#and i just imagined like all the kids hanging out and discussing the fact that they missed out on theirs

[chmydarling]

.

[rodolfoparras]

ah your professor price drabble done killed me i'm so insane about him.

i love professor student dynamics but they almost always have sub/bottom reader if you can even find male reader which is just... yeah. BUT YOUR WRITING OH MY GODS. it's edible i'm literally gnawing on professor price who finally found a student to challenge him and immediately wants to fuck. so valid. i too am attracted to people who are willing to have academic banter with me, price, you're so real.

also imagine fucking him over his desk after hours and joking about it being for extra credit he would be so annoyed dnajndakd

-🪔

Genuinely nothing brings me more joy than taking stereotypical tropes and roles and swapping them around because why not I want body guard/ royalty trope where price is the royalty and falls for the body guard I want professor price who’s head over heels for a student I want secretary loser price falling for ceo reader

Pt 1 of professor!Price x student!reader

Cw: age gap, reader is in his 20s!!!, professor student relationship, power dynamics, price is a bit of a creep, 18+

Okay but hear me out… jealous professor!Price

Price doesn’t like you. He couldn’t- shouldn’t. He’s a professor and you’re his student. If anything, these little fantasies were just that, fantasies, a way of getting through a boring work day.

Was it wrong? Sure. But it’s not like he plans on acting on them so might as well indulge in them.

Fuck he sounds like a perverted old man but he can’t find it in himself to care as he unbuttons his pants, takes his weeping cock in his hand, while thinking of your interactions from the day, can’t help but wear a plug to work, stretching the tight ring of muscles, preparing himself as if you’d fuck him after the lecture, can’t help but live off of these fantasies til he gets home for the day, and fucks himself with one of his dildos while imaging it’s your cock instead.

Fantasies.

That’s what it is.

Nothing more nothing less.

However he finds himself less sure about his feelings when he’s one day standing at the front of the lecture hall, arms crossed and brow raised, staring at the random student sitting a bit too close to you.

“Professor Price I have a question…”

The sound of another student’s voice snaps him out of his trance, heat creeping up his face and and vehemently avoiding your questioning gaze while proceeding to answer the student’s question.

Later on when the lecture ends he notices you and the same student from earlier walking out together. Price proceeds to packs up his stuff, all while continuously thinking about who that student was.

He hasn’t seen this kid hanging out with you before. The fact that the two of you were friends seemed so bizarre since- No. He shouldn’t dwell on it. He had no business questioning who you were and weren’t friends with. Besides he couldn’t be jealous now right? He didn’t like you that way. He didn’t like you at all.

That random student’s name turned out to be Tim and in a short amount of time you’d become very close friends with him to the point where you and him would be whispering about in class. Price would purposely interrupt your discussion with a question thinking you wouldn’t be able to answer him but you’d always be prepared, sounding and looking as confident as ever while answering his question and - fuck he couldn’t help the blood rushing to his dick as you confidently answered him. You were so clever, so confident and he couldn’t help but like that about you.

Like.

There it was, the word again and he swallows it down like his pride as he continues on with his lecture, allowing you and Tim to return to your discussion.

But he mulls over the word again when he sits all alone in the lecture hall eating his lunch because you and Tim were “going to grab something together”.

As much as Price hated to admit it, he did miss your presence at lunch. Sure you’d chatter his ear off and leave traces of your lunch all over the desk but Price enjoyed the company.

He enjoyed the fact that someone took interest in his lecture- in him after so many years.

He enjoyed having discussions with you even though you’d question everything he said.

And he enjoyed your company at lunch no matter what else he may say.

Weeks passed without the two of you interacting much.

It was better off this way, Price thinks to himself.

Fantasies, that all it was anyway, repeats it so much to himself so that the next time he sees you sitting in one of the extra chairs, legs propped on his desk and eating away at some poor excuse of lunch you made, he thinks that’s a fantasy as well.

He doesn’t ask about Tim and you don’t say anything so Price proceeds to work through the stack of assignments that had been piling up on his desk while silently allowing himself to enjoy this moment.

But soon enough reality hits him in the face or maybe it was when you randomly mentioned Tim that the damn burst inside of him and the words came flowing out of him.

“You should ask the lad out”

“Huh?” You say, seemingly confused by his choice of words since you’d been complaining about morning lectures just seconds before this.

“Tommy?” He tries again, pushing away from his desk, arms now folded over his chest.

You look at him in confusion before it clicks “Tim”

He nods his head, feeling slight annoyance at hearing the name but tries to not let it show on his face. “You should ask him out”.

“Why do you say that?”

“You seem to like him” Price shrugs, seemingly much less confident as he busies himself with cleaning off the stray crumbs you left on his desk.

“Yeah?” Price doesn’t even notice the smile tugging at the corners of your lips.

“Come on kid I’m old but I’m that not old. It’s obvious that you like him.” He says before dumping the pile of crumbs into the trash can.

“Never said you were,” you say completely ignore the latter statement as you smile at him.

For a second Price freezes in place, heat creeping up his face before he clears his throat and looks away. “Either way you should ask him out,”

“I don’t like him” you say with a shrug, still smiling at the older man.

Price scoffs at that.

“You do an awful job at lying, flirting too,”

“Why do you say so?” You say with a small smile on your face neither denying or confirming his suspicions which leaves him feeling tensed

“Well to start off, you’re spending your free time with some old man when you could be with Tom-Tim right now,”

“What if I want to do that though?”

He only scoffs in response, “you don’t want that,”

“I do, though,” you say, sounding firm as ever and for one second it sounds like you’re talking about something else, something he’s been trying to deny for the past months and the implication leaves him speechless and frozen in place, trying to process what you’d just said.

“Professor Price?”

[wosoragebaiter69]

that’s enough

barça femeni x teen!reader, alexia putellas x fem!reader

request: here

A/N: this is a mess. the plot is like when ur writing an english essay and you let your subconscious mind write it so it ends up splitting into three topics with no context.

TW: throwing up, coarse language

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Last night, I went out again. It isn’t unusual for me and if I get caught it gets me in trouble with Alexia. I’m not even doing anything bad most of the time, just driving around to take the pressure away. What I don’t factor in this time is the fact that we have an early morning session and a late night session. So if hell was a day, this is it.

First, we have a video session discussing tactics. Which is at 7am, then at 6pm we have a field session. Of course when I wasn’t there when Alexia woke up she immediately called me.

“Where are you? Where’s your car and why aren’t you in the house?” She questions clearly annoyed.

“Relax Alexia, I went out on a little drive, I’ll be there for the video session don’t worry.” She’s about to say more but I hang up. I know I won’t hear the end of this but there can’t be too much harm.

Turns out there can be.

I walk inside the room with my mcdonald’s coffee, I’m not the last person there but Alexia is in the room and shoots daggers at me. I shrug my shoulders, moving to sit next to Ingrid.

“Alexia is really mad, what did you do this time?” She asks, looking at me with a slight smirk.

“I went for a drive to clear my mind. I guess it’s illegal to do that now. I got a coffee though.” She wrinkles her face in disgust.

“Out of all the places to get coffee, you choose the worst one? Honestly kid, please find some place better. Staring at that makes me physically sick.” I roll my eyes.

“I was in a hurry and they call it fast food for a reason. Imagine if I was late? I’m already in trouble.” She nods her head in understanding.

“So, any plans for today or are you going to play Hogwarts Legacy all day.”

“I’m going to watch a movie.” I reply.

“The whole day?” She questions confused.

“Well… I never said I was seeing the movie IN Spain.” She sighs pinching the bridge between her nose.

“That’s not a good idea. Why would you do that?”

“Because I hate subtitles and I don’t want the movie to be in Spanish.” I shrug.

“That’s… a good point. If Alexia finds out you’ve left the country again she’s gonna lose it so have fun and make sure not to tell her you told me.” I nod.

“Will do my friend.” I’ve left the country before, one time to Germany where I accidentally met Georgia Stanway and got drunk with her. And the other time was at the UK in which I got into some nasty fights against some sad Arsenal fans. Like yes I was taunting them but no reason to attack me. I won in the end, obviously.

So if Alexia finds out I’ve left again she will be so mad. I focus my attention to the screen in front of us and listen in on what whatever Jona has to say.

- - - - -

After the session, I quickly make my way out of the room and into my car. I’m almost gone but Alexia is right behind me and she bangs on the window. I groan pulling it down.

“Hi Aleeee.”

“Don’t you ‘Hi Ale.’ me. Where have you been and how long? Do not lie to me.” I sigh.

“I went out on a drive around town, it’s so pretty at night, so excuse me if I want to look at it. Now if you must know. I’m on a tight schedule so, may you please move so I can move?” I ask, she reluctantly agrees and steps back allowing me to drive off to the airport.

(this is rlly fast paced but you can imagine whatever movie you want during the time skip)

- - - - -

It’s currently 5pm, I’ve been out all day the flights were only 2 hours and they were cheap. I don’t know why the others think of this stuff. Maybe I’m just Australian though.

I notice my stomach feels off, but it’s probably because I’m dehydrated and haven’t eaten a proper meal all day. Only a large popcorn and 2 packets of skittles.

I arrive at the grounds just in time and walk in with Sandra. I walk over to my area and get changed into the kit, before walking out onto the field with Lucy.

“You alright mate? You’re pale.” She states.

“I’m good, little tired is all.” I can tell she doesn’t believe me but we walk on.

The session is gruelling, high intensity and does not do anything to help what I’m feeling. Alexia has been pushing me harder than anyone else which is annoying and I low-key want to fall to the ground. That would only result in more laps though.

The 1.5 hour session ends, we have dinner which lasts half an hour than another 45 minutes in the gym. Both of which I am not excited for.

I can’t even think of anything when it happens, I feel bile rise up my throat and I just know that I should’ve eaten a proper meal. I make it into the bathroom in the nick of time, spilling my guts into the bowl. Someone is in here holding my tied back hair but I can’t be bothered to find who.

When I finally stop gagging, I flush the toilet and lean against the wall staring in front of me to find Keira.

“You feel any better or do you want to stay here.” She asks, resting her hand on my cheek. I shrug my shoulders as she sighs.

The door opens again and it’s Lucy.

“Oh, there you guys are. What happened?” Lucy turns to Keira.

“I was walking by the bathrooms and heard someone gagging and here she was throwing up.” She nods her head and I go to stand up.

“NO! No, you are not doing that. What if you throw up again? I’m going to get Alexia. Right now.” Lucy says sternly.

“Nooo, get Ingrid instead? Please Lucy.”

“Fine.” She walks out leaving Keira and I alone again.

“Mind telling me what lead to this moment?” I nod, explaining the staying up all night to not eating any proper food.

“That’ll do it. Can’t believe you just got on a flight to London.”

“It’s not even that long, it’s a great way to spend time. It’s like you saying a 45 minute drive is long. That’s how long it takes for me to get to school when I’m in Australia.” She shakes her head.

“Aussies sense of time is so out of whack I’m telling ya!” The door is opened again as Ingrid and Lucy make their way inside.

Ingrid sighs, “What are we going to do with you huh?” I laugh.

“Come on, let’s get you to the medics and then you can go home. I’ll drive your car and before you say anything we will be telling Alexia.” I nod, knowing there’s no escape.

We get to the medical room and Alexia is already there, talking about her knee with one of the physios. She looks over in question, Ingrid pushes me forward while Keira explains everything to the doctor. Who explains for me to eat a proper meal and drink some actual water. Before going to bed to get actual sleep.

Alexia is fuming, muttering many curse words and dragging me out of there. We get our stuff and give my keys to Mapi who nods at the plan of getting my car back home.

- - - - -

We walk through the door and Alexia guides me to the couch.

“I have had enough of this. We need to set some rules ok? You are 16 in a foreign country, you can’t go around to other countries when you fucking feel like it. I don’t care if you didn’t do anything bad but I can’t have you out of this city without me. Got it? As for the night driving, we’ll set a curfew and I expect you to be back by a certain time and you won’t be able to leave until a certain time. I told your parents I’d watch out for you but you are seriously making it hard for me to live up to that.”

“Sorry Ale.” She shakes her head.

“I’m not doing this with you right now. I’m going to make you a proper meal, you will drink 1 litre of water then you are heading straight to bed. No phone, no xbox, nothing until I deem you can be trusted. Am I clear?” I nod, feeling like I was 12 again.

“You might think this is excessive but I care about you. I want you to be safe, I need you to be safe. So please, make it easier for both of us.” Shes pleading now and it makes me feel bad, tears brim at the edge of my eyes and she sits down next to me.

“Amorcita, don’t cry. Por favor.” She rubs my thigh.

“I’m sorry Ale, I didn’t mean to. The night drives just lessen my anxiety about some things, you know. Like therapy.”

