#and also it made no sense for the orderly to know so much about the operation and all

[7-wonders]

Hot Doctor Boyfriend

Dr. Jack Abbot x GN!reader

Summary: PTMC's in a tizzy over the admission of one of the city's biggest stars to the ER. Jack realizes that introductions, and explanations, are going to need to be made.

Word count: 2.5k

A note from the author: I'm not a medical professional and thus know nothing about how fast CT scanners can be made available. I also believe that sports injuries are sent to an actual imaging center the next day and not to the ER, but it made for a fun plot so please don't come for me on any of this. Thank you to the 150+ of you who voted that you wanted to see this trope in particular, and to the over 300 of you who voted on the poll in general!

In his personal life, Jack Abbot is not one to put much belief into superstitions. Black cats crossing paths, not opening umbrellas indoors, tossing salt over the shoulder—it’s never made sense to him why these have become rituals that are so ingrained in society. He’s a man of science and logic, and science and logic dictate that superstitions are fanciful and have no influence over events that may or may not happen in one’s life.

In his work life, though? Oh, superstitions are very much to be believed and adhered to. Saying that it’s too quiet while on a shift is a recipe for disaster. Full moons almost always bring out the crazy in everyone. For whatever reason, the hospital defies those carefully-held beliefs in science and logic and becomes something otherworldly. Jack’s certainly not about to ruin the careful balance that an emergency department achieves, and so he fastidiously follows these superstitions the moment that he clocks in.

He’s in late tonight, having used a couple of hours of PTO to attend a niece’s choir concert. The moment that he hits the ER floor, though, he’s wondering if he should have taken the whole night off instead. People are acting weird tonight. Huddling around in loose groups, giggling and talking, spreading information amongst themselves. They all keep looking a certain direction too, almost like they’re waiting for someone, or something, to appear. Even when he passes, they only bother to look busy for a few seconds before going back to their previous states.

By the time he reaches the ER floor desk, he’s feeling thoroughly rattled.

“Did the moon suddenly go from waxing to full during the duration of my walk from the parking lot to the ER?” Jack asks the assembled staff.

Mary, tonight’s charge nurse, shakes her head and smiles. “Nope. Full moon is still another fourteen days away.”

“Couldn’t tell. Why are they acting like this…all the–the whispering and shit? I hate it when they do that; feels like they’re conspiring against me.”

“We have a VIP in the ER tonight.”

Jack’s brows furrow. “Myrna’s back already?” Though Myrna’s a frequent flyer, coming back a mere two hours after discharge would be a new record for her.

“Nope. An actual VIP.”

He thinks for a couple of seconds, trying to decide who would be important enough to have an entire floor of medical professionals—people who have enough degrees combined to bring a thermometer up to triple digits—acting like nervy teens. “Okay, you’ve hooked me. Who’s disrupting our orderly chaos?”

Mary leans over the desk, eyes bright and a grin playing at her lips. “Sidney Crosby is sitting in North 3 right now.”

“What?”

Hockey is not the most popular sport in America. In fact, out of the four big professional sports leagues in the US, hockey is at the bottom. But one would have to be living under a rock to be in Pittsburgh and not know who Sidney Crosby is. He’s the city’s sweetheart; not only is he one hell of a hockey player, but he’s also a great guy. How many times has Jack seen something on the news about him donating his money or his time to local causes? How many times has he gone semi-viral for playing street hockey with random groups of children?

“Hold on,” he says, hastily grabbing a tablet from the charging docks. Not because he doesn’t believe Mary (he doesn’t make it a point to question any of the nurses, who regularly save his ass), but because he’s wondering what the hell one of the most decorated hockey players of the 21st century did to land in PTMC’s ER. Even as he reads, Mary verbalizes his chart for him.

“He was chasing a puck behind the net during tonight’s game against the Panthers and took a hard check. The training staff pretty quickly diagnosed shoulder dislocation, but they obviously don’t have the right imaging equipment at PPG. He arrived with one of the trainers, and they’re waiting for a doctor now after yours truly took vitals.”

“And you didn’t accost him or anything? I’ve seen those hockey romance novels you read,” Jack smirks.

Across from him, Mary flushes red. “I only fangirled a little bit, thank you very much.”

As his brain begins to catch up with what the commotion in the ER actually means, Jack’s own excitement fades a little. If Sidney Crosby’s here, and if he got injured during a game, then chances are that means—

“Guess we’re doing this now,” he says with a sigh, earning the curious eyes of those around him. 

“Doc, you alright?” Shen asks, pausing in his walk from one bay to the next.

“Just fine.” He looks over the interns and residents who aren’t currently on a case, deciding which one won’t lose all professionalism the moment they’re faced with a veritable star. “Santos, you’re with me.”

Santos stares at him, the energy drink she was planning on taking a sip from paused halfway to her lips. The residents are on only their second week of night shift and are still getting used to life on the dark side, including the quirks of their new boss. Shen says he scares them, but that’s ridiculous; they all worked the PittFest mass cas with him just fine!

(Although…maybe that’s why they’re a little wary? The fact that the one and only time they interacted with him was during a pretty traumatic event where he was barking out orders? Oh well, that’s a conversation for his next therapy appointment.)

“Me?” Santos points to herself.

He has to fight himself from rolling his eyes. “Unless there’s somebody else here named Santos?”

“No, no sir.” She loops her stethoscope around her neck again and hurries after Jack, already halfway to North 3.

He pauses just outside of the doors and pretends to check the tablet in his hands, taking a quick moment to prepare himself for the finality of what comes next. When he and Santos enter the room, he goes against his medical instincts and doesn’t immediately greet the patient.

“Y’know, if you missed me that much, you didn’t have to have somebody stage an injury to see me,” he says.

From the chair next to the hospital bed, you smile. “What can I say, handsome? Our schedules haven’t meshed recently, I needed to get your attention somehow.” 

The two others in the room are watching the exchange with the intensity and confusion of a novice attending Wimbledon. They’re both trying to figure out dynamics here, wondering what’s led to this moment where one seeming stranger is talking to another like they intimately know each other.

Finally, the hospital’s own VIP speaks. “Wait, is this hot doctor boyfriend?”

Though Jack isn’t facing her, he can hear Santos’s gasp as a surprised, “Boyfriend?” falls from her mouth.

You sputter while trying to remember how words work, and Jack laughs. “That was said to you in confidence, man!” you complain.

Jack steps closer to the bed and holds out his hand. “I guess that’s me. Dr. Jack Abbot.”

Sidney Crosby (the part of Jack that’s watched hockey since he was a little kid sitting in the den with his dad tries not to start freaking out) raises the hand that’s not currently in a sling to shake Jack’s. “Sidney. Call me Sid.”

He’s a little too starstruck to feel comfortable calling him a nickname like Sid, but it’s nice to have a friendly patient every once in a while.

Behind him, Santos’s thumbs surreptitiously tap on her phone, surely letting every resident in this hospital know that Jack Abbot is off the market. Jack rolls his neck, looks at Santos until she realizes she’s been caught and puts her phone in her scrubs pocket, and gets to work as best as he can.

“It’s already in your chart, but I want to hear it from you,” Jack says. “How’d you end up in the sling?”

“Jarry dumped a puck behind the net that couldn’t be iced. I went to chase after it and got checked, but hit the boards wrong. Felt a popping and pain right away, which is never good,” Sidney explains.

“I’m guessing this isn’t your first dislocation?” Jack asks, helping to remove the sling so he can examine the injury.

“Far from it.” Sidney’s scoff is cut off by a pained groan when Jack begins to feel the joint. “Doesn’t mean it doesn’t still hurt like a bitch.”

“You need some meds?”

“We administered 600 milligrams of ibuprofen at the arena,” you supply. “A little morphine wouldn’t hurt.”

“Santos?” Jack turns to look at the resident.

“On it,” she says, already heading to grab the needed supplies.

“Your staff is diagnosing it as a dislocation, too?” Jack asks you.

“Like Sid said, he reported his pain as immediate and swelling has continued since the incident, which are two of the biggest indicators for dislocation. A preliminary exam at the rink says dislocation as well. We’re confident in that diagnosis but need imaging to confirm,” you report.

Santos, who’s returned with morphine and is working on drawing it up, looks at you. “You’re a doctor, too?”

You shake your head. “Athletic trainer. I work for the Penguins.”

“Nice.” She grins as she injects the morphine through the IV (Jack’s not sure if she’s smiling at your career or getting to do tasks related to her job). 

Sidney relaxes almost immediately, the morphine quickly going to work. Jack takes the opportunity to finish his exam, confirming what everybody’s expected. “Your shoulder’s definitely dislocated. I’ll push you to the front of the CT line, and pending results, we’ll hopefully be able to pop it back in within the hour.”

Jack grabs the tablet and puts in the orders, adding, “Yes, it’s THAT Sidney Crosby” in the ‘notes’ section in the hopes that radiology will actually take him seriously.

“I gotta know,” Sidney asks you, “how did you and hot doctor boyfriend meet?”

“You remember when the front office gave us all tickets to the Steelers game in September?” He nods. “I was tailgating with some friends from marketing when a fight broke out in the spot next to ours. Fists started swinging and one almost got me when I turned around to see what was going on. Jack pulled me out of the way just in time.”

“I was a goner the moment you reared around with your fists raised like you thought I was going to fight you,” Jack recalls fondly.

You’re about to respond when your phone buzzes, and you look down. Though you don’t say anything, Sidney seems to already know what you’re looking at and grins.

“Tanger or Geno?” Sidney guesses.

You laugh lightly. “Tanger. Wanting to know if they’ve popped the shoulder back in yet.”

“Didn’t the game just finish?” Santos asks.

“Ten minutes ago, if that. Kris Letang’s an impatient one.”

“Holy shit, that’s so cool,” Santos whispers under her breath from the biohazard disposal receptacle near the sink, a rare crack in the badass persona she tries so hard to maintain at work.

“We win?” Sidney wonders.

“2-1,” you confirm.

Mary knocks before popping her head into the room. “CT’s ready.”

“Santos, go with?” Jack steps towards her and lowers his voice. “Make sure that nobody hassles him.”

She nods and takes one side of the bed, a couple of members of the transport team taking the other. You rise from the chair and move to Sidney’s side, stealing his phone and other personal items so that he doesn’t have to worry about them getting lost (or, god forbid, stolen by some superfan working tonight).

“You’re in good hands, okay?” you reassure. “See you soon, Sid.”

He gives you a halfhearted wave and then is gone. The room, so quickly full of life as doctors and nurses filed in and out to provide care, has gone quiet just as fast.

Just another day in the ER. 

Now that it’s silent, Jack gets the joy of focusing his full attention on you for the first time today. To his pleasure, he finds you looking at him already, eyes and smile both soft.

“Hi,” you greet.

“Hi.” It’s breaking so many hospital protocols to give you a kiss, but he can’t resist a quick one. Not when you’re standing there in your team-issued quarter-zip and ice-friendly tennis shoes, looking very professional (Robby’s right—he really is whipped). “I’ve missed you.”

“Missed you too. How was Reneé’s concert?”

Jack smiles, pleased that you remembered. “Good! She killed her solo.”

“Oh good, I know you said she was nervous…” you trail off, looking over Jack’s shoulder and out the door. “Why are they staring?”

When he turns his head, he sees a small group of residents and interns curiously peering inside to see that Jack Abbot does have a life outside of work. Of course, they all scatter like marbles upon realizing that they’ve been caught. Javadi’s the last one to run, stuck like a deer in headlights until Mohan pulls her along. “I…may have not told anybody except for Robby and a couple of close friends here that I was seeing someone.”

“Jack!” You sound scandalized, but he can tell by the grin you sport that there’s no offense behind it. “We’ve been dating for six months now.” 

“I’m not in the business of telling everybody my business. And you’re one to talk! I’m just ‘hot doctor boyfriend’ when you’re at work?” He can’t help but smile as he says it, from both the name and the fact that somebody cares about him enough to call him such a thing.

“Hot doctor boyfriend is fun to say! Adds some mystery to my life. Plus, hockey players are terrible gossips. It gives them something to talk about.”

“Maybe I was trying to do the same. Add some mystery to my life.”

You roll your eyes, knowing that he’s full of shit. “Sure, Mr. Brick Wall.”

“I think I prefer hot doctor boyfriend.” He earns himself a kiss for that. Screw propriety, he thinks as he leans in and steals a couple more precious seconds. 

“We should go out there,” you murmur against his lips, “they’re gonna think we’re hiding.”

Jack sighs before pulling away, knowing that you’re right. “Or, and hear me out, we just stay here, away from the interns, and wait for Sidney to get back.”

Your eyes catch somebody else outside. “Aw, but he looks nice!” 

Whitaker waves, sandwich in hand. When Jack shoots a stern look through the doorway, he quickly scurries off.

“You’re being too social for my taste,” he complains.

“Blame it on still being in work mode.” He can understand why a person would need to be personable in a stadium with almost 20,000 screaming fans, and he does not envy you at all.

“You and I have very different definitions of work mode.”

“My sweet, anti-social man,” you coo, patting his cheek affectionately before taking his hand and leading him to the door against his better judgment. “C’mon, let’s go say hi to everyone before Sid gets back and we both have to be professionals again.”

[stars-in-a-jam-jar]

(So I feel the desire to chime in because I forced myself through this run for YouTube Video Reasons and have what I believe to be a not insignificant amount of tools to break down what's up with Sun King in the Moon Knight comics. But just so my mutuals who are not Deeply Invested In Moon Knight can follow: these panels are from the Max Bemis run of Moon Knight comics which I hate. The character with burn scars on his hands is called Sun King and was made for this run by Bemis himself. The doctor speaking to him was created by Jeff Lemire in the run directly preceeding commonly regarded as one of the best Moon Knight runs in the character's history. Bemis has decided to Add Things to her character in this run. This was a bad decision.)

