsy Levang and Cheryl Tuck-Smith had been members of the sorority for over 50 years, and had contributed to fundraising efforts for the organization.

Despite their long history of supporting KKG, Levang and Tuck-Smith were voted out by the sorority’s national leadership on November 9. Levang had been the past Kappa Kappa Gamma National Foundation President, while Tuck-Smith was an active contributor and organizer.

The women’s removal came after they had been vocally opposed to the admission of Langford to the KKG chapter at the University of Wyoming, and had supported a lawsuit launched by members of that sorority to have him removed.

Since news of the lawsuit first became widely circulated, Langford has received ample sympathetic coverage in mainstream media, with one MSNBC host labeling him “brave and unique.” In a recent profile by the Washington Post, Langford was given a platform to accuse the sorority sisters involved in the suit of lying while being compared to women who had historically been denied the right to a basic education.

[unexpectedstormy]

What if Sky is the first hero? What if the Hero's Spirit is Sky's spirit? What if Sky's spirit is in all the other Heroes? Maybe all of the other heroes have Sky's sense of justice, and his skill with the sword, and his desire to help people. Maybe the Master Sword recognizes Sky's spirit in every hero and that's why only heroes can wield the Master Sword. She is forever faithful to her first wielder and his undying spirit.

[call-me-strega]

Dc x DP Prompt #2: He was Tragedy

I’ll start off by saying not everything that I am about to write will be canon compliant but I don’t really care about that. I also won't claim to know everything there is to know about Jason Todd but this my take on his character. And as for Danny I'm working mostly off of tidbits from the show and lore made by fans.

~~~

Jason Todd was born to an alcoholic father and raised by a drug addict mother. Both were victims of poverty in their own ways. His father turned to the drink to cope with the loss of his job and later, life as a two-bit thug supporting a family he grew to resent. His mother got caught up in addiction when she was young, watching her own mother use it to cope, and she grew dependent on it to deal with her husband's abuse. He grew up in a life of poverty and abuse.

What a tragic reality.

Daniel Fenton was born to a simple-minded father and a strong-willed mother. Both outcasts in the same way. Regardless of their inventive or scientific brilliance the two were shunned for their ardent belief in paranormal science. Two, otherwise talented individuals, the laughingstock of their community because of it. But they found love in each other and their mutual beliefs. They were utterly wrapped up in each other, their work and their desire to prove themselves . So much so, that they often forgot some of the most important people in their lives. He grew up watching his parents neglect and forget about him and his sister to pursue their obsession.

What a tragic reality.

Jason Todd watched his father beat his mother and his mother loose the fight to addiction. He learned the harsh realities of life on the streets. He knew people doomed by the cycle of poverty in a corrupt system. He learned that some people had twisted minds and devious desires. He understood the injustice of the world from a young age.

How tragic that is.

Daniel Fenton watched his otherwise in-love parents fight every Christmas and tear up their house. He learned harsh realities of his own life in his kitchen where food came back to life. He knew his sister grew up too fast to take care of him. He knew that his friends' parents didn't like leaving them in his parents' care. He understood the injustice of his situation from a young age.

How tragic that is.

Jason Todd still loved his mother and Danny Fenton still loved his parents. It was tragic that their parents cared but didn't love them the same way.

Jason Todd had a chance at a happy life but nothing was ever cut and dry. He loved his books and his new family. But he struggled in a community that didn't truly accept him. He did his best to change the world as he fought crime. But life isn’t fair, and it certainly isn’t kind. Jason Todd was 15 when he died.

It was a tragedy.

Daniel Fenton still lived a happy life but nothing was ever cut and dry. He loved the stars and his two friends. But he struggled in a community that didn't truly accept him. He did his best to change his world wishing to be popular or an astronaut. But life isn’t fair, and it certainly isn’t kind. Daniel Fenton was 14 when he died.

It was a tragedy.

Jason Todd could feel his bruised skin burn and smoke fill his pierced lungs. He died wishing for his for his father to come save him. He awoke in the dark 6 months later and crawled his way out of his grave. He gained more awareness in a pool of green. He was filled with anger and trained to be deadly.