“I know, but you can speak to me about it any time if you feel you’re spiraling. Anyone on the team. Don’t do stupid things to get us to notice. Just talk I’m always here.” I sob into her arms, I can feel all the anger she has fade.

“Thanks, this means so much. Again I’m sorry.” She shakes her head.

“Don’t be, but I would like to know why you travelled to England to watch a movie, don’t you hate England?” This has me laughing.

“I mean… I do but in Spain it’s either gonna be in Spanish or have subtitles and I wanted it in English without.” She laughs softly.

“Of course, now how do you feel about Chicken Burgers for dinner? With potato gems.” I nod my head. She gets up and walks into the Kitchen starting to make the food.

Maybe I can start trying, and maybe I am truly cared about more than I thought. This team 🫶.

A/N: I LOVE SICKFICS I HAD TO. if you see any sickfic requested, i probs requested it lol

[grandlinedreams]

|| I regret nothing

[Heads up!: absolute filth, dom/sub dynamics, color system, finger-sucking, spitting, law gets MEAN and i'm sorry, edging, orgasm denial, multiple orgasms, reader is not explicitly gendered but there is usage of termed genitals (clit), piv, unprotected sex (make informed decisions kids!)]

"What about you and Law, though?"

To be fair, Law doesn't mean to overhear your conversation over a transponder snail. It's part of your monthly gossip sessions with Nami and Robin, having remained close friends with the pair despite Law's insistence that now that the alliance is over, you should be enemies.

At the mention of his name, however, curiosity halts him in his tracks as he creeps as close as he can to the door without you noticing. 

"What do you mean?" On your end, Nami's question makes you frown as you eye what's left of your drink. 

"Well, you know," Nami says, and you imagine she's making a gesture with her hand to try and help further communicate her point. "Can't help but wonder what that's like with him. He's not like…" She trails off. "Rough, is he? You aren't limping or anything, right?" 

Your cheeks warm at both the mention of your sex life and how cavalier Nami is about asking, as well as the thought of it. Though the two of you are intimate, you can't really say Law has ever been rough with you. Firm yes, but never rough or demanding, and certainly not in a way that's left you limping.

It surprises you how much you like the idea of it though, and your cheeks darken as you study the sheets beneath you. "No, never like that. He'd never hurt me."

"Well duh," Nami sighs, exasperated. "I'm not saying the guy should put you in a cast or anything, justㅡ" Here you imagine she's shrugging, "Be a little more assertive with you, I guess."

Assertive. The idea of it sends a shiver down your spine as you sit up, setting your drink aside. "Bringing it up to him would be the issue," you lament, and Nami makes a noise of sympathy. 

"You'll figure it out somehow." 

The conversation drifts away from that and by the time you hang up, it's all but been pushed to the back of your mind.

For you, at least.

ㅡ 

It lingers with Law the rest of the day. 

Thoughts circle like a shark that's scented blood, refusing to leave even as he throws himself into his work. Do you want him to be rough with you?

He's not ever heard you complain to him and if he's honest with himself, there's some pride to be had in how easily he gets you to fall apart for him. But if you want him to be rougher ㅡ 

"Law?" The snap of fingers in his face makes him jolt, looking up to find you watching him in concern. "Are you okay? You were spacing out."

"I'm fine," he says, debating for a moment before he sighs. "Actually, I have something I want to discuss with you."

Your head tilts. "Is it work related or personal?"

"Personal." He debates, wondering how he should go about this ㅡ and then decides to just push forward with his usual blunt attitude. "I heard your conversation earlier." 

Your confusion increases. "With who?"

"Nami." He watches you sort through things mentally, then watches color begin to creep into your cheeks. 

"So you heard about…" You trail off, and the color in your cheeks darkens as your pulse picks up. Though you're certain Law would never eavesdrop on purpose without a reason, that doesn't negate the fact that he'd heard you talking to Nami.

About wanting him to be rougher with you in bed. 

"Oh my god," you groan, burying your face into your hands. Embarrassed does not begin to cover how you feel at the moment, and you peer at him from between your fingers. "Just forget what you heardㅡ"

"No." Law's voice is firm. It startles you, makes you lower your hands from your face to look at him. "You want me to be rougher with you, is that it?"

There's an edge to his tone now, one that ignites an answering stir of warmth in your veins as he locks eyes with you. 

"Words, [Name]."

You swallow hard. "Yes," you answer, trying not to let your voice drop into a mumbled whisper. "I want you to be rougher with me." 

God. You wish that the ground would open up and swallow you whole, barely catching the sound of approaching footsteps before there are fingers at your chin, guiding your head back up to look at Law.

There's quiet heat simmering in his eyes already, the curve of his mouth a sinful promise. "Careful what you wish for, [Name]."

ㅡ 

Law's mouth is hot against your core and you whine at the dig of his tongue against your clit, swollen nub pulsing against it. Sweat beads at your temple, rolling down as you buck your hips and work towards your orgasm.

You want to dig your hands into his hair, yank him flush against you and make him stay put until you cum ㅡ but you don't. Instead, you moan as he laps at the abundant slick, breathing shallow.

Close, you're so close ㅡ and just as you think he's going to let you topple over that precipice, he pulls away. You offer a broken sob as you're forced to walk that razor edge of denied pleasure, lament the pleasurable pulse as it begins to ebb.

This is either the fourth or fifth time he's denied you, and despite the fact you know you haven't cum, you know you've soaked the bed sheets beneath you. 

"Color?" The question is spoken against your hip, the bite of teeth in your skin as he waits for your answer. Even for the writhing, desperate mess he's made you, Law makes sure you know where he stands.

"Green," you gasp, groaning when he moves over you, replacing the drag of his tongue against your core with the press of his thigh. "Green, let me cum please, pleaseㅡ"

Law swats at your thigh. "Stop whining, or I won't give you anything." 

You choke back a whine, reflexive tears in your eyes that do nothing to sway Law for the way he ignores it in favor of pressing his fingers to your bottom lip.

"Open," he prompts, ignoring your look of confusion as you part your lips. Two digits slide in, pressing against your tongue. "Suck."

It takes you a minute to process the command, the unwavering gaze that he meets you with. You close your mouth around his fingers, and he smirks.

"So you can listen. What a surprise."

The slick slide of your tongue against his fingers makes Law's eyes darken, lust blown pupils locked on the way you swallow, cock twitching in his jeans. 

You suck at his fingers, tongue swirling over the digits until Law is satisfied, slipping them from your mouth. Your cheeks flush at the wet, intentional drag of them over your abdomen, marked path as he slips them between your thighs and sinks them into you.

Your face burns and heart hammers at the wet noises of movement, the way you can't help but clench around his fingers, desperate for friction. You're not sure if it's better or worse than his tongue, sharp cry leaving your mouth when his thumb finds that swollen bundle of nerves again. 

All you can do is pant and moan as he works you open with his fingers, drag of his digits against your pulsing walls working you ever closer to that precipice again.

This time he doesn't pull away as you near your orgasm, watching as you buck your hips, chasing that high, the tightening of your walls around his fingers as he finally, finally lets you cum.

You offer a choked sob as pleasure washes over you, clenching hard against the continuous work of Law's fingers in your slick heat as you soak his hand. He helps you ride it out, though he doesn't let up.

"You can give me another." It's spoken as a command more than a taunt, one you're helpless to deny as he makes you buck against the pain-pleasure pull of overstimulation.

The second orgasm is quick, coupled with the hard press of his thumb and curve of his fingers against the spot that fries your nerves as you cum a second time, babbling incoherently as you add to the mess you're inevitably making of him and the bed. 

Law watches you pant, the whimper as he drags his fingers from your over sensitive warmth to examine the slick mess of his fingers. You blush as he brings his fingers to his mouth, cleaning the digits of your cum. You'd be lying if you said you didn't want his tongue back against you, or better yet, the hard heat of his dick nestled deep inside you. 

He leans as if he's going to kiss you, but the purse of his lips is the only warning you get before saliva smacks against your cheek. Shame heats your cheeks for the whine that leaves your lips, the way you clench around nothing in answer. 

"How pathetic," he taunts, laughing when you whine at his words. "Are you that desperate?"

He knows the answer to that, the way you watch him ㅡ and he kisses you, tastes of both you and himself as he deepens it, claims your mouth and muffles your soft whine.

The jingle of his belt being unhooked and downward tug of his pants is a godsend, his soft hiss as he settles over you making you shiver. 

The sink of him into you is quick and hard, made rough for the snap of his hips against yours, the pleasure of being filled so completely making your head spin. 

Law sets a brutal pace, groans at the way your back arches and your hips work to meet his thrusts, tip kissing that spongy spot within you. 

"Brat," he grunts, breath hot against your skin. "Acting like I don't give you what you want. I do, don't I?"

"You do," you manage, but it isn't good enough for Law as he grabs at the soft plush of your thigh, drags it up, sinks deeper and revels in the high, stuttered cry and plea that follows. "There, right there, please—"

"Shut up," he hisses, "don't demand things from me. You take what I give you and you don't complain, got it?"

You could cry, and maybe you are ㅡ it's hard to think about it when Law is fucking you like this, splitting you open in a way only he can. A way you only want him to, reverent in the way his body connects with yours.

Your third orgasm of the night sweeps over you like a tidal wave, hot and fast as it swallows you and you whimper as he keeps moving, prolonging the pleasure. "Law, I can't, I can'tㅡ"

"You can," he almost snarls, desperate for his own orgasm with the way you throb around him, pairing the hard snap of his hips with the way he squeezes at your jaw. "Open."

Your lips part obediently and he groans, shuddering as he spits into your own mouth before he kisses you. It's dirty and messy, makes you burn for the shame of it all ㅡ and pushes you into your fourth and final orgasm of the night. 

The hard spasm of your walls pulls Law with you, the way he tenses and groans, pushing himself as deep into you as he can before he spills, filling you to the brim.

Law presses his sweat slick forehead against your shoulder, fighting to even his breathing before he speaks. "Color?"

"Green," you rasp, "but I can't feel my legs." The unholy seep of your release and his makes you shudder as he slips out of you, the aching burn of your thighs.

"Sorry," Law murmurs, kisses your jawline and makes you hum tiredly. "Think you'll be able to walk tomorrow?"

The recall to the overheard conversation makes you squeak, slapping at Law's arm as he laughs.

[itshype]

How I Met Your Brother (DC x DP)

Dan joins the Justice League - not as part of his rehabilitation, but as a reward for doing so well.

Tucker makes the grave mistake of mentioning Dan in front of Jazz. And as an eldest sister myself I would not be happy about an alternate version of my sibling being left completely alone in the world, no support, no family to then be turned into a psychopath. And I would be furious for them to then be imprisoned - not for life but for all time?

However, unlike me, Jazz is the world's foremost authority on ghost psychology. She has Dan out of his Thermos and in a larger enclosure within the week.

Now, a lot of fics have Jazz as a magical therapist who can say a few sentences and make any bad guy cry. Sorry, not today though.

First, they resocialise Dan like a feral cat (solitary confinement does make people get loopy), sitting outside his enclosure and hanging out, doing homework etc. This sort of gets him to figure out emotionally that he's no longer in the timeline where everyone he ever cared about died.

Danny discusses with him how many nightmares he's had over just the idea of losing his entire support network the way Dan did and he can't imagine what he's been through. But no emotions are not, in fact superior to having negative emotions.

After a few months, he decides that he does in fact want to actively try and get better. He goes to a therapist (because family members can't do therapy!!!) who's just unhinged enough to get a kick out of counselling a ghost from an alternate timeline.

There's only one relapse. Clockwork fixed it and they don't talk about it.

A month or so later they let him out of the enclosure for good. They offer to symbolically destroy it but Dan thinks they should keep it just in case.

While Dan's humanity has returned, his actual human half is gone forever. But he's interested in doing something with himself. He can't get a GED, or a degree, or be an astronaut. Maybe something in entertainment?

Tucker makes the grave mistake of mentioning that the Justice League headquarters are in space. Dan isn't as powerful anymore now he's no longer a halfa, but he knows he's handy in a fight. He loves space and due to having them repeatedly and ineffectively implemented against himself - a deep knowledge of international war tactics.

NGL, this isn't where I thought this story was going. But Dan is now an international politics, war policy and foreign affairs expert, I guess.

He helps a fair bit on the team, but his key contributions are his encyclopaedic predictions of how different international communities will react to events. If an out of control meta in Paris takes down the Eiffel Tower, he predicts which countries will immediately 'crack down' on their superpowered citizens - that sort of thing. It's invaluable for their PR team and young meta safety.

He's a friendly guy, doesn't judge anyone for losing control of their powers or going 'too far' on a villain who hurt their friends and family. And he never shuts up about his kid brother who is apparently also his best friend. He briefly mentions a baby sister he's never met and that makes everyone pretty sad.