The characters who engage with any form of the psychiatric in the Max Bemis run speak as if someone who was deeply antipsych and a little bad at writing was trying to write a cautionary tale of why the system gets people fucking killed, EXCEPT YOU THE AUDIENCE ARE SUPPOSED TO BELIEVE THE SYSTEM IS NOT THE PROBLEM??????? It's repeatedly presented in this run as a constant and a generally neutral entity, but Sun King's character and his arc and relationship to Moon Knight DIRECTLY CONTRADICTS this idea with the way they and everything around the both of them is written in both this run AND the run directly preceeding.

The entirety of Sun King's arc is about him learning how to negotiate and cooperate with that system in order to not be a danger to society. But if you want me to believe this man being in psychiatric care is a good thing For Anyone, maybe don't have the inciting incident of his entry into the plot be him burning down the mental institution he's being kept in a few pages after this exchange, killing 99% of people inside. If you want me to believe this man being in psychiatric care is a good thing For Anyone, maybe don't have the things other doctors say at him and his companion later in the run (another new character don't worry about it) be so patently a one-sided lecture that makes him visibly more and more frustrated as time goes on and doesn't seem to make him any more stable and happy than Moon Knight punching some clarity into him did. If you want me to believe this man being in psychiatric care is a good thing For Anyone, Maybe Give Him A Goddamn Name??????

He starts his arc depersonalized at the hands of the psychiatric institutions that incorrectly label his latent pyrokinesis and connection to an extradimensional implied-despot god as hallucinations and symbols he's using as tools to hide from The Real Reality that he's too damaged and unwell to acheive a worthwhile place in the world and society. He must make himself More Like A Real Person, and the way to do that is to regain access to the memories he's lost to amnesiac blackouts and admit he's a bad person who's done bad and should be normal. He's called Patient 86.

He calls himself Sun King in reference to Ra, a name he didn't even come up with and which identifies him as an extension of a god he later openly calls a bitch. Marc and company also do this with Khonshu whilst calling themselves Moon Knight, but importantly all of the system members also have their own names! By the end of his arc, Sun King re-admits himself into yet another mental hospital, saying he still has some healing and growing to do (implying he'll get a name when he's Earned One) and I'm like 'All of your healing and growing happened OUTSIDE of these institutions, my guy!! With your buddy you're going in there without!!!'

Him shutting himself away in the same place he started the narrative without a name is framed as a happy ending where he's realized so much more of himself than he ever could without his encounters with everyone up to this point, and that's partially correct but in what way is he done justice and given closure by going back into his little box for crazy people?

Why should we believe this will make him happy? Fulfilled? Better as a person and member of society? His narrative starts with a doctor who's obsessing over a different patient that isn't even under her anymore and waxing philosophical about how it's enriching to truly dig into and talk to the insane— her telling him 'You can redeem yourself for being bad in these moments you have no memory of if you stop being crazy, and the way to do that is to use these things you're associating yourself with as an avenue to achieve redemption and get those memories.'

Get the fuck out of here, shut the FUCK up, who greenlit this fucking comic run? They should be fired.

Ok all things considered it's not super bad so far, there are iffy things and... I don't like they're going this hard with the med talk because I don't have the tools to be able to know whether they're saying something legit or utter bullshit.

[8housevenus]

sun sign & your charm

aries sun - you are charming in your assertion to your passions. you have such strong sense of direction and you reek of ambition. your ability to go after your hustles is admirable by others. you exude a natural confidence in your mannerisms. you appear almost as if you have no fears. people find you reliable and often look to you to get something done, they know you make a way out of no way. you are overcomers and overachievers. you have a striking aura and others can see that you know exactly what you want, your intentions are always visible because you express your heart's desires with no intent of backing down. good at holding your own and standing up for yourself as well as others. your charm can be intimidating, but respectable, nonetheless.

taurus sun - you are charming in your mannerisms, the way you put so much time and effort into your physical appearance is admirable. you take care of your wellbeing and your physicality. well-kept and tidy, you are a creative heart and pick up on your environment pretty well. it's easy for others to feel close to you or comfortable around you. very receptive and grounded; you are a visionary but also a realist. people often think you have more than you do, you convey a rich and clean energy about you. your politeness takes you a long way through life.

gemini sun - your charm stems from your words. it's what you say and how you say it that makes others feel so connected to you. you are slick, quick-minded, and find it easier to talk to anybody. your ability to improvise is admirable, you seem very comfortable in your expressions, and you learn something new from others while they learn something from you at the same time. the way you are able to be so loose and intelligent, you are very blessed with being able to go from rational and serious to fun and sarcastic. you are very good at mirroring qualities and finding ways to illuminate yours in your environment.

cancer sun - your charm stems from your vulnerability. your ability to analyze situations, pick up on others' emotions, and create a comfortable space to others is very admirable. you find ease in expressing your feelings and it is a very likable quality about you. you can relate to anybody and empathize very well. good at listening to others and articulating difficult feelings into words. you tend to be more private as an individual, but you don't mind stepping outside of your zone when somebody needs a shoulder to cry on or lay their head to laugh with. your familiarity to others generates warmth and ease.

leo sun - your charm comes from your inner-light, whenever you are doing what you love, you have a brightness that exudes from you. people love to see you happy, because you uplift others in the same sense. you have a youthful energy that helps you alleviate your emotional levels. the night is always so young with you, and as long as you're in the same vicinity as everyone else, they're able to get hype. you are good at building an experience for yourself and others, bringing attention naturally is one of your best qualities. you seem raw, self-made, and egotistical in a very commendable way. the way you put yourself first, others take a lot of inspiration from it.

virgo sun - you are charming from your discipline. you seem super put together, orderly, and resilient. the way you have a calm and collected demeanor is well-liked. your style is more modest, and you are liked for your honesty & cooperation. others can always ask you for your honest opinion and you can always tell it how it is. you're witty, friendly, and value order in your life. others can see that you are goal oriented and stay busy. not only that, but you are very giving in your environment. you can do workloads, and still feel like you can contribute more. people really admire all that you can do for yourself.

libra sun - your charm comes from your magnetic demeanor and aesthetic. your sense of individuality is very polarizing. you are a catch to many people who you come across. your fixations in your personal hobbies are admirable, and you maintain yourself very well. your need for order and balance is obvious, as you love to hyper fixate on appearing perfect sometimes. people like that you are vigilant to your physical appearance, always keeping a polished image. others take inspiration from your niches.

scorpio sun - your charm stems from your intensity. your willingness to trust your adrenaline rushes to bring you to the finish line, you are private and powerful in an admirable way. others can just look you in the eye and feel like there's a mystery that needs to be uncovered about you. being unknown and confident is what others find charming about you, many secret admirers, yet you probably already know this. strong-minded and analytical, you have an impeccable emotional drive.

sagittarius sun - you are charming from your optimism. the way you naturally get lucky in so many departments, others find very amusing about you. you try new things without many attachments and love growing in new areas. straightforward and honest, you are wise and seek new forms of abundance. you love to change and others find it very respectable about you. you take risks and accept failures much better than most, which is what ultimately helps you get back on your feet again. you can alleviate and humor situations, very lighthearted and easy to like by others.

capricorn sun - your charm comes from your success. from a young age, you have always been seen as successful or conquerors of struggle. you have a serious and more resilient mannerism about you; however it is respectable by others because you navigate life with the intention of elevating to bigger levels. others feel like you are set for life. your mental agility to think things through and evaluate what others want from you is a strong quality that represents you. you're reliable, premeditated, and structured-well. others admire your approach to any form of work and how prompt you are to finish endeavors compared to anybody else.

aquarius sun - you are charming from your differences. others see you as a gamechanger in humanity, you bring new shifts and ideas to the table. your ability to change the dynamics of your environment is admirable about you, you are able to break free from patterns and cycles much easier than others. you have strong individuality and have a good understanding of life and other aspects of it. the way you can really affect the trajectory of long-lasting traditions is commendable. people like you because you always aim for the betterment of others and yourself.

pisces sun - you're charming in your knowledge. you accumulate so much just from your intuition and interactions. others find you very needed in their environment, because you bring a sense of knowing that not even, they can grasp. you are naturals in your art and understanding your psyche. others admire how trustable you are and your diplomacy to the spaces you enter. the way you can base your decisions off of just your feelings is more powerful than you think, it is a gift that you can back yourself better than others. you are fueled by creativity and imagination; other people love your wishful thinking and your mediative energy.

[ghqstwriter]

Could you please write something where the villain accidentally splits their personality into two separate entities, one is their hidden (romantic) feelings toward hero, that fonds over them whenever they’re near and the other their reserved nature. They have to come ask hero for help and during this time the hero who is also already had feelings for villain, adores their more sweeter side. Bonus if the reserved one has hidden feeling for hero since they still have the same heart. Thanks!

“Accident at main lab.

Assistance mandatory.

Come ASAP.

- V”

The message was as straightforward as Hero had grown used to receiving from the villain. They were the type of person who spoke in very few words, refusing to participate in small talk and any other ‘performative’ types of socialisation. Other villains considered them far too unsociable to team with, and Hero’s teammates found their bluntness infuriating, and only made them want to punch the criminal more. The hero didn’t mind, though. They knew their curt nature didn’t come from a place of (complete) malice.

Villain had been messaging their supposed archnemesis once a month, now, usually relating to some disaster that they had come across. They were intelligent, far more intuitive than any scientist the agency had on their roster. Yet, the pursuit of science often came hand in hand with catastrophe, even with the most capable scientist, and Villain was much more brains than brawn. It started with an explosion, that left dangerous test subjects crawling among civilians. Last time, it was a parasite that had already taken over half a dozen supers.

As Hero pushed open the glass door to the laboratory entrance, they were hardly worried. In fact, they had grown fond of the time they spent with Villain, even if it meant that calamity had to strike for their paths to meet. To Hero, their new companion was impressive: a quick-witted and like-minded individual that unfortunately came with an undeniably attractive face. Although they knew that likely nothing would ever come of this admiration, Hero still thought it was, at the very least, nice to spend time with them.

Stepping inside, the first thing the hero noticed was how calm everyone seemed to be. All of Villain’s staff seemed to be orderly, and unbothered by whatever monstrosity their boss seemed to need help with. Though, when the secretary perked her head up, a look of unease washed over her features. Hero strolled up to her, remaining calm, ready to ask about Villain’s whereabouts.

“I assume you aren’t here on official grounds, sir. Did Villain send for you?” She questioned, a clear sense of uncertainty in her words. If Hero was here, alone, it usually meant something was happening.

“Yeah, said to meet at main lab,” Hero confirmed. “Has that location changed? It’s just that things seem a little, uh, normal here.”

“No, you’re in the right place, sir. They’re in the analytical lab, I’ll notify them of your arrival. You know the way, same place as usual,” the secretary answered, gesturing towards the door on the far right. She was correct, Hero knew their way to the analytical lab already. They thanked her, and walked off swiftly, already out of earshot by the time the secretary had phoned up her boss.

When Hero arrived, they were mildly shocked that Henchman was sat outside, waiting impatiently. Normally, they were by Villain’s side during every emergency, acting as their lab-assistant-turned-bodyguard. But, here they were, sat as though they were waiting exasperatedly in a doctor’s office.

“Villain tell you to wait outside?” Hero questioned, wondering what could possibly make the scientist want their assistant out of the room entirely. Had they been infected with something? Did the disaster respond negatively to groups? Henchman only nodded in response. Hero had known of Henchman’s distaste for their relationship with their boss for a long time now, so they didn’t press further. Nothing left to do but confront Villain now. So, they entered the lab, grabbing their jacket as though they might need to cover their mouth quickly in case of dangerous toxins.

“What is it this time, Villain? Super-mutating virus? Miniature alien lifeforms? Someone screwed a lid on too tight again?” Hero trailed off as they took in the room. Instead of finding Villain in their lonesome, as they had expected, there were two people. The villain, and… also the villain? Hero wasn’t quite sure. One of them stood with their arms crossed, avoiding eye contact in typical Villain fashion. The other was perched on an empty desk, legs crossed and gaze completely transfixed on the hero.

“Evil clone army?” Hero tilted their head like a confused puppy, looking towards the more reserved-looking Villain for answers.

“Not really, look, it’s hard to explain,” Villain started, looking almost humiliated at what had happened. “My hypothesis was simple: if you can split a person into two parts, and identify the weaker, less capable part, it becomes easier to interrogate that person. It was almost complete, and I managed to erect a formula that could split one into their strength and weakness, however the prototype was, well, unstable, to say the least. You can imagine what happened next.”

“It was a great prototype though, compact, efficient and made in record time. It works pretty well, too, though you can probably see that. Nice jacket, by the way. The colour suits you,” the other version of Villain spoke as though they were hoping for the hero’s praise and validation. Hero had seen more indifference from an anxious highschooler seated next to their hallway crush in literature class. Villain glared, infuriated, at their other self, acting as though they had shared some major, confidential secret, while Hero could only stare wide eyed. Was this Villain’s weakness? Being utterly endearing?

“Is that why you sent all your assistants out, then? Scared they’ll find out your weakness of being strangely adorable underneath all that stoicism?” Hero teased, watching how both Villains seemed to fluster at that, one blushing profusely and the other turning pale. Before either could interrupt, Hero continued on, gesturing towards the seated Villain. “I’m just saying, I always imagined your weakness would be something a little more — I don’t know — grand? Whatever I would have guessed, it wouldn’t have been this.”