Everyday he will know tragedy.

Danny Fenton could feel electricity dance on his burning skin as every molecule of his DNA was being overwritten. He died hoping his friends were still safe. He came to 10 minutes later with his body in a limbo and faintly realizing that he wouldn't get a grave. He gained more clarity when his eyes flashed green. He was filled with guilt and fighting to protect.

Everyday he will know tragedy.

Red Hood does somethings he regrets and others he doesn't. It gets worse before it gets better. But it's still not good. Some days he still gets mad and somethings he'll never let go of (his father's bataraang at his neck). But he moves on, reconciling with his brothers, he learns to cope and he's getting better. He takes responsibility upon himself to protect and avenges the downtrodden in the way he knows works. He tries to improve both sides

He fights to stop tragedy.

Phantom learns the hard way not to do things he'll regret. He knows it can get worse and strives to do better. But it's still hard. Some days he's resentful and somethings he wishes were better (his parents still shoot at him). But he moves on, his sister and friends teach him to cope and help him get better. He is given the responsibility to protect others and maintain balance in whatever ways he can. He tries to protect both sides.

He fights to stop tragedy.

When they meet it's not love at first sight. There is no desperate attraction or magnetic pull. There is patience and slowly growing close. There is nurtured love and hard-earned trust. There is looking into each other's eyes and understanding that, yes,

He was Tragedy.

These two find solace in having someone understand even a fraction of the tragedy they know. Their love is like a fire that burns hot and slow. It is bright and passionate and fills them with warmth. They love each other deeply and they know:

They will not let their story end in Tragedy.

[f1prompts]

any (galex, landoscar, lestappen, even old grid like sebson)

another spy au (sorry, im on a kick)

person A is a spy, the other is just someone that lives in the town where person A is doing some recon. They've been set up for a long time undercover, including a full job in town and a fake identity.

person B owns the bakery near person A's new life, and they sllowly fall in love. But person A knows it can't be forever (unless it can?)

DW: getting together, fluff, hopefully angst with a happy ending? but an open ending works too

DNW: character death

If you’d like to fill this prompt, click here for our Fills FAQ 💖

[oifaaa]

Red hood(Jason) shoots red hood(joker) in the back of the head, tells everyone he was an evil clone.

Not sure how well that's gonna work consider people would be able to take off Joker's hood after he dies and see he definitely isn't Jason

[gay-impressionist]

i love how "on est pas à l'abri d'un coup de chance" (we're not sheltered from a stroke of luck) is initially a good omen but can also be used to warn about bad luck

[tubapun]

At this point posts about "there was a gay rated r cut of Scooby-Doo" are the new "Scooby-Doo taught us the real monster was people"

[searchingforatrail]

AU where Rodimus steps into his power as a Prime and takes a leadership role in Cybertron when the LL returns. Megatron is not killed but by law must spend his days under the the 'imprisonment' or supervision of the highest power, which happens to be Rodimus.

It's a lot for both of them to take in. Rodimus feels guilty because there's a selfish part of him who wants Megatron to agree, but that agreement comes with the surrendering of all of his rights and freedom under Rodimus. And while Rodimus trusts himself, he also knows how hard Megatron has fought to be free. And he wonders what sets him apart from the people who enslaved other cybertronians to begin wtih.

It's difficult for Megatron because while he does not want to live, he knows he has the potential to do more good still alive. But it's such a cruel twist of fate for that to come at the cost of his freedom, and essentially being stripped of his rights under a Prime, again. But it's Rodimus, and he trust Rodimus enough to not abuse his power.

Long story short, they live and thrive together. Their union is not legally recognized, and legally their sparklings only have one creator and are seldom recognized as Rodimus's (though he is very, very open about them), but they all make it work.

Megatron also is able to make a small income as Rodimus's secretary because Rodimus still refuses to do paperwork.

[isasan347]

Hello, thank you for drawing Downfall Duo for me. I have a reply for you, Legend and Fable. Hope you like it.