He doesn't consider this Jazz his sister. He's already had a sister named Jazz and isn't looking for a 1:1 replacement. This Jazz is more like a mum-friend. However, he never had a Danny or an Ellie in his last life.

"My little brother told me about the trick to this level in Doomed 17, want me to explain what you're missing?"

"Sorry, I really can't possess you, even for 'anti mind-control' training. That isn't how overshadowing works, you can't become immune without exposure to ectoplasm in dangerous doses. No, I can't get you some pure ecto, my baby brother would kick my ass to hell."

"Yeah, my baby bro and I both wanted to be astronauts, I died so it's not in the cards for me anymore, but he has a real shot still, we're all rooting for him!"

Most Justice League members think he's a dead eldest brother with living siblings he's still in close contact with.

It's all fun and games until he tries to take a bullet for Batman during an ambush and it's actually an amnesia ray designed to make Batman forget about a specific case until the bad guy can complete his plan.

"I killed you all before, and I will do it again."

[jonjaydami]

So I need to know what animal they think is the batfamilies special interest.

Like we all know they are on the spectrum like look at Bruce. He's a 30 year old man that dresses as a bat and don't get me wrong there are several reasons he dresses as one but it always has something to do with the animal itself and I always think that's funny how it's even used as a joke in several comics, and animated movies/ shows.

So Bruce knows everything about bat's, shape color, species, what food they eat and how they live and even the different culture views on bat's. He could talk all day about it if asked and he always does it with the utmost care. Like he was giving a speech at a gala or speaking to the league.

I think we all know Dicks is obviously Robin's. Cause why else would he choose to be a brightly colored vigilante that's after a bird from the north? I feel like after moving in with Bruce he took a quiz on what bird he would be cause he was studying birds in school and got a Robin and took that to heart as a passion and not only learned everything about a Robin's but that had just become his identity for awhile and he loved it. Bruce when he heard it at first had thought it wouldn't work but after making him his own costume and even watching several videos on the birds he thought it fit his son nicely.

Jason didn't break away from the Robin role and embraces it actually. But he was always way more shy when it came to discussing his favorite. I think he would have a fascination with bugs and snakes and would absolutely be the kid with a spider or a beardy. He once convinced Bruce to get him a baby beardy and then it became an obsession. He had a sweatshirt that even had a cartoonish looking beardy printed on it and he proudly talks about it to any one who asked. Bruce would silently close his eyes and soak in all the information about them he could.

I totally think Tim loves frogs and even sea creatures. He has a tank with shrimp in it and his boyfriend makes fun of him and calls him a shrimp farmer but he also has a tank that has glass frogs in it. It's a huge tank that takes up over half his room and he loves just watching them sleep and even makes cute little tiktoks with them. He always is getting cute things for the habitat and going shopping. He also takes Damian on these trips. Because they both enjoy walking around and even stopping to pet or talk to the people who bring in their dogs. Bruce also enjoys walking into Tim's room and seeing the frogs and shrimp and even says hello to them before leaving again.

Damian is no stranger to having a soft spot for animals but I know he loves cats and dogs. He is definitely a cat person. Alfred the cat is his prized possession and he will proudly take pictures and then draw them. He loves using his animals as drawing references and has multiple books filled to the brim of just them. Sometimes if they are really good he goes to Bruce and asks them to be laminated so he can hang them up in his room because they deserve to be celebrated and respected. He also tells Bruce odd facts about his animals. How Alfred (the cat) specifically likes to sleep on his left side and enjoys being scratched behind his ears the most.

Bruce loves his weird sons because he is weird and for Christmas he always gets them something related to their animals because it's like a bonding experience for them. Some days they don't even talk about anything but their animals but I can imagine them all settling on a couch and out of pure bordem putting on documentaries and spending time just listening and learning. Of course this could also lead into some heated debates about who's animals is the best.

Jason: no you don't understand

Damian: *scoffs* actually Todd you never understood anything

Dick: ok well I set the whole thing for Robin soooo

Tim: oh please you were eight!!

Bruce: I think we are forgetting how bats-

Kids: *groan because they have been hearing about bat's for over half their lives and are tired*

Alfred just walks in and smiles as he sets a pitcher down.

Alfred: actually you are forgetting how important bee's are to the environment. Which is why I plant only the best pollinator friendly flowers

Cue to everyone rioting cause after all this time Alfred has never talked about the fact he is in fact a bee guy. Ever since he started working for the Wayne's they let him have full control of the gardens and he always loved that in the bleak of Gotham he had his own personal eden with the flowers. Bruce's parents also appreciated him for this and would let Alfred do as he pleased when he would passionately talk to them about the bees. Even when they passed away Bruce had always assumed Alfred just did it because he didn't trust anyone else.

Which was part way true but he loves watching them bumble around and bump into each other as he works.

If anyone knows what Duke, steph, and Cass would like please comment or feel free to debate!! Just please remember to be nice and save the bees 🐝

[tokyo-daaaamn-ji-gang]

What do you think of childhood friends to lover with Shin?

Oh that's a great idea, I could definitely see Shinichiro and his childhood friend falling for each other!

Shinichiro and his childhood friend who are neighbours, they practically grew up together. Constantly playing in each other's houses and going to school together.

Shinichiro actually crying the first time he saw his you holding his baby brother.

Attending the dojo with Shin and always cheering him on, even if he wasn't very good.

All the adult's teasing them, saying they're bound to get married one day. While the two kids just laugh, they're just friends so that'll never happen...right?

As you grow older the two of you never grow apart but become a bit more aware of each other. Shinichiro being interested in his childhood friend but not wanting to ruin the friendship. And you just assuming he isn't interested in anything romantic with you.

Being there for Shin when his parents died, holding him for hours while he cried and promising him that you'll never leave him.

Constantly going on rides with Shin, holding tight to his back, while both him and you struggle to concentrate while in this strangely intimate situation. 

Laughing when Shinichiro says he's starting a gang but wishing him the best of luck when you realise he's serious. That's when he starts laughing before asking you to join "you really thought I could do this without you?"

Not getting into a single fight while in the gang as Shinichiro always jumps in front of anyone about to attack you and makes sure the other's know to keep you safe too.

Watching Shinichiro confess to all these girls and feeling sick every time, wanting him for yourself.

You having to watch Shinichiro get rejected by countless girls. Always being there to comfort him after and encourage him to not give up. Desperately wanting to confess your own feelings so this can end but never finding the right words.

Hanging out with the 1st gen black dragons and constantly being teased by them. "Aren't you two already married???" "Will you two just hurry up and kiss?"

Hugs that always linger and last just a little bit too long

Celebrating with Shinichiro when he opens his shop. He picks you up and spins you around after breaking the news and for just a moment you both linger. Almost kissing before Wakasa and Benkei show up to congratulate him.

Spending all your spare time at the shop, watching Shin concentrate on those bikes (missing the fact that everytime you're the one watching him, his cheeks turn a light red)

Being like a big sibling to Emma and Mikey, they adore you and are definitely routing for you and Shin. 

Shinichiro trusting you enough to bring you to meet Izana and after some time he treats you like an older sibling too. Always asking Shinichiro where you are if you couldn't make it one day.

You and Shinichiro discussing what your future weddings will be like, all while imagining it with each other but both of you being too embarass to say so.

Movie nights at the Sano house, curled up on the sofa with Shin, feeling safe enough to fall asleep on him. Never seeing the way he softly smiles at your sleeping face.

Pleading with Izana to make up with Shinichiro after he finds out the truth, trying to reassure him that it's ok.

Shinichiro and you sharing a water bottle when you go out. Your just friends so this is fine...right?

Helping Shinichiro finish Mikey's birthday present off, seeing how excited he is over it and looking forward to seeing how Mikey reacts.

Hearing pounding on your door in the early hours of the morning, a solemn looking Wakasa telling you the news before holding you as you sob.

Visiting Shinichiro's grave, bringing him his favourite flowers and telling him about everything that's been going on.

Breaking down in front of Shinichiro's grave. Crying while telling him over and over again that you love him, that you want a life with him, practically screaming it at the end. Realising that you took too long, now he'll never hear your confession. In the end you're not the one that left him, he left you.

[fandoms-in-law]

Trees Bend

Summary: Steve figures out he's bisexual and starts using a metaphor to counter people when they call him the straightest.

Author's note: I was in a Christian puppet group as a teen and in one of the sketches I had to practise puppetry to, the tree metaphor was used for a guy who wouldn't go to church if his pew was taken. After reading all the fics where spaghetti is used as a metaphor I thought the tree one fitted here too so I wrote it.

/\/\

It started with Robin, except it really didn't. Steve knew that she would listen, understand and believe him about the thoughts and feelings going through his brain. That was exactly what happened when he shared that he was fairly sure he had a crush on Eddie, that he'd probably had crushes he'd suppressed in the past.

She'd hugged him and asked if he wanted help working through it, or to just ramble about his crush. Between them they started to try and find out if there was a label for being attracted to both men and women. The discovery of bisexuality as a term took a long time to find for the pair of them, but a welcome find.

…

The actual start of it all was Dustin. The brat was somehow still convinced that Steve and Eddie didn't get along and needed to spend time around each other to do so.

Steve wasn't against the idea, actually he was going along with almost all of the kids ideas to get them talking and spending time together. He'd agreed to have Hellfire move to his house so Eddie could remain part of it and the rest of them could hang out at the same time even.

“I just don't get why you don't like Eddie.” Dustin began almost as soon as he was in the car for a lift to the arcade this time. “You and Robin have said you're trauma bonded often enough so why isn't that working here.”

Steve rolled his eyes. “I do like Eddie, probably more than you want, and the fact you refuse to see that is getting annoying now.”

“Is it because he's gay? Is that why you don't like him?” Of course Dustin didn't listen to his words, but that wasn't why Steve abruptly pulled over.

After parking he twisted in his seat expression serious, “Did Eddie tell you that and did he give you permission to tell me that?”

“Why would he need to-” It was clear Dustin was floundering with his response.

“Is Eddie meeting you at the arcade?” Steve carried on, leaving explaining for a moment.

Dusting nodded slowly, and Steve turned to start the car again. “You are shutting up now. When we get there, you, Eddie and I are going to find somewhere quiet, or possibly just get straight back in the car and discuss just how badly you talking like that could go.”

For a few moments it looked like Dustin was going to argue but couldn't find the words, then he settled to staring at Steve and then back at him. It would have been a peaceful drive if he wasn't imagining a hundred reactions Eddie could have to being outed by Dustin and hoping he wouldn't be too upset by it.

Eddie was already outside the arcade when Steve got there, waiting with the other kids and clearly looking for them. The grin he had when coming to greet them dropped quickly at Steve's stern expression and Dustin's confused one. “Hey guys, took you a while.”

“Tell the other boys to go start playing. Dustin needs to apologise to you or have it explained to him why he needs to before we're going in.” Steve smiled but it was still tense, and he nodded towards the other kids, one hand going to Dustin's wrist when he tried to head out.

The words got Eddie yelling over his shoulder still trying to figure out what was happening and deciding to climb in the back of the Beamer when he realised how ready Dustin was to run off with his friends away from whatever had happened. “So that sounds ominous. What's up?”

“This shithead is still set that we don't like each other and was rambling trying to figure out why on the drive.” Steve gestured when Dustin remained silent for once.

“And he's gone insane. All I asked was if he doesn't like you because you're gay.” Dustin chose that point to exclaim, getting two frowns directed at him.

Steve nodded though. “That. That is not your place to share with anyone. Eddie has not told me that himself, and given you had no clue why I'd ask if he gave you permission to share it, he hasn't. You Do Not share anyone's sexuality with anybody else, unless they have given explicit permission to. I don't care that I'm safe. I don't care if you think you can tell who's safe and who's trustworthy. You do not share that information for other people.” He lectured, arms crossed to stop from pointing or getting in Dustin's face to emphasis.

“Geez Kid, I told that to Hellfire because Wheeler was being a shithead about some NPC's. For a bunch of little genius's if you're gonna out me for no reason I'll go hang with Jason to see how long I survive.” Eddie groaned. “Everything Steve just said. Don't out me to anyone, don't out anybody to anyone else unless they've told you to.”

“Another secret to keep? Why the fuck does everything need to be a secret?” Dustin tried to argue. “I want to talk with my friends about them sometimes.”

Steve levelled a glare at him. “And that should not include information that could easily get them killed. It's easy to not mention someone's sexuality. We do it every fucking day. You need to apologise for it and never do it again.”

“Sorry, I guess. I just thought it was why you two don't get along cause You suspected and are like the straightest of the straights.” Dustin grumbled, barely even turning to look at Eddie when he wanted to keep arguing the point.

Steve huffed a little but decided against openly saying anything about it. “Definitely not the non-existent reason Eddie and I don't get along. I like Eddie. He's my friend just like you are and deserves a better apology than that.”