Hero had never been one to tease the Villain before. The latter never responded with embarrassment to people’s remarks, and always seemed like they didn’t care what people said. But, if Villain’s explanation was correct, then this blushing, fluttery mess in front of them was Villain. It meant that deep down, underneath the apathy, there was a softer side to them. Hero’s chest seemed to warm at the idea.

“What the weakness is doesn’t matter, we just need to find a way to put us back together,” the aloof version of Villain explained, looking like they wanted to bury their face into their gloved palms. “Though, for the record, my weakness is not adorableness.”

“Oh? So what is it then? Compassion? Sensitivity? Or is it a little more specific than that?” Hero walked towards the bashful Villain as they spoke, giving the both of them a knowing look. The hero wasn’t stupid, and they weren’t unpopular, either. They knew what a crush looked like, and had dealt with plenty admirers in their time as a superhero. Seeing those symptoms, those telltale signs, plastered across the face of a very abashed Villain was definitely something different though.

Truth be told, the pair had had this conversation before, although Hero’s name had been conveniently omitted. A few weeks ago, the conversation had come round to romance, and the villain was quick to shut the topic out. “This line of work is no place for daydreams and what-could-bes. Any fool who believes they can pursue justice and romance will soon find themself crushed under the rubble of both ruined dreams.” That’s what they had said. Hero paid it no attention at the time, though perhaps they should have. Hindsight always had a way of turning everything sour.

Neither Villain spoke, either too flustered or too humiliated to form a response to that, depending on how you framed the situation. Hero cleared their throat, and spoke up once again. “I take it you’re looking for me to help the two of you undo what happened?” They tried to revert back to their usual, more indifferent and relaxed tone. It was hard to be relaxed in a situation like this, though. Whatever Hero was feeling (excitement, admiration, worry, hope) it was far from calm.

“That depends, are you going to keep on taunting me if I keep you around for longer?” The scowling Villain retorted, noticably twitching at Hero’s comments. The latter used to think the twitching came from rage and fury. Now, knowing what they did, they could probably take a better guess at how Villain felt. It was funny, in a charming way. The criminal was clearly about to make another cutting comment, however they took a deep breath in, and seemed to recalibrate their words.

“We should be able to find a way to reverse this predicament ourselves, however it won’t be a quick process. I was hoping that, erm, you’d be well-equipped to handle that one,” the criminal finished their sentence by gesturing to the bashful Villain, whose eyes had not left Hero’s lips since they had walked in here. The superhero took a mental note of how the reserved Villain still seemed to blush when they spoke to them.

Hero grinned at that, chuckled softly, and nodded. They’d have to clear their schedule the moment they got the chance; surely Superhero and Sidekick could handle things for a while. They were long overdue a vacation, anways, and dear God they didn’t want to miss a second of this for the world.

[withlove-xixi]

— HEARTSTEEL AS YOUR BOYFRIEND: heartsteel x reader

ᥫ cw: none ★ a friend got into heartsteel recently so they've been on my mind .... (shamefully) im sorry .. i like league of legends ..

yone is the type of boyfriend to shower you with gifts; surprise flowers at your workplace or on your bedside table, fancy wine and sweets on your kitchen counter, expensive new clothes on your bed. he loves spoiling you, whether it's buying you things you'd like (or even things he thinks you'd like) or doing things for you, opening the door for you, washing your hair, carrying your things, etc. like if your feet hurt, he'd offer to carry you or switch shoes with you. yone loves using pet names on you too, and they're often poetic. he'll press a kiss on your cheek and call you "my moonshine" or he'd wake you up with a "good morning, my spring gale".

his love language is definitely acts of service and gifts, yone just likes giving you things. there's a sense of security and domesticity he gets when he knows he's able to treat you to things, being able to provide for you. k'sante is a very patient boyfriend. he's very gentle, so much so you could call him delicate. from the way he speaks to you, to the way he touches you, it's all so soft and tender. you hardly ever argue or fight, and on the occasions that you do, k'sante makes sure it's handled calmly and orderly. he's a very generous person too, whatever is his is yours. k'sante is always ready and willing to share when it comes to you, give you bites of even his favorite food, lend you his jackets or shirts, share his personal space with you.

k'sante's love language is acts of service and physical touch, though more so physical touch than anything. it doesn't have to be some big grand gesture either, he just loves holding you close to him. in public, his hand is either in yours, his thumb gently rubbing against the back of your hand, or it's resting comfortably on your hip, like it's dips and curves were made for him to slot his big hands into. he's kiss you so often too, pressing his lips any place he can, like a warm wax seal to a love letter. he'd kiss the top of your head when he passes by you, he'd kiss your cheek or the tip of your nose when he bids you goodbye, he'd slowly kiss your lips when he comes home. kayn is ... uhm ... well for starters, he's hardheaded. he's not the type of guy to ask you where you want to eat because he knows where he wants to eat, so you're eating there. second, he's a bit prideful, it makes him shun away explicit "lovey-dovey crap", like when he reluctantly comes to hug you from behind or when he shyly hands you a gift, but then it also makes him brag about you all the time, to the other members, all over his social media. he's weird like that, and his pride (really for the most part of him being embarrassed, it's nervousness that gets him) hardly gets in the way, at least later on in the relationship.

his love language is quality time and gifts. though, he's always a bit embarrassed when he gives you gifts, it's really special because they're always things he sought out specifically for you and you alone. you like bread from a bakery in the next city? he's on his motorcycle halfway there to get it for you. you want to watch a movie? he's already got the tickets to the best seats and he's got your favorite snacks. (i like to think he loves making you handmade gifts too, songs, love letters, etc. :>) ezreal is ... also a handful. on one hand, he's the sweetest. he's mastered all the romance tropes from those romcoms he loves so dearly. he knows to hold doors open for you, he knows to get you flowers, he knows to hold you close on cold night. but then... he's... like a lap dog at times. like a lovesick puppy, he's practically glued to your side. he's constantly texting you, calling you, sending you pictures of himself, the food he eats, places he goes. (it's sweet but he very much blows up your phone with notifications).

his love language is quality time and touch! most definitely is! ez just loves being around you, he's pretty big on pda. he's not afraid to kiss you in public or hold your hand or grab your waist, he has to flaunt his love to you to the rest of the universe. sett is like having a big dog. he's cuddly, he's energetic, and he's surprisingly pretty low maintenance. he lets you sit on his lap and he puts his chin on top of your head, and you can practically see a tail wag from underneath him. but it's sweet really, like you had your own personal sun to brighten up your day any day.

his love language is quality time and words of affirmation. he's the type not to care what you're doing or where you are, as long as he's there doing it with you, there by your side, he's happy. sett is content with even just having you in the same room as him, even if you weren't by his side. your warmth radiates through your presence alone. aphelios is a very quiet kind of boyfriend. he doesn't like pda, he doesn't like being touched too often, and as much as he likes you, you're not much of an exemption. it takes a while for him to warm up to things like hand holding or hugs and stuff, and it definitely takes a good while for him to warm up to kissing. with phel, you'd have to initiate most touchy things like grabbing his hand first or leaning closer to him first. but what he lacks in initiative, he makes up for in other things. for one, he loves planning dates. he likes taking you to all sorts of places or to do all sorts of things, he's the type to try and do unique dates or to try and not go to the same places twice (at least, not twice so quickly).

his love language is quality time and acts of service. he likes it when you two spend time together not doing the same thing, if you're both on discord just silently doing your own things or if you're both in his room doing different things. he doesn't mind too much, for him it's comforting really that you like staying by his side. and he wouldn't mind too if you'd come up to him to initiate things. like if he were laying in bed and you laid your head in his stomach, he would definitely comb his fingers through your hair or rest his arm over your stomach.

[spacemothsota]

Cybertron Cybersphere

You know, we don't know much about the era of Cybertron when the tribes ruled, as well as about the worldbilding back then. We know about this period very vaguely, foggily, it seems like some bots should have been around during those times, but they don't really talk about them (we only have five really old mechs: Nova Prime, Cyclonus, Jhiaxus, Galvatron, and Dai Atlas ), not to mention the Thirteen, damn it, guys pulled Cybertron out of barbarian times, maybe you could throw in some info about what was before you? It's just that this time can't be nothing and emptiness, you know? Alpha Trion, am I looking at you? You were supposed to keep history like no? Okay, tribes, okay, but what about the world outside of this? A small conclusion I can make is that Cybertron was a pretty deserted place back then, but not devoid of life. I like to speculate a lot and although the organic approach doesn't really fit with metallic life forms, why not speculate a little on the topic.

Sometimes I think that in reality, before the industrialization we see in the comics and the unification of tribes in the past, Cybertron had a very unique biosphere (cybersphere? mechasphere? I don't know). My idea is based on such small things as the existence of acid rain, dust storms, "sorrow flowers". (I wanted to include crystals and Praxus gardens, but I couldn't find canon information about it).

Just imagine what kind of crystalline or metallic "plant" structures this world could have. It could be something familiar to us, like flowers and trees, or something completely unusual for people. Flowers made of crystals or metals useful for the developing culture of Cybertron. We know that there are flowers of sorrow that form from the remains of Cybertronian sparks, but imagine more complex cyber vegetation. Trees, flowers, bushes, vines, etc. Deserts, steppes… And although trees, for example, do not make much sense within the framework of Cybertron as a source of oxygen, like our Earth, could they have a structure with fruits full of energon? (Why not, that would be interesting). As for the "climate" zones, they generally would not exist, but given that Cybertron is Primus, it should also have zones with uneven heating, for example. Simply put, some zones may be warmer than others, but there are no sharp temperature drops on Cybertron. (I'm not a big fan of thinking that Cybertron is cold, maybe during the war it was like that because Primus almost kicked the bucket there. So probably during the war Cybertron was cold and a bit lifeless. Yes, my whole idea is based on the fact that Primus, a damn living giant and essentially the differences on the surface would be just what is needed to support his creations and himself. You know… As a single well-coordinated organism).

Incidentally, this would explain acid rain and dust storms, which would be the result of the disruption of the cybersphere and growing industrialization.

Because we don't know much about Cybertronian animals, sometimes I guess that Cybertronians were part of this system too (we know that there are turbofox, but if there are them, then we can speculate more about it). Each would occupy its natural "ecological" niche to maintain an equal balance for the work of Cybertron. From seekers in the sky like birds, to motorcycles (in my imagination they would look like cheetahs) or insecticons (in my imagination they are something like orderlies and protectors of the depths of Cybertron). Of course, with the development of Cybertronians, this faded into the background, industrialization absorbed the nature of Cybertron, leaving only a part in the wild areas. This would actually give unique interaction patterns for Cybertronians, between the bots' relationships with different altforms due to their past niche placement (Functionalists can go to hell, because their system is extremely industrial and denied the need for any given frame to exist for the well-being of their world. Thanks, no one likes extinction). It would also give more ideas for behavioral traits and cultures of different frames (thanks to the bird-like Seekers, I love them). I don't really have a precise diagram of what type of bot would do what in the "ecosystem", so I'll leave that up to you! Just remember that they are sentient and not animals, but Primus still needs them all to live a peaceful life.

In general, I have another idea related to this, concerning the Titans. In my opinion, the Titans are something like megafauna? These guys have such a large size and strength due to the fact that Cybertron does not have the same level of gravity as on Earth, they probably do not experience the feeling of being “heavy” (the same with other large bots like shuttles, etc.). Since their function is to preserve, distribute and found colonies, in essence, they would probably prefer “ecologically” clean places for their rest and the formation of settlements. Just imagine how the ancient Cybertronians see how Titan has calmly settled in a good place to rest and are like “Oh, since he settled there, this is a great place for prosperity and the founding of a settlement! Thanks a lot bro, we will take care of your comfortable rest! And the cybersphere will also flourish here. Primus will be happy”

Giaent cat found nice plase for rest

In short, the cycle of life and well-being, where everyone is needed. (I like the idea that everyone is connected to each other, it would solve all the problems with belittling and the system of damn functionalism.)

To hell with Functionalism and their caste system, that stuff doesn't work.

[my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction]

Tear Down My Reason [6]

Blue Jones x nonbinary afab!Reader • Rating: 18+ pals Masterlist• ao3• want to be tagged? | request info • Kinktober 2024 Masterlist • Day 13: Shower Sex

Summary: Blue makes you jump.

Series Masterlist

A/N: Thank you so much @thexsanctuaryx for beating and saving me as always! And for good baby!

Warnings: kissing, pet names, fingering, p in v sex, shower sex, always gonna say a bit of dub con because reader is a paitent, however everything is consentual, please let me know if I have missed a warning!

Word Count: 1241

You were allowed to walk about in some parts of the asylum unaccompanied during free time. You didn’t need permission to go down this corridor.

But it still made you uneasy when you were on your own. 

Russell, one of the newer orderlies, was watching you from the end. Seemingly waiting for you to walk past him. You swallow. 

The sense that if you turn and go the other way would be a very bad move fills your chest at the same moment you know that walking past him will also be. 

You slow your step, thinking rapidly, maybe you were overreacting. Blue would have-

You yelp as someone grabs you from behind and pulls you into the showers, you try to yell through the hand on your mouth, about to lash out, but quickly relax when you hear his voice.

“Shh, shh, Honey, Honey, it’s me.” Blue moves to stand in front of you, his hands on your arms, stroking your skin. “Sorry I scared you.” 

You give him a weak, but playful smack on his forearm and he grins. “You’re lucky I didn’t bite you.” 

He moans and pulls a face, “Honey,” he steps closer, lightly rubbing his hips against you. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” 

You chuckle, “I didn’t promise anything.” 

He pouts playfully, “Well could you? Can’t just say something like that and expect me to be all casual about it. I wanna feel your teeth.” 