sibling? lover? Up to you :D

Hello?

HELLO?

I LOVE THEM SO MUCH???? LA-SERA THANK YOU!!! I LOVE THEM!!!TGANK YOU SO MUCH. I am screaming

(Also you’re welcome :DD)

[just-an-enby-lemon]

Everyone talks about how funny it is that the what the girlfriends are public figures and I totally agree but you know what people don't mention? Jonah Magnus is a historical figure.

If nothing more he created a "club of gentleman" involving famous architet Robert Smith and no one can convince me he didn't write pretencious texts about fear and religion and mythology and possibly some real accounts people think are short horror stories. He is the prentencious goth nerd teen favorite obscure gothic gay. I don't care. The Eye teaches Elias to use the internet and he can't avoid finding Tumblr blogs about his gay ass letters.

Correction: I was informed that Jonah didn't create the club he was just a member. I maintain that he would still be a historical figure in the TMA universe, but still important to clarify so I'm not spreading missinformation in the fandom.

[bloodsbane]

one thing ive noticed watching blind/live reactions to SU, particularly when we start learning more about Rose (and then Pink) in the latter half of the series, is this idea that Rose never really suffered consequences for any of the bad things she did. and yeah i suppose if youre going through the show for the first time - especially if you're not watching as it airs, so absorbing a lot of information in a way shorter time without processing it alongside other fans - it's easy to come to that interpretation of things. the show even brings it up, this idea that Rose's choice to have Steven was so she wouldn't have to face the consequences of all her past choices

personally, i truly don't think that's the case. but it made me start thinking about something in a new way, sparked by Rose's tape to Steven. she says, "We can't both exist. I'm going to become half of you. And I need you to know that every moment that you love being yourself, that's me! Loving you and loving being you!"

i take this sentiment to heart. in a way, yes, i do think Rose wanted to escape who she was, but again, that's a discussion for another time. what i want to focus on is the idea that this means Rose - in whatever way you'd prefer to interpret it - is WITH Steven throughout the entirety of his life, and the thus the events of the show. and if she can feel Steven's love for himself, for others, for existing just as himself... that means she also feels his sadness, anger, frustration, despair.

...this is difficult ground to tread without making it sound like anything resembling 'rose/pink = steven', although i hope the fact that the show itself handily refutes this is enough to undercut such a reading. what i mean to say is, in a way, Steven dealing with everything in the show is also Rose dealing with it. if we generously accept the idea that her 'spirit' or what have you lives with Steven, if not as Steven, and that she to an extent does experience what he does, then it kind of adds a new layer to the way you watch the show. a really interesting one!

because i think one of the most difficult things to consider with SU, especially once you get through it the first time, is the idea or feeling that Rose's story just... stops. and there's so much leftover that needs to be resolved. i mean, hell, that's the entire point of the show to an extent. Steven dealing with what she leaves behind. but i think there's something nice in the idea that Steven does not only inherit powers or thousand-year-old problems from his mother - he also inherits her love of freedom and life, of family and friends, and a heart that wants to find solutions to problems in a way that doesn't hurt anyone else.

i guess think of it in this way: if Steven is able to see his mother's memories, to feel what she felt in those moments, who is to say that Rose, in whatever way she continues to exist (even if only as a concept), does not also feel what Steven does?

i'll tell you, this has been an interesting way to re-experience the show. i think it adds a lot to the bitter-sweetness of Rose's relationship to Steven. i thinks she loved him so much, even if it was only the idea of him and what he represented to her. and i kind of love to think that, even if it is only some metaphysical concept of Rose that now rests forever inside her gem, dormant but for the power and life she's bequeathed to her son, Rose recognizes the trials that Steven is going through and aches for him. that she would hold him, if only she could.

[skits-things]

Jitterbugs

@ironstrangehaven Here's my entry for IronStrange Week 2023 Day 2: Nervous | Orange. Will post on AO3 when the DDOS attack is over. This was betaed by @darkkitty1208. Fic is under the readmore.