“And seeing Mom Steve defensive for me does not qualify as that apology. It's just very flattering and I'm so grateful this was your response to Mr Thoughtless's words.” Eddie grinned, softening Steve's expression with how relaxed he was being over it.

Dustin looked between them, frowning before letting out a heavy sigh. “I'm sorry alright. I didn't realise it was such a big thing to do. I won't do it again.”

Steve looked back at Eddie, waiting until he nodded, accepting the apology with a “Your PC will die if you do it again.”

“Let's go see Max destroy you all at video games then.” he agreed, unsurprised when Dustin was immediately out of the car and racing into the arcade.

“Thanks for doing that, Steve. I really wasn't sure if you'd accept me coming out.” Eddie lingered, speaking quietly so people passing didn't hear.

Steve just shrugged, locking his car and heading into the arcade, “Course man, I'd hate it if that happened to me.”

“Wait what?”

He smirked over his shoulder, glancing over the trees that lined the street. “I've decided to take a few lessons from the trees. I bet that one bends and waves when storms come in.” He stated before disappearing through the doors. It had been one of the things that he and Robin had tried using to describe who he's attracted to and he liked it more than spaghetti. Trees are strong and stood tall, even a toddler could break uncooked spaghetti into pieces.

…

It happened again during a Hellfire night a few weeks later and honestly Steve wasn't annoyed by it.

He'd been absently listening to the game, treating it like a story with actors except he could hear the thoughts of the people writing it. At the point they'd reached there had been a discussion going on about how to get information from a guard they'd yet to annoy and Gareth had suggested flirting with him.

“No, man, no. I get that you think you'll be able to get all the information that way but just look at him – he's... Actually Eddie other than in the kingdom's armour what does this guy look like?” Jeff had protested, making a few of them grin at his argument against Gareth's plan being interrupted to ask for description.

Eddie smirked, but sat up to begin narrating, “Currently the guard is watching you huddle away from him in bemusement, an eyebrow arched in curiosity over what you're doing. His hair is carefully styled away from his face with his helmet held under one arm. He's got piercing brown eyes and a clear tan on his face and hands.”

“You're making our strategising take time in the game, dude.” Mike groaned, “No fair.”

“Besides that makes my point. This guard sounds like if Harrington was a guard and couldn't have his fluffy hair. He's not going to go for your flirting Gareth.” Jeff insisted, turning along with most of the table when Steve snickered.

Steve just gestured out the window. “I'm like a tree out there. Pretty bendable if necessary and I choose what's necessary.”

“That makes no sense!” A few of the kids exclaimed but Gareth and Eddie both had considering looks on their faces.

A moment later Gareth's decision was made as he reached out for a die. “I want to flirt with the guard to ask if he knows whether the treasure we want is owned by the kingdom.”

“Roll charisma.” Eddie agreed, over the top of Jeff's repeated protests.

…

The final time Steve confused everyone with his tree metaphor was a film night and he didn't need to say it to be the one confusing them all.

He'd made a comment about Luke's boots and started a conversation or rather a debate among the kids over whether you could assume someone's sexuality based on what they wear. It was quite amusing to see, especially when Eddie decided to try fanning the flames with contradictory comments the kids could have known which were meant and which weren't if they'd only watched his expression. Some he grinned as he said them, others were said through a smirk one twitch away from becoming a grimace but all of them had someone arguing with them.

Nancy was the one to eventually get annoyed with the debate after it was around twenty minutes long. “Come on guys, you're slowly deciding that any guy wearing fancy clothes or who puts time into his looks must be gay and that entirely ignores the evidence that is Steve sitting right there, straighter than anyone.”

Robin, Steve and Eddie all snickered at that, even more so when Dustin piped up, “Can't say that Nancy. He'll compare himself to a tree again and refuse to explain more.”

“Now now, Dusty-bun, tree metaphors can be very enlightening if you only pay attention to how they're described.” Eddie leaned over putting on a voice as if he were disclosing sage advice.

“He just stays the trees are straight too but bendable in the weather. It's nonsense.” Mike protested.

Steve shrugged when Nancy and Jonathan turned to look at him. “So you are bendable? What are you subtly trying to say you are?” Jonathan asked, eyes narrowed as if already anticipating the answer.

“That I'm not as straight as you all keep insisting I am? I'm bisexual, attracted to both, and kind of getting bored of everyone calling me the straightest of the straights.” He explained easily, leaning back between Eddie and Robin on the sofa.

Most of them nodded then, before Dustin exclaimed, “But why trees? Seriously? So many other things could be used for that but you keep going on about trees? Are you a gardener without telling us?”

“One, why would I tell you about gardening if that was my hobby? You only ever want to talk about your game and I've had you try to give me a character type enough time that I don't need new ones considering any hobbies I might not have shared with you? Two, Trees are strong. They're so strong that we make houses, furniture, a whole host of things from them, and while everyone thinks they're completely still they move a heck of a lot, not just with the wind but in growth and with the seasons. Course I want to be a tree, I'm like the strength of the group trying to fight the battles head on so you guys can do something smart to actually defeat the monsters while they're distracted. It fits.” Steve rambled now, enjoying giving in more to the way he found easiest to identify as if uncertain how accepting people would be.

“Plus I really want to climb you like a tree. So it even works there.” Eddie quipped, getting groans from the kids but a curious smile from Steve.

Before Steve could reply Robin's hand was over his mouth. “Thanks for that image, Eddie, how about you put a pin in that to talk about when you and Steve are alone and not in front of the kids or me.”

Eddie grinned then, nodding, “Sounds good to me. When are we sneaking off together, Stevie?”

“We could now.” Steve offered, shifting to stand before Robin pulled him back down.

“After the film is over and we're heading home.” Nancy stated to pouts from both men.

When they disappeared under the guise of getting more snacks and drinks 10 minutes later she just sighed.

[gay4abby]

Do you guys think Jordan has tattoos? This was probably already discussed, but do you think that it stays when they shift (don’t come for me, please)? I like to imagine that it does and both them and Marie went ahead and got matching tattoos of like a little heart. In a very secluded area on their bodies too that when you’re searching for it it’ll be hard to find unless you know where it is.

Hanging out in Marie’s dorm means they’re bored out of their minds with absolutely nothing to do. Marie declined getting high, but happily watched Jordan soar to the clouds (and get contact high, but she won’t admit that). You can practically see the love spilling from her eyes as Jordan tells a dad joke. “Did you know that if you clean a vacuum cleaner, you become a vacuum cleaner?” Marie stared at him in disbelief before the very delayed laugh erupted from her.

Marie gets like 50 texts a day from Jordan and it’s just a string of dad jokes. When Jordan’s high, he thinks too much and it’s not anything bad just different possibilities of what could be or happen (not pertaining to them, though). “We should get matching tattoos!” He exclaimed, asking out the joint and turning to Marie with blown eyes. “Tattoos, huh?”

“Yes! I just said that.” Marie couldn’t help but giggle at Jordan’s forwardness. There wasn’t much discussion to be had before the pair of them found themselves outside a very backwater tattoo shop. But Yelp said it was the best one in Georgia, so they couldn’t go against Yelp! Jordan was still high as fuck as he rocked back and forth on his heels. He was nervous, but it wasn’t going to stop them from getting matching tattoos with Marie, the love of their life!

Cold hands intertwined with the girl and pulled her, well more like lugged her, inside the shop. “I think we should get hearts, ‘cause…you’re like…my heart.” And cue Marie’s frown with big eyes as she looked at him. You know like the emoji with wide eyes and there’s water along the waterline? She doesn’t exactly know how she managed to snag someone like Jordan, but FUCK was she grateful for whatever it was. Jordan was never affection, at least openly especially in such a public area, but to see them immediately become comfortable in showing feelings made Marie so fucking proud of them.

“You’re so adorable. Yes let’s get hearts. Where should we get them?”

“On our thighs, ‘cause who else is seeing them besides each other? Let’s goooo!” And I feel like this made a staple in their relationship. Like it confirmed it somehow. Granted they did talk about what they were, but this just kind of proves like all in or not, you know? Jordan being comfortable enough to suggest such a gesture lets Marie know how far they’ve made it in their time together. And due to contact high had her asking the most important question, “does whatever you do to one form transfer to the other?”

A gentle hand squeeze and a head tilt had Jordan in deep thought. “You know I actually never thought of it like that.”

“Well, does it?”

“Yes, yes it does, babe!” They were both giggling their heads off as they waited to be called to the back. The tattoo was going to be a minute and the fact that they didn’t prepare by bringing snacks had them fidgety. Legs swinging back and forth, if Marie’s head isn’t on Jordan’s shoulder then it’s vice versa. Nothing could beat this moment, and Marie wanted to cherish it forever. Luckily that tattoo will be a staple of that! Something to tell the kids.

[dirty-bear-rick-sanchez]

Episode thoughts under the cut

I loved Morty knowing Rick so well that he just straight up lies about the coffee lmao. Also the way he says 'hey buddy' like he's a dad entering his kid's room when they're in a depressive episode is so funny to me

Rick just literally saying 'family' to address the family

I thought the ghost/unfinished business joke was funny

I also love Rick being so petty (and Summer being petty back about the portal). It's so funny that he just calls the family 'stupids' as well. Devastating insult bro

Interesting that Gearhead was the first person he went to? He definitely needed someone to give him the courage to get the rest of his friends for an intervention (especially BP)

'Told you he wasn't dead' killed me

BIRDDAUGHTER. Funny name, love her being an emo teenage edgelord who just goes round killing Gromflomites. 'This is worse than prison'? Love it

Also I really liked that we got to see this side of BP's character this episode? He's so funny and I love getting to see him be a shit. Him trying to parent his daughter and just drinking wine? We love another alcoholic girldad

I really liked getting to see Rick/BP/Squanchy actually hanging out as well? I feel like it's a good insight into how they probably were back in the Flesh Curtains days

I like the 'birthday, birthday, birthday' gag

Also Rick immediately being like 'fuck this we're getting wrecked'

The honey scene was definitely for the Rickfuckers

Can we talk about the fact that Rick was definitely trying to impress BP by bringing up the fact that he hosted the Oscars? Which is definitely why he wanted that gig in the first place

Once again I love getting to see this side of Birdperson. Definitely makes sense why he and Rick get on so well

I liked the visual gag of Rick being high

Also BP and Squanchy playing the knife game lmao

Rick sits so fucking dramatically

Look at BP's face, he definitely wants to fuck that Predator guy

Son heist

I love that Rick can immediately identify Squanchy's shit based on the smell? Like he knows it's his and no one else's

BIRDPERSON PUTTING HIS HAND OVER RICK'S MOUTH

(You know Rick is gonna be thinking about that forever)

I like the recurring Squanchy tooth thing

'Why is this my thing' lmao

Poor poopy child

WAYNE

Them all just chilling together waiting for their drunk food? love it

I love BP leaving to collect his daughter from attacking a Federation outpost with the exact same energy as a parent collecting their child from school after they got suspended. It's so funny to imagine the GF having the same sort of vibe as they do with Rick and just texting BP like 'yo we got your daughter here' (I know that's not what happened but it's a funny mental image)

Lmao Squanchy

I did like the fading pill bit

Poor Gene

Overall I liked getting to explore this aspect of the dynamic between Rick/BP/Squanchy/Gearhead (+ the others of course but they're the OGs yk?) and also the concept of intervention/alcoholism. I think it's interesting to see that Rick does want to help but his support system is so fucked that this ends up happening and it makes a lot of sense when it comes to his own issues. I really like the way they handle Rick trying to get better and do the right thing but struggling so much to break out of unhealthy behaviours/habits. He's painfully aware of how fucked up he is and how much of a bad influence he is but he doesn't know how to fix the issue/be a positive influence and he definitely views abandonment as a good thing because he's removing himself from the situation. Very interesting way to explore this aspect of his issues, especially since all his friends are also alcoholics with that level of denial/refusal to get better

I had this discussion with @hazelnut-u-out before the episode aired but I do like that they're showing Mr PB directly suffering as a result of Rick's actions in canon? Considering that he started as a joke/meta character it's very interesting to show him actually shifting to more of a serious character who appears in the actual show and experiences real issues, especially since the show becomes less and less sitcom-y as Rick becomes more aware of the reality of how fucked up all of these things are.