You snort and take a step back just to goad him. “Do you?” 

He nods eagerly, following. “Yes.” 

“And what exactly were your plans when dragging me into the showers?” 

“To fuck you in the shower.” He says simply, a little smirk on his lips. 

You give him a look, pretending that it doesn’t sound like a very interesting idea. “In the showers? When anyone could walk in?”

“I’ll lock the door.” He says eagerly, holding up his masterkey. “Come on,” he traces the edge of your top with the tips of his fingers. “Nice warm water and me between your legs?” 

The soft look he gives you is almost impossible to refuse, not that you’d want to anyway. “You make a compelling argument.” 

He grins, sliding his fingers under your t-shirt. “I sure do Honey.” He leans forward and kisses you messily, groaning when your tongue strokes his. He breaks the kiss for half a second to put his key in the door and lock it and then tugs your top over your head. 

Blue pauses as he traces the love bite bruises he’d left on your neck, a low groan reverberating through his chest. 

You shiver, partially because of the cold but mainly because of his touch and his eyes darken. 

“Ugh, Honey, Honey,” he mutters, kissing you senseless and walking you backwards towards the first shower stall. 

While the ones in this part of the building were separate from each other, there were no curtains, meaning whatever orderlies were usually monitoring wash time had a full unencumbered view of the patients. 

He pulls down your trousers and underwear, making you giggle when he tries to accomplish this and not break the kiss. You kick off your slippers and socks, not caring much for where they land.

The cold tile on your back makes you gasp and Blue chuckles, “Sorry, sorry,” he mutters as he turns on the shower head, shielding you with his body until he finds the correct temperature. 

“Mmm, see?” He rubs your arms affectionately, “all nice and warm.” 

“You’re getting soaked.” You laugh, pulling his t-shirt lightly. He was still in his jogging bottoms as well, but had, at least, slipped off his shoes. 

“This needed a wash anyway.” 

You snort as he pulls them off, letting them fall to the bottom of the shower and soak through completely. His cock bobs free, heavy and swollen with need.

“Now, I was promised some teeth,” he leans close, pressing you up against the warming titles. 

“I never promised anything.” 

He opens his mouth to speak, but you don’t give him the chance and sink your teeth into his neck. 

Blue groans instantly, becoming pliant in your hold. He pants in your ear as you nip and suck, muttering affirmations and sweet praises with every breath. 

“Bite me harder, Honey, please.” He slides his hand down to your thigh and hooks your left leg around his waist. “I really want to feel it.” 

You sink your teeth deeper, taking care to not break the skin and Blue shivers, weakly bucking against you. 

“Fuck, that’s it.” 

The water is a good temperature now, steam rising in the small space. 

Blue slips his hand down your chest, squeezes your right breast and flicks the nipple with his thumb until it hardens before he trails down your stomach and to your clit. 

Your hips buck instantly as he rubs it gently with his forefinger. 

“Mmmm, yeah,” he groans, his breath hot against your ear. “Keep biting, keep sucking, that’s real good Honey.” 

You do your best, saliva slipping from your lips and mixing with the water running down his chest as he rubs and rolls your clit in a tantalising rhythm. 

You moan into his skin, grabbing hold of his forearm. 

“Fuck, real good Honey.” He grinds his hips against you, rubbing his leaking cock along your inner leg. “You just keep your mouth nice and full and I’ll make you come, okay?” 

You whine, squeezing his forearm as you scrape your teeth along his jugular. 

“Oh god, yes.” Blue gasps, clenching his jaw as pleasure flows down his spine. 

Your thighs start to shake as he keeps stroking, keeps pulling you closer and closer to the edge. 

“You gonna be a good baby and come?” He mutters.

You sob out an affirmative and Blue grows. 

“Good baby.” He removes his hand from your clit quickly, but doesn't give you enough time to lament the loss before he takes hold of himself and pushes inside. 

You gasp, your mouth opening as he splits you open, filling you so perfectly. 

“So fucking good Honey.” He snaps, his voice gruff and strained as he bucks and rocks, ending each deep thrust with a roll of his hips that presses the dark curls between his legs perfectly against your clit. 

“Blue!” You bite down on your lip, holding him tightly as he moves, only able to hold on and take it with one of your legs around his hip. 

He swears, punctuating every thrust that has you seeing stars and clawing at his back. 

“I’m gonna…” You whine, your body buzzing. 

“Gonna let me fill you up Honey? Gonna be a good baby and let me fuck my cum into you?” He snarls. 

“Fuck.” You come hard, shivering in his hold as your tense and spasm, euphoria flooding your veins and leaving you weak and waitless. 

“Hon-ey,” Blue whines pitifully as he fucks you through it, bucking wildly until he follows you with a deep groan and sigh. 

He stumbles against you, pushing you back further against the wall and swearing. 

“Sorry Honey, sorry,” he moves back a fraction, stroking your cheek.

“It’s okay,” you grin, holding him close as he releases your leg from his hip. 

He gives you a completely sincere look. “Your pussy’s just so good it makes me want to pass out.” 

You snort, swatting him playfully and he giggles. “That’s terrible Blue.”

“I know Honey, I know.”

Thank you for reading!

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[paintedpeeta]

now, many of us, have at length discussed Peeta “born to be a little shit, forced to be a prisoner of war” Mellark coming into his own after the war, and I would like to hear your take on it but ALSO have we been sleeping on “two can play at the game” Katniss being just as immature when Peeta is pulling his stupid boy behavior? … basically, your headcanons upon the topic “Let Katniss and Peeta Be Normal Teenagers 2024”

this instantly made me think of the part in catching fire where katniss and finnick smear their faces in ointment just to spook peeta… like, if she’s able to be a little silly in the middle of a death match then she definitely goofs off when they’re safe and living a soft life together.

I think katniss’ sense of humour is often overlooked (which is fair enough because there’s a lot going on) but that girl was roasting career tributes names and giving us bangers such as “I suppose the apples ate the cheese” like 💀

but anyway, I agree that she definitely gives as good as she gets. peeta plays on her weaknesses by teasing her and being crude because he knows it makes her flustered, but katniss knows exactly how to deal with him too (think back to the ointment thing, where she uses a soft sing-song voice to call his name and wake him up). she’ll have him on the ropes, distracting him in the kitchen by acting all flirtatious and letting him think he’s about to get some and then THWACK. face full of whipped cream.

also I personally headcanon that peeta is a very neat and orderly person (to a certain extent… the room he uses as a studio for his painting is a wreck at all times) and he’s very specific about the way things should be done. purely in the name of being a pain in the ass, katniss will wrongly pair up socks when its her turn doing the laundry and leave her boots where she kicks them off at the door rather than lining them up the way he does.

just general cat behavior as well. she’ll plop herself down on his lap, to hell with the fact he’s reading the newspaper. yeah she’ll come padding into the room to bug him while he paints and yeah she will knock things off of the desk.

not exactly catlike, but a couple of times she tries to switch around his mug of tea and his mug of paint water. it fails every time because, y’know, he has a nose and all but hey. a girl can dream.

plus a plethora of other things she does just for the love of the game. the game of being a pest, that is. she’ll flick water and suds at him while they wash the dishes together, or shut the hot water off for just a second while he’s in the shower, or bite his finger when he tries to let her taste a new recipe.

when they’re not ribbing each other, they’re teaming up to terrorise poor haymitch. he’s so done with them but he would also never admit how much he likes seeing them so happy and actually getting to act young, even if it does mean being rudely awakened on weekends by the sound of laughter coming from their open windows as peeta crashes around after her because she slipped an ice cube down his shirt and then dashed.

[nohoperadio]

What do I want to read? This is the question @perdvivly asks us to consider in a recent book meme thing. This is not something I'm very orderly about most of the time, I don't really have a list (untrue but we'll get to that) I just possess a lot of unread books always and when I finish one I just kinda look around and see what seems good. I guess I'll be doing the post version of that here. I might not end up with 10 categories and they might not all be proper categories, dunno let's see what happens! Stuff I want to read in 2025:

Three English women I've mostly read and need to finish off who have not a ton else in common

So obviously we have Iris Murdoch, whose novels I've been deliberately rationing at 1-2 per year for the past 15 years; currently at 21 out of 26 read. I'm not gonna finish them all this year but I am thinking of picking up the pace a little bit, it would be embarrassing to die or something without getting to the end, the above numbers don't even include the philosophy and other bits that I intend to get to too, and I mean I'm obviously just going to keep rereading one or two per year for the rest of my life anyway so the sense of "oh no there'll be no more left" is maybe a little silly? Like it's cute that I've made her last this long but come on. Anyway I love her I love her I love her I love her.

There's less Jane Austen to get through, I read Northanger Abbey in January thus finishing the novels so it's just the incomplete Sanditon and then the juvenilia so I can say I've read all of her. Looking forward to seeing her get silly with it in some of this stuff. Oh and maybe there's some letters but I don't think very many?

And Virginia Woolf, again already finished all the novels as of this year but then there's--well there's a lot, I'll obviously finish the short stories soon but there's a lot of essays and stuff and I'll have to play by ear how deep I want to go there, I read vol 1 (of 6) of her diaries a while back and it was like half-fascinating half-boring, which I guess is the best we can hope for from unedited diaries... I possess the second vol but we'll see, we'll see. Do I care about her book on Roger Fry? Who knows. I wanna read Hermione Lee's biography of her too, I read the one by Quentin Bell (her nephew) which was pretty entertaining but I want to read a proper one too.

It's weird I'm pretty obsessed with her but like, you have to really get on her wavelength to actually enjoy her fiction ime, and getting on her wavelength is a mental trick I'm... kind of mid at? Like when I do fall under her spell it's like nothing else, you can really get swept up in her evident sincere conviction that every single thing that happens to everyone is intrinsically fascinating, but when the spell fails to work, I can't lie to you, it can be pretty boring? But I keep coming back to her because I crave the magic and probably always will.

(A year ago on this very tumblr I linked one of her (actually pretty unWoolfian!) stories and two people actually read it and liked it and that felt really good. If anyone's reading this please check it out and tell me what you think and I will give you. A little kiss.)

17th century British history

Fuck I gotta make these shorter than that. Alright well I've never really been a history reader tbh but I've randomly become a bit fascinated with the period around the civil wars and I'm seeing how far I can ride this, aside from like wikipedia and podcasts I've read Jonathan Healey's The Blazing World (which is kinda bleh, pretty loose narrative that often is just jumping around various anecdotes and quite shallow-feeling analysis), started Blair Worden's The English Civil Wars (much much better so far! It's short but feels way more grownup and less documentaryish). Have also bought but not started The Noble Revolt by John Adamson, intimidatingly long but highly regarded, and then for a primary source I have my eye on Edward Hyde's History of the Rebellion, written by Charles I's chief advisor and supposed to be fun... yeah we'll see how all this goes.

All this fucking poetry I have

I had to ban myself from buying poetry a long time ago because I kept falling in love with volumes in the bookshop and then when I get them home I just can't get it up for them somehow. I know I can like poetry because I can tell you poems I love but they're always isolated encounters, somehow sitting down with a book of poetry and spending real time with it is, not a thing I can really do? Or not a thing I can do on purpose very often. But like I don't believe that's my heart, this feels like it should be a solvable problem. So this section represents, I suppose, an intention to have another stab at solving it. Oh I guess I should mention some actual books right? Well this here anthology of Metaphysical Poetry is surely a promising start because the metaphysicals are clever and I value cheap cleverness extremely highly. Don Paterson's collection Rain is one I did actually succeed in getting deep into back in the day so perhaps I'll try his 40 Sonnets which I have here, a lot of it looks annoyingly avant-garde though (wrong type of clever). Two of my favourite bands have written songs about John Berryman which is probably as good a reason as any to pick up The Dream Songs. TS Eliot because I still know the first couple pages of Prufrock off by heart although I couldn't really get a handle on The Waste Land.

Muriel Spark too! Fun fact one of my earliest original posts on this account was just me posting a Muriel Spark poem I really loved and it didn't get any notes, go read it and give it some notes. I will give you a little kiss.

Phenomenology?

Okay this one is like, I'd be pretty surprised if it happens in a big way this year. Sad as fuck to say but I'm not sure the version of me that has a full time job is capable of accessing the requisite levels of not-being-tired to read long dense philosophy tomes, but I mean it's not like I've really tried lately. When I was a teen I started-didn't-finish all three of Being and Nothingness, Being and Time and The Phenomenology of Perception, and while they did technically defeat me this stuff was what convinced me philosophy was important, it's still really the only philosophy I've ever read whose value really seems beyond question. I've never really touched Husserl but at some point last year I impulse bought Ideas so clearly some part of me wants to do it. I don't know man! Maybe.

I want good nature writing to exist

This one is mostly not about specific books and is more of a cry for help, I ranted in the tags of this post about how frequently nature writing seems to go out of its way to like, be about anything other than nature? And I know it can't all be like that but I've been burnt a lot of times... I guess I've had more luck with the ones that are more pop sci branded than "nature writing" branded so maybe that's the way to go. But yeah if anyone has any recs for who is the anti-Helen MacDonald please do let me know.

Should I start reading the cool kid books?

In a way, I work in a bookshop, and I hope to keep doing that actually, so it might be professionally prudent to know something about like RF Kuang or Sally Rooney or whoever the fuck. However, I don't really care. So it's a dilemma!

I want to re-read Claire-Louise Bennett,

which might actually be doable this year because it's only two books and they're not very long or slow, but fuck she's good. The only really recent author I truly love I think? If I were asked to write a quippy quote to go on the back of her books I'd say she was equal parts Woolf and Tristram Shandy and then they wouldn't use my quote. I quoted Pond at some length in this post, I actually think Checkout 19 is probably better but there's not much between them. If you go with Pond don't be put off by the prose-poem shorts, I can take/leave 'em they're not really representative of the rest.