Summary:

“Ahaha… Phew. Oh, it’s finally happened. You’ve got your first schoolboy crush, you big baby.”

“I don’t have a crush. There is no crushing here. I’m not nervous, and I didn’t do any of that! As often as you’re saying.”

Tony lunges for his phone and punches in a number he’s long since known by heart. Thankfully, and likely motivated by some sort of conditioning, Rhodey picks up near instantly. “Rhodey. Rhodey, something’s wrong with me.”

“Tones, what’s going on?” Rhodey asks, all cautious alertness. 

“My heartrate’s skyrocketing, I’m sweating and I can’t focus on anything - not even my projects. Rhodey, what good am I if I can’t get into the zone? All I am is my mind Rhodey. I NEED my mind.” Tony paces and runs a hand through his hair. “Something’s seriously wrong if I can’t make shit.”

A pause. “FRIDAY, is Tony dying again?” 

Offended, Tony says, “I’m right here.” 

“Yeah, and you never tell us anything if it has to do with your health. Thus, the big baby monitor protocol.” 

“It’s called the Tony Monitor.”

“That’s what I said.”

Tony scowls, but is cut off from arguing further by FRIDAY saying, “Boss, while exhibiting symptoms of an anxiety attack, is not currently experiencing an attack. After cursory research, it seems to be nervousness.”

Rhodey groans and Tony can practically hear the eyeroll. “Tony, you’re killing me. What are you even nervous about?” 

“I’m not nervous.” Tony denies. “I don’t get nervous. I’ve had nerves of iron my entire life.” 

Rhodey hums in thought. “You know, you might have a point there. I’ve seen you get defensive from trust issues, but I don’t think you’ve ever been nervous-nervous.”

“See!” Tony exclaims, vindicated. 

“FRIDAY, what’s making Tony spazz out?” Rhodey mercilessly kicks Tony back down to Earth. Tony makes a sound of indignation, but FRIDAY, the traitor, proceeds to answer Rhodey’s question. 

“Dr. Strange is due to come by for a meeting regarding maintaining relations between Kamar Taj and the Avengers going forwards.” And then, because he doesn’t get to keep anything to himself apparently, Friday says, “Boss has checked the schedule three times and has shifted things in his workshop twice. He periodically stops working to clean up after himself and has changed five times.” 

Tony doesn’t get to do more than squawk in protest before Rhodey's raucous laughter pours over the phone. Insultingly, it goes on for several minutes. A couple of times, Rhodey pauses as if to say something, only to burst into suppressed giggles that Tony could still hear. 

Tony’s scowl grows deeper. 

“Ahaha… Phew. Oh, it’s finally happened. You’ve got your first schoolboy crush, you big baby.” 

“I don’t have a crush. There is no crushing here. I’m not nervous, and I didn’t do any of that! As often as you’re saying.” 

“Sorry boss.” FRIDAY apologizes, without a speck of actual regret in her tone. “You did, in fact, do all of that.” 

Tony scoffs. He changes the subject. “And what’s with you, Platypus? Even if I did have a crush on Strange, which I don’t, you’ve never approved of anyone I took interest in before.” 

The unimpressed silence stretches for just a fraction of a bit too long. Tony winces. “Because the only people you’ve ever had around were gold-diggers or mindless parrots.” Rhodey says flatly. “Strange is just you, but more on the opposite scale of things. You two balance each other out.” 

Tony only gets to feel touched for an instant. “Besides,” Rhodey continues, “Stephen might be an asshole, but underneath that shell of his, he’s all gooey insides. He’s a pretty fun guy.” 

Tony blinks. He tries to clean out his ears. “I think I have tinnitus. What did you just say?” 

Rhodey laughs mockingly. “We’ve talked every once in a while. He wanted to give me some options I didn’t have before. Did you know the wizards can use magic to move paralyzed limbs?”

A lump instantly forms in his throat. No, Tony didn’t know that. His mind races with the implications. 