[lmk-aus-galore]

Lmao, for sure. I mean, "he became a deeply protective and caring creature" or whatever they said in Roast of the Monkie Kids, and I sat there like....you mean. you mean the guy Tripitaka often agreed with, *insert some allegorical thing for persuasions of the heart, and that post on their similar nature* the one who get getting Wukong in trouble and stole fights at the end? Mmm, yeah he would push you off a cliff. But bc he's different here, we're contractually obliged (not personally, but when discussing objectively in fandom) to acknowledge those differences. I dislike JTTW Tripitaka, but I understand he's a different dude here. Also woah, didn't know that was something Tripitaka got hate for??? Most Wukong fans I hang around tend to like him. But 100% its genuinely funny Macaque gets the "bUT in jtTW" treatment bc in any other fandom it would never happen. But maybe its exactly because he clicks all the boxes of the fandom's villain fav that there's this push and pull to balance what someone thinks is a "lack of criticism" so they turn to the book and say "well if this was the BOOK he wouldn't be as popular" that is, of course, besides the people who genuinely have their lore all mixed up and with full confidence throw out incorrect facts. Also ughh, Macaque and the monkeys is one of my favorite running gags in this show and I really hope you're right because that means he maaaaay have been there during the Burning of Flower Fruit Mountain, if they keep that in since Erlang Shen is in the show. And it's right after the LBD incident. And yes, it's quite possible. To add on to your points, Wukong says "its time to give back what you stole" in s1 ep 9 and this show loves its parallels. Macaque's eye twitches then, and I wouldn't be surprised if he said that in their 2nd fight as he also stole their supplies. Oooh that IS interesting, I thought the fire sealing happened after the journey. I know a few people theorized that this was an AU where the circlet got taken off sooner, makes you wonder why? Honestly yeah, if they actually grew to get along then makes a whole lotta sense why Wukong would be upset. There's a thousand layers of tragic, because Imma be honest. I really struggle to see Macaque as being possessive or jealous. He'd going to need a serious trigger to do that, and it would have to be either serious resentment over Wukong not being there (FFM burning) or "Because normally you just RUSH to my rescue." being internalized and acted upon when "Monkey! No violence!" happens. The 1st fight def haunts him as it haunts Wukong bc we see him say "I need to stop dragging you into my mess" post s3. "But no! Wukong doesn't listen to anyone, doing whatever he wants and dragging everybody into his mess." Their fight drives me insane bc for the life of me, I can't imagine what motivates Wukong to throw shade like "always had a sidekick kind of vibe." and "on brand for you to have a worse version of everyone else's powers" and "that's a relief. I thought it was somebody important." or why Macaque wanted to kill him so bad "its going to be soo satisfying killing you with your own powers" why always the power reference? because all this over the MONK??? Nah. What caused them to spit hypothetical vitriol in mystery fight 2 so bad their relationship fractured into this. "It's great to see ya, bud!" being mocked again that time implies their 2nd fight had a heavy connection in bringing up the 1st as well if Mac is literally resurrected bothered over it instead of fight number two. "Looks like our own friend, the Lady Bone Demon" (s3 ep 1??) is ALSO weird af phrasing, because it sounds like Macaque was there during the LBD fight when we know he wasn't..........right? with the close timeline of events and her involvement in Mac's revival + the Diyu also freeing Azure + both of them initially hating Wukong, makes you wonder if its orchestrated to get back at him, like literally every villain thus far. Maybe for erasing his name from the book of life and death?

Especially with the trailer out.

I have a feeling the 10 kings are covering up their crime of releasing Azure and blaming it at Wukong.

Which despite it not at all being his fault, there’s too much evidence against him that unfortunately frames him as the one who released Azure or something…especially since all 10 kings are in a position of power.

Maybe this Season is more on trying to prove Wukong is innocent or something?

[citrusbuds]

omg ur mc andy is so cute !!! could you share a bit more abt them :)?

thank you!! and of course!!

Here's some Andy lore!!!

i've mentioned it before but Andy is a beast on roller blades! around the time of step 2, they would be in a small Golden Grove roller hockey team. i think i said theyd be into roller derby but i think hockey would fit them more in terms of speed and agility.

also mentioned, Andy is autistic! their special interest would probably be something astronomy related (stars, distant planets) or bugs. probably beetles

Andy is intersex! i did a lot of research and thought that my idea of Andy fit really well into it. its not a big factor in their story, more of a fact of life.

They are 1 year younger than Soren, my Qiu MC. this means that in step 2, they'd be 13, and 17 in step 3. i dont think it would distance then from the rest of the gang tho!

Andy is my Tamarack MC. when i was deciding on their features i totally forgot what tamarack looked like and now they kinda look like diff versions of each other LMAO its cue tho, like soulmates!

I'd like to imagine that Andy's hockey practice would take place very near, if not the same building, as Qiu's ballet class!

this could open a lot of interactions of just Qiu and Andy, as well as setting up how Andy would be the first person Qiu discusses their gender to between steps 1 and 2 (i might make a comic about it or just write it fanfic style ;P)

Andy's dynamic with Qiu would be: Qiu makes joke, Andy laughs, Qiu makes another joke, cycle continues. theyre not the closest of friends but they still hang out after practices.

Tamarack would be Andy's best friend. They spend school days and weekends together, whether in Tamarack's room, Andy's, or just in their shared large forest of a backyard.

by step 2, Andy starts developing feelings for Tamarack but is too nervous and anxious to do anything about it LMAO

Tamarack's grandparents LOOOVEEE Andy! (mostly her grandma) theyre a sweet little kid who loves to have a little tea and pastry with them. especially when they start becoming more talkativeew as they grow older, the chats over become more and more fun.

over time, their hockey team would probably participate in both interstate and state to statwe competitions, so they'd have to leave Golden Grove often. (but since theyre a small team theyd probably only go as far as like... the state next to them lmao)

Thats all the ones i can think of rn! everyone send me more asks abt my mcs cause i can never shut up abt them!!!!

[ahfrickenfrick]

buzzfeed unsolved: The disappearance of Jason Todd

Ryan

Shane

—

This week on Buzzfeed Unsolved we will be discussing the disappearance of Jason Todd-Wayne, which has had updates as recently as last week.

Wait last week? Ryan, if we disappear because of this episode imagine how cool it would be. Maybe we hang with our good pal Jason.

I don’t have time for you being stupid. I have to get this right, because let me be honest. I have a man crush on Bruce Wayne, and if he ends up watching this and you’re being stupid I’ll never forgive you.

Okay, sure. Cause Bruce Wayne is searching the internet for every little thing posted about his dead son.

(wheeze)

We don’t know if he’s dead! And that’s what I’m here to talk about today.

-

Jason Peter Todd was born August 16th, 2000 in Gotham City, New Jersey, to his mother Dr. Sheila Haywood and his father Willis Todd. However only a few months later did Willis Todd marry Catherine Johnson, forcing Dr. Haywood to have to relinquish custody.

If I ever have a kid-

-they would all have your big head and I’d feel sorry for them.

Ryan. I listen to you ramble about murderers and ghosts. Let me tell my spiel.

(wheeze)

Right, sorry.

If I ever have a kid with someone, I think I’d be really upset if they just kinda made me give my kid to a stranger.

Here’s the thing to that! No one has heard or seen from Dr. Sheila Haywood since, like after her son was born. The only thing that might link back to her is an illegal botched surgery, but most of it was sealed off, and I don’t feel like having the Gotham City Police Department call me up

(ring ring)

Hi yes, are you that idiot from that show? You will be arrested immediately! Batman and his group of… misfits?? I don’t know, but they are on their way!

Moving on from your weird role play, like all the families that live in Park Row, what is deemed “Crime Alley”, the Todd family did not have money.

You could not pay me to go to a place called Crime Alley.

We were actually going to Gotham, scope around, maybe get a selfie with Robin-

-Which one?

I need to do an episode trying to figure out how many Robin’s there actually are… I think there have been five?? Six?? I don’t know… stop distracting me with Batman! We ended up scraping the visitation part because apparently this time of year Arkham breakouts are common, and I don’t want to get fear gassed.

-

Jason did decent at school, until he stopped showing up, school records are really spotty after third grade. Apparently he was reading and understanding college level stuff, but that’s really all we got on it.

Not a lot on this guys younger life it looks like.

No there isn’t, not any social media posts, or news articles, or anything if that sort about Jason until a few years later in 2012, when Jason became the ward to the one and only, Bruce Wayne.

Ah, Bruce Wayne, you love him, I love him, uhm- I actually don’t know much about Bruce Wayne other than the fact he’s one of the few rich people who give away a shit ton of money.

Bruce Wayne is a billionaire CEO, with a heart of gold, and some say he sleeps around, but as long as he’s not hurting anyone. Also! He’s a dad! Bruce Wayne is a trusted person within the Foster Care over in Gotham. He takes in the extreme cases that would probably leave the kid with a bunch of trauma.

Well, with what I’ve heard about Gotham, he must have like a billion kids with just a bunch of trauma

Let’s see what I remember from research, cause I did not write anything down for this. His first ward was Richard Grayson, who goes by Dick, was taken in after he watched his whole family fall and die on the trapeze.

As I said before, Jason was brought into Mr. Wayne’s custody after the death of both his father and his step mother. His father’s death was unknown, and his step mother died from a drug overdose… in front of Jason.

Uhm- Tim Drake? His was more interesting to watch unfold because there’s a whole other multimillion almost billion dollar company that Tim’s parents owned, and there was a lot covered up by lawyers and stuff, but Tim ended up with the Waynes

Then there’s the only female in the place, Cassandra Wayne, she is selectively mute, and overly protected by her adoptive family, nothing was shared with the media about where she came from.

Damian Wayne is the only blood son to Bruce Wayne, he didn’t even know about the kid until… like last year? Two years ago? Again, not a lot that I remember.

And then there’s been rumors of him taking in another kid, but nothing for sure yet.

Jesus, Ryan take a breath, and go back to Jason, because now I’m hoping I believe your theories about him being alive cause what this family didn’t need is another death.

Look, Shane. I’m going to be straight with you here. There are three possible theories I think could be plausible. So let’s jump right into them.

-

Theory one, is that Jason Todd is alive and in hiding from The Joker. This is the second most popular idea, and one I hope is true. There really isn’t anything else to this theory, besides a picture of someone that looks a little like Jason in the middle of Asia.

Doppelgänger, probably. Lemme see. I don’t know… this kinda looks like someone edited it.

Yeah, like it looks really distorted. I don’t know if I think it’s real, but it’s what people online were talking about.

Crazy, that people online would doctor fake photos of a kid who had died.

Exactly, which is why people think he’s alive, cause who would do that?

—

Theory two is that Jason Todd died as his family said he did, looking for his birth mother. Apparently he was in the Middle East, found his mother, but then both were found dead in an explosion caused by the Joker.

So the Joker, who is Gotham’s Prince of Crime, was somehow in the Middle East? I don’t buy it

I didn’t either, until I looked just a little deeper, and found that the next week Superman and Batman stopped the Joker from murdering the United Nations. So he was in the area.

Oh my god. If.. I know on this show I try to goof off, but it’s hard when it’s a kid. How old was Jason?

Only 15. He just got back into the swing of things at school, getting all A’s, he was in the Drama program and the Poetry club. If you scroll down a on Dick Grayson’s Instagram you can find a selfie of Dick and Jason, Jason being in his school uniform only a week before he died. The two seemed to be really close, with how much Grayson posted of the two of them, and then it was radio silence from the man until a year after Jason’s death, where he made a memorial post, along with Bruce Wayne, who made the Jason Peter Todd Memorial Foundation, which helps families in Crime Alley.

Look, not okay with the kid dying, but it makes me kinda smile to see that his family got together to do something like this in his name.

I don’t think you understand the length of what this fund does. It provides special housing for single mothers, has opened up two clinics that help with drug abuse and addiction, and keeps kids in warm clothes and in school.

That’s- wow. Okay, you are making this “he’s dead” thing seem like it’s the only thing that happened.

Well, theory 3, is that he died-

Wait what?

He died, and came back to life.

This, I think, is worse than you saying ghosts are real.

We live in a world where someone can run at the speed of light! Yet you draw the line at ghosts and maybe hopefully someone who isn’t dead.

Yeah, but that’s science. Okay whatever where’s the proof of him being alive.

Okay, looking at the timeline. Jason Todd died at 15, in 2015. And the Wayne’s kinda were quiet for a year and a half, besides the foundation they set up, even with Tim, nothing really new was happening.

And then things seemed to go back to normal, they all frequented gala’s again, and all the other social stuff they did-

Yeah, nice choice of wording there

Shut up, anyways, in 2018 a picture appears, not even the front page, of Dick Grayson walking and laughing with someone who looks a lot like if Jason Todd grew up for a few years, and then decided to dye his hair.

Listen, Ryan. People have doppelgängers. We just saw the other picture and it’s clearly fake- Jesus Christ that looks exactly like Jason.

Exactly! And I started looking around more, finding pictures of the Wayne family around Gotham from news sites, and every once in a while, that guy pops up. Never in the picture, but always somewhere in the background like he wasn’t wanting to be seen. Like i mentioned in the beginning, there was a picture from a week ago that looks exactly like him.

Wait, is this a theory from the internet or something you came up with?