Weird depressed Europeans who go on about stuff too much

Some years ago I walked into the bookshop that would eventually become my workplace in a mood to find something totally new-to-me and fall in love with it, I came across Laszlo Krasznahorkai and something about War and War really grabbed me and for some reason (apparently about a guy whose suicide plans are interrupted by his randomly discovering an unknown ancient epic and his felt duty to make sure it's preserved? Sounds cool right) I bought everything they had by him (four books). And for some reason I started reading The Melancholy of Resistance instead of that one, a very unhinged and sprawling philosophical novel with no paragraph breaks that was hard-going but compelling, then I lost the book halfway through. Months later I found it again but by then I had gotten too sad about it and it's not the kind of book you can really dip back into after a long absence so like, that was kind of the end of my Krasznahorkai thing. Well I'd like to try again. And I want to start with War and War this time since that was clearly what fate intended in the first place.

The other guy in this category is Knausgaard, who I feel like I don't gotta talk about as much cos everyone has already heard about how great he's supposed to be, I read the first volume of his struggle and yeah it's pretty great. Wanna get to the second vol soon.

I want to start writing in my diary again

I'm a firm believer that every list should contain at least one item that doesn't belong on the list, so: I've proven that keeping a regular daily diary is something I can keep up for at least like a three-month continuous period, I proved it last year. If I can keep it up for three months then I can keep it up forever, right? Three months is a long time, it's like a small forever. And there's a lot of reasons why "a few words per day of record-keeping/minor self-expression that no one gets to look at" is a really useful thing for me to have, but after that initial run got derailed I never managed to get it back for more than brief episodes. Well, I hope it wasn't a fluke and I hope I can find my way back into it this year.

Oh I don't know, maybe my actual fucking list of books I want to read that I actually supposedly have? Hmm what about that? What about that maybe

So I do have a goodreads (Viv I want to be your goodreads friend but last time I looked through my read shelves like a ton of the ratings made no sense to me and I'm just kind of embarrassed by it, I've been planning to start a fresh account for a while, when I get around to that I shall add you; it looks like you went through a similar thing so I trust you understand!), and I do add stuff to the Want to Read list on there occasionally. I never look at this list, so it serves no purpose at all. I'm looking at it now and I don't even know what half this stuff is. Like wtf is South Wind by Norman Douglas, with only 314 ratings? I'm sure I've never seen this book in my entire life. Who is Witold Gombrowicz? I recognize Elias Canetti as the name of a guy who might have slept with Iris Murdoch I think but that doesn't seem like a good reason to want to read him. Yeah this is a completely useless list and I will continue to never look at it. Oh sometimes at work I take photos of books that momentarily catch my interest, and those photos are like, another one of this.

---

Okay that's ten! Hey Viv this was actually a lot of fun thank you for tagging me, I'm not really proofreading it because it's too late so uh, sorry about how it is. Everyone else, obviously I'd enjoy seeing you talk about books if we're mutuals, I hate tagging people but I'll do some anyway: @lloke @medlinka @autogeneity @jerkeline @robustcornhusk @wellmetmat @abodywithorgans, if I didn't mention you you should take it as a calculated insult obviously

[legacygirlingreen]

My silly little HCs for Sebastian Sallow

Some of these are really random but I’ve just had an abundance of HC lately so I thought I’d share:

✨ I GENUINELY see a world in which Sebastian could be slightly messy in some areas and very orderly in others. I don’t think he’d be messy in EVERY aspect of his life. Sure his hair is messy (this i attribute to it’s natural texture and the fact he’s a teen boy and likely doesn’t care that much about it), that large stack of books near his bed and on his desk are messy and I’m sure his life can at times be pretty chaotic - but I get the vibe he still cares on occasion. He’s always dressed properly for class, no less than Ominis or his other classmates. I’m sure his papers and class notes are very immaculately organized and he’s got a system that on surface level looks chaotic but to him makes sense for his books and other possessions. I also don’t see it possible that he can be a complete slob either given how small the feldcroft house is and having to share it with Anne and Solomon (and Ominis).

✨ I think as a child he definitely had to learn how to self sooth, or find ways to entertain himself. We get hints that his parents were often locking themselves downstairs to research, leaving him and Anne to their devices and he seems very well liked by his professors - so this leads me to think that with the exception of the resitricted section and occasional mischief, he may not be as “high strung” as he’s often made out to be. With the amount of time he spends reading, snacking and just overall finding ways to keep from boredom, I can see a world where afternoons with Sebastian are much more laid back than one would imagine.

Which leads me into some loose ideas I think he’d conceive if he was dating you/MC:

* laying in the grass together on sunny days, reading silently, pointing out cloud shapes or looking for 4 leaf cloves together

* swimming in the sea in summer, sunbathing on the shores, skipping rocks

* baking the muggle way and enjoying homemade pie over candle light and engaging in thought provoking conversations

✨ I don’t think that Sebastian cares too much about his physical appearance as a teenager but I can definitely see it slowly becoming more and more a priority as he ages. Several people have pointed out that there’s a razor in their dorm and if you zoom in you can see he’s got the appearance of hair follicles on the high resolution zoom in screen grabs, so I think by seventh year he’s experimenting with facial hair. Probably sideburns or just a mustache as that would’ve been fashionable for the time, but I can see him letting his sideburns go in his least year at hogwarts. He’d claim it was “more convenient that way” since he “didn’t have to waste as much time shaving his whole face” but in reality he just feels more grown up and mature and he likes it - but likely wouldn’t want to be seen as vain.

✨ Sebastian grew up with a twin sister and is likely quite well versed in female anatomy and issues… he’s more than likely a SAINT when it comes to that time of the month, however I don’t think he’d see it as anything to mention. Likely just know it’s roughly that time again, casually offer more snacks, perhaps offer a simple back rub without saying anything, or other varieties of comfort without acknowledging WHY he’s doing so. If you ever bring it up he’d likely just shrug and say “just tying to be helpful since I know you likely don’t feel well” And leave it at that.

✨ I can see a variety of the love languages being important to him. I do agree he likely responds well to physical touch. You cannot convince me otherwise that he would not adore having someone play with his hair. He turns into a puppy immediately and it’s canon as far as I’m concerned. He also likely knows some mild form of braiding due to Anne so he probably equally enjoys returning the favor in that way. Sebastian gives me more strong touch in private but little to no PDA . Exceptions can be made for timely acceptable actions like a hand on the arm to escort but nothing crazy like necking in halls.

✨ however… private Sebastian could be a mixed bag. Initially I see him slightly nervous. Sebastian seems confident and headstrong in areas he’s familiar but we don’t see him ever feel unprepared. I get the sense he’d be anxious when he’s going in completely blind to new arenas like physical relations with a girl… So early on here May be apprehensive. I agree with the thought he would research all he could and go out of his way to make sure they were comfortable and he prevented pain. But once he’s got a good handle in it… he’s always looking to improve until he’s confident he’s making you feel incredible…

✨ Sebastian finds feminine hands to be so interesting. Despite not liking PDA I can see him constantly grabbing yours, examining them, admiring the softness, pressing kisses to the back of them, and just all around finding them so insanely beautiful despite being so simple.

✨ Sebastian sallow definitely is the type to practice his signature constantly. He gets bored in class I imagine, with as much reading as he does, he’s likely way ahead of his peers. It’s common to see him doodling out new ways of signing his name and he still hasn’t found the way that’s quite him yet but he will eventually…

✨ deep down I think he can be very self conscious. I imagine he’d find certain features less than perfection … such as his wide nose or bushy eyebrows. Dark eyes and dark features are quite common , I can see a world in which he so often feels quite plain. However the right partner coming along and kissing that button nose or playfully stroking his brow while he rests his head in their lap would slowly make him feel better about what he sees in the mirror. Being complimented on his appearance, something I’m sure gets lost in his many talents, would mean the world to him.

✨Sebastian has a sweet tooth and would 100% rock the dad bod when matured . He’s lean now with all the hogwarts cardio, but once he slows down he’s getting thicker. Just look at Solomon and tell me the sallow genes aren’t slightly husky (Also check out @rednite-dork bc she’s got some awesome art depicting a more aged up, dad bod seb and they are mouth watering 🤪)

I have soo many more but here’s some loose HCs , and I’m always down for a part 2💚

[luv-indigo]

okay so, redesigning nadine for the third and (hopefully) final time. i felt she looked too similar to soraya (my keyframes fall mc) so i changed nadine up a bit. also!! i was trying to find oc templates to fill out for my visual novel ocs and although there’s so many out there, none were exactly what i was looking for soooo…. I made my own! i’ll post my other our life ocs with them soon but first, nadine ! (again)

I’ve also changed my own mind. Nadine will be my MC for Qiu’s route.

Nadine introduction <3

Nadine spent much of her early childhood moving from place to place, all within her home state of California but oftentimes in different cities. Moving around so often made it hard to keep in contact with friends and after a while made it especially hard making friends in the first place.

When Opal tells Nadine they‘re moving once again, Nadine is surprised to learn they’re moving to Oregon, their neighboring state. This time, she learns it’ll be a more permanent location. Nadine doesn’t know exactly how to feel. She’s so used to moving around that being in a place for so long sounds foreign, weird and new. However, part of her can’t help but feel excited, especially since she gets her own room now! But no matter what, she knows mama will be with her every step of the way.

Upon meeting Qiu and Tamarack, Nadine quickly feels they can be the best of friends. Nadine has always been more of a quiet person but not necessarily shy. Spend enough time with her and you’ll find she can talk quite a lot. Yet she’s perfectly content with simply listening as well.

Nadine is mostly a rule follower. Rules are there for a reason right? She prides herself on being neat and orderly. All her belongings are pristine and in their place because that’s just how she likes it. During step 1, Nadine strongly dislikes getting dirty. Which can be difficult to avoid if you’re playing outside in the woods.

Step Two !!

After four years, Nadine has adjusted well into her new home. Although Nadine needs glasses she very much prefers to use eye contacts instead. It’s also the most convenient when ice skating. She’s taken on ice skating as her main past time and she’s fairly good. Her transportation of choice has been rollerblading so it makes sense she got into ice skating as well.

Her other hobbies are more on the creative side. She enjoys crafting and drawing on occasion. Cosplaying is also one of her major hobbies. For years she has worked on making her Halloween costumes with the help of Mama.

During this time Nadine becomes more of a shy person. During her earlier childhood, she had no problem voicing her thoughts and opinions but it seems now that sort of thing gets harder to do as you age. Thankfully, she has her two close friends to turn to whenever she needs a hand, and in turn she will be there for them as well.

Step Three !!

Nadine has less and less time to do things she wants. If this is how adult life is she wants zero part of it </3

Nadine has always prioritized their studies (although that became much harder to do when middle school started due to her procrastination habits). Now college is weighing on their mind. Nadine still very much enjoys ice skating yet she struggles to make time to practice. Similarly, cosplaying has turning into a year long project (for Halloween of course). Doing multiple cosplays a year is something she doesn’t have time for anymore. Although they are often busy, Nadine will always make time for a special someone and her best friend, Tamarack.

Step Four !!

Nadine’s all grown up </3

Throughout many years Nadine has learned things about themselves and grown into the person they are today. Her experiences and the people she has been around since she was ten years old have impacted her life to mold her into who she is, for better or worse. And honestly, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

And finally this little thing I made with all of Nadine’s doll icons. I had to edit many of them to fit the hair style and clothing options I wanted and it literally took forever </3 ouGh

Also, I apologize for the quality. I tried to preserve it as I was inserting the drawings into the template but resizing may have messed up the quality </3

[ruins-of-tragedy]

Done with RWBY's season three; episodes nine to twelve... I feel like James Bond's drink. Shaken not stirred.

Season 03, Episode 09: PvP

- Let the devastation begin.

- "The shining light will sink in darkness."

- Ozpin is a watching the fight about to unfold from his mechanical lair.

- Penny is being her sweet self. She considers it an honour to meet Pyrrha. 😭

- Pyrrha is so out of it. Am so scared.

- Ruby and Mercury. I get he must have had his reasons, but right now I don't like the guy. Ruby, run back!!!

- Fucking Ironwood.

- Ren and Nora cheering! Jaune is nervous. ✨

- Emerald. 😡

- I have noticed this before and perhaps forgot to mention it, but I love how Penny's blades have the on/off button at the hilt. It's cute! Very on theme.

- Pyrrha and her have begun fighting now. 😶‍🌫️

- Ruby turned into a missile that Mercury kicked away. Shite.

- He shot at her scroll. Some fucking "friends" they are.

- Penny is doing well. But for how long... 🥺

- Emerald is playing with Pyrrha's head. Good Gods. This is hurting me so much already.

- Mercury and Ruby at it still. YASSSSSSSS! Ruby is getting away.

- Penny's here to win it. Pyrrha's mind is being tampered with. AGHHHHHHHHH. A few blades have turned into too many.

- Penny was dismembered by her own strings. That blade of hers getting her dress piece was like a nail on the coffin. I am a little dead right now.

- They are actually showing the parts. Oh Gods. It's all machinary. People are horrified. Penny's pupils dilated. Fuck. Fuck

Fuck. Why did they have make it look almost real?

- Grimm monsters. Ruby sees Penny. She is crying. I think I am going numb.

- Mercury's happy about a job well done. I feel like punching a wall.

- The broadcast has been compromised. The queen chess pawn with a red background.

- WoWie. Even though I don't like Cinder, I must hand it to her. Great plan to bring down both Ironwood and Ozpin.