“I said no. And don’t you try and talk me out of it.” Rhodey chides without missing a beat. Tony closes his mouth. “What happened, happened. I’ve made my peace with it. Sure, it would be nice to stand on my own two feet, but magic’s not for me.” And both of them know, no matter how much he trusts the ones who wield magic, Tony will never be fully comfortable with it being used around him. 

“You’ll figure something out, Tones. I’ll just wait until you can science me up a solution instead.” 

Tony takes a minute to process that. He clears his throat. “Well. Of course I will.” 

He searches for a way to divert the conversation away from feelings, only to feel like he’s been hit by a clue-by-four. “Wait. What do you mean you’ve been meeting with Strange? And did you call him Stephen?” 

Rhodey chuckles. “We meet once a month to chat. He translates some of the nonsense from my doctor’s appointments. He’s a damn good doctor, too. Remember that crick in my hip? Three different docs could only tell me something was wrong, but Stephen managed to sort me out after I told him about it. It wasn’t my spine, it was my skin - I’m mildly allergic to the muscle relaxant. It’s why the symptoms were only showing recently. Some exposure is fine, but overtime, the effects added up.”

Tony’s face does something. He’s not sure what he’s more conflicted about. That Strange went over his head to talk to Rhodey about using magic or that Rhodey’s apparently been meeting Strange for months - enough to call him Stephen (seriously Tony can’t get over that) - when the asshole knows that Tony’s been trying to get Strange on the team for just as long. 

(Unsuccessfully, but Tony prefers to think of it as a work in progress.)

“And don’t think you’re going to distract me.” Rhodey pauses and if he didn’t have a smirk the size of the Sicilian, Tony would eat his suit. “This isn’t about me and Stephen, this is about Stephen and you.” 

“What, our working relationship as heroes?” Tony tries to deflect. 

“Aha- nice try. It kills me that I can’t be there to watch you fall over yourself right now, but I’ll have to settle for prying your mouth open for the details. When are you going to ask him out?” 

Tony twitches and argues, “I’m not going to ask him out, because I don’t like him. He’s an asshole wizard who refuses to do the smart thing and become an Avenger.” 

Rhodey scoffs. “Pull the other one, it’s got bells on. You haven’t been this much of a mess since that time in Philly where-” 

“Alright, fuck- I thought we agreed to never speak of that again.” Tony cuts him off hastily. 

“You agreed. I hold veto rights.” 

He does, which Tony likes to pretend to forget about. He tongues his teeth in thought. “I dunno Rhodey, I still feel like this is all about something else.” 

Rhodey says something, but it’s covered up by interference. After a moment, his voice comes through loud and clear. “Alright Tones, I’ll let you believe that. But when you get your head out of the ground and take a hint, don’t try and push him away. Stephen likes you a lot or he wouldn’t have stood for having you hound his every step. Just man up and ask the guy out.”

There’s a lot for Tony to unpack in that (Stephen likes him?), but he doesn’t get the chance to think it over. More noise can be heard over the call. “Listen, I’ve got to go- keep me updated alright?”

There’s a tone to his voice that brooks no argument, and Tony knows he’s talking more than just about whatever crush Rhodey thinks Tony has. The soft warm feeling in his chest is more familiar than the way his guts nearly overturned just a few minutes back. “Yeah, yeah. Go do whatever it is you’re needed for.” 

The call ends and Tony’s left feeling better than he had before he talked to Rhodey. His Platypus really does know him best. Even if he HAS to be wrong about Tony liking Strange.  

Just to prove it, Tony pictures the wizard. His lithe, graceful movements. The way he somehow makes robes from ancient history look like some sort of fashion statement. His smug smirk, cheekbones sharp enough to cut diamond, and the ever changing color of his eyes. 

Tony flushes. Fuck. Maybe Rhodey has a point after all. He laughs uneasily, but Rhodey’s words come back to mind. 

Stephen likes him? Well, if Rhodey’s right about Tony, Tony won’t bet on Rhodey being wrong about Stephen, too. Plans start building up in his head. He’s going to charm the pants off the wizard- and hopefully a lot more too. 

Still late posting this, but not as late as last time. Maybe I'll actually post on time at some point!