Both, kind of? I saw someone make a bad joke about it, and then it kinda stuck in my head as I looked for more information. Apparently there is a mythical pit that could bring someone from the dead.

Okay, yeah. Mythical revival pit. As if any living person wouldn’t be all over that.

Look man, that’s just the information I found. But I really really hope that Jason is alive somewhere safe, or resting peacefully.

The most believable for me is that he did pass away. But I’d love to be wrong.

That being said, I got really sad looking through all of Jason’s life, I felt like I was being more invasive than usual. So I talked with the crew and Buzzfeed, and we are donating all revenue from this video to the Jason Memorial fund in Gotham.

But the mystery of Jason Todd, still remains….

Unsolved

[lostcauses-noregrets]

I think that person is talking about a twitter discussion about Eruri being an Erwin centric ship where Levi is mostly reduced to being his love interest and a side character and I am surprised by that discussion because it sounded like they were experiencing this for the first time while I strongly believe that it applies to every ship? I remember Zutara being extremely popular when I was a kid and it has always been mostly a Zuko centric ship. I have 2 other anime ships I am actually embarrassed of xD and they are like that, too. Eruri fandom has its issues imo (wasn't there a person who was "exposing" people for liking Levi more than Erwin like it makes them fake Eruri shippers hahahahaha and a small part of the fandom belittles and argues with other Levi ships) but in general Eruri fandom is huge and there are all kinds of people and fics and arts and actually this leads me to another question because it blew my mind, Lost and I'd like to know what you think but recently on twitter someone pointed out that Erwin's character changes a lot from Junior High to canon to other canon-ish materials and maybe I'm dumb but I just realized this but oh my god it's actually true. It's interesting that Levi and Hange and Mikasa and all other characters mostly stay the same while Erwin goes from ruthless to sweet dad jokes to playful etc how interesting! It makes me wonder what kind of person Erwin was before commandership weighed on him. Imagine young cadet Erwin meeting thug Levi xD

The first half of this Anon refers to this ask that I replied to recently. I'm going to break this down because there's a lot going on here.

I think that person is talking about a twitter discussion about Eruri being an Erwin centric ship where Levi is mostly reduced to being his love interest and a side character and I am surprised by that discussion because it sounded like they were experiencing this for the first time while I strongly believe that it applies to every ship?

While I agree that it's common for fans to have a favourite, I don't think that necessarily means that the other character has to be reduced to a "love interest" or "side character". Personally speaking I can't imagine shipping two characters unless I was fully invested in both of them. And when it comes to Erwin and Levi, if anyone is reducing Levi to a love interest and a side character then I'd suggest they're missing one of the main points of their relationship which is that it's mutual and equal.

Eruri fandom has its issues imo (wasn't there a person who was "exposing" people for liking Levi more than Erwin like it makes them fake Eruri shippers hahahahaha

No idea, though I suspect my block list is working as intended.

and a small part of the fandom belittles and argues with other Levi ships

That I agree with, which is one of the main reasons I mute and block.

but in general Eruri fandom is huge and there are all kinds of people and fics and arts

Exactly. This point can't be repeated too often. The fandom is large and diverse and people have very different opinions on characterisation and relationships.

It's interesting that Levi and Hange and Mikasa and all other characters mostly stay the same while Erwin goes from ruthless to sweet dad jokes to playful etc how interesting!

I can't comment on Junior High because I've never watched it (one of these days I'll get round to it) but Erwin's character does evolve significantly from the start of the manga to Midnight Sun, and the supplementary materials, such as the official guidebooks and Smartpass content lend even more depth and nuance to an already complex character. This is partially explained by the fact that Isayama admitted that he didn't have a good grasp on Erwin's character when he first started drawing him. There's a very insightful interview with Isayama from 2016, translated by @darkcyradis, where he talks about his inspiration for Levi, Erwin and Hanji.

Levi has the easily understood moniker of “Humanity’s Strongest Soldier.” But Erwin doesn’t have anything of the kind. He’s the leader of the Survey Corps, is respected by all, and is an insightful leader.* That was my image of him as well, but on the flip side, that was all I had on him.

... for Erwin, there’s no person I can easily compare him to like that.

The main reason for that is probably because I didn’t have anyone in my life who was an “insightful leader” like my initial portrayal of Erwin. Of course, I’m sure there were people who were “insightful leaders” to a certain degree around me, but—and this is likely due to a quirk of my own personality—the grander a person, the more my eyes are drawn to the places where they’re frayed, or are coming apart at the seams.

Armin once said of him, “If a person existed who was capable of bringing change, they would have to be able to sacrifice things that are important to them.”

Erwin is certainly someone who can do that, but because I had no one in reality to model him on, and because I, the creator, had no shred of an “insightful leader” within myself to use either, I think I ended up making Erwin more and more human as I went along.

... Lately, though, I’ve started enjoying drawing Erwin. To put it simply, I think it’s because I am now able to write Erwin not as the “insightful leader,” but as he is inside my heart, an Erwin who is very complex inside.

It makes me wonder what kind of person Erwin was before commandership weighed on him.

I think we can get a glimpse of the kind of man Erwin might have been in Isayama's highschool AU where he appears rather sweet and dorky ♡

[havin-fun-imagining-twd]

A cause for concern

Still alive y’all, pinky promise, here’s another chapter to prove it.

What - Your ears are ringing and you’re dizzy, Glenn just revealed he suddenly had sex with Maggie, and your brother Shane is...you don’t know, but you’re concerned. And our redneck doesn’t know what’s going on, he just wants to hang out with his friend.

When - right after Picking a flower = saving the day, when you and Daryl made it back to camp after another day of not finding Sophia.

Perspective - same old You/Him setup

Relationships - Daryl has your pragmatic beer waiting but you keep being busy and he feels bummed about it. Big bro Shane is becoming more and more unrecognizable to you. Otherwise, yo, Papa Hersh is in the house!

Pronouns - neutral they/them this time around, but something Shane voices concern for is usually applied to females in terms of males.

Length - average Slowpoke chapter

TWs - some language, discussion of sexual intercourse (nothing graphic), Daryl unlearning some more casual racism, and you took too many painkillers accidentally so are experiencing tinnitus and slight vertigo. Take OTCs responsibly, kids!

Referenced plot points - how you are messing up words a little; your and Shane’s fear of flash flooding; how you promised you’d tell Daryl your big secret but would need a beer; that you, Glenn, and Amy bonded via playing ‘I never’ back at the quarry; that you and Glenn once crushed on each other; T-Dog and Daryl’s growing friendship; Shane’s descent. I’d recommend reading Quarter!, but there are way more references. Easily solved: read all the stories to get in the know, slowpoke :P

You

“I can’t believe I did it, either. It’s just so — I just —” He exhales. “I could get killed or bitten tomorrow.  Any one of us, so I wasn’t about to turn that down, especially with her! But, but I-I just don’t get why she’s acting like nothing happened.” He looks at you, nervous. “Did I do the wrong thing?”

Scolding yourself for being disappointed (and hurt for some reason), you imagine taking a tea kettle off the burner. He’s kicking himself enough, so you, his best friend, shouldn’t add to that.

“It took two,” you remind him gently. “Plus, based on what Maggie told me,” such as very simply offering to have sex with him…“It was definitely somethin’ she wanted, too.”

“Wanted? Past tense?”

Oh, Glenn. What to say, what to say…

“After moving quickly like that, it might would be a cause for concern, I guess, and encurdage —uh, encourage — anyone to step back and mull over things.” There, that was good enough.

“I get it, dude, I was the one who was a, um, well — who hadn’t ever...”

He stops talking and throws his arms up. Turning to the livestock fence, he tries to click and make kiss noises at one of the horses in the pasture. The mare ignores him.

That’s one of the reasons you’d been so dumbfounded when Maggie took you aside and confessed that they had sex. You get what Glenn’s saying, especially because he doesn’t didn’t have much experience before today.

Same as you, minus the ‘before today’ part.

That was another fun fact uncovered during ‘never have I ever’ around the campfire the first week at the quarry. Amy’s jaw had plummeted when she found out the both of you hadn’t. It’s simply statistically unusual for those in their early to mid-twenties and beyond.

And yes, she giggled when you told her that exact sentence. You miss her.

Joining Glenn by the fence, you lean with your good arm. And, with somehow zero awkwardness, you nudge him with your hip. “Just give it a night, give her the night to let it sink in.”

“What? We used a condom.”

“Oh Moses, that ain’t what I—” GLENN! Despite yourself, you’re snorting a little. Good God, dude.

“—Sorry, sorry, I don’t know why my mind went there! Ugh.” He takes off his baseball cap and runs his hands through his hair. “Just: did she say she wanted space or was it because it wasn’t good? Wait, do you think she could tell that I was a…?” He left the word unspoken.

“I, um, I’m n-not sure.” Shoot, that wasn’t convincing at all. But in your defense, you don’t actually know if she knows, all you know is that she implied that he seemed unfamiliar with some things and the act was, um, well…‘completed’ on the quicker side. For both of them, though. See? Nothing outright.

“She could tell?” he immediately whispers. “Did she ask you—dude, did you tell her?”

You twist your neck to face him, shoulder only hurting a little. Three cheers for painkillers. “Being one ain’t shameful and why would that make her not like you besides?” you start. “But you best tell me right now: do I go about airin’ other people’s laundry?” Hopefully he can guess you’re upset. “Now, what she and me dinsgussed,” great you messed up in the middle of your comeback, “Dis-cussed was private, just like what we’re discussing is private.”

“But—”

“—No, wait to speak with Margaret if you wanna know her thoughts.”

“She doesn’t want to talk to me about it!” he shouts. Actually shouts.

You think someone should give you a basket of fresh hushpuppies for not shouting back. You can’t help but feel for him, so are able to repeat with even and calm: “Not yet. Give it a night or a couple days, in the least.”

“But she enjoyed it — or, or at least I think she did, she seemed to!” He pushes off the fence and storms over to a nearby tree, sitting against it as he hides his eyes.

You turn around and lean backwards on the fencing so you are facing him again. Whoa, dizzy. Your ears are ringing louder than they were before while still out searching with Daryl.

“That was stupid to move that fast,” he groans yet again. “I like, like her, though, Y/N. She made sure over and over that you and me weren’t a thing, and, and I wanna make sure she’s okay, and, and…” He looks up for a moment. Oh no, is he…sniffling?

He let himself cry in front of you only three times, twice since Jacqui died, and one of those times was an accident because you’d walked in after he didn’t reply following you knocking and waiting twice on the RV bathroom door.

Voice close to breaking, he whispers, “It didn’t hurt her or anything, right? I didn’t think it did, I-I hoped the opposite because it sounded like the opposite, and I thought I felt her—sorry!, never mind—but the whole ride back was — and, and when she walked away after we got back like nothing happened and it wasn’t important—”

“No, Glenn, you didn’t hurt her.” Maggie’s privacy is important, but you need to assure Glenn of at least that much.

Yeah. A second reason you were so shocked at what happened between him and Maggie was that you’d learned a lot about his family. Glenn had sisters; he knows how important respecting a woman is, how important treating any romantic interest is.

And, well, not that he has the same sexual boundaries as you (you’re pretty much on your own there) but his parents gave him a really strong moral backbone. What happened today was a huge deal for him and he’s gonna care about it, a lot. Sex is serious.

To you, Maggie’s been nothing but kind and honest. You knew she felt very lonely. You even told her how much she’d like Glenn. And she expressed shame for having mentioned “there aren’t a lot of options,” to him. So, maybe in her mind was the whole ‘I could die tomorrow’ thing, too, but now she’s rethinking certain choices in hindsight.

“Are you really mad at me, Y/N?”

Oh, Glenn. “You ain’t done nothing wrong to me.”

“But we used to, y’know…like each other.”

You make a (pretend) pout face. “True, and we still do, just in a different way.” Part of you did feel a little hurt at first, but that doesn’t really apply. This isn’t about you.

There’s silence, only mildly uncomfortable.

“Dude, I’m really glad you’re my friend right now,” he then sighs, wiping his eyes and standing up. “There’s no one else I could tell about this.”

“Dale or T-Dog,” you remind him.

He shrugs. “But they’re not our age. Dale would tell me how stupid it was, and T-Dog’s, eh, he’s kinda churchy.”

Rude. “ …Yes.”

He shoots you a glare when he hears you agree, then realizes he low-key put down T-Dog for something you share in common with him. But when he sees your attempt at a good-humored grin, he offers you a sheepish smile in return. “Sorry.”

Now’s a good time to playfully tut, “Dale and him are the best of us. If one of them chides us, we’ve earned it.”

The two of you keep quiet for a few moments. You turn back around and try to get that mare’s attention, but no luck. Glenn comes back and joins you, trying to get her to come over by making more kissy noises like she’s a cat.

“You talk to Lori, Y/N?”