- A silver lining. ZWEI!!!! He is with Yang.

- Cinder is speaking. Ozpin is strangely calm and watching a ship come in behind him.

- Grimm have begun their invasion.

- "When the first shots are fired... Who do you think you can trust?" -Cinder. With the way our world is going, all this manipulation and the dialogue really came out here and attacked me...

- Jammed feeds. One of Junior's henchmen is also in the audience with popcorn. I don't know why that made me smile. But I needed it. Also, getting a weird sense of deja vu.

- Alarms are ringing. Threat level 9.

- "Please seek shelter in a calm and orderly manner." Cue to everyone screaming, crying, throwing up...

- Ironwood's gentle reminder to not panic has been interrupted by a Nevermore Grimm. Such good times.

- Kingdom's defences were breached? Ren seems to think so. He smort. I trust him. Does that explain the ships?

- Qrow and Glynda have come to Ozpin. He wants them to get to the city. They are reluctant but leave. Is Oz going to have a one on one showdown with someone soon?

- The Grimm of old are moving. The great migration. Trading in a concrete jungle for a high tech one.

- Whoever does the voice for Ozpin, when he talked to Ironwood asking him to use his army... Chills!!! Great job there!!!

- Holy hells. An entire unit of Atlas soldiers is down. Neo is in the house. She has two umbrellas?

- Ohhhhh. It's just Torchwick's stuff.

- Oh no no no no no. No. They are now commandeering a whole ship and bringing down the ones around... This is going just peachy, I say with clenched teeth.

- Fucking Adam and White Fang.

- Did they just give Grimm a ride in the ships??!?!??

- End credits. Penny's blueprints. The sketch for the flying machine looks incredible! Torchwick and his console of wreaking destruction. So much work has gone into scenes that only last less than a minute quite often. Hats off to the team!!!! Penny and her sketch with her weapons... I am sad. But since she is an Android, am sure she will be back!!!!! Will she remember everything though? I hope they kept backups. Nevermore Grimm sketches. I didn't realise they were inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's work! Was extremely confused about the Grimm of it all too initially. Thankfully the assumption of them being named after the Grimm brothers was right! The music playing right now reminds me of choirs and plays where they use sounds like this to mark a tragedy.

Season 03, Episode 10: Battle of Beacon

- Am not ready to be destroyed further. But that won't stop me now.

- "Victory for hate incarnate."

- Grimm are attacking. People are fighting. It's the cafeteria grounds for the arena.

- Blake and Weiss. Yang be running through the dorms of Beacon with Zwei. No matrons there to ban running through the halls? 😆

- Blake and her are checking up on one another!!! 💖

- Ruby ain't answering her scroll. Yang is obviously worried. Blake is trying to placate her.

- Cue running again.

- Weiss is sad over Penny. So be Blake. And moi.

- Yang just informed them of how the White Fang's releasing Grimm into the school. Blake is focusing on the detail. Should I be terrified?

- Yang has entered the fight. Left the call.

- Blake and Weiss are about to do their jobs. Thank Gods for locker launchers!!!

- Nevermore Grimm is still trying to get into the stadium. Ruby is shell shocked and right where we left her. They are just kids...

- Pyrrha. Staring at the wreckage of Penny. Good Gods. How long has she been doing that?

- Jaune is screaming himself hoarse asking her to move. I could actually feel the ensuing sore throat. Nice voice acting!!!

- He has left the stands and is now running towards Pyrrha. ❤️‍🔥

- Nevermore Grimm has entered the chat. And sent Penny's body parts, Pyrrha and Jaune flying.

- Incoming attack from the Grimm. Pyrrha, get away!!! Oh thank GODS.

- Ruby is now weilding one of Penny's swords. 👏🏻🥺✨

- Many many many locker launchers have brought down the Nevermore. Gotta love them!!!

- Good people are still around. That's why the world is still spinning. Gods I miss Penelope Park.

- Ohhh. Nevermore Grimm is alive still. Nice that the hunters are already on its back!

- Okie, I am loving how these folks are coordinating their moves!!! So GOOOOOOOOD!!!! 🤌🏻

- Nevermore Grimm really no more.

- Pyrrha is apologising about Penny. Awwwww. Ruby be right. It wasn't her fault.

- Jaune agrees. And is using his head. The person who took over the mic is the one responsible. I AM LOVING HIS GLOW UP.

- Also, him handing Pyrrha her weapons when she was the one to teach him how to wield his well.... The poetic evolution of it all. ✨🫶🏻🤩

- More Grimm are entering the arena. Griffons! Ooooooh!

- Crescent Rose is here! So are Professor Port and Doctor Oobleck. They are good. I love the doc.

- Velvet took a picture of Ruby being a leader!!!! Can I get a copy?!

- Why are they acting like Barty and Peter won't make it? They will, right?

- I hope the hunters leaving now will go help Weiss, Blake and Yang at the school.

- People are leaving in ships. Grimm are arriving in different ships.

- Ironwood's synthetic army isn't working too well. He shall now fight on his own!

- His grip is so strong it pierced the concrete beneath him?! War flashbacks... Jokes aside, he must be a good fighter at least.

- Oh my Gods. His entire battle was difficult for me to watch. Not because I dislike him, but it's just too reminiscent of stuff I have had to witness on TV ever since I could operate it. Very well animated at least!!!

- Young hunters meet Ironwood. He is explaining the current status of the situation. YAYYYYYY! They are now aware of what's going on.

- Holy shite. This guy is being all badass but I can only cringe for reasons that have nothing to do with him. Ugh. Hate when that happens.

- Bet what these young hunters and huntresses choose between saving their own arse and that of everyone else's...

- Torchwick is having a blast. Pun intended. 😆. The chesspiece is in the mainframe of the ship... Does that mean they can now control the synthetic army?

- Yup. Glynda and Qrow are with some of them. The tech has turned. Blake and Weiss are being shot at too.

- Holy SHITE. Ironwood has been compromised by his own army. Does he make it?

- Ruby is about to ride the skies with a locker launcher. I love her.

- She has landed on Roman's ship. I am a little worried.

- Weiss is fighting robots. Blake is battling the White Fang. I love how they are both going against pillars of their communities. The symbolism of it all... 🤌🏻

- They are parting ways? Why do the protagonists never stay together?! 🥺

- Adam and Blake have seen one another. I am SCARED. Blake looks to be as well. Also, did this guy just kill an Atlas soldier?! That was extremely unnecessary.

- Snippets of our favourite teenage hunters fighting Grimm. Only to pan to Cinder, Emerald and Mercury.

- They are shooting videos of the Atlas machinary helping the Grimm. Where is this nation's PR team?!?!!

- Are the Goliath Grimms arriving? Major earthquake alert.

- Cinder has left. Ozpin is keeping watch on the horrific goings-on from his office. And is getting ready...

- There's a dragon Grimm?!?!??!???? Who lays dark eggs for Grimm children. I have no words.

- Jaune and Pyrrha smiling at one another while getting ready to fight was so sweet!!!!! 💖

- Ozpin's here. Pyrrha is going to him. Jaune is going after her... Cinder is seeing this happen. Oh no.

- End credits. Dragon Grimm sketch. Such detail! Griffon Grimm. With a Ruby Rose size comparison! Beowulf Grimm sketch now. Ironwood and his weapon. I don't know why but I like all the characters' designs here so much!!!! The Atlas synthetic army. The music wants me to write an epic...

Season 03, Episode 11: Heroes and Monsters

- Things are about to get so much worse. As if they weren't already.

- "Misery and pain for all."

- Dragon Grimm has entered the chat.

- Griffon Grimms are descending as well. Ruby is fighting one!

- Slash and Neo's camera flash. Torchwick knows who be here.

- Adam and Blake. She looks so scared... This fucker is about to murder a student?!

- Oh thank Gods. Blake didn't let that happen.

- I want to kill Adam. What fucking betrayal did Blake commit. You fucking fucker.

- This ginormous son of a gun, the highest order of insult in my head, needs to learn what "my love" means. Then proceed to never use the words again and bury himself in the ground six feet under. While being alive. I think that would help.

- The young hunters are fighting the robotic army AND the Grimm. Where are the other professionals?!

- The kids are tired. Coco is allowing Velvet to use her weapon. Hmmm. Must be something good!

- Ooooooh! New song alert!!!! Weiss is confused. Coco wants her to keep watching...

- Oh my GODS. She is using a hologram of Crescent Rose and now Weiss' sword?!?!??

- Yang's gauntlets, check! Blake's weapon too... The hologram chameleon weapon. 🤯

- Ohhhh. That's why Velvet was taking pictures.

- Velvet was hit. Weiss cannot take any of it. What is she attempting?

- OH MY GODS!!!! WEISS DID IT!!!!! SUMMONED A KNIGHT WARRIOR OF LIGHT!!!!! WINTER WOULD BE SO PROUD!!!!!!! I know I am.

- Velvet is okie and snapped another picture.

- "You have got to be kidding me!" is right Sun. Will this never end?

- Ruby and Neo are fighting. Torchwick is here too... Two on one. I feel like joining this battle myself.

- Oh no. Ruby is losing. Might fall. Shite. I don't like this.

- THANK GODS. Neo is now gone with the wind. And so is her umbrella.

- I love Ruby. We have already covered this. I shall always bet on her.

- Roman was just eaten up by a Griffon Grimm. I am glad. His tirade was getting tiring. Ruby doesn't have Crescent Rose though. Fuck.

- And she didn't need it apparently!!!! 🎉✨

- Ruby is okie. And a badass.

- Ironwood is alive!!! No matter how cringe he be for me, am glad he lived.

- Ohhhhhh. He is half robot too. Would he qualify to be a cyborg?

- Ironwood really thought Qrow was about to unleash his weapon's full scythe potential on him... LoLLL!

- Grown-up decisions on further steps to help. Ironwood's ship has decided to crash land nearby. Small miracles!

- The machines are self-destructing! YAYYYYYY!

- Yang is here!!! Weiss is tired and in charge of looking for Ruby. Yang is going to Blake. 💖

- Ozpin, Pyrrha and Jaune are in the vault. Oh Gods. Jaune don't know what's happening or about to happen. He is still standing guard. 🥺

- Pyrrha's choice... Does she even have one now? Nope. She has entered the pod.

- Fucking Adam. Someone get this guy away from me. Whiny little baby.

- Did he just- Die. He needs to DIE.

- "I will make it my mission to destroy everything you love." -Adam. Enter Yang... Good golly. The timing. 🤌🏻

- OH MY GODS. OH MY GODS. OH MY FUCKING GOOOOOODS.

- Blake's eyes went wide. And Adam said, "...Starting with her."

- I am tearing up a little. There's so much going on. Some pretty bad shite. But this. THIS. Makes me happy. ✨

- Emotional whiplash is disorienting. Back to it.

- Oh no. It's begun. Amber's aura is being transferred to Pyrrha. Who is now in pain. Fuck.

- NOOOOOOO. Cinder just shot Amber. Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuckity fuck.

- Did Adam just STAB BLAKE?!?!????? YANG HAS SEEN THEM NOW.

- OH MY GODS. BLAKE STILL DOESN'T WANT YANG TO GET INVOLVED.

- I am dying.

- "(Yang screams with blinding rage)" -Subtitles. Super Saiyyan Yang!!!!!

- OH NO. THIS IS HOW IT HAPPENS?!??!???!!??????

- Yang has lost her arm.

- Amber has died. The lights have gone out.

- Listen. I know yellow is Yang's colour. And they don't necessarily want to show blood. Therefore, Yang's blood being gold is intentional in that way... HOWEVER, in Greek mythology the Gods have golden blood too. Ichor. So Yang is a Greek God now... Yes, I am delusional. Yes, I need a Percy Jackson RWBY AU to heal. Yes, my next stop will be AO3. Right after I finish with my tears.

- Cinder has the rest of the power. Some of it must have managed to go to Pyrrha though, I think. What's about to happen now?

- Jaune went to attack Cinder but she deflected him. Pyrrha is out of the tube and ready to fight. Ozpin wants them to get away and have Glynda, Qrow and Ironwood be sent to him.

- Yang is down. Adam wants to finish the job. Blake is between them now.

- "Why must you hurt me Blake?" THIS FUCKING FUCKED UP FUCKITY FUCKHEAD FUCKER. NOT EVERYTHING IS ABOUT YOU. I WILL FUCK YOU UP SO BAD YOU WON'T EVEN HAVE TIME TO SCREAM!!!!!!!!

- That was Blake's copycat. But he didn't know that. And he actually beheaded her... I NEED TO KILL THIS GUY. PLEASE.

- Blake has dragged Yang away. Adam should be put in front of me.

- Cinder and Ozpin... "She was right about you. Such arrogance." -Cinder. Who be 'she?'

- End credits. Torchwick sketches. You will not be missed. But the art is fantastic! Half-machine Ironwood. Huh. Cinder's last name is Fall. I didn't catch that before. Now Qrow sketches. Alongside his weapon! I love how thorough the folks behind the show are!!!! Velvet and her camera's turn. Is this the grayscale of the place where Adam, Blake and Yang's showdown happened?

Season 03, Episode 12: End of the Beginning

- What is happiness? I don't know her.

- Huh. I think this is RWBY's first half an hour long form episode. I am quaking in my non-existent boots.

- "When it falls..."

- Cinder has turned into fireworks? Katy Perry called it... 😆😭

- Ohhhh. It's her fight with Ozpin. The guy is actually holding his own! YAYYYYYY!!!

- Mandatory evacuation to a safe-zone in Vale. Atlas personnel will guide them.

- Zwei is here. ✨

- Finally. Ruby and Weiss have met up. This is going to hurt.

- Yang and Blake are down. Ren and Nora don't seem to be doing much better.

- Oh my Gods. Blake can't stop apologising. Fuck.

- Okie. Ruby's call to her sister broke me a little.

- Jaune and Pyrrha haven't gotten there yet?!

- Dragon Grimm is circling. White Fang are retreating. Ren and Nora are in no condition to do anything. Ruby is saying she will find Jaune and Pyrrha and bring them back... Oh no.

- Weiss is joining her. 🥹

- Zwei wishes them well!!! 💖. So does Sun, but gosh he be done. Samesies, my dude.

- Pyrrha and Jaune are coming out of the school! Jaune is about to call Glynda and is asking about what went down in the vault.

- Cinder is using fire as her jet packs. Shite. What happened to Ozpin?

- Pyrrha is about to stay back. FUCKKKKK. Jaune is trying to convince her otherwise... AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

- She kissed him. Are you fucking kidding me. I am so happy but so fucking done at the same time. She will die. WHY?!???

- Pyrrha locker launched Jaune away. Forever a badass. ❤️‍🔥. And now she is using her semblance to move up... Don't take her. Please. I am not ready.

- Jaune has called up Weiss. Their friendship is the best. 🫶🏻

- He is going hysterical. They keep saying they will save everyone... I can't.

- Much Grimm. Much banter between White Rose... Ruby saying "I have a plan." While Weiss replies with, "You always do." The excellence... 🤌🏻. Things are going to shite, but they are still at it. Good.

- Cinder wants to keep the Dragon Grimm as her pet? And it's working?

- Pyrrha has entered the chat. OH MY GODS. THIS FIGHT SCENE IS ONE FOR THE AGES.

- Dragon Grimm approaching. It likes the bad people? Cinder is in a headlock. Pyrrha's spear has now been broken. Big blast. Beacon's tower is in pieces but still standing.

- So is Pyrrha. She has her shield and semblance. Good Gods. More battle.

- IT'S THE FACT THAT PYRRHA CAUGHT CINDER OFF GUARD!!!! AGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

- Cinder threw away the polarity induced gears which were keeping her down... One hit Pyrrha and some red energy passed through her?

- Ruby and Weiss are handling the Grimm below. Now Ruby is walking on walls courtesy of Weiss. Oh no.

- Shield vs arrow. Arrow breaks but is put back together. Fuck glass.

- NO. Right in Achilles' heel?!?!????!?? Pyrrha has been hit.

- "Do you believe in destiny?" Stop. Please.

- Struck right in front of Ruby. CINDER FUCKING DISINTEGRATES HER?!?????????!!!??

- Only Pyrrha's headgear is left. I cannot.

- Ruby. She is just a kid. The fuck. This is too much. You can see it on her face.

- Ummm. What just happened. Ruby screamed. White wings sprouted from within her. Everything is consumed by it. Cinder was so confused she also faded away?

- Who flatlined? Qrow is there. He has got Ruby. It's all still white. Taiyang is Yang and Ruby's dad.

- CCT is down. No way to communicate with the world outside. Ozpin's still missing.

- White has given way to Ruby asleep in a room. Her father is dozing off in a chair near her.

- They are both awake now.

- Qrow got Ruby home. She is asking about Yang. I love these sisters.

- Yang is not okie? 🥺

- Things with Vale is under control. The "thing," dragon Grimm? Still alive. Ruby did a number on it apparently!!! But it's attracting Grimm to school.

- Ruby wants to know how she did a number on it. Things are too messed up. Qrow has arrived in all his drunk wisdom.

- Tai and Qrow don't get along too well? I guess this is just a particularly tenuous topic.

- Pyrrha's really gone. That confirmation hurts like a biatch.

- Ruby has silver eyes. It's important... Both Ruby and her mum were special in a way that's reminiscent of legends and stories.

- "...those with silver eyes are destined to lead the life of a warrior." Oh Gods.

- Everything has gone to shite. Every part of Ruby hurts. And all she can think about is how she can help. Holy hell. Martyr.

- Qrow telling Ruby about their enemies being in Haven... Was that intentional? I am terrified.

- Also, maybe this is too callous to think in such a way, but I have a theory that when Yang and Ruby went out in search of Yang's mum... Qrow was following them all along. Am pretty sure the entire thing was orchestrated. They were led there to see if Ruby will unleash her powers early, mayhaps.

- Yang has sunflowers in her room. She looks so different without her energetic emotions and smile. This is the worst.

- Weiss had to leave with her father?!

- Oh shite. Atlas is in extreme hot water and was framed well. Do they even have a PR team?

- Blake ran. Oh fuck. I can't even blame her though.

- "...And I don't care." -Yang. I think she is facing the exact opposite problem. But yeah. Everything is in smithereens.

- From fall to winter. That weather transition was nice.

- I just realised something. Ruby's room has two beds. Am pretty sure one is for Yang, what with the yellow pillows. But she is staying in another room. This is heartbreaking in a different way now.

- Jaune's here! And yup. Haven is the next stop.

- Awwwwwww!!!! Nora and Ren are going too. Team JNR without P looks almost uncanny. It's jarring. At least they have Ruby.

- Is this voiceover from the same lady from back in volume one? Commenting on hope and snuffing it out and dividing mankind? Is she talking to Ozpin?

- Grimm are congregating near Beacon. Glynda can only fix so much. She be tired. Blake's being a ninja. Alone. Weiss is with her father in a jet. Ruby bid goodbye to her mum's memorial plaque and is off with Team JNR. My autocorrect doesn't know Pyrrha has passed away. I didn't want to know either. 😭

- "This is the beginning of the end, Ozpin." So this is Salem. And she has him... Funny how the name of the episode is "End of the Beginning."

- She wants to watch Oz burn... Salem has pyromaniac tendencies then. Good to know.

- Qrow is keeping tabs on Ruby and co from afar. Of course he planted the idea. He has Ozpin's sword?

- QROW CAN TURN INTO A CROW?!?!??!??

- Huh. No end credits scene.

(You spoil me, you let Pyrrha down. So don't do it. Aashchi!)

[lizardsquisher]

💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀

The Pirate and the Professor

💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀💀🥀

Chapter Eighteen: Undone

Emmrich sat on the floor of Rook’s bedroom, knees bent, the bottoms of his bare feet touching. The backs of his hands rested on his knees, the palms turned towards the sky. Hendricks had once complained about this pose as if Emmrich’s limberness was a personal affront.

“How do your knees bend like that, you old codger?” he’d snapped. “Were you born without tendons?”

“I do my stretches,” Emmrich had told him placidly. “You should, too. It’s good to keep the muscles loose as you age.”

Hendricks had snorted. “Nothing about me has ever been or ever will be described as ‘loose.’”

Emmrich missed his friend’s gentle grumpiness. There was a comfort to it. The sun rose in the east and set in the west, and Hendricks was persnickety for all the hours in between. It made the world feel orderly.

Nothing in Emmrich’s life had order now. Harding was dead. Bellara was gone, possibly dead. And Rook . . .

His breath shuddered. He dug his nails into his palms. This would not do. He could not cast the spell correctly if he indulged in more hopeless weeping.

He felt like he’d spent the last week crying. He’d kept himself busy during the days, plundering the depths of his library for ways to find Rook. For the most part, he’d managed to confine his breakdowns to the small hours of the night, when he had naught to do but worry and yearn. But sometimes, despite his best efforts, the pain of her absence would strike him in the middle of his research. And his kohl-stained tears would spread black blotches on the pages of his books.

The worst of these moments had caught him three days ago, when he’d come into Rook’s room to search for a book she had borrowed. It had been on top of her bookshelf. A bit of parchment had been tucked within. He’d unfolded it carefully. The bold, looping handwriting alone had been enough to undo him. But the paper had not been her notes, as he’d expected. It was a letter. And it had been addressed to him.

Emmrich,

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Maybe we’ll crush the gods and come home to celebrate with Lucanis’ croquetas. Or maybe I’ll lead us all astray, and there’ll be no one left to read this bloody letter. Maker, I hope not.

But me not coming back . . . Well, you’re right. We have to prepare for the worst. And if you come back and I don’t, I need you to know that I’m sorry for what I said. I didn’t mean to hurt you. And I know you didn’t mean to hurt me. You wanted what was best for me. You’re just too daft to know that what’s best for me is you.

I’m sorry to tell you this, but you brainy types aren’t always brimming with common sense. Otherwise, you’d have noticed that I’ve been my best self with you. I could have been terrified. Paralyzed. Crushed beneath the weight of all this responsibility. But I had you, and you made me stronger than I had any right to be. It made no sense to be so happy with the world falling apart around me. But I was. No matter what happens, you gave that to me. And I’m grateful.

Yours always,

Rook

He’d read that letter, and his legs had ceased to function. He’d slid down a wall, his world going black around the edges. The words on that page were a hail of arrows piercing his chest. She’d forgiven him. She’d gone . . . wherever she’d gone . . . still caring for him. It had made it so much better. But it had also made it that much worse.

He wasn’t sure how long he’d sat there, slouched against the wall, knees akimbo, staring at her letter with tears crawling down his face. Eventually, Manfred had found him. Poor chap. He’d been almost as out of sorts over Rook’s absence as Emmrich had.

“Cry?” Manfred had croaked, crouching by Emmrich.

Emmrich had had to teach him that word when he’d come home from Tearstone. Manfred had seen him engage in the activity so often he’d needed a word to explain it.

“Sad,” Manfred added. Emmrich had also explained why one cried.

Manfred had reached out to touch Emmrich’s wet cheek. Then he touched his own face, just beneath his goggles. Trying to cry, too.

“Sad,” he had hissed softly.

Emmrich had forgotten his own misery. He’d wrapped Manfred tight in his arms and concentrated on making him feel loved.

Read more at the link below:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/61873225/chapters/165697264

[vodika-vibes]

Hey! I know he's a bit of a rare clone, but would you consider writing for maze? he's from the repcomm books and is endearingly (Imo) professional and surly 👉👈

Not That Hard

Summary: When one story ends, another one begins. Maze, formerly a Republic Soldier, is now a bounty hunter. He’s used to things being orderly, everything has a place, and everything should be in its place. So when he ends up locked in a small cell with the woman he’s been searching for, a woman who’s been missing for three weeks, he knows that everything is about to be turned on its head.

Pairing: Pre Maze (Alpha-26) x F!Reader

Word Count: 1722

Warnings: None

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni @imabeautifulbutterfly

A/N: So, I've never written Maze before, but I'm always happy to write any of the Alphas, or any star wars character. His page on Wookieepedia wasn't the best, but I did the best I could. I hope you like it! Also, I've been watching a lot of Numb3rs, so that's where the basic idea of this came from.

Maze leans back against the stone wall, his gaze drifting from the woman sleeping on the singular cot in the cell to the door, and then back again. He’s glad that she’s asleep. He wasn’t sure that she would fall asleep, honestly.

He leans over and tugs the thin blanket a little higher over her shoulders. The blanket won’t do much to keep the cold out, it’s too thin, but it’s enough that she can sleep.

Three weeks ago the University of Theeds reached out to him, telling him that one of their Teachers had gone missing. They said to him that someone had broken into her home, torn the place to pieces, and taken her.

The University hired him to find her since he was something of an expert on finding people.

The fact that she’s alive is a damned miracle, in his opinion. After three weeks, statistics indicate that he should have found her in a ditch somewhere.

He’s never been so glad to be wrong in his life.

Still, the fact that they haven’t killed her suggests that they want something from her. Maze shifts so that he’s sitting on the cot beside her, tired of sitting on the ground.

He needs to think.

Why would someone want a University Professor?

Absently, Maze brushes a strand of hair off her face as he thinks about what he knows about her.

She’s young, barely brushing 25 years old. She’s an only child. Her mom died from heart disease when she was a child, her dad recently retired to a lake house. There’s no other family.

She’s single, and her only friends are people who work at the University with her. Honestly, it sounds like a lonely life to him, but according to her colleagues and friends, she’s seemed lonely or unhappy.

He can respect that.

Maze’s eyes snap to her face as she releases a quiet noise and shifts on the cot, seemingly to curl into his warmth while also opening her eyes. “You should go back to sleep, Professor. It’s early.” He says quietly.

She sighs and shakes her head, “No point. They’re going to be coming soon.” Slowly, she sits up and shifts so she’s able to press her face against his shoulder. 

“What do they want?” Maze asks, mentally kicking himself for not asking her earlier. But then, her injuries were pretty severe. It makes sense that he would put that aside.

“I’m a Bio-Engineer.” She replies tiredly, “They want me to tell them how to break into BioGen.”

“Why?”

“BioGen’s biggest thing is weaponizing viruses.”

Maze stiffens and his gaze snaps to her face, “BioWeapons are illegal. Even in the Empire.”

“They weaponize them so that they can try and develop cures for them. It’s all legal and above board.” She reassures, “Even in the Empire.”

“Why’d you leave?”

“A Tenured Professorship at the University of Theeds is a great honor, not to mention it pays very well.” She replies, “It made sense, career-wise.”

“Only there’s a lot less security at the University compared to a Biomedical facility.”

She huffs out a laugh, “Yeah, there is that.” She shifts her head slightly, “But this has never happened before. Ever. People leave BioGen all of the time.”

“And you’re the first one kidnapped?”

“That I know of.”

There are heavy footsteps from the hall and Maze shifts so that his body is shielding hers. The door slams open and three men step into the room.

They’re not big men, if Maze were to stand, he’d tower over them. It burns him up that he allowed men like them to capture him so he would be able to find the professor. 

“Professor,” One of the men stalks towards Maze, and he feels her shrink down behind him, “Come on, girl. Are we really going to do this? All you gotta do is give us the information, and then you’ll both go free.”