“Oh, Teddy told me she wanted to see me. I’ll find her later. She okay?”

“Uh, yeah, yeah, she seems cool,” comes out a little quick and forced to sound normal.

“Glenn, is she okay?”

In lieu of a reply, he tosses a pine cone at you and cracks up when it bounces off your forehead.

“I suppose…now I get to tease you about you-know-what,” Glenn pokes fun. “’Cause other than Carl, now you’re probably the only person here who’s still one.”

“Razz on this prude all you want, buttface, you won’t get nowhere,” you snark right back. “Okay, my ears are ringin’. I know it’s still daylight, but I really need to lay down awhile and eat. I gotta head to my tent.”

“Yeah, I might as well head back, too. The horse doesn’t want anything to do with me. Maybe that’s Maggie’s horse.”

“Glenn.”

Him

There they are, finally.

They’d walked off talking to the Chinese kid — shit, sorry, Glenn — about something. It looked like something serious. Whatever it was, Glenn was all red, he could see that all the way from his tent.

Now the two of them are marching back to the tents so slow it’s like they’re in a funeral procession.

He finishes up his cigarette and grabs the rest of the eight-pack so he can head over to the fire by the RV and the rest of the tents. A ‘pragmatic’ beer had been Y/N’s specific word for it, what they were gonna need if they were gonna tell him whatever lead to them asking for a cigarette and liquor yesterday night.

After how today went, with that storm pausing and fucking up their search efforts, a beer sounds good even if they don’t tell him the dirt.

It’s nice having an actual friend.

You

You two walk back slowly. Glenn asks if you’re okay, you mention you think you overdid it.

Shane is showing Andrea how to use the rifle again, you see them over by the picnic table.

Dale is inside the farmhouse with Rick and Lori, you’re pretty sure — never mind, Rick is by the far side of the house talking to Mr. Greene about something. But Carol’s not near the fire or the laundry spot like you’d expect. Oh right, you were gonna find Lori, she wanted to talk, right, right.

“Wait, first let me show you what I found for you today.” Glenn starts to lead you to the RV, then mutters to himself, “The one thing I didn’t mess up today.”

“Stop kickin’ yourself, man. You’re not a bad person.”

“You’ll forgive me once you see th — whoa,” he cuts off.

“Glenn, there ain’t nothing you need to apologize to me f — oh, wow,” you cut off just the same.

The RV is spotless. It’s like a whole different place! Homey, clean, organized, smells like Fabuloso. This had to have been—yep, there she is, mending something the back.

Carol.

Him

He notices Y/N goes to walk away but Glenn stops them and waves them over to the RV. Watches as Glenn jogs up the steps and suddenly freezes at the door.

That’s probably because Carol was in there and had cleaned up the RV so much it looked like a different place.

He next sees how Y/N follows and peeks over the Chine — Glenn’s — shoulder, probably to see why he paused. After less than a second, they quickly slide around him and rush inside, which was most likely them giving Carol a hug.

He feels his cheeks heat up; Y/N is gonna notice the flower he gave Carol in the dumb beer bottle vase (he’s regretting not waiting for Y/N to find him a nicer vase now, yeah).

They’d be happy he gave it to her and told her the story, even if he did kinda have to chug the beer in that bottle to calm his nerves and all that first. At the time, he’d figured the bottle was as good a vase as any.

Oh, right, the kid’s Korean, isn’t he? Not Chinese. Y/N tried to make that clear on one of their first hunts together back at the quarry.

“It would kinda be like sayin’ a French person was German, you feel?” they’d pointed out. Truth be told, he didn’t really care much about or know much about the major differences between Frenchies and Krauts, neither.

He could tell they were skeeved at first (maybe ‘concerned’ was a closer word for it) but then they’d given him this little smile that was almost playful, as if they figured Daryl simply hadn’t known or had just made a crappy joke. At any rate, there was no, uh, what’s the word? No ‘condemnation’ is what he’s getting at.

He’s pretty sure that moment when he decided Y/N was good people.

Either then or when the little fighter kid Luis scraped his knee and rolled his ankle. Y/N was with his older sister, soothing him and doing first aid stuff while Carl and Sophia got the parents.

He himself happened to have been taking a smoke break close to where the kid tripped, so heard Y/N hush, “Eliza, cover your ears with your pointer fingers. Okay Luis, buddy, you get to call the tree roots you tripped over one bad word of your choosing, just whisper it quietly so you won’t owe a quarter!”

He didn’t understand what the “won’t owe a quarter” part meant until he helped the kids learn to throw a punch a couple weeks later. He also couldn’t hear which bad word the little guy chose, but what he did know was that it had made Y/N crack up and start laughing.

“What word did he pick?” he grunted at them later in passing.

At first, Y/N looked surprised that he was talking to them, but then snorted and started to giggle again. “‘Ass-butt.’”

“I can’t get me in on that, can I?”

Back to the present, Daryl blinks out of that — what does he wanna call it, ‘cute’ memory? — and doesn’t reply to T-Dog in any way other than to crack open a beer with his skinning knife and hand it to him without looking. T-Dog shared those expensive brand cigarettes with him, so why not return the favor?

“Thank you. Gotta love a good SweetWater,” T-Dog sits down and sighs, rubbing the back of his forearm that got sliced open two days ago. “It’s nice you found glass bottles. Always preferred ’em to cans.”

Grunting back at T-Dog in agreement, he offers a flat “Cheers.”

“Yep. Cheers, man.”

He’d found and kept a glass bottle eight-pack he’d pilfered on the highway that day, right before Sophia got chased off. Figured he save them for when he wanted to get shitfaced a special occasion. And yeah, SweetWater was pretty good, Georgia pride and all that.

Glenn is on his way to the fire, now. Y/N isn’t with him, so they must still be in the RV with Carol.

The kid glances at Daryl, then looks at T-Dog and chooses to sit closer to T-Dog.

Daryl isn’t sure why it’s getting to him. Isn’t he used to it? Hell, he prefers it, right? Nobody was gonna care about him but his blood, his own. But now that Merle was gone…fuck it, he takes a gulp of his beer and stares into the flames.

T-Dog offers Glenn some of his beer and grins, surprising Daryl by extending the grin to him like he was in on a joke. (And yep, there go Daryl’s cheeks fucking with him and getting all red again).

“Or do you still want us to not ‘ever, ever, ever let you drink again,’ ain’t that right, Glenn?” T-Dog teases.

The corners of Daryl’s mouth peek up. As shit as the CDC ended up being, the stocked bar was rad and the way the kid acted when hungover was funny.

Glenn takes a gulp of the beer, hands it back to T-Dog and makes this awkward half-giggle thing. “That morning was still the sickest I’ve felt in my life.”

Across the way, the front door to the house opens up and the teenage boy walks out.

He’s got a pitcher of orange stuff and seems to be heading to the tents (?). Then, he walks to the fire. Sure enough, the teenage boy offers them the pitcher. Sounding nervous as hell, he first mentions to maybe not let the old farmer guy see the beer, and the second thing he asks is to sit down.

Turns out, he really wants to talk with T-Dog about college ball.

Huh, T-Dog used to play? Cool.

You

“He’s a good man.”

“Yeah.”

Carol sniffs and starts to well up again. “It was so unexpected from him.”

“A beer bottle vase, though, very on-brand,” you quietly remark, smiling. As heavy as is the dread and shame you feel that Sophia hasn’t been found yet, you’re so happy that Daryl followed through and gave Carol the flower and told her the story. Thinking about it is giving you a warmth in your chest.

“You didn’t put him up to it?” she wonders softly.

“He knows I was aiming to find you a present while we were out, if we, um, I thought it would be nice…” to bring you back something if we didn’t find your daughter. Biting your lip as you tug at your ears to try to fix the ringing, you figure you’ll mention, “All I found that I knew you’d get use from was an unopened box of—oh Moses, why am I spoilin’ the surprise? Carol, you’ll find out later.”

Just because it’s a simple box of peach tea doesn’t mean it can’t remain a surprise.

She smiles back. It’s pained and sad.

“But,” you add to make sure she knows, “The flower, that was all Daryl.”

She look down at her lap, then look back at you, head tilting. “Where did those clothes come from, Y/N? Never saw you wear those. I would remember those jeans, I miss higher-rise pants.”

“Found them on the search today. What I was wearin’ got filthy and sopping. And I don’t even wanna see the state of my eyebrows.”

Her smile warms into something less pained and more warm. “They look like ordinary eyebrows to me.”

You shift in your seat on the bench trying to get comfortable. Your stupid ears are ringing so loudly. “He, um, he told me something I think you need to hear, if he hasn’t told you already. It, oh, it might could’ve been private, actually, I ain’t sure,” you mumble to yourself before stating, “So it’s just for you, Carol, okay?”

She shakes her head, though. In her hesitant, soft voice, she says, “Keep it private, in that case.”

Your cheeks heat up and shame pokes you in the forehead, but you ignore your conscience because you still think she should hear about when he got lost for nine days.

“It changed my outlook,” you start to press — but she doesn’t budge.

“Y/N. He trusted you enough to share it. Don’t betray that.”

Oh, man. Posture hunching in earned embarrassment, you nod. You offer her an apology and a thank you. Where did your sticking-to-privacy thing from fifteen minutes ago run off to?

Carol’s hand clasps yours, then she appears to remember something.

“Lori was looking for you earlier, wanted to talk. Oh, and Glenn, right…” With a kiss on your head, she gets up and heads to a cupboard. You, feeling self-conscious, pop over to the RV mirror and see with great (AH!) horror that you look…like you’re woozy, haven’t slept enough in a few days, and recently got caught in a rainstorm. Makes sense.

Meanwhile, Carol opens one of the locking cupboards and asks, “Are you feeling okay?”

“A tad spinny,” you explain. “My ears are ringin’.”

“‘Spinny?’”

You shrug.

“Dizziness is usually a cause for concern, maybe you need to eat.” She pulls out a paper bag from the cupboard. “Glenn was probably coming into the RV to give you this, he found these for you on the run today.” She hands it to you. “What is the name of the short-haired girl he went with, Y/N? She must be around yours and Glenn’s age.”

“Margaret. She goes by Maggie,” you fill her in and start to unfold the paper bag. “And yeah, she’s only two-ish years younger. I’m excited to see what’s in the mystery b—oh, thank God!”

Him

Following that happy little screech that all four of them heard from the fire, Y/N came jogging out of the RV, hand on their side while holding a brown paper bag, and zipped straight to Glenn. From there, Y/N began babbling in that twang of theirs, all excited about said paper bag full of: (wait for it) pill bottles.

Carol came out after, slower, and choose her seat near Daryl’s (?) side.

Surprised, he offered her a beer. She shook her head at first, then a minute or so later shyly asked if it was okay that she changed her mind; he gave her the bottle and half-listened to Glenn and Y/N.

“Dude, 500mg pills, these are perfect! I took four in the RV, to hell with what that much magnesium will do to my digestives, I think I’m in the prodrome phase of another…”

Apparently, Glenn brought them back eight bottles of something that helps with migraines, plus a prescription, though he didn’t know if it was the right type or dose. While them and Glenn jabbered on, Carol started working on dinner (it’s oatmeal). Y/N and Glenn helped with whatever she directed, still chattering like chipmunks.

Suddenly, Y/N is walking over on their knees to tell him, “I got me all the fixings to kick a migraine’s butt, so guess who can help with the search tomorrow? They also found batteries for the third walkie!”

He keeps his cool and ignores how his cheeks warmed yet again. Like, is he really that starved for attention or whatever? “Can’t wait,” he drones back.

“We’ll do our sweep of the road off the trail?”

He nods. “Then there’s this high ridge I wanna check out. We get up there, should be a bird’s eye view of a lot of the grid.”

“Deal.”

He grabs the beer he’s been keeping for them. Offers it.

“Maybe later. I took a bunch of painkillers earlier and now I feel weird. Best to wait.”

He tries to make a funny by using that word from yesterday by replying, “How pragmatic.” He feels dumb after.

You

Ha, a ‘pragmatic beer.’ Ignoring that you told him you’d need one in order to tell him what was bothering you the other night (because it meant telling him about the guy you’d shot), you instead think about what you and Carol discussed.

It’s nice to see someone blossoming the way he is.

There’s Shane coming back with Andrea, he was teaching her gun safety over at the picnic table. Your brother sees you and sits next to you.

After telling you he’s glad you’re back in one piece, he starts to ask about the day. “Hey, where’d those… ” His gaze hardens as he stares at your new clothes and then at Daryl for a split second before he changes his expression to a casual one. “Check out the horses with me?”

He helps you up, briefly voices worry about why you’re dizzy and have ringing ears, then as soon as you’re out of earshot murmurs, “Did somethin’ happen while you were out with him?”

“No.”