“Don’t lie. We all know that the moment she tells you what you want to know, you’ll kill her.” Maze growls out.

The man laughs, “Well, it’ll be a quick death, rather than this slow, dragged-out death.”

Behind him, the Professor trembles. 

“Is this all of you? Just three men?”

“We still caught you, clone.” One of the other men sneers, “Grab the Professor—”

The first man reaches to grab the Professor, only for Maze to move, swiftly breaking the man’s arm, and slamming his head against the wall, causing him to crumple to the floor.

“Get low, Professor.” Maze orders as he stands and advances on the two remaining men. He doesn’t wait to see if she’s following his direction, as he suddenly has two furious men to contend with.

Unfortunately for them, he’s an Alpha Class clone, and they’re unarmed.

The fight can’t even be called a proper fight. The two remaining kidnappers go down with several well-placed hits, and Maze tosses them into the cell while motioning for the Professor to join him.

“We’re leaving,” Maze says to the woman as he holds his hand out for her.

Nervously she nods and takes his hand, “Where are we going?”

“Well, it was the University who hired me.” Maze replies as he peeks into the hall, and then leads her out of the cell as soon as he notes that it’s safe.

“Um—”

Maze stops and looks at her, “What’s wrong?”

“Just…did they seem smart enough to come up with this on their own?”

Maze stares at her for a long time, and then he sighs, “No. They didn’t.” He’s quiet for a moment, “Alright, there must be something here to indicate who hired them. Follow me.”

Maze leads abruptly turns down a side hallway and leads her into a much larger room. There are computers, though they seem largely untouched. It looks like the kidnappers were more concerned with the games that were playing on the four holos lined up next to each other than the computers.

There are three couches, each other them surrounded by empty bottles and empty pizza boxes. 

“Well,” Maze notes as he steps around a pile of trash, “Criminal Genuises they are not.”

The Professor peers at a holo-board next to the couches, “It looks like they have a gambling problem.”

“Lucky for us. It means they probably didn’t delete anything.” Maze walks over to the computers, “Stay close, Professor.”

“Ah…Sorry.” She hurries to his side and peeks around him at the monitors.

Maze flashes a small smile at her and then focuses on the computers. “Hey, Professor?”

“Yes?”

“How’d they grab you?”

“I was heading home from a day of classes, and they ran me off the road.” She replies.

“You were driving yourself.”

“Yeah.”

“Does anyone know your route home?”

“I mean, there’s only one road off of the main campus,” She replies, “But I generally don’t know what route I’m taking home until I get in the car. It depends on the traffic and if I need to go grocery shopping.”

“And you didn’t tell anyone your plans for the evening when you were taken?” Maze asks as he scans something on the screen.

“No. No one.”

“It looks like our violent friends were hired by Levi Kelley. At least, that’s who paid them.”

“Levi Kelley?”

“You know him?”

“Yeah, he’s the head of the Biology Department at the University. I thought you said the University hired you?”

“Yeah, the Dean hired me. This Levi person, is he your supervisor?”

“No. I mean, he thinks that he is, but we’re on the same level.”

“Are you friends?”

“I’ve always been a bit…ambivalent towards him. He’s a good teacher, but he’s kind of a terrible person. Racist, sexist, the whole shebang.” 

“And he works at a University?”

“He’s a very good teacher. But he lost his tenure last year.”

“For what?”

“Academic misconduct, according to the rumors.” She leans against his side, exhausted, “The only person who knows the truth would be the Dean.”

“So it’s revenge.” Maze murmurs, “Use you to get an incurable virus, and release it on the school. Did you tell them anything?”

“No, I didn’t. I wouldn’t.”

“They tortured you, Professor. No one would blame you if you did.”

“I’m telling you, I didn’t. I left Biogen two years ago, Maze. I don’t remember any passwords or door codes. And they removed my biometrics from their system on my last day. I swear it.”

“Okay.” Maze lightly pushes some of her hair out of her face, “So they need someone else, a current employee.”

“Yeah, it’s the only way to get inside.”

“Alright. Let’s get out of here and alert the authorities. And get you some medical attention.”

“Yes please.”

Maze lightly presses his hand against the small of her back, guiding her towards the door, “I have one more question, Professor.”

“Go ahead?”

“When my brothers and I were decanted, we were given enhanced aging.”

“Yes, it was the only way for the Kaminoans to get a viable army in 10 years.” She replies.

“Yeah, you think you can reverse it?”

“Reverse it?” She repeats, sounding more thoughtful than surprised. Maze watches as she absently scratches at a deep gash on her cheek, “I don’t know about reversing it,” She finally says, “but I might be able to cure it. With enough blood samples.”

“Really?”

“Well sure, it’s not that hard. It’s just gene manipulation.” She frowns at him thoughtfully, “Look, all the information I need is here,” she lightly taps his chest, “The more of your brothers I can get blood samples from, the easier it’ll be to make a cure.”

“Can you do it at the University while also teaching?”

“I mean, sure. But the University of Theeds is funded by the Emperor. I’m guessing you don’t want the Empire to know about it.”

“No, I don’t.” Maze replies.

She’s quiet for a moment, “Find me a place to work, off of Naboo, and I can help you.”

“If you can cure this, I might just kiss you,” Maze says with a sly smile.

Her face heats and she won’t look at him, “Well, that seems a bit excessive,” She mumbles.

She squeaks when he lightly drapes his arm over her shoulder and tugs her against his side, “No. It isn’t. Come on, Professor. Let’s get you safe.”

[grimescum]

it's been great seeing your walter posts in the hellsing tag 🫡 do you have any head-canons to share?

GEHEUEHEHUEEHHEE THANK YOU KIND ANON!!!!! hum... i think i already made a post about this on my older blog? but i dont really wanna find it + its probably really old so... here :o3 some new and some old just for u

- i Do Not like the depictions of walter where he's, like, a genuinely sick in the head and fucked up individual. it just seems grossly extreme to me. different strokes for different folks though

that being said, i do agree he's definitely not well. i think he has bpd,, mostly out of me projecting and what not but also because i think it just makes sense. growing up distanced from the people around you and not receiving proper emotional support does that to a mf

he's got a facade up damn near all the time. inoffensive, orderly, agreeable, prim and proper. not to manipulate the people around him for his own gain, but because he knows thats what other people want. anything less and he'd be a bad butler, and therefore, effectively useless

- not really a hc since this is just kind of a fact? but ill say it here because its what draws me to him the most: he's afraid of being rendered useless.

- he's not an emotional guy. i dont think he feels much most days. all his smiles are about as fake as the teeth he would've needed if he went on for much longer. i think he's been somewhat resigned to his fate for a while now, but that doesn't stop him from thinking what if every now and again

- he certainly is a jealous little bitch but he keeps that inside. if he ever got therapy he'd need like explosives and shit to properly get all of that pent up emotion out

- ^^ i think thats why he gets a bit sadistic when fighting others. its just a way to vent all that frustration

- i dont think he had many plans, if any at all, to turn on hellsing. he definitely had thoughts, but i think it all caught up to him one night and he just decided it was too much, and that he had nothing to lose that he wouldn't lose later on. either he lives an unremarkable existence in the shadow of alucard or tries to surpass that (he didnt) (he failed) (lol). ties into my bpd headcanon with impulsivity being a symptom

- he would've loved to have been a father at some point but has since abandoned it for many reasons. seras is about the closest he has to a daughter and the most he's opened up to someone emotionally, but he still keeps himself at an arms length.

- i like to think he grew out his hair at some point during the 80s for a mullet but liked having it long

- i also think he'd be big on rock when he was younger!! he tried it at first just because it was popular, but he found that it really spoke to him. i don't think he's much of a music guy outside of that though. maybe some jazz

- he is an incredibly lonely individual, as is expected of a butler. he can handle flirting somewhat but the idea of someone being genuinely attracted to him for who he is turns him into a sappy old-fashioned loverboy

- former christian. he still thinks there is a god (evidenced by vampires obviously) but that god has not been very kind to him to lead him down this path so why gaf

- very meticulous about keeping up his appearance. not a serious headcanon but its funny to imagine him up all night plucking each and every grey hair out of his head. if not just to look as presentable as possible, then it also helps his confidence. its nice to know that his apprarance is one of the few things he has control over

- speaking of which ??? i think hes confident.. but only in the persona he's made for himself yk. not in the real him who's body could fail him anytime. not the human part of him.

- not good at taking compliments but loves them. praise him too much and too often and you'd finally see him emotional i think. really, letting this man know that his worth is not defined by how useful he is to others would fix him

- i think his monocle is both for appearances and because he's got a bum eye, trying to hide it in a way that fits

- poor guy doesn't sleep well most nights. his morning tea, if he's able to have any, is highly caffeinated (i dont think he'd be that much of a coffee guy- not to mention the whole tea drinking thing is befitting of a british butler, so he'd roll with it)

- i'm on my period... so.... like.... i'm going to get a little freaky on main rn (feel free to skip over this, its nothing explicit) but i get So Sick of people seeing him as the daddy dom archetype. like yea older man ouuuu i have daddy issues oauauuu choke me whatever but i'm more inclined to think that he'd actually too insecure about his ability to please his partner to be that way. atleast, not without some sort of affirmation.

again, different strokes for different folks, but like. he is bordering 70. he grew up in the 1930s. i cannot be the only one who thinks this. or maybe i'm just a huge pervert idk (yes ❤️)

- in a similar vein, i'm glad that i havent seen any fanart of him muscular because i would be so mad but in the most respectful way possible – this man is, like, rail thin. i do think he does a decent amount of exercise when he can so its not like he's not a pile of bones. i'll admit that i've maybe drawn him a bit too skinny in the past though

ok my pain meds r kicking in and making me sleepy... if some things r kinda incoherent thats why. THANK U AGAIN ANON!!!

[yoccu]

The World and Characters of BLACK SNAKE

BLACK SNAKE is officially out today! It’s been a long time coming, and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who’s made it possible and everyone who’s already picked up a copy!

If you’ve read Bitfrost, you’ll have to start thinking backwards for BLACK SNAKE. Metis, the supposed frozen wasteland of a moon, is a world of warmth, while the green-blue planet of Arcus is buried deep in ice and snow. The story starts on Arcus, telling the tale of the first exchange of worlds between humanity and the fae.

Sketches of Savu (they/them) and Ryka (she/her).

Taking place in the village of Zaunis, a once-humble settlement the gods decided would be the perfect location for a castle with little more explanation than “Just build it, it’s important,” BLACK SNAKE centres on Savu—a refugee living in the kingdom that destroyed their country, a blacksmith who wants to live a quiet life. Yet the gods keep appearing in their dreams and at their bedroom window, no matter how they try to ignore them.

Savu, having had a perfectly pleasant day until the god Helos (they/them) turned up in mortal form.

Much of Arcus has become uninhabitable at a startling rate as the temperature plummets, leaving only the nation of Keld and a few other countries along the equator habitable. Unlike in Bitfrost, the people have made a considerably better effort at adapting to the cold: magic is used to thaw out the earth and grow crops, and they’ve wisely not hunted their forests to extinction.

Life on Arcus is all about layers on layers on layers. Savu and Ryka have a shared heritage, which comes through in their clothing.

Ryka is one of Arcus’ many witches. Components for potions and the like are still fairly plentiful, which helps maintain agriculture, health, and physical comfort, which in turn keeps supplies flowing. Ryka lives in Laani, a neighbouring town, and her relationship with Spearmaster Grey soon brings her into Savu’s orbit.

You guessed it: more layers. Spearmaster Grey’s (she/her) clothes have a more Keldian twist.

Spearmaster and witch, Grey is a woman of many talents. After watching over Laani for many years, she leads the effort to connect Arcus to Metis by means of a portal in Zaunis’ castle. Unlike many who threw themselves at Zaunis the moment the gods arrived, Grey has made a point of continuing life as usual and dedicating herself to her citizens, not the cryptic whims of the gods.

Raanos (she/her), the god of all water but the sea itself, in a cute little hat.

Raanos appears in a burst of water and immediately makes herself human. She doesn’t just take on a mortal shell but actually becomes a human—she could tell you about her entire life up until that very moment, though it doesn’t exist. As a human, all the knowledge she once held is out of reach, perpetually relegated to her blind spot. In spite of that, she knows there’s something about Savu that catches her interest. She’s rarely not at Spearmaster Grey’s side.

As a god, Helos’ clothes are all for show.

Unlike Raanos, Helos hasn’t become a human—as seen in their golden eyes. They sift between forms as they please, most often appearing as the human pictured above and a wolf. Also unlike Raanos, Helos knows exactly what’s going on, but still won’t tell Savu. Things don’t need to make sense to Savu, after all! They only have to play their part. Helos, god of dreams, cannot be avoided even in the refuge of sleep.

While humanity has been stuck with Helos, the fae have had a much more orderly time with the ice-god.

And then, of course, we have the fae! They were only mentioned in Bitfrost, but they play an active, present role in BLACK SNAKE. Here’s one next to Savu for scale. They’re a feathered, taloned people, who thrive in the cold. They’re also monochrome, skin and feathers always in direct opposition: a white fae will have black feathers, a black fae white feathers, a light grey fae dark grey feathers, and so on.

Other characters you’ll meet include Spearmaster Kyn, Zaunis’ Spearmaster and the woman the gods first revealed themselves to; Kyros, sun-god, who is working alongside Helos but prefers to hide out in a forge than deal with humans too directly; Ain and Kara, the old married couple who have taken Savu in; Otava, who does nothing; and some sort of black snake?

You can pick BLACK SNAKE up here!

(This post was cross-posted from Sam's SubStack which you can follow here for all updates at no cost!