Shane speeds along. “He hurt you?” he stresses under his breath. You aren’t surprised he’s concerned about that specifically.

“I promise, no. We ran too hard, my stitches started bleedin’ a little, it stained what I had on.”

“Are you sure?”

“Slow down,” you pant. You can’t keep up with his pace right now.

He stops walking and rests his hands on his hips. “Sorry.”

You don’t feel so good. Cupping your head in your hand to try and steady the spinny feeling, you answer, “C’mon, you know I would’ve made him bleed if he tried, Shaney.”

“Good.” He inhales. Smiles to conceal his seriousness. “Just glad you didn’t get swept off in no flash flood.” And when he goes to fluff his hair like he usually does — he’s met with his freshly buzzed head instead.

At first, he appears as if he’d forgotten it was gone. His gaze turns into that 1000 yard stare. Shaking his head slightly, he grabs the chain around his neck and fiddles with the ‘22’ pendant.

“Let me in on that, looks fuzzy,” you lilt. He bends to let you try. It does feel nice and fuzzy. The way his eyes warm helps him look more like himself.

“More self-defense practice tomorrow, okay? Dependin’ on when or if you get that migraine. That you’re injured is good; you need to know how to fight back either way.”

“Glenn found me migraine stuff at the pharmacy today,” you hesitate. His little nod indicates he understands that this news means you intend to go out and search again. “After we get back, though?”

His appearance changes. A different man is standing there than your brother.

The man opens his mouth. “We shouldn’t still be out looking for her.” And the man keeps talking about “After 72 hours, I hate to say, it ain’t fair, but it’s over,” and  “the good of the group,” but you stop listening. He notices.

You don’t understand this new side of him. He’s been revealing this calculating, inhumane coldness. It doesn’t look or sound like your brother, but it’s becoming more and more what you can see of him.

That is to say, you feel like you can’t see him. Not that he’s gonna do something bad or get worse, but it’s a cause for concern and you don’t know how to help him.

You start to walk away, the vertigo worsens. Close to you is…oh.

Otis’ cairn. Bowing your head, you swerve to it and try to pray for a bit, mull things over.

After a while, you stand up from your crouched position. Shane’s hand softly touches your back, stopping you from wavering when you stand up.

 His voice sounds more familiar when he quietly says, “Let’s go inside and see the doc, Y/N, get you checked out.”

Him

Now they’re inside the farmhouse with their brother, visiting with Carl.

And Daryl’s just out here…

He really wants a third beer.

He *grumble* gave a beer to Andrea after she sat down by the fire. He’s got three left.

The sun is still out, low by the horizon. Whatever, it feels like damned 2am.

The door to the house clicks, he blinks and looks over (in excitement? Why was he all excited, is he eight?) but sees Dale come over from wherever he was. Not Y/N.

Daryl gets up and plops onto the ground; he’d been in Dale’s chair.

He then *grumble* offers the old man a beer. Dale declines (phew), thanks him, and settles in his chair.

Looking around, he then…hides the remaining beers behind Dale’s chair. The old man sees. He smiles to himself and gives Daryl a gesture of “I didn’t see anything.”

Dinner’s ready. Carol, Andrea, Dale, and Glenn leave to eat in the RV.

T-Dog eats with him outside by the fire, but not five minutes passes until a moth lands in his oatmeal. Tossing the glob that the moth touched into the fire, he then stands to go into the RV and waves for Daryl to join.

Daryl doesn’t want to, it’s too close in there and he has nothing to say and they won’t want him in there.

You know, he’s still got three left from his eight-pack. One was for Y/N, which means he could have a third if he wants. They’re his damn beers, after all.

Ugh, he probably shouldn’t have a third beer of his own.

… …

He really wants a third.

Maybe he can go inside and see the kid, too? Tell him all about the search today?

Nah, fuck it.

Nobody wants him in there. Nobody wants him out here, neither, probably. Nobody ever does. Plus, he failed at bringing the little girl back again, he ain’t got shit to talk to people about, he’s…

He really wants that third beer. Maybe a fourth.

Or maybe something stronger.

But when exactly he started heading toward the house after hiding the remaining beers in his tent, he can’t pinpoint.

You

“You’d be fine without, but it won’t hurt to have you take this down. I’d prefer if you did,” Mr. Greene states, mixing the black powder into the glass of water with a straw.

Once he deems it sufficiently combined, he clunks it down onto the table, adds a touch of powdered Tang and stirs more. “Activated charcoal does not taste pleasant, it will cause your bowel movements to temporarily turn black, you may have a stomachache, and it may either make your stools loose or potentially constipate you.”

…lovely, thank you.

Your brother doesn’t snicker, to his credit.

How did this evening turn into this? All you wanted to do when you got back from the search was see your Carl and crash.

After Shane brought you inside the house to see the doc, you’d willfully stumbled your way to Carl’s room, waved hi to Dale, and complimented Carl on his new, massive (read: Rick’s old, well-fitting) hat. Your nephew commented about how him, his father, and you all have relatively matching scars.

“Now we don’t have to get matching tattoos when I turn eighteen, the scars are way cooler.”

“What, you’re reneging on the tattoos, punk?”

As you started to tell him all about the search that day, the dread and upset you felt last night and today fizzled away. That’s just what being around him does for you.

Though you personally don’t think it was a sign of Sophia, you told them all about the little bed made in the pantry and the freshly opened and eaten can, “of sardines, who would’ve guessed our Soph liked those?”

Carl made the sweetest little “bleh!” in response.

Your brother leaned against the wall in silence.

That’s when Lori came in with Patricia and some supper for him.

Dale left the room, citing his stomach was growling so he was gonna head back to the tents for some dinner, too.

Shane also slipped out after giving Carl a quick wink, but soon came back with Hershel, who asked you to join him in the dining room.

A blood pressure test (A-okay), quick questioning about how many ibuprofen you took, if you “consumed any alcohol with your friends out there by the campfire? And what about Jimmy?’ and what your symptoms were followed.

You adjusted your accent and used standard grammar in an attempt to feel less like an idiot on trial.

You didn’t think you’d taken too many, but when you guesstimated after thinking back on how many you shook from the bottle…not that it was dangerous, you hadn’t taken enough to be in serious physical danger, but it was enough that your body is telling you you done bad.

It was irresponsible, and you could feel Shane’s disappointment. That shit can mess up your kidneys and stuff down the road, not to mention the faster toll on the stomach lining.

And now you’ve got a glass with muddy black liquid (you can pretend it’s coffee?) and the stern gaze of a veterinarian who’s likely physically exhausting himself trying not to roll his eyes.

You blink down at the glass.

Looks...foamy. Like something that came from an oil refinery or a coal mine.

The doctor continues to, um ‘counsel’ you, his patience seeming on the thin side. “Take it all down. The straw will help.”

“Thank you. S-sorry.” You’re grateful the straw pipes all the grittiness directly to your throat.

“Long-term, even something as unassuming as over-the-counter pain management can adversely affect you. Surely you are aware of that and are aware of how serious those effects can be.”

“Is that tone really—”

You hush your brother and put your hand on his wrist as if to say it’s cool.

He licks his teeth, nods once to you, gives a terse “Hershel,” to Mr. Greene, and goes outside.

“Left my thinking cap in the tent this morning, I think,” you play it off with the doctor, feeling as if your 2 decades plus a few years on this earth were more akin to 2 years and a few months. This is made worse when you awkwardly add, “I also lost my baseball cap out there today.”

Patricia quietly exits Carl’s room and rubs your arm in passing. “Make sure Lori sleeps in tomorrow, okay?” she whispers.

Mr. Greene is still peering at you. “You were crouched by Otis’ memorial not twenty-five minutes ago. Were you in prayer?”

You nod and shrug.

Maybe your chair will melt with you into the floor? Please?

He’s still sitting rigid as a board, but his brows get less angry-looking. “I have known you for barely two days. But I have always been truthful with you, even when it meant saying something that I knew might be difficult for you to hear.”

True. You recall well how he was delicate but honest during Carl’s emergency.

His tone is somehow gentle and scolding at the same time. “I sincerely hope you will do likewise for me.”

“I don’t like dishonesty,” you mumble. You’d be a little offended if the situation for him wasn’t that a group of armed individuals were now camped on his front lawn and had lead to the death of someone he considered family.

“My first questions is: are you dating the Asian boy?”

Okay, not what you were expecting. You start to giggle until you realize, oh shoot, did Maggie tell him about what they did? Oh my God, oh my God, nooo, don’t ask, don’t ask me, Mr. Greene!

“Maggie assumed the same thing,” you have the brain to say, and it’s true. “Glenn is my friend only, no romance.”

Praying he won’t ask about Glenn and Maggie next, you take another few gulps of the charcoal mixture to and can’t help but make a face.

His expression is still curious and stern. “Did you consume any alcohol this evening with your friends?”

You shake your head. “I felt too strange.”

“Did Jimmy?”

“I don’t think so? I only saw him drinkin’ Tang.”

He nods. Seems to soften maybe a pinch. “Certain supply chain changes mean I won’t bother asking you about any drug abuse in your group. Not including your oversight with the pain management today.”

Point taken, sir. Then, you realize he was making a wry comment. The corners of his mouth raise and his eyes crinkle just so.

Relaxing, you offer an embarrassed shrug.

“The most important thing I want to know is,” he begins. Pauses. He’s maintaining very direct eye contact with you.

What the heck does he want to know? The muscles in your neck tense back up, uncertain.

“Can I trust Rick?”

Well, that was so easy the reply jumps out of your mouth. “Yes.” Ha, that was weirdly stressful for a s—

“And Y/N, is your other brother a cause for concern?”

...

Shane?

A tiny seed of dread starts to take root in your gut.

Why would, why is—wait, why haven’t I answered? What the heck is—why aren’t I answering? Hello?

There’s a clock someplace close. It’s louder than you remembered.

Answer something. Y/N. Y/N, go on.

A door opens, shuts, and what sounds like Lori’s footfall tiptoes down the hallway.

‘Is your other brother a cause for concern?’

She brushes her hand across your shoulders as she passes.

He’s your brother. He loves you, you love him.

Y/N, what are you doing? Please answer. You know him.

Why isn’t it working when you try to answer? Y/N!

The clock keeps ticking. The front door opens and closes as Lori exits the house.

“Please continue to finish that solution,” is how Mr. Greene, his tone kinder than it was before, breaks the silence.

...............................................

Wave hi to the Morales kids! Just don’t tell Eliza that Luis said “ass-butt.”

Taglist (inbox me if you want in)

@spenciepoo338​ @its-freaking-bats​

[queer-cosette]

tell us about your favourite line from the fic you can't share in the guild!!

[Mia please know that I am spiritually giving you the BIGGEST hug right now 🩷🩷🩷]

Honestly, it might be the fact that she swoons at the obscure 19th century French poetry of all things that makes him realize that yeah, another girl in another town is infatuated with him, but, shit, this time he is infatuated right back.

Okay so there's a lot of stuff in The Fic that I really love so far, mostly because I love thinking about what if JD and Veronica had got the chance to just be two kids falling in love instead of accidentally committing murder, but this bit is possibly one of my favourites thus far. JD is so cool in the cafeteria scene, I love imagining that under the surface he's actually going oh my god I need to impress her so bad and freaking out slightly because he's never had a crush before (2023 is gonna be the year of demisexual JD and no one can change my mind).

ANYWAY he's such a fucking DORK and he disguises that behind a trenchcoat and motorcycle boots and an 'I don't care' attitude and then he meets Veronica and it turns out she's as bad as he is, and is actually in fact WORSE at hiding the fact that she's secretly a nerd, and he pretty much immediately starts simping for her as a result. There's a very cute bit later on where they discuss Les Mis and it's. yeah.

Veronica looks delighted. “I love that book! It’s, um, kind of embarrassing now, but back in Freshman year I would sometimes sit in my garden and pretend I was Cosette, waiting for my Marius to leave pages of handwritten poetry for me.” JD laughs at that, because it’s adorable, and fits so well with everything he knows about her, nerdy daydreamer that she’s turned out to be. “Sorry to disappoint you; I don’t think I’m much of a Marius.”

(I know that is more than just one line I've shared but. fuck me it might be the cutest thing I've ever written.) I was sitting there like. Would either of them have read Les Mis? Is that in character? and well. yeah. They're both canonically fans of Charles Baudelaire, and Veronica is literally introduced as being a nerdy overachiever who is hanging all her hopes on getting into an Ivy League school. And speaking from experience, that book doubles as a pretty effective weapon, and I think JD would like that.

Honestly there's so much cute stuff in this fic, but unfortunately (for Discussing Reasons) there is also a lot of VERY saucy stuff in with the cute bits, so there's a lot that I can't share in the Guild and also a lot that I'm too shy to outright share on here without the buffer of an AO3 link 😅

Thank youuuuuuuuu🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